First Merchants Corporation (FRME) vs WaFd, Inc. (WAFDP)
A side-by-side comparison of First Merchants Corporation and WaFd, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of October 6, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
Total return — FRME vs WAFDP
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 6yFRME vs WAFDP: by the numbers
- •WAFDP is the larger company ($2.57B vs $2.49B market cap).
- •WAFDP trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (4.71 vs 12.68 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •WAFDP converts more revenue to profit (18.47% vs 17.08% net margin).
- •WAFDP grew revenue faster over the past five years (16.67% vs 14.59% CAGR).
- •WAFDP pays the higher dividend yield (7.92% vs 3.67%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | FRME | WAFDP |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 12.68 | 4.71 |
| Forward P/E | 12.22 | 4.38 |
| PEG ratio | 1.76 | 1.53 |
| P/S ratio | 2.29 | 1.85 |
| P/B ratio | 0.93 | 0.94 |
Profitability
| Metric | FRME | WAFDP |
|---|---|---|
| Operating margin | 18.95% | 23.63% |
| Net margin | 17.08% | 18.47% |
| ROE | 6.89% | 8.49% |
First Merchants Corporation: Gross margin is not shown for a lender or insurer: its revenue is interest, premiums and fees rather than the sale of goods, so there is no cost of goods sold to measure it against.
WaFd, Inc.: Gross margin is not shown for a lender or insurer: its revenue is interest, premiums and fees rather than the sale of goods, so there is no cost of goods sold to measure it against.
Dividends
| Metric | FRME | WAFDP |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 3.67% | 7.92% |
| Payout ratio | 46.65% | 37.27% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | FRME | WAFDP |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 14.59% | 16.67% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 7.24% | 3.16% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 2.27% | -3.07% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, FRME or WAFDP?
- WAFDP has the lower trailing P/E: FRME trades at 12.68 and WAFDP at 4.71. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, FRME or WAFDP?
- Over the past five years, WAFDP grew revenue faster — FRME at a 14.59% CAGR versus WAFDP at 16.67%.
- Does FRME or WAFDP pay a bigger dividend?
- FRME yields 3.67% and WAFDP yields 7.92% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is FRME or WAFDP more profitable?
- WAFDP runs the higher net margin — FRME at 17.08% versus WAFDP at 18.47%.
- How have FRME and WAFDP total returns compared?
- Over the past 5 years, FRME delivered 2.27% and WAFDP delivered -3.07% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
First Merchants & WaFd appear in these rankings
Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified October 6, 2026.