First Merchants Corporation (FRMEP) 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.

Compare

Total return — FRMEP vs WAFDP

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 6y
FRMEP +33.4% (+4.9%/yr)WAFDP -9.4% (-1.6%/yr)FRMEP compounded faster over this window
6080100120140Start $10020222023202420252026$133$91
FRMEP WAFDP

FRMEP vs WAFDP: by the numbers

  • •FRMEP is the larger company ($2.80B vs $2.57B market cap).
  • •WAFDP trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (4.71 vs 8.09 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 7.42%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricFRMEPWAFDP
P/E ratio8.094.71
Forward P/E7.794.38
PEG ratio1.121.53
P/S ratio2.571.85
P/B ratio1.050.94

Profitability

MetricFRMEPWAFDP
Operating margin18.95%23.63%
Net margin17.08%18.47%
ROE6.89%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

MetricFRMEPWAFDP
Dividend yield7.42%7.92%
Payout ratio59.91%37.27%

Growth (annualized)

MetricFRMEPWAFDP
Revenue CAGR (5Y)14.59%16.67%
EPS CAGR (5Y)7.24%3.16%
Total return CAGR (5Y)5.75%-3.07%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, FRMEP or WAFDP?
WAFDP has the lower trailing P/E: FRMEP trades at 8.09 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, FRMEP or WAFDP?
Over the past five years, WAFDP grew revenue faster — FRMEP at a 14.59% CAGR versus WAFDP at 16.67%.
Does FRMEP or WAFDP pay a bigger dividend?
FRMEP yields 7.42% and WAFDP yields 7.92% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is FRMEP or WAFDP more profitable?
WAFDP runs the higher net margin — FRMEP at 17.08% versus WAFDP at 18.47%.
How have FRMEP and WAFDP total returns compared?
Over the past 5 years, FRMEP delivered 5.75% and WAFDP delivered -3.07% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

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.