On the stock market since 1989, it operates in the world of money and finance. It has 2,086 employees. Now — the numbers.
This is an established company with proven profits.
Revenue is spread across several business lines; no single line carries the company.
Average growth of 17% a year over the last 4 years. Every year shown ended in profit.
Executives buying with their own money is usually read as confidence in the company’s future.
We compared this company with its own sector across five subjects.
A score of 50 means class average.
Clearly above the class average — a step short of the very top.
For a bank, strength is measured by capital buffers and reserves — not cash minus debt.
The price looks reasonable next to what the company earns.
Clearly above the class average — a step short of the very top.
The stock has been running stronger than the market lately.
Financial Strength: The capital buffer looks thin next to its class; less room to absorb a rough stretch.
The stock trades near its peak today. For long-term holders the ride has paid off so far — though past performance guarantees nothing about the future.
The net profit margin is 22% — still a thick cushion, though costs have been eating into it lately.
Over the last 3 years, sales grew about 14% a year on average.
Over the last 12 months, company executives reported 69 buys and 25 sells. Management buying with its own money is usually read as a good sign.
The balance sheet offers little cushion against a rough stretch. Report-card grade: 15/100.
On our five-subject report card, FRME sits near the top of the class. A high grade doesn’t mean “guaranteed win” — it means “the evidence looks strong for now.”
The takeaway: FRME is an established business that has proven its profits for years. The real debate here isn’t the price — it’s whether the company can keep up this pace.
The total grade weighs these five subjects against the sector — it isn’t a simple average of the five.