WallStSmart

Alerus Financial Corp (ALRS)vsPNC Financial Services Group Inc (PNC)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

PNC Financial Services Group Inc generates 10212% more annual revenue ($24.94B vs $241.90M). PNC leads profitability with a 31.7% profit margin vs 11.5%. PNC trades at a lower P/E of 11.6x. PNC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B).

ALRS

Buy

50

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 6.0Value: 5.3Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.17

PNC

Strong Buy

75

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.7Profit: 7.5Value: 6.3Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: -0.48

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ALRS2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
36.5%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 36.5%

PNC6 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.6x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.5x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
31.7%10/10

Keeps 32 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
41.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 41.1%

Market CapQuality
$86.73B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.15B8/10

Generating 2.1B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

ALRS4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
29.0x4/10

Moderate valuation

EPS GrowthGrowth
3.8%4/10

3.8% earnings growth

Market CapQuality
$781.23M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
4.8%3/10

ROE of 4.8% — below average capital efficiency

PNC3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.574/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.283/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.482/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ALRS

The strongest argument for ALRS centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin.

Bull Case : PNC

The strongest argument for PNC centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 31.7% and operating margin at 41.1%. Revenue growth of 10.9% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ALRS

The primary concerns for ALRS are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Market Cap.

Bear Case : PNC

The primary concerns for PNC are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ALRS profiles as a value stock while PNC is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

PNC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.93 — expect wider price swings.

PNC is growing revenue faster at 10.9% — sustainability is the question.

PNC generates stronger free cash flow (2.1B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

PNC scores higher overall (75/100 vs 50/100), backed by strong 31.7% margins and 10.9% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Alerus Financial Corp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

Alerus Financial Corporation, through its subsidiary, Alerus Financial, National Association, provides various financial services to businesses and consumers. The company is headquartered in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

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PNC Financial Services Group Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (stylized as PNC) is a bank holding company and financial services corporation based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Its banking subsidiary, PNC Bank, operates in 21 states and the District of Columbia with 2,296 branches and 9,051 ATMs. The company also provides financial services such as asset management, wealth management, estate planning, loan servicing, and information processing.

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