WallStSmart

Associated Banc-Corp (ASB)vsMizuho Financial Group Inc. (MFG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Mizuho Financial Group Inc. generates 298556% more annual revenue ($4.40T vs $1.47B). ASB leads profitability with a 33.4% profit margin vs 28.4%. MFG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.69. MFG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 78/100 (B+).

ASB

Strong Buy

73

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.5Value: 6.3Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: -0.11

MFG

Strong Buy

78

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 9.3Profit: 7.5Value: 5.7Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 0.29

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ASB4 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
10.3x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.0x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
33.4%10/10

Keeps 33 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
44.5%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 44.5%

MFG6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Operating MarginProfitability
32.5%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 32.5%

EPS GrowthGrowth
680.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 680.0% YoY

Free Cash FlowQuality
$487.72B10/10

Generating 487.7B in free cash flow

Market CapQuality
$116.83B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
28.4%9/10

Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
15.5x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Areas to Watch

ASB2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.784/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.112/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

MFG3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.694/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.292/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
5.881/10

Elevated debt levels

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ASB

The strongest argument for ASB centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 33.4% and operating margin at 44.5%. Revenue growth of 12.2% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : MFG

The strongest argument for MFG centers on Operating Margin, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.4% and operating margin at 32.5%. Revenue growth of 16.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ASB

The primary concerns for ASB are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : MFG

The primary concerns for MFG are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 5.88 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ASB profiles as a mature stock while MFG is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

ASB carries more volatility with a beta of 0.79 — expect wider price swings.

MFG is growing revenue faster at 16.7% — sustainability is the question.

MFG generates stronger free cash flow (487.7B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

MFG scores higher overall (78/100 vs 73/100), backed by strong 28.4% margins and 16.7% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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.

Associated Banc-Corp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

Associated Banc-Corp, a bank holding company, offers a variety of banking and non-banking products to individuals and businesses in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota. The company is headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Mizuho Financial Group Inc.

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. engages in banking, trusts, securities and other businesses related to financial services in Japan, America, Europe, Asia / Oceania and internationally. The company is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

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