WallStSmart

Columbia Banking System Inc (COLB)vsU.S. Bancorp (USB)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

U.S. Bancorp generates 1013% more annual revenue ($27.89B vs $2.50B). USB leads profitability with a 30.0% profit margin vs 28.4%. USB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.79. USB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).

COLB

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.5Value: 6.3Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.11

USB

Strong Buy

73

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.7Profit: 7.5Value: 6.3Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: -0.36

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

COLB5 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.2x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.2x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
50.9%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 50.9%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
35.1%10/10

Revenue surging 35.1% year-over-year

Profit MarginProfitability
28.4%9/10

Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit

USB6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.4x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Profit MarginProfitability
30.0%10/10

Keeps 30 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
40.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 40.1%

Market CapQuality
$91.50B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$4.82B8/10

Generating 4.8B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

COLB4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.264/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
0.2%4/10

0.2% earnings growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.112/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

USB3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.794/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.103/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.362/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : COLB

The strongest argument for COLB centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.4% and operating margin at 50.9%. Revenue growth of 35.1% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : USB

The strongest argument for USB centers on P/E Ratio, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 30.0% and operating margin at 40.1%.

Bear Case : COLB

The primary concerns for COLB are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : USB

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

COLB profiles as a growth stock while USB is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

USB carries more volatility with a beta of 1.02 — expect wider price swings.

COLB is growing revenue faster at 35.1% — sustainability is the question.

USB generates stronger free cash flow (4.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

USB scores higher overall (73/100 vs 71/100), backed by strong 30.0% margins. 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.

Columbia Banking System Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

Columbia Banking System, Inc. is the banking holding company for Columbia State Bank providing a range of banking services to small and medium-sized businesses, professionals, and individuals in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. The company is headquartered in Tacoma, Washington.

U.S. Bancorp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

U.S. Bancorp is an American bank holding company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and incorporated in Delaware. The company provides banking, investment, mortgage, trust, and payment services products to individuals, businesses, governmental entities, and other financial institutions.

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