WallStSmart

First Foundation Inc. (FFWM)vsU.S. Bancorp (USB)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

U.S. Bancorp generates 15531% more annual revenue ($26.65B vs $170.47M). USB leads profitability with a 29.3% profit margin vs -91.0%. USB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.83. USB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).

FFWM

Buy

53

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 8.7Profit: 2.0Value: 4.0Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 4/9

USB

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.0Profit: 7.5Value: 6.3Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: -0.36

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

FFWM3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Price/BookValuation
0.6x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
700.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 700.0% YoY

Revenue GrowthGrowth
24.6%8/10

Revenue surging 24.6% year-over-year

USB6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.4x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.5x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
37.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 37.8%

Market CapQuality
$84.69B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
29.3%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.34B8/10

Generating 1.3B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

FFWM4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Market CapQuality
$489.26M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Debt/EquityHealth
1.763/10

Elevated debt levels

PEG RatioValuation
2.802/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Return on EquityProfitability
-17.0%2/10

ROE of -17.0% — below average capital efficiency

USB4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.834/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.6%4/10

4.6% revenue growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.203/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.362/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : FFWM

The strongest argument for FFWM centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 24.6% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : USB

The strongest argument for USB centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.3% and operating margin at 37.8%.

Bear Case : FFWM

The primary concerns for FFWM are Market Cap, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 1.76 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : USB

The primary concerns for USB are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

FFWM profiles as a growth stock while USB is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

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

FFWM is growing revenue faster at 24.6% — sustainability is the question.

USB generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

USB scores higher overall (71/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 29.3% margins. 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.

First Foundation Inc.

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

First Foundation Inc. provides personal banking, commercial banking and private wealth management services in the United States. The company is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.

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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