WallStSmart

Investar Holding Corp (ISTR)vsItau Unibanco Banco Holding SA (ITUB)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Itau Unibanco Banco Holding SA generates 118119% more annual revenue ($143.71B vs $121.57M). ITUB leads profitability with a 32.6% profit margin vs 27.7%. ITUB trades at a lower P/E of 10.0x. ITUB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).

ISTR

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.5Value: 6.0Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: -0.15

ITUB

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 7.0Quality: 3.3
Piotroski: 3/9

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ISTR6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Price/BookValuation
1.1x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
39.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 39.1%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
66.2%10/10

Revenue surging 66.2% year-over-year

Profit MarginProfitability
27.7%9/10

Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
12.3x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

EPS GrowthGrowth
33.5%8/10

Earnings expanding 33.5% YoY

ITUB6 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
P/E RatioValuation
10.0x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Profit MarginProfitability
32.6%10/10

Keeps 33 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
39.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 39.1%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$70.94B10/10

Generating 70.9B in free cash flow

Market CapQuality
$91.48B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
21.6%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

Areas to Watch

ISTR2 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Market CapQuality
$418.82M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.152/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

ITUB2 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Debt/EquityHealth
4.711/10

Elevated debt levels

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ISTR

The strongest argument for ISTR centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.7% and operating margin at 39.1%. Revenue growth of 66.2% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : ITUB

The strongest argument for ITUB centers on P/E Ratio, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 32.6% and operating margin at 39.1%. Revenue growth of 17.5% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ISTR

The primary concerns for ISTR are Market Cap, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : ITUB

The primary concerns for ITUB are Piotroski F-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 4.71 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ISTR carries more volatility with a beta of 0.46 — expect wider price swings.

ISTR is growing revenue faster at 66.2% — sustainability is the question.

ITUB generates stronger free cash flow (70.9B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor BANKS - REGIONAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

ITUB scores higher overall (77/100 vs 70/100), backed by strong 32.6% margins and 17.5% 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.

Investar Holding Corp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

Investar Holding Corporation is the banking holding company of Investar Bank offering a range of commercial banking products to individuals and small and medium-sized businesses in southern Louisiana. The company is headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Itau Unibanco Banco Holding SA

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

Ita Unibanco Holding SA offers a range of financial products and services in Brazil and internationally. The company is headquartered in So Paulo, Brazil.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?