WallStSmart

Investar Holding Corp (ISTR)vsU.S. Bancorp (USB)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

U.S. Bancorp generates 28138% more annual revenue ($26.35B vs $93.33M). USB leads profitability with a 28.7% profit margin vs 24.5%. USB trades at a lower P/E of 11.3x. USB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B).

ISTR

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.0Value: 5.7Quality: 5.0

USB

Strong Buy

75

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.5Value: 10.0Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.39
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ISTRSignificantly Overvalued (-104.0%)

Margin of Safety

-104.0%

Fair Value

$14.48

Current Price

$27.13

$12.65 premium

UndervaluedFair: $14.48Overvalued
USBUndervalued (+75.8%)

Margin of Safety

+75.8%

Fair Value

$214.00

Current Price

$51.89

$162.11 discount

UndervaluedFair: $214.00Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ISTR4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Price/BookValuation
1.0x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
30.2%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 30.2%

Profit MarginProfitability
24.5%9/10

Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
12.4x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

USB6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.3x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
39.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 39.3%

Market CapQuality
$81.01B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
28.7%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
24.7%8/10

Earnings expanding 24.7% YoY

Areas to Watch

ISTR2 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Market CapQuality
$364.76M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

EPS GrowthGrowth
-15.4%2/10

Earnings declined 15.4%

USB2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.804/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.392/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ISTR

The strongest argument for ISTR centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.5% and operating margin at 30.2%. Revenue growth of 14.8% 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 28.7% and operating margin at 39.3%.

Bear Case : ISTR

The primary concerns for ISTR are Market Cap, EPS Growth.

Bear Case : USB

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

USB carries more volatility with a beta of 1.04 — expect wider price swings.

ISTR is growing revenue faster at 14.8% — sustainability is the question.

USB generates stronger free cash flow (2.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

USB scores higher overall (75/100 vs 55/100), backed by strong 28.7% 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.

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.

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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