WallStSmart

Lakeland Financial Corporation (LKFN)vsU.S. Bancorp (USB)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

U.S. Bancorp generates 9847% more annual revenue ($26.65B vs $267.89M). LKFN leads profitability with a 41.0% profit margin vs 29.3%. LKFN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.44. LKFN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B).

LKFN

Strong Buy

75

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.7Profit: 8.0Value: 6.3Quality: 3.3
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: -0.68

USB

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.0Profit: 7.5Value: 6.3Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.39

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

LKFN6 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Profit MarginProfitability
41.0%10/10

Keeps 41 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
49.4%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 49.4%

P/E RatioValuation
14.7x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
18.8%8/10

18.8% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
33.3%8/10

Earnings expanding 33.3% YoY

USB6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.6x10/10

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
$85.86B9/10

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

LKFN3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
Market CapQuality
$1.56B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.682/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

USB3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.924/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.6%4/10

4.6% revenue growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.392/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : LKFN

The strongest argument for LKFN centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, P/E Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 41.0% and operating margin at 49.4%. Revenue growth of 18.8% 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 29.3% and operating margin at 37.8%.

Bear Case : LKFN

The primary concerns for LKFN are Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : USB

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

LKFN 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.

LKFN is growing revenue faster at 18.8% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

LKFN scores higher overall (75/100 vs 71/100), backed by strong 41.0% margins and 18.8% 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.

Lakeland Financial Corporation

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

Lakeland Financial Corporation is the banking holding company for Lake City Bank offering various banking products and services. The company is headquartered in Warsaw, Indiana.

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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