Lincoln National Corporation (LNC)vsWells Fargo & Company (WFC)
LNC
Lincoln National Corporation
$34.74
+2.06%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $7.13B
WFC
Wells Fargo & Company
$81.94
-0.64%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $236.15B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Wells Fargo & Company generates 331% more annual revenue ($81.14B vs $18.83B). WFC leads profitability with a 26.7% profit margin vs 9.2%. LNC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.01. WFC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).
LNC
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
WFC
Strong Buy74
out of 100
Grade: B
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 29.4%
Generating 9.1B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Earnings declined 60.7%
Operating margin of -4.1%
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : LNC
The strongest argument for LNC centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 12.5% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.01 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : WFC
The strongest argument for WFC centers on Market Cap, P/E Ratio, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.7% and operating margin at 29.4%. PEG of 1.37 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : LNC
The primary concerns for LNC are Piotroski F-Score, EPS Growth, Operating Margin.
Bear Case : WFC
The primary concerns for WFC are Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.53 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
LNC profiles as a value stock while WFC is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
LNC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.17 — expect wider price swings.
LNC is growing revenue faster at 12.5% — sustainability is the question.
WFC generates stronger free cash flow (9.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WFC scores higher overall (74/100 vs 63/100), backed by strong 26.7% 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.
Lincoln National Corporation
FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - LIFE · USA
Lincoln National Corporation is an American holding company, which operates multiple insurance and investment management businesses through subsidiary companies. Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for LNC and its subsidiary companies.
Wells Fargo & Company
FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - DIVERSIFIED · USA
Wells Fargo & Company is an American multinational financial services company with corporate headquarters in San Francisco, California, operational headquarters in Manhattan, and managerial offices throughout the United States and overseas.
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