Lincoln National Corporation (LNC)vsWells Fargo & Company (WFC)
LNC
Lincoln National Corporation
$43.84
+0.64%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $8.29B
WFC
Wells Fargo & Company
$88.71
-1.76%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $273.04B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Wells Fargo & Company generates 328% more annual revenue ($83.03B vs $19.39B). WFC leads profitability with a 27.2% profit margin vs 12.2%. LNC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.01. LNC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 78/100 (B+).
LNC
Strong Buy78
out of 100
Grade: B+
WFC
Strong Buy76
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
Earnings expanding 76.8% YoY
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 37.4%
Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 25.0% YoY
Areas to Watch
Operating margin of 4.6%
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Expensive relative to growth rate
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, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 12.6% 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, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.2% and operating margin at 37.4%.
Bear Case : LNC
The primary concerns for LNC are Operating Margin, Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : WFC
The primary concerns for WFC are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.55 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 1.11 — expect wider price swings.
LNC is growing revenue faster at 12.6% — sustainability is the question.
WFC generates stronger free cash flow (6.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
LNC scores higher overall (78/100 vs 76/100) and 12.6% 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.
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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