Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. (LOB)vsWells Fargo & Company (WFC)
LOB
Live Oak Bancshares, Inc.
$37.07
-1.41%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $1.75B
WFC
Wells Fargo & Company
$82.23
-1.73%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $249.77B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Wells Fargo & Company generates 15740% more annual revenue ($81.14B vs $512.21M). WFC leads profitability with a 26.7% profit margin vs 24.6%. WFC trades at a lower P/E of 12.6x. WFC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).
LOB
Strong Buy72
out of 100
Grade: B
WFC
Strong Buy74
out of 100
Grade: B
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 35.5%
Earnings expanding 185.7% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 29.4%
Generating 9.1B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : LOB
The strongest argument for LOB centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.6% and operating margin at 35.5%. Revenue growth of 29.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : WFC
The strongest argument for WFC centers on Market Cap, Profit Margin, P/E Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.7% and operating margin at 29.4%. PEG of 1.45 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : LOB
The primary concerns for LOB are Market Cap.
Bear Case : WFC
The primary concerns for WFC are Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
LOB profiles as a growth stock while WFC is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
LOB carries more volatility with a beta of 1.90 — expect wider price swings.
LOB is growing revenue faster at 29.1% — 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 72/100), backed by strong 26.7% margins. 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.
Live Oak Bancshares, Inc.
FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA
Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. is the banking holding company for Live Oak Banking Company offering a variety of commercial banking products and services to individuals, small businesses and professionals in North Carolina, United States. The company is headquartered in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Visit Website →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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