WallStSmart

Midland States Bancorp Inc (MSBI)vsWells Fargo & Company (WFC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Wells Fargo & Company generates 29461% more annual revenue ($81.14B vs $274.47M). WFC leads profitability with a 26.7% profit margin vs 12.8%. MSBI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.41. WFC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).

MSBI

Strong Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 6.0Value: 5.7Quality: 5.0

WFC

Strong Buy

74

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.5Value: 6.3Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.43

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

MSBI2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.2x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
34.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 34.0%

WFC6 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Market CapQuality
$249.77B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Profit MarginProfitability
26.7%9/10

Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
12.6x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
29.4%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 29.4%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$4.12B8/10

Generating 4.1B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

MSBI4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Market CapQuality
$537.83M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
6.2%3/10

ROE of 6.2% — below average capital efficiency

EPS GrowthGrowth
-71.2%2/10

Earnings declined 71.2%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-8.91M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

WFC1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.432/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : MSBI

The strongest argument for MSBI centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin. Revenue growth of 14.3% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.41 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

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 : MSBI

The primary concerns for MSBI are Market Cap, Return on Equity, EPS Growth.

Bear Case : WFC

The primary concerns for WFC are Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

MSBI profiles as a value stock while WFC is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

WFC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.06 — expect wider price swings.

MSBI is growing revenue faster at 14.3% — sustainability is the question.

WFC generates stronger free cash flow (4.1B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

WFC scores higher overall (74/100 vs 65/100), 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.

Midland States Bancorp Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

Midland States Bancorp, Inc. is a financial holding company for Midland States Bank offering various banking products and services to individuals, businesses, municipalities, and other entities. The company is headquartered in Effingham, Illinois.

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.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?