WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Wells Fargo & Company generates 28915% more annual revenue ($83.03B vs $286.15M). WFC leads profitability with a 27.2% profit margin vs 15.0%. MSBI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.41. WFC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 76/100 (B+).

MSBI

Strong Buy

74

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 6.5Value: 5.7Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: -0.65

WFC

Strong Buy

76

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.5Value: 5.7Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: -0.38

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

MSBI4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Operating MarginProfitability
35.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 35.6%

EPS GrowthGrowth
86.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 86.0% YoY

Price/BookValuation
1.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
18.0%8/10

18.0% revenue growth

WFC6 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$273.04B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Operating MarginProfitability
37.4%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 37.4%

Profit MarginProfitability
27.2%9/10

Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
13.1x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
25.0%8/10

Earnings expanding 25.0% YoY

Areas to Watch

MSBI3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
Market CapQuality
$695.82M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
7.5%3/10

ROE of 7.5% — below average capital efficiency

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.652/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

WFC3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.514/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.382/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
2.551/10

Elevated debt levels

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : MSBI

The strongest argument for MSBI centers on Operating Margin, EPS Growth, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 18.0% 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, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.2% and operating margin at 37.4%.

Bear Case : MSBI

The primary concerns for MSBI are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score.

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

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

WFC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.92 — expect wider price swings.

MSBI is growing revenue faster at 18.0% — sustainability is the question.

WFC generates stronger free cash flow (6.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

WFC scores higher overall (76/100 vs 74/100), backed by strong 27.2% 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?