Northern Trust Corporation (NTRS)vsWells Fargo & Company (WFC)
NTRS
Northern Trust Corporation
$171.90
+0.91%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $31.17B
WFC
Wells Fargo & Company
$84.81
+1.36%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $251.75B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Wells Fargo & Company generates 791% more annual revenue ($83.11B vs $9.33B). WFC leads profitability with a 27.6% profit margin vs 26.0%. NTRS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.94. NTRS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 82/100 (A-).
NTRS
Exceptional Buy82
out of 100
Grade: A-
WFC
Strong Buy74
out of 100
Grade: B
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 34.8%
Keeps 26 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 48.5% YoY
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Strong operational efficiency at 34.1%
Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Generating 6.8B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
0.4% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : NTRS
The strongest argument for NTRS centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, PEG Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.0% and operating margin at 34.8%. Revenue growth of 12.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : WFC
The strongest argument for WFC centers on Market Cap, P/E Ratio, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.6% and operating margin at 34.1%. PEG of 1.39 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : NTRS
The primary concerns for NTRS are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : WFC
The primary concerns for WFC are Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NTRS profiles as a mature stock while WFC is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
NTRS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.25 — expect wider price swings.
NTRS is growing revenue faster at 12.1% — sustainability is the question.
WFC generates stronger free cash flow (6.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
NTRS scores higher overall (82/100 vs 74/100), backed by strong 26.0% margins and 12.1% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional 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.
Northern Trust Corporation
FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA
Northern Trust Corporation is a financial services company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois that caters to corporations, institutional investors, and ultra high net worth individuals.
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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