Northern Trust Corporation (NTRS)vsWells Fargo & Company (WFC)
NTRS
Northern Trust Corporation
$177.65
-1.77%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $34.17B
WFC
Wells Fargo & Company
$83.87
+1.86%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $264.46B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Wells Fargo & Company generates 893% more annual revenue ($83.03B vs $8.36B). WFC leads profitability with a 27.2% profit margin vs 22.4%. NTRS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.45. WFC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 76/100 (B+).
NTRS
Strong Buy76
out of 100
Grade: B+
WFC
Strong Buy76
out of 100
Grade: B+
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 31.7%
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 42.6% YoY
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 37.1%
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
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : NTRS
The strongest argument for NTRS centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 22.4% and operating margin at 31.7%. Revenue growth of 13.9% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 37.1%.
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 PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.55 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NTRS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.26 — expect wider price swings.
NTRS is growing revenue faster at 13.9% — sustainability is the question.
WFC generates stronger free cash flow (9.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor ASSET MANAGEMENT industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
NTRS scores higher overall (76/100 vs 76/100), backed by strong 22.4% margins and 13.9% 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.
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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