WallStSmart

Northwest Bancshares Inc (NWBI)vsWells Fargo & Company (WFC)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Wells Fargo & Company generates 11890% more annual revenue ($83.11B vs $693.21M). NWBI leads profitability with a 28.9% profit margin vs 27.6%. WFC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.39. NWBI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).

NWBI

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.0Value: 6.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: -0.65

WFC

Strong Buy

74

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.0Profit: 7.5Value: 7.0Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: -0.38

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

NWBI6 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.3x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.2x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
41.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 41.1%

EPS GrowthGrowth
1600.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 1600.0% YoY

Profit MarginProfitability
28.9%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
28.3%8/10

Revenue surging 28.3% year-over-year

WFC6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Market CapQuality
$251.75B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

P/E RatioValuation
11.8x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Operating MarginProfitability
34.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 34.1%

Profit MarginProfitability
27.6%9/10

Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$6.78B8/10

Generating 6.8B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

NWBI3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.304/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Return on EquityProfitability
7.0%3/10

ROE of 7.0% — below average capital efficiency

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.652/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

WFC3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
0.4%4/10

0.4% revenue growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.263/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.382/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : NWBI

The strongest argument for NWBI centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.9% and operating margin at 41.1%. Revenue growth of 28.3% 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 : NWBI

The primary concerns for NWBI are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : WFC

The primary concerns for WFC are Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

NWBI profiles as a growth stock while WFC is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

WFC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.95 — expect wider price swings.

NWBI is growing revenue faster at 28.3% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

NWBI scores higher overall (77/100 vs 74/100), backed by strong 28.9% margins and 28.3% 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.

Northwest Bancshares Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

Northwest Bancshares, Inc. is a Northwest Bank holding company offering a variety of personal and business banking solutions. The company is headquartered in Warren, Pennsylvania.

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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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