WallStSmart

Saratoga Investment Corp (SAR)vsWells Fargo & Company (WFC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Wells Fargo & Company generates 64352% more annual revenue ($81.14B vs $125.89M). SAR leads profitability with a 30.6% profit margin vs 26.7%. SAR trades at a lower P/E of 9.7x. WFC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).

SAR

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 8.0Value: 6.7Quality: 6.3
Piotroski: 4/9

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

SAR4 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
9.7x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
0.9x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
30.6%10/10

Keeps 31 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
67.9%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 67.9%

WFC6 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Market CapQuality
$247.29B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Profit MarginProfitability
26.7%9/10

Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
12.5x8/10

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
$9.14B8/10

Generating 9.1B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

SAR3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
Market CapQuality
$381.75M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Debt/EquityHealth
1.853/10

Elevated debt levels

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-11.8%2/10

Revenue declined 11.8%

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

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : SAR

The strongest argument for SAR centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 30.6% and operating margin at 67.9%.

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 1.44 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : SAR

The primary concerns for SAR are Market Cap, Debt/Equity, Revenue Growth. Debt-to-equity of 1.85 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : WFC

The primary concerns for WFC are Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

SAR profiles as a declining 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.

WFC is growing revenue faster at 5.7% — sustainability is the question.

WFC generates stronger free cash flow (9.1B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

WFC scores higher overall (74/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 26.7% margins. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "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.

Saratoga Investment Corp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Saratoga Investment Corp (SAR) is a publicly traded business development company focused on delivering flexible debt and equity capital to middle-market companies across diverse sectors such as healthcare, technology, and consumer products. The firm employs a disciplined investment strategy characterized by extensive due diligence and strong risk management, prioritizing capital preservation alongside the enhancement of shareholder returns. With its proactive approach to portfolio management and a track record of reliable dividend distributions, Saratoga presents an appealing opportunity for institutional investors seeking to diversify within the alternative asset landscape.

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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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