WallStSmart

U.S. Bancorp (USB)vsValley National Bancorp (VLY)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

U.S. Bancorp generates 1329% more annual revenue ($26.35B vs $1.84B). VLY leads profitability with a 32.4% profit margin vs 28.7%. VLY appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.16. VLY earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 84/100 (A-).

USB

Strong Buy

75

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.5Value: 10.0Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.39

VLY

Exceptional Buy

84

out of 100

Grade: A-

Growth: 9.3Profit: 7.0Value: 10.0Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 4/9
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

USBUndervalued (+75.8%)

Margin of Safety

+75.8%

Fair Value

$214.00

Current Price

$51.89

$162.11 discount

UndervaluedFair: $214.00Overvalued
VLYUndervalued (+71.7%)

Margin of Safety

+71.7%

Fair Value

$47.27

Current Price

$12.27

$35.00 discount

UndervaluedFair: $47.27Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

USB6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.3x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
39.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 39.3%

Market CapQuality
$81.01B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
28.7%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
24.7%8/10

Earnings expanding 24.7% YoY

VLY6 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Price/BookValuation
0.9x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
32.4%10/10

Keeps 32 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
46.5%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 46.5%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
38.3%10/10

Revenue surging 38.3% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
66.7%10/10

Earnings expanding 66.7% YoY

P/E RatioValuation
12.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Areas to Watch

USB2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.804/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.392/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

VLY1 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
7.8%3/10

ROE of 7.8% — below average capital efficiency

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : USB

The strongest argument for USB centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.7% and operating margin at 39.3%.

Bull Case : VLY

The strongest argument for VLY centers on Price/Book, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 32.4% and operating margin at 46.5%. Revenue growth of 38.3% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : USB

The primary concerns for USB are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : VLY

The primary concerns for VLY are Return on Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

USB profiles as a mature stock while VLY is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

VLY carries more volatility with a beta of 1.06 — expect wider price swings.

VLY is growing revenue faster at 38.3% — sustainability is the question.

USB generates stronger free cash flow (2.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

VLY scores higher overall (84/100 vs 75/100), backed by strong 32.4% margins and 38.3% revenue growth. USB offers better value entry with a 75.8% margin of safety. 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.

U.S. Bancorp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

U.S. Bancorp is an American bank holding company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and incorporated in Delaware. The company provides banking, investment, mortgage, trust, and payment services products to individuals, businesses, governmental entities, and other financial institutions.

Valley National Bancorp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

Valley National Bancorp is the parent company of Valley National Bank offering various commercial, retail, insurance and wealth management financial services products. The company is headquartered in New York, New York.

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