WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

U.S. Bancorp generates 1273% more annual revenue ($26.65B vs $1.94B). VLY leads profitability with a 33.8% profit margin vs 29.3%. VLY appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.16. VLY earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).

USB

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 7.5Value: 5.7Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: -0.36

VLY

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.5Value: 6.3Quality: 7.3
Piotroski: 5/9

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

USB6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.5x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
37.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 37.8%

Market CapQuality
$90.02B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
29.3%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
12.1x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.34B8/10

Generating 1.3B in free cash flow

VLY6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Price/BookValuation
1.0x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
33.8%10/10

Keeps 34 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
46.4%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 46.4%

EPS GrowthGrowth
58.1%10/10

Earnings expanding 58.1% YoY

P/E RatioValuation
13.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Revenue GrowthGrowth
23.8%8/10

Revenue surging 23.8% year-over-year

Areas to Watch

USB4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.124/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.6%4/10

4.6% revenue growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.203/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.362/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

VLY0 concerns · Avg: 0/10

No major concerns identified

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : USB

The strongest argument for USB centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.3% and operating margin at 37.8%.

Bull Case : VLY

The strongest argument for VLY centers on Price/Book, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 33.8% and operating margin at 46.4%. Revenue growth of 23.8% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : USB

The primary concerns for USB are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity.

Bear Case : VLY

No major red flags identified for VLY, but monitor valuation.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

USB profiles as a value 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 23.8% — sustainability is the question.

USB generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

VLY scores higher overall (77/100 vs 69/100), backed by strong 33.8% margins and 23.8% 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.

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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