U.S. Bancorp (USB)vsWestern Alliance Bancorporation (WAL)
USB
U.S. Bancorp
$51.89
-0.48%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $81.01B
WAL
Western Alliance Bancorporation
$70.74
+1.51%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $7.67B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
U.S. Bancorp generates 694% more annual revenue ($26.35B vs $3.32B). WAL leads profitability with a 29.2% profit margin vs 28.7%. WAL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.47. WAL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 79/100 (B+).
USB
Strong Buy75
out of 100
Grade: B
WAL
Strong Buy79
out of 100
Grade: B+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+75.8%
Fair Value
$214.00
Current Price
$51.89
$162.11 discount
Margin of Safety
+76.8%
Fair Value
$408.56
Current Price
$70.74
$337.82 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 39.3%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Earnings expanding 24.7% YoY
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 41.1%
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
16.6% revenue growth
Earnings expanding 32.8% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : WAL
The strongest argument for WAL centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.2% and operating margin at 41.1%. Revenue growth of 16.6% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : USB
The primary concerns for USB are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : WAL
The primary concerns for WAL are Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
USB profiles as a mature stock while WAL is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
WAL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.34 — expect wider price swings.
WAL is growing revenue faster at 16.6% — sustainability is the question.
USB generates stronger free cash flow (2.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WAL scores higher overall (79/100 vs 75/100), backed by strong 29.2% margins and 16.6% revenue growth. USB offers better value entry with a 75.8% margin of safety. 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.
Western Alliance Bancorporation
FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA
Western Alliance Bancorporation is the banking holding company for Western Alliance Bank offering various banking products and related services primarily in Arizona, California and Nevada. The company is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.
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