WallStSmart

Valley National Bancorp (VLY)vsWells Fargo & Company (WFC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Wells Fargo & Company generates 4034% more annual revenue ($83.03B vs $2.01B). VLY leads profitability with a 34.5% profit margin vs 27.2%. VLY appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.16. VLY earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).

VLY

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.5Value: 6.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.21

WFC

Strong Buy

76

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.5Value: 5.7Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: -0.38

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

VLY6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.1x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
34.5%10/10

Keeps 35 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
46.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 46.8%

P/E RatioValuation
12.1x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.0%8/10

15.0% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
31.8%8/10

Earnings expanding 31.8% YoY

WFC6 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$264.46B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Operating MarginProfitability
37.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 37.1%

Profit MarginProfitability
27.2%9/10

Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
12.8x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
25.0%8/10

Earnings expanding 25.0% YoY

Areas to Watch

VLY1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.212/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

WFC3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.664/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.382/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
2.551/10

Elevated debt levels

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : VLY

The strongest argument for VLY centers on Price/Book, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 34.5% and operating margin at 46.8%. Revenue growth of 15.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : WFC

The strongest argument for WFC centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.2% and operating margin at 37.1%.

Bear Case : VLY

The primary concerns for VLY are Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : WFC

The primary concerns for WFC are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.55 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

VLY carries more volatility with a beta of 1.05 — expect wider price swings.

VLY is growing revenue faster at 15.0% — sustainability is the question.

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

Monitor BANKS - REGIONAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

VLY scores higher overall (77/100 vs 76/100), backed by strong 34.5% margins and 15.0% 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.

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.

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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