WallStSmart

Alerus Financial Corp (ALRS)vsU.S. Bancorp (USB)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

U.S. Bancorp generates 11194% more annual revenue ($27.32B vs $241.90M). USB leads profitability with a 29.9% profit margin vs 11.5%. USB trades at a lower P/E of 12.4x. USB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).

ALRS

Buy

50

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 6.0Value: 4.7Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.17

USB

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.5Value: 5.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: -0.36

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ALRS2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
36.5%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 36.5%

USB6 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Operating MarginProfitability
39.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 39.7%

Market CapQuality
$97.91B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
29.9%9/10

Keeps 30 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
12.4x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
21.6%8/10

Earnings expanding 21.6% YoY

Areas to Watch

ALRS4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
30.8x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

EPS GrowthGrowth
3.8%4/10

3.8% earnings growth

Market CapQuality
$829.34M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
4.8%3/10

ROE of 4.8% — below average capital efficiency

USB3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.884/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.423/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.362/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ALRS

The strongest argument for ALRS centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin.

Bull Case : USB

The strongest argument for USB centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.9% and operating margin at 39.7%. Revenue growth of 10.4% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ALRS

The primary concerns for ALRS are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Market Cap.

Bear Case : USB

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ALRS profiles as a value stock while USB is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

USB carries more volatility with a beta of 0.97 — expect wider price swings.

USB is growing revenue faster at 10.4% — sustainability is the question.

USB generates stronger free cash flow (4.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

USB scores higher overall (77/100 vs 50/100), backed by strong 29.9% margins and 10.4% revenue growth. 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.

Alerus Financial Corp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

Alerus Financial Corporation, through its subsidiary, Alerus Financial, National Association, provides various financial services to businesses and consumers. The company is headquartered in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

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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.

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