WallStSmart

Associated Banc-Corp (ASB)vsMizuho Financial Group Inc. (MFG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Mizuho Financial Group Inc. generates 304396% more annual revenue ($4.74T vs $1.56B). ASB leads profitability with a 32.5% profit margin vs 29.1%. ASB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.78. MFG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 82/100 (A-).

ASB

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 7.5Value: 6.3Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: -0.11

MFG

Exceptional Buy

82

out of 100

Grade: A-

Growth: 10.0Profit: 7.5Value: 5.7Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 0.29

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ASB5 strengths · Avg: 9.6/10
P/E RatioValuation
10.8x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.1x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
32.5%10/10

Keeps 33 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
41.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 41.3%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
23.5%8/10

Revenue surging 23.5% year-over-year

MFG6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Operating MarginProfitability
46.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 46.0%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
35.0%10/10

Revenue surging 35.0% year-over-year

Free Cash FlowQuality
$487.72B10/10

Generating 487.7B in free cash flow

Market CapQuality
$127.18B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
29.1%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
16.8x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Areas to Watch

ASB4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.784/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.013/10

Elevated debt levels

EPS GrowthGrowth
-3.1%2/10

Earnings declined 3.1%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.112/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

MFG3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.834/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.292/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
5.911/10

Elevated debt levels

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ASB

The strongest argument for ASB centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 32.5% and operating margin at 41.3%. Revenue growth of 23.5% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : MFG

The strongest argument for MFG centers on Operating Margin, Revenue Growth, Free Cash Flow. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.1% and operating margin at 46.0%. Revenue growth of 35.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ASB

The primary concerns for ASB are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, EPS Growth.

Bear Case : MFG

The primary concerns for MFG are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 5.91 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ASB carries more volatility with a beta of 0.77 — expect wider price swings.

MFG is growing revenue faster at 35.0% — sustainability is the question.

MFG generates stronger free cash flow (487.7B), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

MFG scores higher overall (82/100 vs 67/100), backed by strong 29.1% margins and 35.0% revenue growth. 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.

Associated Banc-Corp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

Associated Banc-Corp, a bank holding company, offers a variety of banking and non-banking products to individuals and businesses in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota. The company is headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Mizuho Financial Group Inc.

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. engages in banking, trusts, securities and other businesses related to financial services in Japan, America, Europe, Asia / Oceania and internationally. The company is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

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