WallStSmart

Associated Banc-Corp (ASB)vsU.S. Bancorp (USB)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

U.S. Bancorp generates 1656% more annual revenue ($27.32B vs $1.56B). ASB leads profitability with a 32.5% profit margin vs 29.9%. ASB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.78. USB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B).

ASB

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

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

USB

Strong Buy

75

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

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

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

Strong operational efficiency at 39.7%

Market CapQuality
$100.05B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
29.9%9/10

Keeps 30 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
12.7x8/10

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

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

USB3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.114/10

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 : 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 : 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 : ASB

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

Bear Case : USB

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ASB profiles as a growth stock while USB is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

USB carries more volatility with a beta of 0.98 — expect wider price swings.

ASB is growing revenue faster at 23.5% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

USB scores higher overall (75/100 vs 67/100), backed by strong 29.9% margins and 10.4% 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.

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.

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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