WallStSmart

Foreign Trade Bank of Latin America Inc (BLX)vsU.S. Bancorp (USB)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

U.S. Bancorp generates 8220% more annual revenue ($27.32B vs $328.36M). BLX leads profitability with a 71.2% profit margin vs 29.9%. BLX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.77. USB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B).

BLX

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.5Value: 6.3Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 4/9

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

BLX4 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
9.1x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.2x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
71.2%10/10

Keeps 71 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
74.4%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 74.4%

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
1.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
21.6%8/10

Earnings expanding 21.6% YoY

Areas to Watch

BLX3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.774/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
2.5%4/10

2.5% earnings growth

Debt/EquityHealth
2.531/10

Elevated debt levels

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 : BLX

The strongest argument for BLX centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 71.2% and operating margin at 74.4%.

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 : BLX

The primary concerns for BLX are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.53 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : USB

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

USB carries more volatility with a beta of 0.98 — 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.

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

Bottom Line

USB scores higher overall (75/100 vs 62/100), 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.

Foreign Trade Bank of Latin America Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, SA, a multinational bank, is primarily engaged in financing foreign trade in Latin America and the Caribbean. The company is headquartered in Panama City, the Republic of Panama.

Visit Website →

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.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?