WallStSmart

Berkshire Hathaway Inc (BRK-A)vsValley National Bancorp (VLY)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Berkshire Hathaway Inc generates 18620% more annual revenue ($384.69B vs $2.05B). VLY leads profitability with a 35.8% profit margin vs 22.3%. VLY appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.16. BRK-A earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).

BRK-A

Strong Buy

74

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.5Value: 5.0Quality: 8.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.59

VLY

Strong Buy

73

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.5Value: 7.0Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.21

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

BRK-A6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Market CapQuality
$1.16T10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Operating MarginProfitability
32.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 32.6%

EPS GrowthGrowth
107.8%10/10

Earnings expanding 107.8% YoY

Profit MarginProfitability
22.3%9/10

Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.179/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

P/E RatioValuation
13.7x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

VLY5 strengths · Avg: 9.6/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.3x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.0x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
35.8%10/10

Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
48.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 48.6%

EPS GrowthGrowth
29.6%8/10

Earnings expanding 29.6% YoY

Areas to Watch

BRK-A1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
9.682/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

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

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : BRK-A

The strongest argument for BRK-A centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 22.3% and operating margin at 32.6%.

Bull Case : VLY

The strongest argument for VLY centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 35.8% and operating margin at 48.6%. PEG of 1.16 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : BRK-A

The primary concerns for BRK-A are PEG Ratio.

Bear Case : VLY

The primary concerns for VLY are Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

VLY carries more volatility with a beta of 1.09 — expect wider price swings.

BRK-A is growing revenue faster at 10.0% — sustainability is the question.

BRK-A generates stronger free cash flow (5.6B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor INSURANCE - DIVERSIFIED industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

BRK-A scores higher overall (74/100 vs 73/100), backed by strong 22.3% margins. 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.

Berkshire Hathaway Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - DIVERSIFIED · USA

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is an American multinational conglomerate holding company headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, United States. The company wholly owns GEICO, Duracell, Dairy Queen, BNSF, Lubrizol, Fruit of the Loom, Helzberg Diamonds, Long & Foster, FlightSafety International, Pampered Chef, Forest River, and NetJets, and also owns 38.6% of Pilot Flying J; and significant minority holdings in public companies Kraft Heinz Company (26.7%), American Express (18.8%), The Coca-Cola Company (9.32%), Bank of America (11.9%), and Apple (6.3%).

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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.

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