WallStSmart

First Financial Bancorp (FFBC)vsU.S. Bancorp (USB)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

U.S. Bancorp generates 2804% more annual revenue ($26.65B vs $917.75M). FFBC leads profitability with a 30.4% profit margin vs 29.3%. FFBC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.12. FFBC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 83/100 (A-).

FFBC

Exceptional Buy

83

out of 100

Grade: A-

Growth: 9.3Profit: 7.5Value: 7.0Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: -0.41

USB

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.0Profit: 7.5Value: 6.3Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.39

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

FFBC6 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
P/E RatioValuation
10.8x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.1x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
30.4%10/10

Keeps 30 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
37.2%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 37.2%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
32.6%10/10

Revenue surging 32.6% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
31.5%8/10

Earnings expanding 31.5% YoY

USB6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.6x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.5x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
37.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 37.8%

Market CapQuality
$85.86B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
29.3%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.34B8/10

Generating 1.3B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

FFBC2 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.412/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

USB3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.924/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.6%4/10

4.6% revenue growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.392/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : FFBC

The strongest argument for FFBC centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 30.4% and operating margin at 37.2%. Revenue growth of 32.6% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : USB

The strongest argument for USB centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.3% and operating margin at 37.8%.

Bear Case : FFBC

The primary concerns for FFBC are Piotroski F-Score, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : USB

The primary concerns for USB are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

FFBC profiles as a growth stock while USB is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

USB carries more volatility with a beta of 1.02 — expect wider price swings.

FFBC is growing revenue faster at 32.6% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

FFBC scores higher overall (83/100 vs 71/100), backed by strong 30.4% margins and 32.6% 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.

First Financial Bancorp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

First Financial Bancorp. The company is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio.

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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