WallStSmart

Horizon Bancorp (HBNC)vsU.S. Bancorp (USB)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

U.S. Bancorp generates -220697% more annual revenue ($27.32B vs $-12.38M). USB leads profitability with a 29.9% profit margin vs 0.0%. HBNC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.80. USB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B).

HBNC

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.7Profit: 4.5Value: 6.0Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.04

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

HBNC4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.5x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
43.5%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 43.5%

PEG RatioValuation
0.808/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Revenue GrowthGrowth
16.9%8/10

16.9% revenue growth

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

Strong operational efficiency at 39.7%

Market CapQuality
$100.43B9/10

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

HBNC4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
3.7%4/10

3.7% earnings growth

Market CapQuality
$1.03B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
0.0%3/10

0.0% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

USB3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.134/10

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 : HBNC

The strongest argument for HBNC centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, PEG Ratio. Revenue growth of 16.9% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.80 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

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 : HBNC

The primary concerns for HBNC are EPS Growth, Market Cap, Profit Margin.

Bear Case : USB

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

HBNC 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.

HBNC is growing revenue faster at 16.9% — 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 59/100), 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.

Horizon Bancorp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

Horizon Bancorp, Inc. is the banking holding company for Horizon Bank providing a range of commercial and retail banking services. The company is headquartered in Michigan City, Indiana.

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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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