WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

U.S. Bancorp generates -115156% more annual revenue ($26.65B vs $-23.16M). USB leads profitability with a 29.3% profit margin vs 0.0%. HBNC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.80. USB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).

HBNC

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 3.3Profit: 4.5Value: 6.0Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.04

USB

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.0Profit: 7.5Value: 6.3Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: -0.36

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

HBNC3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
46.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 46.6%

PEG RatioValuation
0.808/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

USB6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.4x10/10

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
$84.69B9/10

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

HBNC4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Market CapQuality
$962.43M3/10

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

Return on EquityProfitability
-21.2%2/10

ROE of -21.2% — below average capital efficiency

USB4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.834/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.6%4/10

4.6% revenue growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.203/10

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. PEG of 0.80 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

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 : HBNC

The primary concerns for HBNC are Market Cap, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : USB

The primary concerns for USB are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

HBNC is growing revenue faster at 8.5% — sustainability is the question.

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

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

Bottom Line

USB scores higher overall (71/100 vs 55/100), backed by strong 29.3% margins. 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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