WallStSmart

Heritage Financial Corporation (HFWA)vsU.S. Bancorp (USB)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

U.S. Bancorp generates 10693% more annual revenue ($26.35B vs $244.17M). USB leads profitability with a 28.7% profit margin vs 27.7%. USB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.80. USB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B).

HFWA

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.0Value: 10.0Quality: 5.0

USB

Strong Buy

75

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.5Value: 10.0Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.39
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

HFWAUndervalued (+69.7%)

Margin of Safety

+69.7%

Fair Value

$91.73

Current Price

$25.58

$66.15 discount

UndervaluedFair: $91.73Overvalued
USBUndervalued (+75.8%)

Margin of Safety

+75.8%

Fair Value

$214.00

Current Price

$51.89

$162.11 discount

UndervaluedFair: $214.00Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

HFWA6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Price/BookValuation
0.9x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
39.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 39.8%

EPS GrowthGrowth
90.8%10/10

Earnings expanding 90.8% YoY

Profit MarginProfitability
27.7%9/10

Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
12.9x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Revenue GrowthGrowth
20.2%8/10

Revenue surging 20.2% year-over-year

USB6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.3x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
39.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 39.3%

Market CapQuality
$81.01B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
28.7%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
24.7%8/10

Earnings expanding 24.7% YoY

Areas to Watch

HFWA3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.134/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Market CapQuality
$1.04B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
7.6%3/10

ROE of 7.6% — below average capital efficiency

USB2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.804/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.392/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : HFWA

The strongest argument for HFWA centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.7% and operating margin at 39.8%. Revenue growth of 20.2% 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 28.7% and operating margin at 39.3%.

Bear Case : HFWA

The primary concerns for HFWA are PEG Ratio, Market Cap, Return on Equity.

Bear Case : USB

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

HFWA profiles as a growth stock while USB is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

USB carries more volatility with a beta of 1.04 — expect wider price swings.

HFWA is growing revenue faster at 20.2% — sustainability is the question.

USB generates stronger free cash flow (2.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

USB scores higher overall (75/100 vs 71/100), backed by strong 28.7% margins. HFWA offers better value entry with a 69.7% margin of safety. 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.

Heritage Financial Corporation

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

Heritage Financial Corporation is the banking holding company for Heritage Bank providing various financial services to small and medium-sized businesses and individuals in the United States. The company is headquartered in Olympia, Washington.

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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