Lazard Ltd (LAZ)vsWells Fargo & Company (WFC)
LAZ
Lazard Ltd
$40.67
-4.89%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $4.15B
WFC
Wells Fargo & Company
$85.43
+1.86%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $264.46B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Wells Fargo & Company generates 2496% more annual revenue ($83.03B vs $3.20B). WFC leads profitability with a 27.2% profit margin vs 8.7%. LAZ appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.00. WFC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 76/100 (B+).
LAZ
Strong Buy70
out of 100
Grade: B-
WFC
Strong Buy76
out of 100
Grade: B+
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 31 in profit
Earnings expanding 62.5% YoY
Growing faster than its price suggests
Attractively priced relative to earnings
15.4% revenue growth
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 37.1%
Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 25.0% YoY
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : LAZ
The strongest argument for LAZ centers on Return on Equity, EPS Growth, PEG Ratio. Revenue growth of 15.4% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.00 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : WFC
The strongest argument for WFC centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.2% and operating margin at 37.1%.
Bear Case : LAZ
The primary concerns for LAZ are Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.35 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : WFC
The primary concerns for WFC are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.55 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
LAZ profiles as a growth stock while WFC is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
LAZ carries more volatility with a beta of 1.42 — expect wider price swings.
LAZ is growing revenue faster at 15.4% — sustainability is the question.
WFC generates stronger free cash flow (9.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WFC scores higher overall (76/100 vs 70/100), backed by strong 27.2% 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.
Lazard Ltd
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA
Lazard Ltd, is a financial advisory and asset management firm in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Central and South America. The company is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda.
Wells Fargo & Company
FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - DIVERSIFIED · USA
Wells Fargo & Company is an American multinational financial services company with corporate headquarters in San Francisco, California, operational headquarters in Manhattan, and managerial offices throughout the United States and overseas.
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