Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. (LOB)vsWells Fargo & Company (WFC)
LOB
Live Oak Bancshares, Inc.
$37.27
+0.49%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $1.75B
WFC
Wells Fargo & Company
$82.98
+0.96%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $247.67B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Wells Fargo & Company generates 15673% more annual revenue ($83.03B vs $526.38M). WFC leads profitability with a 27.2% profit margin vs 26.5%. WFC trades at a lower P/E of 11.9x. WFC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 78/100 (B+).
LOB
Strong Buy70
out of 100
Grade: B-
WFC
Strong Buy78
out of 100
Grade: B+
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 38.8%
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Earnings expanding 45.1% YoY
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Strong operational efficiency at 37.4%
Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 25.0% YoY
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Distress zone — elevated risk
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : LOB
The strongest argument for LOB centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.5% and operating margin at 38.8%. Revenue growth of 12.2% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : WFC
The strongest argument for WFC centers on Market Cap, P/E Ratio, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.2% and operating margin at 37.4%. PEG of 1.41 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : LOB
The primary concerns for LOB are Market Cap, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : WFC
The primary concerns for WFC are Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.55 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
LOB carries more volatility with a beta of 1.87 — expect wider price swings.
LOB is growing revenue faster at 12.2% — sustainability is the question.
WFC generates stronger free cash flow (6.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor BANKS - REGIONAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
WFC scores higher overall (78/100 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.
Live Oak Bancshares, Inc.
FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA
Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. is the banking holding company for Live Oak Banking Company offering a variety of commercial banking products and services to individuals, small businesses and professionals in North Carolina, United States. The company is headquartered in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Visit Website →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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