Northern Trust Corporation (NTRS)vsWells Fargo & Company (WFC)
NTRS
Northern Trust Corporation
$189.19
+1.07%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $34.15B
WFC
Wells Fargo & Company
$90.29
+0.94%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $273.04B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Wells Fargo & Company generates 814% more annual revenue ($83.03B vs $9.09B). WFC leads profitability with a 27.2% profit margin vs 24.7%. NTRS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.06. NTRS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 84/100 (A-).
NTRS
Exceptional Buy84
out of 100
Grade: A-
WFC
Strong Buy76
out of 100
Grade: B+
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 42.5%
Revenue surging 36.4% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 98.6% YoY
Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 37.4%
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
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : NTRS
The strongest argument for NTRS centers on Operating Margin, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.7% and operating margin at 42.5%. Revenue growth of 36.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 37.4%.
Bear Case : NTRS
The primary concerns for NTRS are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow.
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
NTRS profiles as a growth stock while WFC is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
NTRS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.26 — expect wider price swings.
NTRS is growing revenue faster at 36.4% — sustainability is the question.
WFC generates stronger free cash flow (6.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
NTRS scores higher overall (84/100 vs 76/100), backed by strong 24.7% margins and 36.4% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional 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.
Northern Trust Corporation
FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA
Northern Trust Corporation is a financial services company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois that caters to corporations, institutional investors, and ultra high net worth individuals.
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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