WallStSmart

Provident Financial Services Inc (PFS)vsPNC Financial Services Group Inc (PNC)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

PNC Financial Services Group Inc generates 2689% more annual revenue ($24.94B vs $894.27M). PFS leads profitability with a 35.0% profit margin vs 31.7%. PNC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.56. PNC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B).

PFS

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 7.5Value: 6.3Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: -0.52

PNC

Strong Buy

75

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.7Profit: 7.5Value: 5.7Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: -0.48

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

PFS4 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
9.7x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.1x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
35.0%10/10

Keeps 35 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
52.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 52.3%

PNC6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
31.7%10/10

Keeps 32 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
41.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 41.1%

Market CapQuality
$90.52B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

P/E RatioValuation
12.1x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.15B8/10

Generating 2.1B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

PFS3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.614/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
3.8%4/10

3.8% revenue growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.522/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

PNC3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.564/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.283/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.482/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : PFS

The strongest argument for PFS centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 35.0% and operating margin at 52.3%.

Bull Case : PNC

The strongest argument for PNC centers on Price/Book, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 31.7% and operating margin at 41.1%. Revenue growth of 10.9% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : PFS

The primary concerns for PFS are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : PNC

The primary concerns for PNC are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

PFS profiles as a value stock while PNC is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

PNC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.93 — expect wider price swings.

PNC is growing revenue faster at 10.9% — sustainability is the question.

PNC generates stronger free cash flow (2.1B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

PNC scores higher overall (75/100 vs 67/100), backed by strong 31.7% margins and 10.9% revenue growth. 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.

Provident Financial Services Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

Provident Financial Services, Inc. is the banking holding company for Provident Bank offering various banking products and services to individuals, families and businesses in the United States. The company is headquartered in Jersey City, New Jersey.

PNC Financial Services Group Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (stylized as PNC) is a bank holding company and financial services corporation based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Its banking subsidiary, PNC Bank, operates in 21 states and the District of Columbia with 2,296 branches and 9,051 ATMs. The company also provides financial services such as asset management, wealth management, estate planning, loan servicing, and information processing.

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