Provident Financial Services Inc (PFS)vsWells Fargo & Company (WFC)
PFS
Provident Financial Services Inc
$24.46
-1.17%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $3.22B
WFC
Wells Fargo & Company
$87.25
+0.18%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $267.29B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Wells Fargo & Company generates 9184% more annual revenue ($83.03B vs $894.27M). PFS leads profitability with a 35.0% profit margin vs 27.2%. PFS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.61. WFC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 76/100 (B+).
PFS
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
WFC
Strong Buy76
out of 100
Grade: B+
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Keeps 35 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 52.3%
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
Expensive relative to growth rate
3.8% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : 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 : PFS
The primary concerns for PFS are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity.
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
PFS profiles as a value stock while WFC is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
WFC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.92 — expect wider price swings.
WFC is growing revenue faster at 9.5% — 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 67/100), 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.
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.
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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