WallStSmart

Southside Bancshares, Inc. (SBSI)vsWells Fargo & Company (WFC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Wells Fargo & Company generates 33770% more annual revenue ($81.14B vs $239.54M). SBSI leads profitability with a 29.6% profit margin vs 26.7%. WFC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.37. WFC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).

SBSI

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.7Profit: 7.5Value: 5.0Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: -0.58

WFC

Strong Buy

74

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.5Value: 7.0Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: -0.38

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

SBSI4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Price/BookValuation
1.2x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
42.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 42.6%

Profit MarginProfitability
29.6%9/10

Keeps 30 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
14.3x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

WFC6 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$236.15B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

P/E RatioValuation
11.9x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Profit MarginProfitability
26.7%9/10

Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Price/BookValuation
1.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
29.4%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 29.4%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$9.14B8/10

Generating 9.1B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

SBSI4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Market CapQuality
$1.00B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Debt/EquityHealth
1.053/10

Elevated debt levels

PEG RatioValuation
5.352/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.582/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

WFC2 concerns · Avg: 1.5/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.382/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
2.531/10

Elevated debt levels

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : SBSI

The strongest argument for SBSI centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.6% and operating margin at 42.6%.

Bull Case : WFC

The strongest argument for WFC centers on Market Cap, P/E Ratio, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.7% and operating margin at 29.4%. PEG of 1.37 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : SBSI

The primary concerns for SBSI are Market Cap, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio.

Bear Case : WFC

The primary concerns for WFC are Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.53 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

WFC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.96 — expect wider price swings.

SBSI is growing revenue faster at 8.8% — sustainability is the question.

WFC generates stronger free cash flow (9.1B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor BANKS - REGIONAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

WFC scores higher overall (74/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 26.7% margins. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "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.

Southside Bancshares, Inc.

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

Southside Bancshares, Inc. is the banking holding company for Southside Bank providing a range of financial services to individuals, businesses, municipal entities, and non-profit organizations. The company is headquartered in Tyler, Texas.

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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