WallStSmart

U.S. Bancorp (USB)vsValley National Bancorp (VLY)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

U.S. Bancorp generates 1257% more annual revenue ($27.89B vs $2.05B). VLY leads profitability with a 35.8% profit margin vs 30.0%. VLY appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.16. USB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B).

USB

Strong Buy

75

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.7Profit: 7.5Value: 7.0Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: -0.36

VLY

Strong Buy

73

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.5Value: 7.0Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.21

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

USB6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.6x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Profit MarginProfitability
30.0%10/10

Keeps 30 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
40.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 40.1%

Market CapQuality
$92.63B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$4.82B8/10

Generating 4.8B in free cash flow

VLY5 strengths · Avg: 9.6/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.3x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.0x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
35.8%10/10

Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
48.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 48.6%

EPS GrowthGrowth
29.6%8/10

Earnings expanding 29.6% YoY

Areas to Watch

USB2 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.103/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.362/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

VLY1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.212/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : USB

The strongest argument for USB centers on P/E Ratio, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 30.0% and operating margin at 40.1%. PEG of 1.44 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : VLY

The strongest argument for VLY centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 35.8% and operating margin at 48.6%. PEG of 1.16 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : USB

The primary concerns for USB are Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : VLY

The primary concerns for VLY are Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

VLY carries more volatility with a beta of 1.09 — expect wider price swings.

VLY is growing revenue faster at 9.7% — sustainability is the question.

USB generates stronger free cash flow (4.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

USB scores higher overall (75/100 vs 73/100), backed by strong 30.0% 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.

U.S. Bancorp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

U.S. Bancorp is an American bank holding company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and incorporated in Delaware. The company provides banking, investment, mortgage, trust, and payment services products to individuals, businesses, governmental entities, and other financial institutions.

Valley National Bancorp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

Valley National Bancorp is the parent company of Valley National Bank offering various commercial, retail, insurance and wealth management financial services products. The company is headquartered in New York, New York.

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