WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

U.S. Bancorp generates 1260% more annual revenue ($27.32B vs $2.01B). VLY leads profitability with a 34.5% profit margin vs 29.9%. VLY appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.16. VLY earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).

USB

Strong Buy

75

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.5Value: 5.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: -0.36

VLY

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.5Value: 6.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.21

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

USB6 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Operating MarginProfitability
39.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 39.7%

Market CapQuality
$100.43B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
29.9%9/10

Keeps 30 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
12.7x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
21.6%8/10

Earnings expanding 21.6% YoY

VLY6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.1x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
34.5%10/10

Keeps 35 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
46.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 46.8%

P/E RatioValuation
12.1x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.0%8/10

15.0% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
31.8%8/10

Earnings expanding 31.8% YoY

Areas to Watch

USB3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.134/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.423/10

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 Operating Margin, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.9% and operating margin at 39.7%. Revenue growth of 10.4% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : VLY

The strongest argument for VLY centers on Price/Book, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 34.5% and operating margin at 46.8%. Revenue growth of 15.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : USB

The primary concerns for USB are PEG Ratio, 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 1.05 — expect wider price swings.

VLY is growing revenue faster at 15.0% — sustainability is the question.

USB generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

VLY scores higher overall (77/100 vs 75/100), backed by strong 34.5% margins and 15.0% 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.

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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