WallStSmart

U.S. Bancorp (USB)vsWestern Alliance Bancorporation (WAL)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

U.S. Bancorp generates 683% more annual revenue ($27.32B vs $3.49B). USB leads profitability with a 29.9% profit margin vs 28.2%. WAL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.47. USB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).

USB

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

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

WAL

Strong Buy

75

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.5Value: 7.0Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: -0.63

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
$97.91B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
29.9%9/10

Keeps 30 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
12.4x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
21.6%8/10

Earnings expanding 21.6% YoY

WAL4 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
9.0x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.2x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
39.4%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 39.4%

Profit MarginProfitability
28.2%9/10

Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Areas to Watch

USB3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.884/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.423/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.362/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

WAL2 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Free Cash FlowQuality
$-375.40M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.632/10

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 : WAL

The strongest argument for WAL centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.2% and operating margin at 39.4%. Revenue growth of 13.6% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : USB

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

Bear Case : WAL

The primary concerns for WAL are Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

WAL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.32 — expect wider price swings.

WAL is growing revenue faster at 13.6% — 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 (77/100 vs 75/100), backed by strong 29.9% margins and 10.4% 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.

Western Alliance Bancorporation

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

Western Alliance Bancorporation is the banking holding company for Western Alliance Bank offering various banking products and related services primarily in Arizona, California and Nevada. The company is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.

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