U.S. Bancorp (USB)vsWestern Alliance Bancorporation (WAL)
USB
U.S. Bancorp
$55.69
-1.95%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $84.69B
WAL
Western Alliance Bancorporation
$80.15
-0.73%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $9.14B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
U.S. Bancorp generates 689% more annual revenue ($26.65B vs $3.38B). USB leads profitability with a 29.3% profit margin vs 28.2%. WAL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.47. USB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).
USB
Strong Buy71
out of 100
Grade: B
WAL
Strong Buy67
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
Strong operational efficiency at 37.8%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Generating 1.3B in free cash flow
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 31.8%
Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
4.6% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Earnings declined 7.8%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : USB
The strongest argument for USB centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.3% and operating margin at 37.8%.
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 31.8%. PEG of 1.47 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : USB
The primary concerns for USB are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity.
Bear Case : WAL
The primary concerns for WAL are EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
USB profiles as a value stock while WAL is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
WAL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.34 — expect wider price swings.
WAL is growing revenue faster at 7.9% — sustainability is the question.
USB generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
USB scores higher overall (71/100 vs 67/100), backed by strong 29.3% 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.
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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