U.S. Bancorp (USB)vsWaters Corporation (WAT)
USB
U.S. Bancorp
$55.53
+0.40%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $85.86B
WAT
Waters Corporation
$355.13
+1.32%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $34.41B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
U.S. Bancorp generates 607% more annual revenue ($26.65B vs $3.77B). USB leads profitability with a 29.3% profit margin vs 11.9%. WAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.52. USB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).
USB
Strong Buy71
out of 100
Grade: B
WAT
Buy52
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for USB.
Margin of Safety
-63.1%
Fair Value
$201.83
Current Price
$355.13
$153.30 premium
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
Revenue surging 91.5% year-over-year
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
4.6% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 8.3x book value
ROE of 5.2% — below average capital efficiency
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
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 : WAT
The strongest argument for WAT centers on Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score. Revenue growth of 91.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : USB
The primary concerns for USB are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : WAT
The primary concerns for WAT are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Return on Equity. A P/E of 44.6x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
USB profiles as a value stock while WAT is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
WAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.14 — expect wider price swings.
WAT is growing revenue faster at 91.5% — 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 52/100), backed by strong 29.3% 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.
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.
Waters Corporation
HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA
Waters Corporation is a publicly traded Analytical Laboratory instrument and software company headquartered in Milford, Massachusetts.
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