Western Alliance Bancorporation (WAL)vsWells Fargo & Company (WFC)
WAL
Western Alliance Bancorporation
$80.70
-3.53%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $8.99B
WFC
Wells Fargo & Company
$85.43
+1.86%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $264.46B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Wells Fargo & Company generates 2358% more annual revenue ($83.03B vs $3.38B). WAL leads profitability with a 28.2% profit margin vs 27.2%. WAL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.47. WFC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 76/100 (B+).
WAL
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
WFC
Strong Buy76
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 31.8%
Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 37.1%
Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 25.0% YoY
Areas to Watch
Earnings declined 7.8%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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.
Bull Case : WFC
The strongest argument for WFC centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.2% and operating margin at 37.1%.
Bear Case : WAL
The primary concerns for WAL are EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : WFC
The primary concerns for WFC are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.55 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
WAL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.33 — expect wider price swings.
WFC is growing revenue faster at 9.5% — sustainability is the question.
WFC generates stronger free cash flow (9.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor BANKS - REGIONAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
WFC scores higher overall (76/100 vs 67/100), backed by strong 27.2% 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.
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.
Wells Fargo & Company
FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - DIVERSIFIED · USA
Wells Fargo & Company is an American multinational financial services company with corporate headquarters in San Francisco, California, operational headquarters in Manhattan, and managerial offices throughout the United States and overseas.
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