WBS or WASH: Which Is the Better Value Stock Right Now?

Core Viewpoint - Investors in the Banks - Northeast sector should consider Webster Financial (WBS) and Washington Trust Bancorp (WASH) for potential value opportunities [1] Group 1: Zacks Rank and Earnings Outlook - Webster Financial has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a stronger earnings outlook compared to Washington Trust Bancorp, which has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [3] - WBS has likely experienced a more significant improvement in its earnings outlook than WASH recently [3][7] Group 2: Valuation Metrics - WBS has a forward P/E ratio of 9.57, while WASH has a forward P/E of 10.86 [5] - The PEG ratio for WBS is 0.71, compared to WASH's PEG ratio of 0.89, indicating WBS may offer better value considering expected earnings growth [5] - WBS has a P/B ratio of 1.03, slightly lower than WASH's P/B ratio of 1.04, suggesting WBS is more favorably valued relative to its book value [6] Group 3: Value Grades - Based on the aforementioned valuation metrics, WBS has earned a Value grade of B, while WASH has a Value grade of C [6]