USB vs. NTRS: Which Stock Is the Better Value Option?

Core Viewpoint - Investors are considering U.S. Bancorp (USB) and Northern Trust Corporation (NTRS) as potential undervalued stocks in the Banks - Major Regional sector [1] Group 1: Zacks Rank and Earnings Outlook - U.S. Bancorp has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a positive earnings outlook, while Northern Trust Corporation has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [3] - The Zacks Rank system emphasizes companies with positive estimate revision trends, which is favorable for USB [2][3] Group 2: Valuation Metrics - U.S. Bancorp has a forward P/E ratio of 11.76, compared to Northern Trust Corporation's forward P/E of 15.98 [5] - The PEG ratio for USB is 1.01, while NTRS has a PEG ratio of 1.49, indicating USB's better valuation relative to expected earnings growth [5] - U.S. Bancorp's P/B ratio is 1.46, significantly lower than Northern Trust Corporation's P/B of 2.17, suggesting USB is more attractively valued [6] Group 3: Value Grades - U.S. Bancorp has a Value grade of B, while Northern Trust Corporation has a Value grade of C, reflecting USB's stronger valuation metrics [6][7] - Stronger estimate revision activity and more attractive valuation metrics position U.S. Bancorp as the superior option for value investors [7]