U.S. Bancorp vs Wells Fargo (USB vs WFC)
U.S. Bancorp (USB) vs Wells Fargo (WFC) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
U.S. Bancorp (USB) and Wells Fargo (WFC) compete in banking. Here are U.S. Bancorp and Wells Fargo side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy U.S. Bancorp or Wells Fargo.
U.S. Bancorp vs Wells Fargo: the figures
| Figure | U.S. Bancorp | Wells Fargo |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $61.03 (November 4, 2026) | $87.43 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $95.1 billion | $262.5 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 11.9x | 12.3x |
| Forward P/E | 10.4x | 10.9x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +8.4% | +0.4% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 30.0% | 27.6% |
| ROE | 12.8% | 12.9% |
| Dividend yield | 3.61% | 2.34% |
| Beta | 1.03 | 0.92 |
U.S. Bancorp and Wells Fargo figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that U.S. Bancorp or Wells Fargo figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between U.S. Bancorp and Wells Fargo
- Growth: U.S. Bancorp grew sales +8.4% year on year in its latest quarter, against +0.4% for Wells Fargo.
- Dividend: U.S. Bancorp yields 3.61% at today's price and Wells Fargo yields 2.34%.
- Size: Wells Fargo is worth $262.5 billion on the stock market, about 2.8 times U.S. Bancorp ($95.1 billion).
U.S. Bancorp or Wells Fargo: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: U.S. Bancorp is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
- If you want income (dividends): U.S. Bancorp pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: Wells Fargo has a less volatile share price, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- If price is what matters most to you: U.S. Bancorp trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither U.S. Bancorp nor Wells Fargo wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.
How U.S. Bancorp and Wells Fargo make money
U.S. Bancorp (USB)
U.S. Bancorp, parent of U.S. Bank, earns most of its money from net interest on loans and deposits. It reports Wealth, Corporate, Commercial and Institutional Banking; Consumer and Business Banking, with branches, mortgages and small business loans; and Payment Services, which includes credit cards, corporate cards and the Elavon merchant processor. Full U.S. Bancorp analysis.
Wells Fargo (WFC)
Wells Fargo is a U.S. bank that earns money from net interest and fees. It reports Consumer Banking and Lending, its largest segment, with branches, credit cards, mortgages and auto loans; Commercial Banking for midsize companies; Corporate and Investment Banking; and Wealth and Investment Management for affluent clients. Full Wells Fargo analysis.
Frequently asked questions: U.S. Bancorp vs Wells Fargo
Is U.S. Bancorp or Wells Fargo the better stock?
Choosing between U.S. Bancorp and Wells Fargo depends on what you are looking for. U.S. Bancorp is growing faster right now, and U.S. Bancorp trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy U.S. Bancorp or Wells Fargo: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, U.S. Bancorp or Wells Fargo?
As of November 4, 2026, U.S. Bancorp yields 3.61% and Wells Fargo yields 2.34%. Also check how much of their profit U.S. Bancorp and Wells Fargo pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, U.S. Bancorp or Wells Fargo?
On P/E, Wells Fargo (12.3x) is more expensive than U.S. Bancorp (11.9x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.
Can I own both U.S. Bancorp and Wells Fargo?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as U.S. Bancorp and Wells Fargo, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying U.S. Bancorp or Wells Fargo.
More comparisons with U.S. Bancorp or Wells Fargo
More companies like U.S. Bancorp and Wells Fargo: banking stocks. Educational content about U.S. Bancorp and Wells Fargo, not investment advice.