WSBF
Waterstone Financial, Inc.
Banks - Regional
Market Cap$341M
5Y Perf.+24.6%
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Stock Comparison
WSBF vs PFSI
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
PFSI
PennyMac Financial Services, Inc.
Financial - Mortgages
Market Cap$4.62B
5Y Perf.+164.0%
WSBF vs PFSI — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | WSBF | PFSI |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Banks - Regional | Financial - Mortgages |
| Market Cap | $341M | $4.62B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $202M | $4.36B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $26M | $507M |
| Gross Margin | 71.2% | 91.4% |
| Operating Margin | 16.6% | 34.6% |
| Forward P/E | 18.4x | 7.2x |
| Total Debt | $412M | $23.06B |
| Cash & Equiv. | $64M | $302M |
WSBF vs PFSI — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
WSBF
PFSI
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterstone Financia… (WSBF) | 100 | 124.6 | +24.6% |
| PennyMac Financial … (PFSI) | 100 | 264.0 | +164.0% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: WSBF vs PFSI
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: WSBF leads in 5 of 7 categories, making it the strongest pick for profitability and margin quality and capital preservation and lower volatility. PennyMac Financial Services, Inc. is the stronger pick specifically for growth and revenue expansion and valuation and capital efficiency. As sector peers, any of these can serve as alternatives in the same allocation.
WSBF
Waterstone Financial, Inc.
The Banking Pick
WSBF carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for income & stability and sleep-well-at-night.
- Dividend streak 0 yrs, beta 0.60, yield 3.2%
- Lower volatility, beta 0.60, current ratio 8.78x
- Beta 0.60, yield 3.2%, current ratio 8.78x
Best for: income & stability and sleep-well-at-night
PFSI
PennyMac Financial Services, Inc.
The Banking Pick
PFSI is the clearest fit if your priority is growth exposure and long-term compounding.
- Rev growth 173.8%, EPS growth 59.2%
- 6.0% 10Y total return vs WSBF's 96.3%
- 173.8% NII/revenue growth vs WSBF's 1.1%
Best for: growth exposure and long-term compounding
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | PFSI | 173.8% NII/revenue growth vs WSBF's 1.1% |
| Value | PFSI | Lower P/E (7.2x vs 18.4x) |
| Quality / Margins | WSBF | Efficiency ratio 0.5% vs PFSI's 0.6% (lower = leaner) |
| Stability / Safety | WSBF | Beta 0.60 vs PFSI's 0.93, lower leverage |
| Dividends | WSBF | 3.2% yield, vs PFSI's 1.3% |
| Momentum (1Y) | WSBF | +56.4% vs PFSI's -8.0% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | WSBF | Efficiency ratio 0.5% vs PFSI's 0.6% |
WSBF vs PFSI — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
Segment breakdown not available.
FY 2025
WSBF vs PFSI — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLPFSILAGGINGWSBF
WSBFWaterstone Financial,…
2leads
PFSIPennyMac Financial Se…
3leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs WSBFMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
WSBF3/5
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
PFSI4/5
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
PFSI5/9
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
PFSI4/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
WSBF2/2
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
Tied
—
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
WSBF leads this category, winning 3 of 5 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
PFSI is the larger business by revenue, generating $4.4B annually — 21.6x WSBF's $202M. Profitability is closely matched — net margins range from 13.1% (WSBF) to 11.5% (PFSI).
| Metric | WSBFWaterstone Financ… | PFSIPennyMac Financia… |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $202M | $4.4B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $33M | $1.0B |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $26M | $507M |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $475,000 | -$3.8B |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +71.2% | +91.4% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +16.6% | +34.6% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +13.1% | +11.5% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +8.9% | -32.4% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | — | — |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +57.1% | +7.7% |
WSBF leads this category, winning 3 of 5 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
PFSI leads this category, winning 4 of 5 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
At 9.5x trailing earnings, PFSI trades at a 24% valuation discount to WSBF's 12.5x P/E. On an enterprise value basis, PFSI's 18.1x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than WSBF's 20.6x.
| Metric | WSBFWaterstone Financ… | PFSIPennyMac Financia… |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $341M | $4.6B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $689M | $27.4B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 12.54x | 9.53x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 18.38x | 7.17x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | — |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 20.61x | 18.11x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 1.69x | 1.06x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 0.95x | 1.11x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 19.08x | — |
PFSI leads this category, winning 4 of 5 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
PFSI leads this category, winning 5 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
PFSI delivers a 12.0% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $12 in annual profit, vs $8 for WSBF. WSBF carries lower financial leverage with a 1.18x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to PFSI's 5.35x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), WSBF scores 7/9 vs PFSI's 4/9, reflecting strong financial health.
| Metric | WSBFWaterstone Financ… | PFSIPennyMac Financia… |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +7.7% | +12.0% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +1.2% | +1.8% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +3.2% | +4.4% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +2.6% | +10.4% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 7 | 4 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 1.18x | 5.35x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $349M | $22.8B |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $64M | $302M |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $412M | $23.1B |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 0.56x | 1.35x |
PFSI leads this category, winning 5 of 9 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
PFSI leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in PFSI five years ago would be worth $16,366 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $11,492 for WSBF. Over the past 12 months, WSBF leads with a +56.4% total return vs PFSI's -8.0%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors PFSI at 16.8% vs WSBF's 13.7% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | WSBFWaterstone Financ… | PFSIPennyMac Financia… |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | +14.7% | -32.4% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +56.4% | -8.0% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +46.9% | +59.2% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +14.9% | +63.7% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +96.3% | +603.4% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | +13.7% | +16.8% |
PFSI leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
WSBF leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
WSBF is the less volatile stock with a 0.60 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than PFSI's 0.93 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. WSBF currently trades 98.3% from its 52-week high vs PFSI's 55.3% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | WSBFWaterstone Financ… | PFSIPennyMac Financia… |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 0.60x | 0.93x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $18.88 | $160.36 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $12.23 | $82.67 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +98.3% | +55.3% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 55.0 | 40.4 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 69K | 604K |
WSBF leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Evenly matched — WSBF and PFSI each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Wall Street rates WSBF as "Hold" and PFSI as "Buy". For income investors, WSBF offers the higher dividend yield at 3.25% vs PFSI's 1.31%.
| Metric | WSBFWaterstone Financ… | PFSIPennyMac Financia… |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Hold | Buy |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | — | $143.00 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 2 | 20 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | +3.2% | +1.3% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 0 | 2 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | $0.60 | $1.16 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | +4.8% | +0.1% |
Evenly matched — WSBF and PFSI each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Key Takeaway
PFSI leads in 3 of 6 categories (Valuation Metrics, Profitability & Efficiency). WSBF leads in 2 (Income & Cash Flow, Risk & Volatility). 1 tied.
Best OverallPennyMac Financial Services… (PFSI)Leads 3 of 6 categories
Loading custom metrics...
WSBF vs PFSI: Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is WSBF or PFSI a better buy right now?
For growth investors, PennyMac Financial Services, Inc.
(PFSI) is the stronger pick with 173. 8% revenue growth year-over-year, versus 1. 1% for Waterstone Financial, Inc. (WSBF). PennyMac Financial Services, Inc. (PFSI) offers the better valuation at 9. 5x trailing P/E (7. 2x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate PennyMac Financial Services, Inc. (PFSI) a "Buy" — based on 20 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — WSBF or PFSI?
On trailing P/E, PennyMac Financial Services, Inc.
(PFSI) is the cheapest at 9. 5x versus Waterstone Financial, Inc. at 12. 5x. On forward P/E, PennyMac Financial Services, Inc. is actually cheaper at 7. 2x.
03Which is the better long-term investment — WSBF or PFSI?
Over the past 5 years, PennyMac Financial Services, Inc.
(PFSI) delivered a total return of +63. 7%, compared to +14. 9% for Waterstone Financial, Inc. (WSBF). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: PFSI returned +603. 4% versus WSBF's +96. 3%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — WSBF or PFSI?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Waterstone Financial, Inc.
(WSBF) is the lower-risk stock at 0. 60β versus PennyMac Financial Services, Inc. 's 0. 93β — meaning PFSI is approximately 55% more volatile than WSBF relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, Waterstone Financial, Inc. (WSBF) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 118% versus 5% for PennyMac Financial Services, Inc. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — WSBF or PFSI?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), PennyMac Financial Services, Inc.
(PFSI) is pulling ahead at 173. 8% versus 1. 1% for Waterstone Financial, Inc. (WSBF). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: PennyMac Financial Services, Inc. grew EPS 59. 2% year-over-year, compared to 46. 5% for Waterstone Financial, Inc.. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — WSBF or PFSI?
Waterstone Financial, Inc.
(WSBF) is the more profitable company, earning 13. 1% net margin versus 11. 5% for PennyMac Financial Services, Inc. — meaning it keeps 13. 1% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: PFSI leads at 34. 6% versus 16. 6% for WSBF. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — PFSI leads at 91. 4%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Is WSBF or PFSI more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, PennyMac Financial Services, Inc.
(PFSI) trades at 7. 2x forward P/E versus 18. 4x for Waterstone Financial, Inc. — 11. 2x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis.
08Which pays a better dividend — WSBF or PFSI?
All stocks in this comparison pay dividends.
Waterstone Financial, Inc. (WSBF) offers the highest yield at 3. 2%, versus 1. 3% for PennyMac Financial Services, Inc. (PFSI).
09Is WSBF or PFSI better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, PennyMac Financial Services, Inc.
(PFSI) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 0. 93), 1. 3% yield, +603. 4% 10Y return). Both have compounded well over 10 years (PFSI: +603. 4%, WSBF: +96. 3%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
10What are the main differences between WSBF and PFSI?
Both stocks operate in the Financial Services sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
In terms of investment character: WSBF is a small-cap deep-value stock; PFSI is a small-cap high-growth stock. These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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Revenue Growth>
%
(WSBF: 1.1% · PFSI: 173.8%)Net Margin>
%
(WSBF: 13.1% · PFSI: 11.5%)P/E Ratio<
x
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