WallStSmart

Bank of America Corp (BAC)vsLazard Ltd (LAZ)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Bank of America Corp generates 3437% more annual revenue ($109.59B vs $3.10B). BAC leads profitability with a 29.0% profit margin vs 7.6%. BAC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.94. BAC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 82/100 (A-).

BAC

Exceptional Buy

82

out of 100

Grade: A-

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.5Value: 7.0Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: -0.27

LAZ

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 6.5Value: 6.3Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 1.87

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

BAC6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Market CapQuality
$377.03B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
36.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 36.0%

Profit MarginProfitability
29.0%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.948/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
13.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

LAZ2 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
28.6%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit

PEG RatioValuation
1.008/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Areas to Watch

BAC3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.213/10

Elevated debt levels

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-22.95B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.272/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

LAZ4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.874/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Profit MarginProfitability
7.6%3/10

7.6% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

EPS GrowthGrowth
-43.3%2/10

Earnings declined 43.3%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : BAC

The strongest argument for BAC centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.0% and operating margin at 36.0%. Revenue growth of 11.8% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : LAZ

The strongest argument for LAZ centers on Return on Equity, PEG Ratio. PEG of 1.00 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : BAC

The primary concerns for BAC are Debt/Equity, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : LAZ

The primary concerns for LAZ are Altman Z-Score, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

BAC profiles as a mature stock while LAZ is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

LAZ carries more volatility with a beta of 1.41 — expect wider price swings.

BAC is growing revenue faster at 11.8% — sustainability is the question.

LAZ generates stronger free cash flow (400M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

BAC scores higher overall (82/100 vs 57/100), backed by strong 29.0% margins and 11.8% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional Buy" and "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.

Bank of America Corp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - DIVERSIFIED · USA

The Bank of America Corporation is an American multinational investment bank and financial services holding company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. Founded in San Francisco, Bank of America was formed through NationsBank's acquisition of BankAmerica in 1998. It is the second largest banking institution in the United States, after JPMorgan Chase, and the eighth largest bank in the world. Bank of America is one of the Big Four banking institutions of the United States. It services approximately 10 percent of all American bank deposits, in direct competition with JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup and Wells Fargo. Its primary financial services revolve around commercial banking, wealth management, and investment banking.

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Lazard Ltd

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA

Lazard Ltd, is a financial advisory and asset management firm in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Central and South America. The company is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda.

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