WallStSmart

Bank of America Corp (BAC)vsNicolet Bankshares Inc. (NIC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Bank of America Corp generates 26478% more annual revenue ($113.93B vs $428.66M). NIC leads profitability with a 31.1% profit margin vs 29.5%. BAC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.06. BAC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 84/100 (A-).

BAC

Exceptional Buy

84

out of 100

Grade: A-

Growth: 9.3Profit: 7.5Value: 6.3Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: -0.27

NIC

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 7.0Value: 5.0Quality: 6.8
Piotroski: 7/9Altman Z: 1.30

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

BAC6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Market CapQuality
$424.03B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Operating MarginProfitability
38.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 38.3%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$41.77B10/10

Generating 41.8B in free cash flow

Profit MarginProfitability
29.5%9/10

Keeps 30 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
14.1x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

NIC5 strengths · Avg: 9.6/10
Profit MarginProfitability
31.1%10/10

Keeps 31 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
50.5%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 50.5%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
46.5%10/10

Revenue surging 46.5% year-over-year

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0410/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

BAC2 concerns · Avg: 1.5/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.272/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
2.431/10

Elevated debt levels

NIC4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.924/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Return on EquityProfitability
5.9%3/10

ROE of 5.9% — below average capital efficiency

EPS GrowthGrowth
-61.1%2/10

Earnings declined 61.1%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.302/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : BAC

The strongest argument for BAC centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.5% and operating margin at 38.3%. Revenue growth of 21.4% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : NIC

The strongest argument for NIC centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 31.1% and operating margin at 50.5%. Revenue growth of 46.5% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : BAC

The primary concerns for BAC are Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.43 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : NIC

The primary concerns for NIC are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

BAC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.18 — expect wider price swings.

NIC is growing revenue faster at 46.5% — sustainability is the question.

BAC generates stronger free cash flow (41.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor BANKS - DIVERSIFIED industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

BAC scores higher overall (84/100 vs 63/100), backed by strong 29.5% margins and 21.4% 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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Nicolet Bankshares Inc.

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. is the bank holding company of Nicolet National Bank that offers banking products and services for businesses and individuals. The company is headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

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