WallStSmart

Bank of America Corp (BAC)vsNorthern Trust Corporation (NTRS)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Bank of America Corp generates 1262% more annual revenue ($113.93B vs $8.36B). BAC leads profitability with a 29.5% profit margin vs 22.4%. 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

NTRS

Strong Buy

76

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.5Value: 5.7Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: -0.32

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

NTRS4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Operating MarginProfitability
31.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 31.7%

Profit MarginProfitability
22.4%9/10

Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Price/BookValuation
2.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
42.6%8/10

Earnings expanding 42.6% YoY

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

NTRS4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.183/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-539.50M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.322/10

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 : NTRS

The strongest argument for NTRS centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 22.4% and operating margin at 31.7%. Revenue growth of 13.9% 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 : NTRS

The primary concerns for NTRS are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

BAC profiles as a growth stock while NTRS is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

NTRS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.26 — expect wider price swings.

BAC is growing revenue faster at 21.4% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

BAC scores higher overall (84/100 vs 76/100), backed by strong 29.5% margins and 21.4% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional Buy" and "Strong 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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Northern Trust Corporation

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Northern Trust Corporation is a financial services company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois that caters to corporations, institutional investors, and ultra high net worth individuals.

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