WallStSmart

Bank of America Corp (BAC)vsSaratoga Investment Corp (SAR)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Bank of America Corp generates 86956% more annual revenue ($109.59B vs $125.89M). SAR leads profitability with a 30.6% profit margin vs 29.0%. SAR trades at a lower P/E of 9.7x. 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

SAR

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 8.0Value: 6.7Quality: 6.3
Piotroski: 4/9

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

BAC6 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Market CapQuality
$379.60B10/10

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%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$41.77B10/10

Generating 41.8B in free cash flow

Profit MarginProfitability
29.0%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.958/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

SAR4 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
9.7x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
0.9x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
30.6%10/10

Keeps 31 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
67.9%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 67.9%

Areas to Watch

BAC2 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.213/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.272/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

SAR3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
Market CapQuality
$381.75M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Debt/EquityHealth
1.853/10

Elevated debt levels

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-11.8%2/10

Revenue declined 11.8%

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 : SAR

The strongest argument for SAR centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 30.6% and operating margin at 67.9%.

Bear Case : BAC

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

Bear Case : SAR

The primary concerns for SAR are Market Cap, Debt/Equity, Revenue Growth. Debt-to-equity of 1.85 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

BAC profiles as a mature stock while SAR is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.

BAC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.24 — expect wider price swings.

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

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

Bottom Line

BAC scores higher overall (82/100 vs 54/100), 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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Saratoga Investment Corp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Saratoga Investment Corp (SAR) is a publicly traded business development company focused on delivering flexible debt and equity capital to middle-market companies across diverse sectors such as healthcare, technology, and consumer products. The firm employs a disciplined investment strategy characterized by extensive due diligence and strong risk management, prioritizing capital preservation alongside the enhancement of shareholder returns. With its proactive approach to portfolio management and a track record of reliable dividend distributions, Saratoga presents an appealing opportunity for institutional investors seeking to diversify within the alternative asset landscape.

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