WallStSmart

Bank of America Corp (BAC)vsSLM Corp (SLM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Bank of America Corp generates 6480% more annual revenue ($109.59B vs $1.67B). SLM leads profitability with a 44.9% profit margin vs 29.0%. SLM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.58. 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

SLM

Strong Buy

76

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 8.5Value: 7.7Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 7/9Altman Z: 0.63

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

SLM6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
6.4x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
30.9%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 31 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
44.9%10/10

Keeps 45 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
70.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 70.1%

PEG RatioValuation
0.588/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
2.1x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

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

SLM4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.5%4/10

2.5% revenue growth

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-75.96M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.632/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
2.391/10

Elevated debt levels

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 : SLM

The strongest argument for SLM centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 44.9% and operating margin at 70.1%. PEG of 0.58 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 : SLM

The primary concerns for SLM are Revenue Growth, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.39 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

BAC profiles as a mature stock while SLM is a value 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.

SLM generates stronger free cash flow (-76M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

BAC scores higher overall (82/100 vs 76/100), backed by strong 29.0% margins and 11.8% 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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SLM Corp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

SLM Corporation originates and provides private education loan services to students and their families to finance the cost of their education in the United States. The company is headquartered in Newark, Delaware.

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