WallStSmart

Bank of America Corp (BAC)vsStepstone Group Inc (STEP)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Bank of America Corp generates 6047% more annual revenue ($109.59B vs $1.78B). BAC leads profitability with a 29.0% profit margin vs -30.7%. 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

STEP

Avoid

33

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 4.7Profit: 2.0Value: 5.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.38

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

STEP2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
73.0%10/10

Revenue surging 73.0% year-over-year

Debt/EquityHealth
-0.9910/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

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

STEP4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Return on EquityProfitability
-65.1%2/10

ROE of -65.1% — below average capital efficiency

EPS GrowthGrowth
-38.5%2/10

Earnings declined 38.5%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.382/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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 : STEP

The strongest argument for STEP centers on Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity. Revenue growth of 73.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : BAC

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

Bear Case : STEP

The primary concerns for STEP are Piotroski F-Score, Return on Equity, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

BAC profiles as a mature stock while STEP is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.

STEP carries more volatility with a beta of 1.31 — expect wider price swings.

STEP is growing revenue faster at 73.0% — sustainability is the question.

STEP generates stronger free cash flow (27M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

BAC scores higher overall (82/100 vs 33/100), backed by strong 29.0% margins and 11.8% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional Buy" and "Avoid" 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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Stepstone Group Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Stepstone Group Inc. (STEP) is a premier global private markets investment firm, recognized for its expertise in providing customized investment solutions to institutional investors. Specializing in private equity, real estate, infrastructure, and private debt, the firm leverages a vast network and profound industry insights to identify and access high-quality investment opportunities. Committed to enhancing client portfolios through strategic asset allocation and meticulous due diligence, Stepstone is backed by a team of seasoned professionals and cutting-edge technology, enabling it to adeptly manage the intricacies of private markets and deliver sustainable long-term value.

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