Bank of America Corp (BAC)vsNorthern Trust Corporation (NTRS)
BAC
Bank of America Corp
$51.14
+0.57%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $358.24B
NTRS
Northern Trust Corporation
$171.90
+0.91%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $31.17B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Bank of America Corp generates 1131% more annual revenue ($114.87B vs $9.33B). BAC leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs 26.0%. BAC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.85. NTRS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 82/100 (A-).
BAC
Strong Buy72
out of 100
Grade: B
NTRS
Exceptional Buy82
out of 100
Grade: A-
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 31.3%
Generating 29.0B in free cash flow
Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Strong operational efficiency at 34.8%
Keeps 26 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 48.5% YoY
Areas to Watch
Elevated debt levels
Earnings declined 14.3%
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : BAC
The strongest argument for BAC centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.1% and operating margin at 31.3%. PEG of 0.85 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : NTRS
The strongest argument for NTRS centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, PEG Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.0% and operating margin at 34.8%. Revenue growth of 12.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : BAC
The primary concerns for BAC are Debt/Equity, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : NTRS
The primary concerns for NTRS are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NTRS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.25 — expect wider price swings.
NTRS is growing revenue faster at 12.1% — sustainability is the question.
BAC generates stronger free cash flow (29.0B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor BANKS - DIVERSIFIED industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
NTRS scores higher overall (82/100 vs 72/100), backed by strong 26.0% margins and 12.1% 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.
Visit Website →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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