WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Bank of America Corp generates 1210% more annual revenue ($109.59B vs $8.36B). BAC leads profitability with a 29.0% profit margin vs 22.4%. BAC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.94. 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

NTRS

Strong Buy

78

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.0Value: 6.3Quality: 3.3
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: -0.35

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

NTRS5 strengths · Avg: 8.6/10
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

P/E RatioValuation
17.5x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
42.6%8/10

Earnings expanding 42.6% YoY

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

NTRS2 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.352/10

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 : NTRS

The strongest argument for NTRS centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, P/E Ratio. 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 Debt/Equity, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : NTRS

The primary concerns for NTRS are Piotroski F-Score, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

NTRS is growing revenue faster at 13.9% — sustainability is the question.

NTRS generates stronger free cash flow (159M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor BANKS - DIVERSIFIED industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

BAC scores higher overall (82/100 vs 78/100), 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.

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.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?