WallStSmart

Bank of America Corp (BAC)vsPeapack-Gladstone Financial (PGC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Bank of America Corp generates 41500% more annual revenue ($113.93B vs $273.87M). BAC leads profitability with a 29.5% profit margin vs 16.0%. PGC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.64. BAC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 84/100 (A-).

BAC

Exceptional Buy

84

out of 100

Grade: A-

Growth: 9.3Profit: 7.5Value: 6.3Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: -0.27

PGC

Strong Buy

76

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.7Profit: 6.5Value: 6.3Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: -0.77

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

BAC6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Market CapQuality
$424.03B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Operating MarginProfitability
38.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 38.3%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$41.77B10/10

Generating 41.8B in free cash flow

Profit MarginProfitability
29.5%9/10

Keeps 30 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
14.1x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

PGC6 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Price/BookValuation
1.2x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
86.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 86.0% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
0.159/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

PEG RatioValuation
0.648/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Operating MarginProfitability
28.1%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 28.1%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
25.5%8/10

Revenue surging 25.5% year-over-year

Areas to Watch

BAC2 concerns · Avg: 1.5/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.272/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
2.431/10

Elevated debt levels

PGC3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
Market CapQuality
$809.38M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
6.3%3/10

ROE of 6.3% — below average capital efficiency

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.772/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : BAC

The strongest argument for BAC centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.5% and operating margin at 38.3%. Revenue growth of 21.4% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : PGC

The strongest argument for PGC centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.0% and operating margin at 28.1%. Revenue growth of 25.5% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : BAC

The primary concerns for BAC are Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.43 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : PGC

The primary concerns for PGC are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

BAC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.18 — expect wider price swings.

PGC is growing revenue faster at 25.5% — sustainability is the question.

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

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

Bottom Line

BAC scores higher overall (84/100 vs 76/100), backed by strong 29.5% margins and 21.4% 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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Peapack-Gladstone Financial

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation is the banking holding company for Peapack-Gladstone Bank providing private banking and wealth management services in the United States. The company is headquartered in Bedminster, New Jersey.

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