WallStSmart

Bank of America Corp (BAC)vsSouthState Corporation (SSB)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Bank of America Corp generates 4157% more annual revenue ($113.93B vs $2.68B). SSB leads profitability with a 34.9% profit margin vs 29.5%. BAC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.06. 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

SSB

Exceptional Buy

83

out of 100

Grade: A-

Growth: 9.3Profit: 7.5Value: 7.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: -0.19

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

SSB6 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.1x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.1x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
34.9%10/10

Keeps 35 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
50.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 50.3%

EPS GrowthGrowth
162.1%10/10

Earnings expanding 162.1% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
0.179/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

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

SSB1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.192/10

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 : SSB

The strongest argument for SSB centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 34.9% and operating margin at 50.3%. Revenue growth of 22.8% 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 : SSB

The primary concerns for SSB are Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

SSB is growing revenue faster at 22.8% — 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 83/100), backed by strong 29.5% margins and 21.4% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional Buy" and "Exceptional 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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SouthState Corporation

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

South State Corporation is the banking holding company for South State Bank offering a range of banking products and services. The company is headquartered in Winter Haven, Florida.

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