WallStSmart

Bank of America Corp (BAC)vsValley National Bancorp (VLY)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Bank of America Corp generates 5546% more annual revenue ($109.59B vs $1.94B). VLY leads profitability with a 33.8% profit margin vs 29.0%. BAC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.95. 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

VLY

Strong Buy

79

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.5Value: 6.3Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 4/9

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

BAC6 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Market CapQuality
$379.60B10/10

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%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$41.77B10/10

Generating 41.8B in free cash flow

Profit MarginProfitability
29.0%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.958/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

VLY6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Price/BookValuation
1.0x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
33.8%10/10

Keeps 34 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
46.4%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 46.4%

EPS GrowthGrowth
58.1%10/10

Earnings expanding 58.1% YoY

P/E RatioValuation
12.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Revenue GrowthGrowth
23.8%8/10

Revenue surging 23.8% year-over-year

Areas to Watch

BAC2 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.213/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.272/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

VLY0 concerns · Avg: 0/10

No major concerns identified

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 : VLY

The strongest argument for VLY centers on Price/Book, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 33.8% and operating margin at 46.4%. Revenue growth of 23.8% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : BAC

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

Bear Case : VLY

No major red flags identified for VLY, but monitor valuation.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

BAC profiles as a mature stock while VLY is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

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

VLY is growing revenue faster at 23.8% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

BAC scores higher overall (82/100 vs 79/100), 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.

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Valley National Bancorp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

Valley National Bancorp is the parent company of Valley National Bank offering various commercial, retail, insurance and wealth management financial services products. The company is headquartered in New York, New York.

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