Core Viewpoint - Bank of America (BAC) experienced a modest 7.6% gain in the first half of 2025, significantly lagging behind peers Citigroup and JPMorgan, which both surged by 20.9% during the same period [2][10]. Financial Performance - BAC's net interest income (NII) is expected to grow by 6-7% in 2025, supported by decent loan demand, robust deposit balances, and solid economic growth [6][10]. - The bank's average global liquidity sources were reported at $942 billion as of March 31, 2025, indicating a solid liquidity profile [13]. - BAC plans to increase its dividend by 8% to $0.28 per share starting in Q3 2025 after passing the Fed's stress test [10][14]. Branch Expansion and Digital Initiatives - BAC is aggressively expanding its branch network across the U.S., planning to open more than 150 financial centers by 2027, with 40 expected to open this year [8][11]. - The bank is committed to modernizing its financial centers to enhance customer engagement and optimize branch networks [11][12]. Investment Banking Performance - BAC's investment banking (IB) fees saw a significant decline of 45.7% in 2022, but rebounded by 31.4% in 2024. However, a decline of over 20% year-over-year is expected in Q2 2025 due to tariff-related headwinds [17][19]. - The first-quarter 2025 performance showed relatively stable IB fees in the Global Banking division at $847 million [18]. Asset Quality Concerns - BAC's asset quality has been deteriorating, with provisions increasing by 115.4% in 2022, 72.8% in 2023, and 32.5% in 2024. Net charge-offs also grew significantly in recent years [21]. - The company remains cautious about the impact of high interest rates and tariffs on borrowers' credit profiles, which may continue to affect asset quality [22]. Valuation Insights - BAC's stock is currently trading at a price-to-tangible book (P/TB) ratio of 1.77X, which is below the industry average of 2.84X, indicating that the stock is relatively inexpensive [23][25]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BAC's earnings in 2025 is $3.67, reflecting an expected growth of 11.9% [26]. Conclusion - BAC's global presence, diversified revenue streams, and ongoing branch openings provide a strong foundation for organic growth, while its attractive valuation makes it a compelling option for investors [28]. However, near-term challenges such as macroeconomic uncertainty and deteriorating asset quality remain concerns [29].
BAC Shares Lag Peers in First Half: Can it Regain Momentum?