WallStSmart

Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. (BAM)vsStepstone Group Inc (STEP)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. generates 155% more annual revenue ($5.07B vs $1.99B). BAM leads profitability with a 49.7% profit margin vs -26.9%. BAM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).

BAM

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 9.5Value: 5.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.97

STEP

Avoid

33

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 5.7Profit: 2.0Value: 5.0Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: -0.05

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

BAM5 strengths · Avg: 9.4/10
Return on EquityProfitability
33.0%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 33 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
49.7%10/10

Keeps 50 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
64.5%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 64.5%

Market CapQuality
$76.25B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Revenue GrowthGrowth
23.8%8/10

Revenue surging 23.8% year-over-year

STEP2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
55.8%10/10

Revenue surging 55.8% year-over-year

Debt/EquityHealth
-3.1610/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Areas to Watch

BAM4 concerns · Avg: 3.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
30.6x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
9.9x4/10

Trading at 9.9x book value

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.974/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

STEP4 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
-55.9%2/10

ROE of -55.9% — below average capital efficiency

EPS GrowthGrowth
-38.5%2/10

Earnings declined 38.5%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-23.96M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.052/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : BAM

The strongest argument for BAM centers on Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 49.7% and operating margin at 64.5%. Revenue growth of 23.8% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : STEP

The strongest argument for STEP centers on Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity. Revenue growth of 55.8% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : BAM

The primary concerns for BAM are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : STEP

The primary concerns for STEP are Return on Equity, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

BAM profiles as a growth stock while STEP is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.

STEP carries more volatility with a beta of 1.28 — expect wider price swings.

STEP is growing revenue faster at 55.8% — sustainability is the question.

BAM generates stronger free cash flow (339M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

BAM scores higher overall (68/100 vs 33/100), backed by strong 49.7% margins and 23.8% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Avoid" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Brookfield Asset Management Ltd.

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Brookfield Asset Management is a leading global alternative asset manager and one of the largest investors in real assets.

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Stepstone Group Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Stepstone Group Inc. (STEP) is a leading global private markets investment firm, renowned for its tailored investment solutions catering to institutional investors. The firm specializes in private equity, real estate, infrastructure, and private debt, utilizing an extensive network and deep industry insights to uncover premium investment opportunities. With a commitment to optimizing client portfolios through strategic asset allocation and rigorous due diligence, Stepstone is supported by a team of experienced professionals and innovative technology, positioning itself to effectively navigate the complexities of private markets and generate sustainable long-term value for its clients.

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