WallStSmart

Goldman Sachs Group Inc (GS)vsKLA Corporation (KLAC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Goldman Sachs Group Inc generates 370% more annual revenue ($61.53B vs $13.10B). KLAC leads profitability with a 35.7% profit margin vs 29.4%. GS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.45. GS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B).

GS

Strong Buy

75

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.5Value: 6.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 5/9

KLAC

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 10.0Value: 4.3Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 2.70

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

GS6 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$276.27B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Operating MarginProfitability
38.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 38.6%

Profit MarginProfitability
29.4%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
17.1x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
24.2%8/10

Earnings expanding 24.2% YoY

KLAC4 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Market CapQuality
$230.33B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
95.0%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 95 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
35.7%10/10

Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
41.2%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 41.2%

Areas to Watch

GS1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Free Cash FlowQuality
$-32.43B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

KLAC4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.934/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.153/10

Elevated debt levels

P/E RatioValuation
50.0x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
44.8x2/10

Trading at 44.8x book value

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : GS

The strongest argument for GS centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.4% and operating margin at 38.6%. Revenue growth of 14.5% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : KLAC

The strongest argument for KLAC centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 35.7% and operating margin at 41.2%. Revenue growth of 11.5% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : GS

The primary concerns for GS are Free Cash Flow.

Bear Case : KLAC

The primary concerns for KLAC are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 50.0x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

KLAC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.50 — expect wider price swings.

GS is growing revenue faster at 14.5% — sustainability is the question.

KLAC generates stronger free cash flow (622M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor CAPITAL MARKETS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

GS scores higher overall (75/100 vs 68/100), backed by strong 29.4% margins and 14.5% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong 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.

Goldman Sachs Group Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., is an American multinational investment bank and financial services company headquartered in New York City. It offers services in investment management, securities, asset management, prime brokerage, and securities underwriting. It also provides investment banking to institutional investors.

KLA Corporation

TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS · USA

KLA Corporation is a capital equipment company based in Milpitas, California. It supplies process control and yield management systems for the semiconductor industry and other related nanoelectronics industries. The company's products and services are intended for all phases of wafer, reticle, integrated circuit (IC) and packaging production, from research and development to final volume manufacturing.

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