WallStSmart

Goldman Sachs Group Inc (GS)vsLazard Ltd (LAZ)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Goldman Sachs Group Inc generates 1824% more annual revenue ($61.53B vs $3.20B). GS leads profitability with a 29.4% profit margin vs 8.7%. LAZ appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.00. GS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).

GS

Strong Buy

73

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.5Value: 5.0Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.14

LAZ

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.0Value: 7.0Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.05

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

GS5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$314.06B10/10

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

Price/BookValuation
2.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
24.2%8/10

Earnings expanding 24.2% YoY

LAZ5 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Return on EquityProfitability
31.5%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 31 in profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
62.5%10/10

Earnings expanding 62.5% YoY

PEG RatioValuation
1.008/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
17.4x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.4%8/10

15.4% revenue growth

Areas to Watch

GS4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.624/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-32.43B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.142/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
6.101/10

Elevated debt levels

LAZ3 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-221.45M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Debt/EquityHealth
2.451/10

Elevated debt levels

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 : LAZ

The strongest argument for LAZ centers on Return on Equity, EPS Growth, PEG Ratio. Revenue growth of 15.4% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.00 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : GS

The primary concerns for GS are PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 6.10 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : LAZ

The primary concerns for LAZ are Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.45 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

GS profiles as a mature stock while LAZ is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

LAZ carries more volatility with a beta of 1.41 — expect wider price swings.

LAZ is growing revenue faster at 15.4% — sustainability is the question.

LAZ generates stronger free cash flow (-221M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

GS scores higher overall (73/100 vs 70/100), 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.

Lazard Ltd

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA

Lazard Ltd, is a financial advisory and asset management firm in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Central and South America. The company is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda.

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