WallStSmart

Goldman Sachs Group Inc (GS)vsStifel Financial Corporation (SF)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Goldman Sachs Group Inc generates 985% more annual revenue ($61.53B vs $5.67B). GS leads profitability with a 29.4% profit margin vs 15.6%. SF appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.95. SF earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 81/100 (A-).

GS

Strong Buy

73

out of 100

Grade: B

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

SF

Exceptional Buy

81

out of 100

Grade: A-

Growth: 8.0Profit: 6.5Value: 7.0Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 0.55

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

SF5 strengths · Avg: 8.4/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
469.2%10/10

Earnings expanding 469.2% YoY

PEG RatioValuation
0.958/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
14.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
21.6%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 21.6%

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

SF2 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Free Cash FlowQuality
$-390.42M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.552/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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 : SF

The strongest argument for SF centers on EPS Growth, PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.6% and operating margin at 21.6%. Revenue growth of 14.3% demonstrates continued momentum.

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 : SF

The primary concerns for SF are Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

GS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.27 — expect wider price swings.

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

SF generates stronger free cash flow (-390M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

SF scores higher overall (81/100 vs 73/100), backed by strong 15.6% margins and 14.3% 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.

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.

Stifel Financial Corporation

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA

Stifel Financial Corp. The company is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?