WallStSmart

JPMorgan Chase & Co (JPM)vsStepstone Group Inc (STEP)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

JPMorgan Chase & Co generates 8606% more annual revenue ($173.56B vs $1.99B). JPM leads profitability with a 33.9% profit margin vs -26.9%. JPM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).

JPM

Strong Buy

73

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.0Profit: 8.0Value: 5.7Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.55

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

JPM5 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Market CapQuality
$806.43B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Profit MarginProfitability
33.9%10/10

Keeps 34 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
43.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 43.7%

P/E RatioValuation
14.4x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.4x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

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

JPM4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.574/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-211.76B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.552/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
3.391/10

Elevated debt levels

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 : JPM

The strongest argument for JPM centers on Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 33.9% and operating margin at 43.7%. Revenue growth of 12.7% 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 : JPM

The primary concerns for JPM are PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 3.39 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : STEP

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

JPM profiles as a mature 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.

STEP generates stronger free cash flow (-24M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

JPM scores higher overall (73/100 vs 33/100), backed by strong 33.9% margins and 12.7% 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.

JPMorgan Chase & Co

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - DIVERSIFIED · USA

JPMorgan Chase & Co. is an American multinational investment bank and financial services holding company headquartered in New York City. JPMorgan Chase is incorporated in Delaware. As a Bulge Bracket bank, it is a major provider of various investment banking and financial services. It is one of America's Big Four banks, along with Bank of America, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo. JPMorgan Chase is considered to be a universal bank and a custodian bank. The J.P. Morgan brand is used by the investment banking, asset management, private banking, private wealth management, and treasury services divisions.

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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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