WallStSmart

Lazard Ltd (LAZ)vsRoyal Bank of Canada (RY)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Royal Bank of Canada generates 1999% more annual revenue ($67.15B vs $3.20B). RY leads profitability with a 33.9% profit margin vs 7.1%. LAZ appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.00. RY earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).

LAZ

Buy

53

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 3.3Profit: 6.0Value: 6.3Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.05

RY

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 5.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: -0.50

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

LAZ2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
31.5%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 31 in profit

PEG RatioValuation
1.008/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

RY4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Market CapQuality
$291.55B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Profit MarginProfitability
33.9%10/10

Keeps 34 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
46.4%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 46.4%

Price/BookValuation
2.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

LAZ4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
0.1%4/10

0.1% revenue growth

Profit MarginProfitability
7.1%3/10

7.1% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
4.8%3/10

Operating margin of 4.8%

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

RY4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.354/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-28.67B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.502/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
2.881/10

Elevated debt levels

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : LAZ

The strongest argument for LAZ centers on Return on Equity, PEG Ratio. PEG of 1.00 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : RY

The strongest argument for RY centers on Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 33.9% and operating margin at 46.4%.

Bear Case : LAZ

The primary concerns for LAZ are Revenue Growth, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Debt-to-equity of 2.35 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : RY

The primary concerns for RY are PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.88 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

LAZ profiles as a value stock while RY is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

LAZ carries more volatility with a beta of 1.42 — expect wider price swings.

RY is growing revenue faster at 8.9% — sustainability is the question.

LAZ generates stronger free cash flow (201M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

RY scores higher overall (63/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 33.9% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "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.

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.

Royal Bank of Canada

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - DIVERSIFIED · USA

Royal Bank of Canada is a globally diversified financial services company. The company is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

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