WallStSmart

Royal Bank of Canada (RY)vsStepstone Group Inc (STEP)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Royal Bank of Canada generates 3196% more annual revenue ($65.72B vs $1.99B). RY leads profitability with a 33.7% profit margin vs -26.9%. RY earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B-).

RY

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 8.7Profit: 8.0Value: 4.3Quality: 5.0

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

RY6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Market CapQuality
$277.29B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Profit MarginProfitability
33.7%10/10

Keeps 34 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
45.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 45.3%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$37.30B10/10

Generating 37.3B in free cash flow

Price/BookValuation
2.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
16.1%8/10

16.1% revenue growth

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

RY1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.532/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

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 : RY

The strongest argument for RY centers on Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 33.7% and operating margin at 45.3%. Revenue growth of 16.1% 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 : RY

The primary concerns for RY are PEG Ratio.

Bear Case : STEP

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

RY profiles as a growth 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.

RY generates stronger free cash flow (37.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

RY scores higher overall (70/100 vs 33/100), backed by strong 33.7% margins and 16.1% 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.

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.

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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