WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Royal Bank of Canada generates 3244% more annual revenue ($67.15B vs $2.01B). RY leads profitability with a 33.9% profit margin vs -30.5%. RY earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).

RY

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

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

STEP

Avoid

25

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 3.7Profit: 2.0Value: 5.0Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: -0.05

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

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

STEP1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Debt/EquityHealth
-2.9110/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Areas to Watch

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

STEP4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.0%4/10

4.0% revenue growth

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
$-458.06M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

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 33.9% and operating margin at 46.4%.

Bull Case : STEP

The strongest argument for STEP centers on Debt/Equity.

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.

Bear Case : STEP

The primary concerns for STEP are Revenue Growth, Return on Equity, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

RY profiles as a mature stock while STEP is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.

STEP carries more volatility with a beta of 1.28 — expect wider price swings.

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

STEP generates stronger free cash flow (-458M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

RY scores higher overall (63/100 vs 25/100), backed by strong 33.9% margins. Both earn "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 investment firm that specializes in private markets, delivering tailored investment solutions to institutional investors. The firm employs a strategic focus across various asset classes, including private equity, real estate, infrastructure, and private debt, leveraging its extensive network and deep sector expertise to uncover high-quality opportunities. With a commitment to disciplined asset allocation and rigorous due diligence, Stepstone combines the skills of a seasoned team with advanced technology, positioning itself to navigate the complexities of private markets and strive for sustainable, long-term value creation for clients.

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