WallStSmart

Apollo Global Management LLC Class A (APO)vsStepstone Group Inc (STEP)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Apollo Global Management LLC Class A generates 1469% more annual revenue ($31.29B vs $1.99B). APO leads profitability with a 3.7% profit margin vs -26.9%. APO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 46/100 (D+).

APO

Hold

46

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 5.0Value: 5.0Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 0.03

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

APO3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$74.23B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

PEG RatioValuation
0.688/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.62B8/10

Generating 1.6B in free cash flow

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

APO4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
3.7%3/10

3.7% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

P/E RatioValuation
81.5x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-9.2%2/10

Revenue declined 9.2%

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 : APO

The strongest argument for APO centers on Market Cap, PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 0.68 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : STEP

The strongest argument for STEP centers on Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity. Revenue growth of 55.8% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : APO

The primary concerns for APO are Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 81.5x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : STEP

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

APO profiles as a value stock while STEP is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.

APO carries more volatility with a beta of 1.52 — expect wider price swings.

STEP is growing revenue faster at 55.8% — sustainability is the question.

APO generates stronger free cash flow (1.6B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

APO scores higher overall (46/100 vs 33/100). Both earn "Hold" 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.

Apollo Global Management LLC Class A

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Apollo Global Management LLC Class A (APO) is a premier global alternative investment firm with expertise in private equity, credit, and real estate, targeting diverse sectors including healthcare, financial services, and technology. The firm employs a rigorous investment strategy, utilizing its extensive industry knowledge and operational acumen to optimize portfolio performance and promote sustainable growth. With a strong commitment to identifying high-potential investment opportunities in both developed and emerging markets, Apollo strives to deliver attractive risk-adjusted returns, underpinned by substantial capital resources and innovative investment methodologies.

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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