WallStSmart

BlackRock Inc (BLK)vsStepstone Group Inc (STEP)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

BlackRock Inc generates 1186% more annual revenue ($25.64B vs $1.99B). BLK leads profitability with a 24.4% profit margin vs -26.9%. BLK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 78/100 (B+).

BLK

Strong Buy

78

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.5Value: 5.7Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 1.13

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

BLK6 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Operating MarginProfitability
35.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 35.6%

Market CapQuality
$158.18B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
24.4%9/10

Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.269/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Price/BookValuation
2.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
27.0%8/10

Revenue surging 27.0% year-over-year

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

BLK4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
25.6x4/10

Moderate valuation

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-1.19B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.132/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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 : BLK

The strongest argument for BLK centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.4% and operating margin at 35.6%. Revenue growth of 27.0% 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 : BLK

The primary concerns for BLK are P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow.

Bear Case : STEP

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

BLK profiles as a growth stock while STEP is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.

BLK carries more volatility with a beta of 1.46 — 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

BLK scores higher overall (78/100 vs 33/100), backed by strong 24.4% margins and 27.0% 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.

BlackRock Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

BlackRock, Inc. is an American multinational investment management corporation based in New York City.

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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