WallStSmart

Berkshire Hathaway Inc (BRK-A)vsStepstone Group Inc (STEP)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Berkshire Hathaway Inc generates 19056% more annual revenue ($384.69B vs $2.01B). BRK-A leads profitability with a 22.3% profit margin vs -30.5%. BRK-A earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).

BRK-A

Strong Buy

74

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.5Value: 5.0Quality: 8.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.59

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

BRK-A6 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Market CapQuality
$1.09T10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Price/BookValuation
1.5x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
32.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 32.6%

EPS GrowthGrowth
107.8%10/10

Earnings expanding 107.8% YoY

Profit MarginProfitability
22.3%9/10

Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.179/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

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

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Areas to Watch

BRK-A1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
9.682/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

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 : BRK-A

The strongest argument for BRK-A centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 22.3% and operating margin at 32.6%.

Bull Case : STEP

The strongest argument for STEP centers on Debt/Equity.

Bear Case : BRK-A

The primary concerns for BRK-A are PEG Ratio.

Bear Case : STEP

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

BRK-A 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.

BRK-A is growing revenue faster at 10.0% — sustainability is the question.

BRK-A generates stronger free cash flow (5.6B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

BRK-A scores higher overall (74/100 vs 25/100), backed by strong 22.3% margins. 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.

Berkshire Hathaway Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - DIVERSIFIED · USA

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is an American multinational conglomerate holding company headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, United States. The company wholly owns GEICO, Duracell, Dairy Queen, BNSF, Lubrizol, Fruit of the Loom, Helzberg Diamonds, Long & Foster, FlightSafety International, Pampered Chef, Forest River, and NetJets, and also owns 38.6% of Pilot Flying J; and significant minority holdings in public companies Kraft Heinz Company (26.7%), American Express (18.8%), The Coca-Cola Company (9.32%), Bank of America (11.9%), and Apple (6.3%).

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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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