Goldman Sachs Group Inc (GS)vsLPL Financial Holdings Inc (LPLA)
GS
Goldman Sachs Group Inc
$1,039.61
+0.68%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $312.82B
LPLA
LPL Financial Holdings Inc
$362.63
+1.00%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $28.29B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Goldman Sachs Group Inc generates 252% more annual revenue ($67.57B vs $19.20B). GS leads profitability with a 31.0% profit margin vs 5.2%. LPLA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.53. GS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 83/100 (A-).
GS
Exceptional Buy83
out of 100
Grade: A-
LPLA
Strong Buy74
out of 100
Grade: B
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Keeps 31 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 42.2%
Revenue surging 42.5% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 92.3% YoY
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Revenue surging 36.4% year-over-year
Growing faster than its price suggests
Earnings expanding 39.4% YoY
Areas to Watch
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Moderate valuation
5.2% margin — thin
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : GS
The strongest argument for GS centers on Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 31.0% and operating margin at 42.2%. Revenue growth of 42.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : LPLA
The strongest argument for LPLA centers on Revenue Growth, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 36.4% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.53 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : GS
The primary concerns for GS are Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 6.47 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : LPLA
The primary concerns for LPLA are P/E Ratio, Profit Margin, Debt/Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
GS profiles as a growth stock while LPLA is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.
GS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.29 — expect wider price swings.
GS is growing revenue faster at 42.5% — sustainability is the question.
LPLA generates stronger free cash flow (135M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
GS scores higher overall (83/100 vs 74/100), backed by strong 31.0% margins and 42.5% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional Buy" and "Strong Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Goldman Sachs Group Inc
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., is an American multinational investment bank and financial services company headquartered in New York City. It offers services in investment management, securities, asset management, prime brokerage, and securities underwriting. It also provides investment banking to institutional investors.
LPL Financial Holdings Inc
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA
LPL Financial Holdings Inc., provides an integrated platform of brokerage and investment advisory services to independent financial advisers and financial advisers at financial institutions in the United States. The company is headquartered in San Diego, California.
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