Goldman Sachs Group Inc (GS)vsLPL Financial Holdings Inc (LPLA)
GS
Goldman Sachs Group Inc
$841.84
+0.73%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $250.66B
LPLA
LPL Financial Holdings Inc
$300.68
+0.17%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $24.04B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Goldman Sachs Group Inc generates 258% more annual revenue ($59.40B vs $16.59B). GS leads profitability with a 28.9% profit margin vs 5.2%. LPLA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.40. GS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).
GS
Strong Buy73
out of 100
Grade: B
LPLA
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+52.4%
Fair Value
$1768.48
Current Price
$841.84
$926.64 discount
Margin of Safety
-119.2%
Fair Value
$154.49
Current Price
$300.68
$146.19 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 38.3%
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
15.2% revenue growth
Growing faster than its price suggests
Revenue surging 41.8% year-over-year
Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit
Areas to Watch
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Moderate valuation
4.6% earnings growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
5.2% margin — thin
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : GS
The strongest argument for GS centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.9% and operating margin at 38.3%. Revenue growth of 15.2% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : LPLA
The strongest argument for LPLA centers on PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Return on Equity. Revenue growth of 41.8% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.40 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : GS
The primary concerns for GS are Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : LPLA
The primary concerns for LPLA are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score.
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 1.34 — expect wider price swings.
LPLA is growing revenue faster at 41.8% — sustainability is the question.
LPLA generates stronger free cash flow (490M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
GS scores higher overall (73/100 vs 68/100), backed by strong 28.9% margins and 15.2% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong 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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