WallStSmart

Goldman Sachs Group Inc (GS)vs3M Company (MMM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Goldman Sachs Group Inc generates 138% more annual revenue ($59.40B vs $24.95B). GS leads profitability with a 28.9% profit margin vs 13.0%. MMM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.43. GS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).

GS

Strong Buy

73

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.5Value: 10.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 5/9

MMM

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 2.7Profit: 7.0Value: 7.3Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.82
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

GSUndervalued (+52.4%)

Margin of Safety

+52.4%

Fair Value

$1768.48

Current Price

$841.84

$926.64 discount

UndervaluedFair: $1768.48Overvalued
MMMSignificantly Overvalued (-323.6%)

Margin of Safety

-323.6%

Fair Value

$40.80

Current Price

$148.05

$107.25 premium

UndervaluedFair: $40.80Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

GS6 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$250.66B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Operating MarginProfitability
38.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 38.3%

Profit MarginProfitability
28.9%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
16.3x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.4x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.2%8/10

15.2% revenue growth

MMM3 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
75.5%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 76 in profit

Market CapQuality
$77.25B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.33B8/10

Generating 1.3B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

GS1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Free Cash FlowQuality
$-16.81B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

MMM4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Price/BookValuation
16.7x4/10

Trading at 16.7x book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.0%4/10

2.0% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
-19.9%2/10

Earnings declined 19.9%

Debt/EquityHealth
2.751/10

Elevated debt levels

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : MMM

The strongest argument for MMM centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 1.43 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : GS

The primary concerns for GS are Free Cash Flow.

Bear Case : MMM

The primary concerns for MMM are Price/Book, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Debt-to-equity of 2.75 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

GS profiles as a growth stock while MMM is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

GS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.34 — expect wider price swings.

GS is growing revenue faster at 15.2% — sustainability is the question.

MMM generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

GS scores higher overall (73/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 28.9% margins and 15.2% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "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.

3M Company

INDUSTRIALS · CONGLOMERATES · USA

The 3M Company is an American multinational conglomerate corporation operating in the fields of industry, worker safety, US health care, and consumer goods. The company produces over 60,000 products under several brands, including adhesives, abrasives, laminates, passive fire protection, personal protective equipment, window films, paint protection films, dental and orthodontic products, electrical and electronic connecting and insulating materials, medical products, car-care products, electronic circuits, healthcare software and optical films. It is based in Maplewood, a suburb of Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?