WallStSmart

Goldman Sachs Group Inc (GS)vsSterling Construction Company Inc (STRL)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Goldman Sachs Group Inc generates 2033% more annual revenue ($61.53B vs $2.88B). GS leads profitability with a 29.4% profit margin vs 12.0%. STRL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.47. GS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).

GS

Strong Buy

73

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.5Value: 5.0Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.14

STRL

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 9.3Profit: 8.0Value: 4.3Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.39

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

GS5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$317.48B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Operating MarginProfitability
38.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 38.6%

Profit MarginProfitability
29.4%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Price/BookValuation
2.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
24.2%8/10

Earnings expanding 24.2% YoY

STRL4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
91.6%10/10

Revenue surging 91.6% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
141.4%10/10

Earnings expanding 141.4% YoY

Return on EquityProfitability
29.1%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.299/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Areas to Watch

GS4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.644/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-32.43B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.142/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
6.101/10

Elevated debt levels

STRL2 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
76.9x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
24.4x2/10

Trading at 24.4x book value

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 29.4% and operating margin at 38.6%. Revenue growth of 14.5% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : STRL

The strongest argument for STRL centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Return on Equity. Revenue growth of 91.6% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.47 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : GS

The primary concerns for GS are PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 6.10 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : STRL

The primary concerns for STRL are P/E Ratio, Price/Book. A P/E of 76.9x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

GS profiles as a mature stock while STRL is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

STRL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.82 — expect wider price swings.

STRL is growing revenue faster at 91.6% — sustainability is the question.

STRL generates stronger free cash flow (146M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

GS scores higher overall (73/100 vs 69/100), backed by strong 29.4% margins and 14.5% 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.

Sterling Construction Company Inc

INDUSTRIALS · ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION · USA

Sterling Construction Company, Inc., a construction company, engages in residential construction, specialty services, and heavy civil activities primarily in the southern United States, the Rocky Mountain states, California, and Hawaii. The company is headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas.

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