The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (GS) vs Block, Inc. (SQ)

GS leads on 9 of 12 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. and Block, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 2, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — GS vs SQ

growth of $100 · last 9y
GS +228.9%SQ +578.4%SQ compounded faster
05001k2k2kStart $10020172019202120232025$329$678
GS SQ

GS vs SQ: by the numbers

  • GS is the larger company ($301.20B vs $51.73B market cap).
  • GS trades at the lower earnings multiple (18.62 vs 49.81 P/E).
  • GS is profitable (16.31% net margin) while SQ runs a net loss (-2.04%).
  • SQ grew revenue faster over the past five years (13.19% vs 12.83% CAGR).
  • GS pays a dividend (1.77% yield) while SQ does not currently pay one.

Which is better, GS or SQ?

Metric tally: GS 9 · SQ 3

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueGS(lower P/E)
GrowthSQ(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityGS(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricGSSQ
P/E ratio18.6249.81
Forward P/E17.03
P/S ratio2.832.35
P/B ratio2.562.82
PEG ratio0.652.00
EV / EBITDA38.29
FCF yield1.28%

Profitability

MetricGSSQ
Gross margin47.48%44.85%
Operating margin20.48%4.93%
Net margin16.31%-2.04%
ROE14.72%-2.30%
ROIC1.92%-12.82%

Dividends

MetricGSSQ
Dividend yield1.77%
Payout ratio34.65%

Growth (annualized)

MetricGSSQ
Revenue CAGR (5Y)12.83%13.19%
EPS CAGR (5Y)15.75%34.72%
FCF CAGR (5Y)64.00%
Total return CAGR (5Y)25.24%4.50%

Frequently asked

Which is better, GS or SQ?
It depends on your goal. value: GS (lower P/E); growth: SQ (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: GS (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, GS leads 9 to 3.
Is GS or SQ cheaper?
On trailing earnings, GS is cheaper: GS trades at a 18.62 P/E and SQ at 49.81.
Which has grown faster, GS or SQ?
Over the past five years, SQ grew revenue faster — GS at a 12.83% CAGR versus SQ at 13.19%.
Does GS or SQ pay a bigger dividend?
GS pays a dividend (1.77% yield) while SQ does not currently pay one.
Is GS or SQ more profitable?
GS runs the higher net margin — GS at 16.31% versus SQ at -2.04%.
Which has been the better investment, GS or SQ?
Over the past 5-year, GS delivered the higher annualized total return — GS at 23.80% versus SQ at 4.50%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified July 2, 2026.