StepStone Group (STEP)
NASDAQFinancialsAsset ManagementSnapshot 2026-09-04
$50.92+0.02%
Close 2026-09-04 · 1-day change
NASDAQFinancialsAsset ManagementSnapshot 2026-09-04
QuarterlyIQ Insights · STEP
How strong the business is — where it ranks within its sector on capital efficiency and cash generation, and how well management has been executing.
How this business ranks within financials on a research-validated quality screen. As of 2026-09-04.
The screen ranks STEP against its sector on four durable signals: share dilution, return on capital, free-cash-flow yield, and FCF margin. Historically the highest-quality names tended toward better typical outcomes and fewer bad years over multi-year holds (strongest at three years, modest at one), and that pattern showed up even before the price moved. It characterizes business quality, not price direction.
Each leg is a sector-relative percentile (higher is better); 3 of 4 legs were available for this name. The composite is built from these four; the raw value follows each percentile for context.
A forward quality tilt, not a price prediction, and context for your own research rather than a recommendation. Not investment advice.
How management runs the business: capital, margins, balance sheet, and how reliably they guide and deliver.
Each factor is a parallel diagnostic with a clear read of what it shows and how names like it have historically fared. Never aggregated into a single score.
Operating income rose in 1 of the last 3 quarter-over-quarter moves. Historically, Financials names rated weak grew net income 57% of the time over the next year (vs 60% for the rest of the cohort, n=7680).
Not investment advice. Scores describe historical and current data; they are not forecasts of future returns. Consult a licensed advisor before making investment decisions.
A guidance track record builds as the company issues and delivers on guidance.
Priorities management has stated in recent disclosures, with status and evidence drawn from earnings calls, filings, and press releases.
Continue expanding assets under management (AUM) and fee-earning assets to drive revenue growth and market presence.
Stated as a priority in 4 of last 4 quarters. Assets under management increased from $219.8 billion in 2026-Q2 to $245 billion in 2027-Q1, while fee-earning AUM grew from $138.6 billion to $153.6 billion over the same period. The trajectory shows consistent growth delivering on management's stated priority.
“StepStone was responsible for approximately $913 billion of total capital, including $245 billion of assets under management.”
“StepStone was responsible for approximately $885 billion of total capital, including $233 billion of assets under management.”
“StepStone was responsible for approximately $811 billion of total capital, including $220 billion of assets under management.”
“StepStone was responsible for approximately $811 billion of total capital, including $219.8 billion of assets under management.”
Manage capital allocation actively through equity sales and acquisitions to support growth and strategic positioning.
Stated as a priority in 3 of last 4 quarters. Management completed a significant acquisition transaction in 2026-Q4 and continues to emphasize capital allocation including equity sales and acquisitions. The activity and statements indicate ongoing execution consistent with the priority.
“Capital allocation including equity sales and acquisitions remains a focus.”
Focus on achieving adjusted net income and earnings per share targets to meet or exceed market expectations.
Stated as a priority in 4 of last 4 quarters. Adjusted net income per share guidance was approximately $0.65 for fiscal year 2026, but actual ANI per share declined from $0.65 in 2026-Q3 to $0.48 in 2027-Q1. This indicates limited progress in delivering earnings above expectations recently.
Over the trailing year it converted 2.54x of net income into operating cash flow.
Most sensitive to the broad stock market.
Not enough signal to read sensitivity to the US dollar, long-term interest rates, real (inflation-adjusted) rates, Fed net liquidity (low R² over the window).
9 material management or governance events in the past 24 months, led by capital-allocation actions. Historically, Financials names rated stable grew net income 56% of the time over the next year (vs 57% for the rest of the cohort, n=2725).
Not investment advice. As of 2026-09-04.
“Completed the third exchange as part of transactions to acquire equity interests.”
“Capital allocation including equity sales and acquisitions discussed.”
“Management reiterated focus on earnings performance and adjusted net income per share guidance.”
“Reported adjusted net income per share of $0.57 for fiscal year 2026.”
“Expected adjusted net income per share approximately $0.65 for fiscal year 2026.”
“Adjusted net income per share was $0.65 for fiscal year 2026 guidance.”