MetaCap

Carlyle Group (CG) vs StepStone Group (STEP)

Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.

Summary

StepStone Group (STEP) has outperformed Carlyle Group (CG) over the past year, losing 31.7% versus a loss of 38.6%. Over five years, STEP leads with a +2.6% price change compared with -26.5% for CG. Carlyle Group is the larger company by market cap ($13.47 billion vs $5.70 billion), about 2.4 times the size, while StepStone Group is growing revenue faster (+69.7% vs -11.9%).

On valuation, Carlyle Group trades at a lower forward P/E (7.4x vs 13.0x for StepStone Group). Carlyle Group offers the higher dividend yield (3.70% vs 2.54%). Carlyle Group converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 16.9% versus -26.9%.

Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology

Relative performance

CG-38.65%STEP-31.65%
+21%-10%-42%
Oct 7, 20251 yearOct 7, 2026
CG-23.51%STEP+7.55%
+92%+19%-55%
Oct 4, 20215 yearsOct 5, 2026

Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.

Head-to-head

CG versus STEP key metrics
MetricCGSTEP
Share price$37.80$44.18
Market cap$13.47B$5.70B
1-day change-2.78%-2.17%
YTD return-36.05%-31.15%
1-year return-38.65%-31.65%
5-year return-26.53%+2.62%
P/E ratio (TTM)38.97—
Forward P/E7.4412.96
EPS (TTM)$0.97$-7.68
Dividend yield3.70%2.54%
Annual dividend$1.40$1.12
Revenue (latest FY)$4.78B$1.99B
Revenue growth (YoY)-11.91%+69.69%
Net income (latest FY)$808.70M$-535.81M
Net margin16.92%-26.88%
52-week high$67.30$77.80
52-week low$37.50$38.85
Distance from 52-week high-43.83%-43.21%
Analyst consensusbuystrong_buy
Avg. price target upside+45.21%+53.01%
Average volume3.51M1.19M
Shares outstanding356.33M82.29M
Employees2,5001,355
SectorFinanceFinance
IndustryInvestment ManagersInvestment Managers

Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.

Key differences

  • Carlyle Group is about 2.4 times larger than StepStone Group by market value ($13.47B vs $5.70B).
  • Carlyle Group offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (3.70% vs 2.54%).
  • Carlyle Group is more profitable, keeping 16.9 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus -26.9 cents for StepStone Group.
  • StepStone Group grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+69.69% vs -11.91%).

About Carlyle Group

CG stock →

The Carlyle Group Inc. is an investment firm specializing in direct and fund of fund investments.

Finance · Investment Managers · 2,500 employees

About StepStone Group

STEP stock →

StepStone Group Inc. is a private equity and venture capital firm specializing in primary, direct, fund of funds, secondary direct, and secondary indirect investments.

Finance · Investment Managers · 1,355 employees

CG vs STEP FAQ

Which is bigger, Carlyle Group or StepStone Group?

Carlyle Group (CG) is larger, with a market capitalization of $13.47B compared with $5.70B for StepStone Group (STEP).

Which stock has performed better over the past year, CG or STEP?

STEP returned -31.65% over the past 12 months, compared with -38.65% for CG (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.

Which pays a higher dividend, Carlyle Group or StepStone Group?

Carlyle Group has the higher yield at 3.70%, compared with 2.54% for StepStone Group.

Are Carlyle Group and StepStone Group in the same industry?

Yes. Both are classified in the Investment Managers industry within the Finance sector.

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