WallStSmart

Arch Capital Group Ltd (ACGL)vsHercules Capital Inc (HTGC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Arch Capital Group Ltd generates 3643% more annual revenue ($19.93B vs $532.49M). HTGC leads profitability with a 63.8% profit margin vs 22.1%. HTGC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.53. ACGL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 81/100 (A-).

ACGL

Exceptional Buy

81

out of 100

Grade: A-

Growth: 8.7Profit: 8.0Value: 7.0Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 5/9

HTGC

Strong Buy

78

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.7Profit: 8.5Value: 7.7Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.98

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ACGL6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
8.4x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
22.1%9/10

Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.119/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Operating MarginProfitability
29.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 29.5%

EPS GrowthGrowth
38.8%8/10

Earnings expanding 38.8% YoY

HTGC6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
8.5x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.3x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
63.8%10/10

Keeps 64 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
83.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 83.8%

PEG RatioValuation
0.538/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

EPS GrowthGrowth
31.4%8/10

Earnings expanding 31.4% YoY

Areas to Watch

ACGL0 concerns · Avg: 0/10

No major concerns identified

HTGC3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.043/10

Elevated debt levels

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-55.64M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.982/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ACGL

The strongest argument for ACGL centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 22.1% and operating margin at 29.5%. PEG of 1.06 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : HTGC

The strongest argument for HTGC centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 63.8% and operating margin at 83.8%. Revenue growth of 12.8% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ACGL

No major red flags identified for ACGL, but monitor valuation.

Bear Case : HTGC

The primary concerns for HTGC are Debt/Equity, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

HTGC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.78 — expect wider price swings.

HTGC is growing revenue faster at 12.8% — sustainability is the question.

ACGL generates stronger free cash flow (1.4B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor INSURANCE - DIVERSIFIED industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

ACGL scores higher overall (81/100 vs 78/100), backed by strong 22.1% margins. Both earn "Exceptional 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.

Arch Capital Group Ltd

FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - DIVERSIFIED · USA

Arch Capital Group Ltd., offers insurance, reinsurance and mortgage products worldwide. The company is headquartered in Pembroke, Bermuda.

Hercules Capital Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Hercules Capital Inc. (HTGC) is a prominent publicly traded business development company that specializes in offering customized debt and equity financing solutions primarily to venture growth-stage companies across sectors such as technology and life sciences. With a strong focus on innovation and rapid expansion, Hercules employs its extensive industry expertise to strategically invest in high-growth firms, thereby fostering scalability while maintaining a diversified portfolio that emphasizes credit quality and risk-adjusted returns. As a pivotal partner for entrepreneurial ventures, Hercules Capital is committed to driving sustainable value, making it an appealing investment opportunity for institutional investors seeking exposure to dynamic sectors.

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