WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Arch Capital Group Ltd. generates 3467% more annual revenue ($19.78B vs $554.52M). HTGC leads profitability with a 59.9% profit margin vs 24.6%. HTGC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.53. ACGL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 79/100 (B+).

ACGL

Strong Buy

79

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 7.0Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.48

HTGC

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.0Value: 7.7Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.98

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ACGL6 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
7.0x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.3x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
94.6%10/10

Earnings expanding 94.6% YoY

Return on EquityProfitability
20.1%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 20 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
24.6%9/10

Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.119/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

HTGC6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
8.7x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.3x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
59.9%10/10

Keeps 60 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
84.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 84.0%

PEG RatioValuation
0.538/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Revenue GrowthGrowth
18.4%8/10

18.4% revenue growth

Areas to Watch

ACGL2 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
-3.3%2/10

Revenue declined 3.3%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.482/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

HTGC4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.153/10

Elevated debt levels

EPS GrowthGrowth
-20.8%2/10

Earnings declined 20.8%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-230.65M2/10

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, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.6% and operating margin at 25.3%. 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 59.9% and operating margin at 84.0%. Revenue growth of 18.4% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ACGL

The primary concerns for ACGL are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : HTGC

The primary concerns for HTGC are Debt/Equity, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ACGL profiles as a declining stock while HTGC is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

HTGC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.74 — expect wider price swings.

HTGC is growing revenue faster at 18.4% — sustainability is the question.

ACGL generates stronger free cash flow (1.2B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

ACGL scores higher overall (79/100 vs 68/100), backed by strong 24.6% margins. 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.

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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