WallStSmart

Arch Capital Group Ltd. (ACGL)vsInvestar Holding Corp (ISTR)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Arch Capital Group Ltd. generates 15720% more annual revenue ($19.23B vs $121.57M). ISTR leads profitability with a 27.7% profit margin vs 24.4%. ACGL trades at a lower P/E of 7.7x. ISTR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B).

ACGL

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 8.0Value: 7.0Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.48

ISTR

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.5Value: 6.0Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: -0.15

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ACGL6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
7.7x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
24.4%9/10

Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.189/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Operating MarginProfitability
26.6%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 26.6%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.31B8/10

Generating 1.3B in free cash flow

ISTR6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Price/BookValuation
1.1x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
39.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 39.1%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
66.2%10/10

Revenue surging 66.2% year-over-year

Profit MarginProfitability
27.7%9/10

Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
12.3x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

EPS GrowthGrowth
33.5%8/10

Earnings expanding 33.5% YoY

Areas to Watch

ACGL3 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
-10.5%2/10

Revenue declined 10.5%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-7.1%2/10

Earnings declined 7.1%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.482/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

ISTR2 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Market CapQuality
$418.82M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.152/10

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 24.4% and operating margin at 26.6%. PEG of 1.06 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : ISTR

The strongest argument for ISTR centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.7% and operating margin at 39.1%. Revenue growth of 66.2% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ACGL

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

Bear Case : ISTR

The primary concerns for ISTR are Market Cap, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

ISTR carries more volatility with a beta of 0.46 — expect wider price swings.

ISTR is growing revenue faster at 66.2% — sustainability is the question.

ACGL generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

ISTR scores higher overall (70/100 vs 67/100), backed by strong 27.7% margins and 66.2% revenue growth. 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.

Investar Holding Corp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

Investar Holding Corporation is the banking holding company of Investar Bank offering a range of commercial banking products to individuals and small and medium-sized businesses in southern Louisiana. The company is headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

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