WallStSmart

Arch Capital Group Ltd. (ACGL)vsLazard Ltd (LAZ)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Arch Capital Group Ltd. generates 501% more annual revenue ($19.23B vs $3.20B). ACGL leads profitability with a 24.4% profit margin vs 7.1%. LAZ appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.00. ACGL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (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

LAZ

Buy

53

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 3.3Profit: 6.0Value: 6.3Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.05

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

LAZ2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
31.5%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 31 in profit

PEG RatioValuation
1.008/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

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

LAZ4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
0.1%4/10

0.1% revenue growth

Profit MarginProfitability
7.1%3/10

7.1% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
4.8%3/10

Operating margin of 4.8%

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

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 : LAZ

The strongest argument for LAZ centers on Return on Equity, PEG Ratio. PEG of 1.00 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : ACGL

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

Bear Case : LAZ

The primary concerns for LAZ are Revenue Growth, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Debt-to-equity of 2.35 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ACGL profiles as a declining stock while LAZ is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

LAZ carries more volatility with a beta of 1.42 — expect wider price swings.

LAZ is growing revenue faster at 0.1% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

ACGL scores higher overall (67/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 24.4% margins. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "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.

Lazard Ltd

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA

Lazard Ltd, is a financial advisory and asset management firm in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Central and South America. The company is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda.

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