WallStSmart

American International Group Inc (AIG)vsHercules Capital Inc (HTGC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American International Group Inc generates 4897% more annual revenue ($26.61B vs $532.49M). HTGC leads profitability with a 63.8% profit margin vs 11.6%. HTGC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.53. HTGC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 78/100 (B+).

AIG

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 2.0Profit: 5.0Value: 7.0Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.88

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

AIG4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Price/BookValuation
1.0x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Debt/EquityHealth
0.229/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

PEG RatioValuation
0.868/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
13.7x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

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

AIG4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Return on EquityProfitability
7.4%3/10

ROE of 7.4% — below average capital efficiency

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-7.2%2/10

Revenue declined 7.2%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-5.6%2/10

Earnings declined 5.6%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.882/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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 : AIG

The strongest argument for AIG centers on Price/Book, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.86 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 : AIG

The primary concerns for AIG are Return on Equity, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.

Bear Case : HTGC

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AIG profiles as a declining stock while HTGC is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

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.

AIG generates stronger free cash flow (636M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

HTGC scores higher overall (78/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 63.8% margins and 12.8% revenue growth. 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.

American International Group Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - DIVERSIFIED · USA

American International Group, Inc., also known as AIG, is an American multinational finance and insurance corporation with operations in more than 80 countries and jurisdictions. The company operates through three core businesses: General Insurance, Life & Retirement, and a standalone technology-enabled subsidiary.

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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