WallStSmart

Apollo Global Management LLC Class A (APO)vsCion Investment Corp (CION)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Apollo Global Management LLC Class A generates 13254% more annual revenue ($31.29B vs $234.28M). APO leads profitability with a 3.7% profit margin vs -0.4%. CION earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 49/100 (D+).

APO

Hold

46

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 5.0Value: 5.0Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 0.03

CION

Hold

49

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 5.0Value: 5.0Quality: 6.3
Piotroski: 5/9

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

APO3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$74.23B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

PEG RatioValuation
0.688/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.62B8/10

Generating 1.6B in free cash flow

CION3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Price/BookValuation
0.5x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
75.4%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 75.4%

EPS GrowthGrowth
24.3%8/10

Earnings expanding 24.3% YoY

Areas to Watch

APO4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
3.7%3/10

3.7% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

P/E RatioValuation
81.5x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-9.2%2/10

Revenue declined 9.2%

CION4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Market CapQuality
$339.81M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Debt/EquityHealth
1.763/10

Elevated debt levels

Return on EquityProfitability
-0.1%2/10

ROE of -0.1% — below average capital efficiency

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-11.7%2/10

Revenue declined 11.7%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : APO

The strongest argument for APO centers on Market Cap, PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 0.68 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : CION

The strongest argument for CION centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, EPS Growth.

Bear Case : APO

The primary concerns for APO are Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 81.5x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : CION

The primary concerns for CION are Market Cap, Debt/Equity, Return on Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.76 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

APO profiles as a value stock while CION is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.

APO carries more volatility with a beta of 1.52 — expect wider price swings.

APO is growing revenue faster at -9.2% — sustainability is the question.

APO generates stronger free cash flow (1.6B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CION scores higher overall (49/100 vs 46/100). Both earn "Hold" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Apollo Global Management LLC Class A

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Apollo Global Management LLC Class A (APO) is a premier global alternative investment firm with expertise in private equity, credit, and real estate, targeting diverse sectors including healthcare, financial services, and technology. The firm employs a rigorous investment strategy, utilizing its extensive industry knowledge and operational acumen to optimize portfolio performance and promote sustainable growth. With a strong commitment to identifying high-potential investment opportunities in both developed and emerging markets, Apollo strives to deliver attractive risk-adjusted returns, underpinned by substantial capital resources and innovative investment methodologies.

Cion Investment Corp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Cion Investment Corp (CION) is a specialized asset management firm that focuses on private debt investments in the middle market, leveraging its extensive expertise and industry relationships to source high-potential opportunities. Known for its innovative financing solutions, CION prioritizes capital preservation while delivering strong risk-adjusted returns, making it a competitive player in the private equity landscape. The firm’s disciplined investment strategy positions it as an attractive option for institutional investors seeking strategic exposure to growth-oriented businesses in the dynamic middle market sector.

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