WallStSmart

Apollo Global Management LLC Class A (APO)vsHercules Capital, Inc. (HTGC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Apollo Global Management LLC Class A generates 5542% more annual revenue ($31.29B vs $554.52M). HTGC leads profitability with a 59.9% profit margin vs 3.7%. HTGC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.53. HTGC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).

APO

Hold

46

out of 100

Grade: D+

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

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

APO3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$76.79B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

PEG RatioValuation
0.578/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.62B8/10

Generating 1.6B in free cash flow

HTGC6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
8.1x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

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

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
81.2x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-9.2%2/10

Revenue declined 9.2%

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 : APO

The strongest argument for APO centers on Market Cap, PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 0.57 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 : APO

The primary concerns for APO are Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 81.2x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : HTGC

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

APO profiles as a value stock while HTGC is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

APO carries more volatility with a beta of 1.51 — expect wider price swings.

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

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

Bottom Line

HTGC scores higher overall (68/100 vs 46/100), backed by strong 59.9% margins and 18.4% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" 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 prominent global alternative investment firm that specializes in private equity, credit, and real estate investments across various sectors, including healthcare, financial services, and technology. With a rigorous, research-driven investment strategy and significant industry expertise, Apollo identifies and capitalizes on high-potential opportunities in both developed and emerging markets. The firm is dedicated to maximizing portfolio performance and driving sustainable growth, seeking to deliver attractive risk-adjusted returns for its investors. With a strong capital base and a proven track record, Apollo Global Management stands as a leader in the alternative investment landscape.

Hercules Capital, Inc.

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Hercules Capital, Inc. (HTGC) is a leading publicly traded business development company that specializes in providing tailored debt and equity financing solutions to growth-oriented companies, primarily in the technology and life sciences sectors. Leveraging its deep industry knowledge and expertise, Hercules focuses on investing in high-growth firms, facilitating their scalability while ensuring a diversified portfolio that prioritizes credit quality and risk-adjusted returns. As a strategic partner for innovative ventures, Hercules Capital is dedicated to fostering sustainable value, making it an attractive investment opportunity for institutional investors seeking exposure to dynamic and emerging markets.

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