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
$78.47B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

PEG RatioValuation
0.728/10

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
8.7x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.3x10/10

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
85.6x2/10

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 0.72 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 85.6x 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 1.49 — 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 leading global alternative investment firm specializing in private equity, credit, and real estate across diverse sectors such as healthcare, financial services, and technology. The firm leverages its deep industry expertise and operational insights to implement a disciplined investment strategy aimed at maximizing portfolio performance and ensuring sustainable growth. With a focus on identifying high-potential opportunities in both developed and emerging markets, Apollo is dedicated to delivering attractive risk-adjusted returns through its substantial capital base and innovative investment approaches.

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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