WallStSmart

Apollo Global Management LLC Class A (APO)vsStellus Capital Investment (SCM)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Apollo Global Management LLC Class A generates 31038% more annual revenue ($31.29B vs $100.48M). SCM leads profitability with a 23.6% profit margin vs 3.7%. SCM trades at a lower P/E of 8.5x. SCM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 47/100 (D+).

APO

Hold

46

out of 100

Grade: D+

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

SCM

Hold

47

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.0Value: 6.7Quality: 3.3
Piotroski: 1/9

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

SCM4 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
8.5x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
0.7x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
71.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 71.7%

Profit MarginProfitability
23.6%9/10

Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit

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%

SCM4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Market CapQuality
$205.24M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
0.0%3/10

ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency

Debt/EquityHealth
1.703/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

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 : SCM

The strongest argument for SCM centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 23.6% and operating margin at 71.7%.

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 : SCM

The primary concerns for SCM are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.70 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

APO profiles as a value stock while SCM is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.

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

SCM is growing revenue faster at -6.6% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

SCM scores higher overall (47/100 vs 46/100), backed by strong 23.6% margins. 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 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.

Stellus Capital Investment

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Stellus Capital Investment Corporation (SCM) is a distinguished business development company committed to delivering tailored debt and equity financing solutions to private middle-market enterprises. With a strong emphasis on risk-adjusted returns and capital preservation, Stellus employs a disciplined investment management strategy that emphasizes a diversified portfolio, including senior secured loans, subordinated debt, and equity investments across multiple sectors. This approach allows the company to effectively adapt to changing market dynamics while generating consistent income. For institutional investors, Stellus offers a compelling opportunity to gain exposure to resilient investment options in a competitive landscape.

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