WallStSmart

Ares Capital Corporation (ARCC)vsBrookfield Corp (BN)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Brookfield Corp generates 2498% more annual revenue ($80.69B vs $3.11B). ARCC leads profitability with a 30.9% profit margin vs 1.8%. BN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.27. BN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).

ARCC

Buy

53

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.5Value: 5.0Quality: 3.8
Piotroski: 1/9

BN

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 5.5Value: 4.3Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.64

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ARCC4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Price/BookValuation
1.0x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
30.9%10/10

Keeps 31 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
75.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 75.6%

P/E RatioValuation
14.7x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

BN4 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$85.32B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
25.7%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 25.7%

EPS GrowthGrowth
40.3%8/10

Earnings expanding 40.3% YoY

Areas to Watch

ARCC4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
3.1%4/10

3.1% revenue growth

Return on EquityProfitability
6.9%3/10

ROE of 6.9% — below average capital efficiency

Debt/EquityHealth
1.143/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

BN4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
3.0%3/10

ROE of 3.0% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
1.8%3/10

1.8% margin — thin

P/E RatioValuation
70.8x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-1.78B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ARCC

The strongest argument for ARCC centers on Price/Book, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 30.9% and operating margin at 75.6%.

Bull Case : BN

The strongest argument for BN centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin. PEG of 1.27 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : ARCC

The primary concerns for ARCC are Revenue Growth, Return on Equity, Debt/Equity.

Bear Case : BN

The primary concerns for BN are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 70.8x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 5.69 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

BN carries more volatility with a beta of 1.82 — expect wider price swings.

BN is growing revenue faster at 8.5% — sustainability is the question.

ARCC generates stronger free cash flow (336M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor ASSET MANAGEMENT industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

BN scores higher overall (63/100 vs 53/100). Both earn "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.

Ares Capital Corporation

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Ares Capital Corporation (ARCC) is a prominent publicly traded business development company that focuses on delivering tailored financing solutions to middle-market firms across diverse sectors. The company employs a dual investment strategy that integrates both debt and equity investments, aiming to achieve strong risk-adjusted returns while prioritizing capital preservation. Backed by the extensive expertise of Ares Management Corporation, ARCC's disciplined credit analysis and diversified investment portfolio position it to capitalize on growth opportunities and enhance long-term shareholder value in the evolving private equity landscape.

Brookfield Corp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Brookfield Corporation is an alternative asset manager and REIT/Real Estate Investment Manager firm focuses on real estate, renewable power, infrastructure and venture capital and private equity assets. The company is headquartered in Toronto, Canada with additional offices across Northern America; South America; Europe; Middle East and Asia.

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