WallStSmart

Ares Capital Corporation (ARCC)vsBrookfield Corp (BN)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Brookfield Corp generates 2466% more annual revenue ($79.11B vs $3.08B). ARCC leads profitability with a 37.3% profit margin vs 1.7%. BN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.27. BN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).

ARCC

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 5.3Profit: 8.0Value: 5.7Quality: 3.8
Piotroski: 3/9

BN

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 5.5Value: 4.3Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.64

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ARCC4 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.8x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.0x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
37.3%10/10

Keeps 37 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
80.9%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 80.9%

BN4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
158.8%10/10

Earnings expanding 158.8% YoY

Market CapQuality
$101.83B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
2.3x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
28.9%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 28.9%

Areas to Watch

ARCC4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.2%4/10

4.2% revenue growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.133/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
3.722/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

BN4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
2.8%3/10

ROE of 2.8% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
1.7%3/10

1.7% margin — thin

P/E RatioValuation
89.4x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-5.60B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ARCC

The strongest argument for ARCC centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 37.3% and operating margin at 80.9%.

Bull Case : BN

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

Bear Case : ARCC

The primary concerns for ARCC are Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : BN

The primary concerns for BN are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 89.4x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 5.72 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

BN carries more volatility with a beta of 1.85 — expect wider price swings.

BN is growing revenue faster at 7.9% — sustainability is the question.

ARCC generates stronger free cash flow (114M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

BN scores higher overall (63/100 vs 56/100). 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 leading publicly traded business development company focused on providing customized financing solutions to middle-market businesses across multiple sectors. With a dual investment strategy encompassing both debt and equity, ARCC is dedicated to delivering strong risk-adjusted returns for investors while emphasizing capital preservation. The firm's comprehensive credit evaluation process and diversified investment portfolio reflect its commitment to sustainable growth in the private equity market. Leveraging the substantial resources and global capabilities of its parent, Ares Management Corporation, ARCC is well-equipped to seize emerging investment opportunities and drive long-term value creation.

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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