WallStSmart

BlackRock Inc (BLK)vsHercules Capital, Inc. (HTGC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

BlackRock Inc generates 4823% more annual revenue ($27.30B vs $554.52M). HTGC leads profitability with a 59.9% profit margin vs 24.1%. HTGC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.53. BLK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 76/100 (B+).

BLK

Strong Buy

76

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.5Value: 5.7Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 1.14

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

BLK4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Operating MarginProfitability
35.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 35.1%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
30.6%10/10

Revenue surging 30.6% year-over-year

Market CapQuality
$183.19B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
24.1%9/10

Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit

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

BLK4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
27.0x4/10

Moderate valuation

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-1.19B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.142/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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 : BLK

The strongest argument for BLK centers on Operating Margin, Revenue Growth, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.1% and operating margin at 35.1%. Revenue growth of 30.6% demonstrates continued momentum.

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 : BLK

The primary concerns for BLK are P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow.

Bear Case : HTGC

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

BLK carries more volatility with a beta of 1.43 — expect wider price swings.

BLK is growing revenue faster at 30.6% — sustainability is the question.

HTGC generates stronger free cash flow (-231M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

BLK scores higher overall (76/100 vs 68/100), backed by strong 24.1% margins and 30.6% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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.

BlackRock Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

BlackRock, Inc. is an American multinational investment management corporation based in New York City.

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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