WallStSmart

BlackRock Inc (BLK)vsSaratoga Investment Corp (SAR)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

BlackRock Inc generates 20294% more annual revenue ($25.64B vs $125.71M). SAR leads profitability with a 29.1% profit margin vs 24.4%. SAR trades at a lower P/E of 9.6x. BLK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 78/100 (B+).

BLK

Strong Buy

78

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.5Value: 5.7Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 1.13

SAR

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 8.0Value: 6.7Quality: 4.3
Piotroski: 4/9

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

BLK6 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Operating MarginProfitability
35.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 35.6%

Market CapQuality
$157.10B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
24.4%9/10

Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.269/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Price/BookValuation
2.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
27.0%8/10

Revenue surging 27.0% year-over-year

SAR4 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
9.6x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
0.9x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
71.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 71.1%

Profit MarginProfitability
29.1%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Areas to Watch

BLK3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-1.19B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.132/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

SAR4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Market CapQuality
$359.52M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Debt/EquityHealth
1.843/10

Elevated debt levels

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-0.6%2/10

Revenue declined 0.6%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-92.42M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : BLK

The strongest argument for BLK centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.4% and operating margin at 35.6%. Revenue growth of 27.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : SAR

The strongest argument for SAR centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.1% and operating margin at 71.1%.

Bear Case : BLK

The primary concerns for BLK are Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : SAR

The primary concerns for SAR are Market Cap, Debt/Equity, Revenue Growth. Debt-to-equity of 1.84 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

BLK profiles as a growth stock while SAR is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.

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

BLK is growing revenue faster at 27.0% — sustainability is the question.

SAR generates stronger free cash flow (-92M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

BLK scores higher overall (78/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 24.4% margins and 27.0% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong 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.

BlackRock Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

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

Saratoga Investment Corp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Saratoga Investment Corp (SAR) is a publicly traded business development company that focuses on delivering flexible debt and equity capital to middle-market enterprises across diverse sectors such as healthcare, technology, and consumer products. With a disciplined investment approach, Saratoga emphasizes thorough due diligence and rigorous risk management to protect capital while seeking to maximize shareholder returns. The firm’s proactive portfolio management and consistent track record of dividend distributions position it as an appealing opportunity for institutional investors looking to diversify within the alternative investment landscape.

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