WallStSmart

BlackRock Inc (BLK)vsSaratoga Investment Corp (SAR)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

BlackRock Inc generates 21885% more annual revenue ($27.30B vs $124.17M). BLK leads profitability with a 24.1% profit margin vs 12.7%. SAR trades at a lower P/E of 20.0x. BLK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).

BLK

Strong Buy

73

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.5Value: 5.7Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 1.14

SAR

Hold

48

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.0Value: 5.3Quality: 6.3
Piotroski: 4/9

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

BLK5 strengths · Avg: 9.4/10
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
$186.38B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
24.1%9/10

Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.269/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

SAR2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Price/BookValuation
0.8x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
69.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 69.0%

Areas to Watch

BLK3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
28.1x4/10

Moderate valuation

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.142/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

SAR4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Market CapQuality
$311.65M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Debt/EquityHealth
1.563/10

Elevated debt levels

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-4.8%2/10

Revenue declined 4.8%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-25.97M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

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 : SAR

The strongest argument for SAR centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin.

Bear Case : BLK

The primary concerns for BLK are P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : SAR

The primary concerns for SAR are Market Cap, Debt/Equity, Revenue Growth. Debt-to-equity of 1.56 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 30.6% — sustainability is the question.

BLK generates stronger free cash flow (32M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

BLK scores higher overall (73/100 vs 48/100), backed by strong 24.1% margins and 30.6% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" 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.

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 specializing in providing flexible debt and equity capital to middle-market enterprises across various sectors, including healthcare, technology, and consumer products. The firm employs a disciplined investment strategy that prioritizes comprehensive due diligence and risk management to safeguard capital while striving for optimal shareholder returns. With a robust portfolio management approach and a history of consistent dividend payouts, Saratoga offers institutional investors a compelling opportunity to enhance their exposure to alternative investments while benefiting from the growth potential inherent in the middle-market segment.

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