WallStSmart

Blackstone Group Inc (BX)vsHercules Capital, Inc. (HTGC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Blackstone Group Inc generates 2496% more annual revenue ($14.40B vs $554.52M). HTGC leads profitability with a 59.9% profit margin vs 21.2%. HTGC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.53. HTGC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).

BX

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.7Profit: 9.0Value: 4.3Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.29

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

BX4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
36.5%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 36 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
38.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 38.0%

Market CapQuality
$152.33B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
21.2%9/10

Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit

HTGC6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
8.7x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.3x10/10

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

BX4 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.094/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
32.0x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
11.1x4/10

Trading at 11.1x book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
3.9%4/10

3.9% earnings growth

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 : BX

The strongest argument for BX centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.2% and operating margin at 38.0%.

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 : BX

The primary concerns for BX are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Debt-to-equity of 1.69 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : HTGC

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

BX profiles as a mature stock while HTGC is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

BX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.58 — expect wider price swings.

HTGC is growing revenue faster at 18.4% — sustainability is the question.

BX generates stronger free cash flow (958M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

HTGC scores higher overall (68/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 59.9% margins and 18.4% 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.

Blackstone Group Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Blackstone Group Inc. is an alternative asset management company specializing in real estate, private equity, hedge fund solutions, credit, secondary funds of funds, public debt and equity strategies and multiple asset classes. The company is headquartered in New York, New York with additional offices across Asia, Europe and North America.

Hercules Capital, Inc.

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Hercules Capital Inc. (HTGC) is a prominent publicly traded business development company that specializes in offering customized debt and equity financing solutions primarily to venture growth-stage companies across sectors such as technology and life sciences. With a strong focus on innovation and rapid expansion, Hercules employs its extensive industry expertise to strategically invest in high-growth firms, thereby fostering scalability while maintaining a diversified portfolio that emphasizes credit quality and risk-adjusted returns. As a pivotal partner for entrepreneurial ventures, Hercules Capital is committed to driving sustainable value, making it an appealing investment opportunity for institutional investors seeking exposure to dynamic sectors.

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