WallStSmart

Hercules Capital Inc (HTGC)vsJPMorgan Chase & Co (JPM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

JPMorgan Chase & Co generates 32494% more annual revenue ($173.56B vs $532.49M). HTGC leads profitability with a 63.8% profit margin vs 33.9%. HTGC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.53. HTGC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 78/100 (B+).

HTGC

Strong Buy

78

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.7Profit: 8.5Value: 7.7Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.98

JPM

Strong Buy

73

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.0Profit: 8.0Value: 5.7Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.55

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

HTGC6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
8.5x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.3x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
63.8%10/10

Keeps 64 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
83.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 83.8%

PEG RatioValuation
0.538/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

EPS GrowthGrowth
31.4%8/10

Earnings expanding 31.4% YoY

JPM6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Market CapQuality
$828.64B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Profit MarginProfitability
33.9%10/10

Keeps 34 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
43.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 43.0%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$368.37B10/10

Generating 368.4B in free cash flow

P/E RatioValuation
14.8x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.4x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

HTGC3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.043/10

Elevated debt levels

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-55.64M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.982/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

JPM3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.654/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.383/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.552/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : HTGC

The strongest argument for HTGC centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 63.8% and operating margin at 83.8%. Revenue growth of 12.8% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : JPM

The strongest argument for JPM centers on Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 33.9% and operating margin at 43.0%. Revenue growth of 12.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : HTGC

The primary concerns for HTGC are Debt/Equity, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : JPM

The primary concerns for JPM are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

JPM carries more volatility with a beta of 1.04 — expect wider price swings.

HTGC is growing revenue faster at 12.8% — sustainability is the question.

JPM generates stronger free cash flow (368.4B), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

HTGC scores higher overall (78/100 vs 73/100), backed by strong 63.8% margins and 12.8% 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.

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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JPMorgan Chase & Co

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - DIVERSIFIED · USA

JPMorgan Chase & Co. is an American multinational investment bank and financial services holding company headquartered in New York City. JPMorgan Chase is incorporated in Delaware. As a Bulge Bracket bank, it is a major provider of various investment banking and financial services. It is one of America's Big Four banks, along with Bank of America, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo. JPMorgan Chase is considered to be a universal bank and a custodian bank. The J.P. Morgan brand is used by the investment banking, asset management, private banking, private wealth management, and treasury services divisions.

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