WallStSmart

Arch Capital Group Ltd. (ACGL)vsHercules Capital, Inc. (HTGC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Arch Capital Group Ltd. generates 3368% more annual revenue ($19.23B vs $554.52M). HTGC leads profitability with a 59.9% profit margin vs 24.4%. HTGC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.53. HTGC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).

ACGL

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 8.0Value: 7.0Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.48

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

ACGL6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
P/E RatioValuation
7.9x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.5x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Return on EquityProfitability
20.1%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 20 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
24.4%9/10

Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.119/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Operating MarginProfitability
26.6%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 26.6%

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

ACGL3 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
-10.5%2/10

Revenue declined 10.5%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-7.1%2/10

Earnings declined 7.1%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.482/10

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 : ACGL

The strongest argument for ACGL centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.4% and operating margin at 26.6%. PEG of 1.06 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

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 : ACGL

The primary concerns for ACGL are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : HTGC

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ACGL profiles as a declining stock while HTGC is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

HTGC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.74 — expect wider price swings.

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

ACGL generates stronger free cash flow (1.2B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

HTGC scores higher overall (68/100 vs 67/100), backed by strong 59.9% margins and 18.4% 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.

Arch Capital Group Ltd.

FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - DIVERSIFIED · USA

Arch Capital Group Ltd., offers insurance, reinsurance and mortgage products worldwide. The company is headquartered in Pembroke, Bermuda.

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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