WallStSmart

Arch Capital Group Ltd. (ACGL)vsLazard Ltd (LAZ)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Arch Capital Group Ltd. generates 518% more annual revenue ($19.78B vs $3.20B). ACGL leads profitability with a 24.6% profit margin vs 8.7%. LAZ appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.00. ACGL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 79/100 (B+).

ACGL

Strong Buy

79

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 7.0Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.48

LAZ

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.0Value: 7.0Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.05

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ACGL6 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
7.0x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.3x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
94.6%10/10

Earnings expanding 94.6% YoY

Return on EquityProfitability
20.1%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 20 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
24.6%9/10

Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.119/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

LAZ5 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Return on EquityProfitability
31.5%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 31 in profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
62.5%10/10

Earnings expanding 62.5% YoY

PEG RatioValuation
1.008/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
17.4x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.4%8/10

15.4% revenue growth

Areas to Watch

ACGL2 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
-3.3%2/10

Revenue declined 3.3%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.482/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

LAZ3 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-221.45M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Debt/EquityHealth
2.451/10

Elevated debt levels

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ACGL

The strongest argument for ACGL centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.6% and operating margin at 25.3%. PEG of 1.06 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : LAZ

The strongest argument for LAZ centers on Return on Equity, EPS Growth, PEG Ratio. Revenue growth of 15.4% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.00 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : ACGL

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

Bear Case : LAZ

The primary concerns for LAZ are Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.45 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

LAZ carries more volatility with a beta of 1.41 — expect wider price swings.

LAZ is growing revenue faster at 15.4% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

ACGL scores higher overall (79/100 vs 70/100), backed by strong 24.6% margins. 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.

Lazard Ltd

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA

Lazard Ltd, is a financial advisory and asset management firm in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Central and South America. The company is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda.

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