WallStSmart

Apollo Global Management LLC Class A (APO)vsAres Capital Corporation (ARCC)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Apollo Global Management LLC Class A generates 915% more annual revenue ($31.29B vs $3.08B). ARCC leads profitability with a 37.3% profit margin vs 3.7%. APO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.68. ARCC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).

APO

Hold

46

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 5.0Value: 5.0Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 0.03

ARCC

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 5.3Profit: 8.0Value: 5.7Quality: 3.8
Piotroski: 3/9

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

APO3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$74.23B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

PEG RatioValuation
0.688/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.62B8/10

Generating 1.6B in free cash flow

ARCC4 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.8x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.0x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
37.3%10/10

Keeps 37 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
80.9%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 80.9%

Areas to Watch

APO4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
3.7%3/10

3.7% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

P/E RatioValuation
81.5x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-9.2%2/10

Revenue declined 9.2%

ARCC4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.2%4/10

4.2% revenue growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.133/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
3.722/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : APO

The strongest argument for APO centers on Market Cap, PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 0.68 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : ARCC

The strongest argument for ARCC centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 37.3% and operating margin at 80.9%.

Bear Case : APO

The primary concerns for APO are Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 81.5x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : ARCC

The primary concerns for ARCC are Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

APO carries more volatility with a beta of 1.52 — expect wider price swings.

ARCC is growing revenue faster at 4.2% — sustainability is the question.

APO generates stronger free cash flow (1.6B), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

ARCC scores higher overall (56/100 vs 46/100), backed by strong 37.3% margins. Both earn "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.

Apollo Global Management LLC Class A

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Apollo Global Management LLC Class A (APO) is a premier global alternative investment firm with expertise in private equity, credit, and real estate, targeting diverse sectors including healthcare, financial services, and technology. The firm employs a rigorous investment strategy, utilizing its extensive industry knowledge and operational acumen to optimize portfolio performance and promote sustainable growth. With a strong commitment to identifying high-potential investment opportunities in both developed and emerging markets, Apollo strives to deliver attractive risk-adjusted returns, underpinned by substantial capital resources and innovative investment methodologies.

Ares Capital Corporation

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Ares Capital Corporation (ARCC) is a leading publicly traded business development company focused on providing customized financing solutions to middle-market businesses across multiple sectors. With a dual investment strategy encompassing both debt and equity, ARCC is dedicated to delivering strong risk-adjusted returns for investors while emphasizing capital preservation. The firm's comprehensive credit evaluation process and diversified investment portfolio reflect its commitment to sustainable growth in the private equity market. Leveraging the substantial resources and global capabilities of its parent, Ares Management Corporation, ARCC is well-equipped to seize emerging investment opportunities and drive long-term value creation.

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