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 1046% more annual revenue ($35.60B vs $3.11B). ARCC leads profitability with a 30.9% profit margin vs 5.3%. APO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.65. APO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).

APO

Strong Buy

72

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 10.0Profit: 5.5Value: 5.7Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.02

ARCC

Buy

53

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.5Value: 5.0Quality: 3.8
Piotroski: 1/9

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

APO6 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
63.8%10/10

Revenue surging 63.8% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
63.7%10/10

Earnings expanding 63.7% YoY

Market CapQuality
$83.12B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

PEG RatioValuation
0.658/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Operating MarginProfitability
22.0%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 22.0%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$3.25B8/10

Generating 3.2B in free cash flow

ARCC4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Price/BookValuation
1.0x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
30.9%10/10

Keeps 31 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
75.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 75.6%

P/E RatioValuation
14.7x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Areas to Watch

APO4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
5.3%3/10

5.3% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

P/E RatioValuation
49.9x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.022/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

ARCC4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
3.1%4/10

3.1% revenue growth

Return on EquityProfitability
6.9%3/10

ROE of 6.9% — below average capital efficiency

Debt/EquityHealth
1.143/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : APO

The strongest argument for APO centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 63.8% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.65 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : ARCC

The strongest argument for ARCC centers on Price/Book, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 30.9% and operating margin at 75.6%.

Bear Case : APO

The primary concerns for APO are Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 49.9x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : ARCC

The primary concerns for ARCC are Revenue Growth, Return on Equity, Debt/Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

APO profiles as a hypergrowth stock while ARCC is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

APO carries more volatility with a beta of 1.51 — expect wider price swings.

APO is growing revenue faster at 63.8% — sustainability is the question.

APO generates stronger free cash flow (3.2B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

APO scores higher overall (72/100 vs 53/100) and 63.8% 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.

Apollo Global Management LLC Class A

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Apollo Global Management LLC Class A (APO) is a prominent global alternative investment firm that specializes in private equity, credit, and real estate investments across various sectors, including healthcare, financial services, and technology. With a rigorous, research-driven investment strategy and significant industry expertise, Apollo identifies and capitalizes on high-potential opportunities in both developed and emerging markets. The firm is dedicated to maximizing portfolio performance and driving sustainable growth, seeking to deliver attractive risk-adjusted returns for its investors. With a strong capital base and a proven track record, Apollo Global Management stands as a leader in the alternative investment landscape.

Ares Capital Corporation

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Ares Capital Corporation (ARCC) is a prominent publicly traded business development company that focuses on delivering tailored financing solutions to middle-market firms across diverse sectors. The company employs a dual investment strategy that integrates both debt and equity investments, aiming to achieve strong risk-adjusted returns while prioritizing capital preservation. Backed by the extensive expertise of Ares Management Corporation, ARCC's disciplined credit analysis and diversified investment portfolio position it to capitalize on growth opportunities and enhance long-term shareholder value in the evolving private equity landscape.

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