WallStSmart

Ares Capital Corporation (ARCC)vsBrookfield Asset Management Ltd. (BAM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. generates 85% more annual revenue ($5.74B vs $3.11B). BAM leads profitability with a 48.9% profit margin vs 30.9%. BAM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.05. BAM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).

ARCC

Buy

53

out of 100

Grade: C-

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

BAM

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.7Profit: 8.0Value: 5.7Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 1.97

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

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

BAM5 strengths · Avg: 9.4/10
Profit MarginProfitability
48.9%10/10

Keeps 49 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
68.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 68.7%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
60.8%10/10

Revenue surging 60.8% year-over-year

Market CapQuality
$75.49B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

EPS GrowthGrowth
47.4%8/10

Earnings expanding 47.4% YoY

Areas to Watch

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

BAM4 concerns · Avg: 3.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
27.2x4/10

Moderate valuation

Price/BookValuation
10.1x4/10

Trading at 10.1x book value

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.974/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Return on EquityProfitability
6.0%3/10

ROE of 6.0% — below average capital efficiency

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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%.

Bull Case : BAM

The strongest argument for BAM centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 48.9% and operating margin at 68.7%. Revenue growth of 60.8% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ARCC

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

Bear Case : BAM

The primary concerns for BAM are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 5.69 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ARCC profiles as a value stock while BAM is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

BAM carries more volatility with a beta of 1.26 — expect wider price swings.

BAM is growing revenue faster at 60.8% — sustainability is the question.

BAM generates stronger free cash flow (393M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

BAM scores higher overall (77/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 48.9% margins and 60.8% 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.

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.

Brookfield Asset Management Ltd.

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Brookfield Asset Management is a leading global alternative asset manager and one of the largest investors in real assets.

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