WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. generates 65% more annual revenue ($5.07B vs $3.08B). BAM leads profitability with a 49.7% profit margin vs 37.3%. BAM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.46. BAM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).

ARCC

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

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

BAM

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 9.5Value: 5.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.97

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

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%

BAM5 strengths · Avg: 9.4/10
Return on EquityProfitability
33.0%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 33 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
49.7%10/10

Keeps 50 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
64.5%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 64.5%

Market CapQuality
$76.25B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Revenue GrowthGrowth
23.8%8/10

Revenue surging 23.8% year-over-year

Areas to Watch

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

BAM4 concerns · Avg: 3.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
30.6x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
9.9x4/10

Trading at 9.9x book value

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.974/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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%.

Bull Case : BAM

The strongest argument for BAM centers on Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 49.7% and operating margin at 64.5%. Revenue growth of 23.8% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ARCC

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

Bear Case : BAM

The primary concerns for BAM are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Altman Z-Score.

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 1.25 — expect wider price swings.

BAM is growing revenue faster at 23.8% — sustainability is the question.

BAM generates stronger free cash flow (339M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

BAM scores higher overall (68/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 49.7% margins and 23.8% 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 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.

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.

Visit Website →

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