Ares Capital Corporation (ARCC)vsBerkshire Hathaway Inc (BRK-B)
ARCC
Ares Capital Corporation
$19.74
+0.30%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $14.15B
BRK-B
Berkshire Hathaway Inc
$510.37
+0.66%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $1.09T
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Berkshire Hathaway Inc generates 12285% more annual revenue ($384.69B vs $3.11B). ARCC leads profitability with a 30.9% profit margin vs 22.3%. ARCC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 3.72. BRK-B earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).
ARCC
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
BRK-B
Strong Buy74
out of 100
Grade: B
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Keeps 31 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 75.6%
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 32.6%
Earnings expanding 107.8% YoY
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Areas to Watch
3.1% revenue growth
ROE of 6.9% — below average capital efficiency
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : BRK-B
The strongest argument for BRK-B centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 22.3% and operating margin at 32.6%.
Bear Case : ARCC
The primary concerns for ARCC are Revenue Growth, Return on Equity, Debt/Equity.
Bear Case : BRK-B
The primary concerns for BRK-B are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ARCC profiles as a value stock while BRK-B is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
ARCC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.63 — expect wider price swings.
BRK-B is growing revenue faster at 10.0% — sustainability is the question.
BRK-B generates stronger free cash flow (5.6B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
BRK-B scores higher overall (74/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 22.3% margins. 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.
Berkshire Hathaway Inc
FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - DIVERSIFIED · USA
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is an American multinational conglomerate holding company headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, United States. The company wholly owns GEICO, Duracell, Dairy Queen, BNSF, Lubrizol, Fruit of the Loom, Helzberg Diamonds, Long & Foster, FlightSafety International, Pampered Chef, Forest River, and NetJets, and also owns 38.6% of Pilot Flying J; and significant minority holdings in public companies Kraft Heinz Company (26.7%), American Express (18.8%), The Coca-Cola Company (9.32%), Bank of America (11.9%), and Apple (6.3%).
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