Ares Capital Corporation (ARCC)vsBlackstone Group Inc (BX)
ARCC
Ares Capital Corporation
$18.79
-0.58%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $13.83B
BX
Blackstone Group Inc
$118.59
+1.50%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $140.45B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Blackstone Group Inc generates 367% more annual revenue ($14.40B vs $3.08B). ARCC leads profitability with a 37.3% profit margin vs 21.2%. BX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.96. BX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
ARCC
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
BX
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Keeps 37 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 80.9%
Every $100 of equity generates 36 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 38.0%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Areas to Watch
4.2% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Trading at 11.1x book value
3.9% earnings growth
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : BX
The strongest argument for BX centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.2% and operating margin at 38.0%.
Bear Case : ARCC
The primary concerns for ARCC are Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : BX
The primary concerns for BX are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Debt-to-equity of 1.69 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ARCC profiles as a value stock while BX is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
BX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.63 — expect wider price swings.
BX is growing revenue faster at 5.7% — sustainability is the question.
BX generates stronger free cash flow (958M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
BX scores higher overall (61/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 21.2% margins. Both earn "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.
Blackstone Group Inc
FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA
Blackstone Group Inc. is an alternative asset management company specializing in real estate, private equity, hedge fund solutions, credit, secondary funds of funds, public debt and equity strategies and multiple asset classes. The company is headquartered in New York, New York with additional offices across Asia, Europe and North America.
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