WallStSmart

BlackRock Inc (BLK)vsCion Investment Corp (CION)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

BlackRock Inc generates 11675% more annual revenue ($27.30B vs $231.83M). BLK leads profitability with a 24.1% profit margin vs 1.2%. BLK trades at a lower P/E of 25.4x. BLK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 78/100 (B+).

BLK

Strong Buy

78

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.5Value: 6.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 1.11

CION

Buy

52

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 5.5Value: 4.0Quality: 6.3
Piotroski: 5/9

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

BLK6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Operating MarginProfitability
35.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 35.1%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
30.6%10/10

Revenue surging 30.6% year-over-year

Market CapQuality
$175.42B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
24.1%9/10

Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.269/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

PEG RatioValuation
0.898/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

CION3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Price/BookValuation
0.5x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
76.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 76.3%

EPS GrowthGrowth
20.2%8/10

Earnings expanding 20.2% YoY

Areas to Watch

BLK3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
25.4x4/10

Moderate valuation

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.112/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

CION4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Market CapQuality
$353.27M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
1.2%3/10

1.2% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
1.743/10

Elevated debt levels

P/E RatioValuation
119.7x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : BLK

The strongest argument for BLK centers on Operating Margin, Revenue Growth, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.1% and operating margin at 35.1%. Revenue growth of 30.6% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : CION

The strongest argument for CION centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, EPS Growth.

Bear Case : BLK

The primary concerns for BLK are P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : CION

The primary concerns for CION are Market Cap, Profit Margin, Debt/Equity. A P/E of 119.7x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 1.74 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

BLK profiles as a growth stock while CION is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

BLK carries more volatility with a beta of 1.43 — expect wider price swings.

BLK is growing revenue faster at 30.6% — sustainability is the question.

BLK generates stronger free cash flow (32M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

BLK scores higher overall (78/100 vs 52/100), backed by strong 24.1% margins and 30.6% 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.

BlackRock Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

BlackRock, Inc. is an American multinational investment management corporation based in New York City.

Cion Investment Corp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Cion Investment Corp (CION) is a specialized asset management firm focused on private debt investments in the middle market, leveraging its extensive industry expertise and established networks to uncover high-yield opportunities. Renowned for its innovative financing solutions, CION prioritizes capital preservation while aiming to deliver attractive risk-adjusted returns. With a disciplined investment strategy, the firm offers institutional investors a compelling avenue to gain strategic exposure to the growth potential of middle market enterprises.

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