WallStSmart

BlackRock Inc (BLK)vsGladstone Investment Corporation (GAIN)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

BlackRock Inc generates 25777% more annual revenue ($25.64B vs $99.08M). GAIN leads profitability with a 186.5% profit margin vs 24.4%. BLK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.32. BLK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 78/100 (B+).

BLK

Strong Buy

78

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.5Value: 5.7Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 1.13

GAIN

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 7.3Profit: 6.5Value: 5.7Quality: 4.3
Piotroski: 2/9

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

BLK6 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Operating MarginProfitability
35.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 35.6%

Market CapQuality
$169.83B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
24.4%9/10

Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.269/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Price/BookValuation
2.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
27.0%8/10

Revenue surging 27.0% year-over-year

GAIN5 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
3.1x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
0.9x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
186.5%10/10

Keeps 187 of every $100 in revenue as profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
326.5%10/10

Earnings expanding 326.5% YoY

Return on EquityProfitability
29.2%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit

Areas to Watch

BLK4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
26.3x4/10

Moderate valuation

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-1.19B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.132/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

GAIN4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Market CapQuality
$588.57M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
5.412/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-8.6%2/10

Revenue declined 8.6%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : BLK

The strongest argument for BLK centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.4% and operating margin at 35.6%. Revenue growth of 27.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : GAIN

The strongest argument for GAIN centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 186.5% and operating margin at -0.0%.

Bear Case : BLK

The primary concerns for BLK are P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow.

Bear Case : GAIN

The primary concerns for GAIN are Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

BLK profiles as a growth stock while GAIN is a declining 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 27.0% — sustainability is the question.

GAIN generates stronger free cash flow (11M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

BLK scores higher overall (78/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 24.4% margins and 27.0% 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.

Gladstone Investment Corporation

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Gladstone Investment Corporation (GAIN) is a publicly traded business development company that focuses on offering tailored financing solutions to small and mid-sized private enterprises via a strategic mix of debt and equity investments. With a diverse portfolio across multiple sectors, GAIN aims to provide both stable income and long-term capital appreciation for its shareholders. Backed by the reputable Gladstone family of funds, the firm is committed to rigorous risk management practices and aligns closely with investor interests, bolstered by an experienced management team and strong industry networks, thus establishing itself as a key participant in the alternative investment sector.

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