WallStSmart

BlackRock Inc (BLK)vsGladstone Investment Corporation (GAIN)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

BlackRock Inc generates 26177% more annual revenue ($27.30B vs $103.89M). GAIN leads profitability with a 158.9% profit margin vs 24.1%. BLK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.89. 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

GAIN

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 9.3Profit: 8.5Value: 5.7Quality: 4.3
Piotroski: 2/9

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

GAIN6 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
3.8x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.0x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
158.9%10/10

Keeps 159 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
94.4%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 94.4%

EPS GrowthGrowth
326.5%10/10

Earnings expanding 326.5% YoY

Return on EquityProfitability
25.5%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit

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

GAIN3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
Market CapQuality
$648.30M3/10

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

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 : GAIN

The strongest argument for GAIN centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 158.9% and operating margin at 94.4%. Revenue growth of 20.4% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : BLK

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

Bear Case : GAIN

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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.

Monitor ASSET MANAGEMENT industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

BLK scores higher overall (78/100 vs 77/100), backed by strong 24.1% margins and 30.6% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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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