WallStSmart

BlackRock Inc (BLK)vsHercules Capital Inc (HTGC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

BlackRock Inc generates 4448% more annual revenue ($24.22B vs $532.49M). HTGC leads profitability with a 63.8% profit margin vs 22.9%. HTGC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.53. HTGC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 76/100 (B+).

BLK

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 7.5Value: 7.3Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 2/9

HTGC

Strong Buy

76

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.7Profit: 8.5Value: 10.0Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.98
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

BLKSignificantly Overvalued (-308.5%)

Margin of Safety

-308.5%

Fair Value

$240.24

Current Price

$981.35

$741.11 premium

UndervaluedFair: $240.24Overvalued
HTGCUndervalued (+80.6%)

Margin of Safety

+80.6%

Fair Value

$86.58

Current Price

$14.18

$72.40 discount

UndervaluedFair: $86.58Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

BLK6 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Operating MarginProfitability
36.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 36.7%

Market CapQuality
$151.82B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
22.9%9/10

Keeps 23 of every $100 in revenue as profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.998/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
2.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
23.4%8/10

Revenue surging 23.4% year-over-year

HTGC6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
7.6x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.2x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
63.8%10/10

Keeps 64 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
83.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 83.8%

PEG RatioValuation
0.538/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

EPS GrowthGrowth
31.4%8/10

Earnings expanding 31.4% YoY

Areas to Watch

BLK3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
27.6x4/10

Moderate valuation

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

EPS GrowthGrowth
-31.7%2/10

Earnings declined 31.7%

HTGC3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.043/10

Elevated debt levels

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-55.64M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.982/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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 22.9% and operating margin at 36.7%. Revenue growth of 23.4% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : HTGC

The strongest argument for HTGC centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 63.8% and operating margin at 83.8%. Revenue growth of 12.8% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : BLK

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

Bear Case : HTGC

The primary concerns for HTGC are Debt/Equity, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

BLK profiles as a growth stock while HTGC is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

BLK carries more volatility with a beta of 1.49 — expect wider price swings.

BLK is growing revenue faster at 23.4% — sustainability is the question.

BLK generates stronger free cash flow (2.2B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

HTGC scores higher overall (76/100 vs 70/100), backed by strong 63.8% margins and 12.8% 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.

Hercules Capital Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Hercules Capital Inc. (HTGC) is a leading publicly traded business development company that specializes in providing tailored debt and equity financing solutions to venture growth-stage companies in technology, life sciences, and other high-growth industries. Leveraging its deep industry expertise, Hercules Capital strategically invests in innovative firms with a focus on fostering rapid expansion while maintaining a diversified portfolio that prioritizes strong credit quality and risk-adjusted returns. Through its capital solutions, Hercules enhances the scalability of entrepreneurial ventures, positioning itself as a vital partner in driving sustainable value for institutional investors.

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