WallStSmart

BlackRock Inc (BLK)vsHercules Capital, Inc. (HTGC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

BlackRock Inc generates 4722% more annual revenue ($27.30B vs $566.17M). HTGC leads profitability with a 67.7% profit margin vs 24.1%. HTGC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.53. 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

HTGC

Strong Buy

76

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.7Profit: 8.0Value: 7.7Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.98

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

HTGC6 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
P/E RatioValuation
8.7x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
67.7%10/10

Keeps 68 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
83.2%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 83.2%

EPS GrowthGrowth
54.7%10/10

Earnings expanding 54.7% YoY

PEG RatioValuation
0.538/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

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

HTGC2 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.033/10

Elevated debt levels

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, 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 : HTGC

The strongest argument for HTGC centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 67.7% and operating margin at 83.2%. PEG of 0.53 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : BLK

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

Bear Case : HTGC

The primary concerns for HTGC are Debt/Equity, 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 1.43 — expect wider price swings.

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

HTGC generates stronger free cash flow (298M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

BLK scores higher overall (78/100 vs 76/100), 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.

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 growth-oriented companies, primarily in the technology and life sciences sectors. Leveraging its deep industry knowledge and expertise, Hercules focuses on investing in high-growth firms, facilitating their scalability while ensuring a diversified portfolio that prioritizes credit quality and risk-adjusted returns. As a strategic partner for innovative ventures, Hercules Capital is dedicated to fostering sustainable value, making it an attractive investment opportunity for institutional investors seeking exposure to dynamic and emerging markets.

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