WallStSmart

Blackstone Group Inc (BX)vsHercules Capital Inc (HTGC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Blackstone Group Inc generates 2569% more annual revenue ($14.21B vs $532.49M). HTGC leads profitability with a 63.8% profit margin vs 21.2%. HTGC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.53. BX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).

BX

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 10.0Profit: 9.0Value: 10.0Quality: 5.3
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

BXUndervalued (+35.7%)

Margin of Safety

+35.7%

Fair Value

$181.12

Current Price

$108.38

$72.74 discount

UndervaluedFair: $181.12Overvalued
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

BX6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Operating MarginProfitability
52.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 52.8%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
50.6%10/10

Revenue surging 50.6% year-over-year

Market CapQuality
$131.98B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
29.2%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
21.2%9/10

Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
42.5%8/10

Earnings expanding 42.5% YoY

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

BX4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
27.9x4/10

Moderate valuation

Price/BookValuation
9.8x4/10

Trading at 9.8x book value

Debt/EquityHealth
1.633/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

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 : BX

The strongest argument for BX centers on Operating Margin, Revenue Growth, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.2% and operating margin at 52.8%. Revenue growth of 50.6% 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 63.8% and operating margin at 83.8%. Revenue growth of 12.8% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : BX

The primary concerns for BX are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.63 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : HTGC

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

BX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.79 — expect wider price swings.

BX is growing revenue faster at 50.6% — sustainability is the question.

BX generates stronger free cash flow (-25M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

BX scores higher overall (77/100 vs 76/100), backed by strong 21.2% margins and 50.6% revenue growth. HTGC offers better value entry with a 80.6% margin of safety. 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.

Blackstone Group Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Blackstone Group Inc. is an alternative asset management company specializing in real estate, private equity, hedge fund solutions, credit, secondary funds of funds, public debt and equity strategies and multiple asset classes. The company is headquartered in New York, New York with additional offices across Asia, Europe and North America.

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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