WallStSmart

Hercules Capital, Inc. (HTGC)vsKKR & Co. Inc. (KKR)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

KKR & Co. Inc. generates 4472% more annual revenue ($25.35B vs $554.52M). HTGC leads profitability with a 59.9% profit margin vs 11.7%. KKR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.53. HTGC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).

HTGC

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.0Value: 7.7Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.98

KKR

Hold

48

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 5.5Value: 5.7Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 3/9

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

HTGC6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
8.7x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.3x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
59.9%10/10

Keeps 60 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
84.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 84.0%

PEG RatioValuation
0.538/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Revenue GrowthGrowth
18.4%8/10

18.4% revenue growth

KKR3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$91.45B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

PEG RatioValuation
0.538/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.90B8/10

Generating 1.9B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

HTGC4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.153/10

Elevated debt levels

EPS GrowthGrowth
-20.8%2/10

Earnings declined 20.8%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-230.65M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.982/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

KKR4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
33.4x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Debt/EquityHealth
1.803/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-6.6%2/10

Revenue declined 6.6%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : HTGC

The strongest argument for HTGC centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 59.9% and operating margin at 84.0%. Revenue growth of 18.4% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : KKR

The strongest argument for KKR centers on Market Cap, PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 0.53 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : HTGC

The primary concerns for HTGC are Debt/Equity, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.

Bear Case : KKR

The primary concerns for KKR are P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 1.80 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

HTGC profiles as a growth stock while KKR is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.

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

HTGC is growing revenue faster at 18.4% — sustainability is the question.

KKR generates stronger free cash flow (1.9B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

HTGC scores higher overall (68/100 vs 48/100), backed by strong 59.9% margins and 18.4% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Hercules Capital, Inc.

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Hercules Capital Inc. (HTGC) is a prominent publicly traded business development company that specializes in offering customized debt and equity financing solutions primarily to venture growth-stage companies across sectors such as technology and life sciences. With a strong focus on innovation and rapid expansion, Hercules employs its extensive industry expertise to strategically invest in high-growth firms, thereby fostering scalability while maintaining a diversified portfolio that emphasizes credit quality and risk-adjusted returns. As a pivotal partner for entrepreneurial ventures, Hercules Capital is committed to driving sustainable value, making it an appealing investment opportunity for institutional investors seeking exposure to dynamic sectors.

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KKR & Co. Inc.

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

KKR & Co. Inc. is a preeminent global investment firm founded in 1976, specializing in private equity, credit, and real asset investments. With a keen focus on identifying complex market opportunities, KKR leverages its extensive industry expertise and global network to drive sustainable long-term value for its portfolio companies. The firm is a leader in sustainable investing, integrating robust environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria into its investment strategy to promote responsible market growth alongside financial performance. KKR's commitment to innovation and operational excellence further cements its position as a vital contributor to the financial landscape worldwide.

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