Brighthouse Financial vs Hercules Capital

Brighthouse Financial Inc and Hercules Capital Inc are compared to provide an overview of business models, financial performance, and market context. This page presents neutral, accessible analysis of how each company operates, their market roles, and potential considerations for readers seeking context. Educational content, not financial advice.

Brighthouse Financial Inc and Hercules Capital Inc are compared to provide an overview of business models, financial performance, and market context. This page presents neutral, accessible analysis of...

Comparison Snapshot

Key Financial Metrics

BHF

Metric

HTGC

$3.68B

Market Cap

$3.37B

2.85%

Potential Profit

11.97%

Hold

Analyst Rating

Buy

Investment Analysis

Brighthouse Financial

BHF

Pros

Brighthouse Financial has shown strong adjusted earnings per share beating estimates despite weaker revenue, indicating profitability resilience.
The company achieved record sales in its Shield Level Annuities, driving an 8% year-over-year increase in total annuity sales.
Brighthouse is set for a significant strategic transformation with an acquisition offer at a premium valuation, backed by substantial financing.

Considerations

Total revenue fell short of analyst expectations, reflecting challenges in premium recognition and potentially impacting top-line growth.
The Annuities segment's adjusted earnings decreased by 7% year-over-year, highlighting margin pressure or growth challenges in its core business.
The stock carries moderate market uncertainty due to ongoing acquisition talks and mixed quarterly financial results, limiting immediate clarity on future performance.

Hercules Capital

HTGC

Pros

Hercules Capital is the leading and largest specialty finance company focused on senior secured venture growth loans, giving it a strong niche market position.
As a focused lender to venture growth companies, Hercules benefits from exposure to innovation-driven sectors with growth potential.
The company has established itself with a solid portfolio and consistent capital allocation in venture lending, supporting ongoing business stability.

Considerations

Hercules Capital's business is sensitive to venture capital market cycles, posing risks related to economic downturns affecting portfolio credit quality.
The firm's exposure to early-stage and growth companies increases execution risk and potential credit losses compared to traditional lenders.
Valuation and dividend specifics hint at market caution, and reliance on capital markets for funding could pose liquidity risks in stressed environments.

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About The Companies

Brighthouse Financial (BHF)

Brighthouse Financial Inc (BHF) is a US-focused life insurance and annuities company that provides retirement-income solutions to individual customers and intermediaries. The business concentrates on fixed and indexed annuities and life insurance products designed to offer guaranteed income or death benefits, making it sensitive to interest-rate moves, actuarial assumptions and policyholder behaviour. With a market capitalisation of about $2.69 billion, Brighthouse operates in a capital-intensive, heavily regulated sector where capital management, product pricing and mortality trends drive results. Investors should note that earnings can be lumpy and influenced by investment returns on the company’s asset portfolio, regulatory changes and market demand for guaranteed products. This summary is educational and not personal financial advice; values can rise and fall and past performance is not a reliable guide. Consider your risk tolerance, investment horizon and seek independent advice if unsure about suitability.

Hercules Capital (HTGC)

Hercules Capital Inc (HTGC) is a publicly traded business development company (BDC) that provides debt and selective equity financing to venture-backed and growth-stage companies, predominantly in technology and life sciences. It earns income from interest, fees and sometimes equity upside via warrants or convertibles, then aims to distribute a substantial portion of earnings as dividends. Investors should note the trade-off: BDCs can offer attractive yield but carry higher credit and liquidity risk than traditional banks, and dividend levels can fluctuate with realised gains, credit outcomes and regulatory limits. Hercules’s performance depends heavily on underwriting, portfolio diversity and the health of the sectors it lends to. Market capitalisation is about $3.22bn. This summary is educational only and not personalised advice; investors should review regulatory filings, understand BDC-specific risks and consider speaking to a regulated financial adviser to assess suitability.

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A carefully curated collection of companies helping Americans prepare for retirement in different regions. With retirement costs varying dramatically by state and Social Security uncertainties growing, these financial providers offer solutions for creating personalized, location-specific retirement plans.

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Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

Navigating Retirement State By State

A carefully curated collection of companies helping Americans prepare for retirement in different regions. With retirement costs varying dramatically by state and Social Security uncertainties growing, these financial providers offer solutions for creating personalized, location-specific retirement plans.

Published: July 1, 2025

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Comparison Snapshot