ARI vs. LADR: Which Stock Is the Better Value Option?

Core Viewpoint - The article compares Apollo Commercial Finance (ARI) and Ladder Capital (LADR) to determine which stock is more attractive to value investors [1] Group 1: Zacks Rank and Earnings Outlook - ARI has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a positive earnings estimate revision trend, while LADR has a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) [3] - The improving earnings outlook for ARI positions it favorably in the Zacks Rank model [7] Group 2: Valuation Metrics - ARI has a forward P/E ratio of 9.28, compared to LADR's forward P/E of 10.57 [5] - ARI's PEG ratio is 0.23, indicating a favorable valuation relative to its expected earnings growth, while LADR's PEG ratio is 2.36 [5] - ARI's P/B ratio is 0.67, which is lower than LADR's P/B of 0.85, suggesting ARI is undervalued compared to its book value [6] - Based on these metrics, ARI earns a Value grade of B, while LADR receives a Value grade of C [6]