WallStSmart

Ares Capital Corporation (ARCC)vsKKR & Co LP (KKR)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

KKR & Co LP generates 740% more annual revenue ($25.65B vs $3.05B). ARCC leads profitability with a 42.6% profit margin vs 9.2%. KKR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.39. KKR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).

ARCC

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 5.3Profit: 8.0Value: 4.7Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 3/9

KKR

Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 6.5Value: 7.3Quality: 5.0
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ARCCSignificantly Overvalued (-57.4%)

Margin of Safety

-57.4%

Fair Value

$12.65

Current Price

$18.06

$5.41 premium

UndervaluedFair: $12.65Overvalued
KKRSignificantly Overvalued (-560.3%)

Margin of Safety

-560.3%

Fair Value

$15.91

Current Price

$88.91

$73.00 premium

UndervaluedFair: $15.91Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ARCC4 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
9.7x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
0.9x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
42.6%10/10

Keeps 43 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
75.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 75.3%

KKR6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.3910/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Operating MarginProfitability
33.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 33.0%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
76.3%10/10

Revenue surging 76.3% year-over-year

Market CapQuality
$84.19B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
2.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.27B8/10

Generating 2.3B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

ARCC4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.5%4/10

4.5% revenue growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
3.722/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-24.9%2/10

Earnings declined 24.9%

KKR2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
38.9x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

EPS GrowthGrowth
-2.2%2/10

Earnings declined 2.2%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ARCC

The strongest argument for ARCC centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 42.6% and operating margin at 75.3%.

Bull Case : KKR

The strongest argument for KKR centers on PEG Ratio, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 76.3% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.39 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : ARCC

The primary concerns for ARCC are Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.

Bear Case : KKR

The primary concerns for KKR are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ARCC profiles as a value stock while KKR is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.

KKR carries more volatility with a beta of 2.01 — expect wider price swings.

KKR is growing revenue faster at 76.3% — sustainability is the question.

KKR generates stronger free cash flow (2.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

KKR scores higher overall (65/100 vs 56/100) and 76.3% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "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.

Ares Capital Corporation

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Ares Capital Corporation (ARCC) is a leading publicly traded business development company that specializes in providing customized financing solutions to middle-market companies across various sectors. The firm employs a flexible investment strategy, incorporating both debt and equity investments to deliver sustainable risk-adjusted returns to its investors. Backed by rigorous credit assessment and a well-diversified portfolio, Ares Capital focuses on capital preservation while actively pursuing growth opportunities in the private equity space. With the added strength of its parent company, Ares Management Corporation, ARCC benefits from extensive resources and a global footprint, further enhancing its strategic positioning in the market.

KKR & Co LP

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

KKR & Co. LP is a leading global investment firm established in 1976, recognized for its expertise in managing a diversified portfolio across private equity, credit, and real assets. With a strong emphasis on innovative investment strategies and operational excellence, KKR adeptly identifies and leverages complex market opportunities to generate sustainable long-term value. The firm's profound industry knowledge and extensive global network contribute significantly to the growth of its portfolio companies. Additionally, KKR is committed to sustainable investing, actively integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into its strategies, thereby reinforcing its dedication to delivering robust performance for its investors while promoting responsible growth in the financial markets.

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