WallStSmart

Ares Management LP (ARES)vsKKR & Co LP (KKR)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

KKR & Co LP generates 329% more annual revenue ($25.38B vs $5.91B). KKR leads profitability with a 11.7% profit margin vs 10.5%. KKR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.54. ARES earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

ARES

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 9.3Profit: 6.0Value: 5.0Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 0.71

KKR

Hold

48

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 5.5Value: 5.7Quality: 5.0

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ARES3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
771.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 771.0% YoY

PEG RatioValuation
0.978/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Revenue GrowthGrowth
28.3%8/10

Revenue surging 28.3% year-over-year

KKR3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$92.71B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

PEG RatioValuation
0.548/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.27B8/10

Generating 2.3B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

ARES4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Price/BookValuation
9.9x4/10

Trading at 9.9x book value

P/E RatioValuation
72.4x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-2.15B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.712/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

KKR3 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
42.9x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-5.4%2/10

Revenue declined 5.4%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-2.2%2/10

Earnings declined 2.2%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ARES

The strongest argument for ARES centers on EPS Growth, PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 28.3% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.97 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : KKR

The strongest argument for KKR centers on Market Cap, PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 0.54 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : ARES

The primary concerns for ARES are Price/Book, P/E Ratio, Free Cash Flow. A P/E of 72.4x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : KKR

The primary concerns for KKR are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. A P/E of 42.9x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

KKR carries more volatility with a beta of 1.85 — expect wider price swings.

ARES is growing revenue faster at 28.3% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

ARES scores higher overall (67/100 vs 48/100) and 28.3% 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.

Ares Management LP

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Ares Management Corporation is an alternative asset manager in the United States, Europe, and Asia.

KKR & Co LP

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

KKR & Co. LP, established in 1976, is a premier global investment firm renowned for its diversified investment strategies spanning private equity, credit, and real assets. Leveraging its deep industry insights and vast global network, KKR effectively identifies and capitalizes on complex market opportunities, driving sustainable long-term value for its portfolio companies. The firm is also a leader in sustainable investing, rigorously incorporating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria into its investment processes to ensure robust performance while fostering responsible growth in the financial markets. KKR’s commitment to innovative investment solutions and operational excellence positions it as a key player in the evolving landscape of global finance.

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