WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

KKR & Co. Inc. generates 331% more annual revenue ($25.83B vs $5.99B). KKR leads profitability with a 12.2% profit margin vs 10.6%. KKR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.46. KKR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).

ARES

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 7.3Profit: 6.5Value: 5.0Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.72

KKR

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 8.7Profit: 6.0Value: 6.3Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 3/9

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ARES1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.928/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

KKR5 strengths · Avg: 8.6/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.4610/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Market CapQuality
$93.16B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Operating MarginProfitability
20.6%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 20.6%

EPS GrowthGrowth
40.0%8/10

Earnings expanding 40.0% YoY

Free Cash FlowQuality
$3.20B8/10

Generating 3.2B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

ARES4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Price/BookValuation
11.4x4/10

Trading at 11.4x book value

P/E RatioValuation
56.8x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-384.50M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.722/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

KKR3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
33.2x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Debt/EquityHealth
1.633/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ARES

The strongest argument for ARES centers on PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.92 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : KKR

The strongest argument for KKR centers on PEG Ratio, Market Cap, Operating Margin. PEG of 0.46 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 56.8x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 3.75 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : KKR

The primary concerns for KKR are P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 1.63 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

KKR is growing revenue faster at 7.8% — sustainability is the question.

KKR generates stronger free cash flow (3.2B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor ASSET MANAGEMENT industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

KKR scores higher overall (66/100 vs 57/100). Both earn "Strong 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 Management LP

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

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

KKR & Co. Inc.

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

KKR & Co. Inc. is a leading global investment firm established in 1976, with a strong focus on private equity, credit, and real asset investments. The firm excels at identifying complex market opportunities and utilizes its extensive industry knowledge and global network to create sustainable long-term value across its portfolio. KKR is recognized for its commitment to sustainable investing, seamlessly integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into its investment approach, thereby promoting responsible growth alongside financial performance. With a strategic emphasis on innovation and operational excellence, KKR remains a crucial player in the financial sector worldwide.

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