WallStSmart

Franklin Resources Inc (BEN)vsBlackstone Group Inc (BX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Blackstone Group Inc generates 59% more annual revenue ($14.40B vs $9.03B). BX leads profitability with a 21.2% profit margin vs 8.1%. BEN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.40. BEN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B-).

BEN

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 5.5Value: 7.0Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.45

BX

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 9.0Value: 5.0Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.29

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

BEN3 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.4010/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
1.3x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
87.2%10/10

Earnings expanding 87.2% YoY

BX4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
36.5%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 36 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
38.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 38.0%

Market CapQuality
$140.45B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
21.2%9/10

Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Areas to Watch

BEN4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
6.7%3/10

ROE of 6.7% — below average capital efficiency

Debt/EquityHealth
1.273/10

Elevated debt levels

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-40.40M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.452/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

BX4 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.964/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
29.5x4/10

Moderate valuation

Price/BookValuation
11.1x4/10

Trading at 11.1x book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
3.9%4/10

3.9% earnings growth

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : BEN

The strongest argument for BEN centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth. PEG of 0.40 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : BX

The strongest argument for BX centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.2% and operating margin at 38.0%.

Bear Case : BEN

The primary concerns for BEN are Return on Equity, Debt/Equity, Free Cash Flow.

Bear Case : BX

The primary concerns for BX are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Debt-to-equity of 1.69 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

BEN profiles as a value stock while BX is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

BX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.63 — expect wider price swings.

BEN is growing revenue faster at 8.7% — sustainability is the question.

BX generates stronger free cash flow (958M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

BEN scores higher overall (70/100 vs 61/100). 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.

Franklin Resources Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Franklin Resources Inc. is an American multinational holding company that, together with its subsidiaries, is referred to as Franklin Templeton; it is a global investment firm founded in New York City in 1947 as Franklin Distributors, Inc.

Blackstone Group Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Blackstone Group Inc. is an alternative asset management company specializing in real estate, private equity, hedge fund solutions, credit, secondary funds of funds, public debt and equity strategies and multiple asset classes. The company is headquartered in New York, New York with additional offices across Asia, Europe and North America.

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