WallStSmart

Franklin Resources Inc (BEN)vsKKR & Co. Inc. (KKR)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

KKR & Co. Inc. generates 177% more annual revenue ($25.83B vs $9.32B). KKR leads profitability with a 12.2% profit margin vs 8.7%. BEN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.44. BEN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B-).

BEN

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 5.0Value: 7.0Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.45

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

BEN3 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.4410/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
1.5x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
106.7%10/10

Earnings expanding 106.7% YoY

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

BEN3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
Return on EquityProfitability
7.6%3/10

ROE of 7.6% — below average capital efficiency

Debt/EquityHealth
1.423/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.452/10

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 : BEN

The strongest argument for BEN centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 14.3% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.44 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 : BEN

The primary concerns for BEN are Return on Equity, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score.

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.

BEN is growing revenue faster at 14.3% — 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

BEN scores higher overall (70/100 vs 66/100) and 14.3% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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.

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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