WallStSmart

BlackRock Inc (BLK)vsNorthern Trust Corporation (NTRS)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

BlackRock Inc generates 200% more annual revenue ($27.30B vs $9.09B). NTRS leads profitability with a 24.7% profit margin vs 24.1%. BLK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.89. NTRS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 84/100 (A-).

BLK

Strong Buy

78

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.5Value: 6.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 1.11

NTRS

Exceptional Buy

84

out of 100

Grade: A-

Growth: 10.0Profit: 7.5Value: 6.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: -0.32

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

BLK6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Operating MarginProfitability
35.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 35.1%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
30.6%10/10

Revenue surging 30.6% year-over-year

Market CapQuality
$175.42B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
24.1%9/10

Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.269/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

PEG RatioValuation
0.898/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

NTRS6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Operating MarginProfitability
42.5%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 42.5%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
36.4%10/10

Revenue surging 36.4% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
98.6%10/10

Earnings expanding 98.6% YoY

Profit MarginProfitability
24.7%9/10

Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
16.0x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

BLK3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
25.4x4/10

Moderate valuation

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.112/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

NTRS4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.183/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-284.40M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.322/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : BLK

The strongest argument for BLK centers on Operating Margin, Revenue Growth, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.1% and operating margin at 35.1%. Revenue growth of 30.6% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : NTRS

The strongest argument for NTRS centers on Operating Margin, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.7% and operating margin at 42.5%. Revenue growth of 36.4% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : BLK

The primary concerns for BLK are P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : NTRS

The primary concerns for NTRS are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

BLK carries more volatility with a beta of 1.43 — expect wider price swings.

NTRS is growing revenue faster at 36.4% — sustainability is the question.

BLK generates stronger free cash flow (32M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

NTRS scores higher overall (84/100 vs 78/100), backed by strong 24.7% margins and 36.4% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional 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.

BlackRock Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

BlackRock, Inc. is an American multinational investment management corporation based in New York City.

Northern Trust Corporation

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Northern Trust Corporation is a financial services company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois that caters to corporations, institutional investors, and ultra high net worth individuals.

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