WallStSmart

KKR & Co. Inc. (KKR)vsNorthern Trust Corporation (NTRS)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

KKR & Co. Inc. generates 177% more annual revenue ($25.83B vs $9.33B). NTRS leads profitability with a 26.0% profit margin vs 12.2%. KKR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.42. NTRS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 82/100 (A-).

KKR

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 8.7Profit: 6.0Value: 7.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.53

NTRS

Exceptional Buy

82

out of 100

Grade: A-

Growth: 8.7Profit: 8.0Value: 7.0Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: -0.32

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

KKR6 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.4210/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Market CapQuality
$79.62B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
2.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

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

NTRS6 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Operating MarginProfitability
34.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 34.8%

Profit MarginProfitability
26.0%9/10

Keeps 26 of every $100 in revenue as profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.948/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
13.3x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
48.5%8/10

Earnings expanding 48.5% YoY

Areas to Watch

KKR4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
27.5x4/10

Moderate valuation

Debt/EquityHealth
1.633/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.532/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

NTRS4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.193/10

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 : KKR

The strongest argument for KKR centers on PEG Ratio, Market Cap, Price/Book. PEG of 0.42 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : NTRS

The strongest argument for NTRS centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, PEG Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.0% and operating margin at 34.8%. Revenue growth of 12.1% demonstrates continued momentum.

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.

Bear Case : NTRS

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

KKR profiles as a value stock while NTRS is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

KKR carries more volatility with a beta of 1.83 — expect wider price swings.

NTRS is growing revenue faster at 12.1% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

NTRS scores higher overall (82/100 vs 66/100), backed by strong 26.0% margins and 12.1% 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.

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.

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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