WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

KKR & Co. Inc. generates 329% more annual revenue ($25.35B vs $5.91B). KKR leads profitability with a 11.7% profit margin vs 10.5%. KKR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.53. ARES earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).

ARES

Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 9.3Profit: 6.5Value: 4.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.72

KKR

Hold

48

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 5.5Value: 5.7Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 3/9

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ARES2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
771.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 771.0% YoY

Revenue GrowthGrowth
28.3%8/10

Revenue surging 28.3% year-over-year

KKR3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$91.45B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

PEG RatioValuation
0.538/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.90B8/10

Generating 1.9B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

ARES4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Price/BookValuation
11.5x4/10

Trading at 11.5x book value

P/E RatioValuation
62.2x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.722/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
3.511/10

Elevated debt levels

KKR4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
33.4x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Debt/EquityHealth
1.803/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-6.6%2/10

Revenue declined 6.6%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ARES

The strongest argument for ARES centers on EPS Growth, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 28.3% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.10 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : KKR

The strongest argument for KKR centers on Market Cap, PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 0.53 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : ARES

The primary concerns for ARES are Price/Book, P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score. A P/E of 62.2x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 3.51 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 1.80 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ARES profiles as a growth stock while KKR is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.

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

ARES is growing revenue faster at 28.3% — sustainability is the question.

KKR generates stronger free cash flow (1.9B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

ARES scores higher overall (65/100 vs 48/100) and 28.3% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" 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 preeminent global investment firm founded in 1976, specializing in private equity, credit, and real asset investments. With a keen focus on identifying complex market opportunities, KKR leverages its extensive industry expertise and global network to drive sustainable long-term value for its portfolio companies. The firm is a leader in sustainable investing, integrating robust environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria into its investment strategy to promote responsible market growth alongside financial performance. KKR's commitment to innovation and operational excellence further cements its position as a vital contributor to the financial landscape worldwide.

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