WallStSmart

Franklin Resources Inc (BEN)vsBlackRock Inc (BLK)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

BlackRock Inc generates 184% more annual revenue ($25.64B vs $9.03B). BLK leads profitability with a 24.4% profit margin vs 8.1%. BEN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.40. BLK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 78/100 (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

BLK

Strong Buy

78

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.5Value: 5.7Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 1.13

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

BLK6 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Operating MarginProfitability
35.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 35.6%

Market CapQuality
$158.18B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
24.4%9/10

Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.269/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Price/BookValuation
2.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
27.0%8/10

Revenue surging 27.0% year-over-year

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

BLK4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
25.6x4/10

Moderate valuation

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-1.19B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.132/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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 : BLK

The strongest argument for BLK centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.4% and operating margin at 35.6%. Revenue growth of 27.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : BEN

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

Bear Case : BLK

The primary concerns for BLK are P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

BEN profiles as a value stock while BLK is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

BEN carries more volatility with a beta of 1.59 — expect wider price swings.

BLK is growing revenue faster at 27.0% — sustainability is the question.

BEN generates stronger free cash flow (-40M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

BLK scores higher overall (78/100 vs 70/100), backed by strong 24.4% margins and 27.0% 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.

BlackRock Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

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

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