WallStSmart

Franklin Resources Inc (BEN)vsBlackstone Group Inc (BX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Blackstone Group Inc generates 61% more annual revenue ($14.21B vs $8.85B). BX leads profitability with a 21.2% profit margin vs 7.0%. BEN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.32. BX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).

BEN

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 5.0Value: 10.0Quality: 6.3
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.45

BX

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 10.0Profit: 9.0Value: 10.0Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 2/9
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

BENUndervalued (+45.5%)

Margin of Safety

+45.5%

Fair Value

$50.54

Current Price

$23.89

$26.65 discount

UndervaluedFair: $50.54Overvalued
BXUndervalued (+35.7%)

Margin of Safety

+35.7%

Fair Value

$181.12

Current Price

$108.38

$72.74 discount

UndervaluedFair: $181.12Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

BEN3 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.3210/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
1.0x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
60.6%10/10

Earnings expanding 60.6% YoY

BX6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Operating MarginProfitability
52.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 52.8%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
50.6%10/10

Revenue surging 50.6% year-over-year

Market CapQuality
$131.98B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
29.2%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
21.2%9/10

Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
42.5%8/10

Earnings expanding 42.5% YoY

Areas to Watch

BEN4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
3.4%4/10

3.4% revenue growth

Return on EquityProfitability
4.5%3/10

ROE of 4.5% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
7.0%3/10

7.0% margin — thin

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-264.40M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

BX4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
27.9x4/10

Moderate valuation

Price/BookValuation
9.8x4/10

Trading at 9.8x book value

Debt/EquityHealth
1.633/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

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. PEG of 0.32 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : BX

The strongest argument for BX centers on Operating Margin, Revenue Growth, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.2% and operating margin at 52.8%. Revenue growth of 50.6% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : BEN

The primary concerns for BEN are Revenue Growth, Return on Equity, Profit Margin.

Bear Case : BX

The primary concerns for BX are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.63 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

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

BX is growing revenue faster at 50.6% — sustainability is the question.

BX generates stronger free cash flow (-25M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

BX scores higher overall (77/100 vs 64/100), backed by strong 21.2% margins and 50.6% revenue growth. BEN offers better value entry with a 45.5% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "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.

Blackstone Group Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Blackstone Group Inc. is an alternative asset management company specializing in real estate, private equity, hedge fund solutions, credit, secondary funds of funds, public debt and equity strategies and multiple asset classes. The company is headquartered in New York, New York with additional offices across Asia, Europe and North America.

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