WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Blackstone Group Inc generates 66% more annual revenue ($15.48B vs $9.32B). BX leads profitability with a 22.7% profit margin vs 8.7%. BEN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.44. BX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B+).

BEN

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 5.0Value: 7.0Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.45

BX

Strong Buy

75

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 9.3Profit: 9.0Value: 5.7Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.29

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

BEN3 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.4410/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
1.5x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
106.7%10/10

Earnings expanding 106.7% YoY

BX6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Return on EquityProfitability
39.0%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 39 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
54.4%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 54.4%

EPS GrowthGrowth
57.3%10/10

Earnings expanding 57.3% YoY

Market CapQuality
$149.90B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
22.7%9/10

Keeps 23 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
28.6%8/10

Revenue surging 28.6% year-over-year

Areas to Watch

BEN3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
Return on EquityProfitability
7.6%3/10

ROE of 7.6% — below average capital efficiency

Debt/EquityHealth
1.423/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.452/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

BX4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
28.9x4/10

Moderate valuation

Price/BookValuation
11.4x4/10

Trading at 11.4x book value

Debt/EquityHealth
1.563/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

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. Revenue growth of 14.3% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.44 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : BX

The strongest argument for BX centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 22.7% and operating margin at 54.4%. Revenue growth of 28.6% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : BEN

The primary concerns for BEN are Return on Equity, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : BX

The primary concerns for BX are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.56 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.

BEN carries more volatility with a beta of 1.57 — expect wider price swings.

BX is growing revenue faster at 28.6% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

BX scores higher overall (75/100 vs 70/100), backed by strong 22.7% margins and 28.6% 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.

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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