WallStSmart

Franklin Resources Inc (BEN)vsKKR & Co. Inc. (KKR)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

KKR & Co. Inc. generates 181% more annual revenue ($25.35B vs $9.03B). KKR leads profitability with a 11.7% profit margin vs 8.1%. BEN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.40. BEN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (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

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

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

KKR3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$88.07B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

PEG RatioValuation
0.528/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.90B8/10

Generating 1.9B in free cash flow

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

KKR4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
32.1x4/10

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 : 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 : KKR

The strongest argument for KKR centers on Market Cap, PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 0.52 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : BEN

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

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

BEN profiles as a value stock while KKR is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.

KKR carries more volatility with a beta of 1.85 — expect wider price swings.

BEN is growing revenue faster at 8.7% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

BEN scores higher overall (70/100 vs 48/100). Both earn "Strong 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.

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.

KKR & Co. Inc.

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

KKR & Co. Inc., established in 1976, is a leading global investment firm recognized for its expertise across private equity, credit, and real asset investments. Utilizing its extensive industry knowledge and global reach, KKR strategically identifies and seizes complex market opportunities, thereby generating sustainable long-term value for its portfolio companies. The firm's strong emphasis on sustainable investing is evidenced by its rigorous integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria in its investment processes, ensuring not only robust financial performance but also responsible market growth. KKR's dedication to innovation and operational excellence solidifies its status as a pivotal player in the global financial landscape.

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