WallStSmart

Cion Investment Corp (CION)vsKKR & Co. Inc. (KKR)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

KKR & Co. Inc. generates 10722% more annual revenue ($25.35B vs $234.28M). KKR leads profitability with a 11.7% profit margin vs -0.4%. CION earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 49/100 (D+).

CION

Hold

49

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 5.0Value: 5.0Quality: 6.3
Piotroski: 5/9

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

CION3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Price/BookValuation
0.5x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
75.4%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 75.4%

EPS GrowthGrowth
24.3%8/10

Earnings expanding 24.3% 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

CION4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Market CapQuality
$339.81M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Debt/EquityHealth
1.763/10

Elevated debt levels

Return on EquityProfitability
-0.1%2/10

ROE of -0.1% — below average capital efficiency

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-11.7%2/10

Revenue declined 11.7%

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 : CION

The strongest argument for CION centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, EPS 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 : CION

The primary concerns for CION are Market Cap, Debt/Equity, Return on Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.76 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

CION profiles as a turnaround 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.

KKR is growing revenue faster at -6.6% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

CION scores higher overall (49/100 vs 48/100). Both earn "Hold" 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.

Cion Investment Corp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Cion Investment Corp (CION) is a specialized asset management firm that focuses on private debt investments in the middle market, leveraging its extensive expertise and industry relationships to source high-potential opportunities. Known for its innovative financing solutions, CION prioritizes capital preservation while delivering strong risk-adjusted returns, making it a competitive player in the private equity landscape. The firm’s disciplined investment strategy positions it as an attractive option for institutional investors seeking strategic exposure to growth-oriented businesses in the dynamic middle market sector.

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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