WallStSmart

KKR & Co. Inc. (KKR)vsNorthern Trust Corporation (NTRS)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

KKR & Co. Inc. generates 184% more annual revenue ($25.83B vs $9.09B). NTRS leads profitability with a 24.7% profit margin vs 12.2%. KKR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.46. NTRS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 84/100 (A-).

KKR

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 8.7Profit: 6.0Value: 6.3Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 3/9

NTRS

Exceptional Buy

84

out of 100

Grade: A-

Growth: 10.0Profit: 7.5Value: 6.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: -0.32

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

KKR5 strengths · Avg: 8.6/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.4610/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Market CapQuality
$93.16B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Operating MarginProfitability
20.6%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 20.6%

EPS GrowthGrowth
40.0%8/10

Earnings expanding 40.0% YoY

Free Cash FlowQuality
$3.20B8/10

Generating 3.2B in free cash flow

NTRS6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Operating MarginProfitability
42.5%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 42.5%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
36.4%10/10

Revenue surging 36.4% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
98.6%10/10

Earnings expanding 98.6% YoY

Profit MarginProfitability
24.7%9/10

Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
16.0x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

KKR3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
33.2x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Debt/EquityHealth
1.633/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

NTRS4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.183/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-284.40M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.322/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : KKR

The strongest argument for KKR centers on PEG Ratio, Market Cap, Operating Margin. PEG of 0.46 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : NTRS

The strongest argument for NTRS centers on Operating Margin, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.7% and operating margin at 42.5%. Revenue growth of 36.4% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : KKR

The primary concerns for KKR are P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 1.63 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : NTRS

The primary concerns for NTRS are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

KKR profiles as a value stock while NTRS is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

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

NTRS is growing revenue faster at 36.4% — sustainability is the question.

KKR generates stronger free cash flow (3.2B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

NTRS scores higher overall (84/100 vs 66/100), backed by strong 24.7% margins and 36.4% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional 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.

KKR & Co. Inc.

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

KKR & Co. Inc. is a leading global investment firm established in 1976, with a strong focus on private equity, credit, and real asset investments. The firm excels at identifying complex market opportunities and utilizes its extensive industry knowledge and global network to create sustainable long-term value across its portfolio. KKR is recognized for its commitment to sustainable investing, seamlessly integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into its investment approach, thereby promoting responsible growth alongside financial performance. With a strategic emphasis on innovation and operational excellence, KKR remains a crucial player in the financial sector worldwide.

Northern Trust Corporation

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Northern Trust Corporation is a financial services company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois that caters to corporations, institutional investors, and ultra high net worth individuals.

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