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KKR vs STEP
Which Stock Would AI Choose? KKR & Co. (KKR) vs. StepStone Group (STEP) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- KKR is a large-scale, principal-driven alternative asset manager, while STEP operates a customized solutions, advisory, and data platform for private markets.
- KKR held roughly $758 billion in assets under management (AUM) and about $615 billion in fee-paying AUM as of its most recent quarter, versus STEP's approximately $233 billion in AUM and roughly $885 billion in total capital responsibility.
- Both companies posted record fee-related earnings (FRE) in recent quarters, but STEP carries a more recurring, fee-centric revenue mix, while KKR earnings are more exposed to monetization and performance income.
- Both stocks underperformed the broader market over the past year, with KKR down roughly 21% and STEP down about 18% since the start of the year.
- KKR offers greater scale and diversification, while STEP demonstrates steadier fee growth and strong private wealth inflows.
Introduction
Investors evaluating alternative asset managers often weigh scale and direct investment exposure against steady, fee-based growth. This stock comparison examines KKR (KKR & Co. Inc.), a global private equity, credit, and insurance powerhouse, against STEP (StepStone Group Inc.), a specialized private markets solutions and advisory firm. Both generate value from private assets, yet their business models, earnings drivers, and risk profiles differ meaningfully. Traders seeking momentum catalysts may gravitate toward KKR, while investors focused on recurring fees and operating leverage may find STEP's profile more appealing. Understanding these contrasts helps clarify each company's market positioning and relative performance in the current environment.
KKR Overview and Recent Performance
KKR is among the world's largest alternative asset managers, spanning private equity, real assets, credit and liquid strategies, and an expanding insurance segment. In its most recent quarter, total AUM grew 14% year over year to about $758 billion, with fee-paying AUM rising 17% to roughly $615 billion. Fee-related earnings exceeded $1 billion, up roughly 24%, supported by 30% growth in management fees.
Recent market activity has been mixed. KKR shares have declined approximately 21% over the trailing year, reflecting broader pressure on alternative managers and tempered expectations around monetization timing. Management signaled modestly reduced visibility on its 2026 adjusted net income (ANI, a measure of total realized profitability) target, though executives characterized any shortfall as a matter of timing rather than magnitude. Catalysts such as the completed acquisition of Arctos Partners, a sports-franchise investor, and a large Kuwait energy infrastructure joint venture have reinforced the firm's diversification into long-duration, fee-generating assets.
STEP Overview and Recent Performance
STEP (StepStone Group Inc.) is a global private markets investment firm focused on customized investment solutions, advisory services, and data offerings across private equity, infrastructure, private debt, and real estate. The firm was responsible for approximately $885 billion of total capital, including about $233 billion in AUM, as of its most recent reporting period.
Recent performance has centered on record fee-related earnings and fundraising. STEP generated $105 million in FRE during its latest quarter, its highest ever, with core FRE rising 28% year over year. The firm raised nearly $14 billion in capital during the quarter, capping a fiscal year with over $38 billion in gross AUM additions. Private wealth subscriptions reached record levels, driven by demand for its venture-focused and credit products. Despite this momentum, the stock has declined roughly 18% since the start of the year, and adjusted net income eased from the prior-year period on lower performance-related earnings, while GAAP results were weighed down by a non-cash accounting adjustment.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between KKR and STEP lies in their business models. KKR deploys its own capital alongside client capital, earning carried interest and investment income tied to asset performance, while also building an insurance and strategic holdings franchise. STEP acts primarily as a solutions provider, earning management and advisory fees with a lighter balance-sheet footprint and less direct exposure to investment outcomes.
On growth drivers, KKR benefits from broad fundraising, infrastructure, and sports-investing catalysts, but its earnings carry more timing sensitivity around monetizations and performance fees. STEP's growth is anchored in recurring fees, private wealth expansion, and record undeployed fee-earning capital, offering steadier but more modest scale. Risk profiles differ accordingly: KKR has higher beta and greater earnings variability, while STEP faces fee-rate and deployment-timing risks. Market sentiment has favored neither recently, as both trade below prior-year levels despite strengthening fundamentals.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, earnings stability, and catalyst breadth, Tickeron's AI would likely lean toward KKR in the current environment. Its larger scale, diversified platform across private equity, credit, insurance, and infrastructure, and a pipeline of fee-generating catalysts—including the Arctos integration and long-duration infrastructure deals—offer multiple potential supports for trend development. At the same time, STEP's steadier, recurring fee growth and record private wealth inflows may appeal to stability-oriented AI strategies. The verdict is probabilistic rather than definitive: a trend-following bot with a catalyst bias may favor KKR, whereas a lower-volatility, fee-durability screen could tilt toward STEP.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is KKR is a StrongBuy and STEP is a Hold.
KKR in upward trend: price may jump up because it broke its lower Bollinger Band on October 14, 2026
KKR may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options. In 33 of 39 cases where KKR's price broke its lower Bollinger Band, its price rose further in the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 85%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where KKR's RSI Indicator exited the oversold zone, 20 of 26 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 77%.
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 21, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on KKR as a result. In 63 of 89 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 71%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for KKR just turned positive on October 20, 2026. Looking at past instances where KKR's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 35 of 43 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 81%.
Following a +4.35% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where KKR advanced for three days, in 234 of 328 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 71%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator entered the overbought zone. Expect a price pull-back in the foreseeable future.
The 50-day moving average for KKR moved below the 200-day moving average on October 16, 2026. This could be a long-term bearish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where KKR declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 68%.
The Aroon Indicator for KKR entered a downward trend on October 22, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 67 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 72 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. KKR’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 82, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 73 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly worse than average price growth. KKR’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 83 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (2.830) is normal, around the industry mean (2.404). P/E Ratio (26.827) is within average values for comparable stocks, (-3.413). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.398) is also within normal values, averaging (1.319). Dividend Yield (0.009) settles around the average of (0.272) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (4.382) is also within normal values, averaging (15.798).
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 85 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 90 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
STEP in downward trend: 10-day moving average moved below 50-day moving average on September 25, 2026
The 10-day moving average for STEP crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on September 25, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 13 of 15 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 87%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 13, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on STEP as a result. In 79 of 100 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 79%.
STEP moved below its 50-day moving average on September 22, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where STEP declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 73%.
The Aroon Indicator for STEP entered a downward trend on October 22, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where STEP's RSI Indicator exited the oversold zone, 22 of 30 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 73%.
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 39 of 54 cases where STEP's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 72%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for STEP just turned positive on October 22, 2026. Looking at past instances where STEP's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 39 of 50 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 78%.
Following a +3.17% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where STEP advanced for three days, in 239 of 317 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 75%.
STEP may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 44 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 61 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: STEP's P/B Ratio (-6.634) is slightly lower than the industry average of (2.404). P/E Ratio (-5.645) is within average values for comparable stocks, (-3.413). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.000) is also within normal values, averaging (1.319). Dividend Yield (0.030) settles around the average of (0.272) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.926) is also within normal values, averaging (15.798).
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 62 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. STEP’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 89 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. STEP’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 82, placing this stock worse than average.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
KKR | STEP | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 7 | 83 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 83 Overvalued | 61 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 72 | 89 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 67 | 100 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 73 | 62 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 90 | 44 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 85 | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
STEP's Valuation (61) in the null industry is in the same range as KKR (83) in the Investment Managers industry. This means that STEP’s stock grew similarly to KKR’s over the last 12 months.
KKR's Profit vs Risk Rating (72) in the Investment Managers industry is in the same range as STEP (89) in the null industry. This means that KKR’s stock grew similarly to STEP’s over the last 12 months.
KKR's SMR Rating (67) in the Investment Managers industry is somewhat better than the same rating for STEP (100) in the null industry. This means that KKR’s stock grew somewhat faster than STEP’s over the last 12 months.
STEP's Price Growth Rating (62) in the null industry is in the same range as KKR (73) in the Investment Managers industry. This means that STEP’s stock grew similarly to KKR’s over the last 12 months.
STEP's P/E Growth Rating (44) in the null industry is somewhat better than the same rating for KKR (90) in the Investment Managers industry. This means that STEP’s stock grew somewhat faster than KKR’s over the last 12 months.
| KKR | STEP | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 77% | 1 day ago 73% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 63% | 1 day ago 72% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 71% | 1 day ago 79% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 81% | 1 day ago 78% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 71% | 1 day ago 76% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 73% | 1 day ago 75% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 71% | 3 days ago 75% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 9 days ago 68% | 9 days ago 73% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 85% | 1 day ago 84% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 75% | 1 day ago 77% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
KKR’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green while STEP’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- KKR’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- STEP’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
KKR’s TA Score shows that 6 TA indicator(s) are bullish while STEP’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- KKR’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
- STEP’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
KKR (@Investment Managers) experienced а +4.99% price change this week, while STEP (@Investment Managers) price change was +2.64% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Investment Managers industry was -1.40%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -5.36%, and the average quarterly price growth was -0.89%.
Reported Earning Dates
KKR is expected to report earnings on Nov 09, 2026.
STEP is expected to report earnings on Nov 05, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Investment Managers (-1.40% weekly)Investment Managers manage financial assets and other investments of clients. Management includes designing a short- or long-term strategy for buying/holding and selling of portfolio holdings. It can also include tax services and other aspects of financial planning as well. While it is perceived that the industry is faced with growing competition from robo-advisors/digital platforms and passive/ index-tracking funds, many investors still find value in actively managed in-person services that investment management companies often emphasize on. At the same time, many wealth managers are also incorporating digital initiatives/low cost options in addition to their in-person customized services. Their main sources of revenues are fees as a percentage of assets under management, in addition to a certain portion of clients’ gains from asset appreciation. BlackRock, Inc., Blackstone Group Inc and Brookfield Asset Management are some of the major investment management companies.
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KKR and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, KKR has been closely correlated with BX. These tickers have moved in lockstep 83% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if KKR jumps, then BX could also see price increases.
STEP and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, STEP has been closely correlated with KKR. These tickers have moved in lockstep 75% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if STEP jumps, then KKR could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To STEP | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEP | 100% | +2.48% | ||
| KKR - STEP | 75% Closely correlated | +3.58% | ||
| HLNE - STEP | 74% Closely correlated | +3.46% | ||
| ARES - STEP | 72% Closely correlated | +5.72% | ||
| TPG - STEP | 70% Closely correlated | +4.74% | ||
| CG - STEP | 69% Closely correlated | +5.18% | ||
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