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ARES or BX or KKR
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Ares Management (ARES) vs. Blackstone (BX) vs. KKR & Co. (KKR) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Blackstone (BX) is the largest of the three by assets under management (AUM), but has faced the sharpest retreat from its 52-week high amid private credit redemption headlines.
- Ares Management (ARES) leads in private credit specialization and reported record fundraising, yet carries the highest forward price-to-earnings multiple of the group.
- KKR & Co. (KKR) delivered record fee-related earnings and strong diversification, but softened its 2026 adjusted net income target due to monetization timing.
- All three alternative asset managers have underperformed the broader market in recent months despite solid underlying fundamentals.
- Sentiment across the sector has been pressured by concerns over private credit lending standards, withdrawals, and artificial intelligence (AI) disruption risk.
Introduction
Alternative asset managers have become central to how institutional and individual investors access private credit, real estate, infrastructure, and private equity. This stock comparison examines three of the sector's most prominent public franchises — ARES, BX, and KKR — to assess their relative performance and market positioning. For traders and long-term investors evaluating exposure to private markets, understanding the contrasts in business mix, growth drivers, and valuation sensitivity is essential. Each firm has reported robust operating results in recent quarters, yet their share prices have diverged from fundamentals, making a comparative framework particularly timely.
ARES Overview and Recent Performance
Ares Management Corporation (ARES) is a leading global alternative investment manager best known for its dominance in private credit, alongside real estate, private equity, and infrastructure strategies. The firm's AUM reached roughly $671 billion in the second quarter of 2026, up about 17% year over year, supported by record quarterly fundraising and a record pool of uninvested capital often called "dry powder."
In recent weeks, the share price has cooled, with the stock down more than 20% year to date despite strong earnings. This disconnect reflects broader sector concerns over private credit lending standards and redemption pressures at retail-facing credit funds. Still, Ares reported easing withdrawal requests at its flagship strategic income fund, and analysts have generally maintained Buy ratings, with consensus price targets implying meaningful upside. The stock trades at a premium valuation relative to peers, reflecting its growth profile and the recurring-fee quality of its earnings.
BX Overview and Recent Performance
Blackstone Inc. (BX) is the world's largest alternative asset manager, with roughly $1.35 trillion in AUM spanning private equity, real estate, credit, and infrastructure. The firm has leaned heavily into AI-driven demand, including data center investments and a joint venture with Google, while committing to expand its data center platform substantially.
Despite strong operating results — including distributable earnings that rose roughly 26% year over year — the stock has fallen more than 30% from its 52-week high. The decline has been driven largely by withdrawals from its flagship private credit fund (BCRED) and investor jitters about the broader private credit sector. In recent market activity, Blackstone launched new perpetual-capital vehicles aimed at broadening investor access. With a dividend yield around 4% and a moderate valuation multiple relative to the group, the stock has attracted a mix of upgrades and cautious holds from Wall Street analysts.
KKR Overview and Recent Performance
KKR & Co. Inc. (KKR) manages roughly $758 billion in AUM across private equity, real assets, credit, and insurance, and has expanded into sports investing through its acquisition of Arctos Partners. The firm reported record fee-related earnings in the second quarter of 2026, with a fee-related earnings margin approaching 70%, underscoring the durability of its recurring revenue base.
Recent stock behavior has been mixed. The share price is down roughly 25% year to date, pressured by sector-wide private credit concerns and specific stress at the FS KKR Capital business development company, where the firm committed capital amid asset quality challenges. Management also signaled reduced visibility on its 2026 adjusted net income target, though it emphasized that delayed monetizations are expected to shift into future years rather than disappear. KKR's diversified fee base and growing insurance and asset-based finance platforms remain key differentiators.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
These three firms differ meaningfully in business mix and risk profile. ARES is the most credit-centric, giving it concentrated exposure to private lending economics but also higher valuation sensitivity. BX offers the greatest scale and diversification, with a notable AI and data center growth angle, yet faces headline risk from its large retail-facing credit funds. KKR sits between the two, balancing private equity, credit, and insurance with a growing asset-based finance franchise.
On valuation, ARES trades at the highest earnings multiple, reflecting faster expected growth, while Blackstone offers a lower multiple and higher dividend yield. On momentum, all three have lagged the S&P 500 in recent months, though their relative performance has shifted as private credit redemption fears have eased somewhat. Risk factors include interest-rate sensitivity, regulatory scrutiny, and AI-related disruption to software-heavy loan portfolios.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors including trend consistency, earnings stability, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely favor BX on a balance of scale, diversification, and valuation support, while recognizing that ARES offers stronger earnings-growth momentum and KKR presents a compelling recurring-fee profile. The AI's preference is probabilistic rather than definitive: BX's lower multiple, higher yield, and AI-linked growth catalysts may offer a more favorable risk-reward under current conditions, whereas ARES and KKR retain appeal for investors prioritizing growth and specialization. Relative rankings could shift as sentiment and catalysts evolve.
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.
ARES's RSI Oscillator climbs out of oversold territory
The RSI Indicator for ARES moved out of oversold territory on October 15, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is shifting from a downward trend to an upward trend. Traders may want to buy the stock or call options. The A.I.dvisor looked at 20 similar instances when the indicator left oversold territory. In 17 of the 20 cases the stock moved higher. This puts the odds of a move higher at 85%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator is in the oversold zone. Keep an eye out for a move up in the foreseeable future.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for ARES just turned positive on October 12, 2026. Looking at past instances where ARES's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 35 of 46 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 76%.
Following a +1.63% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where ARES advanced for three days, in 260 of 340 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 76%.
ARES may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Bearish Trend Analysis
ARES moved below its 50-day moving average on September 10, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for ARES crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on September 17, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 9 of 14 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 64%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where ARES 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 66%.
The Aroon Indicator for ARES entered a downward trend on October 12, 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 Valuation Rating of 11 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is seriously undervalued 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: ARES's P/B Ratio (10.730) is slightly higher than the industry average of (3.246). P/E Ratio (54.284) is within average values for comparable stocks, (27.022). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.879) is also within normal values, averaging (1.319). Dividend Yield (0.044) settles around the average of (0.081) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (4.623) is also within normal values, averaging (15.798).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 67 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. ARES’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 72 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly worse than average price growth. ARES’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
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 86 (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.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 95 (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.
BX's MACD Histogram just turned positive
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for BX turned positive on October 09, 2026. Looking at past instances where BX's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 30 of 37 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 81%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where BX's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, 21 of 30 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 70%.
The Stochastic Oscillator is in the oversold zone. Keep an eye out for a move up in the foreseeable future.
Following a +1.86% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where BX advanced for three days, in 209 of 303 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 69%.
BX may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
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 BX as a result. In 54 of 79 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 68%.
The 10-day moving average for BX crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on September 15, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 10 of 16 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 62%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where BX 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 69%.
The Aroon Indicator for BX entered a downward trend on October 15, 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 Valuation Rating of 11 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is seriously undervalued 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: BX's P/B Ratio (9.542) is slightly higher than the industry average of (3.246). P/E Ratio (25.629) is within average values for comparable stocks, (27.022). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.048) is also within normal values, averaging (1.319). Dividend Yield (0.046) settles around the average of (0.081) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (7.148) is also within normal values, averaging (15.798).
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 32 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable 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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 64 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. BX’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 75 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly 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 88 (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.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. BX’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.
KKR in downward trend: 10-day moving average crossed below 50-day moving average on September 16, 2026
The 10-day moving average for KKR crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on September 16, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 10 of 12 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 83%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
KKR moved below its 50-day moving average on September 10, 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 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 15, 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 KKR's RSI Indicator exited the oversold zone, 16 of 26 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 62%.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 1 day, which means it's wise to expect a price bounce in the near future.
The 50-day moving average for KKR moved above the 200-day moving average on September 25, 2026. This could be a long-term bullish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an upward trend.
Following a +2.18% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where KKR advanced for three days, in 240 of 331 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 73%.
KKR 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 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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 78 (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 Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 79 (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 Valuation Rating of 81 (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 (2.936) is normal, around the industry mean (3.246). P/E Ratio (29.789) is within average values for comparable stocks, (27.022). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.398) is also within normal values, averaging (1.319). KKR has a moderately low Dividend Yield (0.008) as compared to the industry average of (0.081). P/S Ratio (4.382) is also within normal values, averaging (15.798).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 92 (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.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 95 (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.
ARES | BX | KKR | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 17 | 8 | 56 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 11 Undervalued | 11 Undervalued | 81 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 67 | 100 | 79 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 95 | 32 | 67 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 72 | 64 | 78 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 86 | 88 | 92 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 85 | 75 | 90 |
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.
ARES's Valuation (11) in the Investment Managers industry is in the same range as BX (11) and is significantly better than the same rating for KKR (81). This means that ARES's stock grew similarly to BX’s and significantly faster than KKR’s over the last 12 months.
ARES's Profit vs Risk Rating (67) in the Investment Managers industry is in the same range as KKR (79) and is somewhat better than the same rating for BX (100). This means that ARES's stock grew similarly to KKR’s and somewhat faster than BX’s over the last 12 months.
BX's SMR Rating (32) in the Investment Managers industry is somewhat better than the same rating for KKR (67) and is somewhat better than the same rating for ARES (95). This means that BX's stock grew somewhat faster than KKR’s and somewhat faster than ARES’s over the last 12 months.
BX's Price Growth Rating (64) in the Investment Managers industry is in the same range as ARES (72) and is in the same range as KKR (78). This means that BX's stock grew similarly to ARES’s and similarly to KKR’s over the last 12 months.
ARES's P/E Growth Rating (86) in the Investment Managers industry is in the same range as BX (88) and is in the same range as KKR (92). This means that ARES's stock grew similarly to BX’s and similarly to KKR’s over the last 12 months.
| ARES | BX | KKR | |
|---|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 85% | 1 day ago 70% | 1 day ago 62% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 71% | 1 day ago 71% | 1 day ago 69% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | N/A | 1 day ago 68% | N/A |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 76% | 1 day ago 81% | N/A |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 64% | 1 day ago 66% | 1 day ago 69% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 67% | 1 day ago 68% | 1 day ago 73% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 76% | 4 days ago 69% | 4 days ago 73% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 66% | 2 days ago 69% | 2 days ago 68% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 73% | 1 day ago 81% | 1 day ago 82% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 61% | 1 day ago 71% | 1 day ago 75% |
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).
ARES’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while BX’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s), and KKR’s FA Score reflects 0 green FA rating(s).
- ARES’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- BX’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- KKR’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.
ARES’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while BX’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s), and KKR’s TA Score reflects 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- ARES’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
- BX’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
- KKR’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
ARES (@Investment Managers) experienced а -1.92% price change this week, while BX (@Investment Managers) price change was -3.09% , and KKR (@Investment Managers) price fluctuated -2.15% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Investment Managers industry was -1.53%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +0.70%, and the average quarterly price growth was -1.73%.
Reported Earning Dates
ARES is expected to report earnings on Oct 29, 2026.
BX is expected to report earnings on Oct 22, 2026.
KKR is expected to report earnings on Nov 09, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Investment Managers (-1.53% 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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