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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
- Scale gap: Blackstone is the largest by assets under management (AUM, the total capital a firm manages), while Ares is the most credit-centric and KKR blends credit with a growing insurance platform.
- Growth drivers differ: ARES leans on private credit and direct lending; BX on real estate, private equity, and infrastructure; KKR on credit and insurance (Global Atlantic).
- Recent momentum varies: KKR posted its strongest fundraising quarter in years, while Ares and Blackstone have faced relative share-price pressure despite record AUM.
- Valuation sensitivity: all three are sensitive to interest-rate expectations and private-market valuation sentiment.
- AI read: observable trend consistency and catalyst profiles currently appear most constructive for KKR, though all three retain strong long-term positioning.
Introduction
Alternative asset managers have become a core holding for investors seeking exposure to private credit, real estate, private equity, and infrastructure without buying private funds directly. ARES, BX, and KKR represent three distinct approaches to the same high-growth industry. This stock comparison examines their business models, relative performance, and market positioning in the current environment. It is most relevant for growth-oriented investors and traders evaluating how scale, asset-class mix, and fundraising momentum translate into share-price behavior.
ARES Overview and Recent Performance
Ares Management Corporation is a global alternative investment manager best known for its market-leading credit platform, alongside real estate, private equity, and infrastructure. The firm has expanded rapidly through a record year of fundraising and investing, crossing $600 billion in AUM and closing its GCP International acquisition to broaden its real-estate and digital-infrastructure capabilities. Management also raised its quarterly dividend by roughly 20%.
Despite strong operating results, sentiment toward ARES has been mixed in recent market activity. Shares have traded under pressure as investors scrutinized private-credit risk and valuations, including the firm's software-sector exposure. Robust investor demand across its channels and a large pool of available capital support its long-term outlook, but near-term price behavior reflects broader caution around credit-sensitive alternative managers.
BX Overview and Recent Performance
Blackstone Inc. is the world's largest alternative asset manager, spanning real estate, private equity, credit, and hedge fund solutions, with total AUM above $1.2 trillion. Recent results highlighted four consecutive quarters of fundraising exceeding $50 billion and record dry powder (uninvested committed capital). Its real-estate income trust delivered its strongest annual performance in three years, aided by data-center and AI-driven infrastructure demand.
Sentiment on BX has nonetheless been choppy in recent weeks. Shares have traded below analyst price targets even as fee-related earnings and fundraising remain resilient, reflecting concern that slower dealmaking and valuation mismatches could weigh on performance fees. Its scale and diversification across asset classes provide defensive stability, though the stock's premium valuation remains a focal point for investors.
KKR Overview and Recent Performance
KKR & Co. Inc. combines a large private-equity and credit franchise with a fast-growing insurance operation through its Global Atlantic unit. The firm reported its best fundraising quarter in more than four years, driven by record credit inflows, with total AUM rising to roughly $723 billion. Management has articulated a target of $1 trillion in AUM by 2030.
Relative performance for KKR has been nuanced. Strong credit and insurance momentum was partially offset by a charge related to refunding carried interest on an underperforming Asia private-equity fund, which briefly pressured shares. Still, the firm's dry powder and embedded gains position it for continued deployment, and analysts have highlighted the consistency of its operating model in recent weeks.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast among the three is scale versus focus. BX is the diversified giant, with the largest AUM base and broadest asset-class footprint, which supports durable fee income but exposes it to slower real-estate and dealmaking cycles. ARES is the purest credit play, benefiting directly from private-credit demand but also more concentrated sensitivity to credit spreads and borrower health. KKR sits in between, pairing credit momentum with an insurance engine that adds a structural, permanent-capital advantage.
On valuation, all three carry premiums to traditional financial peers, making them sensitive to rate expectations and private-market sentiment. Risk factors diverge: Ares faces credit-quality scrutiny, Blackstone faces real-estate valuation questions, and KKR carries idiosyncratic fund-specific charges. Sector exposure and growth catalysts therefore favor different names depending on whether investors prioritize diversification, credit yield, or insurance-linked earnings stability.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, stability, and catalyst profiles, Tickeron's AI would likely lean toward KKR in the current environment. The combination of record fundraising, a diversified credit and insurance earnings base, and a clear path toward AUM growth presents a relatively balanced risk-reward profile. That said, BX remains the defensive scale leader, while ARES offers the most direct credit-cycle leverage. This assessment is probabilistic rather than definitive and should be viewed as one data-driven input among many.
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.
Momentum Indicator for ARES turns positive, indicating new upward trend
ARES saw its Momentum Indicator move above the 0 level on October 21, 2026. This is an indication that the stock could be shifting in to a new upward move. Traders may want to consider buying the stock or buying call options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 98 similar instances where the indicator turned positive. In 76 of the 98 cases, the stock moved higher in the following days. The odds of a move higher are at 78%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where ARES's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, 15 of 21 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 71%.
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 +6.37% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where ARES advanced for three days, in 255 of 335 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 76%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator has been in the overbought zone for 1 day. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
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%.
ARES broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for ARES entered a downward trend on October 23, 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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 55 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. ARES’s price grows at a higher 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 62 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 82, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 80 (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 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 Valuation Rating of 91 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly 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: ARES's P/B Ratio (11.071) is slightly higher than the industry average of (2.393). P/E Ratio (56.000) is within average values for comparable stocks, (-3.286). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.879) is also within normal values, averaging (1.319). Dividend Yield (0.044) settles around the average of (0.272) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (4.623) is also within normal values, averaging (15.798).
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 crosses above signal line
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for BX turned positive on October 19, 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, 23 of 30 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 22, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on BX as a result. In 55 of 78 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 71%.
Following a +3.50% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where BX advanced for three days, in 203 of 297 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 68%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator entered the overbought zone. Expect a price pull-back in the foreseeable future.
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%.
BX broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for BX entered a downward trend on October 23, 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 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 59 (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 PE Growth Rating for this company is 84 (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 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 Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 88 (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.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 91 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly 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: BX's P/B Ratio (9.823) is slightly higher than the industry average of (2.393). P/E Ratio (26.391) is within average values for comparable stocks, (-3.286). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.048) is also within normal values, averaging (1.319). Dividend Yield (0.044) settles around the average of (0.272) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (7.148) is also within normal values, averaging (15.798).
KKR in upward trend: price expected to rise as it breaks 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 Oscillator exited the oversold zone, 19 of 26 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 73%.
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 61 of 89 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 69%.
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 34 of 43 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 79%.
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 has been in the overbought zone for 1 day. Expect a price pull-back in the near 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 23, 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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 71 (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 73 (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 84 (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 (2.876) is normal, around the industry mean (2.393). P/E Ratio (27.266) is within average values for comparable stocks, (-3.286). 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.
ARES | BX | KKR | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 38 | 10 | 4 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 91 Overvalued | 91 Overvalued | 84 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 62 | 88 | 73 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 95 | 32 | 67 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 55 | 59 | 71 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 80 | 84 | 90 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 85 | 85 | 85 |
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.
KKR's Valuation (84) in the Investment Managers industry is in the same range as ARES (91) and is in the same range as BX (91). This means that KKR's stock grew similarly to ARES’s and similarly to BX’s over the last 12 months.
ARES's Profit vs Risk Rating (62) in the Investment Managers industry is in the same range as KKR (73) and is in the same range as BX (88). This means that ARES's stock grew similarly to KKR’s and similarly to 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.
ARES's Price Growth Rating (55) in the Investment Managers industry is in the same range as BX (59) and is in the same range as KKR (71). This means that ARES's stock grew similarly to BX’s and similarly to KKR’s over the last 12 months.
ARES's P/E Growth Rating (80) in the Investment Managers industry is in the same range as BX (84) and is in the same range as KKR (90). 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 (%) | 3 days ago 71% | 3 days ago 77% | 3 days ago 73% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 59% | 3 days ago 58% | 3 days ago 69% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 78% | 3 days ago 71% | 3 days ago 69% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 76% | 3 days ago 81% | 3 days ago 79% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 76% | 3 days ago 69% | 3 days ago 71% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 72% | 3 days ago 68% | 3 days ago 73% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 76% | 6 days ago 68% | 4 days ago 71% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 12 days ago 66% | 12 days ago 69% | 12 days ago 68% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 62% | 3 days ago 59% | 3 days ago 85% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 65% | 3 days ago 72% | 3 days ago 76% |
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 0 FA rating(s) are green while BX’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s), and KKR’s FA Score reflects 0 green FA rating(s).
- ARES’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- BX’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 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 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while BX’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s), and KKR’s TA Score reflects 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- ARES’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 5 bearish.
- BX’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 4 bearish.
- KKR’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
ARES (@Investment Managers) experienced а +8.74% price change this week, while BX (@Investment Managers) price change was +10.66% , and KKR (@Investment Managers) price fluctuated +5.95% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Investment Managers industry was -0.72%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -6.44%, and the average quarterly price growth was -2.12%.
Reported Earning Dates
ARES is expected to report earnings on Oct 29, 2026.
BX is expected to report earnings on Jan 28, 2027.
KKR is expected to report earnings on Nov 09, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Investment Managers (-0.72% 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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ARES and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, ARES has been closely correlated with KKR. These tickers have moved in lockstep 83% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if ARES jumps, then KKR could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To ARES | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARES | 100% | -1.31% | ||
| KKR - ARES | 83% Closely correlated | -1.88% | ||
| BX - ARES | 80% Closely correlated | -0.66% | ||
| TPG - ARES | 79% Closely correlated | -3.31% | ||
| OWL - ARES | 77% Closely correlated | -3.60% | ||
| APO - ARES | 77% Closely correlated | -1.74% | ||
More | ||||
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.