Ares Management Corporation appears better positioned than KKR & Co. Inc. for long-term shareholder returns, according to a Zacks Investment Research analysis. ARES benefits from stronger earnings growth expectations, with consensus estimates implying year-over-year rises of 27.3% for 2026 and 24.4% for 2027, and offers a significantly higher dividend yield of 4.2% after a 20.5% quarterly dividend hike to $1.35 per share. KKR trades at a lower forward price-to-earnings multiple of 15.7X versus ARES' 19.14X and targets at least $1 trillion in assets under management by 2030, but its dividend yield stands at just 0.8%. Both firms carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Ares Management LPZacks analysis highlights stronger earnings growth and a dividend hike, making ARES appear better positioned for returns.
KKR & Co. Inc.Zacks analysis positions KKR as less attractive on growth and income compared to Ares, with lower dividend yield and higher valuation concerns.