CG
The Carlyle Group Inc.
Asset Management
Market Cap$18.35B
5Y Perf.+83.7%
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Stock Comparison
CG vs KKR
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
KKR
KKR & Co. Inc.
Asset Management
Market Cap$89.86B
5Y Perf.+263.2%
CG vs KKR — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | CG | KKR |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Asset Management | Asset Management |
| Market Cap | $18.35B | $89.86B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $4.90B | $19.26B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $809M | $2.37B |
| Gross Margin | 65.9% | 41.8% |
| Operating Margin | 26.2% | 2.4% |
| Forward P/E | 11.8x | 16.5x |
| Total Debt | $13.89B | $54.77B |
| Cash & Equiv. | $3.21B | $6M |
CG vs KKR — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
CG
KKR
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Carlyle Group I… (CG) | 100 | 183.7 | +83.7% |
| KKR & Co. Inc. (KKR) | 100 | 363.2 | +263.2% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: CG vs KKR
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: CG leads in 4 of 7 categories, making it the strongest pick for growth and revenue expansion and valuation and capital efficiency. KKR & Co. Inc. is the stronger pick specifically for profitability and margin quality and capital preservation and lower volatility. As sector peers, any of these can serve as alternatives in the same allocation.
CG
The Carlyle Group Inc.
The Banking Pick
CG carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for growth exposure and bank quality.
- Rev growth 19.8%, EPS growth -21.3%
- NIM 7.1% vs KKR's 0.0%
- 19.8% NII/revenue growth vs KKR's -11.0%
Best for: growth exposure and bank quality
KKR
KKR & Co. Inc.
The Banking Pick
KKR is the clearest fit if your priority is income & stability and long-term compounding.
- Dividend streak 6 yrs, beta 1.70, yield 0.8%
- 7.1% 10Y total return vs CG's 292.7%
- Lower volatility, beta 1.70, Low D/E 67.1%, current ratio 79.85x
Best for: income & stability and long-term compounding
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | CG | 19.8% NII/revenue growth vs KKR's -11.0% |
| Value | CG | Lower P/E (11.8x vs 16.5x) |
| Quality / Margins | KKR | Efficiency ratio 0.4% vs CG's 0.4% (lower = leaner) |
| Stability / Safety | KKR | Beta 1.70 vs CG's 1.88, lower leverage |
| Dividends | CG | 2.7% yield, vs KKR's 0.8% |
| Momentum (1Y) | CG | +30.6% vs KKR's -10.7% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | KKR | Efficiency ratio 0.4% vs CG's 0.4% |
CG vs KKR — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
FY 2025
FY 2025
CG vs KKR — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLCGLAGGINGKKR
KKRKKR & Co. Inc.
0leads
CGThe Carlyle Group Inc.
3leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs KKRMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
CG4/5
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
Tied
—
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
CG6/9
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
CG4/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
Tied
—
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
Tied
—
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
CG leads this category, winning 4 of 5 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
KKR is the larger business by revenue, generating $19.3B annually — 3.9x CG's $4.9B. Profitability is closely matched — net margins range from 16.5% (CG) to 12.3% (KKR).
| Metric | CGThe Carlyle Group… | KKRKKR & Co. Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $4.9B | $19.3B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $1.4B | $9.0B |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $809M | $2.4B |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | -$1.7B | $7.5B |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +65.9% | +41.8% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +26.2% | +2.4% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +16.5% | +12.3% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +27.8% | +49.4% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | — | — |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +68.4% | -1.7% |
CG leads this category, winning 4 of 5 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
Evenly matched — CG and KKR each lead in 3 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
At 23.3x trailing earnings, CG trades at a 46% valuation discount to KKR's 43.1x P/E. On an enterprise value basis, KKR's 20.3x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than CG's 21.7x.
| Metric | CGThe Carlyle Group… | KKRKKR & Co. Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $18.3B | $89.9B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $29.0B | $144.6B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 23.30x | 43.07x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 11.83x | 16.50x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | 1.33x | — |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 21.72x | 20.30x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 3.75x | 4.67x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 2.67x | 1.18x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 13.46x | 9.44x |
Evenly matched — CG and KKR each lead in 3 of 6 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
CG leads this category, winning 6 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
CG delivers a 12.0% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $12 in annual profit, vs $3 for KKR. KKR carries lower financial leverage with a 0.67x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to CG's 1.97x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), KKR scores 6/9 vs CG's 4/9, reflecting solid financial health.
| Metric | CGThe Carlyle Group… | KKRKKR & Co. Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +12.0% | +3.2% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +3.1% | +0.6% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +5.2% | +0.3% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +5.0% | +0.1% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 4 | 6 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 1.97x | 0.67x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $10.7B | $54.8B |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $3.2B | $6M |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $13.9B | $54.8B |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 2.05x | 3.29x |
CG leads this category, winning 6 of 9 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
CG leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in KKR five years ago would be worth $18,046 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $12,787 for CG. Over the past 12 months, CG leads with a +30.6% total return vs KKR's -10.7%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors CG at 28.2% vs KKR's 27.8% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | CGThe Carlyle Group… | KKRKKR & Co. Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | -16.0% | -21.7% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +30.6% | -10.7% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +110.6% | +108.7% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +27.9% | +80.5% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +292.7% | +711.5% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | +28.2% | +27.8% |
CG leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
Evenly matched — CG and KKR each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
KKR is the less volatile stock with a 1.70 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than CG's 1.88 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. CG currently trades 72.7% from its 52-week high vs KKR's 65.5% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | CGThe Carlyle Group… | KKRKKR & Co. Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 1.88x | 1.70x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $69.85 | $153.87 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $39.48 | $82.67 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +72.7% | +65.5% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 57.4 | 55.3 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 3.1M | 6.6M |
Evenly matched — CG and KKR each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Evenly matched — CG and KKR each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Wall Street rates CG as "Buy" and KKR as "Buy". Consensus price targets imply 41.9% upside for KKR (target: $143) vs 32.5% for CG (target: $67). For income investors, CG offers the higher dividend yield at 2.68% vs KKR's 0.80%.
| Metric | CGThe Carlyle Group… | KKRKKR & Co. Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Buy | Buy |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $67.33 | $143.00 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 25 | 26 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | +2.7% | +0.8% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 0 | 6 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | $1.36 | $0.80 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | +3.7% | +0.1% |
Evenly matched — CG and KKR each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Key Takeaway
CG leads in 3 of 6 categories — strongest in Income & Cash Flow and Profitability & Efficiency. 3 categories are tied.
Best OverallThe Carlyle Group Inc. (CG)Leads 3 of 6 categories
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CG vs KKR: Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is CG or KKR a better buy right now?
For growth investors, The Carlyle Group Inc.
(CG) is the stronger pick with 19. 8% revenue growth year-over-year, versus -11. 0% for KKR & Co. Inc. (KKR). The Carlyle Group Inc. (CG) offers the better valuation at 23. 3x trailing P/E (11. 8x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate The Carlyle Group Inc. (CG) a "Buy" — based on 25 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — CG or KKR?
On trailing P/E, The Carlyle Group Inc.
(CG) is the cheapest at 23. 3x versus KKR & Co. Inc. at 43. 1x. On forward P/E, The Carlyle Group Inc. is actually cheaper at 11. 8x.
03Which is the better long-term investment — CG or KKR?
Over the past 5 years, KKR & Co.
Inc. (KKR) delivered a total return of +80. 5%, compared to +27. 9% for The Carlyle Group Inc. (CG). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: KKR returned +711. 5% versus CG's +292. 7%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — CG or KKR?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), KKR & Co.
Inc. (KKR) is the lower-risk stock at 1. 70β versus The Carlyle Group Inc. 's 1. 88β — meaning CG is approximately 10% more volatile than KKR relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, KKR & Co. Inc. (KKR) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 67% versus 197% for The Carlyle Group Inc. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — CG or KKR?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), The Carlyle Group Inc.
(CG) is pulling ahead at 19. 8% versus -11. 0% for KKR & Co. Inc. (KKR). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: The Carlyle Group Inc. grew EPS -21. 3% year-over-year, compared to -28. 7% for KKR & Co. Inc.. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — CG or KKR?
The Carlyle Group Inc.
(CG) is the more profitable company, earning 16. 5% net margin versus 12. 3% for KKR & Co. Inc. — meaning it keeps 16. 5% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: CG leads at 26. 2% versus 2. 4% for KKR. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — CG leads at 65. 9%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Is CG or KKR more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, The Carlyle Group Inc.
(CG) trades at 11. 8x forward P/E versus 16. 5x for KKR & Co. Inc. — 4. 7x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis. Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for KKR: 41. 9% to $143. 00.
08Which pays a better dividend — CG or KKR?
All stocks in this comparison pay dividends.
The Carlyle Group Inc. (CG) offers the highest yield at 2. 7%, versus 0. 8% for KKR & Co. Inc. (KKR).
09Is CG or KKR better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, KKR & Co.
Inc. (KKR) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (0. 8% yield, +711. 5% 10Y return). The Carlyle Group Inc. (CG) carries a higher beta of 1. 88 — meaning larger drawdowns in market downturns, which matters significantly when you cannot wait years for a recovery. Both have compounded well over 10 years (KKR: +711. 5%, CG: +292. 7%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
10What are the main differences between CG and KKR?
Both stocks operate in the Financial Services sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
In terms of investment character: CG is a mid-cap high-growth stock; KKR is a mid-cap quality compounder stock. These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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Revenue Growth>
%
(CG: 19.8% · KKR: -11.0%)Net Margin>
%
(CG: 16.5% · KKR: 12.3%)P/E Ratio<
x
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