Ares Management Corporation (ARES) vs MSCI Inc. (MSCI)

A side-by-side comparison of Ares Management Corporation and MSCI Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnARES vs MSCI

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
ARES +984.2% (+26.9%/yr)MSCI +620.4% (+21.8%/yr)ARES compounded faster over this window
05001k2kStart $10020182020202220242026$1,084$720
ARES MSCI

ARES vs MSCI: by the numbers

  • ARES is the larger company ($43.22B vs $39.93B market cap).
  • MSCI trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (30.26 vs 54.61 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • MSCI converts more revenue to profit (40.74% vs 9.97% net margin).
  • ARES grew revenue faster over the past five years (15.54% vs 12.56% CAGR).
  • ARES pays the higher dividend yield (3.75% vs 1.43%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricARESMSCI
P/E ratio54.6130.26
Forward P/E22.4627.85
P/S ratio6.7711.98
P/B ratio10.89N/A

Profitability

MetricARESMSCI
Gross margin74.79%82.97%
Operating margin23.18%55.66%
Net margin9.97%40.74%
ROE16.04%N/A

Dividends

MetricARESMSCI
Dividend yield3.75%1.43%
Payout ratio204.98%43.80%

Growth (annualized)

MetricARESMSCI
Revenue CAGR (5Y)15.54%12.56%
EPS CAGR (5Y)17.11%16.73%
Total return CAGR (5Y)14.24%-2.03%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, ARES or MSCI?
MSCI has the lower trailing P/E: ARES trades at 54.61 and MSCI at 30.26. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, ARES or MSCI?
Over the past five years, ARES grew revenue faster — ARES at a 15.54% CAGR versus MSCI at 12.56%.
Does ARES or MSCI pay a bigger dividend?
ARES yields 3.75% and MSCI yields 1.43% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is ARES or MSCI more profitable?
MSCI runs the higher net margin — ARES at 9.97% versus MSCI at 40.74%.
How have ARES and MSCI total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, ARES delivered 26.80% and MSCI delivered 22.00% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified September 13, 2026.