WallStSmart

Cohen & Company Inc (COHN)vsMorgan Stanley (MS)

VS
⚡

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Morgan Stanley generates 25743% more annual revenue ($79.79B vs $308.76M). MS leads profitability with a 25.6% profit margin vs 5.8%. COHN trades at a lower P/E of 2.1x. MS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).

COHN

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.0Value: 6.7Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.67

MS

Strong Buy

72

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 5.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.38

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

COHN4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
2.1x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
0.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Return on EquityProfitability
30.3%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
16.8%8/10

16.8% revenue growth

MS5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$288.43B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Operating MarginProfitability
39.9%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 39.9%

Profit MarginProfitability
25.6%9/10

Keeps 26 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
14.6x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

COHN3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.674/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Market CapQuality
$32.16M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
5.8%3/10

5.8% margin — thin

MS2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.614/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.382/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : COHN

The strongest argument for COHN centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Return on Equity. Revenue growth of 16.8% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : MS

The strongest argument for MS centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 25.6% and operating margin at 39.9%. Revenue growth of 10.8% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : COHN

The primary concerns for COHN are Altman Z-Score, Market Cap, Profit Margin.

Bear Case : MS

The primary concerns for MS are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

COHN profiles as a growth stock while MS is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

MS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.21 — expect wider price swings.

COHN is growing revenue faster at 16.8% — sustainability is the question.

Monitor CAPITAL MARKETS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

MS scores higher overall (72/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 25.6% margins and 10.8% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Cohen & Company Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA

Cohen & Company Inc. is a publicly owned investment manager. The company is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with additional offices in New York City; Boca Raton, Florida; Chicago, Illinois; Bethesda, Maryland; Boston, Massachusetts; Paris, France; and London, United Kingdom.

Morgan Stanley

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA

Morgan Stanley is an American multinational investment bank and financial services company headquartered at 1585 Broadway in the Morgan Stanley Building, Midtown Manhattan, New York City.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?