WallStSmart

Heritage Global Inc (HGBL)vsMorgan Stanley (MS)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Morgan Stanley generates 161352% more annual revenue ($77.83B vs $48.20M). MS leads profitability with a 25.9% profit margin vs -29.6%. MS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.87. MS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B).

HGBL

Avoid

34

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 2.7Profit: 2.5Value: 4.0Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: -0.65

MS

Strong Buy

75

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 9.3Profit: 8.0Value: 5.7Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.38

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

HGBL2 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Price/BookValuation
0.9x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Debt/EquityHealth
0.109/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

MS6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Market CapQuality
$336.70B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Operating MarginProfitability
41.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 41.6%

EPS GrowthGrowth
62.4%10/10

Earnings expanding 62.4% YoY

Profit MarginProfitability
25.9%9/10

Keeps 26 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
17.3x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Revenue GrowthGrowth
28.0%8/10

Revenue surging 28.0% year-over-year

Areas to Watch

HGBL4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Market CapQuality
$47.11M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
4.8%3/10

ROE of 4.8% — below average capital efficiency

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
3.602/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

MS4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.874/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-3.57B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.382/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
4.751/10

Elevated debt levels

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : HGBL

The strongest argument for HGBL centers on Price/Book, Debt/Equity.

Bull Case : MS

The strongest argument for MS centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 25.9% and operating margin at 41.6%. Revenue growth of 28.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : HGBL

The primary concerns for HGBL are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : MS

The primary concerns for MS are PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 4.75 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

HGBL profiles as a turnaround stock while MS is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

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

MS is growing revenue faster at 28.0% — sustainability is the question.

HGBL generates stronger free cash flow (905,000), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

MS scores higher overall (75/100 vs 34/100), backed by strong 25.9% margins and 28.0% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Avoid" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

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

Heritage Global Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA

Heritage Global, Inc. is an asset services company with a focus on financial and industrial asset transactions. The company is headquartered in San Diego, California.

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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.

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