WallStSmart

Heritage Global Inc (HGBL)vsMorgan Stanley (MS)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Morgan Stanley generates 145537% more annual revenue ($73.17B vs $50.24M). MS leads profitability with a 24.7% profit margin vs 6.5%. MS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.54. MS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).

HGBL

Hold

40

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 2.7Profit: 4.5Value: 5.0Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: -0.65

MS

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 9.3Profit: 7.5Value: 4.3Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.38

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

HGBL3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Price/BookValuation
0.6x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0210/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

P/E RatioValuation
14.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

MS5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$339.08B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Operating MarginProfitability
40.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 40.6%

Profit MarginProfitability
24.7%9/10

Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
16.3%8/10

16.3% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
31.9%8/10

Earnings expanding 31.9% YoY

Areas to Watch

HGBL4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Market CapQuality
$44.47M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
4.8%3/10

ROE of 4.8% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
6.5%3/10

6.5% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
4.0%3/10

Operating margin of 4.0%

MS4 concerns · Avg: 1.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.542/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-7.85B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.382/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
3.451/10

Elevated debt levels

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : HGBL

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

Bull Case : MS

The strongest argument for MS centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.7% and operating margin at 40.6%. Revenue growth of 16.3% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : HGBL

The primary concerns for HGBL are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin.

Bear Case : MS

The primary concerns for MS are PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 3.45 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

HGBL profiles as a value 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 16.3% — sustainability is the question.

HGBL generates stronger free cash flow (-3M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

MS scores higher overall (71/100 vs 40/100), backed by strong 24.7% margins and 16.3% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" 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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