Jefferies Financial Group Inc (JEF)vsMorgan Stanley (MS)
JEF
Jefferies Financial Group Inc
$55.23
+0.47%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $10.77B
MS
Morgan Stanley
$211.93
+0.65%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $339.08B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Morgan Stanley generates 1254% more annual revenue ($73.17B vs $5.40B). MS leads profitability with a 24.7% profit margin vs 23.0%. JEF appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.63. JEF earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).
JEF
Strong Buy72
out of 100
Grade: B
MS
Strong Buy71
out of 100
Grade: B
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Keeps 23 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Revenue surging 26.6% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 22.8% YoY
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 40.6%
Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit
16.3% revenue growth
Earnings expanding 31.9% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 7.0% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : JEF
The strongest argument for JEF centers on Price/Book, Profit Margin, P/E Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 23.0% and operating margin at 13.4%. Revenue growth of 26.6% 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 24.7% and operating margin at 40.6%. Revenue growth of 16.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : JEF
The primary concerns for JEF are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 3.04 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
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
JEF carries more volatility with a beta of 1.50 — expect wider price swings.
JEF is growing revenue faster at 26.6% — sustainability is the question.
JEF generates stronger free cash flow (-1.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor CAPITAL MARKETS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
JEF scores higher overall (72/100 vs 71/100), backed by strong 23.0% margins and 26.6% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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.
Jefferies Financial Group Inc
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA
Jefferies Financial Group Inc. is engaged in investment banking and capital markets, asset management, and direct investment businesses in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The company is headquartered in New York, New York.
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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