Lazard Ltd (LAZ)vsMorgan Stanley (MS)
LAZ
Lazard Ltd
$40.67
-4.89%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $4.15B
MS
Morgan Stanley
$203.13
+3.41%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $343.48B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Morgan Stanley generates 2333% more annual revenue ($77.83B vs $3.20B). MS leads profitability with a 25.9% profit margin vs 8.7%. LAZ appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.00. MS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).
LAZ
Strong Buy70
out of 100
Grade: B-
MS
Strong Buy73
out of 100
Grade: B
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 31 in profit
Earnings expanding 62.5% YoY
Growing faster than its price suggests
Attractively priced relative to earnings
15.4% revenue growth
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 41.6%
Earnings expanding 62.4% YoY
Keeps 26 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Revenue surging 28.0% year-over-year
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : LAZ
The strongest argument for LAZ centers on Return on Equity, EPS Growth, PEG Ratio. Revenue growth of 15.4% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.00 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
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 : LAZ
The primary concerns for LAZ are Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.35 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : MS
The primary concerns for MS are PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
LAZ carries more volatility with a beta of 1.42 — expect wider price swings.
MS is growing revenue faster at 28.0% — sustainability is the question.
LAZ generates stronger free cash flow (-221M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor CAPITAL MARKETS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
MS scores higher overall (73/100 vs 70/100), backed by strong 25.9% margins and 28.0% 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.
Lazard Ltd
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA
Lazard Ltd, is a financial advisory and asset management firm in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Central and South America. The company is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda.
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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