WallStSmart

Moelis & Co (MC)vsMorgan Stanley (MS)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Morgan Stanley generates 4683% more annual revenue ($73.17B vs $1.53B). MS leads profitability with a 24.7% profit margin vs 14.5%. MC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.97. MS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).

MC

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 8.0Value: 5.0Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.57

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

MC1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
45.4%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 45 in profit

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

MC4 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.974/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
10.4x4/10

Trading at 10.4x book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.3%4/10

4.3% revenue growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.574/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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 : MC

The strongest argument for MC centers on Return on Equity.

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 : MC

The primary concerns for MC are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Revenue Growth.

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

MC profiles as a value stock while MS is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

MC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.85 — expect wider price swings.

MS is growing revenue faster at 16.3% — sustainability is the question.

MC generates stronger free cash flow (-292M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

MS scores higher overall (71/100 vs 51/100), backed by strong 24.7% margins and 16.3% 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.

Moelis & Co

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA

Moelis & Company is an investment banking advisory firm in the United States, Europe, and internationally. 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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