Morgan Stanley (MS)vsStifel Financial Corporation (SF)
MS
Morgan Stanley
$211.93
+0.65%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $339.08B
SF
Stifel Financial Corporation
$70.72
-0.98%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $11.15B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Morgan Stanley generates 1191% more annual revenue ($73.17B vs $5.67B). MS leads profitability with a 24.7% profit margin vs 15.6%. SF appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.95. SF earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 81/100 (A-).
MS
Strong Buy71
out of 100
Grade: B
SF
Exceptional Buy81
out of 100
Grade: A-
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
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
Earnings expanding 469.2% YoY
Growing faster than its price suggests
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 21.6%
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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.
Bull Case : SF
The strongest argument for SF centers on EPS Growth, PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.6% and operating margin at 21.6%. Revenue growth of 14.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
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.
Bear Case : SF
The primary concerns for SF are Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MS profiles as a growth stock while SF is a mature 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.
SF generates stronger free cash flow (-390M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
SF scores higher overall (81/100 vs 71/100), backed by strong 15.6% margins and 14.3% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional 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.
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.
Stifel Financial Corporation
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA
Stifel Financial Corp. The company is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri.
Compare with Other CAPITAL MARKETS Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?