WallStSmart

Morgan Stanley (MS)vsStifel Financial Corporation (SF)

VS
⚡

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Morgan Stanley generates 1268% more annual revenue ($79.79B vs $5.83B). MS leads profitability with a 25.6% profit margin vs 16.3%. SF appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.87. SF earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 81/100 (A-).

MS

Strong Buy

72

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 5.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.38

SF

Exceptional Buy

81

out of 100

Grade: A-

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.0Value: 7.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 0.55

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

MS5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$283.60B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Operating MarginProfitability
39.9%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 39.9%

Profit MarginProfitability
25.6%9/10

Keeps 26 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
14.3x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

SF5 strengths · Avg: 8.4/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
50.6%10/10

Earnings expanding 50.6% YoY

PEG RatioValuation
0.878/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
12.1x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
21.8%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 21.8%

Areas to Watch

MS2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.764/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.382/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

SF1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.552/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : MS

The strongest argument for MS centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 25.6% and operating margin at 39.9%. Revenue growth of 10.8% 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 16.3% and operating margin at 21.8%. Revenue growth of 12.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : MS

The primary concerns for MS are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : SF

The primary concerns for SF are Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

MS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.21 — expect wider price swings.

SF is growing revenue faster at 12.7% — sustainability is the question.

Monitor CAPITAL MARKETS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

SF scores higher overall (81/100 vs 72/100), backed by strong 16.3% margins and 12.7% 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.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?