Morgan Stanley (MS)vsSouthern Company (SO)
MS
Morgan Stanley
$165.65
-0.13%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $263.03B
SO
Southern Company
$94.61
+0.67%
UTILITIES · Cap: $105.91B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Morgan Stanley generates 138% more annual revenue ($70.30B vs $29.55B). MS leads profitability with a 24.0% profit margin vs 14.7%. MS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.83. MS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 76/100 (B+).
MS
Strong Buy76
out of 100
Grade: B+
SO
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+59.3%
Fair Value
$407.18
Current Price
$165.65
$241.53 discount
Margin of Safety
-254.9%
Fair Value
$26.66
Current Price
$94.61
$67.95 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 38.6%
Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 20.7% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 22.1%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
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 24.0% and operating margin at 38.6%. Revenue growth of 11.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 10.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : MS
The primary concerns for MS are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MS profiles as a mature stock while SO is a value 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 11.0% — sustainability is the question.
SO generates stronger free cash flow (-1.9B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MS scores higher overall (76/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 24.0% margins and 11.0% 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.
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.
Southern Company
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
Southern Company is an American gas and electric utility holding company based in the southern United States. It is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with executive offices also located in Birmingham, Alabama.
Compare with Other CAPITAL MARKETS Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?