Morgan Stanley (MS)vsWells Fargo & Company (WFC)
MS
Morgan Stanley
$158.93
-0.24%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $250.61B
WFC
Wells Fargo & Company
$76.19
+0.26%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $237.79B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Wells Fargo & Company generates 14% more annual revenue ($80.04B vs $70.30B). WFC leads profitability with a 26.7% profit margin vs 24.0%. WFC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.58. MS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 76/100 (B+).
MS
Strong Buy76
out of 100
Grade: B+
WFC
Strong Buy72
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+61.6%
Fair Value
$413.17
Current Price
$158.93
$254.24 discount
Margin of Safety
+56.0%
Fair Value
$173.78
Current Price
$76.19
$97.59 discount
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
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Reasonable price relative to book value
Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Strong operational efficiency at 29.9%
Generating 4.1B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Expensive relative to growth rate
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 24.0% and operating margin at 38.6%. Revenue growth of 11.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : WFC
The strongest argument for WFC centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.7% and operating margin at 29.9%.
Bear Case : MS
The primary concerns for MS are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : WFC
The primary concerns for WFC are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MS profiles as a mature stock while WFC 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.
WFC generates stronger free cash flow (4.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MS scores higher overall (76/100 vs 72/100), backed by strong 24.0% margins and 11.0% revenue growth. WFC offers better value entry with a 56.0% margin of safety. 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.
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.
Wells Fargo & Company
FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - DIVERSIFIED · USA
Wells Fargo & Company is an American multinational financial services company with corporate headquarters in San Francisco, California, operational headquarters in Manhattan, and managerial offices throughout the United States and overseas.
Compare with Other CAPITAL MARKETS Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?