WallStSmart

Apollo Global Management LLC Class A (APO)vsMorgan Stanley (MS)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Morgan Stanley generates 134% more annual revenue ($73.17B vs $31.29B). MS leads profitability with a 24.7% profit margin vs 3.7%. APO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.67. MS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).

APO

Hold

44

out of 100

Grade: D

Growth: 4.7Profit: 5.0Value: 5.0Quality: 2.8
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 0.07

MS

Strong Buy

73

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 9.3Profit: 7.5Value: 5.7Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 3/9

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

APO3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$73.67B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

PEG RatioValuation
0.678/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.82B8/10

Generating 2.8B in free cash flow

MS6 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$299.95B10/10

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

P/E RatioValuation
17.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
3.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
16.3%8/10

16.3% revenue growth

Areas to Watch

APO4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
3.7%3/10

3.7% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

P/E RatioValuation
80.9x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-9.2%2/10

Revenue declined 9.2%

MS3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.334/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-7.85B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : APO

The strongest argument for APO centers on Market Cap, PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 0.67 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

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 : APO

The primary concerns for APO are Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 80.9x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : MS

The primary concerns for MS are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

APO carries more volatility with a beta of 1.52 — expect wider price swings.

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

APO generates stronger free cash flow (2.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

MS scores higher overall (73/100 vs 44/100), backed by strong 24.7% margins and 16.3% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Apollo Global Management LLC Class A

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Apollo Global Management LLC Class A (APO) is a premier global alternative investment firm renowned for its strategic focus on private equity, credit, and real estate investments across diverse sectors including healthcare, financial services, and technology. The firm utilizes a rigorous investment approach, drawing on extensive industry expertise and operational insights to optimize portfolio performance and drive long-term growth. With a commitment to identifying lucrative investment opportunities in both developed and emerging markets, Apollo aims to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns for its investors, backed by its significant capital resources and innovative strategies.

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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