WallStSmart

Blackstone Group Inc (BX)vsMorgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund (MSDL)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Blackstone Group Inc generates 3641% more annual revenue ($14.40B vs $384.89M). MSDL leads profitability with a 22.8% profit margin vs 21.2%. MSDL trades at a lower P/E of 15.4x. BX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).

BX

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 9.0Value: 5.0Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.29

MSDL

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.0Value: 6.0Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.58

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

BX4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
36.5%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 36 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
38.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 38.0%

Market CapQuality
$140.45B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
21.2%9/10

Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit

MSDL4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Price/BookValuation
0.8x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
80.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 80.8%

Profit MarginProfitability
22.8%9/10

Keeps 23 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
15.4x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Areas to Watch

BX4 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.964/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
29.5x4/10

Moderate valuation

Price/BookValuation
11.1x4/10

Trading at 11.1x book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
3.9%4/10

3.9% earnings growth

MSDL4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Market CapQuality
$1.32B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
5.0%3/10

ROE of 5.0% — below average capital efficiency

Debt/EquityHealth
1.213/10

Elevated debt levels

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-12.2%2/10

Revenue declined 12.2%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : BX

The strongest argument for BX centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.2% and operating margin at 38.0%.

Bull Case : MSDL

The strongest argument for MSDL centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 22.8% and operating margin at 80.8%.

Bear Case : BX

The primary concerns for BX are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Debt-to-equity of 1.69 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : MSDL

The primary concerns for MSDL are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Debt/Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

BX profiles as a mature stock while MSDL is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.

BX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.63 — expect wider price swings.

BX is growing revenue faster at 5.7% — sustainability is the question.

BX generates stronger free cash flow (958M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

BX scores higher overall (61/100 vs 51/100), backed by strong 21.2% margins. Both earn "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.

Blackstone Group Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Blackstone Group Inc. is an alternative asset management company specializing in real estate, private equity, hedge fund solutions, credit, secondary funds of funds, public debt and equity strategies and multiple asset classes. The company is headquartered in New York, New York with additional offices across Asia, Europe and North America.

Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund (MSDL) is a closed-end management investment company that specializes in private debt financing for middle-market enterprises across diverse industries. With a strategic focus on generating substantial current income, MSDL constructs a well-diversified portfolio comprising senior secured loans, subordinated debt, and equity co-investments. Leveraging Morgan Stanley's extensive market expertise, the fund strategically positions itself to capitalize on opportunities within the alternative lending landscape, aiming to provide investors with attractive risk-adjusted returns in a dynamic financial environment.

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