WallStSmart

Moodys Corporation (MCO)vsMorgan Stanley (MS)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Morgan Stanley generates 811% more annual revenue ($70.30B vs $7.72B). MCO leads profitability with a 31.9% profit margin vs 24.0%. MS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.83. MS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 76/100 (B+).

MCO

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.0Profit: 9.5Value: 10.0Quality: 6.8
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 2.99

MS

Strong Buy

76

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.5Value: 10.0Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 3/9
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

MCOUndervalued (+33.1%)

Margin of Safety

+33.1%

Fair Value

$639.76

Current Price

$428.05

$211.71 discount

UndervaluedFair: $639.76Overvalued
MSUndervalued (+59.3%)

Margin of Safety

+59.3%

Fair Value

$407.18

Current Price

$165.65

$241.53 discount

UndervaluedFair: $407.18Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

MCO5 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
Return on EquityProfitability
62.1%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 62 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
31.9%10/10

Keeps 32 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
42.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 42.1%

EPS GrowthGrowth
57.6%10/10

Earnings expanding 57.6% YoY

Market CapQuality
$76.27B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

MS6 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$263.03B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Operating MarginProfitability
38.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 38.6%

Profit MarginProfitability
24.0%9/10

Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
16.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
20.7%8/10

Earnings expanding 20.7% YoY

Areas to Watch

MCO3 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.934/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
31.3x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
18.7x4/10

Trading at 18.7x book value

MS3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.834/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-4.60B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : MCO

The strongest argument for MCO centers on Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 31.9% and operating margin at 42.1%. Revenue growth of 13.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull 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.

Bear Case : MCO

The primary concerns for MCO are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

Bear Case : MS

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

MCO carries more volatility with a beta of 1.44 — expect wider price swings.

MCO is growing revenue faster at 13.0% — sustainability is the question.

MCO generates stronger free cash flow (777M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

MS scores higher overall (76/100 vs 71/100), backed by strong 24.0% margins and 11.0% revenue growth. MCO offers better value entry with a 33.1% 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.

Moodys Corporation

FINANCIAL SERVICES · FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES · USA

Moody's Corporation, often referred to as Moody's, is an American business and financial services company. It is the holding company for Moody's Investors Service (MIS), an American credit rating agency, and Moody's Analytics (MA), an American provider of financial analysis software and services.

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.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?