Is MS a good stock to buy right now?

Based on our 6-factor quantitative model, MORGAN STANLEY (MS) receives a "Reduce" rating with a composite score of 39.9/100. It is ranked #3,239 out of 4,446 stocks. Key factor scores: Quality 10/100, Value 58/100, Momentum 54/100. The timing signal is "Bearish". This is quantitative analysis only — not investment advice.

What is the stock rating for MS?

MORGAN STANLEY (MS) has a "Reduce" rating and 2-star score. The composite score of 39.9 ranks it #3,239 among 4,446 U.S. stocks. Ratings are updated weekly using academically-proven factor models.

What sector is MS in?

MORGAN STANLEY operates in the Financials sector (Trading industry) with a market cap of $263.85 billion. It is classified as a mega-cap stock.

Does MS pay a dividend?

Yes, MS pays a dividend with a current yield of 2.39%. The Financials sector average yield is 2.48%. For every $1,000 invested, you would receive approximately $23.90 in annual dividend income.

What is MS's P/E ratio?

MS has a trailing P/E ratio of 16.83x. The Financials sector average is 14.9x. This P/E is in a moderate range relative to the broader market.

How profitable is MS?

MS's quality factor score is 10/100. Gross margin: 0.0%. ROE: 14.1% vs sector average 8.5%. Margins are moderate to low, reflecting competitive market dynamics.

How is MS valued compared to peers?

MS's value factor score is 58/100 (higher = cheaper). Key multiples: P/E 16.8x, EV/EBITDA 25.5x. Valuation is roughly in line with peers.

What is MS's debt level?

MS's debt-to-equity ratio is 303%. Sector average: 121%. Elevated leverage increases credit risk.

MS has a beta of 1.29, meaning it amplifies market moves. Stability score: 71/100.

Does MS have high short interest?

MS's short interest factor score is 51/100 (higher = less short selling). Moderate short interest.

MS Stock Analysis: Reduce (Score 39.9/100) | Blank Capital Research

Data Series	1D	5D	1M	YTD	1Y	3Y	5Y	10Y
MS	-0.29%	+7.13%	+10.51%	+0.06%	+66.67%	-	-	-
Industry Proxy XLF	-1.09%	+2.50%	+1.42%	-7.30%	+10.59%	-	-	-
U.S. Market SPY	-0.07%	+3.60%	+0.34%	-0.36%	+29.52%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Market	-0.23%	+3.53%	+10.17%	+0.42%	+37.15%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Sector	+0.80%	+4.63%	+9.09%	+7.37%	+56.09%	-	-	-

Metric	MS	Benchmark
P/E Ratio	16.8x	+13%
EV/EBITDA	25.5x	+682%
Price / Book	2.4x

Stock Entity	Score▼	Quality	Value	Momentum	P/E Ratio	ROE	Gross Margin	Net Margin	Rev Growth	D/E Ratio	Market Cap	Compare
WTM WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP LTD	63	80	79	54	8.9x	10.1%	96.3%	20.1%	1.6%	14.0x	$5.4B	VS
OPY OPPENHEIMER HOLDINGS INC	63	68	79	63	10.4x	9.9%	0.0%	6.5%	37.5%	273.0x	$959M	VS
ACT Enact Holdings, Inc.	62	81	76	52	8.7x	12.7%	88.5%	55.0%	4.2%	14.0x	$5.7B	VS
IGIC International General Insurance Holdings Ltd.	61	74	93	50	8.6x	82.6%	59.9%	25.1%	-	0.0x	$1.1B	VS
PKBK PARKE BANCORP, INC.	60	60	77	65	9.8x	10.5%	-	24.8%	20.9%	593.0x	$335M	VS
SSSS SURO CAPITAL CORP.	60	89	33	65	4.7x	30.9%	0.0%	-752.0%	-48.3%	34.0x	$290M	VS
CB Chubb Ltd	59	67	71	52	12.8x	12.5%	0.0%	16.6%	15.6%	20.0x	$128.0B	VS
RRBI RED RIVER BANCSHARES INC	59	59	69	68	15.0x	11.0%	0.0%	27.5%	13.3%	818.0x	$607M	VS
UFCS UNITED FIRE GROUP INC	59	64	78	58	9.8x	10.6%	100.0%	7.3%	17.5%	308.0x	$936M	VS
SPFI SOUTH PLAINS FINANCIAL, INC.	58	59	73	55	12.8x	11.0%	0.0%	21.7%	9.0%	807.0x	$690M	VS
MS MORGAN STANLEY	40	10	58	54	16.8x	14.1%	0.0%	23.1%	21.3%	303.0x	$263.9B

Key Ratio	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
Gross Margin %	0.0%	-	-	-	-	-	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%
Operating Margin %	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.2%	0.3%	0.3%	0.9%	0.9%	0.9%	0.9%	0.9%
EBITDA Margin %	0.4%	0.4%	0.4%	0.3%	0.3%	0.4%	0.4%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%
Net Margin %	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.3%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%
FCF Margin %	-116.7%	-	-	-	-	-	-123.3%	-47.1%	77.2%	-59.6%	-71.1%
ROE %	0.1%	0.2%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%
ROA %	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%
ROIC %	0.1%	3.8%	3.6%	2.6%	3.3%	4.7%	6.5%	6.2%	5.9%	5.3%	5.0%

Key Ratio

TTM

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

Gross Margin %

0.0%

0.1%

Operating Margin %

0.3%

0.2%

0.3%

0.9%

EBITDA Margin %

0.4%

0.3%

0.4%

0.3%

Net Margin %

0.2%

0.3%

0.2%

FCF Margin %

-116.7%

-123.3%

-47.1%

77.2%

-59.6%

-71.1%

ROE %

0.1%

0.2%

0.1%

ROA %

0.0%

ROIC %

0.1%

3.8%

3.6%

2.6%

3.3%

4.7%

6.5%

6.2%

5.9%

5.3%

5.0%

Line Item	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
	$68.1B	$70.6B	$61.8B	$54.1B	$53.7B	$59.8B	$48.8B	$41.5B	$40.1B	$37.9B	$34.6B	$35.2B
	$2.3B	—	—	—	—	—	$6.3B	$4.7B	$3.8B	$3.3B	$3.7B	$3.1B
Gross Margin	0.0%	---	---	---	---	---	12.9%	11.3%	9.5%	8.7%	10.7%	8.8%
	—	$4.7B	$5.2B	$4.3B	$4.0B	$4.2B	$3.8B	$2.6B	$1.8B	$1.8B	$1.7B	$1.4B
Total Operating Expenses	—	$48.7B	$44.2B	$42.3B	$39.6B	$40.1B	—	—	—	—	—	—
	$30.2B	$22.0B	$17.6B	$11.8B	$14.1B	$19.7B	$42.4B	$36.8B	$36.3B	$34.6B	$30.9B	$32.1B
EBIT	$30.2B	$22.0B	$17.6B	$11.8B	$14.1B	$19.7B	$42.4B	$36.8B	$36.3B	$34.6B	$30.9B	$32.1B
EBITDA	$23.9B	$26.6B	$22.8B	$16.1B	$18.1B	$23.9B	$18.2B	$13.9B	$13.1B	$12.2B	$10.6B	$9.9B
Operating Margin	30.6%	31.1%	28.5%	21.8%	26.3%	32.9%	87.1%	88.7%	90.5%	91.3%	89.3%	91.2%
EBITDA Margin	35.0%	37.7%	36.8%	29.7%	33.7%	40.0%	37.3%	33.6%	32.6%	32.0%	30.6%	28.2%
	—	$12.6B	$13.2B	$42.1B	$12.3B	$1.4B	$3.8B	$12.4B	$10.1B	$5.7B	$3.3B	$2.7B
	—	$22.0B	$17.6B	$11.8B	$14.1B	$19.7B	—	—	—	—	—	—
Income Tax Expense	—	$4.9B	$4.1B	$2.6B	$2.9B	$4.5B	$3.2B	$2.1B	$2.4B	$4.2B	$2.7B	$2.2B
	$15.8B	$17.0B	$13.5B	$9.2B	$11.2B	$15.1B	$11.2B	$9.2B	$8.9B	$6.2B	$6.1B	$6.3B
Net Margin	23.1%	24.1%	21.9%	17.1%	20.8%	25.3%	22.9%	22.2%	22.1%	16.4%	17.7%	17.9%
	$10.32	$10.32	$8.04	$5.24	$6.23	$8.16	$6.55	$5.26	$4.81	$3.14	$2.98	$2.97
Diluted EPS	$10.32	$10.21	$7.95	$5.18	$6.15	$8.03	$6.55	$5.26	$4.81	$3.14	$2.98	$2.97
Weighted Avg Basic	—	1.6B	1.6B	1.6B	1.7B	1.8B	—	—	—	—	—	—
Weighted Avg Diluted	—	1.6B	1.6B	1.6B	1.7B	1.8B	—	—	—	—	—	—

Line Item

TTM

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

$68.1B

$70.6B

$61.8B

$54.1B

$53.7B

$59.8B

$48.8B

$41.5B

$40.1B

$37.9B

$34.6B

$35.2B

$2.3B

—

$6.3B

$4.7B

$3.8B

$3.3B

$3.7B

$3.1B

Gross Margin

0.0%

---

12.9%

11.3%

9.5%

8.7%

10.7%

8.8%

—

$4.7B

$5.2B

$4.3B

$4.0B

$4.2B

$3.8B

$2.6B

$1.8B

$1.7B

$1.4B

Total Operating Expenses

—

$48.7B

$44.2B

$42.3B

$39.6B

$40.1B

—

$30.2B

$22.0B

$17.6B

$11.8B

$14.1B

$19.7B

$42.4B

$36.8B

$36.3B

$34.6B

$30.9B

$32.1B

EBIT

$30.2B

$22.0B

$17.6B

$11.8B

$14.1B

$19.7B

$42.4B

$36.8B

$36.3B

$34.6B

$30.9B

$32.1B

EBITDA

$23.9B

$26.6B

$22.8B

$16.1B

$18.1B

$23.9B

$18.2B

$13.9B

$13.1B

$12.2B

$10.6B

$9.9B

Operating Margin

30.6%

31.1%

28.5%

21.8%

26.3%

32.9%

87.1%

88.7%

90.5%

91.3%

89.3%

91.2%

EBITDA Margin

35.0%

37.7%

36.8%

29.7%

33.7%

40.0%

37.3%

33.6%

32.6%

32.0%

30.6%

28.2%

—

$12.6B

$13.2B

$42.1B

$12.3B

$1.4B

$3.8B

$12.4B

$10.1B

$5.7B

$3.3B

$2.7B

—

$22.0B

$17.6B

$11.8B

$14.1B

$19.7B

—

Income Tax Expense

—

$4.9B

$4.1B

$2.6B

$2.9B

$4.5B

$3.2B

$2.1B

$2.4B

$4.2B

$2.7B

$2.2B

$15.8B

$17.0B

$13.5B

$9.2B

$11.2B

$15.1B

$11.2B

$9.2B

$8.9B

$6.2B

$6.1B

$6.3B

Net Margin

23.1%

24.1%

21.9%

17.1%

20.8%

25.3%

22.9%

22.2%

22.1%

16.4%

17.7%

17.9%

$10.32

$8.04

$5.24

$6.23

$8.16

$6.55

$5.26

$4.81

$3.14

$2.98

$2.97

Diluted EPS

$10.32

$10.21

$7.95

$5.18

$6.15

$8.03

$6.55

$5.26

$4.81

$3.14

$2.98

$2.97

Weighted Avg Basic

—

1.6B

1.7B

1.8B

—

Weighted Avg Diluted

—

1.6B

1.7B

1.8B

—

MORGAN STANLEY (MS) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Last updated: April 2026

Company Overview — What Does MORGAN STANLEY Do?

Morgan Stanley, a financial holding company, provides various financial products and services to corporations, governments, financial institutions, and individuals in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. It operates through Institutional Securities, Wealth Management, and Investment Management segments. The Institutional Securities segment offers capital raising and financial advisory services, including services related to the underwriting of debt, equity, and other securities, as well as advice on mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, real estate, and project finance. This segment also provides sales and trading services, such as sales, financing, prime brokerage, and market-making services in equity and fixed income products consisting of foreign exchange and commodities; corporate and commercial real estate loans, which provides secured lending facilities and financing for sales and trading customers, and asset-backed and mortgage lending; and wealth management services, investment, and research services. The Wealth Management segment offers financial advisor-led brokerage and investment advisory services; self-directed brokerage services; financial and wealth planning services; workplace services, including stock plan administration; annuity and insurance products; securities-based lending, residential real estate loans, and other lending products; banking; and retirement plan services to individual investors and small to medium-sized businesses and institutions. The Investment Management segment provides equity, fixed income, liquidity, and alternative/other products to benefit/defined contribution plans, foundations, endowments, government entities, sovereign wealth funds, insurance companies, and third-party fund sponsors and corporations through institutional and intermediary channels. Morgan Stanley was founded in 1924 and is headquartered in New York, New York. MORGAN STANLEY (MS) is classified as a mega-cap stock in the Financials sector, specifically within the Trading industry. The company is led by CEO James P. Gorman and employs approximately 82,400 people, headquartered in NEW YORK, New York. With a market capitalization of $263.9B, MS is one of the largest companies in the Financials sector.

MORGAN STANLEY (MS) Stock Rating — Reduce (April 2026)

As of April 2026, MORGAN STANLEY receives a Reduce rating with a composite score of 39.9/100 and 2 out of 5 stars from the Blank Capital Research quantitative model.MS ranks #3,239 out of 4,446 stocks in our coverage universe. Within the Financials sector, MORGAN STANLEY ranks #751 of 891 stocks, placing it in the lower half of its Financials peers. The rating is generated by a multi-factor model that weighs quality (30%), momentum (25%), value (15%), investment (10%), stability (10%), and short interest (10%).

MS Stock Price and 52-Week Range

MORGAN STANLEY (MS) currently trades at $178.13. The stock lost $0.03 (0.0%) in the most recent trading session. The 52-week high for MS is $192.68, which means the stock is currently trading -7.6% from its annual peak. The 52-week low is $94.33, putting the stock 88.8% above its annual trough. Recent trading volume was 2.4M shares, reflecting moderate market activity.

Is MS Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

MORGAN STANLEY (MS) carries a value factor score of 58/100 in the Blank Capital model, indicating fair valuation relative to historical norms. The trailing price-to-earnings ratio is 16.83x, compared to the Financials sector average of 14.88x — a premium of 13%. The price-to-book ratio stands at 2.36x, versus the sector average of 1.22x. The price-to-sales ratio is 3.91x, compared to 0.90x for the average Financials stock. On an enterprise value basis, MS trades at 25.49x EV/EBITDA, versus 3.26x for the sector.

Overall, MS's valuation appears roughly in line with sector benchmarks, suggesting the market is pricing the stock fairly given its current fundamentals and growth trajectory. Neither deep value nor significantly overpriced, the stock occupies a middle ground on valuation.

MORGAN STANLEY Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

MORGAN STANLEY (MS) earns a quality factor score of 10/100, signaling below-average profitability metrics relative to the broader market. The return on equity (ROE) is 14.1%, compared to the Financials sector average of 8.5%, which is within a healthy range. Return on assets (ROA) comes in at 1.1% versus the sector average of 1.2%.

On a margin basis, MORGAN STANLEY reports gross margins of 0.0%. The operating margin is 30.6% (sector: 21.8%). Net profit margin stands at 23.1%, versus 17.7% for the average Financials stock. Revenue growth is running at 21.3% on a trailing basis, compared to 9.4% for the sector. Profitability is below benchmark levels, which may reflect industry headwinds, elevated reinvestment, or structural challenges.

MS Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

MORGAN STANLEY has a debt-to-equity ratio of 303.0%, compared to the Financials sector average of 121.0%. This elevated leverage warrants close monitoring, as it increases the company's sensitivity to rising interest rates and economic downturns. The current ratio is 1.09x, suggesting adequate working capital coverage. Total debt on the balance sheet is $341.68B. Cash and equivalents stand at $103.73B.

MS has a beta of 1.29, meaning it is more volatile than the broader market — a $10,000 investment in MS would be expected to move 28.8% more than the S&P 500 on any given day. The stability factor score for MORGAN STANLEY is 71/100, indicating low-volatility characteristics and consistent price behavior that appeals to risk-averse investors.

MORGAN STANLEY Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

In TTM 2026, MORGAN STANLEY reported revenue of $68.14B and earnings per share (EPS) of $10.32. Net income for the quarter was $15.83B. Gross margin was 0.0%. Operating income came in at $30.24B.

In FY 2025, MORGAN STANLEY reported revenue of $70.64B and earnings per share (EPS) of $10.32. Net income for the quarter was $17.02B. Revenue grew 14.4% year-over-year compared to FY 2024. Operating income came in at $21.95B.

In Q3 2025, MORGAN STANLEY reported revenue of $18.22B and earnings per share (EPS) of $2.83. Net income for the quarter was $4.66B. Revenue grew 18.5% year-over-year compared to Q3 2024. Operating income came in at $6.03B.

In Q2 2025, MORGAN STANLEY reported revenue of $16.79B and earnings per share (EPS) of $2.15. Net income for the quarter was $3.58B. Gross margin was 14.0%. Revenue grew 11.8% year-over-year compared to Q2 2024. Operating income came in at $14.45B.

Over the past 8 quarters, MORGAN STANLEY has demonstrated a growth trajectory, with revenue expanding from $15.02B to $68.14B. Investors analyzing MS stock should weigh these quarterly trends alongside the valuation and quality metrics discussed above.

MS Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

MORGAN STANLEY (MS) currently pays a dividend yield of 2.4%. At this yield, a $10,000 investment in MS stock would generate approximately $$239.00 in annual dividend income. This compares to the Financials sector average dividend yield of 2.5%, meaning MS yields less than the typical sector peer. With a net margin of 23.1%, the dividend appears well-covered by earnings, suggesting sustainable payouts going forward.

MS Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

MORGAN STANLEY (MS) has a momentum factor score of 54/100, reflecting neutral trend characteristics. The stock is neither significantly outperforming nor underperforming the broader market on a momentum basis. The investment factor score is 26/100, which measures capital allocation efficiency and asset growth patterns. The short interest score of 51/100 reflects moderate short selling activity.

MS vs Competitors — Financials Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

Within the Financials sector, MORGAN STANLEY (MS) ranks #751 out of 891 stocks based on the Blank Capital composite score. This places MS in the lower half of all Financials stocks in our coverage universe. Key competitors and sector peers include WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP LTD (WTM) with a score of 62.9/100, OPPENHEIMER HOLDINGS INC (OPY) with a score of 62.6/100, Enact Holdings, Inc. (ACT) with a score of 61.6/100, International General Insurance Holdings Ltd. (IGIC) with a score of 61.3/100, and PARKE BANCORP, INC. (PKBK) with a score of 60.4/100.

Comparing MS against the S&P 500 benchmark is also instructive for understanding relative performance. Investors can view the full MS vs S&P 500 (SPY) comparison to assess how MORGAN STANLEY stacks up against the broader market across all factor dimensions.

MS Next Earnings Date

No upcoming earnings date has been announced for MORGAN STANLEY (MS) at this time. Check the earnings calendar for the latest scheduling updates across all stocks in our coverage universe.

Should You Buy MS? — Investment Thesis Summary

The quantitative profile for MORGAN STANLEY suggests caution. The quality score of 10/100 flags below-average profitability. Low volatility (stability score 71/100) reduces downside risk.

In summary, MORGAN STANLEY (MS) earns a Reduce rating with a composite score of 39.9/100 as of April 2026. The rating is derived from the Blank Capital Research methodology, which combines six factor dimensions into a single quantitative ranking. Investors should consider these quantitative signals alongside their own fundamental research, risk tolerance, and investment time horizon before making buy or sell decisions on MS stock.

Related Resources for MS Investors

Explore more research and tools: MS vs S&P 500 comparison, top Financials stocks, stock screener, our methodology, quality factor explained, value factor explained, momentum factor explained. Compare MS head-to-head with peers: MS vs WTM, MS vs OPY, MS vs ACT.

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MORGAN STANLEY (MS) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Company Overview — What Does MORGAN STANLEY Do?

MORGAN STANLEY (MS) Stock Rating — Reduce (April 2026)

MS Stock Price and 52-Week Range

Is MS Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

MORGAN STANLEY Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

MS Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

MORGAN STANLEY Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

MS Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

MS Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

MS vs Competitors — Financials Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

MS Next Earnings Date

Should You Buy MS? — Investment Thesis Summary

Related Resources for MS Investors

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