Morgan Stanley vs Blackstone

This page compares Morgan Stanley and Blackstone Inc, outlining their business models, financial performance, and market context to help readers understand how each firm operates within its sector. The analysis presents structure, strategies, and market factors side by side in a neutral, accessible way for a general audience. Educational content, not financial advice.

This page compares Morgan Stanley and Blackstone Inc, outlining their business models, financial performance, and market context to help readers understand how each firm operates within its sector. Th...

Comparison Snapshot

Key Financial Metrics

MS

Metric

BX

$287.92B

Market Cap

$183.06B

-6.24%

Potential Profit

21.07%

Buy

Analyst Rating

Buy

Why It's Moving

Morgan Stanley Earns Zacks 'Strong Buy' Upgrade on Surging Earnings Optimism

Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 jumped 8.3% over the past three months, placing MS in the top 5% of stocks for earnings revision trends.
The upgrade signals improving fundamentals, with expectations of steady $9.92 per share for fiscal 2025, positioning MS for potential outperformance.
Wall Street peers note record $4.3B in equities activity, highlighting MS's strong positioning in a high-valuation environment.

Sentiment:

🐃Bullish

Blackstone Charges into Retirement Savings with Empower Partnership and Seals Arlington Deal as Private Markets Heat Up.

Empower partnership opens Blackstone's $1.2T AUM strategies to defined-contribution plans, with leaders like Jon Gray highlighting enhanced returns and diversification for everyday investors previously locked out.
Agreement to acquire Arlington Industries announced January 26, expanding Blackstone's footprint in high-demand infrastructure assets as portfolio data shows accelerating US revenue growth to 9% YoY.
2026 Investment Perspectives tout AI-driven productivity, $177B dry powder for deals, and strong fundamentals like 600bps margin expansion, positioning BX to capitalize on market dislocations.

Sentiment:

🐃Bullish

Morgan Stanley Earns Zacks 'Strong Buy' Upgrade on Surging Earnings Optimism

Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 jumped 8.3% over the past three months, placing MS in the top 5% of stocks for earnings revision trends.
The upgrade signals improving fundamentals, with expectations of steady $9.92 per share for fiscal 2025, positioning MS for potential outperformance.
Wall Street peers note record $4.3B in equities activity, highlighting MS's strong positioning in a high-valuation environment.

Sentiment:

🐃Bullish

Blackstone Charges into Retirement Savings with Empower Partnership and Seals Arlington Deal as Private Markets Heat Up.

Empower partnership opens Blackstone's $1.2T AUM strategies to defined-contribution plans, with leaders like Jon Gray highlighting enhanced returns and diversification for everyday investors previously locked out.
Agreement to acquire Arlington Industries announced January 26, expanding Blackstone's footprint in high-demand infrastructure assets as portfolio data shows accelerating US revenue growth to 9% YoY.
2026 Investment Perspectives tout AI-driven productivity, $177B dry powder for deals, and strong fundamentals like 600bps margin expansion, positioning BX to capitalize on market dislocations.

Sentiment:

🐃Bullish

Investment Analysis

Morgan Stanley

MS

Pros

Morgan Stanley has shown strong stock price appreciation, gaining nearly 39% over the past 12 months to October 2025, reflecting robust underlying deal activity and diversified revenue streams.
The firm's share price remains above key moving averages, indicating technical stability and resilience in near-term market conditions.
Morgan Stanley benefits from a strong brand with investment banking experience highly regarded by private equity firms, enhancing exit opportunities and professional recognition.

Considerations

Equity market outlooks from Morgan Stanley suggest potential risks and a muted gains environment in 2025, including investor complacency and the possibility of market corrections of 10% to 20%.
Momentum in growth stocks that benefited Morgan Stanley in 2024 may reverse in 2025, introducing uncertainty about continued outperformance.
Morgan Stanley’s diverse business model, while a strength, also exposes it to macroeconomic and geopolitical risks highlighted by cautious investment committee forecasts.

Blackstone

BX

Pros

Blackstone enjoys significant institutional ownership, with over 70% held by major investors indicating strong confidence from the investment community.
Morgan Stanley’s recent price target increase for Blackstone suggests positive analyst sentiment and confidence in its growth prospects.
Blackstone’s focused expertise in private equity and alternative assets positions it well to capitalise on market opportunities less correlated with traditional equities.

Considerations

Blackstone’s business model remains exposed to economic cycles and market sentiment, impacting asset valuations and fundraising capabilities.
Despite strong institutional backing, Blackstone faces competitive pressures in private equity from other large firms and ongoing challenges in maintaining high returns.
Blackstone’s stock may be impacted by broader market and interest rate volatility, typical risks for alternative asset managers with leveraged investments.

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