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MS vs RJF
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Morgan Stanley (MS) vs. Raymond James Financial (RJF) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Morgan Stanley (MS) is a global financial powerhouse spanning wealth management, institutional securities, and investment management, with firm-wide client assets above $10 trillion; Raymond James Financial (RJF) is a smaller, wealth-centric firm built around its advisor-led Private Client Group.
- On valuation, RJF trades at a lower forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio (roughly 11–13x) than MS (roughly 15x), reflecting their different scale and business mix.
- Both companies reported record results in recent quarters, but MS earnings are more levered to trading and capital-markets activity, while RJF generates a larger share of recurring, fee-based wealth revenue.
- Recent market activity has been choppy for both names, with each retreating from 52-week highs amid a late-quarter "rate shock" that tightened financial conditions.
- MS offers a larger dividend and more aggressive share buybacks, while RJF provides a smaller but consistently growing payout.
Introduction
Morgan Stanley and Raymond James Financial both operate in the wealth-management and capital-markets arena, yet they represent very different investment profiles. This stock comparison is relevant for traders and investors weighing a diversified global franchise against a nimbler, advisor-driven wealth manager. Both firms have posted record results in recent quarters and remain sensitive to equity-market activity, interest rates, and dealmaking volumes. Understanding their relative performance, growth drivers, and market positioning can help readers decide which business model better fits their objectives in the current environment.
MS Overview and Recent Performance
MS (Morgan Stanley) is a diversified global financial-services firm whose three segments—Institutional Securities, Wealth Management, and Investment Management—span trading, investment banking, advisory, and asset gathering. In recent quarters the firm delivered record results: for the period ended June 30, 2026, net revenue reached roughly $21.3 billion, net income climbed about 60% year over year, and return on tangible common equity (ROTCE, a measure of profitability on tangible capital) came in near 26.6%. Wealth Management crossed the $10 trillion mark in total client assets and recorded substantial net new asset inflows, while Institutional Securities benefited from a rebound in underwriting and merger-and-acquisition (M&A) activity. Despite these strong fundamentals, shares have pulled back from 52-week highs in recent weeks as rising yields and unconfirmed merger speculation introduced volatility.
RJF Overview and Recent Performance
RJF (Raymond James Financial) is an investment holding company best known for its Private Client Group (PCG), a network of financial advisors serving individuals, alongside capital markets, asset management, and a bank segment. In its most recent fiscal quarter, PCG posted record net revenues of about $2.84 billion (up roughly 14% year over year), with assets under administration (AUA) reaching a record of approximately $1.86 trillion. Strategic acquisitions, including the Clark Capital deal that added roughly $47 billion of assets under management (AUM), have broadened the firm's wealth and investment capabilities. Recent market activity has been mixed, however: after outperforming many peers earlier in the year, shares have cooled from their highs, and the company's investment-banking recovery, while intact, remains sensitive to the timing of deal closures.
Trending AI Robots
Tickeron maintains a large library of AI Trading Bots that collectively trade thousands of different tickers, but only the most suitable performers for current market conditions are surfaced in its curated Trending AI Robots section. Each bot operates with its own trading style, strategy, timeframe, performance record, statistics, and set of tickers, giving traders a range of approaches rather than a one-size-fits-all signal. By focusing on bots that are currently trending, the page helps users identify strategies that have been aligning with prevailing market behavior. Readers comparing MS and RJF can explore the Trending AI Robots page to see whether automated strategies currently favor either name.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Scale is the most obvious contrast. Morgan Stanley is a global institution with a market capitalization several times larger than Raymond James, a diversified business spanning trading, investment banking, wealth, and asset management. Raymond James is more concentrated, with its advisor-driven Private Client Group at the core and a smaller capital-markets footprint. This shapes their earnings profiles: MS earnings rise and fall more sharply with market and dealmaking cycles, while RJF's recurring, fee-based wealth revenue provides a steadier base.
Valuation and capital returns also diverge. RJF trades at a lower forward P/E and a lower dividend yield than MS, while MS returns more cash to shareholders through a larger dividend and a substantial buyback program. On growth drivers, both firms benefit from recovering M&A and capital-markets activity, but MS leans on institutional trading and underwriting, whereas RJF leans on advisor recruiting, net new asset growth, and tuck-in acquisitions. Risk factors are comparable—rate sensitivity, market volatility, and deal timing—but MS's institutional business introduces greater earnings variability relative to RJF's wealth-centered model.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, earnings stability, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely view the two names through different lenses. Morgan Stanley offers stronger cyclical momentum and a larger catalyst set tied to capital-markets activity, but its earnings are more volatile and its valuation is richer. Raymond James presents a steadier, more recurring revenue base at a lower valuation, which may appeal when markets are unsettled. On balance, the AI would probably lean toward RJF for trend stability and valuation support in the current environment, while acknowledging that MS may offer greater upside if trading and dealmaking conditions continue to improve.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is MS is a Hold and RJF is a Hold.
MS in downward trend: price dove below 50-day moving average on September 10, 2026
MS moved below its 50-day moving average on September 10, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 25 of 36 similar past instances, the stock price decreased further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 69%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for MS turned negative on October 14, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 44 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 26 of the 44 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 59%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where MS declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 60%.
The Aroon Indicator for MS entered a downward trend on October 16, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 3 days. The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an Uptrend is expected.
The Stochastic Oscillator is in the oversold zone. Keep an eye out for a move up in the foreseeable future.
MS may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 5 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 19 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 87, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 56 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 60 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. MS’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 83 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (2.854) is normal, around the industry mean (4.320). P/E Ratio (15.641) is within average values for comparable stocks, (30.932). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.702) is also within normal values, averaging (0.809). Dividend Yield (0.021) settles around the average of (0.016) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (4.380) is also within normal values, averaging (16.763).
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 85 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
RJF's RSI Indicator ascends from oversold territory
The RSI Indicator for RJF moved out of oversold territory on October 01, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is shifting from a downward trend to an upward trend. Traders may want to buy the stock or call options. The A.I.dvisor looked at 29 similar instances when the indicator left oversold territory. In 21 of the 29 cases the stock moved higher. This puts the odds of a move higher at 72%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 36 of 55 cases where RJF's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 65%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for RJF just turned positive on October 06, 2026. Looking at past instances where RJF's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 27 of 47 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 57%.
Following a +0.39% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where RJF advanced for three days, in 210 of 355 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 59%.
RJF may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 09, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on RJF as a result. In 44 of 77 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 57%.
RJF moved below its 50-day moving average on September 10, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for RJF crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on September 16, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 8 of 14 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 57%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where RJF declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 57%.
The Aroon Indicator for RJF entered a downward trend on October 16, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 9 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 28 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 82, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 57 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. RJF’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 62 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 70 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (2.441) is normal, around the industry mean (3.246). P/E Ratio (14.051) is within average values for comparable stocks, (27.022). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.791) is also within normal values, averaging (1.319). Dividend Yield (0.013) settles around the average of (0.081) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.197) is also within normal values, averaging (15.798).
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 75 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
MS | RJF | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 56 | 27 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 83 Overvalued | 70 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 19 | 28 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 5 | 9 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 60 | 57 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 56 | 62 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 85 | 75 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
RJF's Valuation (70) in the Investment Banks Or Brokers industry is in the same range as MS (83). This means that RJF’s stock grew similarly to MS’s over the last 12 months.
MS's Profit vs Risk Rating (19) in the Investment Banks Or Brokers industry is in the same range as RJF (28). This means that MS’s stock grew similarly to RJF’s over the last 12 months.
MS's SMR Rating (5) in the Investment Banks Or Brokers industry is in the same range as RJF (9). This means that MS’s stock grew similarly to RJF’s over the last 12 months.
RJF's Price Growth Rating (57) in the Investment Banks Or Brokers industry is in the same range as MS (60). This means that RJF’s stock grew similarly to MS’s over the last 12 months.
MS's P/E Growth Rating (56) in the Investment Banks Or Brokers industry is in the same range as RJF (62). This means that MS’s stock grew similarly to RJF’s over the last 12 months.
| MS | RJF | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 84% | 2 days ago 72% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 64% | 2 days ago 65% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | N/A | 2 days ago 57% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 59% | 2 days ago 57% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 57% | 2 days ago 62% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 57% | 2 days ago 61% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | N/A | 3 days ago 59% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 60% | 11 days ago 57% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 74% | 3 days ago 72% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 53% | 2 days ago 59% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
MS’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green while RJF’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- MS’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- RJF’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
MS’s TA Score shows that 3 TA indicator(s) are bullish while RJF’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- MS’s TA Score: 3 bullish, 4 bearish.
- RJF’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
MS (@Investment Banks/Brokers) experienced а -4.97% price change this week, while RJF (@Investment Managers) price change was -1.01% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Investment Banks/Brokers industry was -7.83%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -5.37%, and the average quarterly price growth was -15.74%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Investment Managers industry was -3.10%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -1.67%, and the average quarterly price growth was -4.06%.
Reported Earning Dates
MS is expected to report earnings on Jan 14, 2027.
RJF is expected to report earnings on Oct 28, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Investment Banks/Brokers (-7.83% weekly)These banks specialize in underwriting (helping companies with debt financing or equity issuances), IPOs, facilitating mergers and other corporate reorganizations and acting as a broker or financial advisor for institutions. They might also trade securities on their own accounts. Investment banks potentially thrive on expanding its network of clients, since that could help them increase profits. Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and CME Group Inc are some of the largest investment banking companies.
@Investment Managers (-3.10% weekly)Investment Managers manage financial assets and other investments of clients. Management includes designing a short- or long-term strategy for buying/holding and selling of portfolio holdings. It can also include tax services and other aspects of financial planning as well. While it is perceived that the industry is faced with growing competition from robo-advisors/digital platforms and passive/ index-tracking funds, many investors still find value in actively managed in-person services that investment management companies often emphasize on. At the same time, many wealth managers are also incorporating digital initiatives/low cost options in addition to their in-person customized services. Their main sources of revenues are fees as a percentage of assets under management, in addition to a certain portion of clients’ gains from asset appreciation. BlackRock, Inc., Blackstone Group Inc and Brookfield Asset Management are some of the major investment management companies.
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MS and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, MS has been closely correlated with GS. These tickers have moved in lockstep 85% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if MS jumps, then GS could also see price increases.
RJF and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, RJF has been closely correlated with SF. These tickers have moved in lockstep 87% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if RJF jumps, then SF could also see price increases.