Bank of America Corporation (BAC) vs Morgan Stanley (MS)

A side-by-side comparison of Bank of America Corporation and Morgan Stanley across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 10, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnBAC vs MS

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
BAC +398.1% (+17.4%/yr)MS +790.6% (+24.4%/yr)MS compounded faster over this window
200400600800Start $10020182020202220242026$498$891
BAC MS

BAC vs MS: by the numbers

  • BAC is the larger company ($444.89B vs $338.14B market cap).
  • BAC trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (14.44 vs 17.46 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • BAC converts more revenue to profit (17.24% vs 15.99% net margin).
  • MS grew revenue faster over the past five years (18.41% vs 16.84% CAGR).
  • MS pays the higher dividend yield (1.95% vs 1.85%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricBACMS
P/E ratio14.4417.46
Forward P/E13.5216.62
P/S ratio2.282.67
P/B ratio1.483.06

Profitability

MetricBACMS
Gross margin59.32%59.72%
Operating margin22.47%20.70%
Net margin17.24%15.99%
ROE11.18%18.32%

Dividends

MetricBACMS
Dividend yield1.85%1.95%
Payout ratio26.73%33.79%

Growth (annualized)

MetricBACMS
Revenue CAGR (5Y)16.84%18.41%
EPS CAGR (5Y)15.60%9.56%
Total return CAGR (5Y)11.92%19.18%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, BAC or MS?
BAC has the lower trailing P/E: BAC trades at 14.44 and MS at 17.46. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, BAC or MS?
Over the past five years, MS grew revenue faster — BAC at a 16.84% CAGR versus MS at 18.41%.
Does BAC or MS pay a bigger dividend?
BAC yields 1.85% and MS yields 1.95% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is BAC or MS more profitable?
BAC runs the higher net margin — BAC at 17.24% versus MS at 15.99%.
How have BAC and MS total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, BAC delivered 17.38% and MS delivered 24.44% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified September 10, 2026.