Morgan Stanley (MS) vs The Charles Schwab Corporation (SCHW)

A side-by-side comparison of Morgan Stanley and The Charles Schwab Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnMS vs SCHW

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
MS +797.5% (+24.5%/yr)SCHW +299.3% (+14.8%/yr)MS compounded faster over this window
200400600800Start $10020182020202220242026$897$399
MS SCHW

MS vs SCHW: by the numbers

  • MS is the larger company ($325.87B vs $186.63B market cap).
  • MS trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (16.82 vs 19.51 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • SCHW converts more revenue to profit (33.62% vs 15.99% net margin).
  • MS grew revenue faster over the past five years (18.41% vs 13.03% CAGR).
  • MS pays the higher dividend yield (1.94% vs 1.15%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricMSSCHW
P/E ratio16.8219.51
Forward P/E16.0216.52
P/S ratio2.586.22
P/B ratio2.953.74

Profitability

MetricMSSCHW
Gross margin59.72%86.67%
Operating margin20.70%43.49%
Net margin15.99%33.62%
ROE18.32%20.24%

Dividends

MetricMSSCHW
Dividend yield1.94%1.15%
Payout ratio33.79%22.36%

Growth (annualized)

MetricMSSCHW
Revenue CAGR (5Y)18.41%13.03%
EPS CAGR (5Y)9.56%17.05%
Total return CAGR (5Y)19.36%9.92%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, MS or SCHW?
MS has the lower trailing P/E: MS trades at 16.82 and SCHW at 19.51. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, MS or SCHW?
Over the past five years, MS grew revenue faster — MS at a 18.41% CAGR versus SCHW at 13.03%.
Does MS or SCHW pay a bigger dividend?
MS yields 1.94% and SCHW yields 1.15% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is MS or SCHW more profitable?
SCHW runs the higher net margin — MS at 15.99% versus SCHW at 33.62%.
How have MS and SCHW total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, MS delivered 24.53% and SCHW delivered 14.80% 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 13, 2026.