Morgan Stanley vs Wells Fargo (MS vs WFC)

Morgan Stanley (MS) vs Wells Fargo (WFC) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.

Morgan Stanley (MS) and Wells Fargo (WFC) compete in banking. Here are Morgan Stanley and Wells Fargo side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Morgan Stanley or Wells Fargo.

Morgan Stanley vs Wells Fargo: the figures

Morgan Stanley and Wells Fargo figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Morgan Stanley or Wells Fargo figure is not available, and we never estimate it.

3 key differences between Morgan Stanley and Wells Fargo

1. Growth: Morgan Stanley grew sales +10.8% year on year in its latest quarter, against +0.4% for Wells Fargo.
2. Valuation: Morgan Stanley trades at 15.4x its annual earnings and Wells Fargo at 12.3x; the market pays more for each dollar of Morgan Stanley profit, usually because it expects more growth.
3. Volatility: Morgan Stanley stock moves more (beta 1.22) than Wells Fargo (beta 0.92); the higher the beta, the more it amplifies market swings.

Morgan Stanley or Wells Fargo: which fits your profile

• If you want growth: Morgan Stanley is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
• If you want income (dividends): Morgan Stanley pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
• If you prefer caution: Wells Fargo has a less volatile share price, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
• If price is what matters most to you: Wells Fargo trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.

Neither Morgan Stanley nor Wells Fargo wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.

How Morgan Stanley and Wells Fargo make money

Morgan Stanley (MS)

Morgan Stanley has two core businesses. Wealth Management advises individuals and manages their money, including through E*Trade, earning fees on client assets. Institutional Securities handles investment banking, IPOs and trading in stocks and bonds for institutions. A smaller Investment Management segment runs funds for investors. Full Morgan Stanley analysis.

Wells Fargo (WFC)

Wells Fargo is a U.S. bank that earns money from net interest and fees. It reports Consumer Banking and Lending, its largest segment, with branches, credit cards, mortgages and auto loans; Commercial Banking for midsize companies; Corporate and Investment Banking; and Wealth and Investment Management for affluent clients. Full Wells Fargo analysis.

Frequently asked questions: Morgan Stanley vs Wells Fargo

Is Morgan Stanley or Wells Fargo the better stock?

Choosing between Morgan Stanley and Wells Fargo depends on what you are looking for. Morgan Stanley is growing faster right now, and Wells Fargo trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Morgan Stanley or Wells Fargo: it shows you the differences so you can decide.

Which pays a higher dividend, Morgan Stanley or Wells Fargo?

As of November 4, 2026, Morgan Stanley yields 2.47% and Wells Fargo yields 2.34%. Also check how much of their profit Morgan Stanley and Wells Fargo pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.

Which is more expensive, Morgan Stanley or Wells Fargo?

On P/E, Morgan Stanley (15.4x) is more expensive than Wells Fargo (12.3x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.

Can I own both Morgan Stanley and Wells Fargo?

Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Morgan Stanley and Wells Fargo, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Morgan Stanley or Wells Fargo.

More comparisons with Morgan Stanley or Wells Fargo

• BNY vs Morgan Stanley
• Morgan Stanley vs U.S. Bancorp
• JPMorgan vs Morgan Stanley
• BNY vs Wells Fargo

More companies like Morgan Stanley and Wells Fargo: banking stocks. Educational content about Morgan Stanley and Wells Fargo, not investment advice.