ZACKS·2025-09-29 15:16Core Insights - Investment banking is pivotal in global capital flows, with Morgan Stanley and Jefferies Financial Group representing two distinct operational models [1] Group 1: Morgan Stanley - Morgan Stanley's investment banking revenues increased by 36% to $6.71 billion last year, following a decline in 2022 and 2023 [2][9] - The company's investment banking performance was modest in the first half of 2025, with revenues rising only 1% year-over-year, but there is cautious optimism for the remainder of the year due to a stable M&A pipeline [3] - The trading business has performed well, benefiting from market volatility and client activity, which is expected to continue [4] - Wealth and asset management operations contributed over 55% to total net revenues in 2024, up from 26% in 2010, with total client assets reaching $8.2 trillion [5] Group 2: Jefferies Financial Group - Jefferies' investment banking fees surged by 52% to $3.31 billion in fiscal 2024, following declines in the previous two years [6] - Despite a decline in investment banking revenues in the first half of fiscal 2025, clarity on tariff plans is expected to boost deal-making activities [7] - Strategic partnerships, including a stake increase from Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, are anticipated to enhance Jefferies' growth prospects [8] - Jefferies' investment banking fees are expected to improve with potential rate cuts, and its asset management segment is projected to grow as macroeconomic conditions stabilize [10] Group 3: Performance and Valuation Comparison - Morgan Stanley shares have risen by 27.4% in 2025, while Jefferies shares have decreased by 14.9% [11] - Jefferies is trading at a forward P/E of 16.67X, making it less expensive compared to Morgan Stanley's 17.03X [14] - Morgan Stanley's return on equity (ROE) stands at 15.20%, significantly higher than Jefferies' 6.59% [15] Group 4: Earnings Estimates - Analysts project Morgan Stanley's revenues to grow by 8.6% in 2025 and 4.4% in 2026, with earnings growth estimates of 11.5% and 8.2% respectively [18] - Jefferies is expected to see a marginal revenue increase in 2025, but a significant jump of 16.6% in 2026, with earnings anticipated to rise by 70.8% [20] Group 5: Investment Outlook - Jefferies is viewed as a more concentrated investment banking play with growth potential bolstered by strategic partnerships and a mid-market focus [22] - The near-term risk-reward appears more favorable for Jefferies, which holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), compared to Morgan Stanley's Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) [24]