ABBV vs. MS: A Head-to-Head Stock Comparison

Updated on August 24, 2025

Here’s a clear look at ABBV and MS, comparing key factors like historical performance, profitability, financial strength, growth, dividend, and valuation.

Company Profile

Symbol	ABBV	MS
Company Name	AbbVie Inc.	Morgan Stanley
Country	United States	United States
GICS Sector	Health Care	Financials
GICS Industry	Biotechnology	Capital Markets
Market Capitalization	369.48 billion USD	230.06 billion USD
Exchange	NYSE	NYSE
Listing Date	January 2, 2013	February 23, 1993
Security Type	Common Stock	Common Stock

Historical Performance

This chart compares the performance of ABBV and MS by tracking the growth of an initial $10,000 investment in each. Use the tabs to select the desired time period. Data is adjusted for dividends and splits.

ABBV vs. MS: Growth of a $10,000 investment over the past one year.

Historical Performance at a Glance

Symbol	ABBV	MS
5-Day Price Return	2.18%	-2.96%
13-Week Price Return	12.62%	10.15%
26-Week Price Return	8.12%	5.32%
52-Week Price Return	6.24%	41.64%
Month-to-Date Return	10.65%	1.17%
Year-to-Date Return	17.70%	14.64%
10-Day Avg. Volume	4.64M	4.60M
3-Month Avg. Volume	6.39M	5.68M
3-Month Volatility	19.56%	18.37%
Beta	0.49	1.34

Profitability

Return on Equity (TTM)

ABBV

95.59%

Biotechnology Industry

Max: 77.14%
Q3: 10.76%
Median: -20.08%
Q1: -42.71%
Min: -119.20%

ABBV’s Return on Equity of 95.59% is exceptionally high, placing it well beyond the typical range for the Biotechnology industry. This demonstrates a superior ability to generate profit from shareholder investments, though it could also be inflated by high financial leverage.

MS

13.95%

Capital Markets Industry

Max: 38.97%
Q3: 21.61%
Median: 13.77%
Q1: 8.31%
Min: -4.25%

MS’s Return on Equity of 13.95% is on par with the norm for the Capital Markets industry, indicating its profitability relative to shareholder equity is typical for the sector.

ABBV vs. MS: A comparison of their Return on Equity (TTM) against their respective Biotechnology and Capital Markets industry benchmarks.

Net Profit Margin (TTM)

ABBV

6.45%

Biotechnology Industry

Max: 59.44%
Q3: 16.21%
Median: -11.49%
Q1: -167.42%
Min: -409.07%

ABBV’s Net Profit Margin of 6.45% is aligned with the median group of its peers in the Biotechnology industry. This indicates its ability to convert revenue into profit is typical for the sector.

MS

13.06%

Capital Markets Industry

Max: 66.67%
Q3: 35.11%
Median: 23.49%
Q1: 13.63%
Min: -15.18%

Falling into the lower quartile for the Capital Markets industry, MS’s Net Profit Margin of 13.06% indicates weaker profitability. This means the company retains a smaller portion of each dollar in sales as profit compared to its competitors.

ABBV vs. MS: A comparison of their Net Profit Margin (TTM) against their respective Biotechnology and Capital Markets industry benchmarks.

Operating Profit Margin (TTM)

ABBV

18.80%

Biotechnology Industry

Max: 60.62%
Q3: 20.76%
Median: -12.41%
Q1: -181.14%
Min: -482.02%

ABBV’s Operating Profit Margin of 18.80% is around the midpoint for the Biotechnology industry, indicating that its efficiency in managing core business operations is typical for the sector.

MS

17.07%

Capital Markets Industry

Max: 86.40%
Q3: 46.46%
Median: 32.80%
Q1: 18.32%
Min: -21.87%

MS’s Operating Profit Margin of 17.07% is in the lower quartile for the Capital Markets industry. This indicates weaker profitability from core operations, which may stem from inefficiencies or competitive pressures on pricing.

ABBV vs. MS: A comparison of their Operating Profit Margin (TTM) against their respective Biotechnology and Capital Markets industry benchmarks.

Profitability at a Glance

Symbol	ABBV	MS
Return on Equity (TTM)	95.59%	13.95%
Return on Assets (TTM)	2.73%	1.15%
Net Profit Margin (TTM)	6.45%	13.06%
Operating Profit Margin (TTM)	18.80%	17.07%
Gross Profit Margin (TTM)	70.93%	54.42%

Financial Strength

Current Ratio (MRQ)

ABBV

0.74

Biotechnology Industry

Max: 19.31
Q3: 9.38
Median: 4.54
Q1: 2.45
Min: 0.76

ABBV’s Current Ratio of 0.74 is notably low, falling beneath the typical range for the Biotechnology industry. This suggests a heightened liquidity risk and could indicate potential challenges in meeting its short-term obligations.

MS

0.29

Capital Markets Industry

Max: 3.76
Q3: 1.89
Median: 1.01
Q1: 0.54
Min: -0.41

For the Capital Markets industry, the Current Ratio is often not the most suitable measure of short-term liquidity.

ABBV vs. MS: A comparison of their Current Ratio (MRQ) against their respective Biotechnology and Capital Markets industry benchmarks.

Debt-to-Equity Ratio (MRQ)

ABBV

49.22

Biotechnology Industry

Max: 1.35
Q3: 0.64
Median: 0.09
Q1: 0.00
Min: 0.00

With a Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 49.22, ABBV operates with exceptionally high leverage compared to the Biotechnology industry norm. This suggests an aggressive reliance on debt financing, which can magnify returns but also significantly elevates financial risk.

MS

7.68

Capital Markets Industry

Max: 6.62
Q3: 2.84
Median: 1.02
Q1: 0.32
Min: 0.00

The Debt-to-Equity Ratio is often not the primary focus for assessing leverage in the Capital Markets industry.

ABBV vs. MS: A comparison of their Debt-to-Equity Ratio (MRQ) against their respective Biotechnology and Capital Markets industry benchmarks.

Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM)

ABBV

2.70

Biotechnology Industry

Max: 72.37
Q3: 1.91
Median: -7.81
Q1: -63.90
Min: -153.80

ABBV’s Interest Coverage Ratio of 2.70 is in the upper quartile for the Biotechnology industry, signifying a strong and healthy capacity to meet its interest payments from operating profits.

MS

1.25

Capital Markets Industry

Max: 126.03
Q3: 60.98
Median: 11.77
Q1: 4.95
Min: -36.26

The Interest Coverage Ratio is often not a primary indicator of debt servicing capacity in the Capital Markets industry.

ABBV vs. MS: A comparison of their Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM) against their respective Biotechnology and Capital Markets industry benchmarks.

Financial Strength at a Glance

Symbol	ABBV	MS
Current Ratio (MRQ)	0.74	0.29
Quick Ratio (MRQ)	0.48	0.29
Debt-to-Equity Ratio (MRQ)	49.22	7.68
Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM)	2.70	1.25

Growth

Revenue Growth

ABBV vs. MS: A side-by-side comparison of their Revenue Growth for the MRQ (YoY), TTM (YoY), 3-Year CAGR, and 5-Year CAGR periods.

EPS Growth

ABBV vs. MS: A side-by-side comparison of their EPS Growth for the MRQ (YoY), TTM (YoY), 3-Year CAGR, and 5-Year CAGR periods.

Dividend

Dividend Yield (TTM)

ABBV

3.11%

Biotechnology Industry

Max: 0.00%
Q3: 0.00%
Median: 0.00%
Q1: 0.00%
Min: 0.00%

ABBV’s Dividend Yield of 3.11% is exceptionally high, placing it well above the typical range for the Biotechnology industry. While this may seem attractive, an unusually high yield can sometimes be a warning sign, reflecting a falling stock price or market concerns about the dividend’s sustainability.

MS

2.78%

Capital Markets Industry

Max: 10.26%
Q3: 4.86%
Median: 2.78%
Q1: 1.22%
Min: 0.00%

MS’s Dividend Yield of 2.78% is consistent with its peers in the Capital Markets industry, providing a dividend return that is standard for its sector.

ABBV vs. MS: A comparison of their Dividend Yield (TTM) against their respective Biotechnology and Capital Markets industry benchmarks.

Dividend Payout Ratio (TTM)

ABBV

226.84%

Biotechnology Industry

Max: 0.00%
Q3: 0.00%
Median: 0.00%
Q1: 0.00%
Min: 0.00%

At 226.84%, ABBV’s Dividend Payout Ratio is exceptionally high, exceeding the typical range for the Biotechnology industry. While this provides a significant return to shareholders, it may limit funds for reinvestment and could be difficult to sustain.

MS

43.20%

Capital Markets Industry

Max: 200.72%
Q3: 101.92%
Median: 57.97%
Q1: 32.36%
Min: 0.00%

MS’s Dividend Payout Ratio of 43.20% is within the typical range for the Capital Markets industry, suggesting a balanced approach between shareholder payouts and company reinvestment.

ABBV vs. MS: A comparison of their Dividend Payout Ratio (TTM) against their respective Biotechnology and Capital Markets industry benchmarks.

Dividend at a Glance

Symbol	ABBV	MS
Dividend Yield (TTM)	3.11%	2.78%
Dividend Payout Ratio (TTM)	226.84%	43.20%

Valuation

Price-to-Earnings Ratio (TTM)

ABBV

96.80

Biotechnology Industry

Max: 60.14
Q3: 38.17
Median: 29.01
Q1: 15.12
Min: 0.00

At 96.80, ABBV’s P/E Ratio is exceptionally high, exceeding the typical maximum for the Biotechnology industry. This suggests the stock may be significantly overvalued compared to its peers and implies high market expectations that could be difficult to meet.

MS

15.56

Capital Markets Industry

Max: 58.89
Q3: 31.00
Median: 18.54
Q1: 12.09
Min: 5.24

MS’s P/E Ratio of 15.56 is within the middle range for the Capital Markets industry. This suggests its valuation is in line with the sector average, representing neither a significant premium nor a discount compared to its peers.

ABBV vs. MS: A comparison of their Price-to-Earnings Ratio (TTM) against their respective Biotechnology and Capital Markets industry benchmarks.

Price-to-Sales Ratio (TTM)

ABBV

6.24

Biotechnology Industry

Max: 76.98
Q3: 36.53
Median: 9.49
Q1: 4.49
Min: 0.00

ABBV’s P/S Ratio of 6.24 aligns with the market consensus for the Biotechnology industry. This suggests its valuation, based on sales, is seen as standard and is on par with its competitors.

MS

2.03

Capital Markets Industry

Max: 14.49
Q3: 7.41
Median: 4.68
Q1: 2.25
Min: 0.04

In the lower quartile for the Capital Markets industry, MS’s P/S Ratio of 2.03 indicates its revenue is valued more conservatively than most of its peers. This could present a compelling opportunity if the market has overlooked its sales-generating capabilities.

ABBV vs. MS: A comparison of their Price-to-Sales Ratio (TTM) against their respective Biotechnology and Capital Markets industry benchmarks.

Price-to-Book Ratio (MRQ)

ABBV

261.01

Biotechnology Industry

Max: 20.53
Q3: 9.76
Median: 4.77
Q1: 2.49
Min: 0.59

At 261.01, ABBV’s P/B Ratio is at an extreme premium to the Biotechnology industry. This signifies that the market’s valuation is heavily reliant on future potential rather than its current net asset value, which can be a high-risk proposition.

MS

2.08

Capital Markets Industry

Max: 9.48
Q3: 4.94
Median: 2.42
Q1: 1.21
Min: 0.38

MS’s P/B Ratio of 2.08 is within the conventional range for the Capital Markets industry. This shows a balanced market view, where the stock’s price is neither at a significant premium nor a discount to the book value of its peers.

ABBV vs. MS: A comparison of their Price-to-Book Ratio (MRQ) against their respective Biotechnology and Capital Markets industry benchmarks.

Valuation at a Glance

Symbol	ABBV	MS
Price-to-Earnings Ratio (TTM)	96.80	15.56
Price-to-Sales Ratio (TTM)	6.24	2.03
Price-to-Book Ratio (MRQ)	261.01	2.08
Price-to-Free Cash Flow Ratio (TTM)	19.97	10.44