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

Updated

Here’s a clear look at AON and MS, comparing key factors like performance, valuation metrics, dividends, and financial strength. It’s built for investors or anyone curious to see how these two stocks match up.

Company Overview

MS stands out with 201.02 billion USD in market value—about 2.60× AON’s market cap of 77.32 billion USD.

With betas of 0.89 for AON and 1.30 for MS, both show similar volatility profiles relative to the overall market.

SymbolAONMS
Company NameAon plcMorgan Stanley
CountryIEUS
SectorFinancial ServicesFinancial Services
IndustryInsurance - BrokersFinancial - Capital Markets
CEOMr. Gregory Clarence CaseMr. Edward N. Pick
Price358.06 USD125.3 USD
Market Cap77.32 billion USD201.02 billion USD
Beta0.891.30
ExchangeNYSENYSE
IPO DateJune 2, 1980February 23, 1993
ADRNoNo

Performance Comparison

This chart compares the performance of AON and MS over the past year by tracking the growth of an initial $10,000 investment in each (starting one year ago).

Hover over the lines to see the investment’s value and total return (%) at specific dates.

Data is adjusted for dividends and splits.

Valuation Metrics Comparison

The section examines key financial ratios to assess the valuation of AON and MS based on earnings, cash flow, sales, and book value. Pay attention to the following notable points where extreme values stand out.

  • MS reports a negative Price-to-Free Cash Flow ratio of -95.72, showing a cash flow shortfall that could threaten its operational sustainability, while AON at 29.29 maintains positive cash flow.
SymbolAONMS
Price-to-Earnings Ratio (P/E, TTM)30.4113.89
Forward PEG Ratio (TTM)2.851.97
Price-to-Sales Ratio (P/S, TTM)4.731.90
Price-to-Book Ratio (P/B, TTM)11.061.90
Price-to-Free Cash Flow Ratio (P/FCF, TTM)29.29-95.72
EV-to-EBITDA (TTM)18.4420.41
EV-to-Sales (TTM)5.804.60
EV-to-Free Cash Flow (TTM)35.93-231.32

Dividend Comparison

MS stands out with a 2.95% dividend yield—around 282% above AON’s 0.77%—highlighting its emphasis on generous payouts.

SymbolAONMS
Dividend Yield (TTM)0.77%2.95%

Financial Strength Metrics Comparison

This section dives into the financial resilience of AON and MS, spotlighting key metrics like liquidity, leverage, and debt coverage. Check out the standout observations below where notable differences or extremes pop up.

  • MS’s current ratio of 0.66 indicates its assets may not cover near-term debts, whereas AON at 1.05 maintains healthy liquidity.
  • MS posts a quick ratio of 0.66, indicating limited coverage of short-term debts from its most liquid assets—while AON at 1.05 enjoys stronger liquidity resilience.
  • MS is highly leveraged (debt-to-equity ratio 3.45), elevating both potential gains and risks, compared to AON at 2.64, which maintains a steadier capital structure.
  • MS’s low interest coverage (0.41) means it doesn't cover interest from operating earnings. AON (at 4.51) meets its interest obligations.
SymbolAONMS
Current Ratio (TTM)1.050.66
Quick Ratio (TTM)1.050.66
Debt-to-Equity Ratio (TTM)2.643.45
Debt-to-Assets Ratio (TTM)0.370.30
Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM)4.510.41