About this content About Emily Jarvie Emily began her career as a political journalist for Australian Community Media in Hobart, Tasmania. After she relocated to Toronto, Canada, she reported on business, legal, and scientific developments in the emerging psychedelics sector before joining Proactive in 2022. She brings a strong journalism background with her work featured in newspapers, magazines, and digital publications across Australia, Europe, and North America, including The Examiner, The Advocate, ...

CHICAGO, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new investment fund is set to fuel health care services, affordable electricity, and good jobs in rural and tribal areas, offering financing that helps address the multiplying impacts of poverty on the well-being of families and communities.The Morgan Stanley Rural NMTC Fund is leveraging federal New Markets Tax Credits (NMTCs) to invest $45 million in high-impact development projects. A collaboration between Morgan Stanley and Broadstreet Impact Services, the fund wi ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2024, the company achieved a return on average tangible common equity of 18.8% and diluted earnings per share of $7.95, with annual net revenues reaching a record $61.8 billion and net income of $13.4 billion [5][6] - The first quarter of 2025 produced a 23% return on average tangible common equity, with a capital increase of $2 billion and a 10% growth in equity capital base over the last five quarters [9][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Wealth Management and Investment Management businesses held $7.9 trillion in client assets at the end of 2024, on track to exceed $10 trillion [7] - The integrated firm strategy focuses on delivering strong results across wealth management, investment management, and institutional securities [6][8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company capitalized on an improved capital markets backdrop in 2024, leading to strong results and durable earnings [8] - The outlook for the markets is anticipated to be less predictable in the short term, with adjustments expected due to trade policy and fiscal changes [9][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to capitalize on long-term growth drivers across wealth and investment management and its global investment bank [11] - A focus on a well-defined strategy, experienced management team, and a culture of rigor and partnership is emphasized for long-term success [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges a period of adjustment ahead, with higher volatility and uncertainty in the markets, but emphasizes the value of the company's global reach and insights [10][11] - The company is committed to prudent long-term planning despite near-term uncertainties [12] Other Important Information - The board of directors recommended against a shareholder proposal for disclosure of an energy supply ratio, which received only 13% support [27] - The company continues to invest in diversity and inclusion as a critical component of its culture and success [29][30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry on Diversity and Inclusion Programs - The company highlighted its commitment to investing in talent and creating an inclusive workplace, which is essential for serving clients and delivering strong returns [29][30]

Financial Performance - The company reported net revenues of $17.7 billion for Q1 2025, a 17% increase from $15.1 billion in Q1 2024[23]. - Net income applicable to the company was $4.3 billion, reflecting a 26% increase compared to $3.4 billion in the prior year quarter[23]. - Diluted earnings per common share rose to $2.60, up 29% from $2.02 in the prior year quarter[23]. - Net revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2025, increased to $17,739 million, up 17.3% from $15,136 million in the same period of 2024[40]. - Earnings applicable to common shareholders rose to $4,157 million, representing a 27.2% increase from $3,266 million year-over-year[40]. - Earnings per diluted common share increased to $2.60, compared to $2.02 in the prior year, reflecting a 28.7% growth[40]. - Return on equity (ROE) increased to 17.4%, up from 14.5% in the prior year, while return on tangible common equity (ROTCE) rose to 23.0% from 19.7%[40]. - Net income applicable to Morgan Stanley increased by 39% to $2,529 million from $1,819 million in the prior year[61]. Revenue Breakdown - Institutional Securities generated net revenues of $9.0 billion, driven by strong performance in Equity and Investment Banking[27]. - Wealth Management achieved net revenues of $7.3 billion, with a pre-tax margin of 26.6 and net new asset additions of $94 billion[27]. - Investment Management reported net revenues of $1.6 billion, primarily from asset management fees on average AUM of $1.7 trillion[27]. - Total net revenues increased by 28% to $8,983 million in Q1 2025 compared to $7,016 million in Q1 2024[61]. - Advisory revenues rose by 22% to $563 million, while Equity underwriting revenues decreased by 26% to $319 million[61]. - Fixed Income revenues increased by 22% to $677 million, contributing to total Investment Banking revenues of $1,559 million, an 8% increase year-over-year[63]. - Wealth Management net revenues grew by 6% to $7,327 million, driven by a 15% increase in asset management revenues to $4,396 million[80]. Expenses and Efficiency - The company’s expense efficiency ratio was 68%, with non-compensation expenses increasing by 12% to $4.5 billion due to higher execution-related expenses[27][28]. - The expense efficiency ratio improved to 68%, down from 71% in the previous year, indicating better cost management[40]. - Non-interest expenses rose by 20% to $5,611 million, primarily due to increased compensation and benefits expenses[77]. - Non-interest expenses rose by 5% to $5,332 million, mainly due to higher compensation and benefits expenses[95]. Credit and Risk Management - The provision for credit losses was $135 million, reflecting portfolio growth and a weaker macroeconomic outlook[29]. - Provision for credit losses increased to $91 million, reflecting portfolio growth and a deteriorating macroeconomic outlook[75]. - Provision for credit losses was $44 million, primarily related to specific loans, compared to a net release of $8 million in the prior year quarter[94]. Assets and Capital - Total assets increased to $1,300,296 million, up from $1,215,071 million at the end of 2024, reflecting a growth of 7%[40]. - Total assets under management (AUM) reached $1,669 billion, up from $1,479 billion in the prior year[110]. - CET1 capital increased to $76,975 million at March 31, 2025, up from $75,095 million at December 31, 2024, representing a growth of 2.5%[180]. - Total capital rose to $97,772 million at March 31, 2025, compared to $95,567 million at December 31, 2024, reflecting an increase of 2.3%[183]. - Total Risk-Weighted Assets (RWA) reached $502,622 million at March 31, 2025, up from $489,316 million at December 31, 2024, indicating a rise of 2.7%[184]. Liquidity and Funding - Average liquidity resources for the five months ended March 31, 2025, were $351,740 million, compared to $345,440 million at the end of 2024[40]. - Cash deposits with banks averaged $351.7 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $345.4 billion for the previous quarter, reflecting a growth of 1.0%[134]. - The Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) stood at 130% as of March 31, 2025, consistent with the previous quarter's LCR of 130%[141]. - The company maintained sufficient liquidity resources to meet current and contingent funding obligations as modeled in its Liquidity Stress Tests[131]. Shareholder Returns - The company repurchased 8 million shares at an average price of $125.88 per share during the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to 12 million shares at $86.79 in the same period last year[163]. - The common stock dividend announced on April 11, 2025, is $0.925 per share, payable on May 15, 2025[165]. Regulatory Compliance - The company is in compliance with all Total Loss-Absorbing Capacity (TLAC) requirements, with external TLAC at $268,879 million as of March 31, 2025[187]. - The Stress Capital Buffer (SCB) remains at 6.0% through September 30, 2025, contributing to a required CET1 ratio of 13.5%[192]. - The company plans to submit its capital plan and stress test results as part of the Federal Reserve's annual CCAR framework[191].

Core Viewpoint - Morgan Stanley reported strong first-quarter 2025 results, surpassing expectations due to solid capital markets performance and a robust wealth management business [1][2]. Group 1: Quarterly Performance - Investment Banking (IB) fees increased by 7.7% year-over-year to $1.56 billion, with debt underwriting fees rising 21.8% and advisory fees growing 22.1%, while equity underwriting fees fell by 25.8% [3]. - Trading revenues saw significant growth, with equity trading revenues up 45.2% to $4.13 billion and fixed-income trading income increasing by 4.8% to $2.6 billion [5]. - The company experienced net outflows of $13.6 billion in the Investment Management division, but assets under management grew by 9.4% year-over-year to $1.6 trillion [12]. Group 2: Strategic Developments - Morgan Stanley's partnership with Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group is expected to enhance its financials and solidify its position in the Japanese market [13][14]. - The company has diversified its revenue streams, with wealth and asset management operations contributing over 50% to net revenues in Q1 2025, up from 26% in 2010 [11]. Group 3: Market Outlook - Despite strong quarterly results, uncertainties related to tariff policies are expected to delay a significant rebound in the IB business, impacting revenue generation from M&A advisory fees [10][25]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings has been revised upward to $8.61, indicating year-over-year growth of 8.3%, while the estimate for 2026 earnings has been revised downward by 1.1% to $9.21 [18][20]. Group 4: Valuation and Performance - Morgan Stanley's stock is trading at a forward P/E of 12.09X, slightly above the industry average of 11.11X, indicating a premium valuation [22]. - Year-to-date, the company has underperformed compared to its peers, including JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs, as well as the broader market indices [25].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record revenues of $17.7 billion and EPS of $2.60, with a return on tangible equity (ROTCE) of 23% [5][16]. - The efficiency ratio for the first quarter was 68%, despite incurring $144 million in severance charges related to performance management [17][18]. - The common equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio stood at 15.3%, indicating a strong capital position [6][43]. Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Institutional Securities achieved record revenues of $9 billion, up 28% year-over-year, driven by strong performance in equity and fixed income [18][19]. - Wealth Management generated revenues of $7.3 billion, with a reported margin of 27% and $94 billion in net new assets [29][30]. - Investment Management reported revenues of $1.6 billion, a 16% increase year-over-year, with total assets under management (AUM) ending at $1.6 trillion [39]. Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted increased volatility in stock, bond, and currency markets, with a heightened risk of recession but a consensus leaning towards softer growth rather than negative [9][11]. - Client activity remained strong across various regions, particularly in Asia, where Institutional Securities revenues were up 35% year-over-year [77][78]. Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasized a strategy focused on raising, managing, and allocating capital for clients, with a commitment to long-term growth despite near-term uncertainties [14][15]. - The management highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong global presence and adapting to changing market dynamics, particularly in Asia and Europe [79][82]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism regarding the economic outlook, noting that while some clients are pausing strategic activities, others continue to engage actively [92][95]. - The company is preparing for potential regulatory reforms, particularly regarding the Supplementary Leverage Ratio (SLR), which could provide additional opportunities for capital deployment [99][100]. Other Important Information - The company repurchased $1 billion of common stock during the quarter, reflecting its commitment to returning capital to shareholders [42]. - The firm experienced strong demand for strategic advice and capital raising, despite some disruptions in near-term deal activity due to market volatility [23][24]. Q&A Session Summary Question: Equities trading outlook - Management noted that client activity across all products and regions was strong, and while a weaker economy could impact trading, current engagement levels remain high [51][55]. Question: M&A outlook - Management highlighted encouraging trends in M&A activity, with year-over-year growth across all client segments, despite some market deterioration [58][60]. Question: Risk management in trading - Management indicated that client engagement remains strong, and while there is natural volatility, the market-making function continues to perform well [72][74]. Question: International business prospects - Management expressed bullish sentiments regarding the international business, particularly in Asia, emphasizing the importance of local engagement and partnerships [77][81]. Question: Impact of SLR changes - Management discussed the potential impact of SLR reforms on capital deployment, emphasizing the need for a holistic view of regulatory changes [99][100]. Question: Advisor business trends - Management reported strong interest in the advisor platform, with increased recruitment and retention trends, particularly in the self-directed and advisor-led channels [108][110].

Core Viewpoint - Morgan Stanley reported quarterly earnings of $2.60 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.23 per share, and showing an increase from $2.02 per share a year ago, indicating a strong performance in the investment banking sector [1][2]. Financial Performance - The company achieved revenues of $17.74 billion for the quarter ended March 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 6.62%, compared to $15.14 billion in the same quarter last year [2]. - Over the last four quarters, Morgan Stanley has consistently exceeded consensus EPS estimates [2]. Stock Performance - Morgan Stanley shares have declined approximately 15.2% since the beginning of the year, while the S&P 500 has decreased by 10.4% [3]. - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $2.04, with projected revenues of $16.05 billion, and for the current fiscal year, the EPS estimate is $8.42 on revenues of $64.81 billion [7]. Industry Outlook - The Financial - Investment Bank industry, to which Morgan Stanley belongs, is currently ranked in the top 36% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a favorable outlook compared to lower-ranked industries [8]. - Empirical research indicates a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions, which can impact Morgan Stanley's stock performance [5].

Financial Performance - Firm net revenues for Q1 2025 were $17,888 million, up 10% from Q4 2024 and 19% from Q1 2024[3] - Net income applicable to Morgan Stanley for Q1 2025 was $4,315 million, a 16% increase from Q4 2024 and 26% from Q1 2024[5] - Earnings per diluted share for Q1 2025 were $2.60, up 17% from Q4 2024 and 29% from Q1 2024[6] - Net revenues for Q1 2025 were $17,739 million, an increase from $16,223 million in Q4 2024 and $15,136 million in Q1 2024[33] - Adjusted net revenues (non-GAAP) for Q1 2025 were $17,888 million, compared to $16,232 million in Q4 2024 and $14,949 million in Q1 2024[33] Revenue Breakdown - Institutional Securities net revenues reached $8,983 million, reflecting a 24% increase from Q1 2024[5] - Wealth Management net revenues were $7,327 million, a slight decrease of 2% from Q4 2024 but up 6% from Q1 2024[5] - Investment Management net revenues totaled $1,602 million, down 2% from Q4 2024 but up 16% from Q1 2024[5] - Net revenues for Institutional Securities reached $8,983 million, a 24% increase from $7,267 million in the previous quarter and a 28% increase from $7,016 million year-over-year[12] - Wealth Management net revenues were $7,327 million, down 2% from $7,478 million in the previous quarter but up 6% from $6,880 million year-over-year[14] - Investment Management net revenues totaled $1,602 million, a decrease of 2% from $1,643 million in the previous quarter but an increase of 16% from $1,377 million year-over-year[19] Expenses and Compensation - Compensation expenses for Q1 2025 were $7,523 million, an increase of 21% from Q4 2024 and 16% from Q1 2024[4] - Total non-interest expenses for Investment Management were $1,279 million, a 4% increase from $1,229 million in the previous quarter and a 13% increase from $1,136 million year-over-year[19] - Compensation and benefits as a percentage of net revenues for Wealth Management was 55%, up from 53% in the previous quarter and consistent with the previous year[14] - Compensation and benefits expenses for Q1 2025 were $7,521 million, an increase from $6,289 million in Q4 2024 and $6,696 million in Q1 2024[35] - The firm recognized severance costs of $144 million in Q1 2025 due to a reduction in force impacting approximately 2% of the global workforce[35] Assets and Capital - Total assets increased to $1,300,296 million, a 7% rise from Q4 2024 and 6% from Q1 2024[8] - Common equity rose to $97,062 million, a 2% increase from Q4 2024 and 7% from Q1 2024[8] - The Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio was 15.3%, down from 15.9% in Q4 2024 but up from 15.0% in Q1 2024[10] - Wealth Management's average tangible common equity for Q1 2025 was $13,088 million, down from $13,582 million in Q4 2024[41] Loans and Lending Commitments - Total consolidated loans and lending commitments increased to $438.8 billion as of March 31, 2025, up 4% from $423.1 billion in the previous quarter and up 14% from $384.4 billion a year ago[23] - Institutional Securities total loans reached $256.9 billion, reflecting a 5% increase from $244.3 billion in the previous quarter and an 18% increase from $218.1 billion year-over-year[23] - Wealth Management total loans amounted to $181.9 billion, a 2% increase from $178.8 billion in the previous quarter and a 9% increase from $166.3 billion year-over-year[23] - Corporate loans increased by 23% to $19.5 billion compared to $15.9 billion in the previous quarter and 17% from $16.6 billion year-over-year[23] - Secured lending facilities rose to $54.9 billion, a 7% increase from $51.2 billion in the previous quarter and a 30% increase from $42.1 billion year-over-year[23] - Commercial and residential real estate loans increased by 7% to $11.9 billion compared to $11.1 billion in the previous quarter, but decreased by 8% from $12.9 billion year-over-year[23] - Securities-based lending and other loans grew by 11% to $9.9 billion from $8.9 billion in the previous quarter and 29% from $7.7 billion year-over-year[23] - Lending commitments for Institutional Securities increased by 2% to $160.7 billion from $157.2 billion in the previous quarter and 16% from $138.8 billion year-over-year[23] - Wealth Management lending commitments rose by 1% to $19.4 billion compared to $19.3 billion in the previous quarter and 3% from $18.9 billion year-over-year[23] Credit Losses and Provisions - The allowance for credit losses (ACL) for loans held for investment was $1.133 billion, representing 0.5% of total loans of $259.847 billion[25] - The allowance for credit losses (ACL) for loans and lending commitments at the end of Q1 2025 was $1,851 million, up from $1,722 million at the end of Q4 2024[44] - The firm reported a net charge-off of $23 million for loans in Q1 2025[44] Other Financial Metrics - Total client assets in Wealth Management were $6,015 billion, a 3% decrease from $6,194 billion in the previous quarter but a 9% increase from $5,495 billion year-over-year[17] - The net new assets in Wealth Management amounted to $93.8 billion, a 66% increase from $56.5 billion in the previous quarter but a slight decrease of 1% from $94.9 billion year-over-year[17] - The total assets under management or supervision in Investment Management were $1,647 billion, a 1% decrease from $1,666 billion in the previous quarter but a 9% increase from $1,505 billion year-over-year[21] - The investment securities portfolio included held to maturity investment securities of $47.2 billion as of March 31, 2025[38] - The firm incurred an FDIC Special Assessment of $3 million in Q1 2025, compared to $(4) million in Q4 2024 and $42 million in Q1 2024[36]

Group 1: Company Performance - Morgan Stanley shares ended the last trading session 11.4% higher at $111.70, following a period of 10.5% loss over the past four weeks [1][2] - The investment bank is expected to post quarterly earnings of $2.23 per share, representing a year-over-year change of +10.4%, with revenues expected to be $16.55 billion, up 9.4% from the year-ago quarter [3] - The consensus EPS estimate for Morgan Stanley has been revised 0.6% lower over the last 30 days, indicating a negative trend in earnings estimate revisions [4] Group 2: Market Context - The rally in Morgan Stanley shares was driven by broad market strength following President Donald Trump's announcement of a 90-day suspension on tariffs for non-retaliating countries, which eased trade tensions and improved market sentiment [2] - Morgan Stanley is part of the Zacks Financial - Investment Bank industry, where another stock, Moelis, closed the last trading session 11.2% higher at $54.31, despite returning -18.3% in the past month [4]

Company Performance - Morgan Stanley's stock closed at $100.92, reflecting a +1.09% increase compared to the previous day, outperforming the S&P 500's 0.23% loss [1] - Over the past month, Morgan Stanley's shares have declined by 16.31%, which is worse than the Finance sector's loss of 9.66% and the S&P 500's loss of 12.13% [1] Upcoming Earnings Report - The upcoming earnings report is expected to show an EPS of $2.26, representing an 11.88% increase from the same quarter last year [2] - Revenue is forecasted to be $16.63 billion, indicating a 9.9% increase from the same quarter last year [2] Full Year Estimates - For the full year, analysts expect earnings of $8.46 per share and revenue of $64.87 billion, marking increases of +6.42% and +5.03% respectively from the previous year [3] Analyst Estimates and Market Sentiment - Changes in analyst estimates are crucial as they reflect the shifting dynamics of short-term business patterns, with positive revisions indicating optimism about the company's outlook [4] - The Zacks Rank system, which assesses estimate changes, currently ranks Morgan Stanley as 3 (Hold) after a 0.26% decrease in the EPS estimate over the last 30 days [6] Valuation Metrics - Morgan Stanley has a Forward P/E ratio of 11.8, which is in line with the industry average [7] - The company also has a PEG ratio of 0.91, compared to the industry average PEG ratio of 0.95 [7] Industry Context - The Financial - Investment Bank industry, part of the Finance sector, holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 68, placing it in the top 28% of over 250 industries [8]