Banking, finance, and taxes

What to Expect When Morgan Stanley Reports

Marieke Feenstra / Shutterstock.com

Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) is scheduled to release its second-quarter financial results before the markets open on Wednesday. Thomson Reuters consensus estimates call for $1.11 in earnings per share (EPS) on $10.1 billion in revenue. The same period of last year reportedly had $0.87 in EPS and $9.5 billion in revenue.

In the first quarter, Morgan Stanley reported a record profit, helped by a lower tax bill and a boost in revenue from the previous quarter’s volatile markets. At the same time, book value and tangible book value per common share were $39.19 and $34.04, respectively.

James P. Gorman, board chair and chief executive, commented in the prior report:

We delivered very strong results this quarter, with record revenues and net income – and an ROE above our target range. Each of our businesses performed well, with significant client engagement across our global franchise, and Sales and Trading a particular highlight in a more active environment.

Over the past 52 weeks, Morgan Stanley has underperformed the broad markets, with its stock up about 8%. In 2018 alone, the stock is down 7%.

A few analysts weighed in on Morgan Stanley before the report:

  • Sandler O’Neill has a Hold rating and a $51 price target.
  • CFRA has a Buy rating with a $65 price target.
  • JPMorgan has a Buy rating with a $60 target price.
  • Barclays has an Equal Weight rating with a $63 price target.
  • Credit Suisse has an Outperform rating with a $62 target.

Shares of Morgan Stanley were last seen trading at $49.02, with a consensus analyst price target of $59.68 and in a 52-week range of $43.84 to $59.38.

Want to Retire Early? Start Here (Sponsor)

Want retirement to come a few years earlier than you’d planned? Or are you ready to retire now, but want an extra set of eyes on your finances?

Now you can speak with up to 3 financial experts in your area for FREE. By simply clicking here you can begin to match with financial professionals who can help you build your plan to retire early. And the best part? The first conversation with them is free.

Click here to match with up to 3 financial pros who would be excited to help you make financial decisions.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.