Morgan Stanley (MS) stock has been quietly gaining traction, rising nearly 25% this year and about 10% over the past three months. Investors appear to be weighing its steady earnings in addition to broader trends in the financial sector.
See our latest analysis for Morgan Stanley.
Morgan Stanley’s share price momentum has been steadily building, with a 25% year-to-date price return and a 49% total shareholder return over the past year. This reflects renewed investor optimism about its long-term growth potential and resilience in shifting markets.
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This solid run raises a key question for investors: is Morgan Stanley’s current valuation fully reflecting its future prospects, or could there still be room for upside if markets have not priced in the bank’s growth potential?
Compared to the narrative’s fair value of $145.90, Morgan Stanley’s last close at $155.97 puts it notably above what analysts believe is justified. This hints at optimism in the market amid steady earnings forecasts.
The ongoing increase in global wealth, combined with the accelerating intergenerational transfer of assets, is boosting demand for comprehensive advisory and wealth management solutions. This is evidenced by record net new assets and a growing client base, which should drive higher recurring fee-based revenue and long-term earnings growth.
What is driving this seemingly lofty price? One growth trend, bold margin projections, and a revenue path that breaks from the past are all contributing to this narrative’s target. Want to discover which financial shifts are at the heart of the story? See the full narrative for the specific assumptions that support this fair value calculation.
Result: Fair Value of $145.90 (OVERVALUED)
Have a read of the narrative in full and understand what’s behind the forecasts.
However, continued industry shifts toward lower-fee products and the rise of digital competitors could put pressure on Morgan Stanley’s margins and potentially slow its revenue growth path.
Find out about the key risks to this Morgan Stanley narrative.
Looking at valuation through the lens of price-to-earnings, Morgan Stanley trades at 17.6 times earnings, much lower than the US Capital Markets industry average of 25.5x and the peer average of 37.8x. The fair ratio sits at 21x, suggesting the stock may be attractively valued by this measure, especially when compared with its rivals. But could this discount signal lingering doubts in the market or a genuine opportunity?