Morgan Stanley (MS) Buy, Sell or Hold

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Morgan Stanley (MS)

228.87

+1.20 (0.53%)

as of Jul 15, 2026, 6:42:35 pm Market Open.

72 watching

Investor Insights

Jul 15, 2026, 12:00 am

This summary was created by AI, based on 17 opinions in the last 12 months.

Morgan Stanley (MS) is viewed favorably by experts, who express optimistic sentiments regarding the bank's performance in light of increased IPO activity, rising interest rates, and a boom in M&A deals. Analysts highlight the bank's impressive return on equity of 27% and robust wealth management segment, which now constitutes half of its business. The consensus is that with healthy activity in capital markets and a supportive macroeconomic backdrop, MS is set for an excellent year ahead. Investors are encouraged to maintain core holdings while also considering diversification into other major banks, reflecting a strong outlook for the financial sector as a whole.

Consensus

Bullish

Valuation

Fair Value

Similar

JPM,GS

COMMENT

Market outlook Stocks are so pegged to interest rates now. If rates go 1.6%-1.7%, money comes out of growth and into value. If we stay around this level, earnings hold and we see clarity in terms of rates in the next couple of quarters, we could see more money going into stocks that have earnings tailwinds like financials, like MS. But volatility spikes and rates pass 2%, money will come out of stocks in general.

BUY

BAC vs. MS He owns both. They're different banks: MS is far less sensitive to loan growth, as over 50% of revenues come from wealth management (they bought etrade and Eaton Vance). BAC is the US bank most sensitive to interest rate moves; their loan book is crucial to their growth. He likes both and both reported strongly last week. BAC has a slightly better valuation than MS, so it gets the edge.

BUY

He loves how it's transforming more into a wealth management business. They reported a top and bottom line beat yesterday. The stock has room to run, despite its recent run-up. They've made a big move into asset management, though still an investment bank. Expenses were far lower than expected. Shares rallied despite a downgrade. It trades at less than 14x 2022 earnings, which he predicts will be 20x earnings one day. A lot of room to run.

COMMENT

MS vs. V Likes banking in general in the US as well as in Canada, because the economy is improving and this should improve net interest margins. She owns JPM instead of MS, as they've been very well run over time, gorgeous balance sheets, diversified, doing well in capital markets. She likes Visa as well. It will benefit as payment volumes ramp up with more travel domestically and internationally. Since the pandemic, people are using their plastic cards more. Right now, between MS and V, she prefers Visa, as it's lagged the market and its long-term growth profile is more attractive.

BUY ON WEAKNESS

They report Thursday. He expects amazing results. The banks have had a huge run-up, but are still behind the overall market's PE. If this gets hit week, he will buy more.

BUY

It got downgraded today by Oppenheimer. He disagrees. A boring stock can be a good stock, like MS. MS is consistently boring. The current CEO has turned this around; MS used to be a rollercoaster, rooted in bad mortgages from the Great Recession and paying a big fine for that. They bought Eaton Vance and Etrade to boost its wealth management business--smart.

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Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

PAST TOP PICK

(A Top Pick Aug 10/21, Up 107.1%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly Our PAST TOP PICK with MS has triggered its stop at $100. We recommend covering the remaining position at this time. Combined with the previous recommendation to cover half the position, this results in a total net investment return of 65%.

BUY

MS vs. C Likes the banking sector, US banks in general, and both these names. Citi is at its 200-day MA, pretty cheap at below book value of 0.77, a diversified bank. MS price to book is 1.9x, has done well, with more growth so you're paying up for it, more into wealth management and institutional securities.

Premium content

Unlock this Panic-proof Portfolio opinion with Stockchase Premium

Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

PAST TOP PICK

(A Top Pick Oct 29/20, Up 113.3%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly Our PAST TOP PICK with MS is progressing well. We recommend trailing up the stop to $100 (from $85). If triggered, this would all but guarantee an net investment return of 65%, considering our recommendation to cover half the position previously.

BUY

Was impressed by their e-trade acquisition, and likes MS's overall transformation.

BUY

MS is the best among US banks. It's not a bank anymore, but a wealth advisory service with investment banking on the side.

TOP PICK

Likes the financial sector. XLF only recently took out the highs from 2008. Wealth management has been a stellar grower. e-Trade has fuelled asset gains, strong in capital markets. Recently doubled dividend, which they'll continue to grow. Yield is 2.80%. (Analysts’ price target is $100.66)

TOP PICK

Wealth management supplies more than 50% of revenues. Purchased e-Trade and Eaton Vance. Reported very strong earnings. Trading at 14x earnings, very attractive. CEO is a very good operator. Not exposed to loan books or interest spreads, not as sensitive to the economy. Yield is 2.74%. (Analysts’ price target is $100.66)

COMMENT

Many feel this stock has gotten ahead of itself, up 51% YTD and trades at 14x earnings. It's no longer a traditional investment bank, but rather a wealth advisor for all sorts of demographics which is a better business. To compare, the other big investment bank, Goldman-Sachs trades at 7x earnings and up 55% YTD.

BUY

Reported a blow-out quarter last week and rallied a bit last week. CEO is making MS more stable with stable earnings. That's why he bought Etrade and Eaton Vance. Their wealth management and investment management business saw $250 billion in inflows in the first half of 2021. It's the most expensive bank stock for good reason. It's as risk-free as you can get. He bought on today's sell-off.

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Morgan Stanley (MS)