10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2015

MORGAN STANLEY Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2015

Filed November 3, 2015For Securities:MSMS-PKMS-POMS-PQMS-PAMS-PFMS-PIMS-PLMS-PPMS-PEMSTLW

Summary

Morgan Stanley's Q3 2015 report shows a decline in net revenues and net income compared to the previous year, driven by weaker performance in its Institutional Securities and Investment Management segments. While Wealth Management demonstrated resilience with a slight revenue increase, the overall results were impacted by a challenging market environment, particularly in trading and underwriting activities. The company also experienced an increase in non-compensation expenses, largely due to litigation reserves. Despite the year-over-year decline in profitability, Morgan Stanley highlighted positive trends in equity trading and prime brokerage within its Institutional Securities segment. The company also continued to manage its capital effectively, returning capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, while maintaining strong regulatory capital ratios. The report indicates a strategic focus on enhancing returns over the long term, aiming for a sustainable 10% or more return on average common equity excluding DVA.

Financial Highlights

36 data points
Beta

Net Income

$1.02B

EPS (Diluted)

$0.48

Total Assets

$834.11B

Cash & Equivalents

$53.52B

Free Cash Flow

$490.00M

Financial Statements
Beta
Interest Expense$689.00M
Net Income$1.02B
EPS (Basic)$0.49
EPS (Diluted)$0.48
Shares Outstanding (Basic)1.90B
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)1.95B

Key Highlights

  • 1Net revenues decreased by 13% year-over-year to $7.77 billion for the quarter, impacted by lower trading and underwriting revenues.
  • 2Net income applicable to Morgan Stanley decreased to $1.02 billion ($0.48 per diluted share) from $1.69 billion ($0.83 per diluted share) in the prior year quarter.
  • 3Institutional Securities segment revenue declined 14% to $3.90 billion, primarily due to weaker underwriting and fixed income trading.
  • 4Wealth Management net revenues saw a 4% decrease to $3.64 billion, impacted by lower transactional and other revenues.
  • 5Investment Management net revenues fell 59% to $274 million, mainly due to lower carried interest and principal investment markdowns.
  • 6Total non-interest expenses decreased 6% due to lower compensation costs, though non-compensation expenses increased 15% driven by litigation reserves.
  • 7The company maintained strong regulatory capital ratios, with its Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio at 14.0% under U.S. Basel III transitional rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

The decline in net revenues was primarily driven by a 14% decrease in the Institutional Securities segment's net revenues, largely due to lower underwriting fees and weaker fixed income sales and trading results. Additionally, the Investment Management segment experienced a significant 59% drop in revenues.

Morgan Stanley maintained strong capital levels, with its Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio at 14.0% under U.S. Basel III transitional rules, significantly above regulatory minimums. The company also continued to return capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.

Management aims for a sustainable 10% or more return on average common equity excluding DVA over time, subject to strategic execution. While the Q3 results were impacted by challenging market conditions, the company highlighted areas of strength such as equity trading and prime brokerage, and is focused on navigating the evolving economic landscape.

Yes, while total non-interest expenses decreased due to lower compensation costs, non-compensation expenses saw a 15% increase. This was primarily attributed to higher 'Other non-interest expenses,' notably an increase in reserves for the settlement of a credit default swap antitrust litigation matter.