Summary
Morgan Stanley reported a strong first quarter of 2018, with net revenues increasing to $11,077 million, up 14% from $9,745 million in the prior year quarter. Net income applicable to Morgan Stanley surged to $2,668 million ($1.45 per diluted share), a significant increase from $1,930 million ($1.00 per diluted share) in the first quarter of 2017. This performance was driven by robust results across all business segments, particularly strong trading revenues in the Institutional Securities division and growth in asset management revenues within Wealth Management and Investment Management. Expenses also saw an increase, with compensation and benefits rising 10% and non-compensation expenses increasing 11%, partly due to the adoption of new accounting standards and higher volume-related expenses. Despite the rise in expenses, the firm maintained solid profitability and capital ratios. The Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio stood at 15.5% at quarter-end, well above regulatory requirements. Investors should note the continued strategic focus on growth across all segments and the company's commitment to capital return through share repurchases and dividends.
Financial Highlights
36 data points| Revenue | $5.91B |
| Interest Expense | $1.89B |
| Net Income | $2.67B |
| EPS (Basic) | $1.48 |
| EPS (Diluted) | $1.45 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 1.74B |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 1.77B |
Key Highlights
- 1Net revenues increased by 14% to $11,077 million in Q1 2018 compared to Q1 2017.
- 2Net income applicable to Morgan Stanley significantly increased by 38% to $2,668 million ($1.45 per diluted share) in Q1 2018.
- 3Institutional Securities segment net revenues grew by 18% to $6,100 million, driven by strong sales and trading and investment banking performance.
- 4Wealth Management segment net revenues increased by 8% to $4,374 million, primarily due to growth in asset management revenues.
- 5Investment Management segment net revenues rose by 18% to $718 million, also driven by higher asset management revenues.
- 6Compensation and benefits expenses increased by 10% year-over-year, reflecting higher incentive compensation and salaries.
- 7The Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio was 15.5% as of March 31, 2018, demonstrating strong capital adequacy.