Morgan Stanley's Margin Growth Strengthens Optimistic Outlook Despite Slower Future Expansion
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Oct 17 2025
0mins
Source: Yahoo Finance
Strong Earnings Growth: Morgan Stanley reported a net profit margin of 22.7%, a significant increase from 18.2% last year, resulting in a 46.6% year-over-year earnings jump, which is well above its five-year average growth rate of 0.5%.
Cautious Future Outlook: Despite the strong performance, management forecasts annual earnings and revenue growth of only 4.1% and 4.7%, respectively, which are below broader market expectations, raising concerns about competition and potential growth limitations.
Analyst Views on MS
Wall Street analysts forecast MS stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for MS is 185.00 USD with a low forecast of 132.00 USD and a high forecast of 219.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
14 Analyst Rating
7 Buy
7 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 183.050
Low
132.00
Averages
185.00
High
219.00
Current: 183.050
Low
132.00
Averages
185.00
High
219.00
About MS
Morgan Stanley is a global financial services company. The Company is engaged in providing a range of investment banking, securities, wealth management and investment management services. Its segments include Institutional Securities, Wealth Management and Investment Management. Its Institutional Securities segment provides a variety of products and services to corporations, governments, financial institutions and ultra-high net worth clients. Its Wealth Management segment provides an array of financial services and solutions to individual investors and small to medium-sized businesses and institutions. Its Investment Management segment provides a range of investment strategies and products that span geographies, asset classes, and public and private markets to a diverse group of clients across institutional and intermediary channels. Its investment banking services consist of capital raising and financial advisory services, including the underwriting of debt and other products.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
