Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) reported a stellar first quarter with all segments delivering record revenue growth. When combined the company achieved an USD$11.1 billion revenue increase for the first time when compared to USD$9.7 billion a year ago. Also, corporate tax cuts also aided in its stellar performance.
Morgan Stanley saw robust increases in its institutional securities net revenues of USD$6.1 billion compared to USD$5.2 billion, reflecting strength across its sales and trading segment which rose to USD$4.4 billion from USD$3.5 billion. Furthermore, the company’s investment bank segment which is ranked #1 in completed mergers and acquisitions and global equity so far this year with the use of data compiled by the Bloomberg saw an increase of USD$1.5 billion in comparison to the USD$1.4 billion reported in the prior year.
In addition, pre-tax income helped to drive this stellar performance with an increase of USD$2.1 billion from USD$1.7 billion one year ago. Wealth Management reported net revenues of USD$4.4 billion when compared with USD$4.1 billion a year ago.
This is due to an increase in pre-tax income from continuing operations of USD$1.2 billion compared to 973 million last year. Besides, Asset management reported a rise of USD$2.5 billion from USD$2.2 billion a year ago, reflecting higher asset levels and positive flows.
Investment Management which recorded the smallest increase but, nonetheless noteworthy of USD$718 million from USD$609 million due to higher management fees and continued positive long-term net flows in the quarter. Moreover, MS also reported March 31, 2018, an increase in its total assets under management of USD$469 billion compared with USD$421 billion a year ago.
Also, James P. Gorman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated, We delivered powerful results this quarter, with record revenues and net income – and an ROE above our target range. Each of our businesses performed well, with significant client engagement across our global franchise, and Sales and Trading a particular highlight in a more active environment.
Morgan Stanley is a leading global financial services firm providing a wide range of investment banking, securities, wealth management and investment management services. With offices in more than 41 countries, the Firm’s employees serve clients worldwide including corporations, governments, institutions and individuals.
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