Analysis by David Ritter, September 17, 2008. MS Price $21.75
ARGUS RATING: HOLD
⢠MS: 3Q EPS tops consensus, but liquidity worries dominate
⢠Despite much better than expected earnings, Morgan Stanley shares plummeted on liquidity
concerns and rumors that CEO John Mack would seek an acquirer. Still, we note that MS significantly
increased liquidity and lowered its exposure to risky assets during the quarter.
⢠We are raising our 2008 EPS forecast from $4.00 to $4.65 following the third-quarter earnings
surprise. We are maintaining our FY09 estimate of $5.00.
⢠With MS now trading at 60% of book value, we believe that the stock could offer an outstanding
buying opportunity if market conditions settle.
www.smithbarney.com