Analysts are Downgrading These 5 Stocks

3. Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 58

Atlantic Equities reduced its ratings for Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) from “Overweight” to “Neutral” on Wednesday, October 5. Analyst John Heagerty was moved by a slowdown in investment banking activity and dwindling equity markets.

Heagerty also cut his price target for Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) from $95 per share to $85 per share. Morgan Stanley shares marginally moved down in the previous trading session following the downgrade.

Separately, asset management firm Matrix Asset Advisors also shared its views about Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) in its second-quarter 2022 investor letter. Here’s what the firm said:

“Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) is one of the world’s leading investment banks and wealth management firms. As the company has grown its wealth management business its earnings have become more predictable and valuable. The management team is very shareholder-friendly, allocating funds not needed to grow the business to repurchase shares and raise their dividend. In late June, the company announced an 11% increase in its dividend and a $20 billion multi-year share repurchase program. The company’s annual dividend of $3.10 per share provides a current dividend of 3.7% at the June 30 closing price.”