Morgan Stanley CEO Predicts Strong M&A Activity in 2026
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 16 2026
0mins
Source: Fool
- Optimistic M&A Outlook: Morgan Stanley CEO Ted Pick forecasts a prosperous year for M&A and capital markets in 2026, driven by interest rate cuts and geopolitical volatility, with the five major banks reporting a 15% increase in trading revenue for 2025, marking the largest jump in five years.
- Walmart International CEO Resignation: Walmart International CEO Kathryn McLay announced her resignation at the end of the month, despite an 11% sales growth in overseas markets, highlighting potential strategic shifts following her failure to secure the group CEO role.
- Taiwan Trade Agreement Signed: President Trump confirmed a trade deal with Taiwan, reducing tariffs on imports from 20% to 15%, with Taiwanese tech firms pledging at least $250 billion in U.S. investments, aiming to enhance U.S. semiconductor self-sufficiency.
- Decline in Skier Visits: Vail Resorts reported a 20% drop in skier visits compared to last year, and despite a 6.26% dividend yield, analysts suggest management should consider cutting dividends to strengthen the balance sheet.
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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: 175.840
Low
132.00
Averages
185.00
High
219.00
Current: 175.840
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.
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