Why Morgan Stanley (MS) Could Beat Earnings Estimates Again

Core Insights - Morgan Stanley is well-positioned to continue its earnings-beat streak, having a strong history of surpassing earnings estimates, particularly in the last two reports with an average surprise of 27.15% [1][4] Earnings Performance - For the most recent quarter, Morgan Stanley reported earnings of $2.22 per share, exceeding the expected$1.65 per share, resulting in a surprise of 34.55% [2] - In the previous quarter, the company reported $1.88 per share against an expectation of$1.57 per share, achieving a surprise of 19.75% [2] Earnings Estimates and Predictions - Estimates for Morgan Stanley have been trending higher, supported by its history of earnings surprises [4] - The company currently has an Earnings ESP of +1.90%, indicating a bullish outlook from analysts regarding its earnings prospects [7] - The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) suggests a high likelihood of another earnings beat [7] Statistical Insights - Research indicates that stocks with a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of 3 or better have a nearly 70% chance of producing a positive surprise [5] - The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate, with the Most Accurate Estimate reflecting the latest analyst revisions [6] Importance of Earnings ESP - The Earnings ESP metric is crucial for predicting earnings performance, as a negative value can diminish its predictive power, but does not necessarily indicate an earnings miss [7] - It is essential to check a company's Earnings ESP prior to quarterly releases to enhance the likelihood of successful investment decisions [9]