Morgan Stanley CEO Downplays Acquisition Possibilities; The Bar is ‘High’

Core Viewpoint - Morgan Stanley's CEO Ted Pick emphasized a cautious approach towards future acquisitions, suggesting that returning excess capital to shareholders may be a more favorable strategy [1] Group 1: Acquisition Strategy - The company aims to maintain a high threshold for future acquisitions, indicating a selective approach to growth opportunities [1] - Excess capital will not be primarily allocated for acquisitions but rather for shareholder returns [1] Group 2: Capital Allocation - The company plans to direct excess capital towards continued dividend growth, opportunistic stock repurchases, and investments in its own businesses [1]