Morgan Stanley Maintains Charles Schwab's $68 Target Amid Positive Trends

Morgan Stanley's Analysis of Charles Schwab

Recently, Morgan Stanley reaffirmed its Equalweight rating on Charles Schwab Corp. (NYSE: SCHW) with a price target firmly set at $68. The firm observed a noteworthy surge in sweep deposits, which increased by $17 billion or 4.7% month-over-month in September. This rise is particularly significant after a series of months where consistent withdrawals were the norm.

Sustainability of Deposit Growth

This sudden uptick in deposits raises important questions regarding its sustainability. Although there are concerns regarding the possibility that these deposits may be reinvested in the upcoming month, Morgan Stanley maintained a positive outlook for Charles Schwab's fourth-quarter earnings per share (EPS), suggesting a stable financial trajectory. The brokerage firm has also noted a revised guidance for the net interest margin (NIM) for 2025 and addressed the associated expense outlook, which aligns with industry expectations.

Impact on Investment Strategy

The assessment from Morgan Stanley arrives after a prolonged period where Charles Schwab dealt with persistent outflows. The shift back to inflows in September is a critical development, potentially altering how investors perceive the company’s deposit dynamics. The market is focused on whether this deposit growth signals a longer-term trend or is merely a transient occurrence.

Third Quarter Performance Highlights

In recent updates, Charles Schwab Corporation achieved impressive results in its third-quarter earnings, reporting an EPS of $0.77, surpassing analyst estimates of $0.75. This was fueled by a strong revenue increase of 3.3% alongside an adjusted pre-tax margin reaching 41.2%. Also noteworthy is the impressive growth in client assets, now totaling $9.74 trillion, and the opening of 324,000 new brokerage accounts, a sign of the company’s continued expansion.

Analyst Revisions and Price Targets

Analysts have started adjusting their outlooks on Schwab, with JMP Securities increasing their price target to $84 based on this strong third-quarter performance. Meanwhile, Jefferies has set a price target of $73 but retained a Buy rating, and BofA Securities placed an Underperform rating with a target of $63. Other significant adjustments have been noted from firms like Deutsche Bank, Morgan Stanley, and Piper Sandler, reflecting various perspectives on Schwab's stock performance.

Leadership Transition

In executive developments, Charles Schwab's CEO, Walt Bettinger, is slated to retire at the end of 2024. President Rick Wurster will step in as CEO in 2025, part of a structured succession plan that aims to provide stability and continuity for the company’s clients, employees, and shareholders.

Q4 Outlook and Market Sentiment

The recent trends observed in the market suggest that investors are keenly watching for how the deposit growth will persist and affect future earnings. Morgan Stanley's continued coverage highlights their cautious yet optimistic stance on the company's financial outlook and overall market presence.

InvestingPro Insights

Adding further context to Morgan Stanley’s analysis, recent data illustrates Charles Schwab’s market capitalization sits at $132.1 billion, confirming its influential role in the financial services sector. Notably, the company's sustained dividend payments over 36 consecutive years may pull the attention of income-focused investors, demonstrating long-term stability.

Analyst Forecasts and Financial Metrics

Furthermore, 8 analysts have raised their earnings forecasts for the upcoming period, echoing the positive sentiments expressed by Morgan Stanley regarding fourth-quarter expectations. With a P/E ratio of 29.95, Charles Schwab's stock trades at a relatively high earnings multiple, a critical consideration for potential investors as they evaluate recent deposit growth and earnings projections.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Morgan Stanley's price target for Charles Schwab?

Morgan Stanley maintains a price target of $68 for Charles Schwab Corp.

Why has there been a change in deposit trends for Charles Schwab?

Charles Schwab saw a $17 billion increase in sweep deposits, marking a shift after months of withdrawals.

How did Charles Schwab perform in the third quarter?

The company reported an EPS of $0.77, exceeding expectations, and achieved strong revenue and asset growth.

Who will succeed Walt Bettinger as CEO?

Rick Wurster, the current President, will take over as CEO in 2025 upon Bettinger's retirement.

What does the market capitalization of Charles Schwab indicate?

With a market capitalization of $132.1 billion, Charles Schwab has a substantial footprint in the financial services industry.

About Investors Hangout

Investors Hangout is a leading online stock forum for financial discussion and learning, offering a wide range of free tools and resources. It draws in traders of all levels, who exchange market knowledge, investigate trading tactics, and keep an eye on industry developments in real time. Featuring financial articles, stock message boards, quotes, charts, company profiles, and live news updates. Through cooperative learning and a wealth of informational resources, it helps users from novices creating their first portfolios to experts honing their techniques. Join Investors Hangout today: https://investorshangout.com/

Disclaimer: The content of this article is solely for general informational purposes only; it does not represent legal, financial, or investment advice. Investors Hangout does not offer financial advice; the author is not a licensed financial advisor. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial or investment decisions based on this article. The author's interpretation of publicly available data shapes the opinions presented here; as a result, they should not be taken as advice to purchase, sell, or hold any securities mentioned or any other investments. The author does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any material, providing it "as is." Information and market conditions may change; past performance is not indicative of future outcomes. If any of the material offered here is inaccurate, please contact us for corrections.