In the world of finance, even the slightest change in stock holdings or transactions can make an impact. Such is the case with TD Asset Management Inc’s recent reduction in their stake in Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS). According to the company’s 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, they lessened their stake by 1.6% in the fourth quarter. This resulted in a sale of 49,335 shares, bringing their total amount of shares owned to 2,965,292. While this seems like a small amount, it is important to note that this represents approximately 0.18% of Morgan Stanley’s overall worth.
It’s not just outside investors making moves within the company either. Insiders have also been selling off shares recently, including Andrew M. Saperstein who sold 24,556 shares on February 13th for a total value of $2,412,135.88 at an average price of $98.23 per share. Following this sale, Saperstein now owns 190,440 shares in Morgan Stanley for a total value of $18,706,921.20.
This is not the only insider transaction recently made however; Daniel A. Simkowitz also sold off his own shares on January 30th when he sold 15,133 shares for a total transaction value of $1,455,794.60 at an average price of $96.20 per share.
Despite these sales and adjustments to stock holdings however; MS does still remain strong with its recent market activity reflecting this as well – on April 29th it traded down only $0.32 during midday trading on Friday to reach $89.94 per share despite having a lower average volume than usual at only 2,513175 compared to its yearly average volume high point which was closer to around a healthy ~7 million trade frequency.
In consideration thereof; It is important to note that insider trading happens for a variety of reasons such as restructuring and making way within shares for new management or projects along with personal financial goals. As is always the case when it comes to market activities, these situations are just a snapshot in time and should be taken into account when considering any kind of investment decision-making.
Diverse Group of Investors Increase and Decrease Stakes in Morgan Stanley, While Insider Transactions Spark Rumours
Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) has a diverse group of large investors who have either increased or decreased their stakes in the company. Moisand Fitzgerald Tamayo LLC has grown its position in Morgan Stanley shares by an impressive 103.2% during the third quarter, now owning 315 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $25,000 after recently acquiring an additional 160 shares. Meanwhile, McElhenny Sheffield Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in Morgan Stanley during the fourth quarter worth $26,000, followed by Accurate Wealth Management LLC’s purchase of a new stake in Morgan Stanley during the same period.
A total of eight other large institutional investors have added to or reduced their stakes in the company recently. Additionally, Surevest LLC raised its position in shares of Morgan Stanley by 37% during the third quarter and now owns 411 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $33,000 after buying an additional 111 shares last quarter. However, it is interesting to note that institutional investors currently own 83.48% of the company’s stock.
The market analysts have also recently commented on Morgan Stanley’s stock situation. Citigroup lowered their price target on Morgan Stanley shares from $100.00 to $95.00 while setting a “neutral” rating on the stock on Thursday, April 20th. BMO Capital Markets also lowered its target price from $108.00 to $104.00 and provided an “outperform” rating on the stock on April 20th.
In contrast, StockNews.com highlighted Morgan Stanley as a “hold” rating in one of its recent research notes issued March 16th concerning coverage over its shares while Oppenheimer upped its target price for Morgan Stanley from $95 to $103 accompanied by an “outperform” rating on Thursday, April 20th.
Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft has been more cautious by dropping its target price on shares of Morgan Stanley from $92.00 to $84.00 earlier this year, revealing the stock’s mixed status. Interestingly, according to data from Bloomberg, Morgan Stanley currently boasts a Moderate Buy average rating and an average price target of $95.34.
Meanwhile, the company’s insiders have also made significant transactions with their stocks recently. An insider named Andrew M Saperstein sold 24,556 shares of the company’s stocks in a transaction that happened last February 13th, profiting over two million dollars worth of shares at a total value of $2,412,135.
Additionally, another insider named Daniel A Simkowitz sold 15,133 shares of Morgan Stanley’s stock on Monday, January 30th….
Read More: TD Asset Management and Insiders Make Moves with Morgan Stanley Shares