Morgan Stanley Boosts Dividend by 15% and Reauthorizes $20B Share Buyback

summarizeSummary

Morgan Stanley is increasing its quarterly dividend by 15% and reauthorizing a $20 billion share buyback program, signaling strong financial performance and a focus on shareholder returns.

check_boxKey Events

• Quarterly Dividend Increased

  Morgan Stanley will raise its quarterly common stock dividend to $1.15 per share from $1.00, a 15% increase, beginning in the third quarter of 2026.

• Share Repurchase Program Reauthorized

  The Board reauthorized a multi-year common equity share repurchase program of up to $20 billion, without a set expiration date, beginning in the third quarter of 2026.

• Regulatory Capital Buffer Unchanged

  The Federal Reserve's 2026 stress test results do not impact Morgan Stanley's Stress Capital Buffer (SCB) requirement, which remains at 4.3% until October 2027. The firm's CET1 ratio of 15.1% as of March 31, 2026, is well above the 11.8% aggregate requirement.

auto_awesomeAnalysis

Morgan Stanley announced a significant 15% increase in its quarterly common stock dividend, raising it to $1.15 per share. Concurrently, the company's board reauthorized a substantial $20 billion multi-year share repurchase program. These actions, coupled with the Federal Reserve confirming no impact to the company's Stress Capital Buffer requirement, underscore Morgan Stanley's robust financial health and its commitment to returning capital to shareholders.