Morgan Stanley downgrades Ameriprise Financial stock rating to Underweight

Published 15/07/2025, 10:18
Morgan Stanley downgrades Ameriprise Financial stock rating to Underweight

Investing.com - Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) downgraded Ameriprise Financial (NYSE:AMP) from Equalweight to Underweight on Tuesday, while raising its price target to $530.00 from $462.00. The company, currently trading at $539 with a market cap of $51.3 billion, maintains a "GOOD" overall financial health score according to InvestingPro analysis.

The investment bank cited concerns about Ameriprise’s slower organic asset growth and earnings growth compared to peers, despite the stock trading at similar valuation multiples. Morgan Stanley specifically pointed to potential lingering outflows in the asset management division. Despite these concerns, Ameriprise has demonstrated strong dividend performance, having raised its dividend for 20 consecutive years, with an 18.5% dividend growth in the last twelve months.

The downgrade was also influenced by softening fund investment performance and a flow trajectory that falls below industry peers, which could negatively impact both earnings and valuation amid broader headwinds facing active management.

Morgan Stanley projects approximately 5% revenue compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for Ameriprise over 2024-2029, compared to a 12% peer average, and expects 9% earnings CAGR versus 22% for peers.

Despite these growth differentials, the firm noted that Ameriprise shares trade in line with peers at 12x 2027 price-to-earnings ratio, which Morgan Stanley views as unjustified given the company’s slower growth outlook in wealth management and limited growth in its insurance division.

In other recent news, Ameriprise Financial Inc. reported robust first-quarter 2025 earnings with adjusted operating earnings per share (EPS) of $9.50, surpassing the forecasted $9.14. Despite this strong performance, the company’s total revenues increased by 5% to $4.35 billion, which fell short of the expected $4.44 billion. Additionally, Ameriprise announced an 8% increase in its quarterly dividend, reflecting confidence in its financial health and its commitment to returning capital to shareholders. The company also authorized a new $4.5 billion share repurchase program.

Argus analysts adjusted their outlook on Ameriprise, reducing the price target from $582 to $550, while maintaining a Buy rating. This revision is attributed to anticipated revenue declines due to economic uncertainties and a projected slowdown in the growth of its Advice & Wealth Management segment. Ameriprise’s assets under management and advisement reached $1.5 trillion, underscoring its strong market position. The firm returned $765 million to shareholders, equating to 81% of its operating earnings. Analysts at Argus highlighted the expansion of Ameriprise’s financial adviser network and rising revenues from its asset management divisions as key drivers for its long-term growth.

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