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Investing.com - Morgan Stanley maintained its Equalweight rating and $74.00 price target on Jefferies Group (NYSE:JEF), currently trading at $48.80, despite recent stock pressure related to First Brands exposure. According to InvestingPro data, the company has maintained dividend payments for 16 consecutive years, demonstrating consistent shareholder returns despite market volatility.
The investment bank calculates Jefferies’ direct exposure to First Brands receivables at approximately $45 million, representing only 0.5% of the company’s tangible book value, which Morgan Stanley views as "very manageable." The market’s negative reaction appears to stem from concerns about potential legal and reputational risks, alleged conflict controls, and disclosure issues highlighted by The Wall Street Journal. Notably, InvestingPro analysis shows Jefferies maintains strong liquidity with a current ratio of 1.57, indicating sufficient assets to cover short-term obligations.
During its recent Investor Day, Jefferies management delivered positive messages about core business performance, noting that business conditions are favorable in the fiscal fourth quarter of 2025, with growing pipelines and expectations for margin improvement. Management also emphasized that Jefferies is gaining market share across most of its business lines.
Morgan Stanley projects 55% earnings per share growth for Jefferies in fiscal 2026 as capital markets activity rebounds and the firm continues to gain market share. Despite this positive outlook, the research firm remains cautious due to declining revenue growth in credit fixed income trading and concerns about potential credit risk deterioration.
While Jefferies’ valuation appears attractive at 11 times 2026 price-to-earnings ratio, Morgan Stanley notes it is more expensive when measured against tangible book value, trading at 1.5 times its adjusted tangible book value of $33.38 compared to a year-to-date 2025 return on tangible common equity of 9.3%. InvestingPro analysis suggests the stock is currently undervalued, with additional metrics and insights available to subscribers, including 8 more exclusive ProTips and comprehensive valuation models.
In other recent news, Oportun announced the closure of a $247 million three-year revolving warehouse facility in collaboration with Citizens Financial Group and Community Investment Management. The company also extended a warehouse facility with Goldman Sachs and Jefferies by 12 months, achieving more favorable pricing and reducing overall financing costs. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Justice has launched an investigation into the bankruptcy of First Brands Group, focusing on potential losses faced by investors and creditors. Jefferies Financial Group disclosed that First Brands’ bankruptcy could impact its managed portfolios, particularly a $715 million portfolio managed by Point Bonita Capital. In analyst updates, BMO Capital initiated coverage on Jefferies with a Market Perform rating and a $69 price target, highlighting long-term potential but noting near-term challenges. Additionally, Morgan Stanley raised its price target for Jefferies to $74, citing strength in its Equities Trading, Debt Capital Markets, and Equity Capital Markets businesses. Jefferies also exceeded expectations with a non-compensation expense ratio of 30.9%, compared to the consensus estimate of 33.6%.
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