Morgan Stanley Co-President Daniel A. Simkowitz executed a sale of 32,968 shares of common stock on January 30, 2026, generating proceeds of approximately $6,020,312. The disposition was carried out at a weighted average price of $182.6108 per share, with individual trade prices spanning from $182.06 to $183.05.
Following the transaction, Simkowitz's direct ownership of Morgan Stanley common stock stands at 357,342.406 shares. In addition to that direct holding, he retains an indirect position of 1,794.818 shares through participation in a 401(k) retirement plan.
In a separate development, RBC Capital adjusted its price target on Morgan Stanley, raising it to $207 from $185 while keeping a Sector Perform rating on the stock. RBC cited robust quarterly performance and pointed to the bank's investment banking and trading operations as drivers of that strength.
Morgan Stanley is also active across several corporate transactions and potential public offerings. The firm, together with JPMorgan Chase & Co., is advising Jersey Mike's Subs as the sandwich chain prepares for an initial public offering, with a potential share sale targeted for as early as the third quarter of 2026.
Consumer goods group L'Occitane Groupe is reportedly exploring the possibility of a U.S. initial public offering following its privatization in 2024, with Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan Chase & Co. involved in that exploration. Meanwhile, Telefonica has engaged Morgan Stanley to assist with its plan to acquire Vodafone España, with AZ Capital also serving as an advisor on that contemplated transaction.
Collectively, these items underscore Morgan Stanley's involvement across a range of capital markets activities - from underwriting and advisory roles in prospective IPOs to participation in strategic acquisition planning. The transactions and advisory mandates mentioned here are specific developments associated with the firm and were reported alongside the news of Simkowitz's stock sale.
Clear summary: Daniel A. Simkowitz sold 32,968 Morgan Stanley shares on January 30, 2026, for about $6.02 million at an average price of $182.6108 per share. Post-sale, he holds 357,342.406 shares directly and 1,794.818 shares indirectly via a 401(k). RBC Capital raised its Morgan Stanley price target to $207 while keeping a Sector Perform rating. Morgan Stanley is involved in advisory and underwriting roles for potential IPOs and an acquisition plan involving Jersey Mike's Subs, L'Occitane Groupe, and Telefonica's plan for Vodafone España.
Key points:
- Insider transaction - Co-President Daniel A. Simkowitz sold 32,968 shares for roughly $6.02 million on January 30, 2026, at a weighted average of $182.6108.
- Analyst update - RBC Capital raised Morgan Stanley's price target to $207 from $185 while retaining a Sector Perform rating, citing strength in investment banking and trading.
- Corporate activity - Morgan Stanley is engaged in advisory and underwriting roles related to potential IPOs (Jersey Mike's Subs, L'Occitane Groupe) and is advising on Telefonica's plan to acquire Vodafone España, signaling the firm's continued presence across investment banking, consumer, and telecom sectors.
Risks and uncertainties:
- Timing uncertainty - Jersey Mike's Subs is aiming for a share sale as early as the third quarter of 2026, which indicates a potential but not guaranteed timeframe for an IPO.
- Exploratory status - L'Occitane Groupe is described as exploring a potential U.S. IPO following its 2024 privatization, reflecting that the process is at an exploratory stage without definitive outcomes.
- Planned transaction - Telefonica has hired Morgan Stanley to assist with its plan to acquire Vodafone España, indicating advisory involvement in a contemplated acquisition rather than a completed deal.