Morgan Stanley Paired Its Dividend Hike With a $20 Billion Buyback. Is the Wealth Management Giant a Buy?

Morgan Stanley announced a 15% dividend increase and $20 billion stock buyback after passing Federal Reserve stress tests. The stock trades at an 18x earnings multiple with a 2.2% dividend yield. While valuations are not cheap, the company's reliable wealth management revenue stream and strong investment banking pipeline (including potential AI company IPOs) make it a solid long-term dividend play for patient investors.