Moelis (MC) just combined a softer first quarter, fresh buyback data, a maintained cash dividend, and new shelf registrations for Class A shares, giving you several moving pieces to weigh at once.
See our latest analysis for Moelis.
After these filings and the softer first quarter, Moelis is trading at US$63.91, with a 30 day share price return of 11.15% but a 10.26% decline year to date. The 1 year total shareholder return of 19.41% and 3 year total shareholder return of about 2x suggest longer term holders have seen stronger gains, which hints that recent momentum has softened compared with the past few years.
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With a solid one year total return, a long run track record of gains, recent net income softness, buybacks, a dividend and fresh shelf registrations, is Moelis still attractively priced or is the stock already reflecting expectations for future growth?
Moelis’ most followed narrative pegs fair value at $76.50, comfortably above the last close at $63.91. This sets up a clear valuation gap to unpack.
The firm's growing recurring and retained advisory assignments, particularly through expansion of capital structure advisory and creditor-side franchises, provide more predictable and less volatile fee income streams, smoothing out earnings cyclicality and improving the quality of earnings, potentially leading to a valuation re rating.
Want to see what is driving that higher fair value? The narrative leans on faster revenue growth, firmer margins, and a future earnings multiple that has to hold up. The full breakdown connects those assumptions into one detailed pricing story.
Result: Fair Value of $76.50 (UNDERVALUED)
Have a read of the narrative in full and understand what's behind the forecasts.
However, you also need to keep an eye on rising expenses from expansion and the risk that deal activity or fees weaken, as this could pressure margins and earnings.
Find out about the key risks to this Moelis narrative.
With both risks and rewards in play, do you feel the balance suits your own approach, or do you need to move quickly and review the full picture yourself? To weigh those trade offs directly, go straight to the 3 key rewards and 1 important warning sign
If Moelis has sharpened your thinking, do not stop here. Broaden your watchlist with other stocks that fit clear, focused criteria using the Simply Wall St Screener.
This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
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