Morgan Stanley has upgraded Evercore Inc. (NYSE: EVR) from “Equal-Weight” to “Overweight,” with a notable price target increase to $312. This upgrade signals growing confidence in Evercore’s ability to benefit from a recovering M&A market. The firm’s analyst team pointed to improving market conditions, easing regulatory headwinds, and a surge in corporate interest for large-cap deals as driving factors behind this positive outlook.
Evercore’s recent earnings underscore this momentum. In the first quarter of 2025, the company posted a 19% year-over-year jump in adjusted net revenues, reaching $700 million. Adjusted EPS surged by 64% to $3.49, while adjusted operating income rose 28% to $116 million. This performance reflects a well-executed strategy in advisory services and the firm’s resilience in navigating market cycles.
📊 Dividend Fundamentals:
✅ Dividend Yield: 1.37%
✅ Annual Dividend: $3.36 per share
✅ Payout Ratio: Approximately 31.69%
✅ Dividend Growth: 17 consecutive years of increases, with a 5.19% rise over the past year
Evercore’s disciplined approach to capital returns, combined with consistent dividend growth and a sustainable payout ratio, reinforces its appeal to income-focused investors. As M&A activity gains momentum, the firm is well-positioned to deliver strong shareholder value moving forward.