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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended February 29, 2008

OR

 ¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File Number 1-11758

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(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

       

Delaware

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

   1585 Broadway

New York, NY 10036
(Address of principal executive
offices, including zip code)

   36-3145972

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

   (212) 761-4000

(Registrant’s telephone number,
including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large Accelerated Filer  x   Accelerated Filer  ¨
Non-Accelerated Filer  ¨   Smaller reporting company  ¨
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)  

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

As of March 31, 2008, there were 1,107,158,003 shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, outstanding.


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QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

For the quarter ended February 29, 2008

 

Table of Contents         Page
Part I—Financial Information   

Item 1.

   Financial Statements (unaudited)    1
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition—February 29, 2008 and November 30, 2007

   1
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income—Three Months Ended February 29, 2008 and February 28, 2007

   3
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income—Three Months Ended February 29, 2008 and February 28, 2007

   4
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—Three Months Ended February 29, 2008 and February 28, 2007

   5
  

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

   6
  

Note 1.       Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

   6
  

Note 2.       Fair Value Disclosures

   19
  

Note 3.       Collateralized Transactions

   24
  

Note 4.       Securitization Activities and Variable Interest Entities

   25
  

Note 5.       Derivative Contracts

   31
  

Note 6.       Goodwill and Net Intangible Assets

   32
  

Note 7.       Long-Term Borrowings

   32
  

Note 8.       Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies

   33
  

Note 9.       Shareholders’ Equity

   38
  

Note 10.     Earnings per Common Share

   40
  

Note 11.     Employee Benefit Plans

   41
  

Note 12.     Income Taxes

   41
  

Note 13.     Segment Information

   42
  

Note 14.     Discontinued Operations

   44
  

Note 15.     Business Disposition

   45
  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   46

Item 2.

  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   47
  

Introduction

   47
  

Results of Operations

   48
  

Impact of Credit Market Events

   62
  

Other Matters

   68
  

Critical Accounting Policies

   69
  

Liquidity and Capital Resources

   72

Item 3.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

   82

Item 4.

  

Controls and Procedures

   91

 

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           Page
Part II—Other Information   

Item 1.

 

Legal Proceedings

   92

Item 1A.

 

Risk Factors

   93

Item 2.

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

   93

Item 6.

 

Exhibits

   93

 

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AVAILABLE INFORMATION

Morgan Stanley files annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). You may read and copy any document we file with the SEC at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for information on the public reference room. The SEC maintains an internet site that contains annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy and information statements and other information that issuers (including Morgan Stanley) file electronically with the SEC. Morgan Stanley’s electronic SEC filings are available to the public at the SEC’s internet site, www.sec.gov.

Morgan Stanley’s internet site is www.morganstanley.com. You can access Morgan Stanley’s Investor Relations webpage at www.morganstanley.com/about/ir. Morgan Stanley makes available free of charge, on or through our Investor Relations webpage, its proxy statements, Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. Morgan Stanley also makes available, through its Investor Relations webpage, via a link to the SEC’s internet site, statements of beneficial ownership of Morgan Stanley’s equity securities filed by its directors, officers, 10% or greater shareholders and others under Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

Morgan Stanley has a Corporate Governance webpage. You can access information about Morgan Stanley’s corporate governance at www.morganstanley.com/about/company/governance. Morgan Stanley posts the following on its Corporate Governance webpage:

 

   

Composite Certificate of Incorporation;

 

   

Bylaws;

 

   

Charters for our Audit Committee, Compensation, Management Development and Succession Committee and Nominating and Governance Committee;

 

   

Corporate Governance Policies;

 

   

Policy Regarding Communication with the Board of Directors;

 

   

Policy Regarding Director Candidates Recommended by Shareholders;

 

   

Policy Regarding Corporate Political Contributions;

 

   

Policy Regarding Shareholder Rights Plan;

 

   

Code of Ethics and Business Conduct; and

 

   

Integrity Hotline.

Morgan Stanley’s Code of Ethics and Business Conduct applies to all directors, officers and employees, including its Chief Executive Officer, its Chief Financial Officer and its Controller and Principal Accounting Officer. Morgan Stanley will post any amendments to the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct and any waivers that are required to be disclosed by the rules of either the SEC or the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (“NYSE”) on its internet site. You can request a copy of these documents, excluding exhibits, at no cost, by contacting Investor Relations, 1585 Broadway, New York, NY 10036 (212-761-4000). The information on Morgan Stanley’s internet site is not incorporated by reference into this report.

 

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Part I—Financial Information.

Item 1.    Financial Statements.

MORGAN STANLEY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

(dollars in millions, except share data)

 

     February 29,
2008
   November 30,
2007
     (unaudited)

Assets

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 20,965    $ 25,598

Cash and securities deposited with clearing organizations or segregated under federal and other regulations or requirements (including securities at fair value of $27,768 at February 29, 2008 and $31,354 at November 30, 2007)

     60,964      61,608

Financial instruments owned, at fair value (approximately $158 billion and $131 billion were pledged to various parties at February 29, 2008 and November 30, 2007, respectively):

     

U.S. government and agency securities

     41,028      23,887

Other sovereign government obligations

     37,290      21,606

Corporate and other debt

     160,773      147,724

Corporate equities

     89,006      87,377

Derivative contracts

     99,474      77,003

Investments

     14,821      14,270

Physical commodities

     3,445      3,096
             

Total financial instruments owned

     445,837      374,963

Securities received as collateral, at fair value

     49,119      82,229

Collateralized agreements:

     

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

     143,097      126,887

Securities borrowed

     243,695      239,994

Receivables:

     

Customers

     67,793      76,352

Brokers, dealers and clearing organizations

     16,219      16,011

Other loans

     9,575      11,629

Fees, interest and other

     9,223      8,320

Other investments

     5,257      4,524

Premises, equipment and software costs, at cost (net of accumulated depreciation of $3,152 at February 29, 2008 and $3,449 at November 30, 2007)

     4,548      4,372

Goodwill

     3,053      3,024

Intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization of $189 at February 29, 2008 and $175 at November 30, 2007) (includes $392 at fair value at February 29, 2008 and $428 at fair value at November 30, 2007)

     1,008      1,047

Other assets

     10,543      8,851
             

Total assets

   $ 1,090,896    $ 1,045,409
             

 

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MORGAN STANLEY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION—(Continued)

(dollars in millions, except share data)

 

    February 29,
2008
    November 30,
2007
 
    (unaudited)  

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

   

Commercial paper and other short-term borrowings (includes $2,750 at fair value at February 29, 2008 and $3,068 at fair value at November 30, 2007)

  $ 25,952     $ 34,495  

Deposits (includes $1,444 at fair value at February 29, 2008 and $3,769 at fair value at November 30, 2007)

    35,687       31,179  

Financial instruments sold, not yet purchased, at fair value:

   

U.S. government and agency securities

    9,530       8,221  

Other sovereign government obligations

    21,211       15,627  

Corporate and other debt

    9,041       7,592  

Corporate equities

    41,240       30,899  

Derivative contracts

    89,392       71,604  

Physical commodities

    697       398  
               

Total financial instruments sold, not yet purchased

    171,111       134,341  

Obligation to return securities received as collateral, at fair value

    49,119       82,229  

Collateralized financings:

   

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

    160,492       162,840  

Securities loaned

    86,890       110,423  

Other secured financings (includes $34,821 at fair value at February 29, 2008 and $27,772 at fair value at November 30, 2007)

    40,753       27,772  

Payables:

   

Customers

    249,711       203,453  

Brokers, dealers and clearing organizations

    13,745       10,454  

Interest and dividends

    3,095       1,724  

Other liabilities and accrued expenses

    20,745       24,606  

Long-term borrowings (includes $42,784 at fair value at February 29, 2008 and $38,392 at fair value at November 30, 2007)

    200,316       190,624  
               
    1,057,616       1,014,140  
               

Commitments and contingencies

   

Shareholders’ equity:

   

Preferred stock

    1,100       1,100  

Common stock, $0.01 par value;

   

Shares authorized: 3,500,000,000 at February 29, 2008 and November 30, 2007;

   

Shares issued: 1,211,701,552 at February 29, 2008 and November 30, 2007;

   

Shares outstanding: 1,105,301,550 at February 29, 2008 and 1,056,289,659 at November 30, 2007

    12       12  

Paid-in capital

    —         1,902  

Retained earnings

    38,852       38,045  

Employee stock trust

    7,468       5,569  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

    (138 )     (199 )

Common stock held in treasury, at cost, $0.01 par value;

   

106,400,002 shares at February 29, 2008 and 155,411,893 shares at November 30, 2007

    (6,546 )     (9,591 )

Common stock issued to employee trust

    (7,468 )     (5,569 )
               

Total shareholders’ equity

    33,280       31,269  
               

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

  $ 1,090,896     $ 1,045,409  
               

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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MORGAN STANLEY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(dollars in millions, except share and per share data)

 

    Three Months Ended  
    February 29,
2008
    February 28,
2007
 
    (unaudited)  

Revenues:

   

Investment banking

  $ 1,109     $ 1,227  

Principal transactions:

   

Trading

    3,390       4,158  

Investments

    (346 )     880  

Commissions

    1,199       1,005  

Asset management, distribution and administration fees

    1,550       1,479  

Interest and dividends

    13,965       14,171  

Other

    317       272  
               

Total revenues

    21,184       23,192  

Interest expense

    12,862       13,198  
               

Net revenues

    8,322       9,994  
               

Non-interest expenses:

   

Compensation and benefits

    4,071       4,775  

Occupancy and equipment

    286       260  

Brokerage, clearing and exchange fees

    444       361  

Information processing and communications

    305       277  

Marketing and business development

    183       153  

Professional services

    379       419  

Other

    440       293  
               

Total non-interest expenses

    6,108       6,538  
               

Income from continuing operations before gains (losses) from unconsolidated investees and income taxes

    2,214       3,456  

Gains (losses) from unconsolidated investees

    2       (26 )

Provision for income taxes

    665       1,116  
               

Income from continuing operations

    1,551       2,314  

Discontinued operations:

   

Net gain from discontinued operations

    —         564  

Provision for income taxes

    —         206  
               

Net gain on discontinued operations

    —         358  
               

Net income

  $ 1,551     $ 2,672  
               

Preferred stock dividend requirements

  $ 17     $ 17  
               

Earnings applicable to common shareholders

  $ 1,534     $ 2,655  
               

Earnings per basic common share:

   

Income from continuing operations

  $ 1.50     $ 2.28  

Gain on discontinued operations

    —         0.35  
               

Earnings per basic common share

  $ 1.50     $ 2.63  
               

Earnings per diluted common share:

   

Income from continuing operations

  $ 1.45     $ 2.17  

Gain on discontinued operations

    —         0.34  
               

Earnings per diluted common share

  $ 1.45     $ 2.51  
               

Average common shares outstanding:

   

Basic

    1,020,802,234       1,009,186,993  
               

Diluted

    1,057,867,487       1,057,912,545  
               

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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MORGAN STANLEY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(dollars in millions)

 

     Three Months Ended  
     February 29,
2008
    February 28,
2007
 
     (unaudited)  

Net income

   $ 1,551     $ 2,672  

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

    

Foreign currency translation adjustments(1)

     55       (102 )

Net change in cash flow hedges(2)

     4       8  

Minimum pension liability adjustment(3)

     —         2  

Net amortization of actuarial loss(4)

     5       —    

Net amortization of prior-service credit(5)

     (1 )     —    
                

Comprehensive income

   $ 1,614     $ 2,580  
                

 

(1) Amounts are net of provision for (benefit from) income taxes of $(54) million and $47 million for the quarters ended February 29, 2008 and February 28, 2007, respectively.
(2) Amounts are net of provision for income taxes of $2 million and $4 million for the quarters ended February 29, 2008 and February 28, 2007, respectively.
(3) Amount is net of provision for income taxes of $1 million for the quarter ended February 28, 2007.
(4) Amount is net of provision for income taxes of $3 million for the quarter ended February 29, 2008.
(5) Amount is net of (benefit from) income taxes of $(1) million for the quarter ended February 29, 2008.

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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MORGAN STANLEY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(dollars in millions)

 

    Three Months Ended  
    February 29,
2008
    February 28,
2007
 
    (unaudited)  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

   

Net income

  $ 1,551     $ 2,672  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used for operating activities:

   

(Gains) losses from unconsolidated investees

    (2 )     26  

Compensation payable in common stock and options

    608       607  

Depreciation and amortization

    126       204  

Provision for consumer loan losses

    —         195  

Gain on sale of Quilter Holdings Ltd.

    —         (168 )

Changes in assets and liabilities:

   

Cash and securities deposited with clearing organizations or segregated under federal and other regulations or requirements

    837       (6,171 )

Financial instruments owned, net of financial instruments sold, not yet purchased

    (30,893 )     (46,050 )

Securities borrowed

    (3,701 )     22,538  

Securities loaned

    (23,533 )     11,582  

Receivables and other assets

    7,108       (16,665 )

Payables and other liabilities

    47,366       (1,987 )

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

    (16,210 )     (17,375 )

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

    (2,348 )     20,471  
               

Net cash used for operating activities

    (19,091 )     (30,121 )
               

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

   

Net (payments for) proceeds from:

   

Premises, equipment and software costs

    (335 )     (295 )

Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

    (174 )     (1,167 )

Net principal disbursed on consumer loans

    —         (623 )

Sales of consumer loans

    —         1,578  
               

Net cash used for investing activities

    (509 )     (507 )
               

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

   

Net (payments for) proceeds from:

   

Short-term borrowings

    (8,543 )     4,523  

Derivatives financing activities

    549       (578 )

Other secured financings

    12,981       (409 )

Deposits

    4,508       8,950  

Tax benefits associated with stock-based awards

    226       110  

Net proceeds from:

   

Issuance of common stock

    241       332  

Issuance of long-term borrowings

    9,725       21,839  

Issuance of junior subordinated debentures related to China Investment Corporation

    5,579       —    

Payments for:

   

Repayments of long-term borrowings

    (10,330 )     (6,484 )

Redemption of Capital Units

    —         (66 )

Repurchases of common stock

    —         (1,210 )

Cash dividends

    (314 )     (305 )
               

Net cash provided by financing activities

    14,622       26,702  
               

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

    345       (44 )
               

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

    (4,633 )     (3,970 )

Cash and cash equivalents, at beginning of period

    25,598       20,606  
               

Cash and cash equivalents, at end of period

  $ 20,965     $ 16,636  
               

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Cash payments for interest were $11,456 million and $12,899 million for the quarters ended February 29, 2008 and February 28, 2007, respectively.

Cash payments for income taxes were $60 million and $938 million for the quarters ended February 29, 2008 and February 28, 2007, respectively.

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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MORGAN STANLEY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

 

1. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

The Company.    Morgan Stanley (the “Company”) is a global financial services firm that maintains significant market positions in each of its business segments—Institutional Securities, Global Wealth Management Group and Asset Management.

A summary of the activities of each of the Company’s business segments is as follows:

Institutional Securities includes capital raising; financial advisory services, including advice on mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, real estate and project finance; corporate lending; sales, trading, financing and market-making activities in equity and fixed income securities and related products, including foreign exchange and commodities; benchmark indices and risk management analytics; research; and investment activities.

Global Wealth Management Group provides brokerage and investment advisory services covering various investment alternatives; financial and wealth planning services; annuity and other insurance products; credit and other lending products; cash management services; retirement services; and trust and fiduciary services.

Asset Management provides global asset management products and services in equity, fixed income, alternative investments, which includes hedge funds and funds of funds, and merchant banking, which includes real estate, private equity and infrastructure, to institutional and retail clients through proprietary and third-party distribution channels. Asset Management also engages in investment activities.

Discontinued Operations.

Discover.    On June 30, 2007, the Company completed the spin-off (the “Discover Spin-off”) of its business segment Discover Financial Services (“DFS”). The results of DFS prior to the Discover Spin-off are reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

Quilter Holdings Ltd.    The results of Quilter Holdings Ltd. (“Quilter”) are reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented through its sale on February 28, 2007. The results of Quilter were formerly included in the Global Wealth Management Group business segment.

See Note 14 for additional information on discontinued operations.

Basis of Financial Information.    The condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S., which require the Company to make estimates and assumptions regarding the valuations of certain financial instruments, the outcome of litigation and tax matters, incentive-based compensation accruals and other matters that affect the condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company believes that the estimates utilized in the preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements are prudent and reasonable. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates.

All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Consolidation.    The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly owned subsidiaries, other entities in which the Company has a controlling financial interest and certain variable interest entities (“VIE”).

 

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MORGAN STANLEY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

For entities where (1) the total equity investment at risk is sufficient to enable the entity to finance its activities independently and (2) the equity holders bear the economic residual risks of the entity and have the right to make decisions about the entity’s activities, the Company consolidates those entities it controls through a majority voting interest or otherwise. For entities that do not meet these criteria, commonly known as variable interest entities, the Company consolidates those entities where the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary when it absorbs a majority of the expected losses or a majority of the expected residual returns, or both, of such entities.

Notwithstanding the above, certain securitization vehicles, commonly known as qualifying special purpose entities (“QSPEs”), are generally not consolidated by the Company if they meet certain criteria regarding the types of assets and derivatives they may hold, the types of sales they may engage in and the range of discretion they may exercise in connection with the assets they hold.

For investments in entities in which the Company does not have a controlling financial interest but has significant influence over operating and financial decisions, the Company generally applies the equity method of accounting, except in instances where the Company has elected to fair value certain eligible investments (see Note 2).

Equity and partnership interests held by entities qualifying for accounting purposes as investment companies are carried at fair value.

The Company’s U.S. and international subsidiaries include Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated (“MS&Co.”), Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc (“MSIP”), Morgan Stanley Japan Securities Co., Ltd. (“MSJS”) and Morgan Stanley Investment Advisors Inc.

Income Statement Presentation.    The Company, through its subsidiaries and affiliates, provides a wide variety of products and services to a large and diversified group of clients and customers, including corporations, governments, financial institutions and individuals. In connection with the delivery of the various products and services to clients, the Company manages its revenues and related expenses in the aggregate. As such, when assessing the performance of its businesses, the Company considers its principal trading, investment banking, commissions, and interest and dividend income, along with the associated interest expense, as one integrated activity for each of the Company’s separate businesses.

The Company’s cost infrastructure supporting its businesses varies by activity. In some cases, these costs are directly attributable to one line of business, and, in other cases, such costs relate to multiple businesses. As such, when assessing the performance of its businesses, the Company does not consider these costs separately but rather assesses performance in the aggregate along with the related revenues.

Therefore, the Company’s pricing structure considers various items, including the level of expenses incurred directly and indirectly to support the cost infrastructure, the risk it incurs in connection with a transaction, the overall client relationship and the availability in the market for the particular product and/or service. Accordingly, the Company does not manage or capture the costs associated with the products or services sold or its general and administrative costs by revenue line, in total or by product.

Revenue Recognition.

Investment Banking.    Underwriting revenues and fees from mergers, acquisitions and advisory assignments are recorded when services for the transactions are determined to be completed, generally as set forth under the terms of the engagement. Transaction-related expenses, primarily consisting of legal, travel and other costs directly

 

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MORGAN STANLEY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

associated with the transaction, are deferred and recognized in the same period as the related investment banking transaction revenue. Underwriting revenues are presented net of related expenses. Non-reimbursed expenses associated with advisory transactions are recorded within Non-interest expenses.

Commissions.    The Company generates commissions from executing and clearing customer transactions on stock, options and futures markets. Commission revenues are recorded in the accounts on trade date.

Asset Management, Distribution and Administration Fees.    Asset management, distribution and administration fees are recognized over the relevant contract period. In certain management fee arrangements, the Company is entitled to receive performance-based fees (also referred to as incentive fees) when the return on assets under management exceeds certain benchmark returns or other performance targets. In such arrangements, performance fee revenue is accrued (or reversed) quarterly based on measuring account/fund performance to date versus the performance benchmark stated in the investment management agreement. Performance-based fees are recorded within Principal transactions—investments revenues or Asset management, distribution and administration fees depending on the nature of the arrangement.

Financial Instruments and Fair Value.

A significant portion of the Company’s financial instruments is carried at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings each period. A description of the Company’s policies regarding fair value measurement and its application to these financial instruments follows.

Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value.    All of the instruments within Financial instruments owned and Financial instruments sold, not yet purchased, are measured at fair value, either through the fair value option election (discussed below) or as required by other accounting pronouncements. These instruments primarily represent the Company’s trading and investment activities and include both cash and derivative products. In addition, Securities received as collateral and Obligation to return securities received as collateral are measured at fair value as required by other accounting pronouncements. Additionally, certain Commercial paper and other short-term borrowings (primarily structured notes), certain Deposits, certain Other secured financings and certain Long-term borrowings (primarily structured notes and certain junior subordinated debentures) are measured at fair value through the fair value option election. Gains and losses on all of these instruments carried at fair value are reflected in Principal transactions—trading revenues or Principal transactions—investments revenues in the condensed consolidated statements of income. Interest income and expense and dividend income are recorded within the condensed consolidated statements of income depending on the nature of the instrument and related market conventions. When interest and dividends are included as a component of the instruments’ fair value, interest and dividends are included within Principal transactions—trading revenues or Principal transactions—investments revenues. Otherwise, they are included within Interest and dividend income or Interest expense.

Fair Value Option.    The Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS No. 159”), effective December 1, 2006. SFAS No. 159 provides entities the option to measure certain financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings each period. SFAS No. 159 permits the fair value option election on an instrument-by-instrument basis at initial recognition of an asset or liability or upon an event that gives rise to a new basis of accounting for that instrument. The Company applies the fair value option for certain eligible instruments, including certain loans and loan commitments, certain equity method investments, certain structured notes and certain junior subordinated debentures, certain certificates of deposits and certain Other secured financings.

Fair Value Measurement—Definition and Hierarchy.    The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”), effective December 1, 2006. Under this standard, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

In determining fair value, the Company uses various valuation approaches. SFAS No. 157 establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company’s assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the reliability of inputs as follows:

 

   

Level 1—Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access. Valuation adjustments and block discounts are not applied to Level 1 instruments. Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, valuation of these products does not entail a significant degree of judgment.

Examples of assets and liabilities utilizing Level 1 inputs are: most U.S. Government securities; certain other sovereign government obligations; and exchange-traded equity securities and listed derivatives that are actively traded.

 

   

Level 2—Valuations based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.

Examples of assets and liabilities utilizing Level 2 inputs are: U.S. agency securities; municipal bonds; corporate bonds; certain corporate loans and loan commitments; certain residential and commercial mortgage-related instruments (including loans, securities and derivatives); most over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives; physical commodities; mortgage servicing rights; deposits; and most structured notes.

 

   

Level 3—Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.

Examples of assets and liabilities utilizing Level 3 inputs are: certain corporate loans and loan commitments; certain residential and commercial mortgage-related instruments (including loans, securities and derivatives); real estate and private equity investments; and long-dated or complex OTC derivatives.

The availability of observable inputs can vary from product to product and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of product, whether the product is new and not yet established in the marketplace, and other characteristics particular to the transaction. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by the Company in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant rather than an entity-specific measure. Therefore, even when market assumptions are not readily available, the Company’s own assumptions are set to reflect those that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. The Company uses prices and inputs that are current as of the measurement date, including during periods of market dislocation. In periods of market dislocation, the observability of prices and inputs may be reduced for many instruments. This condition could cause an instrument to be reclassified from Level 1 to Level 2 or Level 2 to Level 3 (see Note 2).

 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

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Valuation Techniques.    Many cash and OTC contracts have bid and ask prices that can be observed in the marketplace. Bid prices reflect the highest price that the Company and others are willing to pay for an asset. Ask prices represent the lowest price that the Company and others are willing to accept for an asset. For financial instruments whose inputs are based on bid-ask prices, the Company does not require that fair value always be a predetermined point in the bid-ask range. The Company’s policy is to allow for mid-market pricing and adjusting to the point within the bid-ask range that meets the Company’s best estimate of fair value. For offsetting positions in the same financial instrument, the same price within the bid-ask spread is used to measure both the long and short positions.

Fair value for many cash and OTC contracts is derived using pricing models. Pricing models take into account the contract terms (including maturity) as well as multiple inputs, including, where applicable, commodity prices, equity prices, interest rate yield curves, credit curves, creditworthiness of the counterparty, option volatility and currency rates. In accordance with SFAS No. 157, the impact of the Company’s own credit spreads is also considered when measuring the fair value of liabilities, including OTC derivative contracts. Where appropriate, valuation adjustments are made to account for various factors, including bid-ask spreads, credit quality, market liquidity and the unit of account. These adjustments are subject to judgment, are applied on a consistent basis and are based upon observable inputs where available. The Company subjects all valuations and models to a review process on a periodic basis.

U.S. Government Securities.    U.S. government securities are valued using quoted market prices. Valuation adjustments are not applied. Accordingly, U.S. government securities are categorized in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

U.S. Agency Securities.    U.S. agency securities include To-be-announced (“TBA”) securities and mortgage pass-through certificates. TBA securities are generally valued using quoted market prices or are benchmarked thereto. Fair value of mortgage pass-through certificates is determined via a simulation model, which considers different rate scenarios and historical activity to calculate a spread to the comparable TBA security. U.S. agency securities are generally categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Other Sovereign Government Obligations.    The fair value of foreign sovereign government obligations is generally based on quoted prices in active markets. When quoted prices are not available, fair value is determined based on a valuation model that has as inputs interest rate yield curves, cross-currency basis index spreads, and country credit spreads for structures similar to the bond in terms of issuer, maturity and seniority. These bonds are generally categorized in Levels 1 or 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Corporate Bonds.    The fair value of corporate bonds is estimated using recently executed transactions, market price quotations (where observable), bond spreads or credit default swap spreads. The spread data used are for the same maturity as the bond. If the spread data do not reference the issuer, then data that reference a comparable issuer is used. When observable price quotations are not available, fair value is determined based on cash flow models with yield curves, bond or single name credit default swap spreads and recovery rates based on collateral values as key inputs. Corporate bonds are generally categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy; in instances where significant inputs are unobservable, they are categorized in Level 3 of the hierarchy.

Corporate Loans and Loan Commitments.    The fair value of corporate loans is estimated using recently executed transactions, market price quotations (where observable) and market observable credit default swap levels along with proprietary valuation models and default recovery analysis where such transactions and quotations are unobservable. The fair value of contingent corporate loan commitments is estimated by using executed transactions on comparable loans and the anticipated market price based on pricing indications from syndicate banks and customers. The valuation of these commitments also takes into account certain fee income.

 

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(UNAUDITED)

 

While certain corporate loans, closed loan commitments and revolving loans are Level 2 instruments, certain other corporate loans and contingent corporate loan commitments are categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Municipal Bonds.    The fair value of municipal bonds is estimated using recently executed transactions, market price quotations and pricing models that factor in, where applicable, interest rates, bond or credit default swap spreads and volatility. These bonds are generally categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Mortgage Loans.    The valuation of mortgage loans depends upon the exit market for the loan. Loans not intended for securitization are valued based on the analysis of the underlying collateral performance, capital structure and market spreads for comparable positions as prices and/or spreads for specific credits tend to be unobservable. Where comparables do not exist, such loans are valued based on origination price and collateral performance (credit events) since origination. These loans are classified in Levels 2 or 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

The Company also holds certain loan products and mortgage products with the intent to securitize them. When structuring of the related securitization is substantially complete, such that the value likely to be realized in a current transaction is consistent with the price that a securitization entity will pay to acquire these products, the Company marks them to the expected securitized value. Factors affecting the value of loan and mortgage products intended to be securitized include, but are not limited to, loan type, underlying property type and geographic location, loan interest rate, loan to value ratios, debt service coverage ratio, updated cumulative loan loss data, prepayment rates, yields, investor demand, any significant market volatility since the last securitization, and credit enhancement. While these valuation factors may be supported by historical and actual external observations, the determination of their value as it relates to specific positions may require significant judgment. These instruments are classified in Levels 2 or 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (“CMBS”) and Asset-Backed Securities (“ABS”).    CMBS and ABS may be valued based on external price/spread data. When position-specific external price data are not observable, the valuation is based on prices of comparable bonds. Valuation levels of ABS and CMBS indices are used as an additional data point for benchmarking purposes or to price outright index positions. Included in this category are certain interest-only securities, which, in the absence of market prices, are valued as a function of observable whole bond prices and cash flow values of principal-only bonds using current market assumptions at the measurement date. CMBS and ABS are categorized in Level 3 if external prices are unobservable; otherwise they are categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Retained Interests in Securitization Transactions.    The Company engages in securitization activities related to various types of loans and bonds. The Company may retain interests in securitized financial assets as one or more tranches of the securitization. To determine fair values, observable inputs are used if available. Observable inputs, however, may not be available for certain retained interests so the Company estimates fair value based on the present value of expected future cash flows using its best estimates of the key assumptions, including forecasted credit losses, prepayment rates, forward yield curves and discount rates commensurate with the risks involved. When there are no significant unobservable inputs, retained interests are categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. When unobservable inputs are significant to the fair value measurement, albeit generally supportable by historical and actual benchmark data, retained interests are categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Exchange-Traded Equity Securities.    Exchange-traded equity securities are generally valued based on quoted prices from the exchange. To the extent these securities are actively traded, valuation adjustments are not applied and they are categorized in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

Listed Derivative Contracts.    Listed derivatives that are actively traded are valued based on quoted prices from the exchange and are categorized in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Listed derivatives that are not actively traded are valued using the same approaches as those applied to OTC derivatives; they are generally categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

OTC Derivative Contracts.    OTC derivative contracts include forward, swap and option contracts related to interest rates, foreign currencies, credit standing of reference entities, equity prices or commodity prices.

Depending on the product and the terms of the transaction, the fair value of OTC derivative products can be modeled using a series of techniques, including closed-form analytic formulae, such as the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, and simulation models or a combination thereof. Many pricing models do not entail material subjectivity because the methodologies employed do not necessitate significant judgment, and the pricing inputs are observed from actively quoted markets, as is the case for generic interest rate swap and option contracts. In the case of more established derivative products, the pricing models used by the Company are widely accepted by the financial services industry. A substantial majority of OTC derivative products valued by the Company using pricing models fall into this category and are categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Other derivative products, typically the newest and most complex products, require more judgment in the implementation of the valuation technique applied due to the complexity of the valuation assumptions and the reduced observability of inputs. This includes derivative interests in certain mortgage-related collateralized debt obligation (“CDO”) securities, mortgage-related credit default swaps, basket credit default swaps and CDO-squared positions where direct trading activity or quotes are unobservable. These instruments involve significant unobservable inputs and are categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Derivative interests in mortgage-related CDOs, for which observability of external price data is extremely limited, are valued based on an evaluation of the market for similar positions as indicated by primary and secondary market activity in the cash CDO and synthetic CDO market. Each position is evaluated independently taking into consideration the underlying collateral performance and pricing, behavior of the tranche under various cumulative loss and prepayment scenarios, deal structures (e.g., non-amortizing reference obligations, call features) and liquidity. While these factors may be supported by historical and actual external observations, the determination of their value as it relates to specific positions nevertheless requires significant judgment.

Mortgage-related credit default swaps are valued based on data from comparable credit instruments in the cash market and trades in comparable swaps as benchmarks, as prices and spreads for the specific credits subject to valuation tend to be of limited observability.

For basket credit default swaps and CDO-squared positions, the correlation between reference credits is often a significant input into the pricing model, in addition to several other more observable inputs such as credit spread, interest and recovery rates. As the correlation input is unobservable for each specific swap, it is benchmarked to standardized proxy baskets for which external data are available.

The Company trades various derivative structures with commodity underlyings. Depending on the type of structure, the model inputs generally include interest rate yield curves, commodity underlier spread curves, volatility of the underlying commodities and, in some cases, the correlation between these inputs. The fair value of these products is estimated using executed trades and broker and consensus data to provide values for the aforementioned inputs. Where these inputs are unobservable, relationships to observable commodities and data points, based on historic and/or implied observations, are employed as a technique to estimate the model input values. Commodity derivatives are generally categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy; in instances where significant inputs are unobservable, they are categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

Investments in Private Equity and Real Estate.    The Company’s investments in private equity and real estate take the form of direct private equity investments and investments in private equity and real estate funds. The transaction price is used as the best estimate of fair value at inception. Thereafter, valuation is based on an assessment of each underlying investment, incorporating valuations that consider the evaluation of financing and sale transactions with third parties, expected cash flows and market-based information, including comparable company transactions, performance multiples and changes in market outlook, among other factors. These nonpublic investments are included in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy because they trade infrequently, and, therefore, the fair value is unobservable.

Physical Commodities.    The Company trades various physical commodities, including crude oil and refined products, metals and agricultural products. Fair value for physical commodities is determined using observable inputs, including broker quotations and published indices. Physical commodities are categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Deposits.    The fair value of certificates of deposit is estimated using third-party quotations. These deposits are categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Structured Notes.    The Company issues structured notes that have coupons or repayment terms linked to the performance of debt or equity securities, indices, currencies or commodities. Fair value of structured notes is estimated using valuation models described in this section for the derivative and debt features of the notes. These models incorporate observable inputs referencing identical or comparable securities, including prices that the notes are linked to, interest rate yield curves, option volatility and currency rates. The impact of the Company’s own credit spreads also is included based on the Company’s observed secondary bond market spreads. Most structured notes are categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Fair Value Measurement—Other.

The fair value of OTC financial instruments, including derivative contracts related to financial instruments and commodities, is presented in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition on a net-by-counterparty basis, when appropriate. Additionally, the Company nets fair value of cash collateral paid or received against fair value amounts recognized for net derivative positions executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting arrangement.

Hedge Accounting.

The Company applies hedge accounting for hedges involving various derivative financial instruments and non-U.S. dollar-denominated debt used to hedge interest rate, foreign exchange and credit risk arising from assets and liabilities not held at fair value. These derivative financial instruments are included within Financial instruments owned—Derivative contracts or Financial instruments sold, not yet purchased—Derivative contracts in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.

The Company’s hedges are designated and qualify for accounting purposes as one of the following types of hedges: hedges of changes in fair value of assets and liabilities due to the risk being hedged (fair value hedges), hedges of the variability of future cash flows from floating rate assets and liabilities due to the risk being hedged (cash flow hedges) and hedges of net investments in foreign operations whose functional currency is different from the reporting currency of the parent company (net investment hedges).

For all hedges where hedge accounting is being applied, effectiveness testing and other procedures to ensure the ongoing validity of the hedges are performed at least monthly. The impact of hedge ineffectiveness on the

 

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condensed consolidated statements of income, primarily related to fair value hedges, was a gain of $16 million and $13 million for the quarters ended February 29, 2008 and February 28, 2007, respectively. The amount excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness was immaterial. If a derivative is de-designated as a hedge, it is thereafter accounted for as a financial instrument used for trading.

Fair Value Hedges—Interest Rate Risk.    In the first quarter of fiscal 2007, the Company began using regression analysis to perform an ongoing prospective and retrospective assessment of the effectiveness of these hedging relationships (i.e., the Company applied the “long-haul” method of hedge accounting). A hedging relationship is deemed effective if the fair values of the hedging instrument (derivative) and the hedged item (debt liability) change inversely within a range of 80% to 125%.

Previously, the Company’s designated fair value hedges consisted primarily of interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges of changes in the benchmark interest rate of fixed rate borrowings, including both certificates of deposit and senior long-term borrowings. For these hedges, the Company ensured that the terms of the hedging instruments and hedged items matched and that other accounting criteria were met so that the hedges were assumed to have no ineffectiveness (i.e., the Company applied the “shortcut” method of hedge accounting). The Company also used interest rate swaps as fair value hedges of the benchmark interest rate risk of host contracts of equity-linked notes that contained embedded derivatives. For these hedging relationships, regression analysis was used for the prospective and retrospective assessments of hedge effectiveness.

For qualifying fair value hedges of benchmark interest rates, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and the changes in the fair value of the hedged liability provide offset of one another and, together with any resulting ineffectiveness, are recorded in Interest expense. When a derivative is de-designated as a hedge, any basis adjustment remaining on the hedged liability is amortized to Interest expense over the remaining life of the liability using the effective interest method.

Fair Value Hedges—Credit Risk.    Until the fourth quarter of 2007, the Company had designated a portion of a credit derivative embedded in a non-recourse structured note liability as a fair value hedge of the credit risk arising from a loan receivable to which the structured note liability was specifically linked. Regression analysis was used to perform prospective and retrospective assessments of hedge effectiveness for this hedge relationship. The changes in the fair value of the derivative and the changes in the fair value of the hedged item provided offset of one another and, together with any resulting ineffectiveness, were recorded in Principal transactions—trading revenues. This hedge was terminated in the fourth quarter of 2007 upon derecognition of both the hedging instrument and the hedged item.

Cash Flow Hedges.    The Company applies cash flow hedge accounting to interest rate swaps designated as hedges of the variability of future cash flows from floating rate liabilities due to the benchmark interest rate. The Company uses regression analysis to perform an ongoing prospective and retrospective assessment of the effectiveness of these hedging relationships. Changes in fair value of these interest rate swaps are recorded to “Net change in cash flow hedges” as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in Shareholders’ equity, net of tax effects, to the extent they are effective. Amounts recorded to Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are then reclassified to Interest expense as interest on the hedged borrowings is recognized. Any ineffective portion of the change in fair value of these instruments is recorded to Interest expense.

Before the sale of the aircraft leasing business in 2006, the Company applied hedge accounting to interest rate swaps used to hedge variable rate long-term borrowings associated with this business. Changes in the fair value of the swaps were recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in Shareholders’ equity, net of tax effects, and then reclassified to Interest expense as interest on the hedged borrowings was recognized.

 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

In connection with the sale of the aircraft leasing business, the Company de-designated the interest rate swaps associated with this business effective August 31, 2005 and no longer accounts for them as cash flow hedges. Amounts in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to those interest rate swaps continue to be reclassified to Interest expense since the related borrowings remain outstanding.

Net Investment Hedges.    The Company utilizes forward foreign exchange contracts and non-U.S. dollar-denominated debt to manage the currency exposure relating to its net investments in non-U.S. dollar functional currency operations. No hedge ineffectiveness is recognized in earnings since the notional amounts of the hedging instruments equal the portion of the investments being hedged, and, where forward contracts are used, the currencies being exchanged are the functional currencies of the parent and investee; where debt instruments are used as hedges, they are denominated in the functional currency of the investee. The gain or loss from revaluing hedges of net investments in foreign operations at the spot rate is deferred and reported within Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in Shareholders’ equity, net of tax effects. The forward points on the hedging instruments are recorded in Interest and dividend revenues or expense.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

For purposes of these statements, cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and highly liquid investments not held for resale with maturities, when purchased, of three months or less. In connection with business acquisitions, the Company assumed liabilities of $77 million and $7,679 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007, respectively.

Securitization Activities.

The Company engages in securitization activities related to commercial and residential mortgage loans, corporate bonds and loans, U.S. agency collateralized mortgage obligations and other types of financial assets (see Note 4). Generally, such transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales when the Company has relinquished control over the transferred assets. The gain or loss on sale of such financial assets depends, in part, on the previous carrying amount of the assets involved in the transfer allocated between the assets sold and the retained interests based upon their respective fair values at the date of sale. Transfers that are not accounted for as sales are accounted for as secured borrowings.

Gains (losses) from Unconsolidated Investees.

The Company invests in unconsolidated investees that provide funds to develop low income communities, renewable energy sources and other structured transactions. These structures provide the Company with tax benefits and are not integral to the operations of the Company. The Company accounts for these investments under the equity method with gains and losses from these investments recorded within Gains (losses) from unconsolidated investees and the applicable tax credits and benefits from tax losses recorded within Provision for income taxes.

Accounting Developments.

Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes.    In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a company’s financial statements and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in an income tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties,

 

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accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. As a result of the adoption of FIN 48 on December 1, 2007, the Company recorded a cumulative effect adjustment of approximately $92 million as a decrease to the opening balance of Retained earnings as of December 1, 2007 (see Note 12).

Employee Benefit Plans.    In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)” (“SFAS No. 158”). In fiscal 2007, the Company adopted SFAS No. 158’s requirement to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of its defined benefit and postretirement plans as an asset or liability. In the first quarter of fiscal 2008, the Company recorded an after-tax charge of approximately $13 million ($21 million pre-tax) to Shareholders’ equity upon early adoption of SFAS No. 158’s other requirement to use the fiscal year-end date as the measurement date.

Offsetting of Amounts Related to Certain Contracts.    In April 2007, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. FIN 39-1, “Amendment of FASB Interpretation No. 39”, (“FSP FIN 39-1”). FSP FIN 39-1 amends certain provisions of FIN 39, “Offsetting of Amounts Related to Certain Contracts,” and permits companies to offset fair value amounts recognized for cash collateral receivables or payables against fair value amounts recognized for net derivative positions executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting arrangement. In accordance with the provisions of FSP FIN 39-1, the Company offset cash collateral receivables and payables against net derivative positions as of February 29, 2008. The adoption of FSP FIN 39-1 on December 1, 2007 did not have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

Investment Company Accounting.    In June 2007, the AICPA issued Statement of Position (“SOP”) 07–1, “Clarification of the Scope of the Audit and Accounting Guide Investment Companies and Accounting by Parent Companies and Equity Method Investors for Investments in Investment Companies” (“SOP 07-1”). SOP 07-1 provides guidance for determining whether an entity is within the scope of the AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide Investment Companies. In February 2008, the FASB issued a final FSP SOP 07-1-1 to delay indefinitely the effective date of SOP 07-1.

Dividends on Share-Based Payment Awards.    In June 2007, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) reached consensus on Issue No. 06-11, “Accounting for Income Tax Benefits of Dividends on Share-Based Payment Awards” (“EITF Issue No. 06-11”). EITF Issue No. 06-11 requires that the tax benefit related to dividend equivalents paid on restricted stock units that are expected to vest be recorded as an increase to additional paid-in capital. The Company currently accounts for this tax benefit as a reduction to its income tax provision. EITF Issue No. 06-11 is to be applied prospectively for tax benefits on dividends declared in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting EITF Issue No. 06-11.

Business Combinations.    In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS No. 141(R)”). SFAS 141(R) requires the acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize the full fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the transaction (whether a full or partial acquisition); establishes the acquisition-date fair value as the measurement objective for all assets acquired and liabilities assumed; requires expensing of most transaction and restructuring costs; and requires the acquirer to disclose to investors and other users all of the information needed to evaluate and understand the nature and financial effect of the business combination. SFAS No. 141(R) applies to all transactions or other events in which the Company obtains control of one or more businesses, including those sometimes referred to as “true mergers” or “mergers

 

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of equals” and combinations achieved without the transfer of consideration, for example, by contract alone or through the lapse of minority veto rights. SFAS No. 141(R) applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after December 1, 2009.

Noncontrolling Interests.    In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51” (“SFAS No. 160”). SFAS No. 160 requires reporting entities to present noncontrolling (minority) interests as equity (as opposed to as a liability or mezzanine equity) and provides guidance on the accounting for transactions between an entity and noncontrolling interests. SFAS No. 160 applies prospectively as of December 1, 2009, except for the presentation and disclosure requirements which will be applied retrospectively for all periods presented.

ASF Framework.    In December 2007, the American Securitization Forum (“ASF”) issued the “Streamlined Foreclosure and Loss Avoidance Framework for Securitized Subprime Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loans” (the “ASF Framework”). The overall purpose of the ASF Framework is to provide recommended guidance for servicers to streamline borrower evaluation procedures and to facilitate the effective use of all forms of foreclosure and loss prevention efforts, including refinancings, forbearances, workout plans, loan modifications, deeds-in-lieu and short sales or short payoffs. The ASF Framework is focused on subprime first-lien adjustable rate residential mortgages loans that have an initial fixed rate period of 36 months or less, are included in securitized pools, were originated between January 1, 2005 and July 31, 2007, and have an initial interest rate reset date between January 1, 2008 and July 31, 2010 (“subprime ARM loans”).

The ASF Framework categorizes the population of subprime ARM loans into three segments. Segment 1 includes current loans, as defined, where the borrower is likely to be able to refinance into an available mortgage product. It is expected that borrowers in this category should refinance their loans, if they are unable or unwilling to meet their reset payment. Segment 2 includes current loans where the borrower is unlikely to be able to refinance and meet specific criteria related to Fair Isaac Corporation (or “FICO”) scores and expected payment increase due to the initial adjustment of the interest rate. Borrowers in this segment are eligible for a fast track loan modification under which the interest rate will be kept at the existing rate, generally for five years following the upcoming reset. The ASF Framework indicates that for Segment 2 loans, the servicer can presume that the borrower would be unable to pay pursuant to the original terms of the loan after the interest rate reset, and thus, borrower default on the loan is “reasonably foreseeable” in absence of a modification. Segment 3 includes loans where the borrower is not current or which do not otherwise qualify for Segment 1 or Segment 2. For loans in this category, the servicer will determine the appropriate loss mitigation approach in a manner consistent with the applicable servicing standard in the transaction documents, but without employing the fast track procedures described under Segment 2.

In January 2008, the SEC’s Office of Chief Accountant (the “OCA”) issued a letter (the “OCA Letter”) addressing accounting issues that may be raised by the ASF Framework. The OCA letter concluded that the SEC would not object to continuing off-balance sheet accounting treatment for QSPEs that hold Segment 2 subprime ARM loans modified pursuant to the ASF Framework.

For those current loans that are accounted for off-balance sheet that are modified, but not as part of the ASF Framework above, the servicer must perform on an individual basis an analysis of the borrower and the loan to provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate that default on the loan is imminent or reasonably foreseeable.

The Company adopted the ASF Framework during the first quarter of fiscal 2008, but has not yet modified a significant volume of loans using the ASF Framework. The Company does not expect that its application of the

 

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MORGAN STANLEY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

ASF Framework will impact the off-balance sheet status of Company-sponsored QSPEs that hold Segment 2 subprime ARM loans and is currently evaluating the potential impact on its condensed consolidated statements of income. The total amount of assets owned by Company-sponsored QSPEs that hold subprime ARM loans (including those loans that are not serviced by the Company) as of February 29, 2008, was approximately $30.5 billion. Of this amount, approximately $11.8 billion relates to subprime ARM loans serviced by the Company. The Company’s retained interests in Company sponsored QSPEs that hold subprime ARM loans totaled approximately $272 million as of February 29, 2008.

Transfers of Financial Assets and Repurchase Financing Transactions.    In February 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 140-3, “Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets and Repurchase Financing Transactions” (“FSP SFAS No. 140-3”). The objective of FSP FAS 140-3 is to provide implementation guidance on accounting for a transfer of a financial asset and repurchase financing. Under the guidance in FSP FAS 140-3, there is a presumption that an initial transfer of a financial asset and a repurchase financing are considered part of the same arrangement (i.e., a linked transaction) for purposes of evaluation under SFAS No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities” (“SFAS No. 140”). If certain criteria are met, however, the initial transfer and repurchase financing shall not be evaluated as a linked transaction and shall be evaluated separately under SFAS No. 140. FSP FAS 140-3 is effective for the Company on December 1, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting FSP FAS 140-3.

Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.    In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS No. 161”). SFAS No. 161 amends and expands the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, and requires entities to provide enhanced qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair values and amounts of gains and losses on derivative contracts, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. SFAS No. 161 will be effective for the Company’s fiscal 2009 interim and annual consolidated financial statements.

 

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MORGAN STANLEY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

2. Fair Value Disclosures.

Fair Value Measurements.

The Company’s assets and liabilities recorded at fair value have been categorized based upon a fair value hierarchy in accordance with SFAS No. 157. See Note 1 for a discussion of the Company’s policies regarding this hierarchy.

The following fair value hierarchy tables present information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of February 29, 2008 and November 30, 2007:

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis as of February 29, 2008

 

    Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
  Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
  Counterparty
and Cash
Collateral
Netting
    Balance
as of
February 29,
2008
    (dollars in millions)

Assets

         

Cash and securities deposited with clearing organizations or segregated under federal and other regulations or requirements

  $ 27,768   $ —     $ —     $ —       $ 27,768

Financial instruments owned:

         

U.S. government and agency securities

    8,916     31,531     581     —         41,028

Other sovereign government obligations

    30,116     7,159     15     —         37,290

Corporate and other debt

    84     129,067     31,622     —         160,773

Corporate equities

    84,801     2,248     1,957     —         89,006

Derivative contracts(1)

    3,319     120,911     31,910     (56,666 )     99,474

Investments

    927     1,824     12,070     —         14,821

Physical commodities

    —       3,445     —       —         3,445
                               

Total financial instruments owned

    128,163     296,185     78,155     (56,666 )     445,837

Securities received as collateral

    41,631     7,475     13     —         49,119

Intangible assets(2)

    —       392     —       —         392

Liabilities

         

Commercial paper and other short-term borrowings

  $ —     $ 2,750   $ —     $ —       $ 2,750

Deposits

    —       1,444     —       —         1,444

Financial instruments sold, not yet purchased:

         

U.S. government and agency securities

    8,318     1,212     —       —         9,530

Other sovereign government obligations

    12,940     8,271     —       —         21,211

Corporate and other debt

    3     8,434     604     —         9,041

Corporate equities

    40,215     473     552     —         41,240

Derivative contracts(1)

    7,600     110,107     16,069     (44,384 )     89,392

Physical commodities

    —       697     —       —         697
                               

Total financial instruments sold, not yet purchased

    69,076     129,194     17,225     (44,384 )     171,111

Obligation to return securities received as collateral

    41,631     7,475     13     —         49,119

Other secured financings

    —       33,205     1,616     —         34,821

Long-term borrowings

    —       36,820     5,964     —         42,784

 

(1) Amount represents the impact of counterparty netting across the levels of the fair value hierarchy. Netting among positions classified within the same level is included within that level.
(2) Amount represents MSRs accounted for at fair value (see Note 4).

 

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MORGAN STANLEY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis as of November 30, 2007

 

    Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
  Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
  Counterparty
and Cash
Collateral
Netting
    Balance
as of
November 30,
2007
    (dollars in millions)

Assets

         

Cash and securities deposited with clearing organizations or segregated under federal and other regulations or requirements

  $ 31,354   $ —     $ —     $ —       $ 31,354

Financial instruments owned:

         

U.S. government and agency securities

    11,038     12,189     660     —         23,887

Other sovereign government obligations

    15,834     5,743     29     —         21,606

Corporate and other debt

    223     110,443     37,058     —         147,724

Corporate equities

    82,592     3,549     1,236     —         87,377

Derivative contracts(1)

    4,526     90,654     21,601     (39,778 )     77,003

Investments

    953     249     13,068     —         14,270

Physical commodities

    —       3,096     —       —         3,096
                               

Total financial instruments owned

    115,166     225,923     73,652     (39,778 )     374,963

Securities received as collateral

    68,031     14,191     7     —         82,229

Intangible assets(2)

    —       428     —       —         428

Liabilities

         

Commercial paper and other short-term borrowings

  $ —     $ 3,068   $ —     $ —       $ 3,068

Deposits

    —       3,769     —       —         3,769

Financial instruments sold, not yet purchased:

         

U.S. government and agency securities

    8,208     13     —       —         8,221

Other sovereign government obligations

    9,633     5,994     —       —         15,627

Corporate and other debt

    16     6,454     1,122     —         7,592

Corporate equities

    29,948     935     16     —         30,899

Derivative contracts(1)

    7,031     86,968     15,663     (38,058 )     71,604

Physical commodities

    —       398     —       —         398
                               

Total financial instruments sold, not yet purchased

    54,836     100,762     16,801     (38,058 )     134,341

Obligation to return securities received as collateral

    68,031     14,191     7     —         82,229

Other secured financings

    —       25,451     2,321     —         27,772

Long-term borrowings

    —       37,994     398     —         38,392

 

(1) Amounts represent the impact of counterparty netting across the levels of the fair value hierarchy. Netting among positions classified within the same level is included within that level.
(2) Amount represents MSRs accounted for at fair value (see Note 4).

 

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MORGAN STANLEY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

The following tables present additional information about Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Level 3 instruments may be hedged with instruments classified in Level 1 and Level 2. As a result, the realized and unrealized gains and losses for assets and liabilities within the Level 3 category presented in the tables below do not reflect the related realized or unrealized gains and losses on hedging instruments that have been classified by the Company within the Level 1 and/or Level 2 categories. Additionally, both observable and unobservable inputs may be used to determine the fair value of positions that the Company has classified within the Level 3 category. As a result, the unrealized gains and losses for assets and liabilities within the Level 3 category presented in the tables below may include changes in fair value that were attributable to both observable (e.g., changes in market interest rates) and unobservable (e.g., changes in unobservable long-dated volatilities) inputs.

Changes in Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis for the Three Months Ended February 29, 2008

 

    Beginning
Balance
  Realized
Gains
or (Losses)(1)
    Unrealized
Gains
or (Losses)(1)
    Total
Realized
and
Unrealized
Gains or
(Losses)(1)
    Purchases,
Sales,
Other
Settlements
and
Issuances,
net
    Net
Transfers
In and/or
Out of
Level 3
    Ending
Balance
    (dollars in millions)

Assets

             

Financial instruments owned:

             

U.S. government and agency securities

  $ 660   $ 6     $ 53     $ 59     $ (129 )   $ (9 )   $ 581

Other sovereign government obligations

    29     —         —         —         (1 )     (13 )     15

Corporate and other debt(2)

    37,058     1,207       (3,413 )     (2,206 )     (4,413 )     1,183       31,622

Corporate equities

    1,236     13       (2 )     11       819       (109 )     1,957

Net derivative contracts (2)(3)

    5,938     213       8,391       8,604       1,063       236       15,841

Investments(4)

    13,068     (20 )     (52 )     (72 )     778       (1,704 )     12,070

Securities received as collateral

    7     —         —         —         6       —         13

Liabilities

             

Financial instruments sold, not yet purchased:

             

Corporate and other debt(2)

  $ 1,122   $ (20 )   $ (499 )   $ (519 )   $ (1,036 )   $ (1 )   $ 604

Corporate equities

    16     (12 )     (92 )     (104 )     428       4       552

Obligation to return securities received as collateral

    7     —         —         —         6       —         13

Other secured financings

    2,321     —         —         —         (705 )     —         1,616

Long-term borrowings(5)

    398     —         (142 )     (142 )     5,556       (132 )     5,964

 

(1) Realized and unrealized gains (losses) are included in Principal transactions—trading in the condensed consolidated statements of income except for $(72) million related to Financial instruments owned—investments, which is included in Principal transactions—investments. Unrealized gains (losses) relate to Level 3 assets and liabilities still held by the Company at February 29, 2008.
(2) The net gains from Net derivative contracts and the net losses from Corporate and other debt resulted from market movements primarily associated with credit products and various credit linked instruments, respectively. The net gains in Level 3 Net derivative contracts were primarily driven by certain credit default swaps and other instruments associated with the Company’s credit products and securitized products activities. The net losses in Level 3 Corporate and other debt were primarily driven by certain asset-backed securities, including residential and commercial mortgage loans, and by corporate loans and loan commitments.

 

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MORGAN STANLEY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

These results are only a component of the overall trading strategies of these businesses and do not take into consideration any related financial instruments that have been classified by the Company within the Level 1 and/or Level 2 categories. For example, the Company recorded offsetting net losses in Level 2 Net derivative contracts, which were primarily associated with the Company’s credit products and securitized products activities.

The Company reclassified certain Corporate and other debt from Level 2 to Level 3 because certain significant inputs for the fair value measurement became unobservable. These reclassifications included transfers primarily related to loans and loan commitments, largely related to corporate lending transactions.

 

(3) Amounts represent Financial instruments owned—derivative contracts net of Financial instruments sold, not yet purchased—derivative contracts.
(4) The Company reclassified investments from Level 3 to Level 2 because certain significant inputs for the fair value measurement were identified and, therefore, became observable.
(5) Amounts included in the Purchases, sales, other settlements and issuances, net column primarily relates to the issuance of junior subordinated debentures related to China Investment Corporation investment (see Note 9).

Changes in Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis for the Three Months Ended February 28, 2007

 

    Beginning
Balance
  Realized
Gains
or (Losses)(1)
    Unrealized
Gains
or (Losses)(1)
    Total
Realized
and
Unrealized
Gains or
(Losses)(1)
    Purchases,
Sales,
Other
Settlements
and
Issuances,
net
    Net
Transfers
In and/or
Out of
Level 3
    Ending
Balance
    (dollars in millions)

Assets

             

Financial instruments owned:

             

U.S. government and agency securities

  $ 2   $ —       $ (6 )   $ (6 )   $ 152     $   —       $ 148

Other sovereign government obligations

    162     2       33       35       682       32       911

Corporate and other debt

    33,941     1       (6 )     (5 )     2,458       (43 )     36,351

Corporate equities

    1,040     (53 )     90       37       170       (8 )     1,239

Net derivative contracts (2)(3)

    30     (194 )     741       547       (335 )     34       276

Investments(4)

    3,879     27       553       580       1,730       (13 )     6,176

Securities received as collateral

    40     —         —         —         (40 )     —         —  

Other assets(5)

    2,154     (9 )     5       (4 )     118       —         2,268

Liabilities

             

Financial instruments sold, not yet purchased:

             

Corporate and other debt(2)

  $ 185   $ (10 )   $ 2     $ (8 )   $ (167 )   $ 42     $ 68

Corporate equities

    9     —         —         —         1       5       15

Obligation to return securities received as collateral

    40     —         —         —         (40 )     —         —  

Other secured financings

    4,724     —         —         —         1,364       —         6,088

Long-term borrowings

    464     —         (53 )     (53 )     27       —         544

 

(1) Realized and unrealized gains (losses) are included in Principal transactions—trading in the condensed consolidated statements of income except for amounts of $571 million and $9 million related to Financial instruments owned—investments, which are included in Principal transactions—investments and Other revenues, respectively, and $(4) million related to Other assets, which are included in Other revenues. Unrealized gains (losses) relate to Level 3 asset and liabilities still held by the Company at February 28, 2007.
(2) The gains and losses associated with Net derivative contracts were primarily driven by credit products as a result of market movements.
(3) Amounts represent Financial instruments owned—derivative contracts net of Financial instruments sold, not yet purchased—derivative contracts.

 

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MORGAN STANLEY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

(4) The net gains from Financial instruments owned—investments were primarily related to investments associated with the Company’s real estate funds.
(5) Gains and losses associated with DFS within Other revenues are included in discontinued operations.

Fair Value Option.

The following tables present gains and (losses) due to changes in fair value for items measured at fair value pursuant to the fair value option election for the quarters ended February 29, 2008 and February 28, 2007:

 

Three months ended February 29, 2008

   Principal
Transactions:
Trading
    Net
Interest
Revenue
    Gains (losses)
Included in
the Three Months Ended
February 29, 2008(1)
 
     (dollars in millions)  

Commercial paper and other short-term borrowings

   $ 208     $ (2 )   $ 206  

Deposits

     (6 )     —         (6 )

Long-term borrowings

     464       (198 )     266  

 

(1) In addition to these amounts, as discussed in Note 1, all of the instruments within Financial instruments owned or Financial instruments sold, not yet purchased are measured at fair value, either through the election of SFAS No. 159 or as required by other accounting pronouncements. Changes in the fair value of these instruments are recorded in Principal transactions—trading and Principal transactions—investments revenues.

 

Three months ended February 28, 2007

   Principal
Transactions:
Trading
    Net
Interest
Revenue
    (Losses) gains
Included in

the Three Months Ended
February 28, 2007(1)
 
     (dollars in millions)  

Commercial paper and other short-term borrowings

   $ (5 )   $   —       $ (5 )

Deposits

     4       —         4  

Long-term borrowings

     136       (49 )     87  

 

(1) In addition to these amounts, as discussed in Note 1, all of the instruments within Financial instruments owned or Financial instruments sold, not yet purchased are measured at fair value, either through the election of SFAS No. 159 or as required by other accounting pronouncements. Changes in the fair value of these instruments are recorded in Principal transactions—trading and Principal transactions—investments revenues.

As of February 29, 2008 and November 30, 2007, the aggregate contractual principal amount of loans for which the fair value option was elected exceeded the fair value of such loans by approximately $28,193 million and $28,880 million, respectively. The aggregate fair value of loans that were 90 or more days past due as of February 29, 2008 and November 30, 2007 was $2,267 million and $6,588 million, respectively. The aggregate contractual principal amount of such loans 90 or more days past due exceeded their fair value by approximately $21,239 million and $23,501 million at February 29, 2008 and November 30, 2007, respectively. This difference in amount primarily emanates from the Company’s distressed debt trading business, which purchases distressed debt at amounts well below par.

For the quarter ended February 29, 2008, changes in the fair value of loans for which the fair value option was elected that were attributable to changes in instrument-specific credit spreads were losses of $2,226 million. Instrument-specific credit losses were determined by excluding the non-credit components of gains and losses, such as those due to changes in interest rates. For the quarter ended February 28, 2007, changes in the fair value of loans for which the fair value option was elected that were attributable to changes in instrument-specific credit spreads were estimated to be an immaterial unrealized loss.

 

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MORGAN STANLEY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

For the quarter ended February 29, 2008, the estimated changes in the fair value of the Company’s short-term and long-term borrowings, including structured notes and junior subordinated debentures, for which the fair value option was elected that were attributable to changes in instrument-specific credit spreads were gains of approximately $895 million. This gain was attributable to the widening of the Company’s credit spreads and was determined based upon observations of the Company’s secondary bond market spreads. For the quarter ended February 28, 2007, the estimated changes in the fair value of the Company’s short-term and long-term borrowings, including structured notes and junior subordinated debentures, for which the fair value option was elected that were attributable to changes in instrument-specific credit spreads were not material. As of February 29, 2008 and November 30, 2007, the aggregate contractual principal amount of long-term debt instruments for which the fair value option was elected exceeded the fair value of such instruments by approximately $2,955 million and $1,572 million, respectively.

The estimated change in the fair value of other liabilities for which the fair value option was elected that was attributable to changes in instrument-specific credit spreads was a loss of approximately $482 million in the quarter ended February 29, 2008. This loss was primarily related to leveraged loan contingent commitments and was attributable to the illiquid market conditions that existed in the quarter. It was generally determined based on the differential between estimated expected client yields at February 29, 2008 and contractual yields. For the quarter ended February 28, 2007, the estimated changes in the fair value of other liabilities for which the fair value option was elected that were attributable to changes in instrument-specific credit spreads were not material.

 

3. Collateralized Transactions.

Securities purchased under agreements to resell (“reverse repurchase agreements”) and Securities sold under agreements to repurchase (“repurchase agreements”), principally government and agency securities, are carried at the amounts at which the securities subsequently will be resold or reacquired as specified in the respective agreements; such amounts include accrued interest. Reverse repurchase agreements and repurchase agreements are presented on a net-by-counterparty basis, when appropriate. The Company’s policy is to take possession of securities purchased under agreements to resell. Securities borrowed and Securities loaned are carried at the amounts of cash collateral advanced and received in connection with the transactions. Other secured financings include the liabilities related to transfers of financial assets that are accounted for as financings rather than sales, consolidated variable interest entities where the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary and certain equity-referenced securities and loans where in all instances these liabilities are payable solely from the cash flows of the related assets accounted for as Financial instruments owned.

The Company pledges its financial instruments owned to collateralize repurchase agreements and other securities financings. Pledged securities that can be sold or repledged by the secured party are identified as Financial instruments owned (pledged to various parties) in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. The carrying value and classification of securities owned by the Company that have been loaned or pledged to counterparties where those counterparties do not have the right to sell or repledge the collateral were as follows:

 

     At
February 29,
2008
   At
November 30,
2007
     (dollars in millions)

Financial instruments owned:

     

U.S. government and agency securities

   $ 7,655    $ 7,134

Other sovereign government obligations

     6,619      333

Corporate and other debt

     43,087      32,530

Corporate equities

     3,938      1,133
             

Total

   $ 61,299    $ 41,130
             

 

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MORGAN STANLEY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

The Company enters into reverse repurchase agreements, repurchase agreements, securities borrowed and securities loaned transactions to, among other things, acquire securities to cover short positions and settle other securities obligations, to accommodate customers’ needs and to finance the Company’s inventory positions. The Company also engages in securities financing transactions for customers through margin lending. Under these agreements and transactions, the Company either receives or provides collateral, including U.S. government and agency securities, other sovereign government obligations, corporate and other debt, and corporate equities. The Company receives collateral in the form of securities in connection with reverse repurchase agreements, securities borrowed and derivative transactions, and customer margin loans. In many cases, the Company is permitted to sell or repledge these securities held as collateral and use the securities to secure repurchase agreements, to enter into securities lending and derivative transactions or for delivery to counterparties to cover short positions. At February 29, 2008 and November 30, 2007, the fair value of securities received as collateral where the Company is permitted to sell or repledge the securities was $935 billion and $948 billion, respectively, and the fair value of the portion that had been sold or repledged was $721 billion and $708 billion, respectively.

The Company additionally receives securities as collateral in connection with certain securities for securities transactions in which the Company is the lender. In instances where the Company is permitted to sell or repledge these securities, the Company reports the fair value of the collateral received and the related obligation to return the collateral in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. At February 29, 2008 and November 30, 2007, $49 billion and $82 billion, respectively, were reported as Securities received as collateral and an Obligation to return securities received as collateral in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. Collateral received in connection with these transactions that was subsequently repledged was approximately $44 billion and $72 billion at February 29, 2008 and November 30, 2007, respectively.

The Company manages credit exposure arising from reverse repurchase agreements, repurchase agreements, securities borrowed and securities loaned transactions by, in appropriate circumstances, entering into master netting agreements and collateral arrangements with counterparties that provide the Company, in the event of a customer default, the right to liquidate collateral and the right to offset a counterparty’s rights and obligations. The Company also monitors the fair value of the underlying securities as compared with the related receivable or payable, including accrued interest, and, as necessary, requests additional collateral to ensure such transactions are adequately collateralized. Where deemed appropriate, the Company’s agreements with third parties specify its rights to request additional collateral. Customer receivables generated from margin lending activity are collateralized by customer-owned securities held by the Company. For these transactions, adherence to the Company’s collateral policies significantly limits the Company’s credit exposure in the event of customer default. The Company may request additional margin collateral from customers, if appropriate, and, if necessary, may sell securities that have not been paid for or purchase securities sold but not delivered from customers.

 

4. Securitization Activities and Variable Interest Entities.

Securitization Activities.    The Company engages in securitization activities related to commercial and residential mortgage loans, U.S. agency collateralized mortgage obligations, corporate bonds and loans, municipal bonds and other types of financial assets. Special purpose entities (“SPEs”), also known as variable interest entities (“VIEs”) are typically used in such securitization transactions. Transferred assets are carried at fair value prior to securitization, and any changes in fair value are recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of income. The Company may act as underwriter of the beneficial interests issued by securitization vehicles. Underwriting net revenues are recognized in connection with these transactions. The Company may retain interests in the securitized financial assets as one or more tranches of the securitization. These retained interests are included in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition at fair value. Any changes in the fair value of such retained interests are recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

 

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MORGAN STANLEY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

Retained interests in securitized financial assets were approximately $3.5 billion at February 29, 2008, the majority of which were related to residential mortgage loan, commercial mortgage loan and U.S. agency collateralized mortgage obligation securitization transactions. Net gains at the time of securitization were not material in the quarter ended February 29, 2008.

The following table presents information on the Company’s residential mortgage loan, commercial mortgage loan and U.S. agency collateralized mortgage obligation securitization transactions. Key economic assumptions and the sensitivity of the current fair value of the retained interests to immediate 10% and 20% adverse changes in those assumptions as of February 29, 2008 were as follows (dollars in millions):

 

     Residential
Mortgage
Loans
    Commercial
Mortgage
Loans
    U.S. Agency
Collateralized
Mortgage
Obligations
 

Investment grade retained interests

   $ 1,264     $ 760     $ 491  

Non-investment grade retained interests

     580       191       —    
                        

Total retained interests (carrying amount/fair value)

   $ 1,844     $ 951     $ 491  
                        

Weighted average life (in months)

     46       37       44  

Range

     0.3-146       5.5-119       1.5-268  

Weighted average discount rate (per annum)

     15.08 %     7.86 %     6.92 %

Range

     4.30-124.62 %     2.82-27.90 %     0.21-40.63 %

Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change

   $ (65 )   $ (16 )   $ (8 )

Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change

   $ (124 )   $ (30 )   $ (16 )

Weighted average credit losses(1)(2)

     2.13 %     7.10 %     0.00 %

Range

     0.00-12.00 %     0.00-25.80 %     0.00-0.00 %

Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change

   $ (122 )   $ (4 )   $ —    

Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change

   $ (186 )   $ (7 )   $ —    

Weighted average prepayment speed assumption (“PSA”)(3)(4)

     973       —         359  

Range

     182-1,500 PSA     —         166-558 PSA

Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change

   $ (71 )   $ —       $ (7 )

Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change

   $ (115 )   $ —       $ (15 )

 

(1) Residential mortgage loans credit loss rate stated in terms of cumulative loss rate. Commercial mortgage loans credit loss rate stated in terms of annualized loss rate.
(2) Credit losses are computed only on positions for which expected credit loss is either a key assumption in the determination of fair value or is not reflected in the discount rate.
(3) Amounts for residential mortgage loans exclude positive valuation effects from immediate 10% and 20% changes.
(4) Commercial mortgage loans typically contain provisions that either prohibit or economically penalize the borrower from prepaying the loan for a specified period of time.

 

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MORGAN STANLEY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

The following table presents information on the Company’s residential mortgage loan, commercial mortgage loan and U.S. agency collateralized mortgage obligation securitization transactions. Key economic assumptions and the sensitivity of the current fair value of the retained interests to immediate 10% and 20% adverse changes in those assumptions at November 30, 2007 were as follows (dollars in millions):

 

     Residential
Mortgage

Loans
    Commercial
Mortgage
Loans
    U.S. Agency
Collateralized
Mortgage
Obligations
 

Investment grade retained interests

   $ 2,048     $ 678     $ 826  

Non-investment grade retained interests

     1,167       406       —    
                        

Total retained interests (carrying amount/fair value)

   $ 3,215     $ 1,084     $ 826  
                        

Weighted average life (in months)

     49       57       51  

Range

     1-322       0.5-139       1-271  

Weighted average discount rate (per annum)

     12.55 %     8.48 %     6.04 %

Range

     1.12 - 74.10 %     3.00 - 16.83 %     0.75 - 18.12 %

Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change

   $ (114 )   $ (14 )   $ (16 )

Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change

   $ (218 )   $ (28 )   $ (31 )

Weighted average credit losses(1)(2)

     4.52 %     3.24 %     0.00 %

Range

     0.00 - 12.00 %     0.00 - 13.69 %     0.00 - 0.00 %

Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change

   $ (215 )   $ (5 )   $ —    

Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change

   $ (371 )   $ (10 )   $ —    

Weighted average prepayment speed assumption (“PSA”)(3)(4)

     1,173       —         301  

Range

     188 - 2,250 PSA     —         167 - 718 PSA

Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change

   $ (118 )   $ —       $ (7 )

Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change

   $ (194 )   $ —       $ (19 )

 

(1) Residential mortgage loans credit loss rate stated in terms of cumulative loss rate. Commercial mortgage loans credit loss rate stated in terms of annualized loss rate.
(2) Credit losses are computed only on positions for which expected credit loss is either a key assumption in the determination of fair value or is not reflected in the discount rate.
(3) Amounts for residential mortgage loans exclude positive valuation effects from immediate 10% and 20% changes.
(4) Commercial mortgage loans typically contain provisions that either prohibit or economically penalize the borrower from prepaying the loan for a specified period of time.

The weighted average assumptions and parameters used initially to value retained interests in relation to securitizations that were still held by the Company as of February 29, 2008 were as follows:

 

<
     Residential
Mortgage
Loans
    Commercial
Mortgage
Loans
    U.S. Agency
Collateralized
Mortgage
Obligations
 

Weighted average life (in months)

   51     44     75  

Weighted average discount rate (rate per annum)

   10.04 %   6.03 %   6.29 %