Cash back? Morgan Stanley gets $775M profit boost from Discover settlement

Cash back? Morgan Stanley gets $775M profit boost from Discover settlement
Discover Financial Services said on Friday that it paid Morgan Stanley $775 million to settle a dispute over the proceeds from an antitrust lawsuit filed before Morgan Stanley spun off Discover in 2007.
FEB 10, 2010
Discover Financial Services said on Friday that it paid Morgan Stanley $775 million to settle a dispute over the proceeds from an antitrust lawsuit filed before Morgan Stanley spun off Discover in 2007. The settlement, which Discover disclosed in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing, comes after a New York state Supreme Court justice ruled early last month that Discover had to pay Morgan Stanley a special dividend negotiated when the credit card company was spun off. A the time of the June 2007 spinoff, Discover agreed with Morgan Stanley to share money received from an antitrust lawsuit Discover had pending against Visa Inc. and MasterCard Inc. Discover settled the antitrust case for $2.75 billion, of which Morgan Stanley was entitled to $1.2 billion. However, Discover declined to pay Morgan Stanley, claiming it interfered in the Visa and MasterCard settlement. Morgan Stanley, which is based in New York, then sued Discover in a New York court for breach of contract. Discover paid the taxes on the settlement money, which was put in an escrow account pending the outcome of the lawsuit. That means the settlement will be added directly to Morgan Stanley's profit since taxes were already paid on the money. Discover, based in Riverwoods, Ill., said the $775 million that it paid satisfies its obligations under the settlement. After last month's ruling by New York State Supreme Court Justice Barbara Kapnick, Discover had said it would appeal.

Latest News

How firms can support advisors during difficult market times
How firms can support advisors during difficult market times

For service-focused financial advisors who might take their well-being for granted, regular check-ins and active listening from the top can provide a powerful recharge.

Savant Wealth targets Silicon Valley with Parkworth acquisition
Savant Wealth targets Silicon Valley with Parkworth acquisition

With Parkworth Wealth Management and its Silicon Valley tech industry client base now onboard, Savant accelerates its vision of housing 10 to 12 specialty practices under its national RIA.

RIA moves: PE-backed Arax strengthens Midwestern presence with Summit Wealth Strategies
RIA moves: PE-backed Arax strengthens Midwestern presence with Summit Wealth Strategies

Meanwhile, $34 billion independent First Manhattan welcomed New Jersey-based Roanoke Asset Management, an RIA firm with more than 40 years of history.

Osaic sees more staff cuts
Osaic sees more staff cuts

Most notably, two chief compliance officers have also recently left the firm.

Advisor moves: Cetera lures 12-person team from LPL, Raymond James reels in Commonwealth duo
Advisor moves: Cetera lures 12-person team from LPL, Raymond James reels in Commonwealth duo

The latest team to join Cetera, led by a 29-year veteran professional, arrives with roughly $380 million in AUA from OSJ Private Advisor Group.

SPONSORED How advisors can build for high-net-worth complexity

Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.