Morgan Stanley Highlights Growth Potential in AT&T, Yum China, and Starbucks Ahead of Earnings
- Morgan Stanley analysts highlight AT&T, Yum China, and Starbucks as top investment opportunities for upcoming earnings season.
- Analyst Benjamin Swinburne raises AT&T's price target to $32, citing strong fiber growth and reduced cash taxes.
- Morgan Stanley's analysis emphasizes strategic growth prospects in key stocks amid evolving market conditions.

Morgan Stanley Analysts Spotlight Growth Opportunities in Key Stocks
In the recent analysis by Morgan Stanley, analysts emphasize significant growth potential in several major companies as they approach earnings season. Notably, AT&T, Yum China, and Starbucks emerge as prime targets for investment, each backed by distinct strengths in their operational models and market positions. The insights from Morgan Stanley reflect a strategic outlook that seeks to capitalize on the evolving dynamics within these sectors, showcasing the firm's commitment to identifying promising investment opportunities.
AT&T garners considerable attention from analyst Benjamin Swinburne, who reinstates it as a top pick and raises its price target from $31 to $32 per share. Swinburne attributes this positive outlook to the company's robust performance driven by fiber growth and a reduction in cash taxes, which provides a buffer against potential industry slowdowns. With AT&T shares having surged by 18% this year, anticipation builds for its earnings report scheduled for July 23, further solidifying investor interest in the telecommunications giant.
Yum China also secures a favorable assessment, with analyst Lillian Lou recommending it as a buy. Lou's analysis highlights the company’s solid business model and sustainable long-term growth, particularly citing an expected increase in same-store sales growth beginning in the second quarter of 2025, bolstered by rising delivery orders. This positive sentiment is reflected in Yum China's recent 5% share price increase, suggesting that investors may be increasingly confident in the company's trajectory as it navigates the competitive landscape of the food and beverage industry.
On another front, Starbucks receives backing from analyst Brian Harbour, who notes signs of stabilization in the U.S. market. While Harbour mentions that the immediate setup before the upcoming earnings report is not overly compelling, he maintains an optimistic long-term outlook. Factors such as declining coffee prices and significant international investments contribute to a favorable environment for Starbucks, which has seen its shares rise by 3% this year. This combination of market stabilization and strategic investments positions Starbucks well for sustainable growth.
Additionally, the report underscores the importance of monitoring the evolving market conditions that influence these companies. With earnings season underway, investors are advised to consider the insights provided by Morgan Stanley as they assess their positions in these key stocks. The diverse strategies employed by AT&T, Yum China, and Starbucks demonstrate the potential for significant returns amidst a fluctuating economic landscape, aligning with Morgan Stanley's proactive approach to identifying growth opportunities in various sectors.