Morgan Stanley has recently added to its footprint in the U.S. industrial real estate sector through a notable acquisition facilitated by its investment management subsidiary.
Specifically, Morgan Stanley Investment Management, operating via Morgan Stanley Real Estate Investing (MSREI), has agreed to purchase a premier advanced manufacturing facility located in Fremont, California, at a transaction value of $110 million. This asset is currently encumbered by a long-term net lease to Western Digital, a recognized leader in global data storage and infrastructure technology.
The deal underscores MSREI's targeted investment approach, which prioritizes high-quality industrial properties with a concentration in innovative sectors. The Bay Area location epitomizes this strategy, situated within a core innovation corridor featuring robust infrastructure and a plentiful supply of specialized talent.
The acquired property encompasses approximately 290,000 square feet, offering a substantial footprint for advanced manufacturing activities. Notably, the facility's power capacity exceeds that typical of standard industrial buildings in the region, a feature that enhances its appeal to technology-focused and manufacturing tenants who require significant energy resources.
Through this transaction, MSREI has expanded its U.S. industrial portfolio to more than 75 million square feet, having acquired around $1.5 billion in industrial assets in the year 2025 alone. This move reflects an ongoing confidence in the Bay Area's manufacturing ecosystem, which is characterized by constrained supply and persistent demand for facilities dedicated to advanced research and development alongside manufacturing capabilities.
Will Milam, head of U.S. investments at MSREI, highlighted the acquisition as a testament to the firm's optimistic outlook on the region’s industrial market dynamics.
Separately, Morgan Stanley's broader financial performance continues to demonstrate strength. Earlier in the month, the firm reported revenue of $17.89 billion, marking a 10% increase year over year and surpassing analyst expectations of $17.77 billion. The expense efficiency ratio improved to 68% for 2025 from 71% in the prior year, indicating effective operating leverage while still allocating funds to growth areas within the business.
CFO Sharon Yeshaya, in a Bloomberg interview, noted that all strategic investments across divisions are performing well, with notable market share improvements in advisory services and debt capital markets. She also addressed the company's role in structured financing solutions for data centers, citing the demand from hyperscalers seeking capital market access.
Despite these positive operational metrics, Morgan Stanley's stock price experienced a decline of 3.45% to $182.57 at the time of the latest market close, reflecting short-term market volatility.