STT State Street Corporation

On Tuesday, Reuters reported quoting Mr. Jes Stanley, JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s (JPM) investment banking Chief Executive, that the company has no plans to retrench employees in the near future.

During the first half of 2011, JPMorgan recorded compensation expenses of $15.8 million, up 6% from the corresponding prior-year period. However, Mr. Stanley stated that the company has been trying to manage expenditures by lowering other operating expenses rather than cutting jobs.

This move is, however, in stark contrast to what the other peers of JPMorgan have been announcing recently. Several banks announced layoffs in July and August to tide over the ever increasing expenses.

In order to improve operating efficiency, last month, UBS AG (UBS) declared 3,500 job cuts, Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc (RBS) announced  trimming of 2,000 positions, and Bank of America Corporation (BAC) planned to retrench 3,500 employees. Also, Bank of New York Mellon Corp (BK) and HSBC Holdings PLC (HBC) announced 1,500 and 30,000 layoffs, respectively.

In July, State Street Corp. (STT) too had stated that it would reduce 850 technology jobs through layoffs and outsourcing.

The recent job data release on Friday stated that the there was no job creation for the month of August. So, at this time when all the banking companies are trying to streamline their expenses through workforce reduction, this statement from JPMorgan comes on a positive note that will certainly boost investors’ confidence in the stock.

JPMorgan currently retains its Zacks #3 Rank, which translates into a short-term ‘Hold’ rating. Moreover, considering the fundamentals, we are maintaining a long-term “Neutral” recommendation on the stock.

 
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