MSCI Q3 adj EPS rises, beats estimates

Overview

• Investment analytics provider's Q3 operating revenue rose 12.4%

• Adjusted EPS for Q3 increased 14.3%, beating analyst expectations

• Company repurchased $627.2 mln in shares during Q3

Outlook

• Company expects 2026 operating expense of $1.535 bln to $1.575 bln

• MSCI expects 2026 free cash flow of $1.485 bln to $1.545 bln

Result Drivers

• ASSET-BASED FEES AND SUBSCRIPTIONS - Revenue growth was driven by higher asset-based fees and recurring subscription revenues

• CLIENT SEGMENT DEMAND - Growth in recurring subscription Run Rate was led by asset managers, hedge funds, and banking & brokerages, with record ETF assets under management

• HIGHER COSTS - Operating expenses rose due to increased IT, professional fees, market data, and compensation costs

Company press release:

Key Details

*Applies to a deviation of less than 1%; not applicable for per-share numbers.

Analyst Coverage

• The current average analyst rating on the shares is "buy" and the breakdown of recommendations is 16 "strong buy" or "buy", 3 "hold" and 1 "sell" or "strong sell"

• The average consensus recommendation for the professional information services peer group is "buy"

• Wall Street's median 12-month price target for MSCI Inc. is $672.00, about 19.3% above its October 19 closing price of $563.49

• The stock recently traded at 26 times the next 12-month earnings vs. a P/E of 27 three months ago

Reuters Recommended Reads

• Oct 20 - 3M lifts annual profit forecast on cost controls, price hikes

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(This story was created using Reuters automation and AI based on LSEG and company data. It was checked and edited by a Reuters journalist prior to publication.)