On Tuesday, Evercore ISI initiated coverage on FactSet Research Systems (NYSE:FDS), a provider of financial information and analytic software for investment professionals, with an In Line rating and a price target of $470. The firm's analysis suggests that while FactSet may be nearing a point of positive change, the potential for significant growth is seen as limited.
The assessment is grounded in the belief that the usual cyclical increase in growth driven by hiring may not be as strong as in previous cycles. The reasoning provided is that the sell-side has maintained staff numbers despite a downturn in mergers and acquisitions activity from 2022 to 2024, indicating that there may not be a substantial need to expand capacity.
Moreover, the firm points to increased competition from Refinitiv, which is expected to be more assertive in market share acquisition and product improvement under the ownership of London Stock Exchange Group (LON:LSEG). This competition is likely to constrain the historical market share losses that FactSet has benefited from and moderate the outlook for growth on the buy-side.
As a result of these factors, Evercore ISI projects that FactSet's organic Annual Subscription Value (ASV) growth will fall short of the company's target of 8-9%. The forecast anticipates a growth rate of approximately 5-6% in the fiscal years 2025 and 2026. This projection reflects the competitive dynamics and staffing trends that are expected to influence FactSet's performance in the coming years.
In other recent news, FactSet Research Systems reported robust fourth-quarter results, with adjusted earnings per share of $3.74 and a 4.9% year-over-year revenue increase to $562.2 million. However, the company's fiscal 2025 earnings guidance of $16.80-$17.40 per share fell short of Wall Street's projection. Analysts from Goldman Sachs, BMO Capital, and Wolfe Research maintained a Sell, Market Perform, and Underperform rating on FactSet respectively, citing a modest forecast for fiscal year 2025 and competitive challenges.
Stifel and Wells Fargo both increased their stock price targets for FactSet to $469.00 and $503.00 respectively, while RBC Capital Markets raised its price target to $503 from the previous $464. These adjustments follow FactSet's recent earnings call and reflect expectations of slightly better revenue growth in the near term.
Amid these recent developments, FactSet announced an upcoming investor day scheduled in New York City. The company's fiscal year 2025 outlook is described as "a tale of two halves," with the second half expected to see a lift due to the execution of several large deals and contributions from new product launches.
FactSet's organic Annual Subscription Value (ASV) growth slowed to 5.1% in the fourth fiscal quarter, down from 5.4% in the third fiscal quarter, with the company's guidance for organic ASV growth for fiscal year 2025 ranging between 4-6%.
InvestingPro Insights
FactSet Research Systems' financial metrics and market position offer additional context to Evercore ISI's analysis. According to InvestingPro data, FactSet boasts a market capitalization of $17.33 billion and a P/E ratio of 32.39, indicating that investors are willing to pay a premium for the company's earnings. This aligns with the InvestingPro Tip that FactSet is "Trading at a high earnings multiple."
The company's revenue growth of 5.64% over the last twelve months supports Evercore's projection of 5-6% growth in the coming fiscal years, suggesting a realistic outlook. Additionally, FactSet's strong profitability is evident from its operating income margin of 32.05% and return on assets of 13.39%.
An InvestingPro Tip highlights that FactSet "Has raised its dividend for 25 consecutive years," demonstrating a commitment to shareholder returns despite competitive pressures. This consistent dividend growth, coupled with a current dividend yield of 0.9%, may appeal to income-focused investors even as the company faces growth challenges.
For readers interested in a deeper analysis, InvestingPro offers 8 additional tips on FactSet, providing a more comprehensive view of the company's financial health and market position.
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