Wolfe Research has maintained its underperform rating on shares of FactSet Research Systems (NYSE: FDS), with a price target of $410.00.
The firm's stance comes as FactSet's shares saw a 3% increase in pre-market trading. Wolfe Research's assessment hinges on the anticipation of management's commentary regarding the trajectory of revenue growth over the year and the factors contributing to the year-over-year margin squeeze.
FactSet, known for providing financial information and analytic software for investment professionals, has displayed positive results for the quarter. This performance was somewhat anticipated by investors, who have observed favorable headcount trends within the financial services sector.
Wolfe Research pointed out that the increase in client and user numbers compared to the fourth fiscal quarter of 2023 could indicate an improving demand environment for FactSet's offerings.
The analyst from Wolfe Research highlighted that the guidance for Average Subscription Value (ASV) and revenue, which was in line with expectations, did not come as a surprise to the market.
In other recent news, FactSet Research Systems reported robust fourth-quarter results, surpassing analyst expectations.
The financial data and analytics provider posted adjusted earnings per share of $3.74, beating the consensus forecast of $3.62. Revenue rose 4.9% year over year to $562.2 million, also exceeding expectations of $546.76 million.
However, FactSet's fiscal 2025 earnings guidance of $16.80-$17.40 per share fell short of Wall Street's projection of $17.36, though its full-year revenue estimate of $2.29-$2.31 billion aligns with the consensus estimate of $2.30 billion.
The company's adjusted operating margin expanded to 35.8%, up from 33.4% a year earlier, driven by lower compensation costs. FactSet concluded the quarter with 8,217 clients, a 3.7% increase from the previous year.
InvestingPro Insights
FactSet Research Systems (NYSE:FDS) has demonstrated a commitment to shareholder returns, as evidenced by its notable streak of increasing dividends for 26 consecutive years, a testament to its financial stability and investor-friendly policies. This consistency is a key highlight for investors seeking reliable income streams from their equity investments. Moreover, the company's profitability over the last twelve months reinforces the positive outlook, with analysts expressing confidence in FactSet's ability to maintain profitability in the current fiscal year.
InvestingPro Data provides a snapshot of FactSet's current financial health, revealing a robust market capitalization of $17.0 billion and a high P/E ratio standing at 33.36. The company's revenue growth over the last twelve months has been steady at 6.23%, reflecting its ability to expand in a competitive market. Additionally, FactSet's strong operating income margin of 32.87% during the same period underscores efficient management and the potential for sustainable profitability.
For investors seeking more detailed analysis and additional InvestingPro Tips, which include insights into FactSet's trading multiples and return performance over the last decade, further information is available on the InvestingPro platform. With a total of 8 additional tips listed, investors can gain a more comprehensive understanding of FactSet's investment potential.
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