One and a half years ago, I published my last article about MSCI Inc. ( MSCI ). And after I had been rather bearish in previous articles about the stock, I saw the picture improving asMy analysis is focused on high-quality companies, that can outperform the market over the long-run due to a competitive advantage (economic moat) and high levels of defensibility. Focused on European and North American companies, but without constraints regarding market capitalization (from large cap to small cap companies).My ...

Key Takeaways MSCI posted Q4 adjusted EPS of $4.66, up 11.5% Y/Y and ahead of estimates on steady revenue growth. MSCI revenue rose 10.6% to $822.5M, driven by higher recurring subscriptions and asset-based fees. MSCI shares fell nearly 5% even as operating income, margins, and free cash flow increased year over year. MSCI’s (MSCI) fourth-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings of $4.66 per share beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.86% and increased 11.5% year over year.MSCI’s revenues rose 10.6% year over year t ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, the company achieved organic revenue growth of over 10%, adjusted EBITDA growth of over 13%, and adjusted EPS growth of almost 12% for the quarter and nearly 14% for the full year [6][7] - The total run rate reached over $3.3 billion, growing 13%, with total asset-based fees (ABF) run rate of $852 million, growing 26%, and recurring subscription run rate of over $2.4 billion, growing over 9% [8][9] - The company has delivered 11 consecutive years of double-digit adjusted EPS growth [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Index segment, Q4 was the best quarter ever for new recurring subscription sales, with a growth rate of 18% [9] - Analytics posted the second-best Q4 on record for new subscription sales, with subscription run rate growth of over 8% [19] - Private Capital Solutions saw recurring sales growth of 86%, supported by innovative new products [9][20] - Sustainability and climate new subscription sales were lower than last year's levels, particularly in the Americas [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total ETF and non-ETF AUM linked to MSCI indices reached approximately $7 trillion, driven by record inflows into clients' ETF products linked to MSCI indices, especially in Europe [9] - Equity ETFs linked to MSCI indexes captured a record $67 billion of inflows during Q4, totaling $204 billion for the full year [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on leveraging AI to enhance its capabilities across various product lines, including analytics and custom index creation [11][35] - MSCI aims to have a fully integrated company where each product line benefits from and contributes to every other product line, amplifying financial growth [23][24] - The company is committed to delivering long-term targets of low double-digit revenue growth and adjusted EBITDA growth of low to mid-teens [23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to capitalize on favorable long-term secular trends and the momentum across product lines and client segments [6][11] - The company is seeing significant opportunities in high-growth client segments, particularly among hedge funds and wealth managers [11][13] - There is optimism regarding the recovery of ESG-related sales in Europe, although challenges remain in the Americas [70] Other Important Information - The company repurchased nearly $958 million of its shares in Q4 at an average price of about $560 per share, reflecting strong conviction in its prospects [7] - Baer Pettit, the president, announced his retirement, effective March 1, which may impact future leadership dynamics [25][26] Q&A Session Summary Question: AI Adoption and Growth Impact - Management highlighted that AI has been integrated into various operations and products, enhancing efficiency and client service [31][35] Question: International Flows and Sales Opportunities - Management confirmed that there has been a significant uptick in activity in Europe and EMEA, with subscription run rates now higher than in the Americas [42][43] Question: Private Assets and Trends - The company noted strong sales in Private Capital Solutions, driven by new offerings and increased client interest [48][49] Question: Free Cash Flow Dynamics - Management discussed the impact of higher cash taxes and interest expenses on free cash flow, while projecting strong double-digit collection growth [54][56] Question: ESG Market Recovery - Management indicated that recovery in Europe is underway, albeit slower than desired, while challenges persist in the U.S. market [67][70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, the company achieved organic revenue growth of over 10%, adjusted EBITDA growth of over 13%, and adjusted EPS growth of almost 12% for the quarter and nearly 14% for the full year [6][7] - The total run rate reached over $3.3 billion, growing 13%, with total asset-based fees (ABF) run rate of $852 million, growing 26%, and recurring subscription run rate of over $2.4 billion, growing over 9% [8][9] - The company has delivered 11 consecutive years of double-digit adjusted EPS growth [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The index business had its best quarter ever for new recurring subscription sales, with a growth rate of 18% [8] - In analytics, the company posted its second-best Q4 on record for new subscription sales, with subscription run rate growth of over 8% [19] - Private Capital Solutions saw recurring sales growth of 86%, supported by innovative new products [9][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total ETF and non-ETF AUM linked to MSCI indices reached approximately $7 trillion, driven by record inflows into clients' ETF products, particularly in Europe [9] - Equity ETFs linked to MSCI indexes captured a record $67 billion of inflows during Q4, totaling $204 billion for the full year [17] - The company observed significant uptick in activity in Europe and EMEA, with subscription run rate in EMEA now higher than in the Americas [39] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on leveraging AI to enhance its capabilities across various product lines, including analytics and custom index creation [10][31] - MSCI aims to have a fully integrated company where each product line benefits from and contributes to every other product line, amplifying financial growth [22] - The company will no longer maintain product line-specific long-term targets to better reflect its focus on integrated growth [23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to capitalize on favorable long-term secular trends and the resilience of its all-weather franchise [6][7] - The company is optimistic about the recovery in Europe and the potential for growth in sustainability and climate solutions, despite current challenges [66][70] - Management highlighted the importance of adapting to emerging risks and opportunities beyond traditional ESG factors, including AI and supply chain disruptions [10][70] Other Important Information - The company repurchased nearly $958 million of its shares at an average price of about $560 per share in Q4 [7] - Baer Pettit, the president, announced his retirement, effective March 1, and will be succeeded by Alvise Munari and Jorge Mina [24][26] Q&A Session Questions and Answers Question: Discussion on AI adoption and its impact on growth - Management highlighted that AI has been integrated into various operations and product lines, with significant projects aimed at enhancing analytics and custom index capabilities [30][31][34] Question: Insights on international flows and pricing opportunities - Management confirmed that there has been a significant uptick in activity in Europe and EMEA, with subscription run rates exceeding those in the Americas, indicating a positive trend in international flows [39][40] Question: Performance of private assets and future trends - Management noted strong sales in Private Capital Solutions, driven by new offerings and a positive outlook for growth in this segment [46][49] Question: Free cash flow dynamics and projections - Management discussed expected increases in cash taxes and interest expenses impacting free cash flow in 2026, but emphasized strong underlying business dynamics [51][54][56] Question: Recovery in ESG market and future expectations - Management indicated that while recovery in Europe is underway, the U.S. market remains challenging, but there is potential for growth in sustainability solutions [66][70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, the company achieved organic revenue growth of over 10%, adjusted EBITDA growth of over 13%, and adjusted EPS growth of almost 12% for the quarter and nearly 14% for the full year [4][5] - The company has delivered 11 consecutive years of double-digit adjusted EPS growth [5] - The total run rate reached over $3.3 billion, growing 13%, with total asset-based fees (ABF) run rate of $852 million, growing 26%, and recurring subscription run rate of over $2.4 billion, growing over 9% [6][8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The index business had its best quarter ever for new recurring subscription sales, with a growth rate of 18% [6][8] - In analytics, the company posted its second-best Q4 on record for new subscription sales [8] - Private Capital Solutions saw recurring sales growth of 86%, supported by innovative new products [8][11] - Wealth managers achieved nearly 11% subscription run rate growth, including 15% recurring sales growth [11] - Active asset managers experienced recurring net new sales growth of 13%, primarily driven by index products [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total ETF and non-ETF AUM linked to MSCI indices reached approximately $7 trillion, driven by record inflows into clients' ETF products linked to MSCI indices, particularly in Europe [8] - Equity ETFs linked to MSCI indexes captured a record $67 billion of inflows during Q4, totaling $204 billion for the full year [15] - The company noted significant uptick in activity in Europe and EMEA, with subscription run rates in EMEA now higher than in the Americas [40] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on leveraging AI to enhance its capabilities across various product lines, including analytics and custom index creation [10][31] - MSCI aims to have a fully integrated company where each product line benefits from and contributes to every other product line, amplifying financial growth [20][22] - The company is committed to delivering long-term targets of low double-digit revenue growth and adjusted EBITDA growth of low to mid-teens [21][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to capitalize on favorable long-term trends and the resilience of its all-weather franchise [4][5] - The company is optimistic about the recovery in international flows and the potential for pricing power in the future [39][40] - Management highlighted the importance of adapting to emerging risks and opportunities beyond traditional ESG factors, including AI and supply chain disruptions [9][68] Other Important Information - The company repurchased nearly $958 million of its shares in Q4 at an average price of about $560 per share, reflecting strong conviction in its prospects [5] - The company is undergoing a technology-powered transformation with a total embrace of AI, which is expected to enhance the value of its tools for clients [10][34] Q&A Session Summary Question: AI Adoption and Growth Impact - Management discussed the extensive use of AI in operations and product development, highlighting its potential to enhance client insights and operational efficiency [29][30][31][34] Question: International Flows and Pricing Opportunities - Management confirmed that there has been a significant uptick in activity in Europe and EMEA, with positive implications for new sales and pricing strategies [39][40] Question: Private Assets Growth and Trends - Management noted strong sales in Private Capital Solutions and emphasized the ongoing investment in innovative products to capture market opportunities [46][49] Question: Free Cash Flow Dynamics - Management explained the expected increase in cash taxes and interest expenses impacting free cash flow, while projecting strong double-digit collection growth [51][53][56] Question: ESG Market Recovery - Management indicated that recovery in Europe is underway, albeit slower than desired, and highlighted the shift towards analyzing emerging non-traditional risks [64][66][68]

MSCI Inc. (NYSE:MSCI) stock rose Wednesday after the index and analytics provider posted quarterly results that came in ahead of Wall Street expectations.The company pointed to steady subscription momentum and stronger asset-linked fees, helping lift profitability.Quarterly MetricsMSCI reported fourth-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $4.66, beating the analyst consensus estimate of $4.57.Quarterly sales of $822.528 million outpaced the Street view of $819.352 million. Operating revenues rose 10.6%, wi ...

Fourth Quarter 2025 Earnings Presentation January 28, 2026 © 2026 MSCI Inc. All rights reserved. 2 → This earnings presentation contains forward- looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including without limitation, MSCI's Full-Year 2026 guidance and MSCI's long-term targets. These forward-looking statements relate to future events or to future financial performance and involve underlying assumptions, as well as known and unknown risks, uncertainties an ...

MSCI (MSCI) came out with quarterly earnings of $4.66 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.62 per share. This compares to earnings of $4.18 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of +0.86%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this maker of software tools to help portfolio managers make investment decisions would post earnings of $4.37 per share when it actually produced earnings of $4.47, delivering a su ...

Financial Performance - Operating revenues for Q4 2025 were $822.5 million, an increase of 10.6% compared to Q4 2024[5] - Adjusted EPS for Q4 2025 was $4.66, up 11.5% year-over-year, while diluted EPS decreased by 2.3% to $3.81[5] - Operating income for Q4 2025 was $463.6 million, up 14.4%, with an operating margin of 56.4%[9] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2025 was $512.0 million, a 13.2% increase, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 62.2%[13] - Net income for Q4 2025 was $284,669,000, a decrease of 6.8% from $305,515,000 in Q4 2024[72] - Total operating revenues for Q4 2025 reached $822,528,000, reflecting a 10.6% increase from $743,509,000 in Q4 2024[74] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2025 was $512,002,000, up 13.2% from $452,254,000 in Q4 2024[74] - Net income for the year ended December 31, 2025, was $1,202,305, compared to $1,109,128 in 2024, reflecting an increase of about 8.4%[70] - Free cash flow for the year ended December 31, 2025, was $1.458585 billion, an increase from $1.386509 billion in 2024, with a forecast of $1.470 billion to $1.530 billion for 2026[87] Revenue Breakdown - Recurring subscription revenues increased by 7.5%, and asset-based fees rose by 20.7% in Q4 2025[5] - New recurring subscription sales grew by 11.7%, with an organic recurring subscription Run Rate growth of 7.7%[5] - Sustainability and Climate segment revenues were $90.3 million, up 5.9%, driven by growth in recurring subscriptions related to Ratings and Climate products[22] - The Index segment's operating revenues reached $479.1 million, a 14.0% increase, with organic operating revenue growth also at 14.0%[15] - Total operating revenues for All Other – Private Assets reached $70.9 million, an increase of 8.4% year-over-year, driven by growth in recurring subscriptions[23] - Recurring subscriptions contributed $70.3 million to operating revenues, up 9.4% from the previous year, with organic operating revenue growth at 6.6%[23] Cash and Debt Management - Cash and cash equivalents stood at $515.3 million, with a target minimum cash balance of $225.0 million to $275.0 million for operational purposes[26] - Total outstanding debt was $6.2 billion, with a total debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio of 3.3x, within the target range of 3.0x to 3.5x[27] - Capital expenditures (Capex) for the quarter were $36.3 million, while net cash provided by operating activities increased by 16.4% to $501.1 million[29] - The company declared a cash dividend of $2.05 per share for Q1 2026, with approximately $134.7 million in dividends paid in Q4 2025[31] Future Guidance - Full-Year 2026 guidance includes operating expenses of $1,490 to $1,530 million and free cash flow of $1,470 to $1,530 million[34] - The company anticipates consolidated adjusted EBITDA expenses for 2026 to be between $1.305 billion and $1.335 billion[85] Customer Metrics - The annualized retention rate is derived by subtracting the cancellation rate from 100%, providing insight into customer loyalty and subscription stability[55] - The total retention rate improved to 93.4% for the three months ended December 31, 2025, up from 93.1% in 2024[79] Asset Management - Total assets as of December 31, 2025, amounted to $5,702,459, an increase from $5,445,439 in 2024, showing a growth of approximately 4.7%[71] - Long-term debt increased to $6,202,286 as of December 31, 2025, compared to $4,510,816 in 2024, indicating a significant rise in leverage[71] - Deferred revenue as of December 31, 2025, was $1,231,776, up from $1,123,423 in 2024, indicating growth in future revenue recognition[71] - Approximately three-fifths of the assets under management (AUM) are invested in securities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, which may impact revenue due to foreign currency fluctuations[68] Capital Expenditures - Total capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2025, were $129.861 million, with capitalized software development costs at $90.542 million[87]

Core Insights - MSCI Inc. reported strong financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2025, achieving double-digit adjusted EPS growth for the 11th consecutive year and a record asset-based-fee run rate driven by ETF inflows [3][5][12]. Financial Performance - Operating revenues for Q4 2025 were $822.5 million, a 10.6% increase from Q4 2024, with organic operating revenue growth at 10.2% [5][7]. - Operating income rose to $463.6 million, up 14.4%, with an operating margin of 56.4% [9][12]. - Net income decreased by 6.8% to $284.7 million, while diluted EPS was $3.81, down 2.3% [12][67]. - Adjusted EPS increased by 11.5% to $4.66, and adjusted EBITDA was $512.0 million, up 13.2% [12][67]. Revenue Breakdown - Recurring subscription revenues increased by 7.5%, and asset-based fees rose by 20.7% [7][14]. - The Index segment saw operating revenues of $479.1 million, up 14.0%, driven by higher asset-based fees and recurring subscription revenues [13][14]. - The Analytics segment reported operating revenues of $182.3 million, a 5.5% increase, while the Sustainability and Climate segment's revenues were $90.3 million, up 5.9% [17][20]. Run Rate and Retention - Total run rate as of December 31, 2025, was $3,301.6 million, a 13.0% increase, with a retention rate of 93.4% [6][7]. - The Index run rate was $1.9 billion, up 16.2%, while the Analytics run rate was $757.4 million, up 8.4% [16][18]. Expenses and Capital Allocation - Total operating expenses were $358.9 million, up 6.1%, primarily due to higher compensation and benefits costs [7][8]. - Free cash flow for Q4 2025 was $464.8 million, up 17.8% [27]. - The company repurchased $2.47 billion worth of shares and paid $134.7 million in dividends during Q4 2025 [28][29]. Guidance for 2026 - MSCI provided guidance for full-year 2026, projecting operating expenses between $1,490 million and $1,530 million, and free cash flow between $1,470 million and $1,530 million [31][32].