Core Insights - FactSet Research Systems Inc. (NYSE:FDS) is recognized as one of the 10 Best Rising Dividend Stocks to Buy Now [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - FactSet offers a subscription-based model for financial data and analytics, with an annual subscription value (ASV) retention rate exceeding 95%, providing a stable revenue base [2] - The company has increased dividends for 26 consecutive years, currently paying a quarterly dividend of $1.10 per share, which results in a yield of 1.52% as of October 28 [3] Group 2: Technological Innovation - FactSet is focusing on technological advancements, including the launch of its Intelligent Platform and AI-driven solutions such as IRN 2.0 and DaaS, aimed at enhancing client operations and service delivery [4]

Core Insights - Conestoga Capital Advisors reported that equity markets reached new all-time highs in Q3 2025, but their Mid Cap Composite underperformed with a return of -3.2% net-of-fees compared to a 2.8% gain for the Russell Midcap Growth Index [1] - The focus on high-quality, profitable companies faced challenges in a risk-on environment, impacting performance [1] Company Analysis: FactSet Research Systems Inc. (NYSE:FDS) - FactSet Research Systems Inc. provides integrated financial information and analytical applications for the investment community, with a one-month return of 1.98% and a 52-week loss of 36.76% [2] - As of October 21, 2025, FactSet's stock closed at $294.11 per share, with a market capitalization of $11.119 billion [2] - The company is experiencing slowed organic growth due to budget constraints at asset managers and increased competition from firms like Bloomberg and S&P, alongside rising technology and content costs affecting margins [3] - Despite being a high-quality franchise, FactSet's premium valuation presents execution risks [3] Market Position and Hedge Fund Interest - FactSet is not among the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds, with 36 hedge fund portfolios holding the stock at the end of Q2 2025, an increase from 29 in the previous quarter [4] - In Q4 of fiscal 2025, FactSet's revenues grew by 6.2% year-over-year, reaching $597 million [4] - While FactSet shows potential as an investment, certain AI stocks are considered to offer greater upside potential with less downside risk [4]

Core Viewpoint - S&P Global Inc. is considered one of the best long-term investment stocks, with a recent price target increase from $615 to $620 by Morgan Stanley, maintaining a Buy rating on the stock [1][2]. Financial Performance - The increase in the price target is attributed to strong issuance in the current quarter, leading to a 6% increase in EPS estimates for S&P Global [2]. - The company is expected to raise its full-year guidance during the fiscal third-quarter earnings call [2]. - S&P Global is projected to release its fiscal third-quarter results for 2025 on October 30, with management anticipating revenue growth of 5% to 7% and GAAP diluted EPS in the range of $14.35 to $14.60 [3]. Business Segments - S&P Global provides essential data, analytics, and insights across financial markets through five business segments: credit ratings, market intelligence, commodity pricing, automotive solutions, and global investment indices [4].

Group 1 - The financial services sector is crucial to the global economy, with trillions of dollars circulating among consumers, businesses, and markets, making it a prime area for finding high-quality investment opportunities [2] - Building a portfolio of dividend stocks is a gradual process, and there are three recommended dividend-paying financial stocks for long-term investment [3] Group 2 - Visa is a leading payment processing network that benefits from transaction fees, which increase with rising prices and transaction values; it has paid and raised its dividend for 16 consecutive years with a low payout ratio of 20% of 2025 earnings estimates [5][6] - Analysts project Visa's earnings to grow approximately 13% annually over the next three to five years, with a current valuation of 27 times 2025 earnings estimates considered fair for such a high-quality business [7] Group 3 - S&P Global is a key authority on financial debt globally, providing essential data and analytics for investors, particularly in the bond market, where it grades corporate debt [10] - The company has a highly profitable business model based on intangible assets and has converted over a third of its trailing-12-month revenue into free cash flow, allowing it to be a strong dividend payer; it has paid and raised its dividend for 51 consecutive years [11]

Core Viewpoint - S&P Dow Jones Indices has appointed Catherine Clay as the new CEO, effective November 1, 2025, succeeding Dan Draper, who will transition to a Special Advisor role [1][5][9]. Leadership Transition - Catherine Clay will report to Martina Cheung, President and CEO of S&P Global, and will be part of the Executive Leadership Team [2]. - Dan Draper has led S&P DJI for over five years, focusing on strategic initiatives and growth, and will assist in the transition [5][6]. Catherine Clay's Background - Ms. Clay previously served as Executive Vice President and Global Head of Derivatives at Cboe Global Markets, overseeing global options, futures businesses, and data analytics [3][7]. - She has extensive experience in derivatives markets, digital assets, and financial technology, which will be beneficial for S&P DJI [3][8]. Strategic Vision - Martina Cheung expressed confidence in Ms. Clay's leadership, highlighting her customer-centric approach and leadership experience as crucial for S&P DJI's future [4]. - Ms. Clay aims to build on the legacy of S&P DJI and enhance the development of trusted benchmarks for investors [4].

Core Insights - TMX Group has acquired Verity, enhancing its investment research management capabilities and advancing its global growth strategy [1][2][3] Company Overview - TMX Group operates global markets and provides various services including trading, clearing, and data solutions to the financial community [5] - The acquisition of Verity strengthens TMX Datalinx's offerings, particularly in delivering investment-grade data and insights across multiple asset classes [1][2] Product Offerings - Verity's key products include VerityRMS, a leading research management system, and VerityData, which focuses on public equity filings and enhanced datasets [2] - TMX Datalinx plans to enhance Verity's products, particularly their AI capabilities, to improve client investment outcomes and operational efficiencies [2][3] Strategic Impact - The acquisition is expected to help TMX Group serve a growing global client base, including top investment firms, by optimizing their intellectual capital and enriching workflows [2] - Verity's integration into TMX Datalinx is seen as a significant step in delivering better services to institutional investors, enabling them to act on insights more effectively [3]

Core Insights - Morningstar has announced an agreement to acquire CRSP, which is recognized as a leading provider of historical stock market data and indexes [1] Company Summary - The acquisition of CRSP by Morningstar is expected to enhance Morningstar's data offerings and strengthen its position in the financial services industry [1]

Upgrades Summary - TD Cowen upgraded Paycom (PAYC) to Buy from Hold with a price target of $258, increased from $246, citing positive indications from its 2025 human capital management survey and recent commentary on capex expectations [2] - Morgan Stanley upgraded Applied Materials (AMAT) to Overweight from Equal Weight with a price target of $209, up from $172, revising its 2026 wafer fab equipment sales forecast from up 5% year-over-year to up 10%, primarily in memory [2] - Morgan Stanley also upgraded Lam Research (LRCX) to Equal Weight from Underweight with a price target of $125, increased from $92 [2] - Evercore ISI upgraded Repligen (REGN) to Outperform from In Line with a price target of $155, up from $130, believing the bioprocessing solutions market is relatively insulated from macro headwinds and returning to high-single-digit growth [2] - Wells Fargo upgraded Brinker (EAT) to Overweight from Equal Weight with a price target of $175, up from $165, noting poor investor sentiment but highlighting turnaround momentum and undervaluation [2] - UBS upgraded FactSet (FDS) to Buy from Neutral with a price target of $425, down from $480, stating that the company's "sticky franchise" is underappreciated at current share levels [2]

Group 1: Financial Performance - FactSet reported quarterly sales of $596.9 million, exceeding analyst expectations of $593.5 million, marking a 6.2% year-over-year increase [1] - Adjusted earnings per share for the quarter were $4.05, falling short of the expected $4.13 [1] Group 2: Future Projections - The company anticipates revenues between $2.423 billion and $2.448 billion, compared to the analyst consensus estimate of $2.320 billion [2] - Projected adjusted diluted EPS is expected to be between $16.90 and $17.60, against the consensus estimate of $17.06 [2] - FactSet expects an adjusted operating margin of 34.0% to 35.5% [2] Group 3: Strategic Insights - CEO Sanoke Viswanathan highlighted that FactSet is at a strategic inflection point, with AI and data-driven innovation transforming workflows in financial markets [3] - The company aims to leverage its talent, technology, and data capabilities to lead in this transformation while focusing on sustainable, long-term value for clients and shareholders [3] Group 4: Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - Following the earnings announcement, Wells Fargo analyst Jason Haas maintained an Underweight rating and reduced the price target from $355 to $296 [8] - Stifel analyst Shlomo Rosenbaum kept a Hold rating and lowered the price target from $464 to $372 [8] - Evercore ISI Group analyst David Motemeden maintained an In-Line rating and cut the price target from $394 to $328 [8]

Core Insights - FactSet reported earnings per share (EPS) of $4.05, which was below the estimated $4.13, resulting in an earnings surprise of -2.41% [2][6] - The company's revenue for the fourth quarter was $596.9 million, exceeding estimates and reflecting a 6.2% year-over-year growth [3][6] - For the full fiscal year 2025, FactSet's GAAP revenues reached $2.32 billion, marking a 5.4% increase from the previous year [4] - FactSet's organic Annual Subscription Value (ASV) grew by 5.7% to $2.37 billion, indicating successful customer base expansion [4] - The fourth-quarter GAAP operating margin improved to 29.7%, showcasing efficient cost management [5][6] - The adjusted operating margin for the fourth quarter decreased to 33.8%, while the fiscal year GAAP operating margin was 32.2% [5] Financial Performance - EPS for the fourth quarter was $4.05, missing the estimate of $4.13, indicating a -2.41% earnings surprise [2][6] - Revenue for the fourth quarter was $596.9 million, surpassing the estimated $592.8 million, reflecting a 6.2% increase from $562.19 million in the same period in 2024 [3] - For the full fiscal year 2025, GAAP revenues were reported at $2.32 billion, a 5.4% increase from the previous year [4] Operating Metrics - The fourth-quarter GAAP operating margin improved by approximately 700 basis points to 29.7% [5] - The adjusted operating margin decreased by 200 basis points to 33.8% in the fourth quarter [5] - For the fiscal year, the GAAP operating margin was 32.2%, while the adjusted operating margin was 36.3% [5]