Morgan Stanley has upgraded Factset Research Systems Inc (FDS) to Equal-Weight from Underweight, reflecting a more optimistic outlook on the company’s future prospects. This upgrade, announced on December 16, 2025, comes as Factset continues to navigate a competitive landscape in financial services, where it provides a global financial digital platform and enterprise solutions.
Headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut, Factset employs 12,800 full-time staff and offers financial data, analytics, and technology solutions to clients worldwide. The firm serves various segments, including the Americas, EMEA, and Asia Pacific, and supports investment research, portfolio management, and ESG investing.
As of the upgrade date, Factset's shares were priced at $298.96, with a market capitalization of $10.9 billion and a P/E ratio of 18.24. The company has a dividend yield of 150.7%. Upcoming earnings reports are scheduled for June 22, 2026, with an expected EPS of $4.47 and revenue of $619.6 million, and March 18, 2026, with an estimated EPS of $4.38 and revenue of $608.8 million.
The move underscores a shift in analyst sentiment, which may point to improved fundamentals or increased confidence in Factset's strategic direction. Analyst ratings, while informative, should be considered alongside other factors such as company fundamentals and industry trends.
In the most recent analyst consensus, Factset holds a 'Hold' rating among 27 analysts, with 0 Strong Buy, 2 Buy, 14 Hold, 9 Sell, and 2 Strong Sell ratings. Recent actions include a downgrade from Wells Fargo to Underweight on December 5, 2025, and an upgrade from UBS to Buy on September 22, 2025. Analyst opinions can fluctuate as new information becomes available, highlighting the dynamic nature of market assessments.