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On Tuesday, BMO Capital Markets adjusted its price target for FactSet Research Systems (NYSE:FDS) shares, lowering it to $498.00 from the previous $518.00, but retained a Market Perform rating on the stock. Currently trading at $467.72, the stock sits near its 52-week high of $499.87. According to InvestingPro data, the company's current valuation appears to be fairly valued based on its proprietary Fair Value model. The adjustment follows the company's first-quarter fiscal year 2025 results, which were announced on December 19, 2024. FactSet Research Systems reported an adjusted earnings per share (EPS) that surpassed expectations, attributed mainly to cost-saving measures implemented in the previous fiscal year, particularly in personnel and real estate expenses.
The firm's guidance for fiscal year 2025 revenue and Annual Subscription Value (ASV) anticipates a recovery in the second half of the fiscal year. Margin guidance for the same period suggests that the benefits realized from the cost-cutting actions taken in fiscal year 2024 will be balanced by continued self-funded investments. InvestingPro analysis reveals the company maintains strong profitability with a gross margin of 54.29% and has demonstrated consistent dividend growth, having raised its dividend for 26 consecutive years - one of several valuable insights available in the comprehensive Pro Research Report. Despite the unchanged guidance for the full fiscal year, BMO Capital has revised its second-quarter fiscal year 2025 estimates downward, anticipating an increase in the spending rate.
The analyst from BMO Capital provided insights on the company's recent earnings and future expectations, noting that the financial results were influenced by previous cost management efforts. "FDS reported F1Q25 results on December 19, 2024, with an adj. EPS beat as prior cost actions flowed through (mostly people and real estate). FY2025 revenue/ASV guidance assumes a 2H25 recovery while margin guidance implies benefits from actions taken in FY2024 offset with continued self-funded investment," the analyst commented.
While the fiscal year 2025 guidance remains stable, BMO Capital has adjusted its outlook for the near term, reflecting a conservative stance on FactSet's expenditure trajectory. InvestingPro data shows 14 analysts have revised their earnings downward for the upcoming period, though the company maintains a solid financial health score of "GOOD" based on comprehensive metrics including profitability, growth, and cash flow analysis. The analyst's commentary underscores the expectation that FactSet's spending will begin to increase as the company continues to invest in its own growth and development.
The revised price target of $498.00 represents BMO Capital's valuation of FactSet's stock based on the latest financial data and the firm's projections for the company's performance in the upcoming quarters. FactSet Research Systems, known for providing financial information and analytics to the investment community, continues to navigate the balance between cost management and investment in its services.
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