UBS maintains Buy on MSCI stock with $655 target

Published 21/05/2025, 12:58
UBS maintains Buy on MSCI stock with $655 target

On Wednesday, UBS reaffirmed its positive stance on MSCI Inc . (NYSE:MSCI), maintaining a Buy rating and a price target of $655.00, near the high end of analyst targets ranging from $520 to $675. With a market capitalization of $44.2 billion and trading at a P/E ratio of 39.05, InvestingPro data suggests MSCI is currently trading above its Fair Value. In a recent investor meeting with MSCI’s CFO Andy Wiechmann, UBS analyst Alex Kramm reported a generally optimistic outlook from the company’s management. The discussion highlighted an improving environment for MSCI, particularly noting a shift in asset allocation towards global investing away from the U.S. market.

Despite the positive sentiment, there was an acknowledgment of some remaining market choppiness, leading to uncertainty about the exact timing of financial improvement for MSCI. The company maintains a "GREAT" financial health score according to InvestingPro analysis, with revenue growing at 11.67% over the last twelve months. Specifically, the acceleration of MSCI’s sales growth was mentioned as an uncertain factor. However, increased client confidence was identified as a major driver for future improvement in the company’s performance.

Kramm pointed out that alongside client confidence, new initiatives by MSCI are expected to contribute to the company’s growth. Investment spending and potential near-term upside are particularly strong in the custom index area. Additionally, MSCI’s focus on private assets and climate-related products are areas that the company continues to prioritize.

The analyst expressed confidence in MSCI’s potential for reacceleration and reiterated a bullish outlook on the stock. Nevertheless, Kramm also noted that investors might be looking for more concrete evidence of the company’s progress before fully re-engaging with the stock.

In conclusion, UBS’s reiteration of a Buy rating indicates their belief in MSCI’s growth potential, driven by strategic initiatives and a favorable shift in asset allocation trends. The company has maintained dividend payments for 12 consecutive years, demonstrating consistent shareholder returns. However, the firm also recognizes the need for further signs of MSCI’s financial improvement to solidify investor confidence. For deeper insights into MSCI’s valuation and growth prospects, investors can access comprehensive analysis and additional ProTips through InvestingPro’s detailed research report.

In other recent news, MSCI Inc. reported its first-quarter 2025 earnings, exceeding analysts’ expectations with an earnings per share (EPS) of $4.00 against the forecasted $3.93. The company’s revenue reached $745.83 million, slightly surpassing the anticipated $745.40 million. Shareholders also approved the company’s executive compensation and the 2025 Omnibus Incentive Plan during the annual stockholders meeting. Additionally, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP was ratified as the independent auditor for the fiscal year 2025. MSCI maintained its full-year guidance despite market uncertainties, highlighting its resilience and strategic focus on innovation. The company also announced a partnership with Moody’s to develop credit risk assessments for private credit, combining Moody’s credit risk modeling with MSCI’s investment data. The partnership aims to enhance clarity in private credit markets, especially during periods of credit stress. These developments reflect MSCI’s ongoing efforts to align its offerings with market demands and shareholder interests.

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