Stock price when the opinion was issued
Main business is doing ratings, which is facing a slowdown right now, but starting to see a pickup in capital markets activity. When bonds mature or get renewed, they have to be rated. Also does benchmark indices. Need-to-have information for financial services industry. Very high margins, very scalable, diversified. 70% of revenue is recurring. Acquisition synergies are finally being realized. Yield is 0.83%.
(Analysts’ price target is $490.00)
Wonderful business and business economics. Share price has been volatile because a big portion of business comes from bond ratings, and there have been fewer bond issues. Always fairly expensive. Right now 24-25x, fair. Free cashflow used to build out products.