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)
Ratings business dried up last year, as higher interest rates squashed need for new debt. This part of the business is stabilizing. Other divisions doing well. Lots of recurring revenue from subscriptions. Wait for a pullback to add new capital.