MSCI Inc. (NYSE:MSCI) Third-Quarter Results Just Came Out: Here's What Analysts Are Forecasting For Next Year

Investors in MSCI Inc. (NYSE:MSCI) had a good week, as its shares rose 8.2% to close at US$583 following the release of its quarterly results. The result was positive overall - although revenues of US$793m were in line with what the analysts predicted, MSCI surprised by delivering a statutory profit of US$4.25 per share, modestly greater than expected. Following the result, the analysts have updated their earnings model, and it would be good to know whether they think there's been a strong change in the company's prospects, or if it's business as usual. We've gathered the most recent statutory forecasts to see whether the analysts have changed their earnings models, following these results.

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Taking into account the latest results, the current consensus from MSCI's 16 analysts is for revenues of US$3.43b in 2026. This would reflect a decent 12% increase on its revenue over the past 12 months. Statutory earnings per share are predicted to grow 13% to US$18.44. Before this earnings report, the analysts had been forecasting revenues of US$3.41b and earnings per share (EPS) of US$18.09 in 2026. So it's pretty clear that, although the analysts have updated their estimates, there's been no major change in expectations for the business following the latest results.

Check out our latest analysis for MSCI

There were no changes to revenue or earnings estimates or the price target of US$655, suggesting that the company has met expectations in its recent result. The consensus price target is just an average of individual analyst targets, so - it could be handy to see how wide the range of underlying estimates is. Currently, the most bullish analyst values MSCI at US$710 per share, while the most bearish prices it at US$535. Still, with such a tight range of estimates, it suggeststhe analysts have a pretty good idea of what they think the company is worth.

Taking a look at the bigger picture now, one of the ways we can understand these forecasts is to see how they compare to both past performance and industry growth estimates. We would highlight that MSCI's revenue growth is expected to slow, with the forecast 9.6% annualised growth rate until the end of 2026 being well below the historical 12% p.a. growth over the last five years. By way of comparison, the other companies in this industry with analyst coverage are forecast to grow their revenue at 7.0% annually. So it's pretty clear that, while MSCI's revenue growth is expected to slow, it's still expected to grow faster than the industry itself.

The Bottom Line

The most important thing to take away is that there's been no major change in sentiment, with the analysts reconfirming that the business is performing in line with their previous earnings per share estimates. Fortunately, they also reconfirmed their revenue numbers, suggesting that it's tracking in line with expectations. Additionally, our data suggests that revenue is expected to grow faster than the wider industry. There was no real change to the consensus price target, suggesting that the intrinsic value of the business has not undergone any major changes with the latest estimates.

Keeping that in mind, we still think that the longer term trajectory of the business is much more important for investors to consider. We have estimates - from multiple MSCI analysts - going out to 2027, and you can see them free on our platform here.

Even so, be aware that MSCI is showing 1 warning sign in our investment analysis , you should know about...

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.