With a market cap of $40.3 billion, MSCI Inc. (MSCI) is a global provider of research-based data, analytics, and indexes that support investment decision-making across financial markets. The company offers products and services across several segments, including Index, Analytics, Sustainability and Climate, and Private Assets, helping investors with benchmarking, risk management, portfolio construction, and ESG analysis.
Companies worth more than $10 billion are generally labeled as “large-cap” stocks and MSCI fits this criterion perfectly. MSCI serves institutional investors worldwide with technology-driven insights and investment tools.
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Shares of the New York-based company have declined nearly 14% from its 52-week high of $644.77. MSCI’s shares have fallen 8.7% over the past three months, lagging behind the Nasdaq Composite’s ($NASX) 2.2% rise over the same time frame.
www.barchart.com MSCI stock has decreased 3.3% on a YTD basis, underperforming NASX’s nearly 13% return. In the longer term, shares of the company have dropped 2.6% over the past 52 weeks, compared to NASX’s 20% increase over the same time frame.
The stock has been trading below its 50-day and 200-day moving averages since mid July.
www.barchart.com MSCI shares tumbled 10.1% on Jul. 21 after the company raised its 2026 operating expense forecast to $1.54 billion - $1.58 billion, citing acquisition costs, higher employee incentives and increased investment spending. Operating expenses rose 9.2% to $379.5 million and interest expense surged nearly 48% because of higher debt levels, raising concerns. Although Q2 2026 adjusted EPS of $4.94 matched estimates and index asset-based fees jumped 26.6% to $233.1 million, investors focused on the higher cost outlook and its impact on profitability.
In comparison, MSCI stock has shown a less pronounced decline than its rival, S&P Global Inc. (SPGI). SPGI stock has decreased 23.6% over the past 52 weeks and 19.9% on a YTD basis.
Despite the stock’s underperformance relative to the Nasdaq, analysts remain bullish on MSCI. The stock has a consensus rating of “Strong Buy” from the 19 analysts covering it, and the mean price target of $690.83 is a premium of 24.6% to current levels.
On the date of publication, Sohini Mondal did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
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