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Morningstar Inc(MORN)

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EXPLORE ADVISORIES AND THEIR HISTORY
QUALITY SIGNAL RECENCY
2-STAR RATING
Consider higher Upturn Star rating
BUY for 15 days
PROFIT SINCE LAST BUY
+15.29% ▲
LAST CLOSE
$246.47
11/10/2026
(24-hour delay)

Advisory History & Simulated Performance *

*as per simulation (see disclosures)
  • ALL
  • 1Y
  • 1M
  • 1W
  • BUY Advisory
  • SELL Advisory (Profit)
  • SELL Advisory (Loss)
  • Profit
  • Loss
  • PASS (Skip)
Upturn Stock price based on last close iconStock price based on last close
Simulated performance—not actual client returns. Excludes advisory subscription fees, trading commissions, and taxes, which would reduce returns. Results depend on calculation assumptions and do not guarantee future outcomes. See Disclosures for full methodology, assumptions, and limitations.

Advisory Performance History (Simulated)Advisory Performance History info

Simulated performance—not actual client returns. Excludes advisory subscription fees, trading commissions, and taxes, which would reduce returns. Results depend on calculation assumptions and do not guarantee future outcomes. See Disclosures for full methodology, assumptions, and limitations.

Upturn Advisory & Investor View for MORN

11/10/2026: MORN (2-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.

Morningstar Inc is a established provider of independent investment research, financial data, and software for investors and advisors. The company has built a leading position by leveraging its trusted brand to provide essential tools that support professional decision-making. Its primary growth opportunity lies in scaling its private market data through PitchBook and expanding its suite of AI-driven analytical tools. Key risks include intense competitive pressure from lower-cost financial analytics firms, potential regulatory changes in the credit ratings business, and the need for ongoing R&D investment. Morningstar may suit investors looking for quality-focused financial exposure, though valuation sensitivity remains an important consideration for long-term holders.

How to Read the Upturn Advisory

The Upturn Star Rating and the current BUY, SELL, or PASS advisory are generated by Upturn’s AI advisory engine based on proprietary signal analysis, price behavior, advisory history, and historical signal performance.

Company fundamentals, valuation, risks, and news provide supporting context about the business.

Investor Fit

Investor styleFitWhy
Growth investorStrong fitMorningstar benefits from the secular shift toward digital tools for financial advisors and institutional data usage.
Momentum investorMixed fitMomentum is conditional on positive market sentiment toward financial technology stocks and the broader macro environment.
Value investorMixed fitThe stock often trades at a premium multiple due to its subscription-based business model and quality brand.
Dividend investorMixed fitThe company pays a reliable dividend, but yields are generally lower than traditional income-focused stocks.
Low-risk investorStrong fit while signal remains positiveThe company's recurring revenue business model provides significant stability compared to cyclical financial service peers.

Risk Profile

Risk factorLevelWhy it matters
Price volatilityMediumThe stock can experience price swings linked to overall market conditions and tech sector sentiment.
Valuation riskMedium / highMorningstar often commands a high P/E ratio, making it sensitive to shifts in interest rates and growth expectations.
Competition risk (AI and Tech competition)Medium / highNew entrants using AI to offer lower-cost financial analytics pose a threat to traditional pricing power.
Business qualityStrongThe company possesses a strong moat through proprietary data and high customer switching costs.
Dividend incomeLowDividends are a smaller component of total return compared to capital appreciation.
Execution riskMediumFuture growth depends on the successful integration of complex acquisitions and product innovation.

Price Behavior

Strong Uptrend
PRICE PATH

Strong Uptrend

The stock has maintained a strong upward price trend across the last three quarters.

Moderately Choppy
PRICE STABILITY

Moderately Choppy

The stock has experienced noticeable price swings while retaining some directional structure.

Analysis of Past Performance

Type Stock
Historic Profit 0.28%
Avg. Invested days 47
Today’s Advisory Consider higher Upturn Star rating
Upturn Advisory Rating upturn star rating icon
Upturn Advisory Performance Upturn Advisory Performance icon 3.0
Stock Returns Performance Upturn Returns Performance icon 1.0
Upturn Profits based on simulation icon Profits based on simulation
Upturn last close icon Last Close 11/10/2026

Upturn Scorecard

Upturn Star Rating

★★★★★
MORN receives a 4-star rating, supported by solid unit economics, and solid company fundamentals. The rating is constrained by weak price momentum, and limited analyst upside.

Company Fundamentals

★★★★★
MORN has solid overall fundamentals (4 stars), with moderate financial health, moderate growth momentum, and solid ownership. In FY2025 versus FY2024, moderate earnings growth (+1.2%) and strong cash generation (FCF margin 18.1%) are partially offset by moderate revenue growth (+7.5%).

Financial Health Rating

★★★★★
MORN's financial health is supported by solid cash strength, including free-cash-flow generation (18.1% of revenue). Liquidity is moderate (3 stars), which helps explain the 3-star overall score.

Growth Momentum Score

★★★★★
Revenue growth is MORN's strongest growth driver at +7.5% FY2025 versus FY2024 (moderate, 3 stars). By comparison, while free-cash-flow growth (-1.4%, slightly negative) holds the profile back, so recent growth is not broad-based across the business.

Ownership

★★★★★
Institutional ownership is 68.1% and approximately 51.7% of outstanding shares are publicly tradable, supporting liquidity and institutional participation. Insider ownership of 50.16% supports management-shareholder alignment.

Top 5 Institutional Investors

BAMCO Inc 9.43%
BlackRock Inc 5.61%
Wellington Management Company LLP 4.02%
Morgan Stanley - Brokerage Accounts 4.00%
AQR Capital Management LLC 3.52%

Unit Economics (Per $1K Revenue)

★★★★★
MORN generates approximately $610 of gross profit, $215 of operating income, and $181 of free cash flow for every $1,000 of revenue. Based on FY2025 results. Solid margins and strong cash conversion support the rating, although capital efficiency remains solid.

Economic Dimensions

★★★★★
Effective Tax Rate: 24.51%

Quantitative Style Profile

★★★★★
MORN has a high-quality, liquid profile. Weak momentum is the primary drawback.

Style Classification

Quality Focused

Value-OrientedQuality TiltSmall / Mid Cap RiskShort Squeeze RiskHighly Liquid / Institution-Friendly

Key Highlights

Company Size Mid-Cap Stock
Market Capitalization 9.13B USD
Price to earnings Ratio 21.59
1Y Target Price 254.33
Price to earnings Ratio 21.59
1Y Target Price 254.33
Volume (30-day avg) 270.3K shares
Beta 0.9
52 Weeks Range 140.69 - 248.88
Updated Date 11/10/2026
52 Weeks Range 140.69 - 248.88
Updated Date 11/10/2026
Dividends yield (FY) 0.82%
Basic EPS (TTM) 11.4

How Company Makes Money

Business areaWhat it includesRetail investor read
License-Based SubscriptionsIncludes revenue from Morningstar Direct and Advisor Workstation platforms.This is the core, predictable 'SaaS' engine of the company.
Asset ManagementInvestment management services and retirement solutions.Fees are earned on assets managed, linking revenue to market performance.
Credit RatingsRatings and research services for fixed income securities.This provides a steady, regulated revenue stream.
Geography (Global)Operations in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.The company has a significant global footprint, diversifying revenue across regions.

Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth

Revenue by Products

Product revenue - Year on Year

Revenue by Geography

Geography revenue - Year on Year

Earnings Date

Report Date 2026-10-28
When After Market
Estimate 3.04
Actual 3.48

Profitability

Profit Margin 17%
Operating Margin (TTM) 24.91%

Management Effectiveness

Return on Assets (TTM) 10.27%
Return on Equity (TTM) 35.08%

Valuation

Trailing PE 21.59
Forward PE 19.8
Enterprise Value 10.48B
Price to Sales(TTM) 3.48
Enterprise Value 10.48B
Price to Sales(TTM) 3.48
Enterprise Value to Revenue 3.97
Enterprise Value to EBITDA 12.04
Shares Outstanding 37.10M
Shares Floating 19.20M
Shares Outstanding 37.10M
Shares Floating 19.20M
Percent Insiders 50.16
Percent Institutions 68.06

Financial Metrics

🧭 Investment Snapshot

Total Revenue (Scale)

Information icon Total money earned from selling products or services before any costs. It is needed to understand the scale of the business and its ability to generate income.

Net Income (Profit)

Information icon Final profit after all expenses, interest, and taxes are deducted. It is needed to determine the overall profitability available to shareholders.

Free Cash Flow (Cash Strength)

Information icon Cash remaining after operating activities and capital expenditures, showing cash available for growth. It is needed to evaluate the company’s ability to invest, pay dividends, or reduce debt.

📈 Growth & Strength

Operating Income (Core Profit)

Information icon Profit from core operations after deducting all operating expenses. It is needed to measure how efficiently the company runs its primary business activities.

EBITDA (Cash Earnings)

Information icon Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, indicating operating cash potential. It is needed to compare operating performance across companies without accounting or financing differences.

Gross Profit (Unit Profitability)

Information icon Revenue minus cost of revenue, showing profit after direct production costs. It is needed to evaluate core business profitability before overhead expenses.

🛡️ Financial Safety

Cash (Liquidity Buffer)

Information icon Total cash and cash equivalents on hand. It is needed to evaluate immediate liquidity and financial flexibility.

Total Debt (Leverage Risk)

Information icon Total debt including both short-term and long-term components. It is needed to assess the company’s leverage and financial risk.

Net Working Capital (Short-Term Health)

Information icon Current assets minus current liabilities, indicating short-term liquidity strength. It is needed to assess whether the company can meet its short-term obligations.

🧱 Balance Sheet Strength

Stockholder Equity (Net Worth)

Information icon Total equity value held by shareholders. It is needed to understand the net worth of the company from the owners’ perspective.

Total Assets (Asset Base)

Information icon The full value of everything the company owns, including cash, inventory, equipment, and investments. It is needed to understand the resource base used to generate revenue.

Income Before Tax (Pre-Tax Earnings)

Information icon Income before provision for income taxes. It is needed to analyze profitability independent of tax structures.

⚙️ Cost & Drag Factors

Cost of Revenue (Production Cost)

Information icon Direct costs required to produce and deliver the products or services sold. It is needed to assess efficiency in production and service delivery.

Total Operating Expenses (Operating Cost)

Information icon Indirect costs of running the business such as salaries, marketing, and administration. It is needed to understand how much it costs to sustain ongoing business operations.

Income Tax Expense (Tax Drag)

Information icon Amount of taxes paid or payable to the government. It is needed to evaluate the impact of taxation on overall profitability.

Form CRS provides a relationship summary of our automated advisory services, flat subscription fees, and conflicts of interest. Form ADV Part 2A brochure contains complete details on services, billing, and disclosures. If any summary differs from our current regulatory filings, the filed Form ADV controls.