On August 26, 2023, FactSet Research Systems (NYSE:FDS) received a downgrade from stock analysts at Royal Bank of Canada. According to Bloomberg.com, the company’s rating was lowered from “outperform” to “sector perform.” Additionally, the target price for FactSet Research Systems’ stock was adjusted from $500.00 to $464.00 by Royal Bank of Canada. This updated price objective implies a potential upside of 5.34% from the current market value.

As of Friday’s opening, shares of NYSE FDS began trading at $440.47. The business services provider has a market capitalization of $16.80 billion and exhibits financial metrics such as a price-to-earnings ratio of 33.75 and a beta of 0.83. Moreover, the company’s PEG ratio stands at 2.64 – an indicator used to assess whether a stock is undervalued or overvalued based on its growth potential.

Over the past year, FactSet Research Systems has seen its stock range between a low of $377.89 and a high of $474.13 – demonstrating some volatility in its trading performance throughout this period. In terms of moving averages, the fifty-day moving average rests at $418.34, while the two-hundred-day moving average sits slightly below at $411.85.

Examining the company’s liquidity position, FactSet Research Systems possesses acceptable quick and current ratios both standing at 2.11 as per recent data available for analysis purposes. Furthermore, the company showcases a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.00 – implying that it relies relatively equally on debt and equity financing.

In terms of recent investment activity related to FactSet Research Systems’ stock, several hedge funds underwent changes in their positions in the second quarter this year. For example, Virginia Retirement Systems ET AL acquired new shares worth approximately $462,000. In a similar vein, Comerica Bank acquired positions valued at roughly $385,860,000. Vestor Capital LLC also entered the market with fresh shares worth an estimated $52,000. Osaic Holdings Inc., on the other hand, increased its position by 4.8% and now owns 22,875 shares valued at $9,125,000. Lastly, Orion Portfolio Solutions LLC initiated a position in FactSet Research Systems with holdings worth about $360,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds altogether held 86.90% of the company’s stock.

Turning to earnings data from FactSet Research Systems’ latest quarterly report issued on June 22nd, 2023 – the company performed well. It reported earnings per share (EPS) of $3.79 for the quarter, surpassing analysts’ consensus estimates of $3.62 by $0.17. The firm generated $529.80 million in revenue during this period compared to expectations set at $527.56 million by analysts surveyed by Bloomberg.com.

FactSet Research Systems achieved a net margin of 24.77% and a return on equity (ROE) of 37.65% for the same quarter studied previously – showcasing its solid financial performance over this period in time where it managed to increase both profitability and returns for shareholders when compared to the previous year’s figures.

Taking into account these statistics as well as analysts’ forecasts, it is predicted that FactSet Research Systems will post an EPS of 15.07 for the current fiscal year.

In conclusion, FactSet Research Systems (NYSE:FDS) recently experienced a downgrade in its rating by Royal Bank of Canada from “outperform” to “sector perform.” This revision was accompanied by an adjustment in target price from $500 to $464 per share – suggesting a potential upside of 5.34%. With robust financials and positive quarterly earnings, FactSet Research Systems continues to demonstrate its strengths in the business services sector.

Analyst Reports and Insider Trading Activity Illuminate FactSet Research Systems’ Performance and Outlook

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On August 26, 2023, it was reported that several research analysts had issued reports on FactSet Research Systems (FDS), a leading provider of financial data and analytical tools. These reports, originating from prominent firms such as Bank of America, Wells Fargo & Company, 22nd Century Group, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft, and Stifel Nicolaus, shed light on the company’s performance and its future prospects.

Notably, Bank of America initiated coverage on FactSet Research Systems in a report published on June 15th. The firm assigned a “neutral” rating to the stock. Similarly, Wells Fargo & Company began coverage on May 9th and gave a rating of “equal weight” to FDS shares. Additionally, Wells Fargo set a target price of $435.00 for the stock.

Meanwhile, 22nd Century Group maintained their positive stance on FactSet Research Systems by reiterating their “maintains” rating in their report from June 27th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft also expressed optimism about the company’s future by increasing their price objective from $454.00 to $461.00 in their report released on June 23rd.

Stifel Nicolaus joined the chorus of positivity surrounding FactSet Research Systems as they raised their price objective from $419.00 to $440.00 in their report dated June 20th.

While these analysts’ reports conveyed varying degrees of confidence in the company’s performance, none rated FDS as a sell recommendation. One analyst recommended investors to buy shares while eight analysts suggested holding onto existing positions.

Looking at consensus ratings compiled by Bloomberg.com, FactSet Research Systems has garnered a “Hold” rating among analysts with an average target price of $437.90.

In other news related to FactSet Research Systems, CEO Frederick Philip Snow made headlines for selling 3,000 shares of FDS stock on August 1st. The transaction, which was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, involved the shares being sold at an average price of $433.22. The CEO now holds 8,247 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $3,572,765.34.

These developments shed light on the sentiment surrounding FactSet Research Systems and its future prospects. As investors digest this information and consider their investment strategies, they should carefully analyze these reports from various research analysts and take note of insider trading activities to make informed decisions about their FDS holdings.