MORN
Morningstar, Inc.
Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges
Market Cap$6.38B
5Y Perf.+9.4%
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Stock Comparison
MORN vs MSCI
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
MSCI
MSCI Inc.
Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges
Market Cap$42.38B
5Y Perf.+77.0%
MORN vs MSCI — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | MORN | MSCI |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges | Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges |
| Market Cap | $6.38B | $42.38B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $2.45B | $3.13B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $403M | $1.32B |
| Gross Margin | 61.0% | 82.4% |
| Operating Margin | 21.5% | 54.7% |
| Forward P/E | 14.1x | 29.7x |
| Total Debt | $1.41B | $6.31B |
| Cash & Equiv. | $475M | $515M |
MORN vs MSCI — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
MORN
MSCI
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morningstar, Inc. (MORN) | 100 | 109.4 | +9.4% |
| MSCI Inc. (MSCI) | 100 | 177.0 | +77.0% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: MORN vs MSCI
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: MSCI leads in 5 of 7 categories, making it the strongest pick for growth and revenue expansion and profitability and margin quality. Morningstar, Inc. is the stronger pick specifically for valuation and capital efficiency and capital preservation and lower volatility. As sector peers, any of these can serve as alternatives in the same allocation.
MORN
Morningstar, Inc.
The Banking Pick
MORN is the clearest fit if your priority is income & stability and sleep-well-at-night.
- Dividend streak 12 yrs, beta 0.52, yield 1.1%
- Lower volatility, beta 0.52, current ratio 0.99x
- PEG 1.24 vs MSCI's 1.75
Best for: income & stability and sleep-well-at-night
MSCI
MSCI Inc.
The Banking Pick
MSCI carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for growth exposure and long-term compounding.
- Rev growth 9.7%, EPS growth 10.7%
- 7.2% 10Y total return vs MORN's 120.3%
- 9.7% NII/revenue growth vs MORN's 7.5%
Best for: growth exposure and long-term compounding
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | MSCI | 9.7% NII/revenue growth vs MORN's 7.5% |
| Value | MORN | Lower P/E (14.1x vs 29.7x), PEG 1.24 vs 1.75 |
| Quality / Margins | MSCI | Efficiency ratio 0.3% vs MORN's 0.4% (lower = leaner) |
| Stability / Safety | MORN | Beta 0.52 vs MSCI's 0.61 |
| Dividends | MSCI | 1.2% yield, 11-year raise streak, vs MORN's 1.1% |
| Momentum (1Y) | MSCI | +8.1% vs MORN's -42.2% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | MSCI | Efficiency ratio 0.3% vs MORN's 0.4% |
MORN vs MSCI — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
FY 2025
FY 2025
MORN vs MSCI — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLMSCILAGGINGMORN
MORNMorningstar, Inc.
1leads
MSCIMSCI Inc.
3leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs MORNMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
MSCI4/5
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
MORN6/6
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
MSCI4/7
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
MSCI6/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
Tied
—
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
Tied
—
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
MSCI leads this category, winning 4 of 5 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
MSCI and MORN operate at a comparable scale, with $3.1B and $2.4B in trailing revenue. MSCI is the more profitable business, keeping 38.4% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to MORN's 15.3%.
| Metric | MORNMorningstar, Inc. | MSCIMSCI Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $2.4B | $3.1B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $763M | $2.0B |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $403M | $1.3B |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $437M | $1.5B |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +61.0% | +82.4% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +21.5% | +54.7% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +15.3% | +38.4% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +18.1% | +49.4% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | — | — |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +50.0% | +49.1% |
MSCI leads this category, winning 4 of 5 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
MORN leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
At 18.9x trailing earnings, MORN trades at a 49% valuation discount to MSCI's 37.4x P/E. Adjusting for growth (PEG ratio), MORN offers better value at 1.66x vs MSCI's 2.21x — a lower PEG means you pay less per unit of expected earnings growth.
| Metric | MORNMorningstar, Inc. | MSCIMSCI Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $6.4B | $42.4B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $7.3B | $48.2B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 18.90x | 37.41x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 14.09x | 29.67x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | 1.66x | 2.21x |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 10.20x | 24.93x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 2.61x | 13.52x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 5.79x | — |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 14.41x | 27.36x |
MORN leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
MSCI leads this category, winning 4 of 7 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), MSCI scores 8/9 vs MORN's 6/9, reflecting strong financial health.
| Metric | MORNMorningstar, Inc. | MSCIMSCI Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +30.0% | — |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +10.9% | +24.0% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +15.3% | +34.9% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +20.6% | +44.3% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 6 | 8 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 1.15x | — |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $933M | $5.8B |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $475M | $515M |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $1.4B | $6.3B |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 12.40x | 7.67x |
MSCI leads this category, winning 4 of 7 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
MSCI leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in MSCI five years ago would be worth $12,833 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $6,723 for MORN. Over the past 12 months, MSCI leads with a +8.1% total return vs MORN's -42.2%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors MSCI at 8.4% vs MORN's -2.6% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | MORNMorningstar, Inc. | MSCIMSCI Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | -19.8% | +3.4% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | -42.2% | +8.1% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -7.7% | +27.3% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -32.8% | +28.3% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +120.3% | +723.8% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | -2.6% | +8.4% |
MSCI leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
Evenly matched — MORN and MSCI each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
MORN is the less volatile stock with a 0.52 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than MSCI's 0.61 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. MSCI currently trades 93.0% from its 52-week high vs MORN's 52.9% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | MORNMorningstar, Inc. | MSCIMSCI Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 0.52x | 0.61x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $316.71 | $626.28 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $149.08 | $501.08 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +52.9% | +93.0% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 40.9 | 53.9 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 515K | 519K |
Evenly matched — MORN and MSCI each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Evenly matched — MORN and MSCI each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Wall Street rates MORN as "Hold" and MSCI as "Buy". Consensus price targets imply 41.1% upside for MORN (target: $237) vs 15.8% for MSCI (target: $674). For income investors, MSCI offers the higher dividend yield at 1.24% vs MORN's 1.09%.
| Metric | MORNMorningstar, Inc. | MSCIMSCI Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Hold | Buy |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $236.50 | $674.33 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 6 | 27 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | +1.1% | +1.2% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 12 | 11 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | $1.82 | $7.20 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | +12.3% | +5.9% |
Evenly matched — MORN and MSCI each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Key Takeaway
MSCI leads in 3 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Profitability & Efficiency). MORN leads in 1 (Valuation Metrics). 2 tied.
Best OverallMSCI Inc. (MSCI)Leads 3 of 6 categories
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MORN vs MSCI: Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is MORN or MSCI a better buy right now?
For growth investors, MSCI Inc.
(MSCI) is the stronger pick with 9. 7% revenue growth year-over-year, versus 7. 5% for Morningstar, Inc. (MORN). Morningstar, Inc. (MORN) offers the better valuation at 18. 9x trailing P/E (14. 1x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate MSCI Inc. (MSCI) a "Buy" — based on 27 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — MORN or MSCI?
On trailing P/E, Morningstar, Inc.
(MORN) is the cheapest at 18. 9x versus MSCI Inc. at 37. 4x. On forward P/E, Morningstar, Inc. is actually cheaper at 14. 1x. The PEG ratio (P/E divided by earnings growth rate) is the most growth-adjusted single valuation metric: Morningstar, Inc. wins at 1. 24x versus MSCI Inc. 's 1. 75x — a reasonable growth-adjusted valuation.
03Which is the better long-term investment — MORN or MSCI?
Over the past 5 years, MSCI Inc.
(MSCI) delivered a total return of +28. 3%, compared to -32. 8% for Morningstar, Inc. (MORN). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: MSCI returned +723. 8% versus MORN's +120. 3%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — MORN or MSCI?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Morningstar, Inc.
(MORN) is the lower-risk stock at 0. 52β versus MSCI Inc. 's 0. 61β — meaning MSCI is approximately 17% more volatile than MORN relative to the S&P 500.
05Which is growing faster — MORN or MSCI?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), MSCI Inc.
(MSCI) is pulling ahead at 9. 7% versus 7. 5% for Morningstar, Inc. (MORN). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: MSCI Inc. grew EPS 10. 7% year-over-year, compared to 3. 4% for Morningstar, Inc.. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — MORN or MSCI?
MSCI Inc.
(MSCI) is the more profitable company, earning 38. 4% net margin versus 15. 3% for Morningstar, Inc. — meaning it keeps 38. 4% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: MSCI leads at 54. 7% versus 21. 5% for MORN. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — MSCI leads at 82. 4%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Is MORN or MSCI more undervalued right now?
The PEG ratio (forward P/E divided by expected earnings growth rate) is the most precise measure of undervaluation relative to growth potential.
By this metric, Morningstar, Inc. (MORN) is the more undervalued stock at a PEG of 1. 24x versus MSCI Inc. 's 1. 75x. A PEG below 1. 5 suggests fair-to-attractive pricing relative to expected growth. On forward earnings alone, Morningstar, Inc. (MORN) trades at 14. 1x forward P/E versus 29. 7x for MSCI Inc. — 15. 6x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis. Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for MORN: 41. 1% to $236. 50.
08Which pays a better dividend — MORN or MSCI?
All stocks in this comparison pay dividends.
MSCI Inc. (MSCI) offers the highest yield at 1. 2%, versus 1. 1% for Morningstar, Inc. (MORN).
09Is MORN or MSCI better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, MSCI Inc.
(MSCI) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 0. 61), 1. 2% yield, +723. 8% 10Y return). Both have compounded well over 10 years (MSCI: +723. 8%, MORN: +120. 3%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
10What are the main differences between MORN and MSCI?
Both stocks operate in the Financial Services sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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Revenue Growth>
%
(MORN: 7.5% · MSCI: 9.7%)Net Margin>
%
(MORN: 15.3% · MSCI: 38.4%)P/E Ratio<
x
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