FactSet Research Systems (FDS) vs MSCI (MSCI)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.
Summary
FactSet Research Systems (FDS) has outperformed MSCI (MSCI) over the past year, losing 1.5% versus a loss of 2.4%. Over five years, MSCI leads with a -9.9% price change compared with -34.3% for FDS. MSCI is the larger company by market cap ($40.38 billion vs $9.70 billion), about 4.2 times the size.
On valuation, FactSet Research Systems trades at a lower forward P/E (12.6x vs 24.7x for MSCI). MSCI pays a dividend yielding 1.39%, while FactSet Research Systems does not currently pay one. MSCI converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 38.4% versus 25.7%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | FDS | MSCI |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $272.78 | $555.38 |
| Market cap | $9.70B | $40.38B |
| 1-day change | +0.28% | +0.08% |
| YTD return | -6.00% | -3.20% |
| 1-year return | -1.50% | -2.41% |
| 5-year return | -34.25% | -9.85% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 18.72 | 30.35 |
| Forward P/E | 12.56 | 24.71 |
| EPS (TTM) | $14.57 | $18.30 |
| Dividend yield | 1.71% | 1.39% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $7.70 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $2.32B | $3.13B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +5.39% | +9.75% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $597.04M | $1.20B |
| Gross margin | 52.72% | 82.44% |
| Operating margin | 32.23% | 54.67% |
| Net margin | 25.72% | 38.36% |
| 52-week high | $320.48 | $644.77 |
| 52-week low | $185.00 | $501.08 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -14.88% | -13.86% |
| Analyst consensus | hold | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +1.75% | +23.95% |
| Average volume | 866.23K | 624.19K |
| Shares outstanding | 35.57M | 72.70M |
| Employees | — | 6,327 |
| Sector | Technology | Consumer Discretionary |
| Industry | Computer Software: Programming Data Processing | Business Services |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- MSCI is about 4.2 times larger than FactSet Research Systems by market value ($40.38B vs $9.70B).
- MSCI trades at a higher earnings multiple (30.3x vs 18.7x trailing P/E).
- MSCI is more profitable, keeping 38.4 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 25.7 cents for FactSet Research Systems.
- The two companies sit in different sectors: FactSet Research Systems in Technology and MSCI in Consumer Discretionary.
About FactSet Research Systems
FDS stock →FactSet Research Systems Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a financial digital platform and enterprise solutions provider for the investment community. It offers data, products, and analytical applications; and workstations, portfolio analytics, and enterprise data solutions, as well as managed services for supporting data, performance, risk, and reporting workflows.
Technology · Computer Software: Programming Data Processing
About MSCI
MSCI stock →MSCI Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides research-based data, analytics, and indexes, supported by advanced technology worldwide. The Index segment provides indexes for use in various areas of the investment process, including indexed financial products, such as ETFs, mutual funds, annuities, futures, options, structured products, and over-the-counter derivatives; performance benchmarking; portfolio construction and rebalancing; and asset allocation, as well as licenses GICS and GICS Direct.
Consumer Discretionary · Business Services · 6,327 employees
FDS vs MSCI FAQ
Which is bigger, FactSet Research Systems or MSCI?
MSCI (MSCI) is larger, with a market capitalization of $40.38B compared with $9.70B for FactSet Research Systems (FDS).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, FDS or MSCI?
FDS returned -1.50% over the past 12 months, compared with -2.41% for MSCI (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, FDS or MSCI?
FDS has the lower trailing P/E at 18.7, versus 30.3 for MSCI. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, FactSet Research Systems or MSCI?
FactSet Research Systems has the higher yield at 1.71%, compared with 1.39% for MSCI.
Are FactSet Research Systems and MSCI in the same industry?
No. FactSet Research Systems is in the Technology sector, while MSCI is in Consumer Discretionary.