FactSet Research Systems (FDS) is expected to report a Q3 annual subscription value, or ASV, beat, driven by international price increases, strong demand, and continued pipeline strength across regions, RBC Capital Markets said in a note Tuesday.
The company is also benefiting from expanded managed services, competitive product positioning, and changes in its sales compensation structure, the analysts said, adding that they expect Q3 ASV growth of about 6.2% year-over-year to $2.48 billion, slightly above consensus of about 5.7% or $2.47 billion, while revenue is projected to grow roughly 5.9% year-over-year to $620 million versus consensus of $617 million.
For the full year, the company is expected to raise the midpoint of its ASV growth guidance range of $130 million to $160 million, or about 5.4% to 6.7% year-over-year, the analysts said. They expect about 6.2% growth, or roughly $150 million, bringing ASV to $2.56 billion, slightly above the consensus of $2.54 billion.
"We expect sequential and year-over-year margin pressure as FactSet ramps AI investments and faces higher incentive compensation costs driven by stronger ASV performance," the analysts added.
RBC lowered FactSet's price target to $240 from $243 while keeping its sector perform rating.
Price: $235.23, Change: $+4.31, Percent Change: +1.87%