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Sep 30, 2021

MSCI Q3 2021 Earnings Report

MSCI's Q3 2021 financial results were reported.

Key Takeaways

MSCI reported strong third-quarter results with a 21.6% increase in operating revenues, reaching $517.1 million. Adjusted EPS grew by 15.0% to $2.53, and adjusted EBITDA increased by 22.9% to $306.6 million, driven by strong performance across all segments and a focus on climate change initiatives.

Operating revenues increased by 21.6% to $517.1 million, with organic operating revenue growth of 20.4%.

Adjusted EPS rose by 15.0% to $2.53, while diluted EPS decreased by 6.0% to $2.03.

Total Run Rate reached $2,096.3 million, a 21.9% increase, driven by recurring subscriptions and asset-based fees.

Retention Rate remained strong at 94.5%, consistent with the previous year.

Total Revenue
$517M
Previous year: $425M
+21.6%
EPS
$2.53
Previous year: $2.2
+15.0%
Retention Rate
94.5%
Previous year: 94.5%
+0.0%
Gross Profit
$427M
Previous year: $355M
+20.5%
Cash and Equivalents
$1.28B
Previous year: $1.3B
-1.4%
Free Cash Flow
$211M
Previous year: $195M
+8.2%
Total Assets
$5.14B
Previous year: $4.11B
+25.1%

MSCI

MSCI

MSCI Revenue by Segment

Forward Guidance

MSCI provided full-year 2021 guidance based on macroeconomic and capital market assumptions, which are subject to uncertainty due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Positive Outlook

  • Operating Expense: $955 to $975 million
  • Adjusted EBITDA Expense: $840 to $860 million
  • Interest Expense (including amortization of financing fees): ~$160 million
  • Depreciation & Amortization Expense: ~$110 million
  • Effective Tax Rate: 15.0% to 16.0%

Challenges Ahead

  • Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities: $800 to $840 million
  • Free Cash Flow: $740 to $790 million
  • Operating Expense increased from $920 to $940 million to $955 to $975 million
  • Adjusted EBITDA Expense increased from $820 to $840 million to $840 to $860 million
  • Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities decreased from $900 to $940 million to $800 to $840 million

Revenue & Expenses

Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income