Morningstar: AI-Driven Data Moat and Margin Upside Support Buy Rating

Analyst Jeffrey Silber of BMO Capital maintained a Buy rating on Morningstar, retaining the price target of $193.00.

Jeffrey Silber has given his Buy rating due to a combination of factors, including Morningstar’s durable competitive position in an AI-driven market and the strength of its data-rich platforms. He highlights that the company’s differentiated datasets, proprietary research frameworks, and AI-enabled software offerings together create a defensible moat that should support sustained demand even as automation advances.

He also points to robust fundamentals at key units such as PitchBook and Morningstar Credit, with strong organic growth and healthy revenue per license trends, even without relying heavily on price hikes. In Silber’s view, the company’s under-the-radar profile, diversified business mix, and potential for margin expansion as client penetration deepens offer meaningful upside for long-term investors, justifying his Buy recommendation.

Silber covers the Consumer Defensive sector, focusing on stocks such as Covista, Stride, and Laureate Education. According to TipRanks, Silber has an average return of 2.8% and a 49.50% success rate on recommended stocks.

In another report released today, TipRanks – PerPlexity also reiterated a Buy rating on the stock with a $183.00 price target.