Quotient Wealth Partners LLC has increased its stake in MSCI Inc (NYSE: MSCI) by 5.9% during the first quarter of 2024. The firm acquired an additional 20 shares, bringing its total holdings to 361 shares valued at approximately $204,000, according to a recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Significant movements in MSCI’s stock have also been noted among other institutional investors. For instance, Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its position by 1.9% in the fourth quarter, now owning 1,897,456 shares valued at $1.14 billion after purchasing an extra 35,094 shares. Similarly, Principal Financial Group Inc. raised its stake by 0.9%, bringing its total to 1,626,923 shares worth about $920 million.
In addition, Norges Bank established a new position in MSCI valued at around $609.9 million during the fourth quarter. FMR LLC increased its stake by 3.1%, owning 853,452 shares valued at $512 million following a purchase of 25,325 shares. Northern Trust Corp also expanded its holdings by 6.6%, now owning 784,490 shares worth approximately $470.7 million. Overall, institutional investors currently control 89.97% of MSCI’s stock.
MSCI’s Stock Performance and Dividend Announcement
As of the latest trading session, MSCI shares opened at $581.28. The company boasts a market capitalization of $44.97 billion, with a price-to-earnings ratio of 39.95 and a beta of 1.32. Over the past year, MSCI’s stock has seen a low of $486.74 and a high of $642.45. The company’s fifty-day moving average price stands at $564.49, while its 200-day moving average is $569.59.
MSCI recently declared a quarterly dividend of $1.80, which was paid to shareholders on May 30, 2024. Those on record as of May 16, 2024, received this dividend, which translates to an annualized rate of $7.20 and a yield of 1.24%. The company currently has a dividend payout ratio of 49.48%.
Analyst Ratings and Insider Transactions
Several research firms have recently weighed in on MSCI’s stock. UBS Group raised its price target from $655.00 to $700.00 and assigned a “buy” rating. Conversely, Barclays lowered its target from $675.00 to $650.00, maintaining an “overweight” rating. Wells Fargo & Company increased its target from $530.00 to $578.00, while Evercore ISI adjusted its target down from $673.00 to $631.00 but retained an “outperform” rating. JPMorgan Chase & Co. also reduced its target from $680.00 to $650.00, keeping an “overweight” rating.
Currently, three analysts have issued hold ratings while ten have recommended a buy. According to MarketBeat.com, the consensus rating for MSCI is “Moderate Buy,” with an average price target of $651.55.
In related news, MSCI’s Chief Operating Officer, Cd Baer Pettit, sold 5,000 shares on May 5, 2024, at an average price of $552.59, totaling approximately $2.76 million. Following this transaction, Pettit holds 289,787 shares, valued at about $160.13 million. This sale represents a 1.70% decrease in his overall position.
MSCI Inc, along with its subsidiaries, provides essential decision-support tools and solutions aimed at helping the investment community manage global investment processes efficiently. The company’s services include index provision for various financial products, performance benchmarking, and asset allocation strategies.
For those interested in tracking further movements in MSCI and other hedge fund activities, updates are available through HoldingsChannel.com and MarketBeat.com.
