Morningstar Stock Price, News & Analysis

Morningstar, Inc. (Nasdaq: MORN) released its 'Mind the Gap' study, highlighting improvements in U.S. investor returns over the trailing 10-year period ending December 31, 2019. The study indicates that the gap between actual investor returns and reported total returns has narrowed, with investors seeing only a 5 basis point difference. Notably, allocation funds recorded a positive return gap of 40 basis points, while U.S. equity funds showed a positive gap of 29 basis points. Despite some categories maintaining negative gaps, trends suggest a maturation in the fund industry, enhancing the overall investor experience.

Morningstar reported U.S. mutual fund and ETF flows for July 2020, showing a total inflow of $43 billion, marking the fourth consecutive month of inflows. From April to July, inflows totaled $164 billion, significantly recovering from March's outflows of $327 billion. Taxable-bond funds attracted $86 billion, while U.S. equity funds experienced record outflows of nearly $46 billion. iShares led in inflows with $19 billion, primarily in taxable-bond funds. Morningstar also introduced ESG-related data points in the analysis.

Morningstar reported a strong second quarter in 2020, with revenue increasing by 19.7% to $327.9 million. The growth was attributed to DBRS Morningstar, contributing 14 percentage points. Diluted net income per share rose 14.3% to $1.12, while adjusted diluted net income increased by 31.2% to $1.43. Operating income grew by 20.7% to $61.3 million. Cash from operations surged by 46.3% to $127.6 million, and free cash flow rose by 60.5% to $110.6 million. Despite challenges from COVID-19, Morningstar's license-based revenue was resilient, and they integrated Sustainalytics to enhance their offerings.

Morningstar, Inc. (Nasdaq: MORN) has announced the agenda for its digital-only Investment Conference scheduled for September 16-17, 2020. Amid ongoing uncertainty from the pandemic, CEO Kunal Kapoor emphasizes the critical role of financial advisors. The conference features sessions on various investment topics, including ESG risk, and showcases expert speakers from firms like BlackRock and Vanguard. Attendees can register for $149, with additional options for virtual reality access. Morningstar aims to empower investors through independent insights and research at this event.

On July 17, 2020, Morningstar reported significant U.S. mutual fund and ETF flows for June 2020. Total inflows reached $70 billion, marking the strongest month since January. The second quarter saw inflows of $121 billion, recovering from $327 billion in outflows from March. Taxable-bond funds hit a record with $92 billion in June, while U.S. equity funds experienced $24 billion in outflows. The report underscores a rebound in bond fund investments.

Morningstar, Inc. (MORN) has successfully completed its acquisition of Sustainalytics, a leader in ESG ratings and research, enhancing its offerings for sustainable investing. The acquisition allows Morningstar to integrate ESG insights into its existing investment research, tapping into Sustainalytics' extensive data on over 40,000 companies. With more than 650 experts joining Morningstar, this move is expected to support investors in personalizing portfolios across various asset classes. The combined strengths aim to meet the rising demand for stakeholder capitalism and sustainable investment solutions.

Morningstar, Inc. (Nasdaq: MORN) will report its second-quarter 2020 financial results after market close on July 29, 2020. The company, a leading provider of independent investment research, operates in 27 countries and offers extensive products for individual investors and institutions. As of March 31, 2020, it had approximately $179 billion in assets under advisement and management. While Morningstar does not conduct analyst calls, investors can send written inquiries to the company.

On June 22, 2020, Morningstar (MORN) announced the winners of the 2020 U.S. Morningstar Awards for Investing Excellence. The awards recognize outstanding portfolio managers and asset management firms for their investment skills and commitment to investors. Notable winners include Jerome Clark from T. Rowe Price, awarded Outstanding Portfolio Manager, and Mohit Mittal from Pimco, recognized as Rising Talent. T. Rowe Price was awarded for Exemplary Stewardship. These accolades emphasize the winners' dedication to fundamental research and performance.

Morningstar, Inc. (Nasdaq: MORN) announced nominees for the 2020 Morningstar Awards for Investing Excellence, recognizing top portfolio managers and firms in the investment sector. Award categories include Outstanding Portfolio Manager, Exemplary Stewardship, and Rising Talent. Notable nominees for Outstanding Portfolio Manager include Chuck Akre, Jerome Clark, and Mary Ellen Stanek. Award winners will be revealed on June 22, 2020, with coverage on CNBC's 'Power Lunch'. Morningstar has been honoring outstanding managers since 1988.