Who Owns FactSet Research Systems Company?

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Who Really Owns FactSet?

Understanding the ownership structure of FactSet Research Systems is paramount for investors and industry watchers alike. From its inception in 1978, FactSet has evolved significantly, transforming from a privately held entity to a publicly traded powerhouse. This journey has shaped its strategic direction and market position within the competitive landscape of financial data providers.

FactSet's Initial Public Offering (IPO) in 1996 marked a pivotal moment, broadening its shareholder base and fueling its growth. Today, as a key player in financial data and software solutions, understanding FactSet Research Systems SWOT Analysis is crucial. This exploration will dissect FactSet's ownership evolution, from its founders to major institutional shareholders, providing critical insights into this influential company's governance and future trajectory, including FactSet stock performance and FactSet competitors.

The origins of FactSet Research Systems trace back to 1978, when Howard Wille and Charles Snyder co-founded the company. Their vision stemmed from recognizing the potential of computers in finance, leading them to develop a system for delivering financial information directly to clients. This marked the beginning of what would become a leading provider of financial data and analytics.

Before establishing FactSet, Wille and Snyder were colleagues at a Wall Street investment firm. Wille, as Director of Research, and Snyder, as Director of Computer Research, saw an opportunity to leverage the emerging technology of computers to streamline financial analysis. They aimed to provide a more efficient way for financial professionals to access and utilize critical data.

Wille is credited with creating the 'fact set,' a four-page financial overview of a company. Snyder then licensed data from third-party providers to build these 'fact sets' on a shared mainframe, which was a pioneering approach at the time. The initial capital invested in the company was approximately $250,000, reflecting a modest start for what would become a significant player in the financial data industry. Early operations involved fewer than ten employees, highlighting the company's initial lean structure.

Early Technological Advancements

Early technological advancements were crucial for FactSet's development. Snyder's innovation in 1981 allowed clients to download data directly into Visicalc, the first spreadsheet program for personal computers. This was a significant step toward making financial data more accessible and user-friendly. The company also introduced limited screening capabilities in 1984, which expanded in 1988 with 'Universal Screening,' allowing users to define their own criteria. These developments reflect the founders' commitment to empowering financial professionals with integrated tools.

• In 1989, the Private Database Service was released, enabling users to integrate proprietary data for custom analysis.
• The early developments laid the groundwork for FactSet's comprehensive data solutions.
• The company's early focus on technological innovation and user-friendly data access set the stage for its future growth.
• These early advancements reflect the founders' vision for empowering financial professionals with integrated tools.

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The evolution of FactSet Research Systems from a private entity to a publicly traded company marks a significant shift in its ownership structure. The company, initially privately held, underwent a pivotal change in June 1995, when it changed its name to FactSet Research Systems Inc. This rebranding was a strategic move in preparation for its Initial Public Offering (IPO). The IPO, which took place in 1996, saw FactSet begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol FDS, opening its ownership to a broader investor base and setting the stage for its current ownership landscape.

Since going public, FactSet Research Systems has seen its ownership predominantly shift towards institutional investors. This transition has resulted in a diverse shareholder base, with a significant portion of shares held by major financial institutions. Understanding the current ownership structure is crucial for investors and stakeholders interested in the company's strategic direction and governance. The company's history and its current ownership dynamics provide insights into its market position and future prospects. For further insights, consider exploring the Marketing Strategy of FactSet Research Systems.

As of March 31, 2025, the major institutional shareholders of FactSet include The Vanguard Group, Inc., holding 12.6% of shares with 4,795,354 shares, and BlackRock, Inc., holding 9.27% of shares with 3,516,507 shares. Other significant holders are Baron Capital Group, Inc. with 5.92%, State Street Global Advisors, Inc. with 5.06%, and Loomis Sayles & Company, L.P. with 3.91%. These institutional holdings are a key factor in shaping the company's strategic decisions.

Key Takeaways on FactSet Ownership

FactSet ownership is largely institutional, with major financial firms holding significant stakes.

• The Vanguard Group and BlackRock are among the largest shareholders.
• Insiders also hold a notable percentage of the company's shares.
• The concentration of ownership influences the company's strategic direction.
• Understanding the ownership structure is vital for investors.

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The current board of directors at FactSet Research Systems plays a significant role in the company's governance and strategic direction. As of May 2025, the board comprises 6 active members. The board includes individuals representing major stakeholders, founders, or independent seats. For instance, Frederick Philip Snow serves as CEO. Other board members include Goran Skoko, Mark Dellisola, Helen Shan, Alan Bettridge, and Adele Director Govender. Alan Bettridge, Frederick Philip Snow, and Adele Director Govender are listed as independent board members, ensuring a balance of perspectives in decision-making.

The composition of the board reflects a commitment to diverse expertise and perspectives, which is crucial for navigating the complexities of the financial data and analytics industry. This structure helps guide the company's long-term strategy and ensures accountability to shareholders. Understanding the board's makeup is essential for anyone interested in FactSet ownership and its strategic outlook.

The voting structure for FactSet common stock generally operates on a one-share, one-vote basis. As of March 17, 2025, there were 26,868,106 shares of Common Stock outstanding. Each shareholder is entitled to one vote per share on all matters presented at the annual meeting, except for the election of directors. The company's Certificate of Incorporation indicates that, starting with the 2025 annual meeting of stockholders, the Board of Directors will no longer be classified, and all directors shall be elected for a term of office to expire at the next succeeding annual meeting of stockholders. Additionally, any director can be removed with or without cause by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote. For further insights into the company's strategic positioning, consider exploring the Target Market of FactSet Research Systems.

Shareholder Rights and Meetings

Shareholders have increased influence over corporate matters due to recent changes.

• The ownership threshold for calling a special meeting of stockholders was revised.
• Stockholders holding at least 25% of FactSet's issued and outstanding capital stock can now call a special meeting.
• This change enhances shareholder influence over corporate matters.
• These changes were implemented on September 17, 2024.

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Over the past few years, the ownership structure of FactSet Research Systems has seen some interesting shifts. As of May 2025, institutional investors held approximately 94.30% of the company's shares, highlighting strong confidence from major financial players. Insiders have slightly increased their holdings to 5.37%, reflecting continued commitment from within the organization. Mutual funds held 76.90% as of May 2025, demonstrating the significant influence of these investment vehicles on FactSet's ownership profile. The company’s focus on technology and data analytics continues to attract and retain institutional investors.

The company's stock performance also provides insights into its market position. As of June 6, 2025, the share price was $432.35, marking a 6.43% increase from June 10, 2024. The market capitalization, as of June 11, 2025, reached $16.1 billion, with 37.9 million shares outstanding. These figures point to a stable and growing company within the financial data and analytics sector. Understanding the competitive landscape of FactSet Research Systems is crucial for assessing its market position.

Recent strategic moves by FactSet include acquisitions and product innovations. The acquisition of LiquidityBook for $246.5 million in cash, which closed on February 7, 2025, is aimed at improving workflow solutions. FactSet also acquired Irwin in late 2024. These moves, along with the launch of new Generative AI (GenAI) solutions, such as the Intelligent Platform initiative and Internal Research Notes (IRN) 2.0, show a commitment to enhancing its product offerings and expanding its market coverage. FactSet’s consistent focus on innovation and strategic acquisitions is a key factor in its ongoing success.

Acquisition of LiquidityBook

FactSet acquired LiquidityBook for $246.5 million in cash on February 7, 2025. This acquisition enhances its order management and investment book of record solutions.

Product Innovation

FactSet launched new Generative AI (GenAI) solutions, including the Intelligent Platform initiative and Internal Research Notes (IRN) 2.0.

Capital Allocation

FactSet repurchased 104,475 shares for $48.8 million in Q1 fiscal 2025. $251.2 million remained for share repurchases as of November 30, 2024.

Financial Performance

FactSet has consistently increased its annual dividend since 2017 and has a long history of revenue growth (44 consecutive years as of fiscal year 2024) and adjusted earnings growth (28 consecutive years as a public company).

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