Key Takeaways
- • FactSet Research Systems ($FDS) is scheduled to report Q3 2025 earnings on September 18, 2025 before market open, with analyst consensus expecting revenue of $599.4 million and earnings per share of $4.17.
- • Insider selling significantly outpaces buying: 21 insider transactions in the past six months comprised entirely of sales (0 purchases), with CEO Frederick Philip Snow leading with 9,000 shares sold for approximately $4.0 million, followed by EVP Christopher R Ellis selling 7,606 shares for $3.4 million.
- • Institutional investor sentiment is mixed, with 369 institutions adding FDS shares versus 436 reducing positions in the most recent quarter; notably, Gamma Investing LLC divested 428,979 shares (99.7% of position) for an estimated $191.9 million, while Morgan Stanley increased holdings by 426,066 shares (+21%).
- • Total insider selling across five key executives exceeded $10.7 million over the six-month period, with no offsetting purchases, signaling potential confidence concerns ahead of earnings.
Summary
FactSet Research Systems is poised to report third-quarter 2025 earnings on Thursday, September 18, 2025 before market open. Analyst consensus compiled by Finnhub projects quarterly revenue of $599.4 million and diluted earnings per share of $4.17, establishing the baseline for investor expectations as the financial data and analytics provider enters its earnings season.
Insider trading activity presents a notably one-sided picture. Over the past six months, FactSet insiders executed 21 stock transactions, all of which were sales with zero purchases recorded. CEO Frederick Philip Snow led the selling activity, disposing of 9,000 shares across three separate transactions for an estimated $4.0 million. Christopher R Ellis, Executive Vice President of Initiatives and Partnerships, executed five sales totaling 7,606 shares valued at approximately $3.4 million. Additional significant sellers included Gregory T Moskoff (MD, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer) with six sales of 2,863 shares for $1.26 million, James J McGonigle with three sales of 2,925 shares for $1.32 million, and Katherine M Stepp, Chief Technology Officer, with four sales of 1,725 shares for $734,000. The aggregate estimated value of these insider sales exceeded $10.7 million, and the absence of any offsetting purchases may signal executive caution regarding near-term equity performance.
Hedge fund and institutional investor positioning reflects divided sentiment. In the most recent quarter, 369 institutions added FactSet shares to their portfolios while 436 reduced or eliminated positions. The most substantial move came from Gamma Investing LLC, which exited its position entirely by removing 428,979 shares representing 99.7% of holdings, realizing approximately $191.9 million. In contrast, Morgan Stanley expanded its position by 426,066 shares, representing a 21% increase, suggesting selective institutional confidence despite the broader mixed activity.
Insider trading activity presents a notably one-sided picture. Over the past six months, FactSet insiders executed 21 stock transactions, all of which were sales with zero purchases recorded. CEO Frederick Philip Snow led the selling activity, disposing of 9,000 shares across three separate transactions for an estimated $4.0 million. Christopher R Ellis, Executive Vice President of Initiatives and Partnerships, executed five sales totaling 7,606 shares valued at approximately $3.4 million. Additional significant sellers included Gregory T Moskoff (MD, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer) with six sales of 2,863 shares for $1.26 million, James J McGonigle with three sales of 2,925 shares for $1.32 million, and Katherine M Stepp, Chief Technology Officer, with four sales of 1,725 shares for $734,000. The aggregate estimated value of these insider sales exceeded $10.7 million, and the absence of any offsetting purchases may signal executive caution regarding near-term equity performance.
Hedge fund and institutional investor positioning reflects divided sentiment. In the most recent quarter, 369 institutions added FactSet shares to their portfolios while 436 reduced or eliminated positions. The most substantial move came from Gamma Investing LLC, which exited its position entirely by removing 428,979 shares representing 99.7% of holdings, realizing approximately $191.9 million. In contrast, Morgan Stanley expanded its position by 426,066 shares, representing a 21% increase, suggesting selective institutional confidence despite the broader mixed activity.
Go deeper than the headline
Research every firm in this story, track the ones that matter and get the daily briefing — free for 7 days.