FactSet Research Systems Bundle
Who Owns FactSet Research Systems Inc.?
FactSet Research Systems Inc.'s ownership structure is key to understanding its strategic direction and influence in financial technology. Its IPO in June 1996 on the NYSE under FDS marked a significant shift, opening ownership to a wider investor base.
Founded in 1978, FactSet provides integrated financial data and analytical applications to the global investment community, including tools like FactSet Research Systems BCG Matrix.
As of August 2025, FactSet boasts a market capitalization of approximately $15.82 billion with 37.8 million shares outstanding.
Who Founded FactSet Research Systems?
FactSet Research Systems was established in September 1978 by Howard Wille and Charles J. 'Chuck' Snyder. Their shared background at a Wall Street investment firm, where Wille was Director of Research and Snyder led Computer Research, fueled their vision for delivering comprehensive financial data via computer systems. The initial funding for their venture amounted to approximately $250,000.
Founding Vision
Wille and Snyder aimed to provide clients with consolidated financial overviews, termed 'fact sets,' utilizing computer-based delivery methods.
Early Team Size
In the early 1980s, FactSet operated with a small team, numbering fewer than ten employees.
Technological Innovation
A key innovation in 1981 by Snyder allowed data to be downloaded into Visicalc, the first personal computer spreadsheet program, significantly streamlining data access for clients.
Screening Capabilities
The company introduced limited screening in 1984, enhancing this functionality with 'Universal Screening' in 1988, enabling custom data criteria definition.
Proprietary Data Integration
The 'Private Database Service,' launched in 1989, allowed users to store and analyze their own data alongside FactSet's information.
Founders' Influence
While specific early ownership percentages are not public, the founders' direct involvement in product development highlights their significant control and influence over the company's initial direction.
The company's operational base saw relocations from New York City to Greenwich, Connecticut, in 1990, followed by a move to Norwalk, Connecticut, in 2004. Howard Wille stepped down as CEO and chairman in May 2000. Chuck Snyder briefly served as interim CEO before Philip Hadley assumed the roles of CEO and chairman in September 2000. The early innovations and strategic decisions made during this period laid the groundwork for FactSet's future growth, as detailed in the Growth Strategy of FactSet Research Systems.
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How Has FactSet Research Systems’s Ownership Changed Over Time?
FactSet Research Systems Inc. transitioned to a publicly traded entity on June 28, 1996, commencing its trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker FDS. This move marked a significant step in its ownership evolution, opening the door for broader investment participation.
| Key Ownership Data Point | Value | Source/Date Reference |
| Market Capitalization | Approximately $15.82 billion | August 2025 |
| Shares Outstanding | 37.8 million | August 2025 |
| Institutional Investor Ownership (Source 1) | Approximately 94.02% | August 2025 |
| Insider Ownership (Source 1) | Approximately 22.31% | August 2025 |
| Retail Investor Ownership (Source 1) | 0.00% | August 2025 |
| Institutional Investor Ownership (Source 2) | Approximately 59.76% | August 2025 |
| Insider Ownership (Source 2) | 0.23% | August 2025 |
| Public Companies & Individual Investors (Source 2) | 40.01% | August 2025 |
The ownership landscape of FactSet is heavily dominated by institutional investors, who collectively hold the vast majority of the company's stock. These entities, which include major asset management firms, mutual funds, and hedge funds, are drawn to FactSet's consistent financial performance and recurring revenue model. The largest institutional shareholders include prominent names such as Vanguard Group Inc., BlackRock, Inc., Bamco Inc /ny/, Morgan Stanley, State Street Corp, Loomis Sayles & Co L P, and Wells Fargo & Company/mn, with Vanguard Group Inc. holding the most shares.
Understanding FactSet's Shareholder Base
FactSet's ownership structure is primarily characterized by significant institutional backing. This concentration of ownership by large financial entities underscores the company's stability and its attractiveness as a long-term investment.
- Institutional investors are the dominant shareholders.
- Vanguard Group Inc. is the largest single shareholder.
- The company's business model contributes to its appeal to institutional investors.
- Understanding Mission, Vision & Core Values of FactSet Research Systems can provide further context on its strategic direction.
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Who Sits on FactSet Research Systems’s Board?
The Board of Directors for FactSet Research Systems Inc. is comprised of individuals responsible for the company's strategic direction and oversight. As of July 2025, Robin A. Abrams chairs the board, which includes several independent directors such as Siew Kai Choy, Barak Eilam, Malcolm Frank, Laurie Hylton, James J. McGonigle, Lee Shavel, Laurie Siegel, Maria Teresa Tejada, and Elisha Wiesel.
| Director Name | Role | Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| Robin A. Abrams | Chair of the Board | Independent Director |
| Siew Kai Choy | Independent Director | Independent Director |
| Barak Eilam | Independent Director | Independent Director |
| Malcolm Frank | Independent Director | Independent Director |
| Laurie Hylton | Independent Director | Independent Director |
| James J. McGonigle | Independent Director | Independent Director |
| Lee Shavel | Independent Director | Independent Director |
| Laurie Siegel | Independent Director | Independent Director |
| Maria Teresa Tejada | Independent Director | Independent Director |
| Elisha Wiesel | Independent Director | Independent Director |
| Phil Snow | Director, Chief Executive Officer | Management |
FactSet Research Systems Inc., traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol FDS, operates under a standard governance model where each common share typically holds one vote. This structure means that voting power is largely concentrated among its significant institutional investors, who collectively own approximately 94.02% of the company's stock. Major holders like Vanguard Group Inc., BlackRock, Inc., and State Street Corp wield considerable influence through their substantial shareholdings, impacting corporate decisions and strategic initiatives. While the founders, Howard Wille and Charles Snyder, retired from leadership in 2000, their foundational influence remains. The company has not experienced recent major governance disruptions such as proxy battles or significant activist campaigns.
Understanding FactSet Ownership
The ownership structure of FactSet Research Systems Inc. is heavily influenced by institutional investors, indicating a strong reliance on their voting power for key decisions. This concentration of ownership shapes the company's governance and strategic direction.
- FactSet is a publicly traded company, listed on the NYSE.
- Institutional investors hold the vast majority of FactSet stock.
- Major financial institutions are among the largest shareholders.
- The company's governance typically follows a one-share-one-vote principle.
- Understanding FactSet ownership is key to grasping its corporate structure.
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What Recent Changes Have Shaped FactSet Research Systems’s Ownership Landscape?
FactSet's ownership profile has seen dynamic shifts over the past three to five years, influenced by strategic corporate actions and prevailing market dynamics. The company's commitment to innovation, particularly in generative AI, and consistent shareholder returns are key factors shaping its ownership trends.
| Fiscal Period | Shares Repurchased | Cost of Repurchases | Average Price | Remaining Authorization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q2 FY2025 (ending Feb 28, 2025) | 136,714 | $64.4 million | $470.70 | $186.9 million |
| Q3 FY2025 (ending May 31, 2025) | 184,050 | $80.7 million | $438.45 | $106.2 million |
| New Authorization (effective Sep 1, 2025) | N/A | Up to $400 million | N/A | $400 million |
Recent developments indicate a strategic focus on enhancing shareholder value and ensuring leadership continuity. The company's ongoing share repurchase programs, coupled with a new authorization of up to $400 million effective September 1, 2025, aim to reduce outstanding shares and potentially increase the ownership stake for remaining shareholders. This aligns with a broader industry trend of increasing institutional ownership, as FactSet continues to demonstrate its appeal to investors seeking stable returns, evidenced by its 26 consecutive years of dividend growth as of June 2025.
Share Repurchase Strategy
FactSet has actively engaged in share buybacks, repurchasing shares in Q2 and Q3 of fiscal year 2025. These actions reflect a commitment to returning capital to shareholders and managing its share count.
Leadership Transition
A planned CEO succession was announced in June 2025, with Sanoke Viswanathan set to take over as CEO in September 2025. This transition signals a focus on maintaining strategic direction and operational stability.
Innovation and Growth Drivers
FactSet is prioritizing innovation, particularly in generative AI, to enhance client efficiency. Expansion of data offerings and deepening client workflow integration are key strategies for fiscal year 2025.
Institutional Ownership and Dividends
Institutional investors hold a significant majority of FactSet's stock, attracted by its consistent dividend growth. The company has a 26-year track record of increasing quarterly dividends, underscoring its financial stability.
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- What is Brief History of FactSet Research Systems Company?
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- What are Mission Vision & Core Values of FactSet Research Systems Company?
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