Morgan Stanley Remains Confident in Verisk Analytics

In a report published Thursday, Morgan Stanley analyst Suzanne E. Stein reiterated an Overweight rating and $74.00 price target on Verisk Analytics (NASDAQ: VRSK).In the report, Morgan Stanley noted, “Despite lower than expected adj. EBITDA margins, management maintained its view of flattish y/y margins for the full year excluding mortgages (implying an acceleration into the second half). It maintained a long-term view that margins should be in the 45-47% range. While the company does not provide a view on consolidated revenue, it firmly reiterated guidance of mid-teens revenue growth for its Healthcare segment, and ‘at-least' mid-teens revenue growth for Financials (Argus) for the year. Management also noted that margin pressure in DA, which is largely attributed to healthcare, should abate as the year progresses, and specifically addressed the seasonality of that business.”Verisk Analytics closed on Wednesday at $60.09.