Verisk Analytics (NASDAQ:VRSK) is a data analytics firm that provides risk assessment services. The company primarily supports clients in the insurance, energy, and financial services industries. It helps them make better decisions by providing data-driven insights and predictive analytics, which are crucial for pricing policies and managing risk.
On April 30, 2026, Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) increased its price target for Verisk Analytics to $235.00. At the time, the stock was trading at $184.74, which means the new target suggests a potential increase of about 27.21%. This positive outlook follows the company's recent performance and strategic actions.
The optimism is supported by strong first-quarter 2026 results. As highlighted by Zacks, Verisk Analytics reported revenue of $782.60 million and diluted adjusted earnings of $1.82 per share. These figures represent year-over-year increases of 3.9% and 5.2%, respectively, and surpassed what analysts had expected for the quarter.
Growth was driven by Verisk Analytics' underwriting and claims divisions, along with strategic pricing. Verisk also improved its adjusted EBITDA margin to 55.9%. EBITDA, or Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization, is a key measure of a company's overall financial performance and profitability from its main operations.
Despite these gains, operating cash flow decreased by 12.2% to $390.00 million, and free cash flow fell by 16.5% to $326.00 million. The company states this was due to a tax refund received in the prior year and higher interest payments. Verisk Analytics also returned value to shareholders through a $1.50 billion share repurchase and a dividend of $0.50 per share.
