6 Best Financial Data Information for January 2026
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Market Overview & Selection Criteria
The financial data and services sector remains resilient amid market volatility, driven by demand for analytics, credit reporting, and investor tools. These 6 best financial data stock picks were selected using ValueSense's proprietary methodology, focusing on companies with strong intrinsic value potential, quality ratings above 5.5, robust free cash flow generation, and attractive margins. Criteria emphasize undervaluation (intrinsic value exceeding implied market price), ROIC above industry averages where applicable, revenue growth trends, and balanced debt levels. This watchlist highlights opportunities in data providers and fintech enablers, ideal for investors screening for undervalued stocks to buy in the financial information space.
Featured Stock Analysis
Stock #1: Thomson Reuters Corporation (TRI)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $57.7B |
| Quality Rating | 6.2 |
| Intrinsic Value | $115.7 |
| 1Y Return | -21.4% |
| Revenue | $7,379.9M |
| Free Cash Flow | $1,831.3M |
| Revenue Growth | 2.4% |
| FCF margin | 24.8% |
| Gross margin | 39.7% |
| ROIC | 13.4% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 18.5% |
Investment Thesis
Thomson Reuters Corporation (TRI) stands out in the financial data sector with a market cap of $57.7B and a ValueSense quality rating of 6.2. The company's intrinsic value is estimated at $115.7, suggesting significant upside potential for value-oriented analysis. Despite a 1Y return of -21.4%, TRI generates solid revenue of $7,379.9M and impressive free cash flow (FCF) of $1,831.3M, underpinned by a healthy FCF margin of 24.8% and gross margin of 39.7%. With revenue growth at 2.4% and ROIC of 13.4%, TRI demonstrates efficient capital use and low leverage via a total debt to equity ratio of just 18.5%, making it a stable pick for TRI analysis in portfolios seeking reliable cash flows.
This positioning aligns with broader trends in financial information services, where TRI's data solutions benefit from recurring demand. The combination of high FCF margins and conservative debt supports sustained profitability, positioning TRI as a core holding in financial data stock picks.
Key Catalysts
- Strong FCF generation at $1,831.3M supports dividends and buybacks
- High FCF margin 24.8% indicates operational efficiency
- Low debt-to-equity 18.5% enhances financial flexibility
- Solid ROIC 13.4% reflects effective capital allocation
Risk Factors
- Modest revenue growth 2.4% amid competitive pressures
- Negative 1Y return -21.4% signals short-term market headwinds
- Dependence on stable economic conditions for data services
Stock #2: Equifax Inc. (EFX)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $26.3B |
| Quality Rating | 6.6 |
| Intrinsic Value | $132.6 |
| 1Y Return | -14.6% |
| Revenue | $5,943.3M |
| Free Cash Flow | $999.4M |
| Revenue Growth | 6.4% |
| FCF margin | 16.8% |
| Gross margin | 56.3% |
| ROIC | 7.9% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 94.8% |
Investment Thesis
Equifax Inc. (EFX), with a market cap of $26.3B, earns a ValueSense quality rating of 6.6, highlighting its role in credit data services. The intrinsic value of $132.6 points to undervaluation, despite a 1Y return of -14.6%. Key metrics include revenue of $5,943.3M, FCF of $999.4M, revenue growth of 6.4%, and a gross margin of 56.3%. While ROIC stands at 7.9% and total debt to equity at 94.8%, the FCF margin of 16.8% underscores cash generation strength, making EFX a compelling option for EFX analysis in stock watchlists.
EFX benefits from the growing need for consumer data analytics, with improving growth rates supporting long-term value creation. Balanced against higher debt, its margins provide a buffer for investment opportunities in financial services.
Key Catalysts
- Accelerating revenue growth 6.4% in credit reporting
- High gross margin 56.3% drives profitability
- FCF of $999.4M enables debt reduction and reinvestment
- Quality rating 6.6 above peer average
Risk Factors
- Elevated debt-to-equity 94.8% increases interest sensitivity
- Moderate ROIC 7.9% trails top performers
- 1Y return decline -14.6% reflects regulatory risks
Stock #3: Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (BR)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $25.9B |
| Quality Rating | 7.1 |
| Intrinsic Value | $176.7 |
| 1Y Return | -2.8% |
| Revenue | $7,055.7M |
| Free Cash Flow | $1,267.2M |
| Revenue Growth | 8.6% |
| FCF margin | 18.0% |
| Gross margin | 31.3% |
| ROIC | 17.6% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 124.5% |
Investment Thesis
Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (BR) boasts a market cap of $25.9B and the highest quality rating in this watchlist at 7.1. Its intrinsic value of $176.7 indicates strong undervaluation potential, with a minimal 1Y return dip of -2.8%. Financials shine with revenue of $7,055.7M, FCF of $1,267.2M, revenue growth of 8.6%, FCF margin of 18.0%, and top-tier ROIC of 17.6%. Despite a total debt to equity of 124.5%, gross margin of 31.3% supports its leadership in investor communications and trading solutions for BR analysis.
BR's robust growth and efficiency metrics position it as a standout in top stocks to buy now within financial tech infrastructure, offering resilience through recurring revenues.
Key Catalysts
- Strong revenue growth 8.6% from core services
- Exceptional ROIC 17.6% signals superior returns
- High FCF $1,267.2M funds expansion
- Leading quality rating 7.1
Risk Factors
- High debt-to-equity 124.5% vulnerable to rate hikes
- Moderate gross margin 31.3% vs. peers
- Potential client concentration in financial services
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Stock #4: TransUnion (TRU)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $16.5B |
| Quality Rating | 5.9 |
| Intrinsic Value | $54.2 |
| 1Y Return | -9.2% |
| Revenue | $4,441.8M |
| Free Cash Flow | $575.7M |
| Revenue Growth | 8.3% |
| FCF margin | 13.0% |
| Gross margin | 52.8% |
| ROIC | 7.1% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 111.8% |
Investment Thesis
TransUnion (TRU) features a market cap of $16.5B and a quality rating of 5.9, with an intrinsic value of $54.2 suggesting upside. The 1Y return of -9.2% contrasts with positive revenue growth of 8.3%, revenue of $4,441.8M, and FCF of $575.7M. Metrics include FCF margin of 13.0%, gross margin of 52.8%, ROIC of 7.1%, and total debt to equity of 111.8%, positioning TRU for analysis in credit and data analytics within undervalued stocks to buy.
TRU's growth trajectory and margins highlight potential in expanding data usage, balanced by leverage considerations for diversified stock picks.
Key Catalysts
- Revenue growth 8.3% in high-demand credit data
- Solid gross margin 52.8%
- FCF support $575.7M for operations
- Intrinsic value upside at $54.2
Risk Factors
- High debt-to-equity 111.8%
- Lower quality rating 5.9
- Negative 1Y return -9.2%
Stock #5: MorningStar Partners, L.P. (TXO)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $519.6M |
| Quality Rating | 6.2 |
| Intrinsic Value | $17.6 |
| 1Y Return | -35.2% |
| Revenue | $364.4M |
| Free Cash Flow | $88.6M |
| Revenue Growth | 40.0% |
| FCF margin | 24.3% |
| Gross margin | 20.7% |
| ROIC | 0.1% |
| Total Debt to Equity | 28.7% |
Investment Thesis
MorningStar Partners, L.P. (TXO) has a smaller market cap of $519.6M and quality rating of 6.2, with intrinsic value at $17.6. A steep 1Y return of -35.2% is offset by explosive revenue growth of 40.0%, revenue of $364.4M, FCF of $88.6M, FCF margin of 24.3%, and low total debt to equity of 28.7%. However, gross margin of 20.7% and ROIC of 0.1% indicate early-stage dynamics, suitable for high-growth TXO analysis in niche financial partnerships.
TXO offers explosive top-line potential in specialized services, appealing to risk-tolerant screens for best value stocks.
Key Catalysts
- Exceptional revenue growth 40.0%
- Strong FCF margin 24.3%
- Low debt 28.7% for flexibility
- Quality rating 6.2
Risk Factors
- Very low ROIC 0.1%
- Sharp 1Y decline -35.2%
- Thin gross margin 20.7%
Stock #6: MarketWise, Inc. (MKTW)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Cap | $284.8M |
| Quality Rating | 5.7 |
| Intrinsic Value | $89.1 |
| 1Y Return | 2.736% |
| Revenue | $341.8M |
| Free Cash Flow | $27.7M |
| Revenue Growth | (19.3%) |
| FCF margin | 8.1% |
| Gross margin | 86.8% |
| ROIC | 167.7% |
| Total Debt to Equity | (2.7%) |
Investment Thesis
MarketWise, Inc. (MKTW) trades at a market cap of $284.8M with a quality rating of 5.7 and standout intrinsic value of $89.1. Positive 1Y return of 2.736% bucks the trend, supported by revenue of $341.8M, FCF of $27.7M, exceptional gross margin of 86.8%, and sky-high ROIC of 167.7%. Challenges include revenue growth of 19.3% and FCF margin of 8.1%, with negative total debt to equity of 2.7%, framing MKTW as a high-margin play for MKTW analysis in investor education.
MKTW's profitability metrics shine for investment ideas in digital financial content.
Key Catalysts
- Outstanding ROIC 167.7%
- High gross margin 86.8%
- Positive 1Y return 2.736%
- Net cash position (debt -2.7%)
Risk Factors
- Declining revenue -19.3%
- Low FCF margin 8.1%
- Smaller scale limits diversification
Portfolio Diversification Insights
These financial data stocks cluster in the financial services sector, primarily credit bureaus (EFX, TRU), data providers (TRI), fintech solutions (BR), and niche players (TXO, MKTW). Large-caps like TRI $57.7B anchor stability, mid-caps (EFX, BR, TRU) add growth, and small-caps (TXO, MKTW) provide high-upside exposure. Sector allocation: 100% financial data/information, reducing external diversification but enhancing theme purity. Pair high-ROIC leaders (BR, MKTW) with low-debt anchors (TRI, TXO) for balanced risk; average quality rating ~6.3 and intrinsic upside across the board support a stock watchlist for value rotation.
Market Timing & Entry Strategies
Consider entry during sector pullbacks, targeting intrinsic value discounts >20% (e.g., TRI at $115.7, BR at $176.7). Monitor Q4 earnings for revenue acceleration (focus BR, TXO growth >8%). Use dollar-cost averaging for volatile small-caps (TXO, MKTW); scale into large-caps post-1Y return troughs. Track ROIC trends and debt metrics quarterly via ValueSense tools for position sizing in investment opportunities.
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FAQ Section
How were these stocks selected?
These 6 best stock picks were curated via ValueSense screener criteria: quality rating >5.5, strong FCF margins, intrinsic value upside, and financial data sector focus for stock watchlist relevance.
What's the best stock from this list?
Broadridge (BR) leads with the highest quality rating 7.1, top ROIC 17.6%, and revenue growth 8.6%, ideal for BR analysis in quality-focused screens.
Should I buy all these stocks or diversify?
Diversify across large/mid/small caps here (e.g., TRI for stability, MKTW for growth) while blending with other sectors to mitigate financial data concentration risks.
What are the biggest risks with these picks?
Key concerns include high debt (BR, EFX, TRU >90%), negative 1Y returns (most except MKTW), and growth variability (TXO ROIC 0.1%), per ValueSense metrics.
When is the best time to invest in these stocks?
Optimal during market dips amplifying intrinsic discounts, post-earnings confirmation of growth (e.g., >6% revenue), using ValueSense charting for timing.