Quick Read
- Bank of Montreal Can increased its Morningstar stake by nearly 880%, now valued at $16.43 million.
- Morningstar’s Q3 2025 earnings exceeded analyst expectations, reporting $2.55 EPS and strong financials.
- A securities class action has been filed against Wildermuth Fund, alleging misrepresentation and inflated NAV.
- Morningstar’s platform also spotlights global entertainment trends, including iQIYI’s Thai expansion and Japan’s AXLR8-G initiative.
- Insiders hold over 36% of Morningstar stock, signaling long-term confidence despite recent sales.
Bank of Montreal Can Makes Bold Move in Morningstar, Inc. Stake
The financial world took notice when Bank of Montreal Can dramatically increased its position in Morningstar, Inc. (NASDAQ:MORN) during the second quarter of 2025. According to their latest SEC filing, the bank grew its holdings by a staggering 879.8%, now owning 52,342 shares valued at $16.43 million—a leap that signals notable confidence in the renowned investment insights provider. This puts Bank of Montreal Can’s ownership at 0.12% of Morningstar’s total shares as of the reporting period.
Other institutional investors have also been busy. Firms like Hughes Financial Services LLC, IFP Advisors Inc., MAI Capital Management, and Larson Financial Group LLC have all adjusted their stakes, with some increasing positions by thousands of percent. Institutional ownership currently stands at 57.02%, reflecting broad market interest in Morningstar’s operations.
Morningstar’s price performance has been a rollercoaster. As of the first week of November, shares opened at $215.49, with a 12-month low of $202.89 and a high of $365.00. The company’s market cap sits at $8.86 billion, with a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.52 and a beta of 1.06, indicating moderate volatility. The financials show stability, with a quick and current ratio of 1.13, and a manageable debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52.
When Morningstar released its Q3 earnings on October 29, the company reported earnings per share (EPS) of $2.55, beating consensus estimates by $0.13. The return on equity reached 24.68%, and net margin held at 15.70%. Revenues topped $617.40 million, outperforming analyst expectations. Analyst opinions remain cautiously optimistic: BMO Capital Markets set a $250 price target, UBS Group lowered its target but maintained a buy rating, and Weiss Ratings issued a ‘hold’. The average analyst rating is a ‘Moderate Buy’ with a consensus price target of $285.
Insider activity has also drawn interest, notably Chairman Joseph D. Mansueto’s sale of 7,250 shares, bringing his direct ownership to just over 9.3 million shares. Over the past 90 days, insiders have sold over 85,000 shares worth nearly $21 million, yet still retain 36.2% ownership—a testament to their long-term stake in the company.
Legal Storm: Wildermuth Fund Faces Securities Class Action
While Morningstar’s platform delivers investment insights, it also hosts third-party content, including high-profile legal alerts. One such story involves Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a national securities law firm, investigating claims against Wildermuth Fund (NASDAQ: WESFX). Investors who bought into the fund between November 2020 and June 2023 are being encouraged to join a federal securities class action, with a December 29, 2025 deadline looming.
The complaint alleges serious violations of federal securities laws: miscalculating the fair value of investments, failing to disclose questionable portfolio companies propped up by monthly cash infusions, and inflating net asset value (NAV) to justify excessive advisory fees. When the Fund’s Board approved a liquidation plan in June 2023, they cited loss of tax advantages as the cause, but subsequent revelations told a different story. By October 2024, the Fund’s investments had dropped 63.6% in value since March 2022, and the NAV had plunged by 73.7%. The new adviser, BW Asset Management Ltd. (a Kroll subsidiary), ultimately revised the NAV to below $2.00 per share—an 80% reduction. The fallout led to the resignation of Daniel and Carol Wildermuth and a change in advisory control.
Legal proceedings continue to unfold, with Faruqi & Faruqi inviting whistleblowers and those with knowledge of the Fund’s conduct to come forward. The outcome could have significant implications for investor protection and fund governance.
Morningstar as Cultural Connector: Spotlight on International Collaboration
Morningstar’s news platform doesn’t just serve the financial sector. It also provides a stage for global cultural trends, as seen in coverage of major entertainment and creative industry initiatives. In November 2025, iQIYI International hosted the ‘iJOY 2026 Thailand’ event in Bangkok, unveiling its annual content strategy and new collaborations. As Asia’s leading streaming platform, iQIYI reported record growth in Thai membership and revenue, marking Thailand as its top overseas market.
The event showcased a robust lineup for 2026, including original Thai dramas, Chinese C-Dramas, and cross-border variety programs like ‘Running Man Thailand,’ co-developed with Korea’s SBS. Notably, Esther Yu was announced as iQIYI’s new global ambassador, joining efforts to bring Chinese and Thai entertainment to a broader international audience. The platform’s commitment to innovation and cultural exchange reflects a larger trend of Asian content reshaping the global entertainment ecosystem.
AXLR8-G: Japan’s Ambitious Leap to the Global Music Stage
Another cultural highlight comes from the AXLR8-G initiative, supported by the CANNES GALA and officially recognized by the Cannes Film Festival. This cross-industry project, formed by Japan’s top artists and music industry leaders, aims to accelerate the country’s entrance onto the international stage, with a focus on the GRAMMY Awards. Japan’s music market, traditionally oriented towards domestic sales, is now looking outward, leveraging its strengths in animation and manga to fuel double-digit growth in content exports.
The first AXLR8-G event is set for February 1, 2026, in Los Angeles, coinciding with the 68th Annual GRAMMY Awards. Leaders like Executive Director Kimitaka Kato and Chairman TAICHI see this as an opportunity to expand Japanese music’s influence worldwide, resonating with youth and fostering cross-cultural creativity. By partnering with the CANNES GALA, AXLR8-G seeks to unite artists beyond national boundaries, embodying the philosophy of music as a bridge for global understanding.
Morningstar’s Role and Responsibility in a Changing Information Landscape
Throughout these stories, one thread runs clear: Morningstar’s platform is a crossroads where finance, law, and culture converge. It delivers investment data, hosts vital legal alerts, and amplifies international creative initiatives. Yet, the company also reminds users that third-party content is for informational purposes only, urging independent judgment and caution before making decisions based on such reports.
This stance is crucial in a time when the boundaries between financial news, legal developments, and cultural trends are increasingly blurred. Whether through a multimillion-dollar investment move, the fallout from securities litigation, or the spotlight on creative industry breakthroughs, Morningstar remains a central node in the flow of global information.
Morningstar’s evolving platform demonstrates the power and responsibility of being a nexus for diverse, high-impact stories. Its reach across finance, law, and culture not only informs but shapes how investors, creators, and audiences navigate a rapidly shifting world. The ability to balance opportunity with caution—and to foster connections that transcend sectors—will define Morningstar’s relevance in the years ahead.