MORNINGSTAR, INC., 10-K filed on 2/29/2024
Annual Report
v3.24.0.1
Cover Page Cover - USD ($)
$ in Billions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Feb. 16, 2024
Jun. 30, 2023
Cover [Abstract]      
Document Type 10-K    
Document Annual Report true    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2023    
Entity File Number 000-51280    
Entity Registrant Name MORNINGSTAR, INC.    
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code IL    
Entity Tax Identification Number 36-3297908    
Entity Address, Address Line One 22 West Washington Street    
Entity Address, City or Town Chicago    
Entity Address, State or Province IL    
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 60602    
City Area Code 312    
Local Phone Number 696-6000    
Title of 12(b) Security Common stock, no par value    
Trading Symbol MORN    
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Small Business false    
Entity Emerging Growth Company false    
Entity Shell Company false    
Entity Public Float     $ 5.1
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   42,728,182  
Entity Central Index Key 0001289419    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2023    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Amendment Flag false    
Documents Incorporated by Reference [Text Block] Certain parts of the registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed not later than 120 days after the registrant's fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, are incorporated into Part III of this Form 10-K.    
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag true    
Auditor Firm ID 185    
Auditor Location Chicago, IL    
Auditor Name KPMG LLP    
Document Transition Report false    
Document Financial Statement Error Correction [Flag] false    
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Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($)
shares in Millions, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Revenue $ 2,038.6 $ 1,870.6 $ 1,699.3
Operating expense:      
Cost of revenue 843.5 779.3 698.4
Sales and marketing 423.8 356.5 274.8
General and administrative 355.8 400.4 318.4
Depreciation and amortization 184.9 166.6 150.7
Total operating expense 1,808.0 1,702.8 1,442.3
Operating income 230.6 167.8 257.0
Non-operating loss, net:      
Interest expense, net (51.7) (28.4) (8.7)
Realized gain (loss) on sale of investments, reclassified from other comprehensive income 2.9 (2.1) 5.0
Realized gain on sale of equity method investments 0.0 0.0 0.9
Expense from equity method transaction, net (11.8) 0.0 0.0
Other income (loss), net 11.5 (6.7) (3.7)
Non-operating loss, net (49.1) (37.2) (6.5)
Income before income taxes and equity in investments of unconsolidated entities 181.5 130.6 250.5
Equity in investments of unconsolidated entities (7.4) (3.6) 5.4
Income tax expense 33.0 56.5 62.6
Consolidated net income $ 141.1 $ 70.5 $ 193.3
Net income per share:      
Basic net income per share (in dollars per share) $ 3.31 $ 1.65 $ 4.50
Diluted net income per share (in dollars per share) 3.29 1.64 4.45
Dividends per common share:      
Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share) 1.53 1.46 1.31
Dividends paid per common share (in dollars per share) $ 1.50 $ 1.44 $ 1.26
Weighted average shares outstanding:      
Basic (in shares) 42.6 42.6 43.0
Diluted (in shares) 42.9 42.9 43.4
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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Consolidated net income $ 141.1 $ 70.5 $ 193.3
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:      
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net 12.6 (58.2) (15.1)
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities:      
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period 2.1 (7.0) 5.7
Reclassification of realized (gains) losses on investments included in net income, net of tax (2.2) 1.5 (3.9)
Other comprehensive income (loss) 12.5 (63.7) (13.3)
Comprehensive income $ 153.6 $ 6.8 $ 180.0
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Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Current assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 337.9 $ 376.6
Investments 51.1 38.0
Accounts receivable, less allowance for credit losses of $5.6 million and $6.6 million, respectively 343.9 307.9
Income tax receivable 0.6 0.0
Deferred commissions 41.9 40.7
Prepaid expenses 34.9 36.7
Other current assets 5.4 10.9
Total current assets 815.7 810.8
Goodwill 1,578.8 1,571.7
Intangible assets, net 484.4 548.6
Property, equipment, and capitalized software, net 207.7 199.4
Operating lease assets 163.9 191.6
Investments in unconsolidated entities 100.2 96.0
Deferred tax asset, net 14.6 10.8
Deferred commissions 29.3 35.4
Other assets 8.8 10.5
Total assets 3,403.4 3,474.8
Current liabilities:    
Deferred revenue 517.7 455.6
Accrued compensation 214.4 220.1
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 78.4 76.2
Current portion of long-term debt 32.1 32.1
Operating lease liabilities 36.4 37.3
Contingent consideration liability 0.0 50.0
Other current liabilities 1.8 11.2
Total current liabilities 880.8 882.5
Operating lease liabilities 151.4 176.7
Accrued compensation 23.7 20.7
Deferred tax liabilities, net 35.6 62.9
Long-term debt 940.3 1,077.5
Deferred revenue 26.3 33.5
Other long-term liabilities 17.5 13.9
Total liabilities 2,075.6 2,267.7
Morningstar, Inc. shareholders’ equity:    
Common stock, no par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized, of which 42,728,182 and 42,480,051 shares were outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively 0.0 0.0
Treasury stock at cost, 11,987,495 and 11,991,517 shares as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 respectively (985.5) (986.7)
Additional paid-in capital 789.0 757.8
Retained earnings 1,610.8 1,535.0
Accumulated other comprehensive loss:    
Currency translation adjustment (86.4) (99.0)
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments, net of tax (0.1) 0.0
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss (86.5) (99.0)
Total equity 1,327.8 1,207.1
Total liabilities and equity $ 3,403.4 $ 3,474.8
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Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]    
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 5.6 $ 6.6
Common stock, no par value $ 0 $ 0
Common stock, shares authorized 200,000,000 200,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding 42,728,182 42,480,051
Treasury stock, shares 11,987,495 11,991,517
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Consolidated Statement of Equity - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Total
Common Stock
Additional Paid-In Capital
Retained Earnings
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Treasury Stock, Common
Balance at Dec. 31, 2020 $ 1,271.4 $ 0.0 $ 671.3 $ 1,389.4 $ (22.0) $ (767.3)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2020   42,898,158        
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity            
Consolidated net income 193.3     193.3    
Other Comprehensive Income (loss)            
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments, net of income tax 5.7       5.7  
Reclassification of adjustments for gains included in net income, net of income tax (3.9)       (3.9)  
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net (15.1)       (15.1)  
Other comprehensive income (loss) (13.3)       (13.3)  
Issuance of common stock related to stock-option exercises and vesting of restricted stock units, net (28.7)   (33.0) 0.0 0.0 4.3
Reclassification of awards previously liability-classified that were converted to equity 8.8   8.8 0.0 0.0 0.0
Issuance of common stock related to stock-option exercises and vesting of restricted stock units, net (in shares)   243,015        
APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition            
Stock-based compensation — restricted stock units 25.8   25.8 0.0 0.0 0.0
Stock-based compensation — performance share awards 10.6   10.6 0.0 0.0 0.0
Stock-based compensation — market stock units 5.5   5.5 0.0 0.0 0.0
Common share repurchased (1.3)   0.0 0.0 0.0 (1.3)
Common share repurchased (in shares)   (4,900)        
Dividends declared $ (56.2)   0.0 (56.2) 0.0 0.0
Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share) $ 1.31          
Balance at Dec. 31, 2021 $ 1,415.9 $ 0.0 689.0 1,526.5 (35.3) (764.3)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2021   43,136,273        
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity            
Consolidated net income 70.5     70.5 0.0  
Other Comprehensive Income (loss)            
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments, net of income tax (7.0)     0.0 (7.0)  
Reclassification of adjustments for gains included in net income, net of income tax 1.5     0.0 1.5  
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net (58.2)     0.0 (58.2)  
Other comprehensive income (loss) (63.7)     0.0 (63.7)  
Issuance of common stock related to stock-option exercises and vesting of restricted stock units, net (30.0)   (33.6)     3.6
Reclassification of awards previously liability-classified that were converted to equity 19.2   19.2      
Issuance of common stock related to stock-option exercises and vesting of restricted stock units, net (in shares)   226,652        
APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition            
Stock-based compensation — restricted stock units 35.9   35.9      
Stock-based compensation — performance share awards 37.2   37.2      
Stock-based compensation — market stock units 10.1   10.1      
Common share repurchased (226.0)         (226.0)
Common share repurchased (in shares)   (882,874)        
Dividends declared $ (62.0)     (62.0)    
Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share) $ 1.46          
Balance at Dec. 31, 2022 $ 1,207.1 $ 0.0 757.8 1,535.0 (99.0) (986.7)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2022 42,480,051 42,480,051        
APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition            
Retained earnings $ 1,535.0          
Consolidated net income 141.1     141.1    
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments, net of income tax 2.1       2.1  
Reclassification of adjustments for gains included in net income, net of income tax (2.2)       (2.2)  
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net 12.6       12.6  
Other comprehensive income (loss) 12.5       12.5  
Issuance of common stock related to stock-option exercises and vesting of restricted stock units, net (30.3)   (32.9)     2.6
Reclassification of awards previously liability-classified that were converted to equity 11.3   11.3      
Issuance of common stock related to stock-option exercises and vesting of restricted stock units, net (in shares)   256,615        
Stock-based compensation — restricted stock units 38.8   38.8      
Stock-based compensation — performance share awards 6.5   6.5      
Stock-based compensation — market stock units 7.5   7.5      
Common share repurchased (1.4)         (1.4)
Common share repurchased (in shares)   (8,484)        
Dividends declared $ (65.3)     (65.3)    
Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share) $ 1.53          
Balance at Dec. 31, 2023 $ 1,327.8 $ 0.0 $ 789.0 $ 1,610.8 $ (86.5) $ (985.5)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2023 42,728,182 42,728,182        
APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition            
Retained earnings $ 1,610.8          
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Consolidated Statement of Equity (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]      
Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share) $ 1.53 $ 1.46 $ 1.31
Total operating expense $ 1,808.0 $ 1,702.8 $ 1,442.3
Cost of revenue 843.5 779.3 698.4
Sales and marketing 423.8 356.5 274.8
General and administrative 355.8 400.4 318.4
Depreciation and amortization 184.9 166.6 150.7
Expense from equity method transaction, net $ (11.8) $ 0.0 $ 0.0
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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Operating activities      
Consolidated net income $ 141.1 $ 70.5 $ 193.3
Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net income to net cash flows from operating activities:      
Depreciation and amortization 184.9 166.6 150.7
Deferred income taxes (32.4) (37.3) (12.1)
Stock-based compensation expense 52.8 83.2 41.9
Provision for bad debt 5.3 3.8 1.9
Equity in investments of unconsolidated entities 7.4 3.6 (5.4)
Gain on equity method transaction (49.6) 0.0 0.0
Acquisition earn-out accrual 0.0 4.5 17.8
Other, net (21.2) 14.9 (1.8)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:      
Accounts receivable (38.2) (38.6) (67.9)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (1.5) (2.0) 7.1
Accrued compensation and deferred commissions 14.9 (37.5) 58.0
Income taxes, current (7.8) 18.9 (6.1)
Deferred revenue 50.9 60.0 78.2
Other assets and liabilities 9.8 (12.8) (5.7)
Cash provided by operating activities 316.4 297.8 449.9
Investing activities      
Purchases of investment securities (15.7) (36.5) (71.1)
Proceeds from maturities and sales of investment securities 31.1 43.0 58.8
Capital expenditures (119.1) (129.5) (101.8)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (0.8) (646.7) (24.8)
Proceeds from sale of equity method investments, net 26.2 0.0 1.1
Purchases of investments in unconsolidated entities (3.7) (29.4) (29.8)
Other, net 0.1 (0.2) (0.1)
Cash used for investing activities (81.9) (799.3) (167.7)
Financing activities      
Common shares repurchased (1.4) (226.0) (1.3)
Dividends paid (63.9) (61.5) (54.2)
Proceeds from revolving credit facility 260.0 475.0 10.0
Repayment of revolving credit facility (365.0) (355.0) (10.0)
Proceeds from term facility 0.0 650.0 0.0
Repayment of term facility 32.5 19.1 90.0
Employee taxes withheld for stock awards (30.2) (29.9) (29.0)
Payment of acquisition-related earn-outs (45.5) (16.2) (34.4)
Other, net 0.1 (2.2) (2.9)
Cash provided by (used for) financing activities (278.4) 415.1 (211.8)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 5.2 (20.8) (9.1)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (38.7) (107.2) 61.3
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period 376.6 483.8 422.5
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period 337.9 376.6 483.8
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:      
Cash paid for income taxes 73.2 75.3 80.9
Cash paid for interest $ 58.4 $ 28.4 $ 10.4
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Description of Business
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Description of Business Description of Business
 
Morningstar, Inc. and its subsidiaries (Morningstar, we, our, the company) provide independent investment insights for investors around the world. We offer an extensive line of products and services for individual and institutional investors in public and private capital markets, financial advisors, asset managers, retirement plan providers and sponsors, and issuers of securities. We conduct business operations through wholly- or majority-owned subsidiaries in 32 countries.
v3.24.0.1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The acronyms that appear in these Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements refer to the following:
ASCAccounting Standards Codification
ASUAccounting Standards Update
FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board
SECSecurities and Exchange Commission

Principles of Consolidation

We conduct our business operations through wholly- or majority-owned operating subsidiaries. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Morningstar, Inc. and our subsidiaries. We consolidate assets, liabilities, and results of operations of subsidiaries in which we have a controlling interest and eliminate all significant intercompany accounts and transactions.

We account for investments in entities in which we exercise significant influence, but do not control, using the equity method.

As part of our investment management operations, we manage certain funds outside of the U.S. that are considered variable interest entities. For most of these variable interest entities, we do not have a variable interest. In cases where we do have a variable interest, we are not the primary beneficiary. Accordingly, we do not consolidate any of these variable interest entities.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (GAAP) requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and investments with original maturities of three months or less. We state them at cost, which approximates fair value. We state the portion of our cash equivalents that are invested in money market funds at fair value, as these funds are actively traded and have quoted market prices.

Investments

We account for our investments in debt securities in accordance with FASB ASC 320, Investments—Debt Securities (FASB ASC 320). We classify our debt securities into two categories: held-to-maturity and available-for-sale.

Held-to-maturity: We classify certain investments, primarily certificates of deposit, as held-to-maturity securities, based on our intent and ability to hold these securities to maturity. We record held-to-maturity investments at amortized cost in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Available-for-sale: Investments not considered held-to-maturity or trading securities are classified as available-for-sale securities. Available-for-sale securities primarily consist of marketable debt securities. We report unrealized gains and losses for available-for-sale securities as other comprehensive income (loss), net of related income taxes. We record these securities at their fair values in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

We account for our investments in equity securities in accordance with FASB ASC 321, Investments— Equity Securities (FASB ASC 321). We measure equity investments at fair value with the related realized and unrealized gains and losses recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Income. For equity investments without a readily determinable fair value, we measure these at cost less impairment and adjusting for observable price changes in orderly transactions. We will apply this measurement method to the investment until or if it becomes eligible to be measured at fair value, which is reassessed at each reporting period. Investments in equity securities that we do not intend to hold for more than a year are presented in "Investments" in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Investments in equity securities that we intend to hold for more than one year are included in "Investments in unconsolidated entities" in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

We account for our equity method investments in accordance with FASB ASC 323, Investments — Equity Method and Joint Ventures (FASB ASC 323). We account for non-marketable equity investments over which we exercise significant influence, but do not have control over the investee, under the equity method. We record our estimated share of earnings or losses in the periods they are reported by the investee and record any dividends as a reduction to the carrying amount of the investment. We evaluate our equity method investments for other than-temporary declines in value. If the estimated fair value of the investment is less than the carrying amount and management considers the decline in value to be other than temporary, the excess of the carrying amount over the estimated fair value is recognized in net income in the period the impairment occurs. Our equity method investments are recorded within "Investments in unconsolidated entities" in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Fair Value Measurements

FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements (FASB ASC 820) defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Under FASB ASC 820, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants as of the measurement date. The standard applies whenever other standards require (or permit) assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value.

FASB ASC 820 uses a fair value hierarchy based on three broad levels of valuation inputs:

•    Level 1: Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access.

•    Level 2: Valuations based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.

•    Level 3: Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.

We provide additional information about our cash equivalents and investments that are subject to FASB ASC 820 in Note 7.

Business Combinations

When we acquire a business, we account for the business combination in accordance with FASB ASC 805, Business Combinations (FASB ASC 805). We recognize and measure the fair value of the acquired business and allocate the purchase price to the identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. The difference between the purchase price and the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired or the excess of the aggregate estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. In determining the estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination, we use various recognized valuation methods, including discounted cash flow, Monte Carlo simulations, and relief from royalty. For a business combination achieved in stages, we remeasure our previously held equity interest immediately before the acquisition to the acquisition date fair value and recognize any gain in our Consolidated Statements of Income.
We recognize the fair value of any contingent payments at the date of acquisition as part of the consideration transferred to acquire a business. The liability associated with contingent consideration is remeasured to fair value at each reporting period subsequent to the date of acquisition considering factors that may impact the timing and amount of contingent payments until the term of the agreement has expired or the contingency is resolved. Any changes in the fair value measurement will be recorded in our Consolidated Statements of Income. In evaluating the characterization of contingent and deferred payments, we analyze relevant factors, including the nature of the payment, continuing employment requirements, incremental payments to employees of the acquired business, and timing and rationale underlying the transaction, to determine whether the payments should be accounted for as additional purchase consideration or post-combination related services.

We expense direct costs related to the business combination, such as accounting, legal, valuation, and other professional fees, as incurred. We recognize restructuring costs, including severance and relocation for employees of the acquired entity, as post-combination expenses unless the target entity meets the criteria of FASB ASC 420, Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations, on the acquisition date.

As part of the purchase price allocation, we follow the requirements of FASB ASC 740, Income Taxes (FASB ASC 740). This includes establishing deferred tax assets or liabilities reflecting the difference between the values assigned for financial statement purposes and income tax purposes. In certain acquisitions, the goodwill resulting from the purchase price allocation may not be deductible for income tax purposes. FASB ASC 740 prohibits recognition of a deferred tax asset or liability for temporary differences in goodwill if goodwill is not amortizable and deductible for tax purposes.

Goodwill

Changes in the carrying amount of our recorded goodwill are mainly the result of business acquisitions and the effect of foreign currency translations. In accordance with FASB ASC 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other, we do not amortize goodwill; instead, goodwill is subject to an impairment test annually, or whenever indicators of impairment exist. An impairment would occur if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeded the fair value of that reporting unit.

When reviewing goodwill for impairment, we assess a number of qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of our reporting units is less than their respective carrying values. Examples of qualitative factors that we assess include macroeconomic conditions affecting our reporting units, financial performance of our reporting units, market and competitive factors related to our reporting units, and other events specific to our reporting units. If we conclude that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we perform a quantitative impairment test. The quantitative impairment test compares the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value, and recognizes an impairment loss for the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, without exceeding the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. We determine the fair value of a reporting unit using a market approach. Determining the fair value of a reporting unit involves judgment and the use of significant estimates and assumptions, which include assumptions regarding the revenue growth rates and operating margins used to calculate estimated future cash flows, as well as revenue and earnings multiples of publicly traded companies whose services and markets are comparable.

We performed our annual impairment review in the fourth quarter and did not record any impairment losses in 2023, 2022, and 2021.

Intangible Assets

We amortize intangible assets using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which range from one to twenty years. We have no intangible assets with indefinite useful lives. In accordance with FASB ASC 360-10-35, Subsequent Measurement—Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, we review intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. If the value of future undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of an asset group, we record an impairment loss based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the asset group. We did not record any impairment losses in 2023, 2022, and 2021.
Property, Equipment, and Depreciation

We state property and equipment at historical cost, net of accumulated depreciation in accordance with FASB ASC 360-10, Property, Plant, and Equipment. We depreciate property and equipment using the straight-line method based on the useful life of the asset, which ranges from three to seven years. We amortize leasehold improvements over the lease term or their useful lives, whichever is shorter. Long-lived assets that are held and used are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. If the value of future undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of an asset group, we record an impairment loss based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the asset group.

Computer Software and Internal Product Development Costs

We capitalize certain costs in accordance with FASB ASC 350-40, Internal-Use Software. Internal product development costs mainly consist of employee and third-party resource costs for developing new web-based products and certain major enhancements of existing products. We amortize these costs on a straight-line basis over the estimated economic life, which is generally three years. We include capitalized software development costs related to projects that have not been placed into service in our construction in progress balance.

The table below summarizes our depreciation expense related to capitalized developed software for the past three years:
(in millions)202320222021
Capitalized software depreciation expense$81.2 $64.3 $59.9 

The table below summarizes our capitalized software development costs for the past three years:
(in millions)202320222021
Capitalized software development costs$100.0 $81.0 $74.0 

Leases

We account for our right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities in accordance with FASB ASC 842, Leases (FASB ASC 842). We determine if a contract is or contains a lease at the inception of the contract. For identified operating leases, we recognize a lease liability and right-of-use asset on the consolidated balance sheet. The right-of-use asset represents our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and the operating lease liability represents the company's obligation to make lease payments.

Our lease agreements consist primarily of real estate leases for office space and non-real estate leases for office equipment. In cases where an agreement contains both a lease and non-lease component, we do not allocate consideration to both components, but account for each as a single lease component by class of underlying asset. There are few instances of short-term agreements in our lease portfolio, which are typically arranged as needed and paid on a month-to-month basis. These leases are not recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheet, but monthly lease expense is recognized on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities are measured using the present value of future lease payments of the lease term at the commencement date. Right-of-use assets also include initial direct costs incurred by the company, net of prepayments and lease incentives. In the absence of an explicit rate in the lease agreement, the discount rate used to calculate present value is equal to the company's incremental borrowing rate. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease and is included in general and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (FASB ASC Topic 606).

Under FASB ASC Topic 606, we recognize revenue by applying the following five-step model to each of our customer arrangements:

1.Identify the customer contract;
2.Identify the performance obligations in the contract;
3.Determine the transaction price;
4.Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations; and
5.Recognize revenue when (or as) performance obligations are satisfied.

Revenues are recognized when (or as) performance obligations are satisfied by transferring a promised product or service to the customer. Products or services are transferred when (or as) the customer obtains control of the product or service. The transaction price for a customer arrangement is the amount we expect to be entitled to in exchange for transferring the promised product or service. The transaction price may include fixed amounts, variable amounts, or both. When the right to payment exceeds revenue recognized, the result is an increase to deferred revenue. Deferred revenue represents the amount billed or collected in advance of the service being provided which we expect to recognize as revenue in future periods.

Revenue from contracts with customers is derived from license-based arrangements, asset-based arrangements, and transaction-based arrangements.

License-based revenue, which represents subscription services available to customers and not a license under the accounting guidance, is generated through subscription contracts. Our performance obligations under these contracts are typically satisfied over time, as the customer has access to the service during the term of the subscription license and the level of service is consistent during the contract period. Each individual day within the contract period is viewed to be a service and the entirety of the service subscription term is determined to be a series combined into a single performance obligation and recognized over-time and on a straight-line basis, typically over terms of 1 to 3 years.

When a customer’s license-based contract is signed, the customer’s service is activated immediately, except where customizations are required. License-based arrangements, our largest source of revenue from customers, generally are billed quarterly or annually. Customers are typically given payment terms of zero to 30 days.

Asset-based revenue is generated through contracts with daily asset management, which is determined to be a daily performance obligation and thus satisfied over time as the customer receives continuous access to a service for the contract term. We recognize revenue daily over the contract term based on the value of assets under management and a tiered fee agreed to with the customer. Asset-based arrangements typically have a term of 1 to 3 years. The fees from such arrangements represent variable consideration, and the customer does not make separate purchasing decisions that result in additional performance obligations. Significant changes in the underlying fund assets, or significant disruptions in the market, are evaluated to determine if revisions to estimates of earned asset-based fees for the current quarter are needed. An estimate of the average daily portfolio balance is a key input in determining revenue for a given period. Estimates are based on the most recently reported quarter, and, as a result, it is unlikely a significant reversal of revenue would occur.

Transaction-based revenue is generated through contracts with performance obligations that are satisfied when the product or service is delivered. Some of our performance obligations include the issuance of the rating and may include surveillance services for a period of time as agreed with the customer. We allocate the transaction price to the deliverables based on their relative selling price, which is generally determined by the price we charge when the same deliverable is sold separately. Our performance obligation for the issuance of the rating is satisfied when the rating is issued, which is when we recognize the related revenue. Our performance obligations for surveillance services are satisfied over time, as the customer has access to the service during the surveillance period and the level of service is consistent during the contract period. Therefore, we recognize revenue for this performance obligation on a straight-line basis.
Our contracts with customers may include multiple performance obligations. For most of these arrangements, we generally allocate revenue to each performance obligation based on its estimated standalone selling price. We generally determine standalone selling prices based on prices charged to customers when the same performance obligation is sold separately.

Accounts Receivables and Allowance for Credit Losses

We account for accounts receivable in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 310, Receivables (FASB ASC 310) and FASB ASC Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (FASB ASC 326). We record a receivable when a customer is billed or when revenue is recognized prior to billing a customer. Accounts receivables are measured at amortized cost basis. We evaluate our allowance to include expected credit losses based on a variety of factors, including customer specific information, the current economic environment, and forecasted macroeconomic conditions.

Sales Commissions

We capitalize sales commissions, which are considered directly attributable to obtaining a customer contract under FASB ASC Topic 606 and FASB ASC 340-40, Other Assets and Deferred Costs - Contracts with Customers. Estimates of these capitalized costs are developed by using a portfolio approach that aggregates these costs by legal entity within their geographical regions. Capitalized sales commissions are amortized using the straight-line method over a period that is consistent with the transfer of the products or services to the customer to which the sales commission relates. The period of transfer for each portfolio is the shorter of the weighted-average customer life, or the economic life of the underlying technology that delivers the products or services. As of December 31, 2023, the period of transfer was determined to be approximately three years. Discretionary amounts which are added to sales commission payments are expensed as incurred, as they are not considered to be directly attributable to obtaining a customer contract.

Stock-Based Compensation Expense

We account for our stock-based compensation expense in accordance with FASB ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation (FASB ASC 718). Our stock-based compensation expense reflects grants of restricted stock units, performance share awards, and market stock units. We measure the fair value of our restricted stock units and performance share awards on the grant date based on the closing market price of Morningstar's common stock on the day prior to the grant. For market stock units, we estimate the fair value of the awards using a Monte Carlo valuation model. We amortize the fair values to stock-based compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, ratably over the vesting period.

We estimate expected forfeitures of all employee stock-based awards and recognize compensation cost only for those awards expected to vest. We determine forfeiture rates based on historical experience and adjust the estimated forfeitures to actual forfeiture experience, as needed.

Income Taxes

We record deferred income taxes for the temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial statement purposes and tax purposes in accordance with FASB ASC 740, which prescribes the minimum recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. It also provides guidance on derecognition, measurement, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, and disclosure for uncertain tax positions.

We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as part of income tax expense in our Consolidated Statements of Income. We classify liabilities related to unrecognized tax benefits as either current or long-term liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheet, depending on when we expect to make payment.
Segment Reporting

Under FASB ASC 280, Segment Reporting (FASB ASC 280), operating segments are defined as components of a company that engage in business activities from which they may earn revenues and incur expenses, and for which discrete financial information is available and is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker (CODM) in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Aggregation of similar operating segments into a single reportable operating segment is permitted if the businesses have similar economic characteristics and meet established qualitative criteria.

Effective as of December 31, 2023, we revised our presentation of our seven operating segments to the following five reportable segments: Morningstar Data and Analytics, PitchBook, Morningstar Wealth, Morningstar Credit, and Morningstar Retirement. The operating segments of Morningstar Sustainalytics and Morningstar Indexes do not individually meet the quantitative segment reporting thresholds and have been combined and presented as part of Corporate and All Other, which is not a reportable segment. Corporate and All Other provides a reconciliation between revenue from our reportable segments and consolidated revenue amounts. Refer to Note 6 for detailed segment information.

Severance

We account for post-employment benefits in accordance with FASB ASC 712, Compensation - Non-retirement Post-employment Benefits (FASB ASC 712). Under FASB ASC 712, we recognize compensation expense associated with these benefits as a liability when probable and estimable.

In July 2022, the company began to significantly reduce its operations in Shenzhen, China and to shift the work related to its global business functions, including global product and software development, managed investment data collection and analysis, and equity data collection and analysis, to other Morningstar locations. During the third quarter of 2023, the company substantially completed these activities.

As a result of these activities, the company incurred $25.9 million of severance expense in 2022. These amounts were recorded within "General and administrative" on our Consolidated Statements of Income. The liability was recorded within "Accrued compensation - current" on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. The company has substantially paid all of the accrued severance amounts as of December 31, 2023.

In 2023, the company incurred $15.4 million of severance expense of which $9.0 million was related to targeted reorganizations and headcount reductions in certain parts of the business and $2.4 million was related to the Company's China operations transition during 2023.
v3.24.0.1
Credit Arrangements
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Credit Arrangements Credit Arrangements
Debt

The following table summarizes our debt as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.
(in millions)As of December 31, 2023As of December 31, 2022
Term Facility, net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $0.5 million and $0.7 million, respectively$608.9 $641.1 
Revolving Credit Facility15.0 120.0 
2.32% Senior Notes due October 26, 2030, net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $1.5 million and $1.5 million, respectively
348.5 348.5 
Total debt$972.4 $1,109.6 
Maturities of the company’s principal debt payments as of December 31, 2023 are as follows:
(in millions)As of December 31, 2023
2024$32.5 
202532.5 
202632.5 
2027526.9 
2028— 
Thereafter 350.0 
Total$974.4 

Credit Agreement

On July 2, 2019, the company entered into a senior credit agreement (the 2019 Credit Agreement). The 2019 Credit Agreement provided the company with a five-year multi-currency credit facility with an initial borrowing capacity of up to $750.0 million, including a $300.0 million revolving credit facility (the 2019 Revolving Credit Facility) and a term loan facility of $450.0 million. The 2019 Credit Agreement also provided for the issuance of up to $50.0 million of letters of credit and a $100.0 million sub-limit for a swingline facility under the 2019 Revolving Credit Facility. On May 6, 2022, the company terminated the 2019 Credit Agreement.

On May 6, 2022, the company entered into a new senior credit agreement (the 2022 Credit Agreement). The 2022 Credit Agreement provided the company with a five-year multi-currency credit facility with an initial borrowing capacity of up to $1.1 billion, including a $650.0 million term loan (the 2022 Term Facility) with an initial draw of $600.0 million and an option for a second draw of up to $50.0 million and a $450.0 million revolving credit facility (the 2022 Revolving Credit Facility). The 2022 Credit Agreement also provided for the issuance of up to $50.0 million of letters of credit and a $100.0 million sub-limit for a swingline.

The proceeds of the first draw under the 2022 Term Facility and initial borrowings under the 2022 Revolving Credit Facility were used to finance the acquisition of Leveraged Commentary & Data (LCD) and to repay a portion of the borrowings under the 2019 Revolving Credit Facility. The optional second draw on the 2022 Term Facility was available to fund the contingent consideration payment of up to $50.0 million in connection with the LCD acquisition.

The 2022 Credit Agreement was amended (the Amended 2022 Credit Agreement) on September 13, 2022 (the First Amendment to the 2022 Credit Agreement) and on September 30, 2022 (the Second Amendment to the 2022 Credit Agreement). The First Amendment to the 2022 Credit Agreement terminated the unfunded term commitment related to the optional second draw of up to $50.0 million in the 2022 Term Facility and increased the 2022 Revolving Credit Facility to $600.0 million. The Second Amendment to the 2022 Credit Agreement increased the 2022 Term Facility to a fully funded $650.0 million facility (the Amended 2022 Term Facility) and increased the 2022 Revolving Credit Facility to $650.0 million (the Amended 2022 Revolving Credit Facility) for total borrowing capacity of $1.3 billion. As of December 31, 2023, our total outstanding debt under the Amended 2022 Credit Agreement was $623.9 million, net of debt issuance costs, with borrowing availability of $635.0 million under the 2022 Revolving Credit Facility. Except for incremental borrowing capacity, there were no material changes to the existing terms and conditions of the 2022 Credit Agreement.

The proceeds of the additional draw under the Amended 2022 Term Facility were used to repay borrowings under the 2022 Revolving Credit Facility. The proceeds of future borrowings under the Amended 2022 Revolving Credit Facility may be used for working capital, capital expenditures, or other general corporate purposes.

The interest rate applicable to any loan under the Amended 2022 Credit Agreement is, at the company's option, either: (i) the applicable Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) plus an applicable margin for such loans, which ranges between 1.00% and 1.48%, based on the company's consolidated leverage ratio or (ii) the lender's base rate plus the applicable margin for such loans, which ranges between 0.00% and 0.38%, based on our consolidated leverage ratio.
The portions of deferred debt issuance costs related to the Amended 2022 Revolving Credit Facility are included in other current and non-current assets, and the portion of deferred debt issuance costs related to the Amended 2022 Term Facility is reported as a reduction to the carrying amount of the Amended 2022 Term Facility. Debt issuance costs related to the Amended 2022 Revolving Credit Facility are amortized on a straight-line basis to interest expense over the term of the Amended 2022 Credit Agreement. Debt issuance costs related to the Amended 2022 Term Facility are amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the term of the Amended 2022 Credit Agreement.

Private Placement Debt Offering

On October 26, 2020, we completed the issuance and sale of $350.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2.32% senior notes due October 26, 2030 (the 2030 Notes), in a private placement exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Proceeds were primarily used to pay off a portion of the company's outstanding debt under the 2019 Credit Agreement. Interest on the 2030 Notes will be paid semi-annually on each October 30 and April 30 during the term of the 2030 Notes and at maturity, with the first interest payment date occurring on April 30, 2021. As of December 31, 2023, our total outstanding debt, net of issuance costs, under the 2030 Notes was $348.5 million.

Compliance with Covenants

Each of the Amended 2022 Credit Agreement and the 2030 Notes include customary representations, warranties, and covenants, including financial covenants, that require us to maintain specified ratios of consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) to consolidated interest charges and consolidated funded indebtedness to consolidated EBITDA, which are tested on a quarterly basis. We were in compliance with these financial covenants as of December 31, 2023.
v3.24.0.1
Income Per Share
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Income Per Share Income Per Share
 
The following table shows how we reconcile our net income and the number of shares used in computing basic and diluted net income per share:
(in millions, except per share amounts)202320222021
Basic net income per share:
Consolidated net income $141.1 $70.5 $193.3 
Weighted average common shares outstanding42.6 42.6 43.0 
Basic net income per share$3.31 $1.65 $4.50 
Diluted net income per share:
Consolidated net income$141.1 $70.5 $193.3 
Weighted average common shares outstanding42.6 42.6 43.0 
Net effect of dilutive stock options and stock awards0.3 0.3 0.4 
Weighted average common shares outstanding for computing diluted income per share42.9 42.9 43.4 
Diluted net income per share$3.29 $1.64 $4.45 
During the periods presented, the number of anti-dilutive restricted stock units, performance share awards, or market stock units excluded from our calculation of diluted earnings per share was immaterial.
v3.24.0.1
Revenue
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Revenue Revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue

The following table presents our revenue disaggregated by revenue type. Sales and usage-based taxes are excluded from revenue.
Year ended December 31
(in millions)202320222021
License-based $1,517.5 $1,331.7 $1,131.7 
Asset-based279.6 269.4 264.9 
Transaction-based241.5 269.5 302.7 
Consolidated revenue$2,038.6 $1,870.6 $1,699.3 

License-based performance obligations are generally satisfied over time as the customer has access to the product or service during the term of the subscription license and the level of service is consistent during the contract period. License-based agreements typically have a term of 1 to 3 years and are accounted for as subscription services available to customers and not as a license under the accounting guidance.

Asset-based performance obligations are satisfied over time as the customer receives continuous access to a service for the term of the agreement. Asset-based arrangements typically have a term of 1 to 3 years. Asset-based fees represent variable consideration, and the customer does not make separate purchasing decisions that result in additional performance obligations. The timing of client asset reporting and the structure of certain contracts can result in a lag between market movements and the impact on earned revenue. Significant changes in the underlying fund assets and significant disruptions in the market are evaluated to determine whether estimates of earned asset-based fees need to be revised for the current quarter. An estimate of variable consideration is included in the initial transaction price only to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of the revenue recognized will not occur. Estimates of asset-based fees are based on the most recently completed quarter and, as a result, it is unlikely a significant reversal of revenue would occur.

Transaction-based performance obligations are satisfied when the product or service is completed or delivered. Some transaction-based revenue includes revenue from surveillance services, which is recognized over time, as the customer has access to the service during the surveillance period.

Contract liabilities

Our contract liabilities represent deferred revenue. We record contract liabilities when cash payments are received or due in advance of our performance, including amounts which may be refundable. The contract liabilities balance as of December 31, 2023 had a net increase of $54.9 million, primarily driven by cash payments received or payable in advance of satisfying our performance obligations. We recognized $424.9 million of revenue in 2023 that was included in the contract liabilities balance as of December 31, 2022.

We expect to recognize revenue related to our contract liabilities, including future billings, for 2024 and subsequent years as follows:
(in millions)As of December 31, 2023
2024$970.0 
2025289.6 
202694.8 
202714.9 
20286.3 
Thereafter 22.6 
Total$1,398.2 
The aggregate amount of revenue we expect to recognize for 2024 and subsequent years is higher than our contract liability balance of $544.0 million as of December 31, 2023. The difference represents the value of future obligations for signed contracts that have yet to be billed.

The table above does not include variable consideration for unsatisfied performance obligations related to certain of our license-based, asset-based, and transaction-based contracts as of December 31, 2023. We are applying the optional exemption available under FASB ASC Topic 606, as the variable consideration relates to these unsatisfied performance obligations being fulfilled as a series. The performance obligations related to these contracts are expected to be satisfied over the next 1 to 3 years as services are provided to the client. For license-based contracts, the consideration received for services performed is based on the number of future users, which is not known until the services are performed. The variable consideration for this revenue can be affected by the number of user licenses, which cannot be reasonably estimated. For asset-based contracts, the consideration received for services performed is based on future asset values, which are not known until the services are performed. The variable consideration for this revenue can be affected by changes in the underlying value of fund assets due to client redemptions, additional investments, or movements in the market. For transaction-based contracts for Internet advertising, the consideration received for services performed is based on the number of impressions, which is not known until the impressions are created. The variable consideration for this revenue can be affected by the timing and quantity of impressions in any given period and cannot be reasonably estimated.

As of December 31, 2023, the table above also does not include revenue for unsatisfied performance obligations related to certain of our license-based and transaction-based contracts with durations of one year or less since we are applying the optional exemption under FASB ASC Topic 606. For certain license-based contracts, the remaining performance obligation is expected to be less than one year based on the corresponding subscription terms or the existence of cancellation terms that may be exercised causing the contract term to be less than one year from December 31, 2023. For transaction-based contracts, such as new credit rating issuances and Morningstar-sponsored conferences, the related performance obligations are expected to be satisfied within the next 12 months.

Contract Assets

Our contract assets represent accounts receivable, less allowance for credit losses, and deferred commissions.

The following table summarizes our contract assets balance:
As of December 31
(in millions)20232022
Accounts receivable, less allowance for credit losses$343.9 $307.9 
Deferred commissions71.2 76.1 
Total contract assets$415.1 $384.0 
v3.24.0.1
Segment and Geographical Area Information
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Segment and Geographical Area Information Segment and Geographical Area Information
Segment Information

As disclosed in Note 2, the company revised its reportable segments in accordance with FASB ASC 280. Our segments are generally organized around the company's product offerings. The company concluded that it has seven operating segments which are presented as the following five reportable segments:

Morningstar Data and Analytics
PitchBook
Morningstar Wealth
Morningstar Credit
Morningstar Retirement

The operating segments of Morningstar Sustainalytics and Morningstar Indexes do not individually meet the quantitative segment reporting thresholds and have been combined and presented as part of Corporate and All Other, which is not a reportable segment. Corporate and All Other provides a reconciliation between revenue from our total reportable segments and consolidated revenue amounts.
Morningstar Data and Analytics provides investors comprehensive data, research and insights, and investment analysis to empower investment decision-making. Morningstar Data and Analytics includes product areas such as Morningstar Data, Morningstar Direct, and Morningstar Advisor Workstation.

PitchBook provides investors with access to a broad collection of data and research covering the private capital markets, including venture capital, private equity, private credit and bank loans, and merger and acquisition (M&A) activities. Investors can also access Morningstar's data and research on public equities.

Morningstar Wealth brings together our model portfolios and wealth platform; practice and portfolio management software for registered investment advisers (RIAs); data aggregation and enrichment capabilities; and our individual investor platform. Morningstar Wealth includes the Investment Management product area.

Morningstar Credit provides investors with credit ratings, research, data, and credit analytics solutions that contribute to the transparency of international and domestic credit markets. Morningstar Credit includes the Morningstar DBRS product area and the Morningstar Credit data and credit analytics product areas.

Morningstar Retirement offers products designed to help individuals reach their retirement goals. Its offerings include managed retirement accounts (MRA), fiduciary services, Morningstar Lifetime Allocation funds, and custom models.

FASB ASC 280 establishes standards for reporting information about operating segments. Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the CODM, in deciding how to allocate resources and assess performance. The company's chief executive officer, who is considered to be its CODM, reviews financial information presented on an operating segment basis for purposes of making operating decisions and assessing financial performance.

The CODM allocates resources and assesses performance of segments based on segment revenue as well as Adjusted Operating Income. Segment Adjusted Operating Income excludes intangible amortization, merger and acquisition (M&A)-related expenses (including M&A-related earn-outs), and items related to the significant reduction and shift of the company's operations in China, such as severance and personnel expenses, transformation costs, and asset impairment costs. The CODM does not consider these items for the purposes of making decisions to allocate resources among segments or to assess segment performance. Although the amounts are excluded from segment Adjusted Operating Income, they are included in reported consolidated operating income and are included in the reconciliation to consolidated results. Expenses presented as part of the company's segments include allocations of shared costs. These allocations are based on expected utilization of shared resources. Adjusted Operating Income is the reported measure that the company believes is most consistent with those used in measuring the corresponding amount in the consolidated financial statements.

The CODM does not review any information regarding total assets on a segment basis. Operating segments do not record intersegment revenues; therefore, there is none to be reported.
The following tables present information about the company’s reportable segments for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 along with the items necessary to reconcile the segment information to the totals reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Prior period segment information is presented on a comparable basis to the basis on which current period segment information is presented and reviewed by the CODM.

Year ended December 31,
(in millions)202320222021
Revenue:
Morningstar Data and Analytics$747.2 $696.6 $667.5 
PitchBook551.9 450.7 301.6 
Morningstar Wealth229.9 228.9 238.4 
Morningstar Credit215.4 236.9 271.2 
Morningstar Retirement110.5 104.0 104.6 
Total Reportable Segments1,854.9 1,717.1 1,583.3 
Corporate and All Other (1)
183.7 153.5 116.0 
Total Revenue$2,038.6 $1,870.6 $1,699.3 
Adjusted Operating Income (Loss):
Morningstar Data and Analytics$339.8 $313.3 $293.5 
PitchBook148.1 71.5 55.4 
Morningstar Wealth(40.4)(14.3)19.4 
Morningstar Credit21.7 59.1 74.5 
Morningstar Retirement54.1 51.4 55.4 
Total Reportable Segments$523.3 $481.0 $498.2 
Less reconciling items to Operating Income:
Corporate and All Other (2)
$(196.8)$(182.1)$(134.8)
Intangible amortization expense (3)
(70.5)(66.7)(62.0)
M&A-related expenses (4)
(9.8)(17.1)(17.4)
M&A-related earn-outs (5)
— (11.6)(27.0)
Severance and personnel expenses (6)
(5.5)(27.5)— 
Transformation costs (6)
(7.0)(8.2)— 
Asset impairment costs (6)
(3.1)— — 
Operating Income230.6 167.8 257.0 
Non-operating expense, net(49.1)(37.2)(6.5)
Equity in investments of unconsolidated entities(7.4)(3.6)5.4 
Income before income taxes$174.1 $127.0 $255.9 
___________________________________________________________________________________________
(1) Corporate and All Other provides a reconciliation between revenue from our Total Reportable Segments and consolidated revenue amounts. Corporate and All Other includes Morningstar Sustainalytics and Morningstar Indexes as sources of revenues.

(2) Corporate and All Other includes unallocated corporate expenses of $153.5 million in 2023, $135.8 million in 2022, $113.1 million in 2021, as well as adjusted operating income/loss from Morningstar Sustainalytics and Morningstar Indexes. Unallocated corporate expenses include finance, human resources, legal, and other management-related costs that are not considered when segment performance is evaluated.

(3) Excludes finance lease amortization expense of $1.2 million in 2023, $2.1 million in 2022, $1.7 million in 2021.
(4) Reflects non-recurring expenses related to M&A activity including pre-deal due diligence, transaction costs, and post-close integration costs.

(5) Reflects the impact of M&A-related earn-outs included in operating expense.

(6) Reflects costs associated with the significant reduction of the company's operations in Shenzhen, China and the shift of work related to its global business functions to other Morningstar locations.

Severance and personnel expenses include severance charges, incentive payments related to early signing of severance agreements, transition bonuses, and stock-based compensation related to the accelerated vesting of restricted stock unit (RSU) and market stock unit (MSU) awards. In addition, the reversal of accrued sabbatical liabilities is included in this category.

Transformation costs include professional fees and the temporary duplication of headcount. As the company hired replacement roles in other markets and shifted capabilities, it employed certain Shenzhen-based staff through the transition period, which resulted in elevated compensation costs on a temporary basis.

Asset impairment costs include the write-off or accelerated depreciation of fixed assets in the Shenzhen, China office that were not redeployed, in addition to lease abandonment costs as the company downsized its office space prior to the lease termination date.

The following table presents depreciation expense and stock-based compensation expense by reportable segment:

Year ended December 31,
Depreciation ExpenseStock-based Compensation Expense
(in millions)202320222021202320222021
Morningstar Data and Analytics$31.0 $23.4 $29.5 $10.6 $10.5 $9.5 
PitchBook26.8 23.8 20.4 10.3 40.2 11.9 
Morningstar Wealth15.8 18.1 13.3 6.4 5.7 4.4 
Morningstar Credit9.1 8.9 9.6 7.0 6.3 3.4 
Morningstar Retirement11.0 7.9 9.6 1.6 1.6 1.4 
Total Reportable Segments93.7 82.1 82.4 35.9 64.3 30.6 
Corporate and All Other (7)
19.5 15.7 4.6 16.9 18.9 11.3 
Total$113.2 $97.8 $87.0 $52.8 $83.2 $41.9 
___________________________________________________________________________________________
(7) Corporate and All Other provides a reconciliation between depreciation expense and stock-based compensation expense from our Total Reportable Segments and consolidated depreciation expense and stock-based compensation expense. Corporate and All Other includes unallocated corporate expenses of depreciation expense and stock-based compensation expense related to finance, human resources, legal, and other management-related costs that are not considered when segment performance is evaluated as well as depreciation expense and stock-based compensation expense from Morningstar Sustainalytics and Morningstar Indexes.

The following tables present segment revenue disaggregated by revenue type:

Year ended December 31, 2023
(in millions)Morningstar Data and AnalyticsPitchBookMorningstar WealthMorningstar CreditMorningstar RetirementTotal Reportable Segments
Corporate and All Other (8)
Total
Revenue by Type: (9)
License-based$745.5 $551.9 $80.8 $11.7 $1.7 $1,391.6 $125.9 $1,517.5 
Asset-based— — 122.6 — 108.5 231.1 48.5 279.6 
Transaction-based1.7 — 26.5 203.7 0.3 232.2 9.3 241.5 
Total$747.2 $551.9 $229.9 $215.4 $110.5 $1,854.9 $183.7 $2,038.6 
Year ended December 31, 2022
(in millions)Morningstar Data and AnalyticsPitchBookMorningstar WealthMorningstar CreditMorningstar RetirementTotal Reportable Segments
Corporate and All Other (8)
Total
Revenue by Type: (9)
License-based$695.1 $450.7 $80.9 $— $2.0 $1,228.7 $103.0 $1,331.7 
Asset-based— — 117.6 — 101.8 219.4 50.0 269.4 
Transaction-based1.5 — 30.4 236.9 0.2 269.0 0.5 269.5 
Total$696.6 $450.7 $228.9 $236.9 $104.0 $1,717.1 $153.5 $1,870.6 

Year ended December 31, 2021
(in millions)Morningstar Data and AnalyticsPitchBookMorningstar WealthMorningstar CreditMorningstar RetirementTotal Reportable Segments
Corporate and All Other (8)
Total
Revenue by Type: (9)
License-based$666.5 $301.6 $82.7 $— $2.0 $1,052.8 $78.9 $1,131.7 
Asset-based— — 125.5 — 102.5 228.0 36.9 264.9 
Transaction-based1.0 — 30.2 271.2 0.1 302.5 0.2 302.7 
Total$667.5 $301.6 $238.4 $271.2 $104.6 $1,583.3 $116.0 $1,699.3 
___________________________________________________________________________________________
(8) Corporate and All Other provides a reconciliation between revenue from our Total Reportable Segments and consolidated revenue amounts. Corporate and All Other includes Morningstar Sustainalytics and Morningstar Indexes as sources of revenues.

(9) Starting with the quarter ended March 31, 2023, the company updated its revenue-type classifications to account for product areas with more than one revenue type. Prior periods have not been restated to reflect the updated classifications. Revenue from Morningstar Sustainalytics' second-party opinions product was reclassified from license-based to transaction-based. Revenue from Morningstar Indexes data and services products was reclassified from asset-based to license-based. Revenue from Morningstar DBRS and Morningstar Credit data products was reclassified from transaction-based to license-based.

Geographical Area Information

The tables below summarize our revenue, long-lived assets, which includes property, equipment, and capitalized software, net, and operating lease assets, by geographical area. Revenue is attributed to geographical area based on country in which the sale was contracted.
Revenue by geographical area
Year ended December 31
(in millions)202320222021
United States$1,470.6 $1,353.9 $1,184.3 
Asia49.3 44.8 41.1 
Australia58.4 55.8 56.9 
Canada116.3 109.8 112.9 
Continental Europe185.5 162.9 159.1 
United Kingdom148.0 133.6 135.7 
Other10.5 9.8 9.3 
Total International568.0 516.7 515.0 
Consolidated revenue$2,038.6 $1,870.6 $1,699.3 
Property, equipment, and capitalized software, net by geographical area
As of December 31
(in millions)20232022
United States$178.5 $165.6 
Asia9.9 12.8 
Australia1.9 2.3 
Canada3.6 4.5 
Continental Europe6.5 8.5 
United Kingdom7.2 5.4 
Other0.1 0.3 
Total International29.2 33.8 
Consolidated property, equipment, and capitalized software, net$207.7 $199.4 
Operating lease assets by geographical area
As of December 31
(in millions)20232022
United States$100.7 $120.0 
Asia16.5 22.6 
Australia3.2 3.9 
Canada8.2 5.5 
Continental Europe18.1 18.5 
United Kingdom16.9 20.6 
Other0.3 0.5 
Total International63.2 71.6 
Consolidated operating lease assets$163.9 $191.6 
v3.24.0.1
Investments and Fair Value Measurements
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure Investments and Fair Value Measurements
 
We classify our investments into two categories: equity investments and debt securities. We further classify our debt securities into available-for-sale and held-to-maturity. Our investment portfolio consists of stocks, bonds, options, mutual funds, money market funds, or exchange-traded products that replicate the model portfolios and strategies created by Morningstar. These investment accounts may also include exchange-traded products where Morningstar is an index provider. All investments in our investment portfolio have valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access, and, therefore, are classified as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. We classify our investment portfolio as shown below:
 
As of December 31
(in millions)20232022
Equity investments$44.9 $32.7 
Available-for-sale2.2 2.3 
Held-to-maturity4.0 3.0 
Total$51.1 $38.0 
The following table shows the cost, unrealized gains, and fair values related to investments classified as equity investments, available-for-sale, and held-to-maturity:
 As of December 31, 2023As of December 31, 2022
(in millions)CostUnrealized
Gain
Unrealized
Loss
Fair
Value
CostUnrealized
Gain
Unrealized
Loss
Fair
Value
Equity investments:        
Marketable equity investments, exchange traded funds, and mutual funds$37.7 $7.2 $— $44.9 $30.7 $2.5 $(0.5)$32.7 
Available-for-sale:
Marketable debt securities2.3 — (0.1)2.2 2.2 0.1 — 2.3 
Held-to-maturity:
Certificates of deposit
4.0 — — 4.0 3.0 — — 3.0 
Total$44.0 $7.2 $(0.1)$51.1 $35.9 $2.6 $(0.5)$38.0 
 
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, debt securities with unrealized losses for greater than a 12-month period were not material to the Consolidated Balance Sheets and were not deemed to have other than temporary declines in value.

The table below shows the cost and fair value of investments classified as held-to-maturity based on their contractual maturities as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 As of December 31, 2023As of December 31, 2022
(in millions)CostFair ValueCostFair Value
Held-to-maturity:    
Due in one year or less$4.0 $4.0 $3.0 $3.0 
Due in one to three years— — — — 
Total$4.0 $4.0 $3.0 $3.0 

The following table shows the realized gains and losses arising from sales of our investments classified as equity investments and available-for-sale recorded in our Consolidated Statements of Income: 
(in millions)202320222021
Realized gains$2.9 $1.0 $5.0 
Realized losses— (3.1)— 
Realized gains (losses), net$2.9 $(2.1)$5.0 

We determine realized gains and losses using the specific identification method.

The following table shows the net unrealized gains on the equity securities as recorded in our Consolidated Statements of Income:

 
(in millions)202320222021
Unrealized gains, net$4.2 $5.4 $1.8 
The table below shows the fair value of our assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis using the fair value hierarchy:
 
 Fair Value
 as ofLevel Within the Fair Value Hierarchy as of December 31, 2023
(in millions)December 31, 2023Level 1Level 2Level 3
Financial assets:
Marketable equity investments, exchange-traded funds, and mutual funds$44.9 $44.9 $— $— 
Marketable debt securities2.2 2.2 — — 
Cash equivalents— — — — 
Financial liabilities:
Contingent consideration— — — — 
Total$47.1 $47.1 $— $— 
 
 Fair Value
 as ofLevel Within the Fair Value Hierarchy as of December 31, 2022
(in millions)December 31, 2022Level 1Level 2Level 3
Financial assets:
Marketable equity investments, exchange-traded funds, and mutual funds$32.7 $32.7 $— $— 
Marketable debt securities2.3 2.3 — — 
Cash equivalents0.2 0.2 — — 
Financial liabilities:
Contingent consideration50.0 — — 50.0 
Total$85.2 $35.2 $— $50.0 

We measure the fair value of money market funds, mutual funds, marketable equity securities, marketable debt securities, and exchange-traded funds based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. We did not hold any securities categorized as Level 2 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. We did not hold any securities categorized as Level 3 as of December 31, 2023.

As of December 31, 2022, financial liabilities that were classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy included a contingent consideration liability of $50.0 million related to the LCD acquisition, which represents the acquisition date fair value of $45.5 million plus changes due to remeasurement of this liability in subsequent reporting periods.

The contingent consideration reflected potential future payments that were contingent upon the achievement of certain conditions related to the separation of LCD’s contractual relationships from S&P Global (S&P) contracts that included other S&P products and services. This additional purchase consideration, for which the amount was contingent, was recognized at fair value at the date of acquisition, which was calculated as the weighted average of the estimated contingent payment scenarios. The contingent consideration was remeasured each reporting period until the contingency was resolved with any changes in fair value recorded in the current period earnings.

In the first quarter of 2023, we made a cash payment of $50.0 million, resolving our contingent consideration liability related to our acquisition of LCD.
v3.24.0.1
Acquisitions, Goodwill, and Other Intangible Assets
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Acquisitions, Goodwill, and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]  
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure Acquisitions, Goodwill, and Other Intangible Assets
2023 Acquisitions

We did not make any significant acquisitions during 2023.

2022 Acquisitions

Leveraged Commentary & Data (LCD)

On June 1, 2022, we completed our acquisition of LCD, a market leader in news, research, data, insights, and indexes for the leveraged finance market, from S&P for an initial cash payment of $600.0 million plus a contingent payment of up to $50.0 million. We began consolidating the financial results of LCD in our consolidated financial statements as of June 1, 2022.

The total consideration transferred was recorded as $645.5 million, comprised of a $600.0 million cash payment plus contingent consideration with an acquisition date fair value of $45.5 million.

The transaction was accounted for as a business combination under the acquisition method of accounting pursuant to FASB ASC 805, which requires that assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized at fair value as of the acquisition date. We finalized the purchase price allocation related to our acquisition of LCD during the second quarter of 2023 and did not record any significant adjustments compared to the preliminary estimates at the date of acquisition.

The final contingent consideration was determined based upon the achievement of certain conditions related to the separation of LCD’s contractual relationships from S&P contracts that include other S&P products and services during the six-month period following closing. To estimate the fair value of the contingent consideration at the acquisition date, we calculated the weighted average of the estimated contingent payment scenarios. At subsequent balance sheet dates, the contingent consideration was measured at fair value and any changes in the estimate were recorded in earnings unless the change in fair value was the result of facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date. During the third and fourth quarters of 2022, the contingent consideration was remeasured and increased by $0.9 million and $3.6 million, respectively, for total consideration of $50.0 million as of December 31, 2022. The contingent consideration is classified as "Contingent consideration liabilities" on our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2022. On February 6, 2023, we made a cash payment of $50.0 million, resolving our contingent consideration liability related to our acquisition of LCD.

The following table summarizes our allocation of the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date:
(in millions)
Fair value of consideration$645.5 
Accounts receivable and other current assets$9.7 
Intangible assets, net275.6 
Deferred revenue(25.8)
Total fair value of net assets acquired$259.5 
Goodwill$386.0 

Acquired accounts receivable were recorded at gross contractual amounts receivable, which approximates fair value. We collected substantially all of the gross contractual amounts receivable within a reasonable period of time after the acquisition date.
The allocation of the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed includes $275.6 million of acquired intangible assets, as follows:
(in millions)Weighted average useful life (years)
Customer-related assets$197.3 20
Technology-based assets65.7 10
Intellectual property12.6 10
Total intangible assets$275.6 

Goodwill of $386.0 million represents the excess over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired. Since LCD was an asset acquisition, goodwill is deductible for income tax purposes for that transaction.

Praemium Portfolio Services Limited (Praemium)

On June 30, 2022, we completed our acquisition of Praemium, a U.K.-based global provider of digital-first financial services, with $44.9 million in cash paid at closing, subject to post-closing adjustments. Praemium and its subsidiaries offer several investment platforms and customer relationship management services to their financial planning and wealth management clients across the U.K. and international markets. We began consolidating the financial results of Praemium in our consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2022.

The transaction was accounted for as a business combination under the acquisition method of accounting pursuant to FASB ASC 805, which requires that assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized at fair value as of the acquisition date. We finalized the purchase price allocation related to our acquisition of Praemium during the second quarter of 2023 and did not record any significant adjustments compared to the preliminary estimates at the date of acquisition.

The following table summarizes our allocation of the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date:
(in millions)
Fair value of consideration transferred$44.9 
Cash and cash equivalents$5.5 
Accounts receivable and other current and non-current assets3.3 
Intangible assets, net22.1 
Deferred revenue(0.3)
Deferred tax liability, net(5.4)
Other current and non-current liabilities(2.2)
Total fair value of net assets acquired$23.0 
Goodwill$21.9 

Acquired accounts receivable were recorded at gross contractual amounts receivable, which approximates fair value. We collected substantially all of the gross contractual amounts receivable within a reasonable period of time after the acquisition date.
The allocation of the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed includes $22.1 million of acquired intangible assets, as follows:
(in millions)Weighted average useful life (years)
Customer-related assets$2.9 10
Technology-based assets19.2 10
Total intangible assets$22.1 

Goodwill of $21.9 million represents the excess over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired. Goodwill is not deductible for income tax purposes for that transaction.

We recognized a net deferred tax liability of $5.4 million primarily because the amortization expense related to certain intangible assets is not deductible for income tax purposes.

2021 Acquisitions

Moorgate Benchmarks

On September 3, 2021, we acquired Moorgate Benchmarks (Moorgate), a privately held European-based global provider of index design, calculation, and administration. We began consolidating the financial results of Moorgate in our consolidated financial statements on September 3, 2021.

The transaction has been accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting, which requires that assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized at their fair values as of the acquisition date. We finalized the purchase price allocation related to our acquisition of Moorgate during the fourth quarter of 2021 and did not record any significant adjustments compared to the preliminary estimates at the date of acquisition.

The allocation of the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed includes $14.9 million of goodwill and $13.4 million of acquired intangible assets, as follows:
(in millions)Weighted average useful life (years)
Technology-based assets$12.1 7
Customer-related assets1.3 5
Total intangible assets$13.4 

We recognized a net deferred tax liability of $3.2 million primarily because the amortization expense related to certain intangible assets is not deductible for income tax purposes.
Goodwill
 
As disclosed in Note 2, the company revised its presentation of reportable segments in accordance with FASB ASC 280. The company concluded that it has seven operating segments, which are presented as the five following reportable segments: Morningstar Data and Analytics, PitchBook, Morningstar Wealth, Morningstar Credit, and Morningstar Retirement. The company's operating segments also represent the company's reporting units to which goodwill is assigned. The company allocated goodwill by reporting unit in accordance with FASB ASC 350. Under the new reporting unit structure, the consolidated goodwill balance is initially allocated based on each reporting unit's relative fair value. The company used a market approach and assigned goodwill to the reporting units. The following table shows the changes in our goodwill balances from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2023:

 (in millions)Morningstar Data and AnalyticsPitchBookMorningstar WealthMorningstar CreditMorningstar RetirementTotal Reportable SegmentsCorporate and All OtherTotal
Balance as of
January 1, 2022
$609.1 $221.4 $71.6 $130.4 $93.5 $1,126.0 $81.0 $1,207.0 
Acquisition of LCD— 386.0 — — — 386.0 — 386.0 
Acquisition of Praemium— — 21.9 — — 21.9 — 21.9 
Other, primarily foreign currency translation(8.8)— (0.5)(23.5)— (32.8)(10.4)(43.2)
Balance as of December 31, 2022600.3 607.4 93.0 106.9 93.5 1,501.1 70.6 1,571.7 
Foreign currency translation5.2 — 1.2 1.7 — 8.1 (1.0)7.1 
Balance as of December 31, 2023$605.5 $607.4 $94.2 $108.6 $93.5 $1,509.2 $69.6 $1,578.8 

We did not record any impairment losses in 2023, 2022, or 2021 as the estimated fair value of our reporting unit exceeded its carrying value and we did not note any indicators of impairment. We perform our annual impairment testing during the fourth quarter of each year.

Intangible Assets

The following table summarizes our intangible assets: 
 As of December 31, 2023As of December 31, 2022
(in millions)GrossAccumulated
Amortization
NetWeighted
Average
Useful  Life
(years)
GrossAccumulated
Amortization
NetWeighted
Average
Useful  Life
(years)
Customer-related assets$601.7 $(263.8)$337.9 14$595.1 $(221.3)$373.8 14
Technology-based assets315.3 (197.0)118.3 8312.8 (173.8)139.0 8
Intellectual property & other 93.2 (65.0)28.2 892.1 (56.3)35.8 8
Total intangible assets$1,010.2 $(525.8)$484.4 12$1,000.0 $(451.4)$548.6 12
 
The following table summarizes our amortization expense related to intangible assets:

(in millions)202320222021
Amortization expense$70.5 $66.7 $62.0 
 
We did not record any impairment losses involving intangible assets in 2023, 2022, or 2021. We amortize intangible assets using the straight-line method over their expected economic useful lives.

Based on acquisitions completed through December 31, 2023, we expect intangible amortization expense for 2024 and subsequent years to be as follows:
 (in millions)
2024$65.5 
202557.2 
202653.4 
202746.1 
202842.1 
Thereafter220.1 
Total$484.4 

Our estimates of future amortization expense for intangible assets may be affected by additional acquisitions, divestitures, changes in the estimated useful lives, impairments, and foreign currency translation.
v3.24.0.1
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities [Abstract]  
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure Investments in Unconsolidated Entities
 
Our investments in unconsolidated entities consist primarily of the following:
As of December 31,
(in millions)20232022
Investment in SmartX Advisory Solutions$35.0 $35.0 
Non-current investment in Wealth Advisors27.7 18.7 
Equity method investments22.6 26.6 
Other investments in unconsolidated entities14.9 15.7 
Total investments in unconsolidated entities$100.2 $96.0 

On January 27, 2023, we entered into a Termination Agreement (the Termination Agreement) with Morningstar Japan K.K. (now known as SBI Global Asset Management Co., Ltd. (Wealth Advisors)), and a Tender Offer Agreement (the Tender Offer Agreement) with SBI Global Asset Management Co., Ltd. (now known as SBI Asset Management Group Co., Ltd. (SBI)).

Pursuant to the Termination Agreement, Wealth Advisors agreed to cease use of the Morningstar brand, and Morningstar and Wealth Advisors agreed to terminate the License Agreement originally entered into in 1998. As consideration for the transaction, Morningstar agreed to pay Wealth Advisors 8 billion Japanese yen upon the termination of the license agreement and the achievement of certain conditions related primarily to the termination of the use of the Morningstar brand by Wealth Advisors’ customers.

On April 6, 2023, we made the first cash payment of 6 billion Japanese yen ($45.1 million), and on April 19, 2023, we made the second and final cash payment of 2 billion Japanese yen ($14.8 million), pursuant to the Termination Agreement. The total cash payments of $59.9 million are reflected in "Other assets and liabilities" within operating activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The expense related to the Termination Agreement is recorded within "Expense from equity method transaction, net" in our Consolidated Statements of Income for the year ended December 31, 2023.

As part of this transaction, pursuant to the Tender Offer Agreement, Morningstar agreed to tender up to 10 million shares in Wealth Advisors to SBI. The tender offer closed on February 28, 2023, and SBI purchased 8,040,600 shares of Wealth Advisors from Morningstar, resulting in net proceeds of $26.2 million and a pre-tax gain of $18.4 million. The pre-tax gain is recorded within "Expense from equity method transaction, net" in our Consolidated Statements of Income for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Subsequent to the tender offer, the company's ownership percentage in Wealth Advisors decreased to 13.2% from 22.1%, and as a result, we no longer account for our investment in Wealth Advisors as an equity method investment. Each reporting period, we remeasure our remaining investment in Wealth Advisors, an equity security with a readily determinable value, at fair value and recognize unrealized holding gains or losses within "Other income (expense), net" on our Consolidated Statements of Income. During the first quarter of 2023, we recognized an unrealized holding gain of $31.2 million, which is recorded within "Expense from equity method transaction, net" in our Consolidated Statements of Income.

As of December 31, 2023, $18.0 million of our investment in Wealth Advisors is included in "Investments" on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The carrying amount of other investments in unconsolidated entities without a readily determinable fair value was $49.9 million and $50.7 million as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. We did not record any material impairment losses in 2023 or 2022.
v3.24.0.1
Property, Equipment, and Capitalized Software
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]  
Property, Equipment, and Capitalized Software Property, Equipment, and Capitalized Software, net
The following table shows our property, equipment, and capitalized software, net summarized by major category:
As of December 31,
(in millions)20232022
Capitalized software$642.0 $545.5 
Computer equipment108.6 103.2 
Furniture and fixtures41.7 38.9 
Leasehold improvements113.3 106.5 
Telephone equipment2.3 2.3 
Construction in progress13.8 13.7 
Property, equipment, and capitalized software, at cost921.7 810.1 
Less: accumulated depreciation(714.0)(610.7)
Property, equipment, and capitalized software, net$207.7 $199.4 

The following table summarizes our depreciation expense:
(in millions)202320222021
Depreciation expense$113.2 $97.8 $87.0 
v3.24.0.1
Leases
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Leases, Operating [Abstract]  
Lessee, Operating Leases Leases
We lease office space and certain equipment under various operating and finance leases, with most of our lease portfolio consisting of operating leases for office space.

We determine whether an arrangement is, or includes, an embedded lease at contract inception. Operating lease assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the commencement date and initially measured using the present value of lease payments over the defined lease term. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For finance leases, we also recognize a finance lease asset and finance lease liability at inception, with lease expense recognized as interest expense and amortization.

A contract is or contains an embedded lease if the contract meets all of the below criteria:

there is an identified asset;
we obtain substantially all the economic benefits of the asset; and
we have the right to direct the use of the asset.
For initial measurement of the present value of lease payments and for subsequent measurement of lease modifications, we are required to use the rate implicit in the lease, if available. However, as most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate, which is a collateralized rate. To apply the incremental borrowing rate, we used a portfolio approach and grouped leases based on similar lease terms in a manner whereby we reasonably expect that the application does not differ materially from a lease-by-lease approach.

Our leases have remaining lease terms of approximately 1 year to 12 years, which may include the option to extend the lease when it is reasonably certain we will exercise that option. We do not have lease agreements with residual value guarantees, sale leaseback terms, or material restrictive covenants.

Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recognized on the balance sheet. We recognize lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Our operating lease expense for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 was $47.6 million, $41.6 million, and $42.5 million, respectively. Charges related to our operating leases that are variable and, therefore, not included in the measurement of the lease liabilities were $18.0 million and $16.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. We made lease payments of $45.3 million and $42.6 million during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

The following table shows our minimum future lease commitments due in each of the next five years and thereafter for operating leases:
Minimum Future Lease Commitments (in millions)
2024$43.7 
202536.3 
202638.9 
202731.3 
202824.7 
Thereafter36.6 
Total minimum lease commitments211.5 
Adjustment for discount to present value23.7 
Present value of lease liabilities
$187.8 

The following table summarizes the weighted-average remaining lease terms and weighted-average discount rates for our operating leases:
As of December 31, 2023
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years)5.8
Weighted-average discount rate3.9 %
v3.24.0.1
Stock-Based Compensation
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]  
Stock-Based Compensation Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-Based Compensation Plans
 
Our shareholders approved the Morningstar Amended and Restated 2011 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2021 Plan) on May 14, 2021 and authorized an additional 1,050,000 shares for issuance under the 2021 Plan. As of that date, we stopped granting awards under the Morningstar 2011 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2011 Plan). The 2021 Plan amended and restated the 2011 Plan, which itself had amended and restated the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2004 Plan). The 2004 Plan amended and restated the Morningstar 1993 Stock Option Plan, the Morningstar 2000 Stock Option Plan, and the Morningstar 2001 Stock Option Plan.
The 2021 Plan provides for a variety of equity-based awards, including, among other things, restricted stock units, restricted stock, performance share awards, market stock units, and stock options. Under the 2011 Plan, we primarily granted restricted stock units, stock options, and market stock unit awards. We granted restricted stock units, restricted stock, and stock options under the 2004 Plan.
All officers, other employees, non-employee directors, and consultants or other independent contractors of the company and its subsidiaries and persons expected to become the same are eligible to receive awards under the 2021 Plan.

Shares delivered under the 2021 Plan may be authorized but unissued shares, or authorized but issued shares that we reacquired and held as treasury shares or otherwise, or any combination of the foregoing. The 2021 Plan does not permit the replenishment of its share reserve with shares withheld by the company to pay the exercise price of an option or to pay tax withholdings on any award. Further, the 2021 Plan prohibits the replenishment of the share reserve with shares that are not issued as a result of the net settlement of a stock option or stock appreciation right (SAR) or shares that are repurchased on the open market using proceeds from the exercise of a stock option.

The following table summarizes the number of shares available for future grants under our 2021 Plan:
(in millions)As of December 31, 2023
Shares available for future grants2.5 
 
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation Awards
 
The following table summarizes our stock-based compensation expense and the related income tax benefit we recorded in the past three years:
Year ended December 31
(in millions)202320222021
Restricted stock units$38.8 $35.9 $25.8 
Performance share awards6.5 37.2 10.6 
Market stock units7.5 10.1 5.5 
Total stock-based compensation expense$52.8 $83.2 $41.9 
Income tax benefit related to the stock-based compensation expense$10.3 $18.3 $8.9 

The following table summarizes the stock-based compensation expense included in each of our operating expense categories for the past three years:
Year ended December 31
(in millions)202320222021
Cost of revenue$23.8 $21.6 $16.5 
Sales and marketing8.3 8.5 4.4 
General and administrative20.7 53.1 21.0 
Total stock-based compensation expense$52.8 $83.2 $41.9 
The following table summarizes the amount of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense as of December 31, 2023 and the expected number of months over which the expense will be recognized:

Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense (in millions)Weighted average expected amortization period (months)
Restricted stock units$54.7 29
Performance share awards0.3 29
Market stock units21.9 27
Total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense$76.9 28

In accordance with FASB ASC 718, we estimate forfeitures of employee stock-based awards and recognize compensation cost only for those awards expected to vest.
 
Restricted Stock Units
 
Restricted stock units (RSUs) represent the right to receive a share of Morningstar common stock when that unit vests. RSUs granted to employees typically vest ratably over a four-year period. RSUs granted to non-employee directors vest ratably over a three-year period.

We measure the fair value of our RSUs on the grant date based on the closing market price of the underlying common stock on the day prior to grant. We amortize that value to stock-based compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, ratably over the vesting period.

The following table summarizes restricted stock unit activity during the past three years:
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)TotalWeighted
Average
Grant Date Fair Value
RSUs Outstanding - December 31, 2020436,767 $132.68 
Granted187,916 246.85 
Vested(229,063)141.04 
Forfeited(23,910)166.99 
RSUs Outstanding - December 31, 2021371,710 $183.04 
Granted275,106 254.93 
Vested(234,971)205.42 
Forfeited(21,978)213.69 
RSUs Outstanding - December 31, 2022389,867 $218.55 
Granted221,465 204.32 
Vested(232,121)204.14 
Forfeited(26,871)220.35 
RSUs Outstanding - December 31, 2023352,340 $218.96 

The total fair value of RSUs that vested in 2023, 2022, and 2021 was $47.4 million, $48.3 million, and $32.3 million, respectively.
Market Stock Units
Market stock units (MSUs) represent the right to receive a target number of shares that will vest at the end of a three-year performance period depending on the company’s total shareholder return over that three-year period. The MSUs granted to the executive officers and certain other employees also have a feature that will provide an increased number of shares that can be earned at the vesting date, if certain revenue metrics are exceeded or other performance goals are met as determined at the discretion of the board of directors.
We measure the fair value of our MSUs on the grant date using a Monte Carlo valuation model. We amortize that value to stock-based compensation expense ratably over the vesting period.

We used the following assumptions to estimate the fair value of our MSUs:
Assumptions for Monte Carlo Valuation Model
Grant DateExpected volatilityDividend yieldRisk-free interest rate
May 15, 202025.4 %0.83 %0.20 %
November 15, 202026.9 %0.58 %0.23 %
May 15, 202128.0 %0.51 %0.33 %
November 15, 202126.9 %0.40 %0.85 %
May 15, 202229.6 %0.59 %2.79 %
November 15, 202231.8 %0.60 %4.24 %
May 15, 202331.7 %0.79 %3.65 %
November 15, 202331.9 %0.56 %4.56 %

The risk-free interest rate was determined based on the U.S. Constant Maturity Treasury yield curve on the measurement date with a maturity commensurate with the terms. The expected volatility was determined using our historical stock price volatility over the three years preceding the measurement date.

The table below shows MSUs granted and outstanding as of December 31, 2023:
As of December 31, 2023
MSUs granted during 202378,448 
Weighted average grant date fair value$231.77 
Number of MSUs outstanding148,799 
PitchBook Bonus Plan
We have a management bonus sub-plan under the 2011 Plan (or any successor Morningstar plan including the 2021 Plan) for certain employees of PitchBook (the PitchBook Plan).

We renewed the PitchBook Plan for the 2023-2025 period. Pursuant to the terms of this renewal, awards having an aggregate target value equal to $28.6 million will be available for issuance with annual grants of $7.15 million for 2023, $7.15 million in 2024, and $14.3 million in 2025.

Each grant will consist of performance-based share unit awards, which will typically vest over a one-year period and will be measured primarily based on the achievement of certain annual revenue and operating margin targets specifically related to PitchBook’s business. Upon achievement of these targets, earned performance units will be settled in shares of our common stock on a one-for-one basis. If PitchBook exceeds certain performance conditions, the PitchBook Plan participants will receive additional performance units in excess of the aggregate target values described above. If PitchBook fails to meet threshold performance conditions, the PitchBook Plan participants will not be entitled to receive payment for any performance units.

The table below shows performance share awards granted and outstanding as of December 31, 2023:
As of December 31, 2023
Performance share awards granted during 202386,251 
Weighted average grant date fair value$288.23 
Number of performance share awards outstanding31,268 
v3.24.0.1
Defined Contribution Plan
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Defined Contribution Plan [Abstract]  
Defined Contribution Plan Defined-Contribution Plan
We sponsor a defined-contribution 401(k) plan, which allows our U.S.-based employees to voluntarily contribute pretax dollars up to a maximum amount allowable by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. In 2023, 2022, and 2021, we made matching contributions to our 401(k) plan in an amount equal to 75 cents for every dollar of an employee's contribution, up to a maximum of 7% of the employee's compensation in the pay period.

The following table summarizes our matching contributions:
(in millions)202320222021
401(k) matching contributions$22.1 $19.7 $16.2 
v3.24.0.1
Income Taxes
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Income Taxes Income Taxes
 
Income Tax Expense and Effective Tax Rate

The following table shows our income tax expense and our effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021:
(in millions)202320222021
Income before income taxes and equity in investments of unconsolidated entities$181.5 $130.6 $250.5 
Equity in investments of unconsolidated entities(7.4)(3.6)5.4 
Income before income taxes$174.1 $127.0 $255.9 
Income tax expense$33.0 $56.5 $62.6 
Effective tax rate19.0 %44.5 %24.5 %

Our effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2023 was 19.0%, a decrease of 25.5 percentage points, compared with 44.5% in the prior year. This decrease is primarily attributable to the recognition of $13.7 million of tax benefits related to a retroactive tax election with respect to our 2021 and 2022 tax periods. We received confirmation of the approval of the tax election in the second quarter of 2023, which allowed us to recognize the tax benefits in that period.

Our effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2022 was 44.5%, an increase of 20.0 percentage points, compared with 24.5% in 2021. The increase was primarily attributable to minimum taxes, non-deductible expenses, and additional reserves for uncertain tax positions.

The amount of accumulated undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries was $274.3 million as of December 31, 2023. We generally consider our U.S. directly-owned foreign subsidiary earnings to be permanently reinvested. We have not recorded deferred income taxes on the $274.3 million primarily because most of these earnings were previously subject to the one-time deemed mandatory repatriation tax under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (Tax Reform Act). We maintain a deferred tax liability for foreign withholding taxes on certain foreign affiliate parent companies that are not indefinitely reinvested.
The following table reconciles our income tax expense at the U.S. federal income tax rate to income tax expense as recorded:
202320222021
(in millions, except percentages)Amount%Amount%Amount%
Income tax expense at U.S. federal rate$36.6 21.0 %$26.7 21.0 %$53.7 21.0 %
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit7.3 4.2 %6.4 5.0 %10.7 4.2 %
Stock-based compensation activity1.6 0.9 %(1.5)(1.2)%(7.2)(2.8)%
Equity in net income (loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries (including holding gains upon acquisition) 1.1 0.6 %1.0 0.8 %0.2 0.1 %
Acquisition earn-out— — %1.8 1.4 %5.1 2.0 %
Net change in valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets, including net operating losses(3.2)(1.8)%7.7 6.1 %0.1 — %
Difference between U.S. federal statutory and foreign tax rates and other impacts of foreign operations1.7 1.0 %(1.9)(1.5)%(2.6)(1.0)%
Change in unrecognized tax benefits(9.8)(5.6)%14.1 11.1 %(0.2)(0.1)%
Credits and incentives(4.1)(2.4)%(3.8)(3.0)%(2.1)(0.8)%
Foreign tax provisions (GILTI, FDII, and BEAT)(1)
(0.2)(0.1)%(4.6)(3.6)%(0.7)(0.3)%
Non-deductible expenses and other, net2.0 1.2 %10.6 8.4 %5.6 2.2 %
Total income tax expense$33.0 19.0 %$56.5 44.5 %$62.6 24.5 %

(1) The Tax Reform Act established the Global Intangible Low-Tax Income (GILTI) provision, which taxes U.S. allocated expenses and certain income from foreign operations; the Foreign-Derived Intangible Income (FDII) provision, which allows a deduction against certain types of U.S. taxable income resulting in a lower effective U.S. tax rate on such income; and the Base Erosion Anti-Abuse Tax (BEAT), which is a minimum tax based on cross-border service payments by U.S. entities.

The following table shows the components of our income tax expense:
Year ended December 31
(in millions)202320222021
Current tax expense:
U.S.
Federal$27.7 $49.1 $38.3 
State13.4 14.9 13.6 
Non-U.S.24.3 30.1 23.0 
Current tax expense65.4 94.1 74.9 
Deferred tax expense (benefit):
U.S.
Federal(15.6)(20.8)(2.8)
State(4.2)(6.8)(0.3)
Non-U.S.(12.6)(10.0)(9.2)
Deferred tax expense, net(32.4)(37.6)(12.3)
Income tax expense$33.0 $56.5 $62.6 
The following table provides our income before income taxes and equity in investments of unconsolidated entities, generated by our U.S. and non-U.S. operations:
Year ended December 31
(in millions)202320222021
U.S.$101.4 $82.4 $218.3 
Non-U.S.80.1 48.2 32.2 
Income before income taxes and equity in investments of unconsolidated entities$181.5 $130.6 $250.5 

Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

We recognize deferred income taxes for the temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial statement purposes and their tax basis. The tax effects of the temporary differences that give rise to the deferred income tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
As of December 31,
(in millions)20232022
Deferred tax assets:
Stock-based compensation$7.1 $10.0 
Accrued liabilities27.5 25.8 
Deferred revenue8.5 9.2 
Net operating loss carryforwards - U.S.— 0.1 
Net operating loss carryforwards - Non-U.S.18.1 15.8 
Capitalized expenses69.2 34.5 
Deferred royalty revenue— 0.1 
Allowance for doubtful accounts1.8 1.9 
Lease liabilities 35.0 39.7 
Capital loss and other carryforwards16.7 — 
Other0.1 0.1 
Total deferred tax assets184.0 137.2 
Deferred tax liabilities:
Acquired intangible assets(73.2)(75.4)
Property, equipment, and capitalized software(39.2)(36.2)
Lease right-of-use assets(30.2)(33.1)
Unrealized exchange gains, net(1.0)(0.1)
Prepaid expenses(19.2)(19.5)
Investments in unconsolidated entities(14.6)(7.7)
Withholding tax - foreign dividends(1.3)(0.4)
Total deferred tax liabilities(178.7)(172.4)
Net deferred tax liability before valuation allowance5.3 (35.2)
Valuation allowance(26.3)(16.9)
Deferred tax liabilities, net$(21.0)$(52.1)

The net increase in our valuation allowance, from $16.9 million at December 31, 2022 to $26.3 million at December 31, 2023, is primarily attributable to capital losses and foreign tax credit carryforwards for which full realization is uncertain. Included in this increase, is $8.1 million of foreign tax credits that will expire in 2031 through 2033. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, many factors are considered, including the specific taxing jurisdiction, the carryforward period, income tax strategies and forecasted earnings for the entities in each jurisdiction. A valuation allowance is recognized if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.
The deferred tax assets and liabilities are presented in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows:
As of December 31,
(in millions)20232022
Deferred tax asset, net$14.6 $10.8 
Deferred tax liability, net(35.6)(62.9)
Deferred tax liability, net$(21.0)$(52.1)

We utilized our remaining U.S. federal net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards of $0.1 million during 2023 and have no carryforwards remaining as of December 31, 2023.

The following table summarizes our NOL carryforwards for our non-U.S. operations:
As of December 31,
(in millions)20232022
Non-U.S. NOLs subject to expiration dates from 2024 through 2042$17.8 $9.6 
Non-U.S. NOLs with no expiration date54.1 52.9 
Total$71.9 $62.5 
Non-U.S. NOLs not subject to valuation allowances$12.3 $12.2 

The increase in non-U.S. NOL carryforwards as of December 31, 2023 compared with the same period in 2022 primarily reflects NOLs generated from compensation and related liabilities attributable to the shift of our China operations.

In assessing the realizability of our deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. We recorded a valuation allowance against approximately $59.6 million of the non-U.S. NOLs, reflecting the likelihood that the benefit of these NOLs will not be realized.

Unrecognized Tax Benefits

We conduct business globally and, as a result, we file income tax returns in U.S. federal, state, local, and foreign jurisdictions. In the normal course of business, we are subject to examination by tax authorities throughout the world. With the exception of 2019, the open tax years for our U.S. Federal tax returns and most state tax returns include the years 2016 to the present.

We are currently under audit by federal, state, and local tax authorities in the U.S. as well as tax authorities in certain non-U.S. jurisdictions. It is likely that the examination phase of some of these federal, state, local, and non-U.S. audits will conclude in 2024. It is not possible to estimate the effect of current audits on previously recorded unrecognized tax benefits.

As of December 31, 2023, our Consolidated Balance Sheet included a current liability of $6.2 million and a non-current liability of $8.3 million for unrecognized tax benefits. As of December 31, 2022, our Consolidated Balance Sheet included a current liability of $18.3 million and a non-current liability of $6.0 million for unrecognized tax benefits. These amounts include interest and penalties, less any associated tax benefits.
The table below reconciles the beginning and ending amount of the gross unrecognized tax benefits as follows:
(in millions)20232022
Gross unrecognized tax benefits - beginning of the year$26.5 $11.4 
Increases as a result of tax positions taken during a prior-year period0.6 11.3 
Decreases as a result of tax positions taken during a prior-year period(14.3)— 
Increases as a result of tax positions taken during the current period1.9 7.7 
Decreases relating to settlements with tax authorities(0.4)(3.1)
Decreases as a result of lapse of the applicable statute of limitations(1.3)(0.8)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits - end of the year$13.0 $26.5 

In 2023, we recorded a net decrease of $11.8 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits before settlements and lapses of statutes of limitations, of which $11.8 million decreased our income tax expense by $11.8 million.

Of the $11.8 million net decrease in our gross unrecognized tax benefits, $13.7 million is related to tax benefits related to a retroactive tax election with respect to our 2021 and 2022 tax periods which required approval by a taxing authority before recognizing the tax benefit of our election in our Consolidated Statements of Income. In 2022, we recorded the $13.7 million as a current liability in our reserves for uncertain tax positions. We received confirmation of the approval of the tax election in the second quarter of 2023, which allowed us to recognize the tax benefits in that period.

In addition, we reduced our unrecognized tax benefits by $1.7 million for settlements and lapses of statutes of limitations, of which $1.7 million decreased our income tax expense by $1.6 million.

As of December 31, 2023, we had $13.0 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, which if recognized, would decrease our income tax expense by $12.8 million and reduce our effective income tax rate.

We record interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as part of our income tax expense. The following table summarizes our gross liability for interest and penalties:
As of December 31,
(in millions)20232022
Liabilities for interest and penalties$2.3 $1.7 

We recorded the increase in the liabilities for penalties and interest, net of any tax benefits, to income tax expense in our Consolidated Statements of Income in 2023.
v3.24.0.1
Contingencies - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Oct. 06, 2023
Dec. 31, 2023
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]    
Contingencies   Contingencies
We record accrued liabilities for litigation, regulatory, and other business matters when those matters represent loss contingencies that are both probable and estimable. In these cases, there may be an exposure to loss in excess of any amounts accrued. Unless a loss contingency is both probable and estimable, we do not establish an accrued liability. As litigation, regulatory, or other business matters develop, we evaluate on an ongoing basis whether such matters present a loss contingency that is probable and estimable.

Data Audits and Reviews
In our global data business, we include in our products, or directly redistribute to our customers, data and information licensed from third-party vendors. Our compliance with the terms of these licenses is reviewed internally and is also subject to audit by the third-party vendors. At any given time, we may be undergoing several such internal reviews and third-party vendor audits, and the results and findings may indicate that we may be required to make a payment for prior data usage. Due to a lack of available information and data, as well as potential variations of any audit or internal review findings, we generally are not able to reasonably estimate a possible loss, or range of losses, for these matters. In situations where more information or specific areas subject to audit are available, we may be able to estimate a potential range of losses. While we cannot predict the outcome of these processes, we do not anticipate they will have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, or financial position.
Regulatory Matters
Our businesses may be, or may become subject to regulation or increased scrutiny from executive, legislative, regulatory, and private parties. As a result, those activities may be subject to governmental, regulatory, and legislative investigations, regulatory examinations in the ordinary course of business, subpoenas, and other forms of legal process, which may lead to claims and litigation that are based on our ratings and related research activities, including credit ratings, ESG ratings, managed investment, and equity ratings. Additionally, our businesses may also be subject to periodic reviews, inspections, examinations, and investigations by regulators in the jurisdictions in which they operate, any of which may result in claims, legal proceedings, assessments, fines, penalties, disgorgement, or restrictions on business activities. While it is difficult to predict the outcome of any particular investigation or proceeding, we do not believe the result of any of these matters will have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, or financial position.

Credit Ratings Matters

On September 29, 2023, DBRS, Inc. (DBRS) entered into two settlements with the SEC to resolve investigations of DBRS’s compliance with recordkeeping requirements for certain credit ratings-related communications sent over unapproved electronic messaging channels and disclosure and non-financial internal controls requirements related to former commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) ratings methodologies DBRS used during the period July 2019 through November 2022. Under the terms of the settlements, DBRS agreed to ongoing compliance-related obligations to resolve the investigation related to record-keeping and paid a $6.0 million civil monetary penalty to the SEC for this matter, and also paid a $2.0 million civil monetary penalty to the SEC to resolve the investigation related to CMBS ratings methodologies, both in early October 2023.

Other Matters
We are involved from time to time in commercial disputes and legal proceedings that arise in the normal course of our business. While it is difficult to predict the outcome of any particular dispute or proceeding, we do not believe the result of any of these matters will have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, or financial position.
Civil Monetary Penalty 1 [Member]    
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]    
Payments for Legal Settlements $ 6.0  
Civil Monetary Penalty 2 [Member]    
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]    
Payments for Legal Settlements $ 2.0  
v3.24.0.1
Share Repurchase Program
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Equity [Abstract]  
Treasury Stock Share Repurchase Program
On December 6, 2022, the board of directors approved a share repurchase program that authorizes the company to repurchase up to $500.0 million in shares of the company's outstanding common stock, effective January 1, 2023. This authorization replaced the then-existing share repurchase program and expires on December 31, 2025. Under this authorization, we may repurchase shares from time to time at prevailing market prices on the open market or in private transactions in amounts that we deem appropriate.

For the year ended December 31, 2023, we repurchased a total of 8,484 shares for $1.4 million. As of December 31, 2023, we have $498.6 million available for future repurchases under the current share repurchase program.
v3.24.0.1
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recently adopted accounting pronouncements

Income Taxes: On December 18, 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (ASU No. 2019-12), which is intended to simplify the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles of FASB ASC 740, Income Taxes, and providing for simplification in several other areas. The new standard became effective for us on January 1, 2021. The adoption of ASU No. 2019-12 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements, related disclosures, or results of operations.
Reference Rate Reform: On March 12, 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04: Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting (Topic 848) (ASU No. 2020-04), which provides temporary optional expedients and exceptions for applying generally accepted accounting principles to contract modifications resulting from reference rate reform initiatives. The intention of the standard is to ease the potential accounting and financial reporting burden associated with transitioning away from the expiring London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and other interbank offered rates to alternative benchmark rates. The amendments in this update are applicable to contract modifications that replace a reference LIBOR rate beginning on March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. On May 6, 2022, we terminated our 2019 Credit Agreement and entered into the 2022 Credit Agreement in connection with the acquisition of LCD. As we entered into the 2022 Credit Agreement for reasons unrelated to reference rate reform, ASU No. 2020-04 is not applicable. See Note 3 for additional information on our 2022 Credit Agreement and Note 8 for additional information on our acquisition of LCD.

Business Combinations: On October 28, 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-08: Business Combinations: Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers (Topic 805) (ASU No. 2021-08), which requires contract assets and contract liabilities (i.e., deferred revenue) acquired in a business combination to be recognized and measured by the acquirer on the acquisition date in accordance with FASB ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The new standard was effective for us on January 1, 2023. We elected to early adopt ASU No. 2021-08 during 2022 and the adoption did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements, related disclosures, and results of operations.

Recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted

Segment reporting: On November 27, 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07: Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (Topic 280) (ASU No. 2023-07), which requires improved reportable segment disclosures, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The new standard is effective for our fiscal year beginning on January 1, 2024 and interim periods beginning on January 1, 2025. Early adoption is permitted. Entities should apply the new guidance retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. We have not made a decision on early adoption and are evaluating the effect that ASU No. 2023-07 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Income Taxes: On December 14, 2023, the FASB issued ASU No 2023-09: Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (Topic 740) (ASU No. 2023-09), which requires additional disclosures primarily related to the income tax rate reconciliation and income taxes paid. This new standard is effective for our fiscal year beginning on January 2025. Early adoption is permitted. Entities should apply the guidance prospectively although retrospective application is permitted. We have not made a decision on early adoption and are evaluating the effect that ASU No. 2023-09 will have on our consolidated financial statements, related disclosures, and results of operations.
v3.24.0.1
Schedule II: Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]  
Schedule II: Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Schedule II: Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

All other schedules have been omitted as they are not required, not applicable, or the required information is otherwise included.
(in millions)Balance at Beginning of YearCharged (Credited) to Costs & ExpensesAdditions (Deductions) Including Currency TranslationsBalance at End of Year
Allowance for doubtful accounts:
Year ended December 31,
2023$6.6 $5.3 $(6.3)$5.6 
20224.5 3.8 (1.7)6.6 
2021$4.2 $1.9 $(1.6)$4.5 
v3.24.0.1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Principles of Consolidation
Principles of Consolidation

We conduct our business operations through wholly- or majority-owned operating subsidiaries. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Morningstar, Inc. and our subsidiaries. We consolidate assets, liabilities, and results of operations of subsidiaries in which we have a controlling interest and eliminate all significant intercompany accounts and transactions.

We account for investments in entities in which we exercise significant influence, but do not control, using the equity method.

As part of our investment management operations, we manage certain funds outside of the U.S. that are considered variable interest entities. For most of these variable interest entities, we do not have a variable interest. In cases where we do have a variable interest, we are not the primary beneficiary. Accordingly, we do not consolidate any of these variable interest entities.
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (GAAP) requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and investments with original maturities of three months or less. We state them at cost, which approximates fair value. We state the portion of our cash equivalents that are invested in money market funds at fair value, as these funds are actively traded and have quoted market prices.
Investments
Investments

We account for our investments in debt securities in accordance with FASB ASC 320, Investments—Debt Securities (FASB ASC 320). We classify our debt securities into two categories: held-to-maturity and available-for-sale.

Held-to-maturity: We classify certain investments, primarily certificates of deposit, as held-to-maturity securities, based on our intent and ability to hold these securities to maturity. We record held-to-maturity investments at amortized cost in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Available-for-sale: Investments not considered held-to-maturity or trading securities are classified as available-for-sale securities. Available-for-sale securities primarily consist of marketable debt securities. We report unrealized gains and losses for available-for-sale securities as other comprehensive income (loss), net of related income taxes. We record these securities at their fair values in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

We account for our investments in equity securities in accordance with FASB ASC 321, Investments— Equity Securities (FASB ASC 321). We measure equity investments at fair value with the related realized and unrealized gains and losses recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Income. For equity investments without a readily determinable fair value, we measure these at cost less impairment and adjusting for observable price changes in orderly transactions. We will apply this measurement method to the investment until or if it becomes eligible to be measured at fair value, which is reassessed at each reporting period. Investments in equity securities that we do not intend to hold for more than a year are presented in "Investments" in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Investments in equity securities that we intend to hold for more than one year are included in "Investments in unconsolidated entities" in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
We account for our equity method investments in accordance with FASB ASC 323, Investments — Equity Method and Joint Ventures (FASB ASC 323). We account for non-marketable equity investments over which we exercise significant influence, but do not have control over the investee, under the equity method. We record our estimated share of earnings or losses in the periods they are reported by the investee and record any dividends as a reduction to the carrying amount of the investment. We evaluate our equity method investments for other than-temporary declines in value. If the estimated fair value of the investment is less than the carrying amount and management considers the decline in value to be other than temporary, the excess of the carrying amount over the estimated fair value is recognized in net income in the period the impairment occurs. Our equity method investments are recorded within "Investments in unconsolidated entities" in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Measurements

FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements (FASB ASC 820) defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Under FASB ASC 820, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants as of the measurement date. The standard applies whenever other standards require (or permit) assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value.

FASB ASC 820 uses a fair value hierarchy based on three broad levels of valuation inputs:

•    Level 1: Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access.

•    Level 2: Valuations based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.

•    Level 3: Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.

We provide additional information about our cash equivalents and investments that are subject to FASB ASC 820 in Note 7.
We classify our investments into two categories: equity investments and debt securities. We further classify our debt securities into available-for-sale and held-to-maturity. Our investment portfolio consists of stocks, bonds, options, mutual funds, money market funds, or exchange-traded products that replicate the model portfolios and strategies created by Morningstar. These investment accounts may also include exchange-traded products where Morningstar is an index provider. All investments in our investment portfolio have valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access, and, therefore, are classified as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.
Business Combinations
Business Combinations

When we acquire a business, we account for the business combination in accordance with FASB ASC 805, Business Combinations (FASB ASC 805). We recognize and measure the fair value of the acquired business and allocate the purchase price to the identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. The difference between the purchase price and the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired or the excess of the aggregate estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. In determining the estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination, we use various recognized valuation methods, including discounted cash flow, Monte Carlo simulations, and relief from royalty. For a business combination achieved in stages, we remeasure our previously held equity interest immediately before the acquisition to the acquisition date fair value and recognize any gain in our Consolidated Statements of Income.
We recognize the fair value of any contingent payments at the date of acquisition as part of the consideration transferred to acquire a business. The liability associated with contingent consideration is remeasured to fair value at each reporting period subsequent to the date of acquisition considering factors that may impact the timing and amount of contingent payments until the term of the agreement has expired or the contingency is resolved. Any changes in the fair value measurement will be recorded in our Consolidated Statements of Income. In evaluating the characterization of contingent and deferred payments, we analyze relevant factors, including the nature of the payment, continuing employment requirements, incremental payments to employees of the acquired business, and timing and rationale underlying the transaction, to determine whether the payments should be accounted for as additional purchase consideration or post-combination related services.

We expense direct costs related to the business combination, such as accounting, legal, valuation, and other professional fees, as incurred. We recognize restructuring costs, including severance and relocation for employees of the acquired entity, as post-combination expenses unless the target entity meets the criteria of FASB ASC 420, Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations, on the acquisition date.

As part of the purchase price allocation, we follow the requirements of FASB ASC 740, Income Taxes (FASB ASC 740). This includes establishing deferred tax assets or liabilities reflecting the difference between the values assigned for financial statement purposes and income tax purposes. In certain acquisitions, the goodwill resulting from the purchase price allocation may not be deductible for income tax purposes. FASB ASC 740 prohibits recognition of a deferred tax asset or liability for temporary differences in goodwill if goodwill is not amortizable and deductible for tax purposes.
Goodwill
Goodwill

Changes in the carrying amount of our recorded goodwill are mainly the result of business acquisitions and the effect of foreign currency translations. In accordance with FASB ASC 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other, we do not amortize goodwill; instead, goodwill is subject to an impairment test annually, or whenever indicators of impairment exist. An impairment would occur if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeded the fair value of that reporting unit.

When reviewing goodwill for impairment, we assess a number of qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of our reporting units is less than their respective carrying values. Examples of qualitative factors that we assess include macroeconomic conditions affecting our reporting units, financial performance of our reporting units, market and competitive factors related to our reporting units, and other events specific to our reporting units. If we conclude that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we perform a quantitative impairment test. The quantitative impairment test compares the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value, and recognizes an impairment loss for the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, without exceeding the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. We determine the fair value of a reporting unit using a market approach. Determining the fair value of a reporting unit involves judgment and the use of significant estimates and assumptions, which include assumptions regarding the revenue growth rates and operating margins used to calculate estimated future cash flows, as well as revenue and earnings multiples of publicly traded companies whose services and markets are comparable.

We performed our annual impairment review in the fourth quarter and did not record any impairment losses in 2023, 2022, and 2021.
Intangible Assets
Intangible Assets

We amortize intangible assets using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which range from one to twenty years. We have no intangible assets with indefinite useful lives. In accordance with FASB ASC 360-10-35, Subsequent Measurement—Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, we review intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. If the value of future undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of an asset group, we record an impairment loss based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the asset group. We did not record any impairment losses in 2023, 2022, and 2021.
Property, Equipment, and Depreciation
Property, Equipment, and Depreciation
We state property and equipment at historical cost, net of accumulated depreciation in accordance with FASB ASC 360-10, Property, Plant, and Equipment. We depreciate property and equipment using the straight-line method based on the useful life of the asset, which ranges from three to seven years. We amortize leasehold improvements over the lease term or their useful lives, whichever is shorter. Long-lived assets that are held and used are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. If the value of future undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of an asset group, we record an impairment loss based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the asset group.
Computer Software and Internal Product Development Costs
Computer Software and Internal Product Development Costs

We capitalize certain costs in accordance with FASB ASC 350-40, Internal-Use Software. Internal product development costs mainly consist of employee and third-party resource costs for developing new web-based products and certain major enhancements of existing products. We amortize these costs on a straight-line basis over the estimated economic life, which is generally three years. We include capitalized software development costs related to projects that have not been placed into service in our construction in progress balance.
Lesses
Leases

We account for our right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities in accordance with FASB ASC 842, Leases (FASB ASC 842). We determine if a contract is or contains a lease at the inception of the contract. For identified operating leases, we recognize a lease liability and right-of-use asset on the consolidated balance sheet. The right-of-use asset represents our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and the operating lease liability represents the company's obligation to make lease payments.

Our lease agreements consist primarily of real estate leases for office space and non-real estate leases for office equipment. In cases where an agreement contains both a lease and non-lease component, we do not allocate consideration to both components, but account for each as a single lease component by class of underlying asset. There are few instances of short-term agreements in our lease portfolio, which are typically arranged as needed and paid on a month-to-month basis. These leases are not recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheet, but monthly lease expense is recognized on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities are measured using the present value of future lease payments of the lease term at the commencement date. Right-of-use assets also include initial direct costs incurred by the company, net of prepayments and lease incentives. In the absence of an explicit rate in the lease agreement, the discount rate used to calculate present value is equal to the company's incremental borrowing rate. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease and is included in general and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Revenue from Contract with Customer
Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (FASB ASC Topic 606).

Under FASB ASC Topic 606, we recognize revenue by applying the following five-step model to each of our customer arrangements:

1.Identify the customer contract;
2.Identify the performance obligations in the contract;
3.Determine the transaction price;
4.Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations; and
5.Recognize revenue when (or as) performance obligations are satisfied.

Revenues are recognized when (or as) performance obligations are satisfied by transferring a promised product or service to the customer. Products or services are transferred when (or as) the customer obtains control of the product or service. The transaction price for a customer arrangement is the amount we expect to be entitled to in exchange for transferring the promised product or service. The transaction price may include fixed amounts, variable amounts, or both. When the right to payment exceeds revenue recognized, the result is an increase to deferred revenue. Deferred revenue represents the amount billed or collected in advance of the service being provided which we expect to recognize as revenue in future periods.

Revenue from contracts with customers is derived from license-based arrangements, asset-based arrangements, and transaction-based arrangements.

License-based revenue, which represents subscription services available to customers and not a license under the accounting guidance, is generated through subscription contracts. Our performance obligations under these contracts are typically satisfied over time, as the customer has access to the service during the term of the subscription license and the level of service is consistent during the contract period. Each individual day within the contract period is viewed to be a service and the entirety of the service subscription term is determined to be a series combined into a single performance obligation and recognized over-time and on a straight-line basis, typically over terms of 1 to 3 years.

When a customer’s license-based contract is signed, the customer’s service is activated immediately, except where customizations are required. License-based arrangements, our largest source of revenue from customers, generally are billed quarterly or annually. Customers are typically given payment terms of zero to 30 days.

Asset-based revenue is generated through contracts with daily asset management, which is determined to be a daily performance obligation and thus satisfied over time as the customer receives continuous access to a service for the contract term. We recognize revenue daily over the contract term based on the value of assets under management and a tiered fee agreed to with the customer. Asset-based arrangements typically have a term of 1 to 3 years. The fees from such arrangements represent variable consideration, and the customer does not make separate purchasing decisions that result in additional performance obligations. Significant changes in the underlying fund assets, or significant disruptions in the market, are evaluated to determine if revisions to estimates of earned asset-based fees for the current quarter are needed. An estimate of the average daily portfolio balance is a key input in determining revenue for a given period. Estimates are based on the most recently reported quarter, and, as a result, it is unlikely a significant reversal of revenue would occur.

Transaction-based revenue is generated through contracts with performance obligations that are satisfied when the product or service is delivered. Some of our performance obligations include the issuance of the rating and may include surveillance services for a period of time as agreed with the customer. We allocate the transaction price to the deliverables based on their relative selling price, which is generally determined by the price we charge when the same deliverable is sold separately. Our performance obligation for the issuance of the rating is satisfied when the rating is issued, which is when we recognize the related revenue. Our performance obligations for surveillance services are satisfied over time, as the customer has access to the service during the surveillance period and the level of service is consistent during the contract period. Therefore, we recognize revenue for this performance obligation on a straight-line basis.
Our contracts with customers may include multiple performance obligations. For most of these arrangements, we generally allocate revenue to each performance obligation based on its estimated standalone selling price. We generally determine standalone selling prices based on prices charged to customers when the same performance obligation is sold separately.
Sales Commissions
Sales Commissions
We capitalize sales commissions, which are considered directly attributable to obtaining a customer contract under FASB ASC Topic 606 and FASB ASC 340-40, Other Assets and Deferred Costs - Contracts with Customers. Estimates of these capitalized costs are developed by using a portfolio approach that aggregates these costs by legal entity within their geographical regions. Capitalized sales commissions are amortized using the straight-line method over a period that is consistent with the transfer of the products or services to the customer to which the sales commission relates. The period of transfer for each portfolio is the shorter of the weighted-average customer life, or the economic life of the underlying technology that delivers the products or services. As of December 31, 2023, the period of transfer was determined to be approximately three years. Discretionary amounts which are added to sales commission payments are expensed as incurred, as they are not considered to be directly attributable to obtaining a customer contract.
Stock-Based Compensation Expense
Stock-Based Compensation Expense

We account for our stock-based compensation expense in accordance with FASB ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation (FASB ASC 718). Our stock-based compensation expense reflects grants of restricted stock units, performance share awards, and market stock units. We measure the fair value of our restricted stock units and performance share awards on the grant date based on the closing market price of Morningstar's common stock on the day prior to the grant. For market stock units, we estimate the fair value of the awards using a Monte Carlo valuation model. We amortize the fair values to stock-based compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, ratably over the vesting period.

We estimate expected forfeitures of all employee stock-based awards and recognize compensation cost only for those awards expected to vest. We determine forfeiture rates based on historical experience and adjust the estimated forfeitures to actual forfeiture experience, as needed.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes

We record deferred income taxes for the temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial statement purposes and tax purposes in accordance with FASB ASC 740, which prescribes the minimum recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. It also provides guidance on derecognition, measurement, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, and disclosure for uncertain tax positions.

We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as part of income tax expense in our Consolidated Statements of Income. We classify liabilities related to unrecognized tax benefits as either current or long-term liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheet, depending on when we expect to make payment.
Segment Information
Segment Reporting

Under FASB ASC 280, Segment Reporting (FASB ASC 280), operating segments are defined as components of a company that engage in business activities from which they may earn revenues and incur expenses, and for which discrete financial information is available and is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker (CODM) in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Aggregation of similar operating segments into a single reportable operating segment is permitted if the businesses have similar economic characteristics and meet established qualitative criteria.
Effective as of December 31, 2023, we revised our presentation of our seven operating segments to the following five reportable segments: Morningstar Data and Analytics, PitchBook, Morningstar Wealth, Morningstar Credit, and Morningstar Retirement. The operating segments of Morningstar Sustainalytics and Morningstar Indexes do not individually meet the quantitative segment reporting thresholds and have been combined and presented as part of Corporate and All Other, which is not a reportable segment. Corporate and All Other provides a reconciliation between revenue from our reportable segments and consolidated revenue amounts. Refer to Note 6 for detailed segment information.
Severance Costs
Severance

We account for post-employment benefits in accordance with FASB ASC 712, Compensation - Non-retirement Post-employment Benefits (FASB ASC 712). Under FASB ASC 712, we recognize compensation expense associated with these benefits as a liability when probable and estimable.

In July 2022, the company began to significantly reduce its operations in Shenzhen, China and to shift the work related to its global business functions, including global product and software development, managed investment data collection and analysis, and equity data collection and analysis, to other Morningstar locations. During the third quarter of 2023, the company substantially completed these activities.

As a result of these activities, the company incurred $25.9 million of severance expense in 2022. These amounts were recorded within "General and administrative" on our Consolidated Statements of Income. The liability was recorded within "Accrued compensation - current" on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. The company has substantially paid all of the accrued severance amounts as of December 31, 2023.

In 2023, the company incurred $15.4 million of severance expense of which $9.0 million was related to targeted reorganizations and headcount reductions in certain parts of the business and $2.4 million was related to the Company's China operations transition during 2023.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts Receivables and Allowance for Credit Losses

We account for accounts receivable in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 310, Receivables (FASB ASC 310) and FASB ASC Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (FASB ASC 326). We record a receivable when a customer is billed or when revenue is recognized prior to billing a customer. Accounts receivables are measured at amortized cost basis. We evaluate our allowance to include expected credit losses based on a variety of factors, including customer specific information, the current economic environment, and forecasted macroeconomic conditions.
v3.24.0.1
Segment Reporting (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Segment Information
Segment Reporting

Under FASB ASC 280, Segment Reporting (FASB ASC 280), operating segments are defined as components of a company that engage in business activities from which they may earn revenues and incur expenses, and for which discrete financial information is available and is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker (CODM) in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Aggregation of similar operating segments into a single reportable operating segment is permitted if the businesses have similar economic characteristics and meet established qualitative criteria.
Effective as of December 31, 2023, we revised our presentation of our seven operating segments to the following five reportable segments: Morningstar Data and Analytics, PitchBook, Morningstar Wealth, Morningstar Credit, and Morningstar Retirement. The operating segments of Morningstar Sustainalytics and Morningstar Indexes do not individually meet the quantitative segment reporting thresholds and have been combined and presented as part of Corporate and All Other, which is not a reportable segment. Corporate and All Other provides a reconciliation between revenue from our reportable segments and consolidated revenue amounts. Refer to Note 6 for detailed segment information.
v3.24.0.1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Acronyms Used
The acronyms that appear in these Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements refer to the following:
ASCAccounting Standards Codification
ASUAccounting Standards Update
FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board
SECSecurities and Exchange Commission
Summary of Depreciation for Internally Developed Software
The table below summarizes our depreciation expense related to capitalized developed software for the past three years:
(in millions)202320222021
Capitalized software depreciation expense$81.2 $64.3 $59.9 
Summary of Capitalized Software Development Costs
The table below summarizes our capitalized software development costs for the past three years:
(in millions)202320222021
Capitalized software development costs$100.0 $81.0 $74.0 
v3.24.0.1
Credit Arrangements (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Summary of Total Debt and Long-term Debt
The following table summarizes our debt as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.
(in millions)As of December 31, 2023As of December 31, 2022
Term Facility, net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $0.5 million and $0.7 million, respectively$608.9 $641.1 
Revolving Credit Facility15.0 120.0 
2.32% Senior Notes due October 26, 2030, net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $1.5 million and $1.5 million, respectively
348.5 348.5 
Total debt$972.4 $1,109.6 
Schedule of Maturities of Long-Term Debt
Maturities of the company’s principal debt payments as of December 31, 2023 are as follows:
(in millions)As of December 31, 2023
2024$32.5 
202532.5 
202632.5 
2027526.9 
2028— 
Thereafter 350.0 
Total$974.4 
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Income Per Share (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted
The following table shows how we reconcile our net income and the number of shares used in computing basic and diluted net income per share:
(in millions, except per share amounts)202320222021
Basic net income per share:
Consolidated net income $141.1 $70.5 $193.3 
Weighted average common shares outstanding42.6 42.6 43.0 
Basic net income per share$3.31 $1.65 $4.50 
Diluted net income per share:
Consolidated net income$141.1 $70.5 $193.3 
Weighted average common shares outstanding42.6 42.6 43.0 
Net effect of dilutive stock options and stock awards0.3 0.3 0.4 
Weighted average common shares outstanding for computing diluted income per share42.9 42.9 43.4 
Diluted net income per share$3.29 $1.64 $4.45 
v3.24.0.1
Revenue (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Disaggregation of Revenue
The following table presents our revenue disaggregated by revenue type. Sales and usage-based taxes are excluded from revenue.
Year ended December 31
(in millions)202320222021
License-based $1,517.5 $1,331.7 $1,131.7 
Asset-based279.6 269.4 264.9 
Transaction-based241.5 269.5 302.7 
Consolidated revenue$2,038.6 $1,870.6 $1,699.3 
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction
We expect to recognize revenue related to our contract liabilities, including future billings, for 2024 and subsequent years as follows:
(in millions)As of December 31, 2023
2024$970.0 
2025289.6 
202694.8 
202714.9 
20286.3 
Thereafter 22.6 
Total$1,398.2 
Summary of Contract Assets and Change in Deferred Commissions
The following table summarizes our contract assets balance:
As of December 31
(in millions)20232022
Accounts receivable, less allowance for credit losses$343.9 $307.9 
Deferred commissions71.2 76.1 
Total contract assets$415.1 $384.0 
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Segment and Geographical Area Information (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas
The tables below summarize our revenue, long-lived assets, which includes property, equipment, and capitalized software, net, and operating lease assets, by geographical area. Revenue is attributed to geographical area based on country in which the sale was contracted.
Revenue by geographical area
Year ended December 31
(in millions)202320222021
United States$1,470.6 $1,353.9 $1,184.3 
Asia49.3 44.8 41.1 
Australia58.4 55.8 56.9 
Canada116.3 109.8 112.9 
Continental Europe185.5 162.9 159.1 
United Kingdom148.0 133.6 135.7 
Other10.5 9.8 9.3 
Total International568.0 516.7 515.0 
Consolidated revenue$2,038.6 $1,870.6 $1,699.3 
Property, equipment, and capitalized software, net by geographical area
As of December 31
(in millions)20232022
United States$178.5 $165.6 
Asia9.9 12.8 
Australia1.9 2.3 
Canada3.6 4.5 
Continental Europe6.5 8.5 
United Kingdom7.2 5.4 
Other0.1 0.3 
Total International29.2 33.8 
Consolidated property, equipment, and capitalized software, net$207.7 $199.4 
Operating lease assets by geographical area
As of December 31
(in millions)20232022
United States$100.7 $120.0 
Asia16.5 22.6 
Australia3.2 3.9 
Canada8.2 5.5 
Continental Europe18.1 18.5 
United Kingdom16.9 20.6 
Other0.3 0.5 
Total International63.2 71.6 
Consolidated operating lease assets$163.9 $191.6 
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment
The following tables present information about the company’s reportable segments for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 along with the items necessary to reconcile the segment information to the totals reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Prior period segment information is presented on a comparable basis to the basis on which current period segment information is presented and reviewed by the CODM.

Year ended December 31,
(in millions)202320222021
Revenue:
Morningstar Data and Analytics$747.2 $696.6 $667.5 
PitchBook551.9 450.7 301.6 
Morningstar Wealth229.9 228.9 238.4 
Morningstar Credit215.4 236.9 271.2 
Morningstar Retirement110.5 104.0 104.6 
Total Reportable Segments1,854.9 1,717.1 1,583.3 
Corporate and All Other (1)
183.7 153.5 116.0 
Total Revenue$2,038.6 $1,870.6 $1,699.3 
Adjusted Operating Income (Loss):
Morningstar Data and Analytics$339.8 $313.3 $293.5 
PitchBook148.1 71.5 55.4 
Morningstar Wealth(40.4)(14.3)19.4 
Morningstar Credit21.7 59.1 74.5 
Morningstar Retirement54.1 51.4 55.4 
Total Reportable Segments$523.3 $481.0 $498.2 
Less reconciling items to Operating Income:
Corporate and All Other (2)
$(196.8)$(182.1)$(134.8)
Intangible amortization expense (3)
(70.5)(66.7)(62.0)
M&A-related expenses (4)
(9.8)(17.1)(17.4)
M&A-related earn-outs (5)
— (11.6)(27.0)
Severance and personnel expenses (6)
(5.5)(27.5)— 
Transformation costs (6)
(7.0)(8.2)— 
Asset impairment costs (6)
(3.1)— — 
Operating Income230.6 167.8 257.0 
Non-operating expense, net(49.1)(37.2)(6.5)
Equity in investments of unconsolidated entities(7.4)(3.6)5.4 
Income before income taxes$174.1 $127.0 $255.9 
___________________________________________________________________________________________
(1) Corporate and All Other provides a reconciliation between revenue from our Total Reportable Segments and consolidated revenue amounts. Corporate and All Other includes Morningstar Sustainalytics and Morningstar Indexes as sources of revenues.

(2) Corporate and All Other includes unallocated corporate expenses of $153.5 million in 2023, $135.8 million in 2022, $113.1 million in 2021, as well as adjusted operating income/loss from Morningstar Sustainalytics and Morningstar Indexes. Unallocated corporate expenses include finance, human resources, legal, and other management-related costs that are not considered when segment performance is evaluated.

(3) Excludes finance lease amortization expense of $1.2 million in 2023, $2.1 million in 2022, $1.7 million in 2021.
(4) Reflects non-recurring expenses related to M&A activity including pre-deal due diligence, transaction costs, and post-close integration costs.

(5) Reflects the impact of M&A-related earn-outs included in operating expense.

(6) Reflects costs associated with the significant reduction of the company's operations in Shenzhen, China and the shift of work related to its global business functions to other Morningstar locations.

Severance and personnel expenses include severance charges, incentive payments related to early signing of severance agreements, transition bonuses, and stock-based compensation related to the accelerated vesting of restricted stock unit (RSU) and market stock unit (MSU) awards. In addition, the reversal of accrued sabbatical liabilities is included in this category.

Transformation costs include professional fees and the temporary duplication of headcount. As the company hired replacement roles in other markets and shifted capabilities, it employed certain Shenzhen-based staff through the transition period, which resulted in elevated compensation costs on a temporary basis.

Asset impairment costs include the write-off or accelerated depreciation of fixed assets in the Shenzhen, China office that were not redeployed, in addition to lease abandonment costs as the company downsized its office space prior to the lease termination date.
Disaggregation of Revenue by Reportable Segment
The following tables present segment revenue disaggregated by revenue type:

Year ended December 31, 2023
(in millions)Morningstar Data and AnalyticsPitchBookMorningstar WealthMorningstar CreditMorningstar RetirementTotal Reportable Segments
Corporate and All Other (8)
Total
Revenue by Type: (9)
License-based$745.5 $551.9 $80.8 $11.7 $1.7 $1,391.6 $125.9 $1,517.5 
Asset-based— — 122.6 — 108.5 231.1 48.5 279.6 
Transaction-based1.7 — 26.5 203.7 0.3 232.2 9.3 241.5 
Total$747.2 $551.9 $229.9 $215.4 $110.5 $1,854.9 $183.7 $2,038.6 
Year ended December 31, 2022
(in millions)Morningstar Data and AnalyticsPitchBookMorningstar WealthMorningstar CreditMorningstar RetirementTotal Reportable Segments
Corporate and All Other (8)
Total
Revenue by Type: (9)
License-based$695.1 $450.7 $80.9 $— $2.0 $1,228.7 $103.0 $1,331.7 
Asset-based— — 117.6 — 101.8 219.4 50.0 269.4 
Transaction-based1.5 — 30.4 236.9 0.2 269.0 0.5 269.5 
Total$696.6 $450.7 $228.9 $236.9 $104.0 $1,717.1 $153.5 $1,870.6 

Year ended December 31, 2021
(in millions)Morningstar Data and AnalyticsPitchBookMorningstar WealthMorningstar CreditMorningstar RetirementTotal Reportable Segments
Corporate and All Other (8)
Total
Revenue by Type: (9)
License-based$666.5 $301.6 $82.7 $— $2.0 $1,052.8 $78.9 $1,131.7 
Asset-based— — 125.5 — 102.5 228.0 36.9 264.9 
Transaction-based1.0 — 30.2 271.2 0.1 302.5 0.2 302.7 
Total$667.5 $301.6 $238.4 $271.2 $104.6 $1,583.3 $116.0 $1,699.3 
___________________________________________________________________________________________
(8) Corporate and All Other provides a reconciliation between revenue from our Total Reportable Segments and consolidated revenue amounts. Corporate and All Other includes Morningstar Sustainalytics and Morningstar Indexes as sources of revenues.

(9) Starting with the quarter ended March 31, 2023, the company updated its revenue-type classifications to account for product areas with more than one revenue type. Prior periods have not been restated to reflect the updated classifications. Revenue from Morningstar Sustainalytics' second-party opinions product was reclassified from license-based to transaction-based. Revenue from Morningstar Indexes data and services products was reclassified from asset-based to license-based. Revenue from Morningstar DBRS and Morningstar Credit data products was reclassified from transaction-based to license-based.
Segment, Reconciliation of Other Items from Segments to Consolidated
The following table presents depreciation expense and stock-based compensation expense by reportable segment:

Year ended December 31,
Depreciation ExpenseStock-based Compensation Expense
(in millions)202320222021202320222021
Morningstar Data and Analytics$31.0 $23.4 $29.5 $10.6 $10.5 $9.5 
PitchBook26.8 23.8 20.4 10.3 40.2 11.9 
Morningstar Wealth15.8 18.1 13.3 6.4 5.7 4.4 
Morningstar Credit9.1 8.9 9.6 7.0 6.3 3.4 
Morningstar Retirement11.0 7.9 9.6 1.6 1.6 1.4 
Total Reportable Segments93.7 82.1 82.4 35.9 64.3 30.6 
Corporate and All Other (7)
19.5 15.7 4.6 16.9 18.9 11.3 
Total$113.2 $97.8 $87.0 $52.8 $83.2 $41.9 
___________________________________________________________________________________________
(7) Corporate and All Other provides a reconciliation between depreciation expense and stock-based compensation expense from our Total Reportable Segments and consolidated depreciation expense and stock-based compensation expense. Corporate and All Other includes unallocated corporate expenses of depreciation expense and stock-based compensation expense related to finance, human resources, legal, and other management-related costs that are not considered when segment performance is evaluated as well as depreciation expense and stock-based compensation expense from Morningstar Sustainalytics and Morningstar Indexes.
v3.24.0.1
Investments and Fair Value Measurements (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Schedule of Investments We classify our investment portfolio as shown below:
 
As of December 31
(in millions)20232022
Equity investments$44.9 $32.7 
Available-for-sale2.2 2.3 
Held-to-maturity4.0 3.0 
Total$51.1 $38.0 
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments
The following table shows the cost, unrealized gains, and fair values related to investments classified as equity investments, available-for-sale, and held-to-maturity:
 As of December 31, 2023As of December 31, 2022
(in millions)CostUnrealized
Gain
Unrealized
Loss
Fair
Value
CostUnrealized
Gain
Unrealized
Loss
Fair
Value
Equity investments:        
Marketable equity investments, exchange traded funds, and mutual funds$37.7 $7.2 $— $44.9 $30.7 $2.5 $(0.5)$32.7 
Available-for-sale:
Marketable debt securities2.3 — (0.1)2.2 2.2 0.1 — 2.3 
Held-to-maturity:
Certificates of deposit
4.0 — — 4.0 3.0 — — 3.0 
Total$44.0 $7.2 $(0.1)$51.1 $35.9 $2.6 $(0.5)$38.0 
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date
The table below shows the cost and fair value of investments classified as held-to-maturity based on their contractual maturities as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 As of December 31, 2023As of December 31, 2022
(in millions)CostFair ValueCostFair Value
Held-to-maturity:    
Due in one year or less$4.0 $4.0 $3.0 $3.0 
Due in one to three years— — — — 
Total$4.0 $4.0 $3.0 $3.0 
Schedule of Realized Gain (Loss)
The following table shows the realized gains and losses arising from sales of our investments classified as equity investments and available-for-sale recorded in our Consolidated Statements of Income: 
(in millions)202320222021
Realized gains$2.9 $1.0 $5.0 
Realized losses— (3.1)— 
Realized gains (losses), net$2.9 $(2.1)$5.0 
Unrealized Gain Loss On Trading Securities
The following table shows the net unrealized gains on the equity securities as recorded in our Consolidated Statements of Income:

 
(in millions)202320222021
Unrealized gains, net$4.2 $5.4 $1.8 
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis
The table below shows the fair value of our assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis using the fair value hierarchy:
 
 Fair Value
 as ofLevel Within the Fair Value Hierarchy as of December 31, 2023
(in millions)December 31, 2023Level 1Level 2Level 3
Financial assets:
Marketable equity investments, exchange-traded funds, and mutual funds$44.9 $44.9 $— $— 
Marketable debt securities2.2 2.2 — — 
Cash equivalents— — — — 
Financial liabilities:
Contingent consideration— — — — 
Total$47.1 $47.1 $— $— 
 
 Fair Value
 as ofLevel Within the Fair Value Hierarchy as of December 31, 2022
(in millions)December 31, 2022Level 1Level 2Level 3
Financial assets:
Marketable equity investments, exchange-traded funds, and mutual funds$32.7 $32.7 $— $— 
Marketable debt securities2.3 2.3 — — 
Cash equivalents0.2 0.2 — — 
Financial liabilities:
Contingent consideration50.0 — — 50.0 
Total$85.2 $35.2 $— $50.0 
v3.24.0.1
Acquisitions, Goodwill, and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2022
Jun. 01, 2022
Dec. 31, 2023
Acquisitions, Goodwill, and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]      
Schedule of Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class    
The allocation of the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed includes $14.9 million of goodwill and $13.4 million of acquired intangible assets, as follows:
(in millions)Weighted average useful life (years)
Technology-based assets$12.1 7
Customer-related assets1.3 5
Total intangible assets$13.4 
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed
The following table summarizes our allocation of the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date:
(in millions)
Fair value of consideration transferred$44.9 
Cash and cash equivalents$5.5 
Accounts receivable and other current and non-current assets3.3 
Intangible assets, net22.1 
Deferred revenue(0.3)
Deferred tax liability, net(5.4)
Other current and non-current liabilities(2.2)
Total fair value of net assets acquired$23.0 
Goodwill$21.9 
The following table summarizes our allocation of the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date:
(in millions)
Fair value of consideration$645.5 
Accounts receivable and other current assets$9.7 
Intangible assets, net275.6 
Deferred revenue(25.8)
Total fair value of net assets acquired$259.5 
Goodwill$386.0 
 
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination
The allocation of the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed includes $22.1 million of acquired intangible assets, as follows:
(in millions)Weighted average useful life (years)
Customer-related assets$2.9 10
Technology-based assets19.2 10
Total intangible assets$22.1 
The allocation of the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed includes $275.6 million of acquired intangible assets, as follows:
(in millions)Weighted average useful life (years)
Customer-related assets$197.3 20
Technology-based assets65.7 10
Intellectual property12.6 10
Total intangible assets$275.6 
 
Schedule of Goodwill    
 (in millions)Morningstar Data and AnalyticsPitchBookMorningstar WealthMorningstar CreditMorningstar RetirementTotal Reportable SegmentsCorporate and All OtherTotal
Balance as of
January 1, 2022
$609.1 $221.4 $71.6 $130.4 $93.5 $1,126.0 $81.0 $1,207.0 
Acquisition of LCD— 386.0 — — — 386.0 — 386.0 
Acquisition of Praemium— — 21.9 — — 21.9 — 21.9 
Other, primarily foreign currency translation(8.8)— (0.5)(23.5)— (32.8)(10.4)(43.2)
Balance as of December 31, 2022600.3 607.4 93.0 106.9 93.5 1,501.1 70.6 1,571.7 
Foreign currency translation5.2 — 1.2 1.7 — 8.1 (1.0)7.1 
Balance as of December 31, 2023$605.5 $607.4 $94.2 $108.6 $93.5 $1,509.2 $69.6 $1,578.8 
Schedule of Intangible Assets    
The following table summarizes our intangible assets: 
 As of December 31, 2023As of December 31, 2022
(in millions)GrossAccumulated
Amortization
NetWeighted
Average
Useful  Life
(years)
GrossAccumulated
Amortization
NetWeighted
Average
Useful  Life
(years)
Customer-related assets$601.7 $(263.8)$337.9 14$595.1 $(221.3)$373.8 14
Technology-based assets315.3 (197.0)118.3 8312.8 (173.8)139.0 8
Intellectual property & other 93.2 (65.0)28.2 892.1 (56.3)35.8 8
Total intangible assets$1,010.2 $(525.8)$484.4 12$1,000.0 $(451.4)$548.6 12
Schedule of Intangible Asset, Amortization Expense    
The following table summarizes our amortization expense related to intangible assets:

(in millions)202320222021
Amortization expense$70.5 $66.7 $62.0 
Schedule of Expected Amortization Expense    
Based on acquisitions completed through December 31, 2023, we expect intangible amortization expense for 2024 and subsequent years to be as follows:
 (in millions)
2024$65.5 
202557.2 
202653.4 
202746.1 
202842.1 
Thereafter220.1 
Total$484.4 
v3.24.0.1
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities [Abstract]  
Schedule of Equity Method And Cost Method Investments
Our investments in unconsolidated entities consist primarily of the following:
As of December 31,
(in millions)20232022
Investment in SmartX Advisory Solutions$35.0 $35.0 
Non-current investment in Wealth Advisors27.7 18.7 
Equity method investments22.6 26.6 
Other investments in unconsolidated entities14.9 15.7 
Total investments in unconsolidated entities$100.2 $96.0 
v3.24.0.1
Property, Equipment, and Capitalized Software (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]  
Schedule of Property, Equipment, and Capitalized Software by Major Category
The following table shows our property, equipment, and capitalized software, net summarized by major category:
As of December 31,
(in millions)20232022
Capitalized software$642.0 $545.5 
Computer equipment108.6 103.2 
Furniture and fixtures41.7 38.9 
Leasehold improvements113.3 106.5 
Telephone equipment2.3 2.3 
Construction in progress13.8 13.7 
Property, equipment, and capitalized software, at cost921.7 810.1 
Less: accumulated depreciation(714.0)(610.7)
Property, equipment, and capitalized software, net$207.7 $199.4 
Summary of Depreciation Expense
The following table summarizes our depreciation expense:
(in millions)202320222021
Depreciation expense$113.2 $97.8 $87.0 
v3.24.0.1
Leases Leases (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Leases, Operating [Abstract]  
Schedule of Minimum Future Rental Commitments
The following table shows our minimum future lease commitments due in each of the next five years and thereafter for operating leases:
Minimum Future Lease Commitments (in millions)
2024$43.7 
202536.3 
202638.9 
202731.3 
202824.7 
Thereafter36.6 
Total minimum lease commitments211.5 
Adjustment for discount to present value23.7 
Present value of lease liabilities
$187.8 
Operating leases
The following table summarizes the weighted-average remaining lease terms and weighted-average discount rates for our operating leases:
As of December 31, 2023
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years)5.8
Weighted-average discount rate3.9 %
v3.24.0.1
Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]  
Schedule of Shares Available for Future Grants
The following table summarizes the number of shares available for future grants under our 2021 Plan:
(in millions)As of December 31, 2023
Shares available for future grants2.5 
Schedule of Stock-Based Compensation Expense
The following table summarizes our stock-based compensation expense and the related income tax benefit we recorded in the past three years:
Year ended December 31
(in millions)202320222021
Restricted stock units$38.8 $35.9 $25.8 
Performance share awards6.5 37.2 10.6 
Market stock units7.5 10.1 5.5 
Total stock-based compensation expense$52.8 $83.2 $41.9 
Income tax benefit related to the stock-based compensation expense$10.3 $18.3 $8.9 
Allocation of Stock-based Compensation Expense
The following table summarizes the stock-based compensation expense included in each of our operating expense categories for the past three years:
Year ended December 31
(in millions)202320222021
Cost of revenue$23.8 $21.6 $16.5 
Sales and marketing8.3 8.5 4.4 
General and administrative20.7 53.1 21.0 
Total stock-based compensation expense$52.8 $83.2 $41.9 
Schedule of Uncategorized Stock-Based Compensation Expense
The following table summarizes the amount of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense as of December 31, 2023 and the expected number of months over which the expense will be recognized:

Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense (in millions)Weighted average expected amortization period (months)
Restricted stock units$54.7 29
Performance share awards0.3 29
Market stock units21.9 27
Total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense$76.9 28
Schedule of Restricted Stock Units Award Activity
The following table summarizes restricted stock unit activity during the past three years:
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)TotalWeighted
Average
Grant Date Fair Value
RSUs Outstanding - December 31, 2020436,767 $132.68 
Granted187,916 246.85 
Vested(229,063)141.04 
Forfeited(23,910)166.99 
RSUs Outstanding - December 31, 2021371,710 $183.04 
Granted275,106 254.93 
Vested(234,971)205.42 
Forfeited(21,978)213.69 
RSUs Outstanding - December 31, 2022389,867 $218.55 
Granted221,465 204.32 
Vested(232,121)204.14 
Forfeited(26,871)220.35 
RSUs Outstanding - December 31, 2023352,340 $218.96 
Market Units, Valuation Assumptions
We used the following assumptions to estimate the fair value of our MSUs:
Assumptions for Monte Carlo Valuation Model
Grant DateExpected volatilityDividend yieldRisk-free interest rate
May 15, 202025.4 %0.83 %0.20 %
November 15, 202026.9 %0.58 %0.23 %
May 15, 202128.0 %0.51 %0.33 %
November 15, 202126.9 %0.40 %0.85 %
May 15, 202229.6 %0.59 %2.79 %
November 15, 202231.8 %0.60 %4.24 %
May 15, 202331.7 %0.79 %3.65 %
November 15, 202331.9 %0.56 %4.56 %
Schedule of Market Stocks Units
The table below shows MSUs granted and outstanding as of December 31, 2023:
As of December 31, 2023
MSUs granted during 202378,448 
Weighted average grant date fair value$231.77 
Number of MSUs outstanding148,799 
Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Performance-Based Units, Vested and Expected to Vest [Table Text Block]
The table below shows performance share awards granted and outstanding as of December 31, 2023:
As of December 31, 2023
Performance share awards granted during 202386,251 
Weighted average grant date fair value$288.23 
Number of performance share awards outstanding31,268 
v3.24.0.1
Defined Contribution Plan (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Defined Contribution Plan [Abstract]  
Schedule of Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contributions
The following table summarizes our matching contributions:
(in millions)202320222021
401(k) matching contributions$22.1 $19.7 $16.2 
v3.24.0.1
Income Taxes (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]  
Schedule of Income Tax Expense and Effective Tax Rate
The following table shows our income tax expense and our effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021:
(in millions)202320222021
Income before income taxes and equity in investments of unconsolidated entities$181.5 $130.6 $250.5 
Equity in investments of unconsolidated entities(7.4)(3.6)5.4 
Income before income taxes$174.1 $127.0 $255.9 
Income tax expense$33.0 $56.5 $62.6 
Effective tax rate19.0 %44.5 %24.5 %
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation
The following table reconciles our income tax expense at the U.S. federal income tax rate to income tax expense as recorded:
202320222021
(in millions, except percentages)Amount%Amount%Amount%
Income tax expense at U.S. federal rate$36.6 21.0 %$26.7 21.0 %$53.7 21.0 %
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit7.3 4.2 %6.4 5.0 %10.7 4.2 %
Stock-based compensation activity1.6 0.9 %(1.5)(1.2)%(7.2)(2.8)%
Equity in net income (loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries (including holding gains upon acquisition) 1.1 0.6 %1.0 0.8 %0.2 0.1 %
Acquisition earn-out— — %1.8 1.4 %5.1 2.0 %
Net change in valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets, including net operating losses(3.2)(1.8)%7.7 6.1 %0.1 — %
Difference between U.S. federal statutory and foreign tax rates and other impacts of foreign operations1.7 1.0 %(1.9)(1.5)%(2.6)(1.0)%
Change in unrecognized tax benefits(9.8)(5.6)%14.1 11.1 %(0.2)(0.1)%
Credits and incentives(4.1)(2.4)%(3.8)(3.0)%(2.1)(0.8)%
Foreign tax provisions (GILTI, FDII, and BEAT)(1)
(0.2)(0.1)%(4.6)(3.6)%(0.7)(0.3)%
Non-deductible expenses and other, net2.0 1.2 %10.6 8.4 %5.6 2.2 %
Total income tax expense$33.0 19.0 %$56.5 44.5 %$62.6 24.5 %

(1) The Tax Reform Act established the Global Intangible Low-Tax Income (GILTI) provision, which taxes U.S. allocated expenses and certain income from foreign operations; the Foreign-Derived Intangible Income (FDII) provision, which allows a deduction against certain types of U.S. taxable income resulting in a lower effective U.S. tax rate on such income; and the Base Erosion Anti-Abuse Tax (BEAT), which is a minimum tax based on cross-border service payments by U.S. entities.
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense
The following table shows the components of our income tax expense:
Year ended December 31
(in millions)202320222021
Current tax expense:
U.S.
Federal$27.7 $49.1 $38.3 
State13.4 14.9 13.6 
Non-U.S.24.3 30.1 23.0 
Current tax expense65.4 94.1 74.9 
Deferred tax expense (benefit):
U.S.
Federal(15.6)(20.8)(2.8)
State(4.2)(6.8)(0.3)
Non-U.S.(12.6)(10.0)(9.2)
Deferred tax expense, net(32.4)(37.6)(12.3)
Income tax expense$33.0 $56.5 $62.6 
Schedule of Income before Income Tax
The following table provides our income before income taxes and equity in investments of unconsolidated entities, generated by our U.S. and non-U.S. operations:
Year ended December 31
(in millions)202320222021
U.S.$101.4 $82.4 $218.3 
Non-U.S.80.1 48.2 32.2 
Income before income taxes and equity in investments of unconsolidated entities$181.5 $130.6 $250.5 
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities The tax effects of the temporary differences that give rise to the deferred income tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
As of December 31,
(in millions)20232022
Deferred tax assets:
Stock-based compensation$7.1 $10.0 
Accrued liabilities27.5 25.8 
Deferred revenue8.5 9.2 
Net operating loss carryforwards - U.S.— 0.1 
Net operating loss carryforwards - Non-U.S.18.1 15.8 
Capitalized expenses69.2 34.5 
Deferred royalty revenue— 0.1 
Allowance for doubtful accounts1.8 1.9 
Lease liabilities 35.0 39.7 
Capital loss and other carryforwards16.7 — 
Other0.1 0.1 
Total deferred tax assets184.0 137.2 
Deferred tax liabilities:
Acquired intangible assets(73.2)(75.4)
Property, equipment, and capitalized software(39.2)(36.2)
Lease right-of-use assets(30.2)(33.1)
Unrealized exchange gains, net(1.0)(0.1)
Prepaid expenses(19.2)(19.5)
Investments in unconsolidated entities(14.6)(7.7)
Withholding tax - foreign dividends(1.3)(0.4)
Total deferred tax liabilities(178.7)(172.4)
Net deferred tax liability before valuation allowance5.3 (35.2)
Valuation allowance(26.3)(16.9)
Deferred tax liabilities, net$(21.0)$(52.1)
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities Included in Consolidated Balance Sheets
The deferred tax assets and liabilities are presented in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows:
As of December 31,
(in millions)20232022
Deferred tax asset, net$14.6 $10.8 
Deferred tax liability, net(35.6)(62.9)
Deferred tax liability, net$(21.0)$(52.1)
Summary of Income Tax Examinations The following table summarizes our gross liability for interest and penalties:
As of December 31,
(in millions)20232022
Liabilities for interest and penalties$2.3 $1.7 
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward
The table below reconciles the beginning and ending amount of the gross unrecognized tax benefits as follows:
(in millions)20232022
Gross unrecognized tax benefits - beginning of the year$26.5 $11.4 
Increases as a result of tax positions taken during a prior-year period0.6 11.3 
Decreases as a result of tax positions taken during a prior-year period(14.3)— 
Increases as a result of tax positions taken during the current period1.9 7.7 
Decreases relating to settlements with tax authorities(0.4)(3.1)
Decreases as a result of lapse of the applicable statute of limitations(1.3)(0.8)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits - end of the year$13.0 $26.5 
Non-U.S. [Member]  
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]  
Summary of Operating Loss Carryforwards
The following table summarizes our NOL carryforwards for our non-U.S. operations:
As of December 31,
(in millions)20232022
Non-U.S. NOLs subject to expiration dates from 2024 through 2042$17.8 $9.6 
Non-U.S. NOLs with no expiration date54.1 52.9 
Total$71.9 $62.5 
Non-U.S. NOLs not subject to valuation allowances$12.3 $12.2 

The increase in non-U.S. NOL carryforwards as of December 31, 2023 compared with the same period in 2022 primarily reflects NOLs generated from compensation and related liabilities attributable to the shift of our China operations.
In assessing the realizability of our deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. We recorded a valuation allowance against approximately $59.6 million of the non-U.S. NOLs, reflecting the likelihood that the benefit of these NOLs will not be realized.
v3.24.0.1
Description of Business (Details)
Dec. 31, 2023
Countries
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Number of countries in which entity operates 32
v3.24.0.1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Depreciation expense $ 113.2 $ 97.8 $ 87.0
Capitalized software development costs $ 100.0 $ 81.0 74.0
Intangible assets useful life 12 years 12 years  
Severance Costs $ 15.4    
Property, Equipment, and Depreciation
Property, Equipment, and Depreciation
We state property and equipment at historical cost, net of accumulated depreciation in accordance with FASB ASC 360-10, Property, Plant, and Equipment. We depreciate property and equipment using the straight-line method based on the useful life of the asset, which ranges from three to seven years. We amortize leasehold improvements over the lease term or their useful lives, whichever is shorter. Long-lived assets that are held and used are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. If the value of future undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of an asset group, we record an impairment loss based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the asset group.
   
Severance related to China operations      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Severance Costs $ 2.4 $ 25.9  
Severance related to targeted reorganizations      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Severance Costs $ 9.0    
Minimum [Member]      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Asset useful life 3 years    
Intangible assets useful life 1 year    
Revenue timing of cash payments 0 days    
Maximum [Member]      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Asset useful life 7 years    
Intangible assets useful life 20 years    
Revenue timing of cash payments 30 days    
Revenue performance period 3 years    
Sales commissions, period of transfer 3 years    
Internally developed software expense [Member]      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Depreciation expense $ 81.2 $ 64.3 $ 59.9
Capitalized software [Member]      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Asset useful life 3 years    
License-based | Minimum [Member]      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Revenue performance period 1 year    
License-based | Maximum [Member]      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Revenue performance period 3 years    
Asset-based | Minimum [Member]      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Revenue performance period 1 year    
Asset-based | Maximum [Member]      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Revenue performance period 3 years    
v3.24.0.1
Credit Arrangements (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Sep. 30, 2022
Jun. 01, 2022
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Sep. 13, 2022
May 06, 2022
Oct. 26, 2020
Jul. 02, 2019
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]                  
Maximum borrowing capacity $ 650.0         $ 600.0      
Long-term debt       $ 940.3 $ 1,077.5        
Long-term debt, outstanding       623.9          
Remaining borrowing capacity       635.0          
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities       972.4 1,109.6        
Payment for Contingent Consideration Liability, Operating Activities   $ 50.0              
Long-Term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Rolling 12 Months       32.5          
Long-Term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Rolling Year Two       32.5          
Long-Term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Rolling Year Three       32.5          
Long-Term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Rolling Year Four       526.9          
Long-Term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Rolling Year Five       0.0          
Long-Term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Rolling after Year Five       350.0          
Long-Term Debt, Gross       974.4          
Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Overnight Index Swap Rate | Credit agreement [Member]                  
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]                  
Basis spread on variable rate debt     1.00%            
Private Placement                  
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]                  
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage               2.32%  
Other Long-term Debt               $ 350.0  
Other Long-term Debt               $ 350.0  
Medium-term Notes [Member] | Term Loan Facility [Member]                  
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]                  
Long-term Debt       608.9 641.1        
Maximum borrowing capacity                 $ 450.0
Line of Credit [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member]                  
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]                  
Maximum borrowing capacity                 750.0
Line of Credit [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Lender's base rate [Member]                  
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]                  
Basis spread on variable rate debt 0.38%                
Line of Credit [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Overnight Index Swap Rate                  
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]                  
Basis spread on variable rate debt 1.48%                
Line of Credit [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Lender's base rate [Member]                  
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]                  
Basis spread on variable rate debt 0.00%                
Line of Credit [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Overnight Index Swap Rate                  
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]                  
Basis spread on variable rate debt 1.00%                
Line of Credit [Member] | July 2019 Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Credit agreement [Member]                  
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]                  
Long-term Debt         120.0        
Maximum borrowing capacity                 300.0
Line of Credit [Member] | July 2019 Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Letters of credit [Member]                  
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]                  
Maximum borrowing capacity                 50.0
Line of Credit [Member] | May 2022 Revolving Credit Facility | Credit agreement [Member]                  
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]                  
Long-term Debt       15.0          
Maximum borrowing capacity             $ 450.0    
Line of Credit [Member] | May 2022 Revolving Credit Facility | Letters of credit [Member]                  
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]                  
Maximum borrowing capacity             50.0    
Line of Credit [Member] | May 6, 2022 Credit Agreement                  
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]                  
Maximum borrowing capacity             600.0    
Line of Credit [Member] | May 6, 2022 Credit Agreement | Line of Credit [Member]                  
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]                  
Maximum borrowing capacity             1,100.0    
Line of Credit [Member] | September 30, 2022, Credit Agreement Second Amendment [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]                  
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]                  
Maximum borrowing capacity $ 1,300.0                
Notes Payable, Other Payables | Private Placement Financing                  
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]                  
Long-term Debt       $ 348.5 $ 348.5        
Notes Payable, Other Payables | Private Placement                  
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]                  
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage       2.32% 2.32%        
Long-Term Debt | May 6, 2022 Term Loan                  
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]                  
Maximum borrowing capacity             650.0    
Line of Credit [Member] | July 2019 Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Credit agreement [Member]                  
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]                  
Maximum borrowing capacity                 $ 100.0
Line of Credit [Member] | May 2022 Revolving Credit Facility | Credit agreement [Member]                  
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]                  
Maximum borrowing capacity             $ 100.0    
v3.24.0.1
Income Per Share (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Basic net income per share:      
Consolidated net income   $ 70.5 $ 193.3
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares) 42.6 42.6 43.0
Basic net income per share (in dollars per share) $ 3.31 $ 1.65 $ 4.50
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest $ 141.1 $ 70.5 $ 193.3
Diluted net income per share:      
Consolidated net income   $ 70.5 $ 193.3
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares) 42.6 42.6 43.0
Net effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock units (in shares) 0.3 0.3 0.4
Weighted average common shares outstanding for computing diluted income per share (in shares) 42.9 42.9 43.4
Diluted net income per share (in dollars per share) $ 3.29 $ 1.64 $ 4.45
v3.24.0.1
Revenue (Disaggregation of Revenue) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Consolidated revenue $ 2,038.6 $ 1,870.6 $ 1,699.3
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-01-01      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Revenue performance period 1 year    
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2023-01-01      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Revenue performance period 1 year    
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2024-01-01      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Revenue performance period 1 year    
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2025-01-01      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Revenue performance period 1 year    
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2026-01-01      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Revenue performance period 1 year    
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2027-01-01      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Revenue performance period 1 year    
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2028-01-01      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Revenue performance period 1 year    
License-based      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Consolidated revenue $ 1,517.5 1,331.7 1,131.7
Asset-based      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Consolidated revenue 279.6 269.4 264.9
Transaction-based      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Consolidated revenue $ 241.5 $ 269.5 $ 302.7
v3.24.0.1
Revenue (Disaggregation of Revenue, Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]      
Revenues $ 2,038.6 $ 1,870.6 $ 1,699.3
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-01-01      
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]      
Revenue performance period 1 year    
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2023-01-01      
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]      
Revenue performance period 1 year    
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2024-01-01      
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]      
Revenue performance period 1 year    
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2025-01-01      
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]      
Revenue performance period 1 year    
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2026-01-01      
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]      
Revenue performance period 1 year    
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2027-01-01      
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]      
Revenue performance period 1 year    
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2028-01-01      
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]      
Revenue performance period 1 year    
Minimum [Member] | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2025-01-01      
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]      
Revenue performance period 1 year    
Maximum [Member]      
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]      
Revenue performance period 3 years    
Licensed-based Revenue      
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]      
Revenues $ 1,517.5 1,331.7 1,131.7
Licensed-based Revenue | Minimum [Member]      
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]      
Revenue performance period 1 year    
Licensed-based Revenue | Maximum [Member]      
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]      
Revenue performance period 3 years    
Asset-based Revenue      
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]      
Revenues $ 279.6 $ 269.4 $ 264.9
Asset-based Revenue | Minimum [Member]      
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]      
Revenue performance period 1 year    
Asset-based Revenue | Maximum [Member]      
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]      
Revenue performance period 3 years    
v3.24.0.1
Revenue (Contract Liabilities, Narrative) (Details)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
USD ($)
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Increase in contract liabilities from cash payments received $ 54.9
Contract liability $ 544.0
Maximum [Member]  
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]  
Revenue performance period 3 years
v3.24.0.1
Revenue (Contract Liabilities, Expected Recognition) (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2023
USD ($)
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Revenue, remaining performance obligation $ 1,398.2
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Revenue, remaining performance obligation $ 970.0
Revenue performance period 1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2023-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Revenue, remaining performance obligation $ 289.6
Revenue performance period 1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2024-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Revenue, remaining performance obligation $ 94.8
Revenue performance period 1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2025-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Revenue, remaining performance obligation $ 14.9
Revenue performance period 1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2026-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Revenue, remaining performance obligation $ 6.3
Revenue performance period 1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2027-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Revenue, remaining performance obligation $ 22.6
Revenue performance period 1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2028-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Revenue performance period 1 year
v3.24.0.1
Revenue (Summary of Contract Assets) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]    
Accounts receivable, less allowance for credit losses $ 343.9 $ 307.9
Deferred commissions 71.2 76.1
Total contract assets $ 415.1 $ 384.0
v3.24.0.1
Revenue Contract Liabilities (Details)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
USD ($)
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Contract with Customer, Liability, Change in Timeframe, Performance Obligation Satisfied, Revenue Recognized $ 424.9
v3.24.0.1
Segment and Geographical Area Information (Operating Lease Assets) (Details)
$ in Millions, ¥ in Billions
12 Months Ended
Apr. 19, 2023
USD ($)
Apr. 19, 2023
JPY (¥)
Apr. 06, 2023
USD ($)
Apr. 06, 2023
JPY (¥)
Dec. 31, 2023
USD ($)
segments
Dec. 31, 2022
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Operating lease assets         $ 163.9 $ 191.6  
Revenue         2,038.6 1,870.6 $ 1,699.3
Amortization expense         70.5 66.7 62.0
Business Combination, Acquisition and Integration Related Costs         9.8 17.1 17.4
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Expense         0.0 11.6 27.0
Severance Costs         15.4    
Business Exit Costs $ 14.8 ¥ 2.0 $ 45.1 ¥ 6.0 7.0 8.2 0.0
Asset Impairment Charges         3.1 0.0 0.0
Operating income         230.6 167.8 257.0
Unallocated Corporate Expenses         $ 153.5 135.8 113.1
Number of Operating Segments | segments         7    
Number of Reportable Segments | segments         5    
United States [Member]              
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Operating lease assets         $ 100.7 120.0  
Revenue         1,470.6 1,353.9 1,184.3
UNITED KINGDOM              
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Operating lease assets         16.9 20.6  
Revenue         148.0 133.6 135.7
Europe excluding the United Kingdom [Member]              
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Operating lease assets         18.1 18.5  
Revenue         185.5 162.9 159.1
AUSTRALIA              
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Operating lease assets         3.2 3.9  
Revenue         58.4 55.8 56.9
CANADA              
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Operating lease assets         8.2 5.5  
Revenue         116.3 109.8 112.9
Asia [Member]              
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Operating lease assets         16.5 22.6  
Revenue         49.3 44.8 41.1
Segment, Geographical, Group of Other Countries [Member]              
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Operating lease assets         0.3 0.5  
Revenue         10.5 9.8 9.3
Non United States [Member]              
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Operating lease assets         63.2 71.6  
Revenue         $ 568.0 $ 516.7 $ 515.0
v3.24.0.1
Segment and Geographical Area Information (External Revenue and Long-Lived Assets) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]      
Revenue $ 2,038.6 $ 1,870.6 $ 1,699.3
Long-lived assets 207.7 199.4  
United States [Member]      
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]      
Revenue 1,470.6 1,353.9 1,184.3
Long-lived assets 178.5 165.6  
UNITED KINGDOM      
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]      
Revenue 148.0 133.6 135.7
Long-lived assets 7.2 5.4  
Europe excluding the United Kingdom [Member]      
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]      
Revenue 185.5 162.9 159.1
Long-lived assets 6.5 8.5  
AUSTRALIA      
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]      
Revenue 58.4 55.8 56.9
Long-lived assets 1.9 2.3  
CANADA      
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]      
Revenue 116.3 109.8 112.9
Long-lived assets 3.6 4.5  
Asia [Member]      
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]      
Revenue 49.3 44.8 41.1
Long-lived assets 9.9 12.8  
Segment, Geographical, Group of Other Countries [Member]      
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]      
Revenue 10.5 9.8 9.3
Long-lived assets 0.1 0.3  
Non United States [Member]      
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]      
Revenue 568.0 516.7 $ 515.0
Long-lived assets $ 29.2 $ 33.8  
v3.24.0.1
Segment and Geographical Area Information (Details)
$ in Millions, ¥ in Billions
12 Months Ended
Apr. 19, 2023
USD ($)
Apr. 19, 2023
JPY (¥)
Apr. 06, 2023
USD ($)
Apr. 06, 2023
JPY (¥)
Dec. 31, 2023
USD ($)
segments
Dec. 31, 2022
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Consolidated revenue         $ 2,038.6 $ 1,870.6 $ 1,699.3
Revenue         2,038.6 1,870.6 1,699.3
Amortization expense         (70.5) (66.7) (62.0)
Business Combination, Acquisition and Integration Related Costs         (9.8) (17.1) (17.4)
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Expense         0.0 (11.6) (27.0)
Severance and personnel expenses         (5.5) (27.5) 0.0
Severance Costs         15.4    
Business Exit Costs $ (14.8) ¥ (2.0) $ (45.1) ¥ (6.0) (7.0) (8.2) 0.0
Asset Impairment Charges         (3.1) 0.0 0.0
Operating income         230.6 167.8 257.0
Non-operating income (expense), net         (49.1) (37.2) (6.5)
Equity in investments of unconsolidated entities         (7.4) (3.6) 5.4
Depreciation expense         113.2 97.8 87.0
Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Domestic And Foreign         $ 174.1 127.0 255.9
Number of Reportable Segments | segments         5    
Unallocated Corporate Expenses         $ 153.5 135.8 113.1
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Amortization         1.2 2.1 1.7
Operating Segments              
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Consolidated revenue         1,854.9 1,717.1 1,583.3
Revenue         1,854.9 1,717.1 1,583.3
Reportable Segment Profitability         523.3 481.0 498.2
Depreciation expense         93.7 82.1 82.4
Morningstar Data and Analytics Segment [Member]              
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Consolidated revenue         747.2 696.6 667.5
Morningstar Data and Analytics Segment [Member] | Operating Segments              
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Revenue         747.2 696.6 667.5
Reportable Segment Profitability         339.8 313.3 293.5
Depreciation expense         31.0 23.4 29.5
PitchBook Segment [Member]              
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Consolidated revenue         551.9 450.7 301.6
PitchBook Segment [Member] | Operating Segments              
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Revenue         551.9 450.7 301.6
Reportable Segment Profitability         148.1 71.5 55.4
Depreciation expense         26.8 23.8 20.4
Morningstar Credit Segment [Member]              
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Consolidated revenue         215.4 236.9 271.2
Morningstar Credit Segment [Member] | Operating Segments              
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Revenue         215.4 236.9 271.2
Reportable Segment Profitability         21.7 59.1 74.5
Depreciation expense         9.1 8.9 9.6
Corporate and Other              
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Consolidated revenue         183.7 153.5 116.0
Corporate and Other | Operating Segments              
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Revenue         183.7 153.5 116.0
Reportable Segment Profitability         (196.8) (182.1) (134.8)
Depreciation expense         19.5 15.7 4.6
Morningstar Wealth Segment [Member]              
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Consolidated revenue         229.9 228.9 238.4
Morningstar Wealth Segment [Member] | Operating Segments              
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Revenue         229.9 228.9 238.4
Reportable Segment Profitability         (40.4) (14.3) 19.4
Depreciation expense         15.8 18.1 13.3
Morningstar Retirement Segment [Member]              
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Consolidated revenue         110.5 104.0 104.6
Morningstar Retirement Segment [Member] | Operating Segments              
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Revenue         110.5 104.0 104.6
Reportable Segment Profitability         54.1 51.4 55.4
Depreciation expense         11.0 7.9 9.6
License-based              
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Consolidated revenue         1,517.5 1,331.7 1,131.7
License-based | Operating Segments              
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Consolidated revenue         1,391.6 1,228.7 1,052.8
License-based | Morningstar Data and Analytics Segment [Member]              
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Consolidated revenue         745.5 695.1 666.5
License-based | PitchBook Segment [Member]              
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Consolidated revenue         551.9 450.7 301.6
License-based | Morningstar Credit Segment [Member]              
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Consolidated revenue         11.7 0.0 0.0
License-based | Corporate and Other              
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Consolidated revenue         125.9 103.0 78.9
License-based | Morningstar Wealth Segment [Member]              
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Consolidated revenue         80.8 80.9 82.7
License-based | Morningstar Retirement Segment [Member]              
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Consolidated revenue         1.7 2.0 2.0
Asset-based              
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Consolidated revenue         279.6 269.4 264.9
Asset-based | Operating Segments              
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Consolidated revenue         231.1 219.4 228.0
Asset-based | Morningstar Data and Analytics Segment [Member]              
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Consolidated revenue         0.0 0.0 0.0
Asset-based | PitchBook Segment [Member]              
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Consolidated revenue         0.0 0.0 0.0
Asset-based | Morningstar Credit Segment [Member]              
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Consolidated revenue         0.0 0.0 0.0
Asset-based | Corporate and Other              
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Consolidated revenue         48.5 50.0 36.9
Asset-based | Morningstar Wealth Segment [Member]              
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Consolidated revenue         122.6 117.6 125.5
Asset-based | Morningstar Retirement Segment [Member]              
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Consolidated revenue         108.5 101.8 102.5
Transaction-based              
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Consolidated revenue         241.5 269.5 302.7
Transaction-based | Operating Segments              
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Consolidated revenue         232.2 269.0 302.5
Transaction-based | Morningstar Data and Analytics Segment [Member]              
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Consolidated revenue         1.7 1.5 1.0
Transaction-based | PitchBook Segment [Member]              
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Consolidated revenue         0.0 0.0 0.0
Transaction-based | Morningstar Credit Segment [Member]              
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Consolidated revenue         203.7 236.9 271.2
Transaction-based | Corporate and Other              
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Consolidated revenue         9.3 0.5 0.2
Transaction-based | Morningstar Wealth Segment [Member]              
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Consolidated revenue         26.5 30.4 30.2
Transaction-based | Morningstar Retirement Segment [Member]              
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]              
Consolidated revenue         $ 0.3 $ 0.2 $ 0.1
v3.24.0.1
Segment Reporting (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Segment, Reconciliation of Other Items from Segments to Consolidated [Line Items]      
Stock-based compensation expense $ 52.8 $ 83.2 $ 41.9
Depreciation expense 113.2 97.8 87.0
Operating Segments      
Segment, Reconciliation of Other Items from Segments to Consolidated [Line Items]      
Stock-based compensation expense 35.9 64.3 30.6
Depreciation expense 93.7 82.1 82.4
Morningstar Data and Analytics Segment [Member] | Operating Segments      
Segment, Reconciliation of Other Items from Segments to Consolidated [Line Items]      
Stock-based compensation expense 10.6 10.5 9.5
Depreciation expense 31.0 23.4 29.5
PitchBook Segment [Member] | Operating Segments      
Segment, Reconciliation of Other Items from Segments to Consolidated [Line Items]      
Stock-based compensation expense 10.3 40.2 11.9
Depreciation expense 26.8 23.8 20.4
Morningstar Wealth Segment [Member] | Operating Segments      
Segment, Reconciliation of Other Items from Segments to Consolidated [Line Items]      
Stock-based compensation expense 6.4 5.7 4.4
Depreciation expense 15.8 18.1 13.3
Morningstar Credit Segment [Member] | Operating Segments      
Segment, Reconciliation of Other Items from Segments to Consolidated [Line Items]      
Stock-based compensation expense 7.0 6.3 3.4
Depreciation expense 9.1 8.9 9.6
Morningstar Retirement Segment [Member] | Operating Segments      
Segment, Reconciliation of Other Items from Segments to Consolidated [Line Items]      
Stock-based compensation expense 1.6 1.6 1.4
Depreciation expense 11.0 7.9 9.6
Corporate and Other | Operating Segments      
Segment, Reconciliation of Other Items from Segments to Consolidated [Line Items]      
Stock-based compensation expense 16.9 18.9 11.3
Depreciation expense $ 19.5 $ 15.7 $ 4.6
v3.24.0.1
Segment Reporting (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Segment, Reconciliation of Other Items from Segments to Consolidated [Line Items]      
Consolidated revenue $ 2,038.6 $ 1,870.6 $ 1,699.3
License-based      
Segment, Reconciliation of Other Items from Segments to Consolidated [Line Items]      
Consolidated revenue 1,517.5 1,331.7 1,131.7
Asset-based      
Segment, Reconciliation of Other Items from Segments to Consolidated [Line Items]      
Consolidated revenue 279.6 269.4 264.9
Transaction-based      
Segment, Reconciliation of Other Items from Segments to Consolidated [Line Items]      
Consolidated revenue $ 241.5 $ 269.5 $ 302.7
v3.24.0.1
Investments and Fair Value Measurements (Classification of Securities) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]    
Available-for-sale $ 2.2 $ 2.3
Held-to-maturity 4.0 3.0
Total 51.1 38.0
Equity method investments $ 44.9 $ 32.7
v3.24.0.1
Investments and Fair Value Measurements (Gains (Losses) on Investments) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Available-for-sale:      
Available-for-sale $ 2.2 $ 2.3  
Held-to-maturity:      
Held-to-maturity securities, total amortized cost 4.0 3.0  
Held-to-maturity securities, current 4.0 3.0  
Equity securities, Available-for-sale, Held-to-maturity, Fair Value 51.1 38.0  
Equity securities, Available-for-sale, Held-to-maturity, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax 0.1 0.5  
Equity securities, Available-for-sale, Held-to-maturity, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax 7.2 2.6  
Equity investments, Available-for-sale, Held-to-maturity, Amortized Cost 44.0 35.9  
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Realized Gain (Loss) [Abstract]      
Equity Securities, FV-NI, Cost 37.7 30.7  
Equity Securities, FV-NI, Current 44.9 32.7  
Equity method investments 44.9 32.7  
Equity Securities, FV-NI, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax 7.2 2.5  
Equity Securities, FV-NI, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax 0.0 (0.5)  
Equity securities, Available-for-sale, Realized gains 2.9 1.0 $ 5.0
Equity securities, Available-for-sale, Realized losses 0.0 3.1 0.0
Equity securities, Available-for-sale securities, Realized gains, net 2.9 (2.1) $ 5.0
Debt Securities      
Available-for-sale:      
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost basis 2.3 2.2  
Available-for-sale securities, unrealized gain 0.0 0.1  
Available-for-sale securities, unrealized loss (0.1) 0.0  
Available-for-sale 2.2 2.3  
Certificates of deposit [Member]      
Held-to-maturity:      
Held-to-maturity securities, total amortized cost 4.0 3.0  
Held-to-maturity securities, unrealized gain 0.0 0.0  
Held-to-maturity securities, unrealized loss 0.0 0.0  
Held-to-maturity securities, current $ 4.0 $ 3.0  
v3.24.0.1
Investments and Fair Value Measurements (Cost and Fair Value of Securities) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract]    
Available-for-sale $ 2.2 $ 2.3
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Maturity [Abstract]    
Held-to-maturity securities, due within one year, net carrying amount 4.0 3.0
Held-to-maturity securities, due within one year, fair value 4.0 3.0
Held-to-maturity securities, due within one year, carrying amount 0.0 0.0
Held-to-maturity securities, due within one year, fair value 0.0 0.0
Held-to-maturity securities, total amortized cost 4.0 3.0
Held-to-maturity securities, current $ 4.0 $ 3.0
v3.24.0.1
Investments and Fair Value Measurements (Unrealized Gains on Trading Securities) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]      
Unrealized gains (losses), net $ 4.2 $ 5.4 $ 1.8
v3.24.0.1
Investments and Fair Value Measurements (Fair Value of Assets) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Feb. 06, 2023
Jun. 01, 2022
Dec. 31, 2022
Sep. 30, 2022
Dec. 31, 2023
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member]          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Cash equivalents, fair value disclosure     $ 0.2   $ 0.0
Investments, fair value disclosure     85.2   47.1
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Marketable equity investments, exchange traded funds, and mutual funds          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Equity method investments     32.7   44.9
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Other Security Investments          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Asset Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, Liability         0.0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Other Security Investments | LCD          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Asset Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, Liability   $ 45.5 50.0    
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Debt Securities          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Available-for-sale     2.3   2.2
Available-for-sale     2.3   2.2
Equity method investments     32.7   44.9
Payment for Contingent Consideration Liability, Operating Activities   50.0      
Contingent consideration liability     50.0   0.0
Payment for Contingent Consideration Liability, Operating Activities   50.0      
LCD          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability     3.6 $ 0.9  
Payment for Contingent Consideration Liability, Operating Activities $ 50.0 50.0      
Contingent consideration liability   45.5      
Payment for Contingent Consideration Liability, Operating Activities $ 50.0 $ 50.0      
Debt Securities          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Available-for-sale     2.3   2.2
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Cash equivalents, fair value disclosure     0.2   0.0
Investments, fair value disclosure     35.2   47.1
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Marketable equity investments, exchange traded funds, and mutual funds          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Equity method investments     32.7   44.9
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Other Security Investments          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Asset Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, Liability     0.0   0.0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Debt Securities          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Available-for-sale     2.3   2.2
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Cash equivalents, fair value disclosure     0.0   0.0
Investments, fair value disclosure     0.0   0.0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Marketable equity investments, exchange traded funds, and mutual funds          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Equity method investments     0.0   0.0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Other Security Investments          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Asset Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, Liability     0.0   0.0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Debt Securities          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Available-for-sale     0.0   0.0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Cash equivalents, fair value disclosure     0.0   0.0
Investments, fair value disclosure     50.0   0.0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Marketable equity investments, exchange traded funds, and mutual funds          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Equity method investments     0.0   0.0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Other Security Investments          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Asset Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, Liability     50.0   0.0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Debt Securities          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Available-for-sale     $ 0.0   $ 0.0
v3.24.0.1
Acquisitions, Goodwill, and Other Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details)
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Feb. 06, 2023
USD ($)
Jun. 01, 2022
USD ($)
Sep. 03, 2021
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2022
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2022
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2023
USD ($)
segments
Dec. 31, 2022
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                
Impairment of intangible assets           $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
Deferred tax liability     $ (3,200,000)          
Goodwill       $ 1,571,700,000   1,578,800,000 1,571,700,000 1,207,000,000
Goodwill impairment loss           0 0 $ 0
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities     3,200,000          
Contingent consideration liability       50,000,000.0   $ 0 50,000,000.0  
Payment for Contingent Consideration Liability, Operating Activities   $ 50,000,000            
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure           Acquisitions, Goodwill, and Other Intangible Assets
2023 Acquisitions

We did not make any significant acquisitions during 2023.

2022 Acquisitions

Leveraged Commentary & Data (LCD)

On June 1, 2022, we completed our acquisition of LCD, a market leader in news, research, data, insights, and indexes for the leveraged finance market, from S&P for an initial cash payment of $600.0 million plus a contingent payment of up to $50.0 million. We began consolidating the financial results of LCD in our consolidated financial statements as of June 1, 2022.

The total consideration transferred was recorded as $645.5 million, comprised of a $600.0 million cash payment plus contingent consideration with an acquisition date fair value of $45.5 million.

The transaction was accounted for as a business combination under the acquisition method of accounting pursuant to FASB ASC 805, which requires that assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized at fair value as of the acquisition date. We finalized the purchase price allocation related to our acquisition of LCD during the second quarter of 2023 and did not record any significant adjustments compared to the preliminary estimates at the date of acquisition.

The final contingent consideration was determined based upon the achievement of certain conditions related to the separation of LCD’s contractual relationships from S&P contracts that include other S&P products and services during the six-month period following closing. To estimate the fair value of the contingent consideration at the acquisition date, we calculated the weighted average of the estimated contingent payment scenarios. At subsequent balance sheet dates, the contingent consideration was measured at fair value and any changes in the estimate were recorded in earnings unless the change in fair value was the result of facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date. During the third and fourth quarters of 2022, the contingent consideration was remeasured and increased by $0.9 million and $3.6 million, respectively, for total consideration of $50.0 million as of December 31, 2022. The contingent consideration is classified as "Contingent consideration liabilities" on our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2022. On February 6, 2023, we made a cash payment of $50.0 million, resolving our contingent consideration liability related to our acquisition of LCD.

The following table summarizes our allocation of the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date:
(in millions)
Fair value of consideration$645.5 
Accounts receivable and other current assets$9.7 
Intangible assets, net275.6 
Deferred revenue(25.8)
Total fair value of net assets acquired$259.5 
Goodwill$386.0 

Acquired accounts receivable were recorded at gross contractual amounts receivable, which approximates fair value. We collected substantially all of the gross contractual amounts receivable within a reasonable period of time after the acquisition date.
The allocation of the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed includes $275.6 million of acquired intangible assets, as follows:
(in millions)Weighted average useful life (years)
Customer-related assets$197.3 20
Technology-based assets65.7 10
Intellectual property12.6 10
Total intangible assets$275.6 

Goodwill of $386.0 million represents the excess over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired. Since LCD was an asset acquisition, goodwill is deductible for income tax purposes for that transaction.

Praemium Portfolio Services Limited (Praemium)

On June 30, 2022, we completed our acquisition of Praemium, a U.K.-based global provider of digital-first financial services, with $44.9 million in cash paid at closing, subject to post-closing adjustments. Praemium and its subsidiaries offer several investment platforms and customer relationship management services to their financial planning and wealth management clients across the U.K. and international markets. We began consolidating the financial results of Praemium in our consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2022.

The transaction was accounted for as a business combination under the acquisition method of accounting pursuant to FASB ASC 805, which requires that assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized at fair value as of the acquisition date. We finalized the purchase price allocation related to our acquisition of Praemium during the second quarter of 2023 and did not record any significant adjustments compared to the preliminary estimates at the date of acquisition.

The following table summarizes our allocation of the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date:
(in millions)
Fair value of consideration transferred$44.9 
Cash and cash equivalents$5.5 
Accounts receivable and other current and non-current assets3.3 
Intangible assets, net22.1 
Deferred revenue(0.3)
Deferred tax liability, net(5.4)
Other current and non-current liabilities(2.2)
Total fair value of net assets acquired$23.0 
Goodwill$21.9 

Acquired accounts receivable were recorded at gross contractual amounts receivable, which approximates fair value. We collected substantially all of the gross contractual amounts receivable within a reasonable period of time after the acquisition date.
The allocation of the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed includes $22.1 million of acquired intangible assets, as follows:
(in millions)Weighted average useful life (years)
Customer-related assets$2.9 10
Technology-based assets19.2 10
Total intangible assets$22.1 

Goodwill of $21.9 million represents the excess over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired. Goodwill is not deductible for income tax purposes for that transaction.

We recognized a net deferred tax liability of $5.4 million primarily because the amortization expense related to certain intangible assets is not deductible for income tax purposes.

2021 Acquisitions

Moorgate Benchmarks

On September 3, 2021, we acquired Moorgate Benchmarks (Moorgate), a privately held European-based global provider of index design, calculation, and administration. We began consolidating the financial results of Moorgate in our consolidated financial statements on September 3, 2021.

The transaction has been accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting, which requires that assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized at their fair values as of the acquisition date. We finalized the purchase price allocation related to our acquisition of Moorgate during the fourth quarter of 2021 and did not record any significant adjustments compared to the preliminary estimates at the date of acquisition.

The allocation of the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed includes $14.9 million of goodwill and $13.4 million of acquired intangible assets, as follows:
(in millions)Weighted average useful life (years)
Technology-based assets$12.1 7
Customer-related assets1.3 5
Total intangible assets$13.4 

We recognized a net deferred tax liability of $3.2 million primarily because the amortization expense related to certain intangible assets is not deductible for income tax purposes.
Goodwill
 
As disclosed in Note 2, the company revised its presentation of reportable segments in accordance with FASB ASC 280. The company concluded that it has seven operating segments, which are presented as the five following reportable segments: Morningstar Data and Analytics, PitchBook, Morningstar Wealth, Morningstar Credit, and Morningstar Retirement. The company's operating segments also represent the company's reporting units to which goodwill is assigned. The company allocated goodwill by reporting unit in accordance with FASB ASC 350. Under the new reporting unit structure, the consolidated goodwill balance is initially allocated based on each reporting unit's relative fair value. The company used a market approach and assigned goodwill to the reporting units. The following table shows the changes in our goodwill balances from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2023:

 (in millions)Morningstar Data and AnalyticsPitchBookMorningstar WealthMorningstar CreditMorningstar RetirementTotal Reportable SegmentsCorporate and All OtherTotal
Balance as of
January 1, 2022
$609.1 $221.4 $71.6 $130.4 $93.5 $1,126.0 $81.0 $1,207.0 
Acquisition of LCD— 386.0 — — — 386.0 — 386.0 
Acquisition of Praemium— — 21.9 — — 21.9 — 21.9 
Other, primarily foreign currency translation(8.8)— (0.5)(23.5)— (32.8)(10.4)(43.2)
Balance as of December 31, 2022600.3 607.4 93.0 106.9 93.5 1,501.1 70.6 1,571.7 
Foreign currency translation5.2 — 1.2 1.7 — 8.1 (1.0)7.1 
Balance as of December 31, 2023$605.5 $607.4 $94.2 $108.6 $93.5 $1,509.2 $69.6 $1,578.8 

We did not record any impairment losses in 2023, 2022, or 2021 as the estimated fair value of our reporting unit exceeded its carrying value and we did not note any indicators of impairment. We perform our annual impairment testing during the fourth quarter of each year.

Intangible Assets

The following table summarizes our intangible assets: 
 As of December 31, 2023As of December 31, 2022
(in millions)GrossAccumulated
Amortization
NetWeighted
Average
Useful  Life
(years)
GrossAccumulated
Amortization
NetWeighted
Average
Useful  Life
(years)
Customer-related assets$601.7 $(263.8)$337.9 14$595.1 $(221.3)$373.8 14
Technology-based assets315.3 (197.0)118.3 8312.8 (173.8)139.0 8
Intellectual property & other 93.2 (65.0)28.2 892.1 (56.3)35.8 8
Total intangible assets$1,010.2 $(525.8)$484.4 12$1,000.0 $(451.4)$548.6 12
 
The following table summarizes our amortization expense related to intangible assets:

(in millions)202320222021
Amortization expense$70.5 $66.7 $62.0 
 
We did not record any impairment losses involving intangible assets in 2023, 2022, or 2021. We amortize intangible assets using the straight-line method over their expected economic useful lives.

Based on acquisitions completed through December 31, 2023, we expect intangible amortization expense for 2024 and subsequent years to be as follows:
 (in millions)
2024$65.5 
202557.2 
202653.4 
202746.1 
202842.1 
Thereafter220.1 
Total$484.4 

Our estimates of future amortization expense for intangible assets may be affected by additional acquisitions, divestitures, changes in the estimated useful lives, impairments, and foreign currency translation.
   
Contingent consideration liability       50,000,000.0   $ 0 50,000,000.0  
Payment for Contingent Consideration Liability, Operating Activities   50,000,000            
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]                
Number of Reportable Segments | segments           5    
Moorgate                
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                
Goodwill, Acquired During Period     14,900,000          
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired     13,400,000          
Goodwill, Acquired During Period     14,900,000          
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]                
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired     13,400,000          
Moorgate | Technology-based assets [Member]                
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired     $ 12,100,000          
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life     7 years          
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]                
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired     $ 12,100,000          
Moorgate | Customer-related intangible assets [Member]                
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired     $ 1,300,000          
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life     5 years          
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]                
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired     $ 1,300,000          
LCD                
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                
Cash paid to acquire the entity   600,000,000            
Consideration   645,500,000            
Goodwill, Acquired During Period   386,000,000.0         386,000,000.0  
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired   275,600,000            
Contingent consideration liability   45,500,000            
Payment for Contingent Consideration Liability, Operating Activities $ 50,000,000 50,000,000            
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability       3,600,000 $ 900,000      
Goodwill, Acquired During Period   386,000,000.0         $ 386,000,000.0  
Contingent consideration liability   45,500,000            
Payment for Contingent Consideration Liability, Operating Activities $ 50,000,000 50,000,000            
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability       $ 3,600,000 $ 900,000      
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]                
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired   275,600,000            
LCD | Technology-based assets [Member]                
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired   $ 65,700,000            
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life   10 years            
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]                
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired   $ 65,700,000            
LCD | Customer-related intangible assets [Member]                
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired   $ 197,300,000            
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life   20 years            
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]                
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired   $ 197,300,000            
v3.24.0.1
Acquisitions, Goodwill, and Other Intangible Assets (Purchase Price Allocation) (Details) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2022
Jun. 01, 2022
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2021
Sep. 03, 2021
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation [Abstract]            
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities           $ (3.2)
Goodwill     $ 1,571.7 $ 1,578.8 $ 1,207.0  
LCD            
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation [Abstract]            
Consideration   $ 645.5        
Accounts receivable and other current assets   9.7        
Deferred revenue   (25.8)        
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net   259.5        
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired   275.6        
Goodwill, Acquired During Period   $ 386.0 386.0      
Praemium            
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation [Abstract]            
Consideration $ 44.9          
Cash and cash equivalents 5.5          
Accounts receivable and other current assets 3.3          
Deferred revenue (0.3)          
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities (5.4)          
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net 23.0          
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired 22.1          
Goodwill, Acquired During Period 21.9   $ 21.9      
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Other $ (2.2)          
v3.24.0.1
Acquisitions, Goodwill, and Other Intangible Assets (Allocation of Acquired Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Jun. 30, 2022
Jun. 01, 2022
Sep. 03, 2021
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities     $ 3.2
Moorgate      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired     13.4
Moorgate | Customer-related intangible assets [Member]      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired     $ 1.3
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life     5 years
Moorgate | Technology-based assets [Member]      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired     $ 12.1
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life     7 years
LCD      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired   $ 275.6  
LCD | Customer-related intangible assets [Member]      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired   $ 197.3  
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life   20 years  
LCD | Technology-based assets [Member]      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired   $ 65.7  
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life   10 years  
LCD | Intellectual property [Member]      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired   $ 12.6  
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life   10 years  
Praemium      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities $ 5.4    
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired 22.1    
Praemium | Customer-related intangible assets [Member]      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired $ 2.9    
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life 10 years    
Praemium | Technology-based assets [Member]      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired $ 19.2    
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life 10 years    
v3.24.0.1
Acquisitions, Goodwill, and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of Goodwill) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2022
Jun. 01, 2022
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Goodwill [Roll Forward]        
Goodwill, Beginning Balance     $ 1,571.7 $ 1,207.0
Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)     7.1 43.2
Goodwill, Ending Balance     1,578.8 1,571.7
Operating Segments        
Goodwill [Roll Forward]        
Goodwill, Beginning Balance     1,501.1 1,126.0
Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)     8.1 32.8
Goodwill, Ending Balance     1,509.2 1,501.1
Morningstar Credit Segment [Member]        
Goodwill [Roll Forward]        
Goodwill, Beginning Balance     106.9 130.4
Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)     1.7 23.5
Goodwill, Ending Balance     108.6 106.9
PitchBook Segment [Member]        
Goodwill [Roll Forward]        
Goodwill, Beginning Balance     607.4 221.4
Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)     0.0 0.0
Goodwill, Ending Balance     607.4 607.4
Morningstar Data and Analytics Segment [Member]        
Goodwill [Roll Forward]        
Goodwill, Beginning Balance     600.3 609.1
Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)     5.2 8.8
Goodwill, Ending Balance     605.5 600.3
Morningstar Retirement Segment [Member]        
Goodwill [Roll Forward]        
Goodwill, Beginning Balance     93.5 93.5
Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)     0.0 0.0
Goodwill, Ending Balance     93.5 93.5
Corporate and Other        
Goodwill [Roll Forward]        
Goodwill, Beginning Balance     70.6 81.0
Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)     (1.0) 10.4
Goodwill, Ending Balance     69.6 70.6
Morningstar Wealth Segment [Member]        
Goodwill [Roll Forward]        
Goodwill, Beginning Balance     93.0 71.6
Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)     1.2 0.5
Goodwill, Ending Balance     $ 94.2 93.0
LCD        
Goodwill [Roll Forward]        
Goodwill, Acquired During Period   $ 386.0   386.0
LCD | Operating Segments        
Goodwill [Roll Forward]        
Goodwill, Acquired During Period       386.0
LCD | Morningstar Credit Segment [Member]        
Goodwill [Roll Forward]        
Goodwill, Acquired During Period       0.0
LCD | PitchBook Segment [Member]        
Goodwill [Roll Forward]        
Goodwill, Acquired During Period       386.0
LCD | Morningstar Data and Analytics Segment [Member]        
Goodwill [Roll Forward]        
Goodwill, Acquired During Period       0.0
LCD | Morningstar Retirement Segment [Member]        
Goodwill [Roll Forward]        
Goodwill, Acquired During Period       0.0
LCD | Corporate and Other        
Goodwill [Roll Forward]        
Goodwill, Acquired During Period       0.0
LCD | Morningstar Wealth Segment [Member]        
Goodwill [Roll Forward]        
Goodwill, Acquired During Period       0.0
Praemium        
Goodwill [Roll Forward]        
Goodwill, Acquired During Period $ 21.9     21.9
Praemium | Operating Segments        
Goodwill [Roll Forward]        
Goodwill, Acquired During Period       21.9
Praemium | Morningstar Credit Segment [Member]        
Goodwill [Roll Forward]        
Goodwill, Acquired During Period       0.0
Praemium | PitchBook Segment [Member]        
Goodwill [Roll Forward]        
Goodwill, Acquired During Period       0.0
Praemium | Morningstar Data and Analytics Segment [Member]        
Goodwill [Roll Forward]        
Goodwill, Acquired During Period       0.0
Praemium | Morningstar Retirement Segment [Member]        
Goodwill [Roll Forward]        
Goodwill, Acquired During Period       0.0
Praemium | Corporate and Other        
Goodwill [Roll Forward]        
Goodwill, Acquired During Period       0.0
Praemium | Morningstar Wealth Segment [Member]        
Goodwill [Roll Forward]        
Goodwill, Acquired During Period       $ 21.9
v3.24.0.1
Acquisitions, Goodwill, and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Gross $ 1,010.2 $ 1,000.0
Accumulated Amortization (525.8) (451.4)
Net $ 484.4 $ 548.6
Weighted Average Useful  Life (years) 12 years 12 years
Intellectual property [Member]    
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Gross $ 93.2 $ 92.1
Accumulated Amortization (65.0) (56.3)
Net $ 28.2 $ 35.8
Weighted Average Useful  Life (years) 8 years 8 years
Customer-related assets [Member]    
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Gross $ 601.7 $ 595.1
Accumulated Amortization (263.8) (221.3)
Net $ 337.9 $ 373.8
Weighted Average Useful  Life (years) 14 years 14 years
Technology-based assets [Member]    
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Gross $ 315.3 $ 312.8
Accumulated Amortization (197.0) (173.8)
Net $ 118.3 $ 139.0
Weighted Average Useful  Life (years) 8 years 8 years
v3.24.0.1
Acquisitions, Goodwill, and Other Intangible Assets (Amortization Expense) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Acquisitions, Goodwill, and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]      
Amortization expense $ 70.5 $ 66.7 $ 62.0
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]      
2017 65.5    
2018 57.2    
2019 53.4    
2020 46.1    
2021 42.1    
Thereafter 220.1    
Intangible assets, net $ 484.4 $ 548.6  
v3.24.0.1
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities (Details)
$ in Millions, ¥ in Billions
2 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Apr. 19, 2023
USD ($)
Apr. 19, 2023
JPY (¥)
Apr. 06, 2023
USD ($)
Apr. 06, 2023
JPY (¥)
Feb. 28, 2023
USD ($)
shares
Jan. 27, 2023
JPY (¥)
shares
Feb. 27, 2023
Dec. 31, 2023
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2022
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]                    
Cost method investments               $ 14.9 $ 15.7  
Total investments in unconsolidated entities               100.2 96.0  
Cost-method investments, other than temporary impairment               0.0 0.0  
Equity method investment, other than temporary impairment               0.0 0.0  
Proceeds from sale of equity method investments, net               26.2 0.0 $ 1.1
Realized gain on sale of equity method investments               0.0 0.0 0.9
Business Exit Costs $ 14.8 ¥ 2.0 $ 45.1 ¥ 6.0       7.0 8.2 0.0
Investments               51.1 38.0  
Other Investments and Securities, at Cost                 50.7  
Proceeds from sale of equity method investments, net               26.2 0.0 1.1
Realized gain on sale of equity method investments               0.0 0.0 0.9
Business Exit Costs $ 14.8 ¥ 2.0 $ 45.1 ¥ 6.0       7.0 8.2 $ 0.0
Sale of Stock, Percentage of Ownership after Transaction         13.20%          
Sale of Stock, Percentage of Ownership before Transaction             22.10%      
Investments               51.1 38.0  
Other Investments and Securities, at Cost                 50.7  
Investment, Identifier [Axis]: Other investments                    
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]                    
Other Investments and Securities, at Cost               49.9    
Other Investments and Securities, at Cost               49.9    
Wealth Advisors                    
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]                    
Business Exit Costs           ¥ 8.0   59.9    
Business Exit Costs           ¥ 8.0   59.9    
SBI                    
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]                    
Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction | shares         8,040,600 10,000,000        
Realized gain (loss) on sale of investments, reclassified from other comprehensive income               18.4    
Holding gain on previously held equity interest               31.2    
Sale of Stock, Consideration Received Per Transaction         $ 26.2          
Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction | shares         8,040,600 10,000,000        
Sale of Stock, Consideration Received Per Transaction         $ 26.2          
Realized gain (loss) on sale of investments, reclassified from other comprehensive income               18.4    
Holding gain on previously held equity interest               31.2    
Other Equity Method Investments [Member]                    
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]                    
Equity method investments               22.6 26.6  
YCharts [Member]                    
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]                    
Equity method investment, ownership percentage                   0.00%
Ellevest [Member]                    
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]                    
Equity method investment, ownership percentage                   17.00%
SmartX                    
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]                    
Cost method investments               35.0 35.0  
Wealth Advisors                    
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]                    
Equity method investments               27.7 $ 18.7  
Investments               18.0    
Investments               $ 18.0    
v3.24.0.1
Property, Equipment, and Capitalized Software (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]      
Property, equipment, and capitalized software, at cost $ 921.7 $ 810.1  
Less accumulated depreciation (714.0) (610.7)  
Property, equipment, and capitalized software, net 207.7 199.4  
Depreciation expense 113.2 97.8 $ 87.0
Computer equipment [Member]      
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]      
Property, equipment, and capitalized software, at cost 108.6 103.2  
Capitalized software [Member]      
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]      
Property, equipment, and capitalized software, at cost 642.0 545.5  
Furniture and fixtures [Member]      
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]      
Property, equipment, and capitalized software, at cost 41.7 38.9  
Leasehold improvements [Member]      
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]      
Property, equipment, and capitalized software, at cost 113.3 106.5  
Telephone equipment [Member]      
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]      
Property, equipment, and capitalized software, at cost 2.3 2.3  
Construction in progress [Member]      
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]      
Property, equipment, and capitalized software, at cost $ 13.8 $ 13.7  
v3.24.0.1
Leases (Operating Leases) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract]      
2020 $ 43.7    
2021 36.3    
2022 38.9    
2023 31.3    
2024 24.7    
Thereafter 36.6    
Total minimum lease commitments 211.5    
Adjustment for discount to present value 23.7    
Total lease liabilities $ 187.8    
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years) 5 years 9 months 18 days    
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent 3.90%    
Operating lease expense $ 47.6 $ 41.6 $ 42.5
Variable operating lease charges 18.0 16.9  
Payments on operating leases $ 45.3 $ 42.6  
Minimum [Member]      
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract]      
Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract 1 year    
Maximum [Member]      
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract]      
Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract 12 years    
v3.24.0.1
Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
May 14, 2021
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Additional Shares Authorized 1,050,000      
Restricted stock units [Member]        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Award vesting period   4 years    
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value   $ 47.4 $ 48.3 $ 32.3
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value   $ 47.4 $ 48.3 $ 32.3
Performance share awards [Member] | PitchBook Plan [Member]        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Award vesting period   1 year    
Employee [Member] | Stock options [Member]        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Award vesting period   4 years    
Non-employee director [Member] | Stock options [Member]        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Award vesting period   3 years    
Non-employee director [Member] | Restricted stock units [Member]        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Award vesting period   3 years    
v3.24.0.1
Stock-Based Compensation (Shares Available for Future Grants) (Details)
shares in Millions
Dec. 31, 2023
shares
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]  
Shares available for future grants 2.5
v3.24.0.1
Stock-Based Compensation (Allocation of Stock-Based Compensation Costs) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Stock-based compensation expense $ 52.8 $ 83.2 $ 41.9
Income tax benefit related to the stock-based compensation expense 10.3 18.3 8.9
Restricted stock units [Member]      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Stock-based compensation expense 38.8 35.9 25.8
Performance share awards [Member]      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Stock-based compensation expense 6.5 37.2 10.6
Market Stock Units [Member]      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Stock-based compensation expense $ 7.5 $ 10.1 $ 5.5
v3.24.0.1
Stock-Based Compensation (Unrecognized Stock-Based Compensation Expense) (Details)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
USD ($)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Income tax benefit related to the stock-based compensation expense $ 76.9
Expected amortization period (months) 28 months
Restricted stock units [Member]  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Income tax benefit related to the stock-based compensation expense $ 54.7
Expected amortization period (months) 29 months
Performance share awards [Member]  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Income tax benefit related to the stock-based compensation expense $ 0.3
Expected amortization period (months) 29 months
Market Stock Units [Member]  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Income tax benefit related to the stock-based compensation expense $ 21.9
Expected amortization period (months) 27 months
v3.24.0.1
Stock-Based Compensation (Restricted Stock Units Activity) (Details) - Restricted stock units [Member] - $ / shares
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]      
RSUs Outstanding, Beginning Balance 389,867 371,710 436,767
RSUs Outstanding, Beginning Balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Value per RSU $ 218.55 $ 183.04 $ 132.68
Granted 221,465 275,106 187,916
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Value per RSU $ 204.32 $ 254.93 $ 246.85
Vested (232,121) (234,971) (229,063)
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Value per RSU $ 204.14 $ 205.42 $ 141.04
Forfeited (26,871) (21,978) (23,910)
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Value per RSU $ 220.35 $ 213.69 $ 166.99
RSUs Outstanding, Ending Balance 352,340 389,867 371,710
RSUs Outstanding, Ending Balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Value per RSU $ 218.96 $ 218.55 $ 183.04
v3.24.0.1
Stock-Based Compensation (Assumptions Used to Estimate Fair Value of Market Units (Details) - Market Stock Units [Member]
Nov. 15, 2022
May 15, 2022
Nov. 15, 2021
May 15, 2021
Nov. 15, 2020
May 15, 2020
Nov. 15, 2019
May 15, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]                
Expected volatility 31.90% 31.70% 31.80% 29.60% 26.90% 28.00% 26.90% 25.40%
Dividend yield 0.56% 0.79% 0.60% 0.59% 0.40% 0.51% 0.58% 0.83%
Risk-free interest rate 4.56% 3.65% 4.24% 2.79% 0.85% 0.33% 0.23% 0.20%
v3.24.0.1
Stock-Based Compensation (Market Units) (Details) - Market Stock Units [Member]
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
$ / shares
shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Market stock units granted (in shares) 78,448
Weighted average fair value per award (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 231.77
Number of target market stock units outstanding (in shares) 148,799
v3.24.0.1
Stock-Based Compensation (Additional Information on Options) (Details) - Range One [Member]
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
$ / shares
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]  
Expected exercise price: $ 57.28
Exercise price range, lower range limit 57.28
Exercise price range, upper range limit 59.35
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Vested or Expected to Vest $ 57.28
v3.24.0.1
Stock-Based Compensation (Total Stock-Based Compensation Expense) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Line Items]      
Stock-based compensation expense $ 52.8 $ 83.2 $ 41.9
Cost of revenue [Member]      
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Line Items]      
Stock-based compensation expense 23.8 21.6 16.5
Selling and marketing expense [Member]      
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Line Items]      
Stock-based compensation expense 8.3 8.5 4.4
General and administrative expense [Member]      
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Line Items]      
Stock-based compensation expense $ 20.7 $ 53.1 $ 21.0
v3.24.0.1
Stock-based Compensation (PitchBook Bonus Plan) (Details) - Performance share awards [Member]
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
USD ($)
$ / shares
shares
PitchBook Plan [Member]  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Award vesting period 1 year
Performance share awards granted during 2023 | shares 86,251
Weighted average fair value per award | $ / shares $ 288.23
Number of performance share awards outstanding | shares 31,268
PitchBook Plan, Renewal For 2023 To 2025  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Shares available for issuance, aggregate target value $ 28,600
PitchBook Plan, Renewal For 2023  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Shares available for issuance, aggregate target value 7,150
PitchBook Plan, Renewal For 2024  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Shares available for issuance, aggregate target value 7,150
PitchBook Plan, Renewal For 2025  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Shares available for issuance, aggregate target value $ 14,300
v3.24.0.1
Defined Contribution Plan (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Defined Contribution Plan [Abstract]      
401(k) matching contributions $ 22,100,000 $ 19,700,000 $ 16,200,000
Matching contribution to 401(k) for every dollar $ 0.75 $ 0.75 $ 0.75
Matching contribution percent to employee's contribution in pay period 7.00% 7.00% 7.00%
v3.24.0.1
Income Taxes (Schedule of Income Tax Expense and Effective Tax Rate) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]      
Income before income taxes and equity in net income (loss) of unconsolidated entities $ 181.5 $ 130.6 $ 250.5
Equity in net income (loss) of unconsolidated entities (7.4) (3.6) 5.4
Income loss from continuing operations before income taxes domestic and foreign 174.1 127.0 255.9
Income tax expense $ 33.0 $ 56.5 $ 62.6
Effective income tax rate 19.00% 44.50% 24.50%
Effective income tax rate, increase (decrease) from prior year (percent) (25.50%) 20.00%  
v3.24.0.1
Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]      
Effective income tax rate (percent) 19.00% 44.50% 24.50%
Effective income tax rate, increase (decrease) from prior year (percent) (25.50%) 20.00%  
Accumulated undistributed earnings from foreign subsidiaries $ 274.3    
Unrecognized tax benefits included in current liabilities 6.2 $ 18.3  
Unrecognized tax benefits included in non-current liabilities 8.3 6.0  
Unrecognized tax benefits, period increase (decrease) (11.8)    
Result of tax position taken during period (11.8)    
Increase in income tax expense (11.8)    
Reductions resulting from settlements and lapse of statute of limitations (1.7)    
Decrease of unrecognized tax benefits relating to settlements with tax authorities (1.7)    
Reductions resulting from settlements and lapse statute of limitations, tax effect (1.6)    
Decreases relating to settlements with tax authorities 0.4 3.1  
Reductions as a result of lapse of the applicable statute of limitations 1.3 0.8  
Gross unrecognized tax benefits 13.0 26.5 $ 11.4
Decrease in income tax expense upon recognition of gross unrecognized tax benefits (12.8)    
Current and Deferred Tax Benefits Related to Retrospective Tax Election 13.7    
Current and Deferred Tax Benefits Related to Retrospective Tax Election 13.7    
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Foreign 8.1    
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]      
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]      
Operating loss carryforwards 71.9 62.5  
Operating loss carryforwards, not subject to valuation allowances 12.3 12.2  
Subject to Expiration Date [Member] | Domestic Tax Authority [Member]      
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]      
Operating loss carryforwards   0.1  
Subject to Expiration Date [Member] | Foreign Tax Authority [Member]      
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]      
Operating loss carryforwards 17.8 $ 9.6  
Valuation Allowance | Foreign Tax Authority [Member]      
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]      
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Valuation Allowance $ 59.6    
v3.24.0.1
Income Taxes (Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]      
Income tax expense at U.S. federal rate $ 36.6 $ 26.7 $ 53.7
Income tax expense at U.S. federal rate, percent 21.00% 21.00% 21.00%
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit $ 7.3 $ 6.4 $ 10.7
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit, percent 4.20% 5.00% 4.20%
Stock-based compensation activity $ 1.6 $ (1.5) $ (7.2)
Stock-based compensation activity, percent 0.90% (1.20%) (2.80%)
Equity in net income (loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries (including holding gains upon acquisition) $ 1.1 $ 1.0 $ 0.2
Holding gain upon acquisition of additional ownership of equity method investments, percent 0.60% 0.80% 0.10%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation,Other Reconciling Items, Percent 0.00% 1.40% 2.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Reconciling Items, Amount $ 0.0 $ 1.8 $ 5.1
Net change in valuation allowance related to non-U.S. deffered tax assets, primarily net operating losses $ (3.2) $ 7.7 $ 0.1
Net change in valuation allowance related to non-U.S. deffered tax assets, primarily net operating losses, percent (1.80%) 6.10% 0.00%
Difference between U.S. federal statutory and foreign tax rates $ 1.7 $ (1.9) $ (2.6)
Difference between U.S. federal statutory and foreign tax rates, percent 1.00% (1.50%) (1.00%)
Foreign tax provisions (GILTI, FDII, and BEAT) $ (0.2) $ (4.6) $ (0.7)
Foreign tax provisions (GILTI, FDII, and BEAT), percent (0.10%) (3.60%) (0.30%)
Change in unrecognized tax benefits $ (9.8) $ 14.1 $ (0.2)
Changes in unrecognized tax benefits, percent (5.60%) 11.10% (0.10%)
Other tax credits $ (4.1) $ (3.8) $ (2.1)
Other tax credits, percent (2.40%) (3.00%) (0.80%)
Other - net $ 2.0 $ 10.6 $ 5.6
Other - net, percent 1.20% 8.40% 2.20%
Income tax expense $ 33.0 $ 56.5 $ 62.6
Income tax expense, percent 19.00% 44.50% 24.50%
v3.24.0.1
Income Taxes (Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]      
Federal $ 27.7 $ 49.1 $ 38.3
State 13.4 14.9 13.6
Non-U.S. 24.3 30.1 23.0
Current tax expense 65.4 94.1 74.9
Federal (15.6) (20.8) (2.8)
State (4.2) (6.8) (0.3)
Non-U.S. (12.6) (10.0) (9.2)
Deferred tax expense (benefit) (32.4) (37.6) (12.3)
Income tax expense $ 33.0 $ 56.5 $ 62.6
v3.24.0.1
Income Taxes (Schedule of Income before Income Taxes and Equity in Net Income of Unconsolidated Entities) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]      
U.S. $ 101.4 $ 82.4 $ 218.3
Non-U.S. 80.1 48.2 32.2
Income before income taxes and equity in investments of unconsolidated entities $ 181.5 $ 130.6 $ 250.5
v3.24.0.1
Income Taxes (Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Deferred tax assets:    
Stock-based compensation expense $ 7.1 $ 10.0
Accrued liabilities 27.5 25.8
Deferred revenue 8.5 9.2
Net operating loss carryforwards - U.S. 0.0 0.1
Net operating loss carryforwards - Non-U.S. 18.1 15.8
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Deferred Expense, Capitalized Research and Development Costs 69.2 34.5
Deferred royalty revenue 0.0 0.1
Allowance for doubtful accounts 1.8 1.9
Lease liabilities 35.0 39.7
Other 0.1 0.1
Total deferred tax assets 184.0 137.2
Deferred tax liabilities:    
Acquired intangible assets (73.2) (75.4)
Property, equipment and capitalized software (39.2) (36.2)
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Leasing Arrangements (30.2) (33.1)
Unrealized exchange gains, net (1.0) (0.1)
Prepaid expenses (19.2) (19.5)
Investments in unconsolidated entities (14.6) (7.7)
Withholding tax - foreign dividends (1.3) (0.4)
Total deferred tax liabilities (178.7) (172.4)
Net deferred tax liability before valuation allowance 5.3 (35.2)
Valuation allowance (26.3) (16.9)
Total deferred tax liabilities (21.0) (52.1)
Deferred Tax Assets, Capital Loss Carryforwards $ 16.7 $ 0.0
v3.24.0.1
Income Taxes (Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities Included in Consolidated Balance Sheets) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]    
Deferred tax asset, net $ 14.6 $ 10.8
Deferred tax liability, net 35.6 62.9
Deferred tax liability, net $ (21.0) $ (52.1)
v3.24.0.1
Income Taxes (Summary of Operating Loss Carryforwards - U.S and Non-U.S) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Non-U.S. [Member]    
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]    
Operating loss carryforwards $ 71.9 $ 62.5
Operating loss carryforwards, not subject to valuation allowances 12.3 12.2
Non-U.S. [Member] | Subject to Expiration Date [Member]    
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]    
Operating loss carryforwards 17.8 9.6
Non-U.S. [Member] | No Expiration Date [Member]    
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]    
Operating loss carryforwards $ 54.1 52.9
U.S [Member] | Subject to Expiration Date [Member]    
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]    
Operating loss carryforwards   $ 0.1
v3.24.0.1
Income Taxes (Accounting for Uncertainty in Tax Positions) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]    
Gross unrecognized tax benefits - beginning of the year $ 26.5 $ 11.4
Increases as a resulting of tax positions taken during a prior-year period 0.6 11.3
Decreases as a result of tax positions taken during a prior-year period (14.3) 0.0
Increases as a result of tax positions taken during the current period 1.9 7.7
Decreases relating to settlements with tax authorities (0.4) (3.1)
Decreases as a result of lapse of the applicable statute of limitations (1.3) (0.8)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits - end of the year $ 13.0 $ 26.5
v3.24.0.1
Income Taxes (Summary of Income Tax Examinations) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]    
Liabilities for interest and penalties $ 2.3 $ 1.7
v3.24.0.1
Share Repurchase Program (Details)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
USD ($)
shares
Equity [Abstract]  
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares | shares 8,484
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value $ 1.4
December 6, 2022 Share Repurchase Program 500.0
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized repurchase amount $ 498.6
v3.24.0.1
Subsequent Events (Details)
$ in Millions, ¥ in Billions
12 Months Ended
Apr. 19, 2023
USD ($)
Apr. 19, 2023
JPY (¥)
Apr. 06, 2023
USD ($)
Apr. 06, 2023
JPY (¥)
Feb. 06, 2023
USD ($)
Jun. 01, 2022
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2023
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2022
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]                  
Business Exit Costs $ 14.8 ¥ 2.0 $ 45.1 ¥ 6.0     $ 7.0 $ 8.2 $ 0.0
Payment for Contingent Consideration Liability, Operating Activities           $ 50.0      
Payment for Contingent Consideration Liability, Financing Activities             $ 45.5 $ 16.2 $ 34.4
LCD                  
Subsequent Event [Line Items]                  
Payment for Contingent Consideration Liability, Operating Activities         $ 50.0 $ 50.0      
v3.24.0.1
Schedule II: Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]      
Balance at Beginning of Year $ 6.6 $ 4.5 $ 4.2
Charged (Credited) to Costs & Expenses 5.3 3.8 1.9
Additions (Deductions) Including Currency Translations (6.3) (1.7) (1.6)
Balance at End of Year $ 5.6 $ 6.6 $ 4.5