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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Aug. 31, 2026
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation
Basis of Presentation
We conduct business globally and manage our business on a geographic basis. The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP"). The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include our accounts and those of our wholly-owned subsidiaries; all intercompany activity and balances have been eliminated.
Reclassifications
Reclassifications
Deferred revenues, non-current were included within Other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets in the current year presentation. We conformed the comparative prior year figures to the current year presentation.
Deferred acquisition consideration, previously included within Other financing activities, was presented as a separate component of Cash Flows from Financing Activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in the current period presentation. We conformed the comparative prior year figures to the current year presentation.
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates
The preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures in conformity with GAAP required management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimation may be involved in the accounting for income taxes, stock-based compensation, goodwill, business combinations, intangible assets and contingencies. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of our assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition 
The majority of our revenues are derived from client access to our multi-asset solutions powered by our platform of connected data and technology (referred to as the "Hosted Platform") that is available over the contractual term. Our services are primarily subscription-based, providing client access to various combinations of products and services including workstations, portfolio analytics, enterprise data solutions, and AI solutions. In addition, through the CUSIP Global Services ("CGS") platform, we provide subscription access to a database of universally recognized security identifiers and related descriptive data for issuers and their financial instruments (referred to as the "Identifier Platform").
Revenues from our products and services are recognized as we transfer control to our clients, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for satisfying our performance obligations. We record revenues net of sales taxes, which are subsequently remitted to taxing authorities and are excluded from the transaction price. We determined the majority of our contracts with clients, whether for our Hosted Platform or Identifier Platform service, each represent a single performance obligation covering a series of distinct products and services that are substantially the same and that have the same pattern of transfer to the client. The primary nature of our promise to the client is to provide daily access to each of these data and analytics platforms, with revenue recognized over-time as performance is satisfied on an output time-based measure of progress, as the client is simultaneously receiving and consuming the benefits of the platform.
We record deferred revenues when payments are received in advance of performance under the client contract.
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-Based Compensation
Our stock-based compensation expense consists of: (i) stock options, (ii) stock options with performance conditions ("PSOs") issued to our Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"), (iii) restricted share units ("RSUs"), (iv) performance share units ("PSUs"), and (v) common stock purchased by eligible employees under our employee stock purchase plan ("ESPP").
We measure and recognize stock-based compensation expense for all stock-based awards and purchases of common stock under the ESPP based on their estimated grant date fair value.
We use a lattice-based option-pricing model ("lattice model") to estimate the grant date fair value for our employee stock options. For our CEO PSOs, grant date fair value was estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation ("Monte Carlo model"). The grant date fair value for non-employee director stock options and common stock purchased by eligible employees under our ESPP is estimated using a Black-Scholes model.
The lattice model, Black-Scholes model, and Monte Carlo model each require certain estimates and assumptions, including the risk-free interest rate, expected volatility, and dividend yield. The Black-Scholes and Monte Carlo models incorporate an assumed expected life of the award, while the lattice model derives the expected life as an output incorporating assumptions such as vesting restrictions and expected exercise patterns based on the intrinsic value of the options.
The primary assumptions and their definitions are as follows:
•Risk-free interest rate - based on the United States ("U.S.") Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant with maturities equal to the expected terms of the stock-based awards granted.
•Expected volatility - based on a blend of historical volatility of the stock-based award's useful life and the weighted average implied volatility for call option contracts traded in the 90 days preceding the stock-based award's valuation date.
•Dividend yield - the expectation of dividend payouts based on our history.
•Expected life - the weighted average period the stock-based awards are expected to remain outstanding.
For RSUs and PSUs (collectively, "Restricted Stock Awards"), the grant date fair value is measured by reducing the grant date price of our common stock by the present value of expected future dividend payments on the underlying stock during the requisite service period, discounted at the appropriate risk-free interest rate. The number of PSUs granted assumes target-level achievement of the specified performance levels within the payout range. The ultimate number of common shares that may be earned pursuant to our PSU awards depends on the level of our achievement of stated financial performance objectives.
Stock-based compensation expense for stock option awards, including PSOs, and RSU awards is recognized over their respective service periods using the straight-line method. For these awards, the amount of stock-based compensation expense recognized on any date is at least equal to the vested portion of the award on that date.
Our PSUs require us to make assumptions regarding the probability of achieving specified performance levels established at the time of grant. We recognize stock-based compensation expense for PSUs using the straight-line method over the requisite service period. The probability of achieving the specified performance levels is reviewed on a quarterly basis to ensure the amount of stock-based compensation expense appropriately reflects the expected achievement.
For our ESPP, stock-based compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the offering period.
Our stock-based awards are generally subject to the continued employment for employees, or continued service for non-employee directors, through the applicable vesting date. Compensation expense for stock-based awards is recorded net of estimated forfeitures, which are based on historical forfeiture rates and are revised if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.
Research and Product Development Costs
Research and Product Development Costs
We do not have a separate research and product development department, but rather we rely on collaboration across departments, with costs primarily consisting of employee compensation costs, such as salaries and related benefits for our product development, software engineering and technical support departments, as well as certain third party costs. These teams collaborate with our strategists, product and content managers, technologists, sales and other team members to develop new products and process innovations and enhance existing products. Our research and product development costs are expensed as incurred and are primarily recorded in employee compensation costs, which are included in our Cost of services and Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income, dependent on the nature of the team.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes
We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for the temporary differences between the financial statement and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. In addition, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for net operating loss carryforwards ("NOLs") and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the currently enacted tax rates that apply to taxable income in effect for the years in which they are expected to be realized or settled. Deferred tax assets are evaluated for future realization and reduced by a valuation allowance to the amount that is more likely than not (defined as a likelihood of more than 50%) to be realized.
Applicable accounting guidance prescribes a comprehensive model for financial statement recognition, measurement, classification and disclosure of uncertain tax positions that a company has taken or expects to take on a tax return. We follow a two-step approach in recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not (defined as a likelihood of more than 50%) that a tax position will be sustained based on its technical merits as of the reporting date. The second step, for those positions that meet the recognition criteria, is to measure and recognize the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon effective settlement with a taxing authority. We classify the liability for unrecognized tax benefits as Taxes Payable (non-current) and to the extent we anticipate payment of cash within one year, the benefit is classified as Current taxes payable in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The determination of liabilities related to uncertain tax positions and associated interest and penalties requires significant estimates and assumptions; as such, there can be no assurance that we will accurately predict the outcome. For this reason and due to ongoing audits by multiple tax authorities, we regularly engage in discussions and negotiations with tax authorities regarding tax matters in various jurisdictions. We adjust these reserves in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the closing of a tax audit or the refinement of an estimate. To the extent that the final outcome of these matters is different than the amounts recorded, such differences will affect the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made.
We accrue interest on all income tax exposures for which reserves have been established consistent with jurisdictional tax laws, and recognize this interest in the Provision for income taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Income and in Current taxes payable or Taxes payable (non-current), based on the expected timing of the payment, within the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and highly liquid investments, primarily including demand deposits and money market funds available for withdrawal without restriction or with original maturities of 90 days or less. The carrying value of our cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable includes both invoiced and unbilled receivables, net of allowance for credit losses. Unbilled receivables reflect revenues earned for which we have the unconditional right to payment, even though we have not yet issued an invoice. Amounts included in accounts receivable are expected to be collected within one year. Our allowance for expected credit losses is based on a variety of factors, including collectability trends, our historical write-off activity, current economic environment, client-specific information and expectations of future economic conditions. Our allowance is recorded to SG&A in the Consolidated Statements of Income and we assess the adequacy of the allowance on a quarterly basis. Recoveries of accounts previously reserved are recognized as a reversal to SG&A when payment is received. We write-off accounts receivable balances when we have exhausted our collection efforts.
Goodwill
Goodwill
We recognize the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired at the acquisition date as goodwill. Goodwill is not amortized as it is estimated to have an indefinite life and is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level annually, or more frequently if impairment indicators occur. Goodwill is deemed to be impaired and written-down in the
period in which the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value. We have three reporting units, Americas, EMEA and Asia Pacific, which are consistent with our operating segments.
When assessing goodwill for impairment, we may first elect to perform a qualitative analysis for the reporting units to determine whether it is more likely than not (a likelihood of more than 50%) that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the qualitative analysis indicates that it is more likely than not the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, or when we elect to do so on a periodic basis, we proceed directly to a quantitative analysis to determine whether a goodwill impairment exists.
The quantitative goodwill impairment analysis is used to identify potential impairment by comparing the carrying value of a reporting unit with its fair value. To perform this analysis, we apply the income approach which utilizes discounted cash flows, along with other relevant market information. The annual review of the carrying value of goodwill requires us to develop estimates of expected cash flows by reporting unit, based on future business performance, discounted by their respective weighted average cost of capital. Changes in our estimates can impact the present value of expected cash flows used in determining fair value of a reporting unit. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value, then the goodwill is considered impaired and written down to the reporting unit’s fair value. The impairment loss for the reporting unit cannot exceed the carrying value of the goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.
Intangible Assets and Internal-use Software and Implementation Costs of Hosting Arrangements
Intangible Assets
We amortize intangible assets over their estimated useful lives, assuming no residual value. We evaluate the useful lives annually to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization. If the estimate of the remaining useful life is changed, the remaining carrying amount of the intangible asset is amortized prospectively over that revised remaining useful life.
Intangible assets are tested for impairment qualitatively on a quarterly basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group is not recoverable. If indicators of impairment are present, the asset group is tested for impairment by comparing its carrying value to undiscounted cash flows and, if impaired, written down to fair value based on discounted cash flows.
Internal-use Software and Implementation Costs of Hosting Arrangements
Our developed technology intangible assets (“Developed technology”) consist of capitalized internal-use software costs, such as employee compensation and external expenses incurred during the application development phase, as well as costs related to upgrades and enhancements that add functionality, and software acquired for internal use. These costs are recorded in Intangible assets, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We also capitalize qualifying implementation costs for hosting arrangements that meet the capitalization criteria per the internal-use software guidance within Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Our Developed technology and implementation assets are typically amortized over three to five years using the straight-line method.
Leases
Leases
Our operating lease arrangements relate to our office space and data centers. We determine if an arrangement qualifies as a lease at inception by evaluating if there is an identified asset and whether we obtain substantially all the economic benefits of and have the right to control the use of an asset. For operating leases with a term greater than one year, we recognize lease right-of-use ("ROU") assets and lease liabilities as the present value of future minimum lease payments over the reasonably certain lease term beginning at the commencement or modification date. The future minimum lease payments include fixed lease payments and certain qualifying index-based variable payments. The initial carrying value of our lease ROU assets may also be adjusted due to prepayments, lease incentives received and initial direct costs incurred. Our operating leases are classified within Lease right-of-use assets, net, Current lease liabilities and Long-term lease liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Our leases generally do not have a readily determinable implicit rate; therefore, we use our incremental borrowing rate ("IBR") at the lease commencement, or on the date of lease modification, if applicable, in determining the present value of future minimum payments. Our IBR is derived by selecting U.S. corporate yield curves for public companies that are reflective of our credit rating, adjusted to approximate a secured rate of borrowing. We also consider revisions to the rate to reflect the geographic location where the leased asset is located.
Certain of our lease agreements include options to extend and/or terminate the lease, which we do not include in our minimum lease terms unless we are reasonably certain to exercise these options. We account for the lease and non-lease components as a
single lease component, which we recognize over the expected term on a straight-line expense basis in occupancy costs (a component of SG&A expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income). Variable lease payments that are not included in the calculation of lease ROU assets and lease liabilities are expensed as incurred within occupancy costs.
We review our lease ROU assets for impairment when there are indicators that an asset may no longer be recoverable. The impairment assessment requires significant judgments and estimates, including estimating subtenant rental income, calculating an appropriate discount rate and assessing other applicable future cash flows associated with the leased location. These estimates are based on our experience and knowledge of the market in which the property is located, previous efforts to dispose of similar assets and the assessment of existing market conditions. Impairments are recognized as a reduction to the carrying value of the Lease right-of-use assets, net with a corresponding increase to SG&A on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Income, respectively.
Treasury Stock
Treasury Stock
We account for treasury stock under the cost method and present it within Treasury stock as a component of Stockholders' equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We may repurchase shares of our common stock under our share repurchase program in the open market or via privately negotiated transactions, subject to market conditions. Repurchased shares of our common stock are recorded at the market price on the trade date and are held as treasury shares until they are reissued or retired. When treasury shares are reissued, if the issuance price is higher than the average price paid to acquire the shares ("the cost"), the excess of the issuance price over the cost is credited to additional paid-in capital ("APIC"). If the issuance is lower than the cost, the difference is first charged against any credit balance in APIC from Treasury stock, with the remaining balance charged to Retained earnings on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
We account for the formal retirement of treasury shares by deducting its par value from Common stock, reflecting any excess over par value as a reduction to APIC (to the extent created by previous issuances of the shares) and then Retained earnings on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 ("IRA"), which was enacted into law on August 16, 2022, imposed a nondeductible 1% excise tax on the net value of certain stock repurchases made after December 31, 2022. We record the applicable excise tax in Treasury stock, as part of the cost basis of the stock repurchased, and a corresponding liability for the excise taxes payable in Accounts payable and accrued expenses on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the "exit price") in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value, the use of various valuation methodologies, including market, income and cost approaches is permissible. The inputs to these methodologies consider market comparable information, taking into account the principal or most advantageous market in which we would transact. The accounting guidance for fair value measurements establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value based on the reliability of inputs. A financial instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
Foreign Currency Translation and Remeasurement
Foreign Currency Translation and Remeasurement
Certain wholly-owned subsidiaries operate under a functional currency different from the U.S. dollar. Our primary currency exposures include the British Pound Sterling, Euro, Indian Rupee and Philippine Peso.
The financial statements of our foreign subsidiaries that are local currency functional are translated into U.S. dollars using period-end rates of exchange for assets and liabilities and average monthly rates for revenues and expenses. The resulting translation gains and losses that arise from translating these assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of our foreign operations are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss ("AOCL") in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
For the financial statements of our foreign subsidiaries that are U.S. dollar functional but maintain their books of record in their respective local currency, we remeasure our revenues and expenses into U.S. dollars at the average rates of exchange for the period, monetary assets and liabilities using period-end rates and non-monetary assets and liabilities at their historical rates. The resulting remeasurement gains and losses are recorded to SG&A in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Concentrations of Credit Risk, Content Providers and Cloud Providers
Concentrations of Credit Risk
Credit risk arises from the potential nonperformance by counterparties to fulfill their financial obligations. Our financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of our cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, investments in mutual funds, accounts receivable and derivative instruments. The maximum credit exposure of our cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, investments in mutual funds and accounts receivable is their carrying values as of the balance sheet date. The maximum credit exposure related to our derivative instruments is based upon their respective gross fair values as of the balance sheet date.
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Investments
We are exposed to credit risk on our cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and investments in mutual funds in the event of default by the financial and governmental institutions with which we transact. We invest in a manner that aligns with our restrictive cash investment practices, preserves capital and provides liquidity, while minimizing our exposure to credit risk. We limit our exposure to credit loss by investing with multiple financial and governmental institutions that we believe are high-quality and credit-worthy. We have not experienced any credit losses relating to our cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and investments in mutual funds.
Accounts Receivable
Our accounts receivable credit risk is dependent upon the financial stability of our individual clients. As of August 31, 2026 and August 31, 2025, our accounts receivable reserve was $13.6 million and $13.8 million, respectively. We do not require collateral from our clients; however, no single client represented more than 3.5% of our total annual revenues for fiscal 2024 through fiscal 2026. Due to our large and geographically dispersed client base, our concentration of credit risk related to our accounts receivable is generally limited.
Derivative Instruments
Our use of derivative instruments exposes us to credit risk to the extent counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of their agreements. To mitigate credit risk, we limit counterparties to financial institutions we believe are credit-worthy and use several institutions to reduce concentration risk. We do not expect any losses as a result of default by our counterparties.
Concentrations of Content Providers
We collect and aggregate third-party content from data suppliers, news sources, exchanges, brokers and contributors into our own dedicated managed databases, which our clients access through our flexible delivery platforms. As certain content sources have a limited number of suppliers, we make every effort to assure that, where reasonable, alternative sources are available. We are not dependent on any individual third-party content supplier to meet the needs of our clients. Two suppliers each represented more than 10% of our total third-party content costs for the year ended August 31, 2026.
Concentrations of Cloud Providers
Our clients rely on us for the delivery of time-sensitive, up-to-date data and applications. Our business is dependent on our ability to process substantial volumes of data and transactions rapidly and efficiently. We currently use multiple providers of cloud services; however, one supplier provided the majority of our cloud computing support for fiscal 2026. We maintain back-up facilities and other redundancies at our data centers, take security measures and have emergency planning procedures to minimize the risk that an event will disrupt our operations.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements and Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Income Taxes - Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740) - Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. This ASU enhances annual income tax disclosures primarily related to our effective tax rate reconciliation and income taxes paid. We adopted this ASU on a prospective basis for our annual financial statements starting in fiscal 2026. The adoption of this ASU resulted in additional disclosures with no impact to our Consolidated Financial Statements. Refer to Note 8, Income Taxes, for further information. 
Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software
In September 2025, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2025-06, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40) - Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Internal-Use Software. This ASU removes all references to prescriptive and sequential software development stages, and requires entities to start capitalizing eligible software costs when management has authorized and committed to funding the software project and it is probable that the project will be completed and the software will be used to perform the function intended. The amendments in this ASU can be applied using a prospective, modified, or retrospective transition approach, and are effective for our interim and annual periods starting in fiscal 2029. Early adoption is permitted at the beginning of an annual period. We are currently assessing the impact of the new requirements on our Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures.
Income Statement - Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses
In November 2024, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2024-03, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40) - Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses. This ASU requires disaggregation of certain income statement expense captions into specified categories to be disclosed within the footnotes to the financial statements. This ASU does not change the expense captions on the income statement. The amendments in this ASU are to be applied prospectively, although retrospective application is permitted, and are effective for our annual financial statements starting in fiscal 2028 and interim periods starting in fiscal 2029. Early adoption is permitted. This ASU is not expected to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. We are currently assessing the impact of the new requirements on our disclosures.
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") Disclosures - The Enhancement and Standardization of Climate-Related Disclosures for Investors
In March 2024, the SEC adopted a final rule under SEC Release Nos. 33-11275 and 34-99678, The Enhancement and Standardization of Climate-Related Disclosures for Investors, which would require disclosure of certain climate-related information in various filings with the SEC. In April 2024, the SEC stayed implementation of the final rule pending completion of judicial review. In March 2025, the SEC stated that it has ended its defense of the rule. On May 29, 2026, the SEC proposed to rescind the rule.
Disclosure Improvements - Codification Amendment in Response to the SEC's Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative
In October 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-06, Disclosure Improvements - Codification Amendment in Response to the SEC’s Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative. The ASU incorporates several disclosure and presentation requirements currently residing in the SEC Regulations S-X and S-K. The amendments will be applied prospectively and are effective when the SEC removes the related requirements from Regulations S-X or S-K. Any amendments the SEC does not remove by June 30, 2027 will not be effective. As we are currently subject to these SEC requirements, this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements or related disclosures.
No other new accounting pronouncements issued or effective during fiscal 2026 have had, or are expected to have, a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per common share ("Basic EPS") is computed by dividing net income by the number of weighted average common shares outstanding during the fiscal year. Diluted earnings per common share ("Diluted EPS") is calculated by using the treasury stock method which assumes the issuance of common stock for all potentially dilutive stock-based awards.