Argus Research vs Morningstar 2024: How are they the different?

Jeremy Biberdorf
By: Jeremy Biberdorf
 

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Investors rely on research and analysis to make informed decisions about stocks, mutual funds, and other financial instruments. There are several companies that provide these services, including Argus Research and Morningstar.

In this comparison of Argus Research vs Morningstar, we’ll evaluate the two based on three essential factors: research methodology, product offerings, and ease of use.

For more detailed analysis of Morningstar check out our full Morningstar review.
Argus Research is Better for:Morningstar is Better for:
Individual stock researchMutual fund research
Technical analysisFund performance tracking
Short-term tradingPortfolio management

By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of each company’s strengths and weaknesses, and be able to determine which one is the better fit for your investment needs.

Argus Research Morningstar
Service Type Independent investment research and analysis Independent investment research, analysis, and tools
Fees Varies by subscription/package Free benefits, and packages starting at $34.95/ month
Customer Support Email, phone Email, phone, live chat
Best Use Equity research & analysis, industry reports Mutual fund & ETF research, stock analysis, portfolio management tools
Current Promotion

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More Info

Save $50 on annual plan with coupon code MM50
Modest Money Overall Rating
4.0 rating based on 5 ratings
4.5 rating based on 5 ratings
Argus Research
Service Type Independent investment research and analysis
Fees Varies by subscription/package
Customer Support Email, phone
Best Use Equity research & analysis, industry reports
Current Promotion

More Info

Modest Money Overall Rating
4.0 rating based on 5 ratings
Morningstar
Service Type Independent investment research, analysis, and tools
Fees Free benefits, and packages starting at $34.95/ month
Customer Support Email, phone, live chat
Best Use Mutual fund & ETF research, stock analysis, portfolio management tools
Current Promotion

More Info

Save $50 on annual plan with coupon code MM50
Modest Money Overall Rating
4.5 rating based on 5 ratings

Factor 1: Research Methodology

  • Morningstar excels with a comprehensive proprietary system.
  • Argus Research provides strong analysis but focuses mainly on U.S. markets.

Argus Research

argusresearch.com website

 

Argus Research is an independent investment research firm that has been providing research and analysis services since 1934. The company is known for its fundamental analysis approach, focusing on the financial health, competitive position, and industry outlook of the companies they cover.

Their team of analysts uses a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to provide stock recommendations and ratings. The firm also offers proprietary ratings systems for stocks, including the Argus Composite Score, which combines financial and qualitative factors to generate an overall rating.

Morningstar

morningstar.com website

Morningstar is a leading provider of independent investment research and analysis, covering a wide range of asset classes, including stocks, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and bonds. The company’s research methodology is built on a proprietary research system known as the Morningstar Rating, which evaluates investments based on several factors, such as past performance, risk-adjusted return, and management quality.

Morningstar’s team of analysts also employs a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to provide in-depth analysis and ratings for various investments. One of the unique aspects of Morningstar’s research approach is the use of “analyst-driven” ratings, which incorporate the insights and expertise of their team of analysts, in addition to quantitative factors.

Factor 2: Product Offerings

  • Morningstar includes a wide range of investment tools and resources.
  • Argus Research offers solid ETF reports but fewer advanced tools.

Argus Research

Argus Research offers a range of products and services, including stock and ETF research reports, market commentary, and data services. The company’s research reports provide detailed information on stocks and ETFs, including company profiles, financial analysis, and recommendations.

Argus Research also offers market commentary, including daily market updates, weekly market summaries, and monthly economic outlook reports. Additionally, the firm provides data services, such as historical ratings and recommendations, to support clients’ investment decision-making processes.

Morningstar

Morningstar offers a comprehensive suite of research products, tools, and services for individual and institutional investors. In addition to stock, mutual fund, ETF, and bond research, the company provides portfolio management tools, investment planning resources, and market news and commentary.

Morningstar’s Premium Membership service gives users access to in-depth research reports, analyst ratings, and investment screeners, making it a one-stop-shop for investment research and analysis. Furthermore, Morningstar offers specialized services for financial advisors, asset managers, and retirement plan providers, catering to the diverse needs of the investment community.

Factor 3: Ease of Use

  • Morningstar has a user-friendly platform with advanced features.
  • Argus Research provides accessible PDF reports but less sophisticated tools.

Argus Research

Argus Research’s reports and data services are accessible through their website or via third-party platforms, such as brokerage accounts and financial data providers. The company’s research reports are available in PDF format, making them easy to read and download. While Argus Research’s platform may not be as sophisticated as Morningstar’s, the company’s focus on providing high-quality research and analysis makes it a valuable resource for investors seeking fundamental insights into stocks and ETFs.

Morningstar

Morningstar’s user-friendly platform is one of its key advantages. The company’s website is easy to navigate, with advanced tools and features that allow users to quickly access research, analysis, and portfolio management resources. Morningstar’s investment screeners, for example, enable users to filter investments based on criteria such as ratings, performance, and risk-adjusted return, making it easy to identify potential investment opportunities. Additionally, the platform offers customizable charting and performance comparison tools, further enhancing the user experience.

Factor 4: External Customer Reviews & Ratings

External Argus Research Reviews & Ratings

SiteRating
InHerSight2.7

External Morningstar Reviews & Ratings

SiteRating
Joy Wallet4.5
Best Wallet Hacks4.5
TrustRadius4.5
Apple App Store4.1 from 6,519 review

Argus Research vs Morningstar: Our Summary

In summary, Morningstar is the clear winner in the comparison of Argus Research vs Morningstar. While both companies offer valuable investment research and analysis services, Morningstar’s proprietary research system, analyst-driven ratings, and comprehensive suite of research products, tools, and services provide investors with a superior investment research experience.

Morningstar’s user-friendly platform, with advanced tools and features such as investment screeners and customizable charting, makes it a one-stop-shop for investment research and analysis.

While Argus Research provides accessible reports and data services, its platform may not be as sophisticated as Morningstar’s. Overall, Morningstar is the go-to choice for investors seeking high-quality investment research and analysis.

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Jeremy Biberdorf

About the Author:

Jeremy Biberdorf is the founder of Modest Money. He’s a father of 2 beautiful girls, a dog owner, a long-time online entrepreneur and an investing enthusiast.