** Index provider MSCI's MSCI.N shares slide 11.7% to $552 premarket

** Raymond James analyst Patrick O'Shaughnessy says MSCI Q2 results were a bit disappointing relative to Street expectations, with revenue, EPS and net recurring sales all missing consensus slightly

** "It was a mixed quarter, but key headline metrics were below expectation, which could weigh on shares," Clear Street analyst Owen Lau says

** Separately, MSCI boosted FY 2026 operating expense outlook to between $1.54 billion and $1.58 billion, compared with prior forecast of $1.49 billion to $1.53 billion

** "The expense guidance raise was likely due to the company executing on its upturn playbook with solid ABF (asset-based-fee) growth," RBC Capital Markets analyst Ashish Sabadra said

** 17 of 20 brokerages rate stock "buy" or higher, two "hold" and one "sell"; median PT $710 - data compiled by LSEG

** As of last close, MSCI stock up 9% YTD