What do you all think about FICO now?

=== SUMMARY === - The post examines FICO's historical strengths (exceptional margins, dominant market share, consistent buybacks, strong financial growth) against emerging threats (government antitrust scrutiny, competitive pressure from VantageScore). - The author's thesis is a question: Will FICO's legendary business quality and network effect be permanently impaired by a shift from a monopoly to a duopoly, and how should that affect valuation? - Quality assessment: Well-researched discussion prompt. It cites specific financial data, market structure changes, and a known investor, but it is speculative regarding future outcomes. === SENTIMENT === MIXED === TRADE IDEAS === FICO - AVOID | confidence: 0.55 | sentiment: -0.3 Speaker: u/ksing_king Thesis: 1. THE FACT: FICO faces new regulatory scrutiny and the rise of VantageScore as a lower-priced, accepted alternative, threatening its pricing power and monopoly. 2. THE BRIDGE: This structural change from a monopoly to a potential duopoly could lead to long-term margin compression and slower growth, which may not be fully priced in after the recent stock drop. 3. THE VERDICT: Until the competitive and regulatory landscape clarifies, the risk/reward is unfavorable despite the company's outstanding historical fundamentals. 4. RISKS: FICO's deep industry entrenchment and network effects prove more resilient than expected; buybacks and software growth offset score pricing pressure. Timeframe: long-term Key Points: - Monopoly to duopoly shift risk - Gov antitrust & pricing pressure - Margins may face long-term erosion - Strong history vs uncertain future - Watch for competitive resolution