Contingencies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

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. When a loss contingency is not both probable and estimable, we do not establish an accrued liability. As litigation, regulatory, or other business matters develop, we evaluate whether such matters present a loss contingency that is probable and estimable on an ongoing basis.

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. We are undergoing several such internal reviews and third-party vendor audits and the results and findings of which 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 are not able to reasonably estimate a possible loss, or range of losses for some matters. While we cannot predict the outcome of these processes, we do not believe the results of any audits or reviews will have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, or financial position.

Credit Ratings Matters

In November 2019, Morningstar Credit Ratings, LLC (“MCR”) reached an agreement in principle with the staff of the SEC to settle an investigation relating to certain sales and marketing practices at MCR's asset-backed securities group in 2015 and 2016. Assuming it is approved by the full Commission, the proposed settlement would involve a censure, a cease-and-desist order, certain undertakings by MCR, and a civil money penalty of $3.5 million, which was accrued as of December 31, 2019. The settlement remains subject to approval by the SEC.

In April 2020, in an unrelated matter, the staff of the SEC notified MCR that they had reached a preliminary decision to recommend that the Commission authorize an enforcement action related to MCR’s former commercial mortgage-backed securities ratings methodology. MCR intends to make a written submission to the staff responding to its recommendation. At this time, we do not believe any result will have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, or financial position.

Other Matters

We are involved from time to time in regulatory investigations and legal proceedings that arise in the normal course of our business. 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.