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S&P Global: A Reliable Dividend King with Growth Potential in a Turbulent Market

With potential rate cuts and AI-driven tools boosting efficiency, S&P Global is well-positioned for earnings growth and a continuation of its 52-year dividend streak.

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Max Dividends
May 05, 2025

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For dividend investors seeking opportunities with strong growth potential, MaxDividends Stock Ideas offers a daily, in-depth look at companies worth considering for a dividend portfolio.

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Intro

💡 Invest in companies you believe in - W. Buffett

S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI) is a cornerstone of the financial world, providing credit ratings, market intelligence, and data analytics relied upon by banks, corporations, and investors globally. In times of economic uncertainty, its services become even more critical, insulating the company from tariffs and macroeconomic headwinds. While high interest rates temporarily slowed its credit ratings business in 2022–2023, a potential rate decline could reignite growth.

As a Dividend King with 52 consecutive years of payout increases, S&P Global combines stability with long-term income growth. Its low payout ratio (29%) and expected EPS growth of 9–12% in the coming years suggest room for further dividend hikes. Trading at a forward P/E of 26, SPGI remains a compelling choice for investors seeking a blend of reliability and growth. This article explores why S&P Global deserves a spot in a long-term portfolio.

History of the Company

S&P Global Inc. was founded in 1860 by Henry Varnum Poor as Standard & Poor’s, beginning its journey with the publication of financial information and investment guides. Since then, it has evolved from a small publishing firm into one of the world’s leading providers of financial data and analytics.

Over its more than 160-year history, the company has undergone multiple transformations, including a merger with McGraw-Hill in 1966 and a subsequent rebranding to S&P Global in 2016. These changes reflected its strategic shift toward digital analytical solutions and global expansion. Today, S&P Global plays a key role in the global financial system, providing data, indices, and credit ratings that support investment decisions in over 30 countries.

A Proven Dividend Eagle 🦅

Let’s talk about S&P Global’s crown jewel—its 53-year streak of dividend hikes. That’s not just impressive; it’s elite company. With a payout ratio sitting at a comfortable 31%, this isn’t some yield-chasing trap—it’s a sustainable cash machine with room to keep growing.

Sure, the 0.83% yield won’t make income investors swoon at first glance, but dig deeper: that dividend has been climbing at a 5.7% annual clip over the last three years, quietly compounding in the background. And with earnings covering the payout nearly three times over, S&P Global isn’t just maintaining its Dividend King status—it’s reinforcing it. For long-term investors, that’s the kind of reliability you can build a portfolio around.

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Key Institutional Investors in S&P Global Inc.

As of the latest filings, the top institutional investors in S&P Global Inc. include some of the world’s largest asset management firms. Vanguard Group leads with approximately 51.3 million shares, representing 14.2% of total ownership. BlackRock Inc. follows with 45.6 million shares, accounting for 12.6%, while State Street Corporation holds around 29.8 million shares, or 8.3%. These major stakeholders reflect strong institutional confidence in the company’s long-term value and stability in the financial data and analytics sector.

What Makes S&P Global Corporation Stand Out?

S&P Global Inc. (NYSE: SPGI)

  • Financial Score: 97 / 99 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+

  • Industry: Financial Data & Stock Exchanges

  • Dividend Increase - 52 Years

S&P Global Inc. is a leading provider of credit ratings, market benchmarks, data analytics, and workflow solutions for the global capital, commodity, and automotive markets. Through its five main divisions—Market Intelligence, Ratings, Commodity Insights, Mobility, and Dow Jones Indices—the company delivers critical information and tools that support decision-making across finance, energy, and industry worldwide.

S&P Global Inc. - Quick MaxDividends Team Overview

🟢 The latest data suggests that the company is currently profitable.

🟢 Sales are stable and growing, business is developing

🟢 Operating profit is growing, the company in this sense has a good margin of safety and dynamics

🟢 Earnings per share are growing, the dynamics have been positive for several years. This means the company knows how to manage business profitability and maintain it for many years

🟢 In general, the company demonstrates a favorable development picture and stability in income.

Financial Statement

If you want to stay on top of your portfolio's health, don't forget to check in on the financials of the companies you've invested in. The better shape they’re in, the better your results will be. Keep an eye on their quarterly and annual reports to see how they're performing.

Here is a quick dive into S&P Global over last years

MaxDividends App: S&P Global Inc. Financial Statement. Revenue.

The strongest and most stable companies tend to have a Financial Score of 80+, with the very best ones hitting 90+. If you see that score start to dip below 80, that’s your cue to consider jumping ship before things get worse.

Our Paid Members get access to a curated watchlist of 19,000 companies worldwide, all scored by our team on a regular basis. Companies like S&P Global are on that list, too.

Future Growth Prospects for S&P Global.

S&P Global Inc. demonstrates strong growth potential driven by diversified revenue streams, strategic investments, and an active global expansion strategy. In 2022, the Market Intelligence segment generated $1.38 billion in revenue, the Ratings segment brought in $3.86 billion, and the Platts segment contributed $1.14 billion. The company’s total revenue is projected to grow from $8.4 billion in 2023 to $9.8 billion in 2025, reflecting an average annual growth rate of around 6%.

Key strategic initiatives include annual investments of $350 million in digital transformation and $200 million in AI and machine learning integration. The company is also placing a strong focus on expanding into emerging markets.

S&P Global holds significant competitive advantages, including a 42% market share in financial information services and R&D spending of $600 million in 2022. High-potential growth areas include data analytics and ESG solutions, with planned investments of $450 million and $250 million respectively, expected to generate returns of 8–10% and 7–9%.

Recent S&P Global Financial Performance (2023)

Current Dividend Yield 0.81% lower than 10 Years Average 0.95% Dividend Yield

Current Payout Ratio 23.49% lower than average 10 Years Payout Ratio 28.35%

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The MaxDividends Top Stocks List features ~100 of the most reliable dividend companies in the U.S. market, each with 15+ years of consecutive dividend increases. These stocks are carefully selected based on MaxDividends' strict criteria for consistency and reliability.

Dividend Kings represent the elite tier of dividend growth stocks. With 50+ years of consecutive dividend increases, these companies offer unparalleled income stability, making them a top choice for investors seeking long-term reliability in an unpredictable market.

With 25+ years of consecutive dividend increases, Dividend Aristocrats are among the strongest dividend growth stocks. These companies have a proven track record of not only maintaining but consistently increasing their dividends, often outperforming the broader market over time.

Why Invest in S&P Global?

S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI) represents a rare combination of defensive resilience and growth potential, making it an attractive long-term investment. As a Dividend King with 52 consecutive years of payout increases, the company offers reliable income even in volatile markets.

Its asset-light, subscription-based business model—providing essential credit ratings, financial data, and indices—generates high-margin recurring revenue, insulating it from economic cycles. With AI-driven analytics accelerating efficiency and falling interest rates poised to revive debt issuance, S&P Global is well-positioned for 9-12% annual EPS growth through 2026.

Trading at 26x forward earnings with a low 29% payout ratio, the stock balances reasonable valuation with strong upside potential. For investors seeking a market-leading data monopoly with dividend growth and innovation, SPGI stands out as a core portfolio holding.

S&P Global Inc. Total Revenue over 10 Years

Interesting Fact

S&P Global's roots trace back to the 19th century when it started by publishing railroad investment guides—essentially helping investors navigate one of the most transformative industries of the time.

Fast forward over 160 years, and the company now powers trillions of dollars in global financial decisions each day, analyzing everything from oil prices to ESG scores using artificial intelligence and machine learning. From steam engines to smart algorithms—S&P Global has literally evolved with the world economy.

Competitors

1. Computershare Ltd. (AU: CPU)

  • Financial Score: 98 / 99

  • Industry: Capital Markets

Computershare Limited is a global provider of financial and administrative services. The company offers issuer services such as register maintenance, corporate actions, and stakeholder management, along with corporate trust services related to debt securities. It also specializes in employee share plans and vouchers, mortgage services, property rental, and tenancy bond protection.

Additionally, Computershare provides communication services, utilities operations, and technology solutions, including software for share registry and financial services. The company operates in multiple countries, including Australia, Hong Kong, the UK, Canada, and across Europe and Asia.

2. T. Rowe Price Group Inc (NASDAQ: TROW)

  • Financial Score: 97 / 99

  • Industry: Asset Management

T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. is a publicly traded investment management firm that provides services to individuals, institutions, retirement plans, and financial intermediaries. The company offers equity and fixed income mutual funds and invests globally in public markets using a combination of fundamental and quantitative analysis.

T. Rowe Price is committed to socially responsible investing, with a focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Additionally, it makes investments in late-stage venture capital transactions, typically between $3 million and $5 million. Founded in 1937 and based in Baltimore, Maryland, T. Rowe Price has offices in major cities around the world, including London, Tokyo, Sydney, and Hong Kong.

Final Thoughts: Should You Buy S&P Global?

Let’s be real—S&P Global isn’t the flashiest stock out there. You won’t see it making wild swings on meme trader radars or hyped up as the next big disruptor. But that’s exactly why it’s worth a closer look. This is the kind of company that quietly powers the financial world, the invisible backbone of markets, and it’s been doing it for over 160 years. That’s not just longevity—that’s endurance.

Think about it: When markets get shaky, investors don’t ditch data—they crave it. S&P Global’s ratings, indices, and analytics become more valuable in chaos, not less. And while the stock isn’t dirt cheap, you’re paying for a high-margin, recurring-revenue machine with a dividend that’s grown for 52 straight years. That’s not luck—it’s a business model that works.

So, should you buy it? If you want steady compounding, recession-resistant cash flows, and a dividend that’s practically royalty, then yes—this is a stock to own, not trade. Just don’t expect overnight fireworks. S&P Global is the slow burn that wins the race.

Current Market Value

Undervalued \ Overvalued \ Fairly Valued

Compare the P/E ratios of competitor companies to assess whether the stock you're considering is overvalued. We calculate the average P/E among competitors as a benchmark.

If a company's current P/E is 20% or more below the competitor average, it is considered undervalued.

If it is 20% or more above, it is considered overvalued.

The P/E ratio is calculated by dividing the market value per share by earnings per share (EPS).

Fairy valued

Analysts Consensus

Wall Street is clearly bullish on S&P Global. The stock is currently backed by a strong consensus of Strong Buy and Buy ratings from analysts, with an average price target of $593.82 — a solid 27% above current levels. Even the more cautious projections remain close to the current price, indicating limited downside risk.

While a few analysts have issued neutral Hold ratings, notably none have issued a Sell, which says a lot: this isn’t a controversial pick. Across the board, analysts seem to agree that S&P Global’s stable, data-driven business model and consistent dividend history make it a strong long-term hold, regardless of market swings.

To your wealth, MaxDividends Team

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