S&P Global Inc. (SPGI) closed Friday's session at $409.54, marking a 3.1% gain on trading volume that exceeded its average. The financial data and ratings provider's stock has now risen for two consecutive sessions, even as it trades approximately 29% below its peak over the past year.
Analyst Adjustments and Insider Activity
This week, Mizuho Securities reduced its price target for SPGI to $551 from $657, while BMO Capital Markets lowered its target to $482 from $601. Both firms maintained their "Outperform" equivalent ratings, suggesting the revisions reflect updated models rather than a loss of confidence. In a separate filing, director Joly Hubert purchased 2,500 shares on February 11 at an average price near $399.
Financial Performance and Outlook
The company recently reported fourth-quarter revenue of $3.916 billion, a 9% year-over-year increase. Adjusted earnings per share came in at $4.30. For the full 2026 fiscal year, management issued adjusted EPS guidance in the range of $19.40 to $19.65, alongside a forecast for organic constant-currency revenue growth between 6% and 8%.
CEO Martina Cheung noted the quarter was driven by strength across all business divisions. The company also highlighted upcoming updates to its monthly billed issuance and exchange-traded derivatives data, metrics closely tied to ratings revenue and benchmark-related activity.
Market Context and Forthcoming Tests
The rebound comes as investors assess the company's growth trajectory following its latest forecast. Revenue streams linked to debt issuance and market flows remain sensitive to credit conditions and risk appetite. Some analyst commentary indicates concerns about artificial intelligence disrupting the industry may be overstated.
Attention now turns to key economic data, including the Federal Reserve's meeting minutes on Wednesday and Friday's core PCE inflation and initial Q4 GDP figures. Market participants will also monitor S&P Global's own monthly issuance metrics when U.S. markets reopen Tuesday following the Presidents Day holiday.
