Is S&P Global Stock Outperforming the Nasdaq?

Valued at a market cap of $167.4 billion, S&P Global Inc. (SPGI) is a leading provider of credit ratings, market analytics, benchmarks, and commodity insights. Headquartered in New York City and founded in 1860, it operates through key divisions like Ratings, Market Intelligence, Dow Jones Indices, and Commodity Insights, with plans to spin off its Mobility unit. 

Companies worth $10 billion or more are typically classified as “large-cap stocks,” and S&P Global fits the label perfectly, with its market cap exceeding this mark, underscoring its size, influence, and dominance within the financial data & stock exchanges industry. Its proprietary data, AI-driven tools, and trusted brand create high customer loyalty and substantial barriers to entry. At the same time, its global presence, bolstered by a large workforce in cost-efficient hubs like India, drives scale and efficiency. Backed by consistent earnings growth, strategic acquisitions, and share buybacks, S&P Global is well-positioned to maintain its edge in the financial intelligence sector.

This financial services giant has dipped 5.3% from its 52-week high of $579.05, reached on Aug. 14. Moreover, it has climbed 6.7% over the past three months, underperforming the broader Nasdaq Composite’s ($NASX) 11.9% rise over the same time frame.

However, in the longer term, SPGI has surged 19% over the past 52 weeks, outpacing $NASX’s 22.2% rise over the same time frame. Moreover, on a YTD basis, shares of SPGI are up 15.5%, compared to $NASX’s 11.1% uptick.

To confirm its bullish trend, SPGI has been trading above its 50-day moving average since early May. Similarly, it has been trading over its 200-day moving average since late June. 

On Jul. 31, SPGI shares surged 4% after reporting its Q2 results. Its adjusted EPS increased 9.7% year over year to $4.43. The company’s revenue stood at $3.8 billion, up 5.8% year over year. Growth was led by Indices, Commodity Insights, and Mobility segments, while Ratings saw modest gains. S&P Global also returned nearly $950 million to shareholders through dividends and buybacks during the quarter. Reflecting confidence in its business momentum, the company raised its full-year EPS guidance to $17.00–$17.25 (from $16.75–$17.25) and expects revenue growth of 5–7% for 2025.

SPGI has outperformed its rival, Moody's Corporation (MCO), which gained 5.6% over the past 52 weeks and 7.7% on a YTD basis. 

The stock has a consensus rating of “Strong Buy” from the 24 analysts covering it, and the mean price target of $619.65 suggests a 13% premium to its current price levels.