NEW YORK, April 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI) today announced the launch of AI agent capabilities that utilize data from the commodity sector, seamlessly integrated with Microsoft 365 Copilot and powered by S&P Global's Commodity Insights AI Ready Data solution.The S&P Global AI agent on Microsoft 365 Copilot harnesses the expertise of S&P Global Commodity Insights, the leading independent provider of information, analysis, data, and benchmark prices for the commodities, energy, and energ ...

Virtual-only meeting at 8:00 a.m. (EDT) NEW YORK, April 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI) will hold its Annual Meeting of Shareholders on May 7, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. (EDT) in a virtual-only meeting format. The Company's Proxy Statement and the latest Annual Report are available at www.spglobal.com/proxy. Shareholders of Record were mailed their proxy materials with instructions on how to attend, vote, and submit questions online. Richard Thornburgh, Chairman of the Board, will preside over the b ...

Nationwide Used Cars Are Selling Twice As Fast As This Time Last Year CENTREVILLE, Va., April 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Tax Day comes amidst growing economic uncertainty motivating many car buyers to make that big purchase — a key driver behind the recent surge in sales and vehicle prices. The latest CARFAX data found both car sales and prices are surging well beyond typical seasonal patterns. In fact, this Spring, the surge in used car prices is nearly two times compared to this time last year and the surge ...

Core Viewpoint - S&P Global and CME Group have signed a definitive agreement to sell OSTTRA, a provider of post-trade solutions for the global OTC market, to KKR for a total enterprise value of $3.1 billion, with the proceeds split evenly between the two companies [1]. Company Overview - OSTTRA was established in 2021 as a joint venture between CME Group and S&P Global, offering a comprehensive suite of post-trade solutions across various asset classes including interest rates, FX, credit, and equity [2][8]. - The company processes over 80 million trades monthly, establishing itself as a critical infrastructure provider in the post-trade space [8]. Management and Future Plans - The current management team of OSTTRA, led by co-CEOs Guy Rowcliffe and John Stewart, will continue in their roles post-acquisition [3]. - KKR plans to support OSTTRA's growth by increasing investments in technology and innovation, enhancing its market-leading post-trade solutions [3][4]. Strategic Insights - KKR's investment strategy includes creating an equity ownership program for OSTTRA's nearly 1,500 employees, promoting engagement through ownership [4]. - The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2025, pending regulatory approvals [5]. Advisory Roles - Financial and legal advisors for the transaction include Barclays and Davis Polk for S&P Global, Citi and Skadden for CME Group, and Goldman Sachs and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett for KKR [5].

In March, global supply chains spare capacity increased to highest level since May 2020, the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating rapidly worsening conditions for global manufacturers Factories in the U.S., Mexico and Canada retrenched sharply in March due to tariffs, with purchasing activity down the most in Canada UK supplier activity contracting at a rate that has only ever been surpassed twice previously in the last 25 years, signaling considerable manufacturing weakness CLARK, N.J., April 10, ...

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the resilience of Philip Morris International, S&P Global, and Walmart as investment options amidst market volatility and tariff concerns, suggesting that investors should focus on dividend growth stocks that are insulated from economic downturns [1][2]. Philip Morris International - Philip Morris International (PMI) was spun off from Altria in 2008, allowing it to focus on its overseas business while Altria dealt with domestic challenges [3]. - From 2008 to 2024, PMI's adjusted earnings per share (EPS) grew at a compound annual rate of 4.4%, driven by price increases and cost-cutting measures, alongside a shift towards smoke-free products [4]. - PMI has consistently raised its dividend since the split, currently offering a forward yield of 3.6% with a trailing payout ratio of 88%, indicating potential for future increases [5]. - Analysts project adjusted EPS growth of 9% in 2025 and 10% in 2026, with a reasonable valuation at 21 times forward earnings [5]. S&P Global - S&P Global provides essential financial data and analytics services to approximately 80% of Fortune 500 companies, utilizing AI-driven tools to enhance its offerings [6]. - The company is insulated from tariffs as it offers services rather than physical goods, making its services more valuable in turbulent markets [7]. - Despite a temporary slowdown in its credit ratings business due to high interest rates, S&P Global is expected to recover as rates decline [7]. - The company has a forward yield of 0.9% and has raised its dividend for 52 consecutive years, with a low trailing payout ratio of 29% [8]. - Analysts anticipate EPS growth of 9% in 2025 and 12% in 2026, with a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 26, indicating it is not overly expensive [8]. Walmart - Walmart serves 270 million customers weekly across 10,750 stores and online marketplaces in 19 countries, providing it with significant scale to mitigate tariff impacts [9]. - Many of Walmart's suppliers pre-shipped products to the U.S. before tariffs were implemented, and the company can negotiate lower prices or adjust retail prices to manage costs [10]. - Walmart has a forward yield of 1.1% and has raised its dividend for 52 consecutive years, maintaining a low payout ratio of 34% [11]. - Analysts expect adjusted EPS growth of 5% in fiscal 2026 and 12% in fiscal 2027, with a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 31, suggesting that its core strengths may justify the higher valuation [11].

Core Points - S&P Global Commodity Insights has announced the call for nominations for the 2025 Platts Global Energy Awards, which is in its 27th year, with nominations accepted until July 10, 2025, and finalists to be announced on September 9, 2025 [1][2] - The awards program aims to recognize excellence in the energy sector, highlighting industry leaders, partnerships, and innovations that contribute to a sustainable energy future [2][3] - The awards cover 20 categories, including upstream, midstream, downstream, liquefied natural gas, power, chemicals, and personal awards such as rising star and CEO of the year [3][4] Judging and Event Details - Winners will be selected by an independent judging panel composed of international energy experts from various backgrounds, ensuring impartiality in the selection process [4][5] - The winners and finalists will be honored at a black-tie gala scheduled for December 11, 2025, in downtown Manhattan [5] Company Overview - S&P Global Commodity Insights provides comprehensive information, data, analysis, and benchmark prices for the commodities and energy markets, enabling clients to make informed decisions [7][8] - The company plays a crucial role in connecting market participants, thought leaders, and regulators, facilitating progress in the commodity markets [8][9]

Core Insights - The indicated dividend net changes for U.S. domestic common stocks increased by $15.3 billion in Q1 2025, compared to $11.7 billion in Q4 2024 and $16.0 billion in Q1 2024 [1][6] - For the 12-month period ending March 2025, the net dividend rate increased by $52.7 billion, up from $42.8 billion for the same period ending March 2024 [2][6] - Dividend growth in Q1 2025 was slower than previous years but aligned with expectations amid economic uncertainties [3][4] Dividend Increases - In Q1 2025, U.S. common dividend increases totaled $19.5 billion, a 37.0% increase from $14.2 billion in Q4 2024 but a 14.1% decrease from $22.7 billion in Q1 2024 [6][7] - For the 12-month period ending March 2025, total dividend increases were $68.2 billion, slightly up from $68.1 billion in the prior period [8][6] - A total of 758 dividend increases were reported in Q1 2025, down 4.8% year-over-year from 796 in Q1 2024 [7] Dividend Decreases - In Q1 2025, dividend decreases amounted to $4.2 billion, a 68.0% increase from $2.5 billion in Q4 2024 but a 37.7% decrease from $6.7 billion in Q1 2024 [6][15] - For the 12-month period ending March 2025, 138 issues decreased their dividend payments, a 37.0% decrease compared to 219 in the prior period [15] - Total dividend decreases for the current 12-month period were $15.6 billion, down 38.3% from $25.2 billion in the previous period [15] Dividend Yields - The weighted indicated dividend yield for paying issues was 2.78% in Q1 2025, down from 2.83% in Q4 2024 and 2.86% in Q1 2024 [15] - Average indicated yield increased to 3.32% in Q1 2025 compared to 3.19% in Q4 2024, but down from 3.28% in Q1 2024 [15] - Yields for large-, mid-, and small-cap stocks increased in Q1 2025, with large-caps at 1.64%, mid-caps at 2.37%, and small-caps at 3.04% [15]

Core Insights - The indicated net changes in dividends for U.S. domestic common stocks increased by $15.3 billion in Q1 2025, showing a rise from $11.7 billion in Q4 2024 but a slight decrease from $16.0 billion in Q1 2024 [1][6] - For the 12-month period ending March 2025, the net dividend rate increased by $52.7 billion compared to $42.8 billion for the same period ending March 2024, indicating a positive trend in dividend payments [2][6] Dividend Increases - In Q1 2025, U.S. common dividend increases totaled $19.5 billion, a 37.0% increase from $14.2 billion in Q4 2024 but a 14.1% decrease from $22.7 billion in Q1 2024 [6][7] - For the 12-month period ending March 2025, total dividend increases were $68.2 billion, slightly up from $68.1 billion in the previous year [8][6] Dividend Decreases - In Q1 2025, dividend decreases amounted to $4.2 billion, a significant increase of 68.0% from $2.5 billion in Q4 2024, but a decrease of 37.7% from $6.7 billion in Q1 2024 [6][15] - For the 12-month period ending March 2025, dividend decreases were $15.6 billion, down 38.3% from $25.2 billion in the prior period [6][15] Market Trends - The S&P 500 is projected to post a record payment in 2025, with an expected increase in dividend payments of 6-7%, down from the pre-2025 expectation of 8% [4] - The weighted indicated dividend yield for paying issues was 2.78% in Q1 2025, down from 2.83% in Q4 2024 and 2.86% in Q1 2024 [15] Analyst Commentary - Howard Silverblatt, Senior Index Analyst at S&P Dow Jones Indices, noted that while dividend growth continued in Q1 2025, it was slower than expected due to economic uncertainties affecting companies' forward commitments [3][4] - The potential for limited dividend increases in Q2 2025 is anticipated as companies adopt a cautious approach amid ongoing global uncertainties [4]

Group 1: Market Overview - Investors are facing turbulent markets in 2025, with the S&P 500 down 15% since its all-time high on February 19 due to President Trump's announcement of reciprocal tariffs on 180 countries [1] - Recession fears are resurfacing, prompting investors to reconsider their investment strategies [2] Group 2: Dividend Stocks - Dividend stocks are becoming increasingly attractive in the current economic climate, but not all dividend stocks are equally strong [2] - Companies with robust competitive advantages can thrive across economic cycles, making them worthy of consideration [2] Group 3: RLI Corp. - RLI Corp. has raised its dividend for 50 consecutive years, showcasing stability in the insurance industry [4][9] - The company operates in niche markets, primarily focusing on excess and surplus (E&S) insurance, which allows for higher profit margins due to selective risk coverage [5][8] - RLI's total returns, including reinvested dividends, have averaged 16.8% annually over the past 50 years, outperforming the broader market [9] Group 4: S&P Global - S&P Global has raised its dividend for 53 consecutive years and holds a 50% market share in the credit rating industry, making it a dominant player [10][11] - The company benefits from ongoing debt issuance, as countries and companies frequently raise debt for various purposes [12] - Despite vulnerability to fluctuations in borrowing activity, S&P Global's data analytics segment provides stability through contractual agreements and subscription revenues [13][14] - The company has delivered an annual return of 14% when factoring in both dividends and stock price appreciation, making it a solid choice for investors seeking cash flow and stability [15]