S&P Global(SPGI) - 2025 Q4 - Annual Report

Financial Performance - Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2025, was $15.336 billion, an 8% increase from $14.208 billion in 2024[159]. - Operating profit for 2025 was $6.478 billion, reflecting a 16% increase compared to $5.580 billion in 2024[159]. - Diluted earnings per share increased to $14.66 in 2025, a 19% rise from $12.35 in 2024[159]. - Net income attributable to S&P Global Inc. for 2025 was $4,471 million, representing a 16% increase compared to 2024[173]. - Total expenses for 2025 were $9,159 million, a 5% increase from 2024, driven by higher compensation and technology costs[173][181]. - Subscription revenue accounted for 51% of total revenue in 2025, totaling $7,865 million, reflecting a 7% increase from 2024[175]. - Non-subscription/transaction revenue increased by 5% to $3,144 million, primarily due to growth in corporate bond ratings and structured finance revenue[175][177]. - The company returned approximately $15.1 billion to shareholders over three years, including $11.6 billion in share repurchases and $3.5 billion in dividends[158]. Business Segments - Subscription revenue at Market Intelligence is derived from data distribution, valuation services, and analytics, with recurring variable revenue linked to trades processed and assets under management[27]. - Ratings segment revenue is disaggregated into transaction and non-transaction revenue, with transaction revenue primarily from fees associated with credit ratings[30]. - Energy segment generates revenue mainly from subscriptions to market data and insights, including price assessments and analytics[32]. - Mobility's core information products provide critical insights to global OEMs and leading suppliers, with revenue from both subscription and non-subscription sources[38]. - Indices revenue is derived from asset-linked fees, sales usage-based royalties, and data subscription arrangements[39]. Corporate Strategy and Changes - The company plans to spin off its Mobility segment into a new publicly traded company, expected to be completed by mid-2026[24]. - The Mobility segment is set to be spun off into a new publicly traded company, expected to be completed by mid-2026[154]. - The company has made and expects to continue making acquisitions and divestitures to strengthen its business, but these transactions may not produce anticipated results[89]. - The acquisition of Visible Alpha in May 2024 and With Intelligence in November 2025 contributed to revenue growth in Market Intelligence[160]. - The acquisition of With Intelligence for $1.8 billion enhances its Market Intelligence segment[214]. - The acquisition of TeraHelix was completed in June 2025, strengthening the company's data and technology capabilities[216]. Cybersecurity and Risks - The company faces increasing cyber risks, including attacks from state-sponsored actors, which could compromise information systems and networks[53]. - The company experiences regular cyber attacks and data breaches, with an expectation of increasing volume, which may disrupt operations and compromise data integrity[56]. - The company is exposed to vulnerabilities in third-party software, requiring ongoing remediation efforts to mitigate risks[56]. - AI technologies present evolving risks, including potential errors and ethical concerns that could harm brand reputation and customer confidence[61]. - The company has a cyber incident response plan that includes detection, containment, and remediation strategies[119]. Regulatory and Compliance Issues - The financial services industry is highly regulated, with potential for increased regulation impacting the company's operations and costs[79]. - Changes in global privacy and data protection regulations may impact the company's ability to collect and use data, potentially affecting its business operations[73]. - Non-compliance with GDPR could result in fines up to €20 million or 4% of annual global revenues, while U.S. courts may impose $2,500 in damages per individual's personal information[75]. - The company faces numerous legal proceedings and regulatory inquiries that could impose additional expenses and adversely affect its financial condition[74]. - The company is subject to evolving laws and regulations regarding privacy, data protection, and data security, which are increasing operational costs and management attention[75]. Operational Challenges - The company relies heavily on network systems and the Internet, and any failures or disruptions could adversely affect its ability to serve customers[67]. - The company’s operations and infrastructure may malfunction or fail, which could materially affect its financial condition or results of operations[68]. - The company relies on third-party data suppliers and service providers, and disruptions or errors from these suppliers could impact its ability to serve clients[94]. - Significant increases in operating costs and expenses could adversely affect the company's profitability[91]. - The competitive landscape for the company's services is intense, with pressures to lower fees and potential loss of market share if unable to compete effectively[90]. Employee and Talent Management - As of December 31, 2025, S&P Global had approximately 44,500 permanent employees worldwide, with the largest workforce in Asia[41]. - The company emphasizes competitive compensation programs to attract and retain talent, including annual bonuses and equity awards[45]. - The company faces challenges in attracting and retaining key qualified personnel, which could adversely affect its ability to develop and deliver successful products and services[85]. Future Outlook - The company plans to advance market leadership, expand high-growth adjacencies, and amplify enterprise capabilities with a focus on AI integration[165][167][169]. - Future projections for 2026 will focus on enhancing client experiences and expanding trusted relationships through differentiated products[172][174]. - The company expects to continue delivering targeted capital returns to shareholders through long-term profitable growth[170].