Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported strong revenue growth of 9% for the fourth quarter, with organic constant currency revenue rising by 8% [27] - Adjusted diluted EPS grew by 14% in the quarter, resulting in full-year EPS at the higher end of the guidance range [28] - Adjusted operating margins expanded by 60 basis points year-over-year to 47.3% [28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Private markets revenue grew by 16% year-over-year, primarily driven by ratings and market intelligence divisions [29] - Market intelligence reported revenue growth of 7%, with subscription revenue constituting approximately 85% of its total revenue [30] - Ratings revenue increased by 12% year-over-year, with transaction revenue growing by 12% driven by strong issuance volumes [33] - Energy revenue grew by 6%, with strong demand for subscription offerings despite sanctions impacting revenue [35] - Indices revenue grew by 14%, with double-digit growth across all business lines [37] - Mobility revenue grew by 8%, with strong subscription growth despite a complicated environment for automotive OEMs [38] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Billed issuance increased by 11% in 2025, surpassing $4.3 trillion, creating a challenging comparison for 2026 [20] - The company expects bond issuance growth in 2026 to be low to mid-single digits, reflecting favorable market conditions [21] - The maturity wall for 2026 is 12% higher than the previous year, indicating stable demand for refinancing [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to advance essential intelligence through three strategic objectives: advancing market leadership, expanding into high-growth adjacencies, and amplifying enterprise capabilities [12][13] - Significant strides were made in private markets and energy expansion, with new AI capabilities launched to enhance research and insights [14][15] - The company is focused on product innovation, strategic growth areas, and extending geographic reach to capture new opportunities [41][42] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management believes there are more tailwinds than headwinds entering 2026, with strong performance indicators for subscription businesses [8][9] - The macroeconomic environment remains dynamic, but the company expects to deliver value to customers and profitable growth for shareholders [9][24] - Management is optimistic about the market environment, with steady capital markets activity anticipated [58] Other Important Information - The company plans to spin off its Mobility business, with significant progress made in the separation plan [39][40] - Updated financial guidance for 2026 will be provided post-separation, excluding Mobility's contribution [40][45] Q&A Session Questions and Answers Question: Can you provide more details on the softness in Market Intelligence's volume-driven products? - Management noted that subscription revenue growth is strong, but volume-driven revenue can fluctuate based on market dynamics, with some products performing better than others [52][53][54] Question: How do you expect competitive developments in AI to impact S&P's business? - Management views advancements in AI as a net tailwind, emphasizing ongoing partnerships with major AI players and the integration of AI technology into their products [61][62][64] Question: Why is the ratings guidance below the long-term framework despite positive tailwinds? - Management explained that the guidance reflects assumptions about refinancing activity and M&A growth, with a cautious outlook on the timing and materialization of these factors [68][69]