Group 1 - S&P Global's Board of Directors has approved a cash dividend of $0.96 per share for the fourth quarter of 2025, payable on December 10, 2025, to shareholders of record on November 25, 2025, resulting in an annualized dividend rate of $3.84 per share [1] - The company has consistently paid dividends since 1937 and is among fewer than 30 companies in the S&P 500 that have increased their dividends annually for over 50 years [2] - S&P Global provides essential intelligence to governments, businesses, and individuals, enabling informed decision-making through data, expertise, and technology [3] Group 2 - The company is recognized for its credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics, and workflow solutions across global capital, commodity, and automotive markets, assisting leading organizations in planning for the future [4]

Group 1 - Brown Advisory Large-Cap Growth Strategy demonstrated resilience in Q2 2025, returning 16% and slightly underperforming the Russell 1000® Growth Index [1] - The strategy effectively protected investor capital during market declines and participated in the rebound since early April [1] - S&P Global Inc. (NYSE:SPGI) was highlighted as a key stock, with a one-month return of -2.64% and a 52-week gain of 6.18% [2] Group 2 - S&P Global Inc. reported strong quarterly results in April, with revenue exceeding expectations due to robust performance in Ratings and Indices [3] - Despite strong results, S&P Global's stock declined after the company lowered its full-year guidance, indicating a cautious outlook amid macroeconomic challenges [3] - In Q2 2025, S&P Global's revenue increased by 6% year-over-year, with subscription revenue rising by 7% [4]

Core Insights - S&P Global's President and CEO, Martina Cheung, will participate in Barclays 23rd Annual Global Financial Services Conference on September 9, 2025, in New York [1] - The session will be webcast and may include forward-looking information, with CFO Eric Aboaf and SVP of Investor Relations Mark Grant also participating in investor meetings [1] Webcast Details - The webcast will be available live and in replay on the Company's Investor Relations website, with the replay accessible for 90 days until December 7, 2025 [2] - Additional information presented during the session will be available on the Company's Investor Presentations web page [2] Company Overview - S&P Global provides essential intelligence, enabling governments, businesses, and individuals to make informed decisions [3] - The company offers credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics, and workflow solutions in global capital, commodity, and automotive markets [4]

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].