S&P Global(US:SPGI)2025-10-30 13:32Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record revenue, operating profit, and EPS for Q3 2025, with revenue increasing by 9% year-over-year and adjusted EPS growing by 22% [6][24]. - Subscription revenue rose by 6%, contributing to a margin expansion of 180 basis points on a trailing 12-month basis [6][24]. - The company returned nearly $1.5 billion to shareholders through dividends and buybacks since the last earnings call, with an additional $2.5 billion share repurchase expected in Q4 [6][7]. Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ratings and indices businesses experienced double-digit revenue growth, highlighting the value of global franchises [7][28]. - Market Intelligence saw an acceleration in revenue growth, achieving 8% organic constant currency growth, the strongest in six quarters [29]. - Ratings revenue increased by 12% year-over-year, driven by strong investor demand and refinancing activity [31]. Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Bond issuance increased by 13% year-over-year, particularly in high yield and structured finance [10][12]. - The equity markets performed well, contributing to a strong quarter in the Indices business [10][12]. - The company expects bond issuance growth in the mid to high teens range for Q4 2025 [12][31]. Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on strategic investments, innovation, and disciplined execution to drive growth [6][8]. - The planned acquisition of With Intelligence aims to enhance data offerings in private markets, combining unique datasets to provide essential intelligence [13][14]. - Recent partnerships with Cambridge Associates and Mercer are expected to enhance benchmarking capabilities in private markets [16][80]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the current market conditions, with expectations for continued growth in ratings and issuance [10][31]. - The company anticipates a strong performance in Q4, with issuance levels expected to remain robust [60]. - Management highlighted the importance of AI innovations in driving both top-line growth and productivity improvements [70][75]. Other Important Information - The company announced the divestiture of its Enterprise Data Management and ThinkFolio businesses to streamline operations [8][9]. - Leadership changes were noted, with key executives departing and new appointments made to strengthen the management team [9][10]. Q&A Session Summary Question: Market Intelligence organic growth of 8% - Management attributed the growth to strong execution, product innovation, and alignment within sales teams, leading to competitive wins [46][49]. Question: Ratings issuance normalization and growth outlook - Management noted that issuance growth exceeded expectations, with a favorable outlook for Q4 driven by opportunistic issuance and strong maturity walls [57][60]. Question: Role of AI in Market Intelligence - Management emphasized that AI investments will enhance both growth and productivity, with ongoing innovations expected to drive commercial value [68][70]. Question: Strength of private markets growth - Management highlighted strong issuance in ratings and the positive impact of partnerships and acquisitions on private markets data offerings [78][80]. Question: Size of EDM and ThinkFolio divestiture - Management indicated that the divestitures were not material to consolidated financials but would be slightly accretive to revenue growth and margins in 2026 [84][86].