Howland Capital Management LLC recently adjusted its portfolio, notably reducing its stake in S&P Global Inc. (SPGI) shares during the first quarter. This divestment, which saw the fund shed 1,375 shares, slightly trimmed their overall holdings by 1.3%. Despite the reduction, S&P Global remains a significant component of Howland Capital Management’s investments, constituting approximately 2.4% of their total holdings and standing as their tenth biggest position, valued at $52,738,000 as per their latest SEC filing.
Beyond Howland Capital, other institutional investors and hedge funds also exhibited dynamic movements concerning their S&P Global investments. Empirical Financial Services LLC, for instance, significantly boosted its stake by 31.0% in the first quarter, acquiring an additional 1,015 shares to reach a total of 4,285 shares, now valued at $2,177,000. Similarly, Harbour Investments Inc. increased its holdings by 8.4%, adding 25 shares to own 324 shares worth $164,000.
The trend of varied investor activity continued with Sound View Wealth Advisors Group LLC, which dramatically raised its S&P Global holdings by 45.5% with the purchase of 230 additional shares, bringing their total to 735 shares valued at $374,000. New entrants also made their mark, as Hoxton Planning & Management LLC acquired a fresh stake valued at approximately $796,000. Meanwhile, Natixis Advisors LLC expanded its position by 8.8%, securing an additional 20,778 shares, culminating in a substantial holding of 258,187 shares valued at $131,185,000. Collectively, institutional investors and hedge funds now command a significant 87.17% of the company’s stock.
Examining S&P Global’s stock performance reveals specific financial metrics. On a recent Friday, shares opened at $550.03, navigating daily fluctuations. The company’s fifty-day moving average stands at $519.96, while its 200-day moving average is $508.64, indicating recent upward momentum. Over the past twelve months, the stock has traded within a range of $427.14 to $558.86. S&P Global boasts a robust market capitalization of $168.69 billion, supported by a price-to-earnings ratio of 43.21, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.55, and a beta of 1.19, reflecting its market volatility relative to the broader market. The company also maintains healthy liquidity with a quick ratio and current ratio of 0.90, alongside a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.34.
Shareholders of S&P Global Inc. can anticipate a quarterly dividend payment of $0.96 per share, scheduled for Wednesday, September 10th. Investors registered by Tuesday, August 26th, will be eligible for this dividend, which translates to an annualized payout of $3.84, offering a dividend yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date for this distribution is Tuesday, August 26th, highlighting a consistent return for long-term holders. The company’s current dividend payout ratio stands at 30.16%, suggesting a sustainable approach to shareholder returns.
Several prominent research firms have recently offered their perspectives on SPGI, leading to a consensus “Moderate Buy” rating with an average price target of $605.62. Stifel Nicolaus adjusted its price target from $629.00 to $603.00, maintaining a “buy” rating. Robert W. Baird also revised their target from $616.00 to $589.00, assigning an “outperform” rating. In contrast, Barclays and UBS Group both raised their price targets, moving to $620.00, with “overweight” and “buy” ratings respectively. JPMorgan Chase & Co. also elevated its price objective to $625.00, affirming an “overweight” rating. This diverse analyst sentiment underscores the complex yet generally positive outlook on S&P Global’s market position.
Furthermore, insider trading activity provides additional insight into the company’s dynamics. An Executive Vice President recently sold 500 shares of S&P Global stock on Monday, May 5th, at an average price of $510.43, totaling $255,215.00. Following this transaction, the executive’s direct ownership in the company stands at 5,131 shares, valued at approximately $2,619,016.33, marking an 8.88% decrease in their position. Such disclosures, accessible through SEC filings, offer transparency into executive confidence and strategic movements within the company. S&P Global, Inc. itself is a leading provider of transparent and independent ratings, benchmarks, analytics, and data to global capital and commodity markets, operating through key segments including Market Intelligence, Ratings, Commodity Insights, Mobility, Indices, and Engineering Solutions, solidifying its pivotal role in the financial ecosystem.
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