S&P Global Inc. - SPGI STOCK NEWS

S&P Global (China) Ratings has unveiled a report detailing the relationship between its rating scales and those of S&P Global Ratings. This report aims to enhance transparency and improve understanding among market participants about rating differentiations. The analysis encompasses 143 Chinese corporates, revealing that the credit quality results from S&P Global (China) Ratings are more widely distributed compared to S&P Global Ratings, as it removes sovereign credit constraints. This comprehensive overview is crucial for investors navigating the Chinese market.

S&P Global Market Intelligence has launched a new Renewable Energy Credit (REC) Price Forecast dataset within its Power Forecast series. This tool will aid market participants in assessing wholesale renewable electricity values in the U.S., supporting companies in achieving 100% renewable energy mandates. Despite current strong REC pricing in New England, projections indicate potential declines due to favorable wholesale power economics and expanding offshore wind contributions. The dataset enhances insights into environmental compliance costs and regulatory impacts, benefiting energy market investors.

S&P Global Platts has launched new daily Clean Copper Concentrate spot price assessments on a Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) China basis, effective February 1, 2021. This initiative aims to enhance transparency in the copper supply chain amidst increasing demand, particularly for electric vehicles and infrastructure. The new assessments will provide benchmark values for treatment and refining charges (TC/RC) for leading South American copper brands. Copper concentrate imports to China have surged by 65% over five years, highlighting the growing importance of this market segment.

S&P Global Ratings reported a significant rise in sustainable debt issuance, exceeding 60% in 2020, with projections of total issuance surpassing $700 billion by year-end 2021. Social bonds have become the fastest-growing segment, spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic. The green bond market is expected to reach $400 billion in 2021, following $270 billion in 2020. The report emphasizes ongoing innovation in financing tools, highlighting the importance of transparency and reporting practices in fostering market credibility.

The Board of Directors of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI) has approved a 15.0% increase in its quarterly cash dividend, raising it from $0.67 to $0.77 per share. This dividend, reflecting the company's strong cash flow and financial position, will be payable on March 10, 2021, to shareholders of record by February 24, 2021. S&P Global has a notable history of returning cash to shareholders, amounting to $1.8 billion in 2020 alone, and has increased its dividend annually for over 48 years.

S&P Global Ratings has placed ratings on several major oil and gas companies on CreditWatch with negative implications, reflecting increased industry risks. Key companies affected include Chevron, Exxon Mobil, and Royal Dutch Shell. While BP and Suncor Energy have had their ratings affirmed, their outlooks were revised to negative. The changes are attributed to challenges such as the energy transition, profitability pressures from previous capital investments, and recent oil price volatility. S&P aims to resolve these ratings within weeks, focusing on the recalibrated business risk profiles of these companies.