MSCI vs. SPGI: A Head-to-Head Stock Comparison
Updated onHere’s a clear look at MSCI and SPGI, comparing key factors like historical performance, profitability, financial strength, growth, dividend, and valuation.
Company Overview
SPGI’s market capitalization of 160.34 billion USD is significantly greater than MSCI’s 44.34 billion USD, highlighting its more substantial market valuation.
With betas of 1.33 for MSCI and 1.20 for SPGI, both stocks show similar sensitivity to overall market movements.
| Symbol | MSCI | SPGI |
|---|---|---|
| Company Name | MSCI Inc. | S&P Global Inc. |
| Country | US | US |
| Sector | Financial Services | Financial Services |
| Industry | Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges | Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges |
| CEO | Henry A. Fernandez | Martina L. Cheung |
| Price | 573.1 USD | 522.78 USD |
| Market Cap | 44.34 billion USD | 160.34 billion USD |
| Beta | 1.33 | 1.20 |
| Exchange | NYSE | NYSE |
| IPO Date | November 15, 2007 | April 28, 2016 |
| ADR | No | No |
Historical Performance
This chart compares the performance of MSCI and SPGI by tracking the growth of an initial $10,000 investment in each. Use the tabs to select the desired time period.
Data is adjusted for dividends and splits.
Profitability
Return on Equity
MSCI
-134.96%
Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges Industry
- Max
- 26.26%
- Q3
- 23.14%
- Median
- 14.33%
- Q1
- 11.12%
- Min
- -0.64%
MSCI has a negative Return on Equity of -134.96%. This indicates the company is generating a loss for its shareholders, which can be a result of unprofitability or negative shareholder equity and is often a sign of financial distress.
SPGI
11.67%
Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges Industry
- Max
- 26.26%
- Q3
- 23.14%
- Median
- 14.33%
- Q1
- 11.12%
- Min
- -0.64%
SPGI’s Return on Equity of 11.67% is on par with the norm for the Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges industry, indicating its profitability relative to shareholder equity is typical for the sector.
Return on Invested Capital
MSCI
33.19%
Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges Industry
- Max
- 18.31%
- Q3
- 14.86%
- Median
- 11.07%
- Q1
- 6.75%
- Min
- 4.04%
MSCI’s Return on Invested Capital of 33.19% is exceptionally high, placing it well beyond the typical range for the Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges industry. This demonstrates an outstanding ability to deploy capital efficiently and create significant value.
SPGI
8.44%
Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges Industry
- Max
- 18.31%
- Q3
- 14.86%
- Median
- 11.07%
- Q1
- 6.75%
- Min
- 4.04%
SPGI’s Return on Invested Capital of 8.44% is in line with the norm for the Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges industry, reflecting a standard level of efficiency in generating profits from its capital base.
Net Profit Margin
MSCI
39.08%
Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges Industry
- Max
- 39.08%
- Q3
- 31.63%
- Median
- 23.20%
- Q1
- 18.09%
- Min
- -0.88%
A Net Profit Margin of 39.08% places MSCI in the upper quartile for the Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges industry, signifying strong profitability and more effective cost management than most of its peers.
SPGI
27.27%
Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges Industry
- Max
- 39.08%
- Q3
- 31.63%
- Median
- 23.20%
- Q1
- 18.09%
- Min
- -0.88%
SPGI’s Net Profit Margin of 27.27% is aligned with the median group of its peers in the Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges industry. This indicates its ability to convert revenue into profit is typical for the sector.
Operating Profit Margin
MSCI
53.68%
Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges Industry
- Max
- 53.68%
- Q3
- 40.45%
- Median
- 31.81%
- Q1
- 24.66%
- Min
- 9.71%
An Operating Profit Margin of 53.68% places MSCI in the upper quartile for the Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges industry. This signals a strong ability to translate revenue into operating profit, outperforming most of its competitors in core business efficiency.
SPGI
40.39%
Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges Industry
- Max
- 53.68%
- Q3
- 40.45%
- Median
- 31.81%
- Q1
- 24.66%
- Min
- 9.71%
SPGI’s Operating Profit Margin of 40.39% is around the midpoint for the Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges industry, indicating that its efficiency in managing core business operations is typical for the sector.
Profitability at a Glance
| Symbol | MSCI | SPGI |
|---|---|---|
| Return on Equity (TTM) | -134.96% | 11.67% |
| Return on Assets (TTM) | 21.36% | 6.60% |
| Return on Invested Capital (TTM) | 33.19% | 8.44% |
| Net Profit Margin (TTM) | 39.08% | 27.27% |
| Operating Profit Margin (TTM) | 53.68% | 40.39% |
| Gross Profit Margin (TTM) | 80.57% | 67.47% |
Financial Strength
Current Ratio
MSCI
0.84
Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges Industry
- Max
- 1.60
- Q3
- 1.57
- Median
- 1.06
- Q1
- 0.96
- Min
- 0.62
MSCI’s Current Ratio of 0.84 falls into the lower quartile for the Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges industry. This indicates a tighter liquidity situation and a more constrained capacity to handle short-term debt than many of its competitors.
SPGI
0.90
Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges Industry
- Max
- 1.60
- Q3
- 1.57
- Median
- 1.06
- Q1
- 0.96
- Min
- 0.62
SPGI’s Current Ratio of 0.90 falls into the lower quartile for the Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges industry. This indicates a tighter liquidity situation and a more constrained capacity to handle short-term debt than many of its competitors.
Debt-to-Equity Ratio
MSCI
-4.87
Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges Industry
- Max
- 1.09
- Q3
- 0.80
- Median
- 0.62
- Q1
- 0.36
- Min
- 0.04
MSCI has a Debt-to-Equity Ratio of -4.87, which indicates negative shareholder equity where liabilities exceed assets. This is a critical sign of financial distress.
SPGI
0.36
Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges Industry
- Max
- 1.09
- Q3
- 0.80
- Median
- 0.62
- Q1
- 0.36
- Min
- 0.04
Falling into the lower quartile for the Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges industry, SPGI’s Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 0.36 points to a conservative financing strategy. This results in lower financial risk but potentially limits strategic investments compared to more leveraged competitors.
Interest Coverage Ratio
MSCI
8.46
Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges Industry
- Max
- 27.44
- Q3
- 22.05
- Median
- 10.08
- Q1
- 6.79
- Min
- 1.01
MSCI’s Interest Coverage Ratio of 8.46 is positioned comfortably within the norm for the Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges industry, indicating a standard and healthy capacity to cover its interest payments.
SPGI
19.71
Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges Industry
- Max
- 27.44
- Q3
- 22.05
- Median
- 10.08
- Q1
- 6.79
- Min
- 1.01
SPGI’s Interest Coverage Ratio of 19.71 is positioned comfortably within the norm for the Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges industry, indicating a standard and healthy capacity to cover its interest payments.
Financial Strength at a Glance
| Symbol | MSCI | SPGI |
|---|---|---|
| Current Ratio (TTM) | 0.84 | 0.90 |
| Quick Ratio (TTM) | 0.84 | 0.90 |
| Debt-to-Equity Ratio (TTM) | -4.87 | 0.36 |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio (TTM) | 0.87 | 0.20 |
| Net Debt-to-EBITDA Ratio (TTM) | 2.41 | 1.50 |
| Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM) | 8.46 | 19.71 |
Growth
The following charts compare key year-over-year (YoY) growth metrics for MSCI and SPGI. These metrics are based on the companies’ annual financial reports.
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
Free Cash Flow Growth
Dividend
Dividend Yield
MSCI
1.19%
Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges Industry
- Max
- 3.86%
- Q3
- 1.44%
- Median
- 1.06%
- Q1
- 0.73%
- Min
- 0.00%
MSCI’s Dividend Yield of 1.19% is consistent with its peers in the Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges industry, providing a dividend return that is standard for its sector.
SPGI
0.72%
Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges Industry
- Max
- 3.86%
- Q3
- 1.44%
- Median
- 1.06%
- Q1
- 0.73%
- Min
- 0.00%
SPGI’s Dividend Yield of 0.72% is in the lower quartile for the Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges industry. This suggests the company’s strategy likely favors retaining earnings for growth over providing a high dividend income.
Dividend Payout Ratio
MSCI
45.68%
Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges Industry
- Max
- 106.40%
- Q3
- 44.44%
- Median
- 31.97%
- Q1
- 29.26%
- Min
- 0.00%
MSCI’s Dividend Payout Ratio of 45.68% is in the upper quartile for the Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges industry. This indicates a strong commitment to shareholder returns but also suggests that a smaller portion of earnings is retained for reinvestment compared to many peers.
SPGI
28.92%
Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges Industry
- Max
- 106.40%
- Q3
- 44.44%
- Median
- 31.97%
- Q1
- 29.26%
- Min
- 0.00%
SPGI’s Dividend Payout Ratio of 28.92% is in the lower quartile for the Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges industry. This suggests a conservative dividend policy, with a strategic focus on reinvesting profits for future growth.
Dividend at a Glance
| Symbol | MSCI | SPGI |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend Yield (TTM) | 1.19% | 0.72% |
| Dividend Payout Ratio (TTM) | 45.68% | 28.92% |
Valuation
Price-to-Earnings Ratio
MSCI
38.97
Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges Industry
- Max
- 41.71
- Q3
- 40.17
- Median
- 37.47
- Q1
- 30.61
- Min
- 16.74
MSCI’s P/E Ratio of 38.97 is within the middle range for the Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges industry. This suggests its valuation is in line with the sector average, representing neither a significant premium nor a discount compared to its peers.
SPGI
40.65
Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges Industry
- Max
- 41.71
- Q3
- 40.17
- Median
- 37.47
- Q1
- 30.61
- Min
- 16.74
A P/E Ratio of 40.65 places SPGI in the upper quartile for the Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges industry. This high valuation relative to peers suggests the market holds elevated expectations for the company’s future growth.
Forward P/E to Growth Ratio
MSCI
3.32
Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges Industry
- Max
- 4.54
- Q3
- 4.09
- Median
- 4.06
- Q1
- 3.33
- Min
- 2.36
In the lower quartile for the Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges industry, MSCI’s Forward PEG Ratio of 3.32 is a positive indicator. It suggests that the stock may be attractively valued relative to its expected earnings growth.
SPGI
4.13
Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges Industry
- Max
- 4.54
- Q3
- 4.09
- Median
- 4.06
- Q1
- 3.33
- Min
- 2.36
A Forward PEG Ratio of 4.13 places SPGI in the upper quartile for the Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges industry. This suggests the stock is potentially expensive compared to its peers relative to its growth forecast, which may warrant caution.
Price-to-Sales Ratio
MSCI
15.18
Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges Industry
- Max
- 15.75
- Q3
- 12.42
- Median
- 9.37
- Q1
- 6.34
- Min
- 1.69
MSCI’s P/S Ratio of 15.18 is in the upper echelon for the Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges industry. This means the company is valued richly on its revenue stream compared to its peers, suggesting the stock is priced for a high level of future performance.
SPGI
11.06
Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges Industry
- Max
- 15.75
- Q3
- 12.42
- Median
- 9.37
- Q1
- 6.34
- Min
- 1.69
SPGI’s P/S Ratio of 11.06 aligns with the market consensus for the Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges industry. This suggests its valuation, based on sales, is seen as standard and is on par with its competitors.
Price-to-Book Ratio
MSCI
-46.41
Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges Industry
- Max
- 8.57
- Q3
- 8.05
- Median
- 4.77
- Q1
- 3.69
- Min
- 1.19
MSCI has a negative P/B Ratio of -46.41, indicating its liabilities exceed its assets and result in negative shareholder equity. This is a critical warning sign of financial distress.
SPGI
4.81
Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges Industry
- Max
- 8.57
- Q3
- 8.05
- Median
- 4.77
- Q1
- 3.69
- Min
- 1.19
SPGI’s P/B Ratio of 4.81 is within the conventional range for the Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges industry. This shows a balanced market view, where the stock’s price is neither at a significant premium nor a discount to the book value of its peers.
Valuation at a Glance
| Symbol | MSCI | SPGI |
|---|---|---|
| Price-to-Earnings Ratio (P/E, TTM) | 38.97 | 40.65 |
| Forward PEG Ratio (TTM) | 3.32 | 4.13 |
| Price-to-Sales Ratio (P/S, TTM) | 15.18 | 11.06 |
| Price-to-Book Ratio (P/B, TTM) | -46.41 | 4.81 |
| Price-to-Free Cash Flow Ratio (P/FCF, TTM) | 30.72 | 28.88 |
| EV-to-EBITDA (TTM) | 27.19 | 24.53 |
| EV-to-Sales (TTM) | 16.65 | 11.78 |