Finance
S&P Global forecasts 2026 profit below estimates, shares plunge
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 10, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 10, 2026
Quick Summary
S&P Global's 2026 profit forecast is below expectations, leading to an 18% share drop amid AI disruption concerns.
S&P Global's 2026 Profit Forecast Falls Short, Shares Drop 18%
S&P Global's Profit Forecast and Market Reaction
Feb 10 (Reuters) - S&P Global forecast 2026 profit below Wall Street expectations on Tuesday, amid growing fears of AI-fueled disruptions, sending its shares down 18% in premarket trading.
Impact of AI on Profit Estimates
The company expects adjusted per share profit for full year 2026 in the range of $19.40 to $19.65, below analysts' average estimate of $19.94, according to data complied by LSEG.
Quarterly Performance Overview
S&P was one of the stocks caught in the crossfire of a recent market selloff, driven by a rout in technology shares as investors feared that rapid advancements in artificial intelligence may be reshaping the software and services industry.
Analysts' Perspectives on S&P Global
The analytics firm has already seen its share price drop 15% so far this year, as of Monday's close.
Analysts, however, have said companies with proprietary data and benchmarks such as S&P Global could be largely insulated, and that AI-driven efficiency gains may still lift margins and help shift sentiment on the stocks.
S&P's forecast comes even as global tech companies are ramping up bond issuance to fund the rapid build-out of AI infrastructure and cloud capacity that has buoyed demand for credit ratings.
The company reported an adjusted net income of $4.30 per share during the fourth quarter, while analysts estimated $4.33. Its total quarterly revenue rose 9% to $3.92 billion.
(Reporting by Pragyan Kalita in Bengaluru; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar)
Key Takeaways
- •S&P Global's 2026 profit forecast is below Wall Street expectations.
- •Shares dropped 18% in premarket trading due to AI disruption fears.
- •The company expects adjusted per share profit between $19.40 and $19.65.
- •S&P Global's shares have already dropped 15% this year.
- •Despite challenges, analysts see potential for AI-driven efficiency gains.
Frequently Asked Questions about S&P Global forecasts 2026 profit below estimates, shares plunge
1What is market capitalisation?
Market capitalisation is the total market value of a company's outstanding shares of stock. It is calculated by multiplying the share price by the total number of shares, indicating the company's size and investment potential.
2What is adjusted net income?
Adjusted net income refers to a company's profit after accounting for one-time expenses or income, providing a clearer picture of ongoing profitability. It is often used by analysts to assess financial performance.
3What is the impact of AI on financial markets?
AI impacts financial markets by enhancing data analysis, improving decision-making, and automating trading processes. It can lead to increased efficiency but also raises concerns about market volatility and job displacement.
