Introduction
S&P Capital IQ serves as the research division of S&P Global, recognized globally as a top provider of ratings, data, research, and market indices. Established with a dedicated focus on delivering in-depth analysis and insights into the stock market and global financial landscapes, S&P Capital IQ plays an essential role for various stakeholders in the investing and financial services arenas.
Key Highlights of S&P Capital IQ
- Parent Company: S&P Global, a leading integrated provider of ratings, benchmarks, analytics, and research.
- Historical Growth: Originally known as Capital IQ, the company was acquired by McGraw-Hill Financial in 2004 and subsequently rebranded to S&P Capital IQ following the rebranding of McGraw-Hill to S&P Global in 2016.
- Data-Driven Insights: Analyzes more than 135 billion data points from various sources to generate actionable intelligence for its subscribers.
The Evolution of Capital IQ
Founded in 1999, Capital IQ started to carve its niche as a software and analytics provider focused on markets. Over the years, the firm has matured significantly:
- Acquisition by McGraw-Hill: In 2004, McGraw-Hill Financial acquired Capital IQ for over $200 million, allowing for significant investment and scalability.
- Rebranding and Expansion: With the rebranding to S&P Global in 2016, S&P Capital IQ has expanded its presence globally, now operating in over 20 countries with a headquarters in New York City.
Significant Acquisitions
- Heale Financial: Acquired in 2006 for $13 million, enhancing its analytics capabilities.
- ClariFI, Inc.: Acquired in 2007 for $87 million, which bolstered its position in quantitative research tools.
Functionality and Offerings of S&P Capital IQ
S&P Capital IQ's powerful web portal provides sophisticated software tools and data feeds aimed at a diverse clientele that includes advisory firms, banks, corporations, investment managers, private equity firms, and academic institutions.
Data Collection and Analysis
Every year, S&P Capital IQ engages in extensive data collection and analysis covering:
- Public Companies: Intelligence on over 62,000 public companies with financial data representing 99% of global market capitalization accounted for.
- Private Firms: A comprehensive database that includes insights on 4.4 million private organizations.
- Complex Investment Structures: Researching mutual funds, hedge funds, and offering valuable performance comparisons and strategic insights.
Value to Investors
The sheer volume and variety of data available through S&P Capital IQ make it a crucial resource for all types of investors, whether they be large institutional investors, smaller individual investors, or financial enthusiasts.
Products and Services
S&P Capital IQ offers a suite of powerful tools designed for both institutional and individual investors, featured through their web portal:
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Compustat: This flagship tool provides historical and real-time financial and statistical market data, serving as a crucial exogenous input for modeling and analysis in financial statements, industry comparisons, and investment mechanisms.
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Xpressfeed: A delivery method that allows users to access and interpret Compustat’s real-time data seamlessly, integrating it with in-house analytics tools.
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Money Market Directories (MMD): A comprehensive tool for prospecting that yields insights into foundations, endowments, and similar funding sources, making it an invaluable resource for fundraising and investment endeavors.
These products combine to offer features that promote comprehensive market understanding, including market snapshots, industry reviews, surveys, and general economic insights—all pivotal for making informed investment decisions.
Conclusion
S&P Capital IQ stands as a beacon of financial insight in a complex global market. With its comprehensive range of data, advanced tools, and a commitment to delivering high-quality research, the platform enables users to navigate the financial landscape more effectively. Whether analyzing company performance, assessing market trends, or evaluating investment strategies, S&P Capital IQ equips stakeholders with the intelligence crucial for success in the investing world. As the financial landscape continues to evolve, S&P Capital IQ is poised to adapt and remain an essential resource for investors globally.