8-KRegulation FDOther EventsExhibits & Filings

S&P Global Inc. 8-K Report, Regulation FD Disclosure (Jan 9, 2006)

Filed January 9, 2006For Securities:SPGI

Summary

This 8-K filing from The McGraw-Hill Companies (now S&P Global Inc.) on January 9, 2006, primarily disclosed earnings guidance for 2005 and 2006 during a presentation at the Citigroup Entertainment, Media, and Telecommunications Conference. The company provided non-GAAP financial projections to offer investors a clearer view of its ongoing business performance, particularly highlighting expected growth from its Standard & Poor's division. The guidance focuses on key metrics like "top and bottom line growth" for Standard & Poor's in 2006, and "earnings per share from continuing operations" for 2005. It explicitly mentions adjustments for factors such as stock option expensing, divestitures (Corporate Value Consulting), restructuring charges, tax impacts, acquisitions, and changes in pension assumptions. Investors should note that these figures are presented to supplement GAAP reporting and aid in period-to-period comparisons of continuing businesses.

Key Highlights

  • 1The McGraw-Hill Companies provided earnings guidance for 2005 and 2006 at a Citigroup conference.
  • 2Standard & Poor's (S&P) is expected to achieve double-digit top and bottom line growth in 2006 (excluding stock option expensing and divested revenue).
  • 3For 2005, the company expects double-digit EPS growth from continuing operations, with specific adjustments for restructuring charges, tax repatriation, and acquisitions.
  • 4For 2006, EPS is projected to increase between five and eight percent, excluding stock option expensing.
  • 5The company believes this non-GAAP guidance is meaningful for understanding financial condition and evaluating continuing businesses.
  • 6The filing includes a press release dated January 9, 2006, detailing this guidance as an exhibit.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main purpose of this 8-K filing is to publicly disclose earnings guidance for fiscal years 2005 and 2006, which was presented by the company's CEO at a conference. This is done to ensure Regulation FD compliance and provide investors with forward-looking financial information.

The company provided non-GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) guidance to offer investors insights into the performance of its continuing businesses and to facilitate period-to-period comparisons. They highlighted specific adjustments like excluding stock option expensing, restructuring charges, and the impact of acquisitions and divestitures.

In 2006, Standard & Poor's is expected to achieve another year of double-digit growth in both its top line (revenue) and bottom line (earnings), provided that the impact of stock option expensing and revenue from the divested Corporate Value Consulting segment are excluded.

For 2005, the company anticipates double-digit EPS growth from continuing operations. This forecast includes adjustments for several items: $0.04 in restructuring charges, $0.03 dilution from income tax on repatriated funds, $0.08 to $0.09 dilution from acquisitions in 2004-2005, and changes in pension plan assumptions. It excludes a $0.01 gain from the sale of Corporate Value Consulting and a $0.05 non-cash benefit from accrued tax liabilities in 2004.