S&P Global and Goldman Sachs Boost Shareholder Returns with Latest Dividend Hikes

In a strong start to 2026, the financial sector is demonstrating its resilience and profitability as leading firms announce enhanced returns for shareholders. This week, two bellwethers—financial data powerhouse S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI) and Wall Street titan Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS)—declared dividend increases, reflecting robust underlying performance and a commitment to returning capital.

S&P Global, the company behind the iconic S&P 500 index and a major credit rating agency, announced a modest 1% increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.97 per share. While the raise itself is small, it underscores the firm's remarkable consistency. S&P Global is a member of the elite "Dividend Kings," a group of public companies that have raised their dividends annually for at least 50 consecutive years. This latest hike extends that prestigious streak. The new payout will be distributed on March 11 to shareholders of record as of February 25.

Analysts note that S&P Global's business model, centered on essential financial data and analytics, generates high margins and steady cash flow. With interest rates remaining at relatively low levels, stimulating debt issuance and corporate activity, demand for the company's credit ratings and market intelligence is expected to remain strong, potentially fueling future growth beyond its reliable dividend.

In contrast, Goldman Sachs delivered a more substantial reward to its investors. Following a strong earnings report, the investment bank declared a nearly 13% jump in its quarterly dividend to $4.50 per share. This aggressive increase follows a year of impressive financial results for the firm. For full-year 2025, Goldman reported a 9% rise in net revenue to over $58 billion and a 21% surge in net income to more than $16 billion, showcasing its powerful earnings leverage in a buoyant market.

"We are pleased to return capital to our shareholders, reflecting our strong financial performance and confidence in the firm's future," a company spokesperson stated, echoing CEO David Solomon's optimistic outlook for continued strength in investment banking. The increased dividend, yielding approximately 1.9% at current prices, will be paid on March 30 to shareholders of record on March 2.

Market Voices:

Michael Chen, Portfolio Manager at Horizon Wealth Advisors: "These moves are textbook signals of corporate health. Goldman's double-digit hike is particularly telling—it's a direct result of their stellar profitability and a bullish statement on capital allocation. For income-focused portfolios, Goldman now offers a more compelling yield, while S&P Global remains a bedrock of predictability."

Sarah Jenkins, Retail Investor & Finance Blogger: "Finally! Companies sitting on massive profits should be sharing the wealth with the people who own them. Goldman's raise is a good step, but let's be real—after those profit numbers, they could afford to be even more generous. It's about time shareholder returns got prioritized alongside executive bonuses."

David Park, Senior Analyst at ClearView Research: "The divergence in the size of the increases is instructive. S&P Global's model prioritizes steady, sustainable growth, hence the small, symbolic raise to maintain its King status. Goldman's is a performance-based bonus, heavily tied to market cycles. Investors should align their expectations accordingly—one is a tortoise, the other a hare, in the dividend race."

Rebecca Torres, Independent Trader: "A 1% raise? That barely covers inflation. S&P Global is taking its shareholder base for granted. It's resting on its Dividend King laurels while offering a yield that's practically invisible. In this environment, that's not a reward; it's an insult. Investors should demand better."

The announcements from S&P Global and Goldman Sachs highlight a broader trend of financial firms strengthening their shareholder return programs following a period of regulatory caution and economic uncertainty. As earnings season progresses, more companies across sectors are expected to review their capital return strategies, making dividend announcements a key focus for market participants in the coming weeks.