Finance

S&P Dow Jones Indices Revamps Market Capitalization Criteria for Composite Indices

NEW YORK, April 1, 2024 – S&P Dow Jones Indices (S&P DJI), a division responsible for a wide array of benchmark indices, announced today a significant update to the market capitalization eligibility criteria for its S&P Composite 1500 Indices. Starting from April 1, 2024, the minimum market capitalization requirements for companies to be considered for inclusion in these indices will see a considerable adjustment.

Enhanced Market Capitalization Eligibility

Previously, for a company to be eligible for the renowned S&P 500, an unadjusted market capitalization of at least $15.8 billion was necessary. The S&P MidCap 400 required companies to have a market capitalization between $5.8 billion and $15.8 billion, while the S&P SmallCap 600 considered companies with market capitalizations ranging from $900 million to $5.8 billion.

With the new criteria set to take effect, S&P 500 contenders will need to boast an unadjusted market capitalization of $18 billion or more. For the S&P MidCap 400, the range has been adjusted to $6.7 billion to $18 billion. The S&P SmallCap 600 now raises its threshold, accepting companies with a market capitalization between $1 billion and $6.7 billion.

Quarterly Reviews to Reflect Market Conditions

It is customary for these market capitalization ranges to undergo a review at the onset of every quarter. S&P DJI ensures that any necessary updates reflect the current market conditions by expressing these in dollar ranges. The updated guidelines aim to effectively capture the three-month average cumulative total company level market capitalization of the S&P Total Market Index (TMI) universe at approximately the following cumulative percentiles:

• S&P 500 – 85th percentile
• S&P MidCap 400 index – 85th-93rd percentile
• S&P SmallCap 600 index – 93rd-99th percentile

Furthermore, companies meeting the total company-level market capitalization requirements must also maintain a security level float-adjusted market capitalization (FMC) that is no less than half of the respective index's minimum market capitalization threshold for total company-level consideration.

Additions Versus Ongoing Membership

The updated market capitalization criteria specifically pertain to new additions to an index, not to the continued membership of current constituents. It is important to recognize that a constituent company that may not meet the addition criteria at a later date is not automatically removed. The index will only undergo changes if the ongoing conditions merit an adjustment.

Documented History and Further Information

For those interested in the historical context of these market capitalization ranges, a detailed record dating back to 2007 is available in Appendix A of the U.S. Indices methodology document. This document is set to receive updates to reflect the recently announced changes. For more comprehensive details, the S&P DJI website provides an invaluable resource.

About S&P Dow Jones Indices

S&P Dow Jones Indices stands as the largest global resource for essential index-based concepts, data, and research. The home of critical financial market indicators like the S&P 500® and the Dow Jones Industrial Average®, S&P DJI has been at the forefront of index innovation since Charles Dow introduced the world to the very first index in 1884.

Today, more assets are invested in products based on S&P DJI's indices than in products based on indices from any other provider globally. The organization's commitment to developing indices across a spectrum of asset classes has played an integral role in defining how investors measure and trade in the markets.

S&P DJI operates under the umbrella of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI), which provides essential intelligence that enables individuals, companies, and governments to make decisions with greater conviction. For more information, please visit the website www.spglobal.com/spdji.

Seeking Additional Information or Commentary

For those seeking additional information, the experts at S&P Dow Jones Indices are readily reachable via email at [email protected] Inquiries specific to media interests can be directed to [email protected] These contacts represent the organization's dedication to transparency and communication with interested parties.

Source Acknowledgment

This news report was made possible through information provided by S&P Dow Jones Indices.

The update to the S&P Composite 1500 Indices market capitalization eligibility criteria represents a significant shift in the index landscape. As the market evolves and grows, indexes like those managed by S&P DJI must also adapt to provide the most accurate reflection of the market's overall composition. With these changes, the S&P DJI continues its legacy of innovation and its role as a pivotal force in the world of finance.

Marking a milestone in the indexing world, S&P Dow Jones Indices reaffirms its commitment to maintaining standards that correspond with the current market dynamics. The modifications to the eligibility criteria ensure that the indices remain representative of the respective market segments – large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap.

As the market capitalization review is contingent upon the dynamics of the market, observed on a quarterly basis, it underscores S&P DJI's proactive stance in response to financial climates. Moreover, the requirement that companies hold a considerable float-adjusted market capitalization guarantees that the indices reflect a fair and balanced overview of investable assets.

The distinction between the criteria for the addition and for the ongoing inclusion within an index is notable. It underscores the fact that indexes are more than just a snapshot; they are dynamic, constantly reviewed constructs that require dedicated analysis and thoughtful stewardship.

It is significant to recognize that as of April 1, 2024, investors and observers alike will bear witness to the tangible outcomes these changes bring about in the indexing arena. The adjusted market capitalization criteria are bound to influence which companies will join the prestigious ranks of the S&P Composite 1500 indices and which will need to strive harder for eligibility.

As the indexing landscape becomes increasingly complex, the role of S&P Dow Jones Indices as a global leader and innovator only strengthens. The company's historical data points and wealth of experience enable a refined approach to index configuration and management that benefits a wide range of stakeholders.

For investors, financial professionals, and companies aiming to reach or maintain their position within these influential indices, staying informed and adapting to these updates will be crucial. S&P DJI has not only provided the necessary information through the methodology updates on its website but also allows for direct communication through its informational contacts.

Therein lies the crux of the matter: S&P DJI is more than a mere compiler of market indices; it is a comprehensive, accessible entity dedicated to fostering transparency and education within the financial sector. The announced revisions present an opportunity for market participants to recalibrate their strategies. Whether as potential index constituents or investors, individuals and entities have much to ponder with the new criteria set firmly in place.

In the realm of investments, where every decision is weighed against a backdrop of fluctuating markets and emerging opportunities, the updates to market capitalization eligibility criteria stand as a testament to S&P DJI's unwavering pursuit of pertinence and precision. As the indices evolve, so, too, does the global financial narrative, part of which these indices seek to encapsulate.

In conclusion, the news of S&P Dow Jones Indices' updated criteria for the S&P Composite 1500 Indices comes at a time when the financial markets continue to exhibit dynamism and diversity. It is a reflection of S&P DJI's diligence in fine-tuning their framework to best serve the interests of the investment community. This announcement provides a fresh perspective on market capitalization and a herald of changes in the confluence of market trends, indexation practices, and investment strategies.