Capital One vs S&P Global (COF vs SPGI)
Capital One (COF) vs S&P Global (SPGI) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
Capital One (COF) and S&P Global (SPGI) compete in financial services and payments. Here are Capital One and S&P Global side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Capital One or S&P Global.
Capital One vs S&P Global: the figures
| Figure | Capital One | S&P Global |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $206.31 (November 4, 2026) | $481.69 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $126.6 billion | $139.6 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 12.6x | 28.8x |
| Forward P/E | 8.6x | 23.9x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +6.2% | +6.8% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 22.2% | 30.6% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | N/A | 1.3x |
| Dividend yield | 1.53% | 0.83% |
| Beta | 1.09 | 1.03 |
Capital One and S&P Global figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Capital One or S&P Global figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Capital One and S&P Global
- Valuation: S&P Global trades at 28.8x its annual earnings and Capital One at 12.6x; the market pays more for each dollar of S&P Global profit, usually because it expects more growth.
- Profitability: for every 100 of sales, S&P Global keeps 30.6 as net profit and Capital One keeps 22.2.
- Dividend: Capital One yields 1.53% at today's price and S&P Global yields 0.83%.
Capital One or S&P Global: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: S&P Global is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
- If you want income (dividends): Capital One pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: S&P Global has a less volatile share price, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- If price is what matters most to you: Capital One trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither Capital One nor S&P Global wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.
How Capital One and S&P Global make money
Capital One (COF)
Capital One makes most of its money from interest and fees on credit cards, its largest segment, which grew with the acquisition of Discover and its payment network. It also reports Consumer Banking, mainly auto loans and retail deposits, and Commercial Banking, which lends to U.S. businesses. Full Capital One analysis.
S&P Global (SPGI)
S&P Global makes money rating corporate and government debt through S&P Global Ratings, selling financial data via Market Intelligence, licensing stock indexes like the Dow Jones through S&P Dow Jones Indices and publishing commodity price benchmarks through Commodity Insights. Ratings and Market Intelligence are its largest segments. Full S&P Global analysis.
Frequently asked questions: Capital One vs S&P Global
Is Capital One or S&P Global the better stock?
Choosing between Capital One and S&P Global depends on what you are looking for. S&P Global is growing faster right now, and Capital One trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Capital One or S&P Global: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Capital One or S&P Global?
As of November 4, 2026, Capital One yields 1.53% and S&P Global yields 0.83%. Also check how much of their profit Capital One and S&P Global pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, Capital One or S&P Global?
On P/E, S&P Global (28.8x) is more expensive than Capital One (12.6x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.
Can I own both Capital One and S&P Global?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Capital One and S&P Global, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Capital One or S&P Global.
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More companies like Capital One and S&P Global: financial services and payments stocks. Educational content about Capital One and S&P Global, not investment advice.