SNL Investment Research, now part of S&P Global Market Intelligence, was a leading provider of in-depth financial data and analysis, primarily covering the financial services, energy, media & communications, real estate, and metals & mining sectors. While the SNL name is less prominent following the S&P Global acquisition, its legacy and impact on investment research remain significant. Historically, SNL distinguished itself through its granular, industry-specific focus. Rather than providing broad-based economic forecasts, it specialized in offering detailed information on specific companies, transactions, and trends within its covered sectors. This included proprietary datasets on bank branches, insurance policies, media viewership, and energy production, among other things. Such granular data was incredibly valuable for investors seeking a competitive edge. SNL’s research reports were often considered highly specialized and targeted towards professionals in those specific industries. Analysts at SNL focused on developing deep expertise within their assigned sector, allowing them to provide insightful commentary on key market drivers, regulatory changes, and emerging business models. These reports frequently included forecasts, peer comparisons, and valuations, enabling investors to make more informed investment decisions. A key feature of SNL’s offering was its focus on transaction data. It meticulously tracked mergers and acquisitions (M&A), initial public offerings (IPOs), and other corporate actions, providing investors with a comprehensive understanding of deal activity within their sectors of interest. This data, coupled with its analysis of deal terms, pricing, and strategic rationales, was highly sought after by investment bankers, private equity firms, and hedge funds. SNL also offered sophisticated screening tools that allowed users to identify companies based on a wide range of financial and operational metrics. Investors could use these tools to find potential investment targets, compare companies within their peer group, and track changes in market share. The ability to customize these screens and export data into various formats made SNL’s platform a valuable tool for quantitative analysis. The S&P Global acquisition has integrated SNL’s data and research into a broader platform, enhancing its accessibility and reach. While the distinct SNL brand is less visible, the underlying data and analytical expertise continue to inform S&P Global Market Intelligence’s offerings. The legacy of SNL Investment Research lives on in the depth and breadth of S&P Global’s coverage, particularly within the sectors it historically served. The acquisition has also likely increased the robustness of the data, with the backing of a larger organization. The integration with S&P Global Market Intelligence provides a more comprehensive perspective, linking sector-specific analysis with broader economic and market trends. The historical focus of SNL on providing detailed, granular data remains a core strength of the combined entity.