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MOODYS CORP /DE/ (MCO)

Moody's Corporation operates as a global integrated risk assessment firm, providing essential services through its two main segments: Moody's Analytics (MA) and Moody's Investors Service (MIS). The company offers data, intelligence, and analytical tools to assist business and financial leaders in making informed decisions, as well as publishing credit ratings and assessment services for various debt obligations and entities worldwide . Moody's Analytics is comprised of three lines of business: Research & Insights, Data & Information, and Decision Solutions, while Moody's Investors Service primarily generates revenue from credit rating assignments and monitoring .

  1. Moody's Analytics (MA) - Provides data, intelligence, and analytical tools to help business and financial leaders make confident decisions .

    • Research & Insights - Offers research services and credit scoring tools, contributing significantly to MA's revenue .
    • Data & Information - Delivers data feed activities and master data management applications, supporting use cases like supply chain analysis and KYC, including products like Orbis .
    • Decision Solutions - Focuses on cloud-based SaaS businesses serving banking, insurance, and KYC workflows .
  2. Moody's Investors Service (MIS) - Publishes credit ratings and provides assessment services on a wide range of debt obligations and entities worldwide, with revenue primarily from fees for credit rating assignments and monitoring .

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NamePositionExternal RolesShort Bio

Robert Fauber

ExecutiveBoard

President and Chief Executive Officer

Board of College Foundation for the University of Virginia

CEO since January 2021, previously COO and President of Moody's Investors Service. Extensive experience in strategy, operations, and regulatory matters.

View Report →

Caroline Sullivan

Executive

Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller

Board Member and Chair of Financial Executives International (FEI) Committee for FARR

CAO since December 2018, served as Interim CFO (Sep 2023–Apr 2024). Extensive experience in global accounting and financial reporting.

Michael West

Executive

President of Moody's Investors Service

None

President of MIS since November 2019. Extensive experience in ratings and research leadership roles.

Noémie Heuland

Executive

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

None

CFO since April 2024, previously CFO at Dayforce and SAP Latin America. Strong background in scaling high-growth software companies.

Stephen Tulenko

Executive

President of Moody's Analytics

None

President of Moody's Analytics since November 2019. Leads product strategy and growth initiatives, including in AI and subscription-based analytics.

Bruce Van Saun

Board

Director

Chairman and CEO of Citizens Financial Group, Member of The Clearing House Supervisory Board

Director since 2016. Extensive experience in executive management and financial services leadership.

Jorge A. Bermudez

Board

Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee

Director at AB Mutual Funds, Chairman of Smart Grid Center Advisory Board at Texas A&M University

Director since 2011. Former Chief Risk Officer at Citigroup. Extensive experience in risk management and global financial operations.

Jose M. Minaya

Board

Director

CEO of Nuveen, Board Member at Robert Toigo Foundation, National Forest Foundation, and ICI

Director since 2022. Extensive experience in strategic investing and asset management.

Kathryn M. Hill

Board

Director

Director at NetApp, Inc. and Celanese Corporation

Director since 2011. Over 30 years of experience in IT and business operations leadership.

Leslie F. Seidman

Board

Director

Director at General Electric, Advisor to Idaciti, Inc.

Director since 2013. Former Chairman of FASB, with expertise in global accounting and financial reporting.

Lloyd W. Howell, Jr.

Board

Director

Director at GE Healthcare and KLDiscovery, Executive Director of NFL Players Association

Director since 2021. Extensive expertise in business management, information systems, and cyber-related matters.

Thérèse Esperdy

Board

Director

Non-Executive Chairman of Imperial Brands PLC, Senior Independent Director at National Grid plc

Director since 2019. Extensive experience in global investment banking and financial markets.

Vincent A. Forlenza

Board

Chairman of the Board

Chairman of Lehigh University Board of Trustees, Director at MaraBio Systems, MNHI, and Acuitive Technologies

Chairman of Moody's Board since 2023. Former CEO and Chairman of Becton, Dickinson and Company. Extensive experience in corporate governance and strategic leadership.

Zig Serafin

Board

Director

CEO of Qualtrics International Inc.

Director since 2021. Extensive experience in software and technology leadership, including at Microsoft.

  1. Given the tough comps from this year's near-record issuance levels, how confident are you that the anticipated tailwinds, such as lower default rates and refunding walls approaching $5 trillion over the next 4 years , will offset potential headwinds like geopolitical risks and economic uncertainties in 2025?

  2. With private credit assets under management expected to reach up to $3 trillion by 2028 , how is Moody's positioning itself to capture growth opportunities in this market, and what specific steps are you taking to meet the demand for independent third-party ratings and assessments?

  3. Regarding the RMS acquisition, while you report improvements in growth and margins , can you elaborate on how RMS has contributed to cross-selling opportunities within Moody's, and what challenges remain in fully realizing its potential across your product offerings?

  4. Your adjusted diluted EPS guidance implies Q4 EPS growth will be relatively flat to slightly down compared to the prior period and down approximately 30% sequentially from Q3 ; can you explain the primary factors behind this expected decline, especially in light of strong year-to-date performance?

  5. Given that ARR growth in MA slowed to 9% due to factors like increased attrition and lower sales to banks and asset managers , what specific strategies are you implementing to accelerate ARR growth back to double digits and improve new business sales execution?

Research analysts who have asked questions during MOODYS CORP /DE/ earnings calls.

Alex Kramm

UBS Group AG

4 questions for MCO

Also covers: BR, CBOE, CBRE +15 more

Ashish Sabadra

RBC Capital Markets

4 questions for MCO

Also covers: ADP, CBOE, CLVT +18 more

Jeffrey Silber

BMO Capital Markets

4 questions for MCO

Also covers: AMN, ASGN, ATGE +14 more

Russell Quelch

Redburn Atlantic

4 questions for MCO

Also covers: FDS, MSCI, SPGI +1 more

Craig Huber

Huber Research Partners

3 questions for MCO

Also covers: DNB, EFX, FDS +11 more

David Motemaden

Evercore ISI

3 questions for MCO

Also covers: ACGL, AJG, ALL +16 more

Faiza Alwy

Deutsche Bank

3 questions for MCO

Also covers: ABM, ADV, ARMK +16 more

Jason Haas

Wells Fargo

3 questions for MCO

Also covers: ASGN, CTAS, ECL +11 more

Keen Fai Tong

Goldman Sachs Group Inc.

3 questions for MCO

Also covers: ADT, BCO, BFAM +21 more

Kwun Sum Lau

Oppenheimer

3 questions for MCO

Also covers: CBOE, CLVT, CME +9 more

Manav Patnaik

Barclays

3 questions for MCO

Also covers: BFAM, CLVT, CTAS +16 more

Scott Wurtzel

Wolfe Research

3 questions for MCO

Also covers: ADP, BR, EFX +8 more

Shlomo Rosenbaum

Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated

3 questions for MCO

Also covers: ARMK, CCCS, CLVT +13 more

Toni Kaplan

Morgan Stanley

3 questions for MCO

Also covers: ADT, ARMK, BFAM +17 more

Andrew Nicholas

William Blair & Company

2 questions for MCO

Also covers: AMTD, CBZ, CLVT +16 more

Andrew Steinerman

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

2 questions for MCO

Also covers: ARMK, BFAM, CTAS +15 more

Jeffrey Meuler

Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated

2 questions for MCO

Also covers: BFAM, CSGP, EFX +7 more

Peter Christiansen

Citigroup Inc.

2 questions for MCO

Also covers: ADP, ADT, ALIT +11 more

Alexander EM Hess

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

1 question for MCO

Also covers: ARMK, BV, DNB +3 more

George Tong

Goldman Sachs

1 question for MCO

Also covers: ADT, BCO, BFAM +22 more

Joshua Dennerlein

BofA Securities

1 question for MCO

Also covers: AHR, AMH, ARE +18 more

Owen Lau

Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.

1 question for MCO

Also covers: CLVT, CME, COIN +8 more

Sean Kennedy

Mizuho Securities

1 question for MCO

Also covers: G, GLOB, SPGI
Program DetailsProgram 1Program 2
Approval DateFebruary 5, 2024 October 15, 2024
End Date/DurationN/AN/A
Total Additional Amount$1 billion $1.5 billion
Remaining Authorization$547 million $1.5 billion
DetailsPart of capital allocation strategy to maintain financial flexibility and manage leverage around a BBB+ rating. Recently authorized, full amount likely available.
YearAmount Due (in millions)Debt TypeInterest Rate% of Total Debt
2025$700 3.75% 2020 Senior Notes 3.75% 9.0% = (700 / 7,795) * 100
2027$558 1.75% 2015 Senior Notes 1.75% 7.2% = (558 / 7,795) * 100
2028$500 3.25% 2017 Senior Notes 3.25% 6.4% = (500 / 7,795) * 100
2029N/A4.25% 2018 Senior Notes 4.25% N/A
2030N/A0.950% 2019 Senior Notes 0.950% N/A
2031N/A2.00% 2021 Senior Notes 2.00% N/A
2032N/A4.25% 2022 Senior Notes 4.25% N/A
2034N/A5.00% 2024 Senior Notes 5.00% N/A
2041N/A2.75% 2021 Senior Notes 2.75% N/A
2044N/A5.25% 2014 Senior Notes 5.25% N/A
2048N/A4.875% 2018 Senior Notes 4.875% N/A
2050N/A3.25% 2020 Senior Notes 3.25% N/A
2052N/A3.75% 2022 Senior Notes 3.75% N/A
2060N/A2.55% 2020 Senior Notes 2.55% N/A
2061N/A3.10% 2021 Senior Notes 3.10% N/A
Thereafter$6,037 N/AN/A77.4% = (6,037 / 7,795) * 100
NameStart DateEnd DateReason for Change
KPMG LLP2008 PresentCurrent auditor

Notable M&A activity and strategic investments in the past 3 years.

CompanyYearDetails

Global Credit Rating Company Limited (GCR)

2024

Completed in early July 2024, Moody's acquired the remaining interest in GCR, a leading domestic credit rating agency covering 25 African countries, as part of its strategy to reinforce its leadership in domestic rating markets worldwide with immaterial financial impact.

360kompany AG (kompany)

2022

Completed on February 28, 2022, the acquisition of kompany, an entity specializing in business verification and Know Your Customer (KYC) technology solutions, enhanced Moody's capabilities in compliance, risk management, and decision solutions, with a non-material purchase price expected to boost inorganic revenue growth.

Recent press releases and 8-K filings for MCO.

GoldenPeaks Capital signs MoU with Envision for next-generation energy storage in Europe
·$MCO
New Projects/Investments
  • GoldenPeaks Capital and Envision formalize a MoU to supply and implement 1 GWh of advanced energy storage systems across Europe.
  • The initial phase includes two awarded projects totaling 344 MWh, representing the first deployment stage.
  • GPC currently holds 2.5 GWh of BESS projects under capacity market agreements in Poland, underscoring its regional leadership.
  • The collaboration leverages Envision Gen 8 BESS technology to enhance grid stability and flexibility at utility scale.
Oct 10, 2025, 5:00 AM
Moodys integrates Bitsight in solutions, posts 30% H1 insurance growth
·$MCO
Revenue Acceleration/Inflection
Product Launch
  • Moody’s insurance arm leveraging Bitsight saw 30% growth in H1 FY2026 (Feb 1–Jul 31, 2025) driven by strong demand for correlated cyber risk data.
  • Integration of Bitsight Cloud Dispersion Analytics into Moody’s Cyber Solutions v9, plus new insurance datasets and features, underpinned the record performance.
  • Independent validation highlights risk benefits: Gallagher Re cites up to 40% more accurate claim identification, and Marsh McLennan confirms significant correlations between Bitsight Security Ratings and incident likelihood.
  • Bitsight expanded offerings with Lokker partnership for privacy assessments and enhanced threat intelligence, and was named Cyber Technology Provider of the Year by Zywave in June 2025.
Oct 9, 2025, 1:00 PM
Vedanta Resources plans $750M dollar bond sale to refinance private debt
·$MCO
Debt Issuance
  • Vedanta Resources Finance II aims to raise $750 million via a seven-year U.S. dollar bond with a two-year call option to refinance high-cost private debt and fund general corporate needs.
  • The bonds will carry B2 (Moody’s) and B+ (Fitch) ratings and be unconditionally guaranteed by Vedanta Resources and subsidiaries including Twin Star Holdings, Welter Trading, and Vedanta Holdings Mauritius II.
  • Proceeds will replace an 18% interest private credit facility secured in 2023, helping reduce overall borrowing costs.
  • Vedanta’s net debt has declined from $8.9 billion two years ago to $4.9 billion as of March 2025, reflecting ongoing deleveraging efforts.
  • The transaction follows a $1.10 billion bond issuance in January and leverages increased investor appetite after S&P Global’s upgrade of India’s credit profile; risks include delayed court approval for splitting its Indian unit and diversification concerns from its Jaiprakash Associates bid.
Sep 29, 2025, 3:35 AM
Prime Healthcare Services receives credit rating upgrades from Fitch, Moody’s and S&P
·$MCO
  • Fitch upgraded Prime Healthcare Services, Inc.’s senior secured notes to B+, Moody’s raised its corporate credit rating to B2, and S&P affirmed its rating with a Positive outlook.
  • Upgrades were driven by improved EBITDA and margins, reduced temporary labor costs, and disciplined expense management.
  • The March 1, 2025 acquisition of six Illinois hospitals from Ascension Health Alliance enhanced the company’s geographic diversification and scale.
  • Prime Healthcare operates 51 hospitals in 14 states and over 360 outpatient locations with more than 57,000 staff, including 18 hospitals in its not-for-profit foundation.
Aug 12, 2025, 2:29 PM
Moody’s highlights AI-driven analytics growth and strategic investments at Oppenheimer conference
·$MCO
Product Launch
New Projects/Investments
M&A
  • Moody’s Analytics has embedded Gen AI in ~40% of its product ARR, with Gen AI-enabled offerings growing up to twice the company average; the Research Assistant in CreditView now serves over 100 customers and shows a robust pipeline.
  • The firm previewed agent-based AI workflows on moodys.com that automate multi-step underwriting tasks—including credit memos, scoring and covenant monitoring—already sold to early adopters.
  • Major growth investments include enhancements to the CreditLens lending ecosystem, launch of a high-definition severe convective storm model on the RMS IRP platform, and expansion of KYC/third-party risk tools (KYC ARR up ~15% in Q2).
  • Moody’s January 2025 acquisition of Cape Analytics brings geospatial video AI into its data estate; Cape’s capabilities will begin contributing to MA’s ARR after a one-year integration period.
Aug 11, 2025, 4:05 PM
Moody’s Ratings highlights trade resilience amid global tariff pressures
·$MCO
  • China’s goods trade rose by 2.5% to nearly 18 trillion yuan in Jan–May 2025, supported by diverse markets and structural upgrades.
  • Indian non-financial corporates are insulated from U.S. tariffs, with expected capital expenditure of $50 billion annually over two years and forecasted GDP growth of 6.3% in FY25.
  • Jamaica warned that new 10% U.S. tariffs disrupt Caribbean Basin Initiative preferences, prompting calls for export diversification and stronger supply chains via CARICOM.
  • China’s services sector improved, with Caixin PMI climbing to 51.1 in May, driven by new business growth and hiring despite export declines.
Jun 6, 2025, 1:53 PM
Moody’s: Rising US Debt Payments Threaten Fiscal Stability
·$MCO
Debt Issuance
  • 2023 interest payments on federal debt reached $880 billion, surpassing spending on Medicaid, education, and veterans’ benefits.
  • Government interest costs now consume 13–15% of total federal spending, crowding out funds for defense, education, and infrastructure.
  • The traditional positive link between higher Treasury yields and a stronger dollar has collapsed, with rising yields now seen as a sign of fiscal distress rather than strength.
  • Political risks—such as aggressive fiscal expansion and interference with the Federal Reserve—have heightened market volatility and raised doubts about the dollar’s creditworthiness.
May 31, 2025, 12:59 PM
Moody's Highlights Growth, Global Expansion, and AI Initiatives
·$MCO
M&A
New Projects/Investments
Revenue Acceleration/Inflection
  • Growth drivers and operating leverage: Moody's outlined recent revenue and EPS growth driven by digital evolution, AI-enabled solutions, and opportunities in private credit segments, emphasizing improved operating leverage over the past 2 to 5 years.
  • Acquisition integration and global presence: The company detailed successful integration of key acquisitions into a unified technology platform, bolstering cross-selling opportunities and strengthening its significant global footprint, with nearly half of revenues coming from outside the US.
  • Advancement in AI and analytics: Moody's is investing in AI and innovative platforms, such as its Research Assistant and enhanced lending solutions, to transform client interactions and evolve its revenue model towards consumption-based pricing.
May 29, 2025, 8:15 AM
Moody's Highlights Updated Guidance and Strategic Initiatives
·$MCO
Guidance Update
M&A
New Projects/Investments
  • Moody's Analytics reported 9% ARR growth overall with its Decision Solutions segment growing at 12% and reaching over $1.4 billion in ARR, while updating its medium-term guidance to target low double-digit ARR growth and margin expansion to the mid- to high 30s.
  • The company adjusted its revenue guidance to reflect macro uncertainty, noting potential delays in customer investment decisions and a moderation in M&A growth expectations.
  • Moody's is expanding its focus on private credit, with private credit deal activity doubling in Q1 and the launch of a dedicated team to address market needs.
  • The firm is integrating GenAI across its offerings and internal processes—enhancing customer support, sales, engineering, and other back-office functions—to drive efficiency gains.
May 7, 2025, 10:31 AM
Moody's Corp Reports Q1 2025 Earnings and Results
·$MCO
Earnings
Revenue Acceleration/Inflection
Guidance Update
  • Diluted EPS increased to $3.46 (up 10%) and Adjusted diluted EPS improved by 14% to $3.83 compared to the prior-year quarter
  • Revenue reached $1.9 billion (up 8% YoY) across Moody's Analytics and Moody's Investors Service, with MIS revenue hitting a record $1.1B
  • Company updated its full-year guidance, now expecting Adjusted diluted EPS between $13.25 and $14.00, reflecting a mid-point annual growth of 9%
  • Adjusted operating margins improved, with MA at 30.0% and MIS at 66.0%, supporting strong profitability
  • CEO and CFO emphasized strong performance amid market volatility by leveraging strategic growth and cost management initiatives
Apr 22, 2025, 1:00 PM