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Earnings release · 8-K exhibit

Moody's Corp. · Earnings release

MCO · Financials

Filed 2025-02-13 · CY2025 Q1 · Company’s FY2024 Q4 · 7,852 words

Read the original on sec.gov ↗

EX-99.12a4q24earningsrelease.htmEX-99.1 Document

MOODY'S CORPORATION REPORTS RESULTS FOR FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2024; SETS OUTLOOK FOR 2025

NEW YORK, NY - February 13, 2025 - Moody's Corporation (NYSE: MCO) today announced results for the fourth quarter and full year 2024, provided its outlook for full year 2025 and updated medium-term guidance2.

FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR SUMMARY FINANCIALS

Moody’s Corporation

(MCO) Revenue

Moody’s Analytics

(MA) Revenue

Moody’s Investors Service

(MIS) Revenue

4Q 2024

4Q 2024

4Q 2024

$1.7 billion ⇑ 13%

$863 million ⇑ 8%

$809 million ⇑ 18%

FY 2024

FY 2024

FY 2024

$7.1 billion ⇑ 20%

$3.3 billion ⇑ 8%

$3.8 billion ⇑ 33%

MCO Diluted EPS

MCO Adjusted Diluted EPS1

MCO FY 2025 Projected2

4Q 2024

4Q 2024

Diluted EPS

$2.17 ⇑ 17%

$2.62 ⇑ 20%

$12.75 to $13.25

FY 2024

FY 2024

Adjusted Diluted EPS1

$11.26 ⇑ 29%

$12.47 ⇑ 26%

$14.00 to $14.50

“Moody’s delivered a strong finish in Q4, capping a year of incredible achievements with full year revenue growth of 20%. We sit at the intersection of deep currents that are transforming the way companies do business and markets function. The investments we’ve made in our platform, data and product innovation, paired with disciplined execution, put us in a position to capitalize on these durable demand drivers for both businesses.”

Rob Fauber

President and Chief Executive Officer

“We delivered exceptional results in 2024. MIS transactional revenue grew 54%, outpacing issuance growth of 42% with our world-class analysts rating over $6 trillion of debt. MA achieved 9% ARR growth on strong demand for our workflow solutions. For 2025, we are forecasting MCO revenue growth in the high-single-digit percent range and Adjusted Diluted EPS1 in the range of $14.00 to $14.50, growing low-to-mid-teens on the back of 26% growth in full year 2024. Heading into the third year of our medium-term targets, we have assessed our performance and are excited to provide an update, including a raise of our Adjusted Diluted EPS growth rate to a range of low-to-mid-teens percent.”2,3

Noémie Heuland

Chief Financial Officer

1 Refer to the tables at the end of this press release for reconciliations of adjusted measures to U.S. GAAP.

2 Guidance as of February 13, 2025. Refer to Table 12 - “2025 Outlook” for table of all items for which the Company provides guidance and page 10 for disclosure regarding the assumptions used by the Company with respect to its guidance. Medium-term targets refer to a time period within 5 years from the base year 2022. Growth refers to the average annualized growth over the period.

3 Moody’s does not provide medium-term diluted EPS on a U.S. GAAP basis because the items that the Company excludes to derive Adjusted Diluted EPS cannot be reasonably predicted or assumed, for example the amount of amortization associated with acquired intangible assets from future M&A activity. Accordingly, the Company does not forecast these items over the medium-term. The occurrence, timing and amount of any of the items excluded from net income to derive Adjusted Diluted EPS could significantly impact the Company’s medium-term U.S. GAAP results.

1

REVENUE

Moody’s Corporation (MCO)

Fourth Quarter 2024

Full Year 2024

•Revenue increased 13% from the prior-year period.

•Foreign currency translation had an immaterial impact on MCO revenue.

•Revenue increased 20% from the prior-year period.

•Foreign currency translation had an immaterial impact on MCO revenue.

2

Moody’s Analytics (MA)

Fourth Quarter 2024

Full Year 2024

•Revenue grew 8% versus the prior-year period, driven by 11% growth in Decision Solutions with notable contributions from Banking (11%), Insurance (9%) and Know Your Customer (15%).

•Recurring revenue, comprising 95% of total MA revenue, grew 10%. Recurring revenue growth was led by Decision Solutions.

•Recurring revenue for Banking increased 16%, while both Insurance and KYC recurring revenue increased 14%.

•Transaction revenue, most prominent in Banking, declined by 13%.

•Foreign currency translation had an immaterial impact on MA revenue.

•Revenue grew 8% versus the prior-year period.

•Recurring revenue grew 9% and transaction revenue declined 14%.

•ARR4 of $3.3 billion increased by $282 million or 9% from $3.0 billion as of December 31, 2023.

•Decision Solutions ARR4 grew 12%, including 9% in Banking, 12% in Insurance and 17% in KYC. Research & Insights and Data & Information grew 6% and 8%, respectively.

•Foreign currency translation had an immaterial impact on MA revenue.

4 Refer to Table 10 at the end of this press release for the definition of and further information on the Annualized Recurring Revenue (ARR) metric.

3

Moody’s Investors Service (MIS)

4

Fourth Quarter 2024

Full Year 2024

•Revenue increased 18% compared to the prior-year period, achieving the second highest fourth quarter on record and reaching the highest fourth quarter issuance in decades.

•Transactional revenue grew 29% from the prior-year period, reflecting continued activity across all lines of business.

•Revenue growth within Corporate Finance is primarily attributed to leveraged finance issuance, with a significant contribution from repricing activity in bank loans.

•Financial Institutions growth was underpinned by continued strength in infrequent issuer activity in the Banking and Insurance sectors.

•Structured Finance revenue growth was driven by the strongest quarter for rated CLOs since 2021, and heightened CMBS issuance.

•Foreign currency translation unfavorably impacted MIS revenue by 1%.

•Revenue increased 33% compared to the prior-year period.

•Market conditions remained favorable throughout the year, with tight spreads, declining interest rates and strong investor demand.

•Within Corporate Finance, leveraged finance issuance was the main driver of growth due to elevated refinancing, repricing and improving M&A activity.

•Revenue increase in Financial Institutions was driven by sustained activity from infrequent Banking and Insurance issuers.

•Structured Finance revenue growth benefitted from CLO issuance, particularly from refinancing and a recovery in the CMBS market.

•Foreign currency translation had an immaterial impact on MIS revenue.

5

OPERATING EXPENSES AND MARGIN

MCO Operating Expenses

Full Year 2024

Full Year 2025 Forecast2

•Operating expenses grew 11% compared to the prior-year period. The increase included 5% from investments and operational costs (which included a charge related to a previously disclosed regulatory matter) and 4% related to higher incentive and stock-based compensation. Foreign currency translation had an immaterial impact on operating expenses.

•Recorded $45 million in charges related to the Strategic and Operational Efficiency Restructuring Program. This program aims to realign the business toward high priority growth areas and to consolidate certain functions to simplify the organizational structure, with the goals of enabling efficiency and improving operating leverage.

•Operating expenses projected to increase in the low-to-mid-single-digit percent range in 2025.

•Growth in operating expenses to be driven by higher operating growth, including annual compensation increases, ongoing organic investments and M&A, partially offset by the reset of incentive compensation accruals and savings associated with cost efficiencies.

•G1Projecting $80 million to $100 million in restructuring charges in 2025, with cumulative charges estimated to be approximately $200 million to $250 million by the end of 2026. The program upon completion is expected to generate $250 million to $300 million in annualized savings.

5 Refer to Table 5 - “Financial Information by Segment (Unaudited)” for more information regarding the “Charges Related to Asset Abandonment” category.

6

Operating Margin and Adjusted Operating Margin1

Fourth Quarter 2024

Full Year 2024

•MCO’s operating margin was 33.6%. MCO’s adjusted operating margin1 was 43.8%, up 120 basis points from the prior-year period.

•MA’s adjusted operating margin rose by 240 basis points to 33.8%.This improvement demonstrates the company's successful execution of cost discipline measures, further amplified by top-line growth.

•MIS’s adjusted operating margin of 51.3% reflects strong revenue growth derived from a heightened issuance environment, partially offset by higher incentive compensation.

•Foreign currency translation had an immaterial impact on both operating and adjusted operating margins1.

•MCO’s operating margin was 40.6%. MCO’s adjusted operating margin1 was 48.1%, up 420 basis points from the prior-year period.

•MA’s adjusted operating margin of 30.7% reflects ongoing efforts to balance strategic investments with operational efficiency.

•MIS’s adjusted operating margin increased 560 basis points to 60.1% from the prior-year period, demonstrating the operational leverage of the business and a disciplined approach to expense management.

•Foreign currency translation had an immaterial impact on both operating and adjusted operating margins1.

7

EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)

Diluted EPS and Adjusted Diluted EPS1

Fourth Quarter 2024

Full Year 2024

•Diluted EPS and Adjusted Diluted EPS1 grew 17% and 20%, respectively, from the prior-year period which primarily reflects the robust revenue performance during the quarter.

•The Effective Tax Rate (ETR) of 24.8% was in line with the 24.4% from the prior-year period.

•The increase in both Diluted EPS and Adjusted Diluted EPS1 is associated with an increase in net income supported by strong revenue growth from both segments, particularly in MIS.

•The ETR was 23.7%, higher than the 16.9% reported in the prior-year period, primarily due to the favorable resolutions of uncertain tax positions within U.S. domestic and foreign tax jurisdictions in Q1 2023.

8

CAPITAL ALLOCATION AND LIQUIDITY

Capital Returned to Shareholders & Free Cash Flow1

•Cash flow from operations was $2,838 million and free cash flow1 was $2,521 million.

•The increase in both operating cash flow and free cash flow1 was primarily driven by higher net income due to strong revenue growth from both segments.

•On February 12, 2025, the Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.94 per share of MCO Common Stock, an 11% increase from the prior quarterly dividend of $0.85 per share. The dividend will be payable on March 14, 2025, to stockholders of record at the close of business on February 25, 2025.

•During the fourth quarter of 2024, Moody’s repurchased 1.0 million shares at an average cost of $477.15 per share and issued net 0.1 million shares as part of its employee stock-based compensation programs. The net amount included shares withheld for employee payroll taxes.

•As of December 31, 2024, Moody’s had 180.3 million shares outstanding, with approximately $1.6 billion of share repurchase authority remaining. There is no established expiration date for the remaining authorizations.

•As of December 31, 2024, Moody's had $7.4 billion of outstanding debt and an undrawn $1.25 billion revolving credit facility.

9

ASSUMPTIONS AND OUTLOOK

Moody’s updated outlook for full year 2025, as of February 13, 2025, reflects assumptions about numerous factors that could affect its business and is based on currently available information reviewed by management through, and as of, today’s date. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, the effects of current economic conditions, including the effects of interest rates, inflation, foreign currency exchange rates, capital markets’ liquidity, trade tariffs and policy and activity in different sectors of the debt markets. This outlook also reflects assumptions about global GDP growth, and the impacts resulting from changes in international conditions, including as a result of the Russia-Ukraine military conflict and the military conflict in the Middle East. Actual full year 2025 results could differ materially from Moody’s current outlook.

This outlook incorporates various specific macroeconomic assumptions, including:

Forecasted Item

Current Assumption

U.S. GDP (1) growth

1.5% - 2.5%

Euro area GDP (1) growth

0.5% - 1.5%

Global GDP (1) growth

2.0% - 3.0%

Global policy rates

To continue to normalize throughout 2025, including two cuts by the U.S. Fed

U.S. high yield spreads

To widen to around 430 bps by year-end, below historical average of around 500 bps

U.S. inflation rate

To average around 2.0% - 2.5%

Euro area inflation rate

To average around 2.0% through 2025

U.S. unemployment rate

To average around 4.2% - 4.5% over the next 12 months

Global high yield default rate

To decline below 3.0% in 2025

Global MIS rated issuance

Increase in the low-single-digit percent range

GBP/USD exchange rate

$1.25 for the full year

EUR/USD exchange rate

$1.04 for the full year

Note: All current assumptions are as of February 13, 2025.

(1) GDP growth represents real GDP.

A full summary of Moody's full year 2025 guidance as of February 13, 2025, is included in Table 12 – “2025 Outlook” at the end of this press release.

TELECONFERENCE DETAILS

Date and Time

February 13, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time (ET).

Webcast

The webcast and its replay can be accessed through Moody’s Investor Relations website, ir.moodys.com, within “Events & Presentations.”

Dial In

U.S. and Canada

‘+1-888-596-4144

Other callers

‘+1-646-968-2525

Passcode

515 6491

Dial In Replay

A replay will be available immediately after the call on February 13, 2025 and until February 20, 2025.

U.S. and Canada

‘+1-800-770-2030

Other callers

‘+1-609-800-9909

Passcode

515 6491

10

ABOUT MOODY’S CORPORATION

In a world shaped by increasingly interconnected risks, Moody’s (NYSE:MCO) data, insights, and innovative technologies help customers develop a holistic view of their world and unlock opportunities. With a rich history of experience in global markets and a diverse workforce of approximately 16,000 across more than 40 countries, Moody’s gives customers the comprehensive perspective needed to act with confidence and thrive. Learn more at moodys.com.

“SAFE HARBOR” STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

Certain statements contained in this document are forward-looking statements and are based on future expectations, plans and prospects for Moody’s business and operations that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Such statements involve estimates, projections, goals, forecasts, assumptions and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those contemplated, expressed, projected, anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. Stockholders and investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and other information in this document are made as of the date hereof, and Moody’s undertakes no obligation (nor does it intend) to publicly supplement, update or revise such statements on a going-forward basis, whether as a result of subsequent developments, changed expectations or otherwise, except as required by applicable law or regulation.

In connection with the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Moody’s is identifying certain factors that could cause actual results to differ, perhaps materially, from those indicated by these forward-looking statements. These factors, risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the impact of general economic conditions (including significant government debt and deficit levels, and inflation and related monetary policy actions by governments in response to inflation) on worldwide credit markets and on economic activity, including on the volume of mergers and acquisitions, and their effects on the volume of debt and other securities issued in domestic and/or global capital markets; the uncertain effectiveness and possible collateral consequences of U.S. and foreign government initiatives and monetary policy to respond to the current economic climate, including instability of financial institutions, credit quality concerns, and other potential impacts of volatility in financial and credit markets; the global impacts of the Russia - Ukraine military conflict and the military conflict in the Middle East on volatility in world financial markets, on general economic conditions and GDP in the U.S. and worldwide, on global relations and on the Company's own operations and personnel; other matters that could affect the volume of debt and other securities issued in domestic and/or global capital markets, including regulation, increased utilization of technologies that have the potential to intensify competition and accelerate disruption and disintermediation in the financial services industry, as well as the number of issuances of securities without ratings or securities which are rated or evaluated by non-traditional parties; the level of merger and acquisition activity in the U.S. and abroad; the uncertain effectiveness and possible collateral consequences of U.S. and foreign government actions affecting credit markets, international trade and economic policy, including those related to tariffs, tax agreements and trade barriers; the impact of MIS’s withdrawal of its credit ratings on countries or entities within countries and of Moody’s no longer conducting commercial operations in countries where political instability warrants such actions; concerns in the marketplace affecting our credibility or otherwise affecting market perceptions of the integrity or utility of independent credit agency ratings; the introduction or development of competing and/or emerging technologies and products; pricing pressure from competitors and/or customers; the level of success of new product development and global expansion; the impact of regulation as an NRSRO, the potential for new U.S., state and local legislation and regulations; the potential for increased competition and regulation in the jurisdictions in which we operate, including the EU; exposure to litigation related to our rating opinions, as well as any other litigation, government and regulatory proceedings, investigations and inquiries to which Moody’s may be subject from time to time; provisions in U.S. legislation modifying the pleading standards and EU regulations modifying the liability standards applicable to credit rating agencies in a manner adverse to credit rating agencies; provisions of EU regulations imposing additional procedural and substantive requirements on the pricing of services and the expansion of supervisory remit to include non-EU ratings used for regulatory purposes; uncertainty regarding the future relationship between the U.S. and China; the possible loss of key employees and the impact of the global labor environment; failures or malfunctions of our operations and infrastructure; any vulnerabilities to cyber threats or other cybersecurity concerns; the timing and effectiveness of any restructuring programs; currency and foreign exchange volatility; the outcome of any review by tax authorities of Moody’s global tax planning initiatives; exposure to potential criminal sanctions or civil remedies if Moody’s fails to comply with foreign and U.S. laws and regulations that are applicable in the jurisdictions in which Moody’s operates, including data protection and privacy laws, sanctions laws, anti-corruption laws, and local laws prohibiting corrupt payments to government officials; the impact of mergers, acquisitions or other business combinations and the ability of Moody’s to successfully integrate acquired businesses; the level of future cash flows; the levels of capital investments; and a decline in the demand for credit risk management tools by financial institutions.

These factors, risks and uncertainties as well as other risks and uncertainties that could cause Moody’s actual results to differ materially from those contemplated, expressed, projected, anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements are described in greater detail under “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of Moody’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and in other filings made by the Company from time to time with the SEC or in materials incorporated herein or therein. Stockholders and investors are cautioned that the occurrence of any of these factors, risks and uncertainties may cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those contemplated, expressed, projected, anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements, which could have a material and adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

New factors may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict new factors, nor can the Company assess the potential effect of any new factors on it. Forward-looking and other statements in this document may also address our corporate responsibility progress, plans, and goals (including sustainability and environmental matters), and the inclusion of such statements is not an indication that these contents are necessarily material to investors or required to be disclosed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, historical, current, and forward-looking sustainability-related statements may be based on standards for measuring progress that are still developing, internal controls and processes that continue to evolve, and assumptions that are subject to change in the future.

11

Table 1 - Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)

Three Months Ended

December 31,

Year Ended

December 31,

Amounts in millions, except per share amounts

2024

2023

2024

2023

Revenue

$

1,672

$

1,480

$

7,088

$

5,916

Expenses:

Operating

497

421

1,945

1,687

Selling, general and administrative

442

428

1,735

1,632

Depreciation and amortization

113

97

431

373

Restructuring

46

36

59

87

Charges related to asset abandonment

13

—

43

—

Total expenses

1,111

982

4,213

3,779

Operating income

561

498

2,875

2,137

Non-operating (expense) income, net

Interest expense, net

(52)

(66)

(237)

(251)

Other non-operating income, net

16

18

61

49

Total non-operating (expense) income, net

(36)

(48)

(176)

(202)

Income before provision for income taxes

525

450

2,699

1,935

Provision for income taxes

130

110

640

327

Net income

395

340

2,059

1,608

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

—

—

1

1

Net income attributable to Moody's

$

395

$

340

$

2,058

$

1,607

Earnings per share attributable to Moody's common shareholders

Basic

$

2.18

$

1.86

$

11.32

$

8.77

Diluted

$

2.17

$

1.85

$

11.26

$

8.73

Weighted average number of shares outstanding

Basic

180.8

182.7

181.8

183.2

Diluted

181.7

183.6

182.7

184.0

12

Table 2 - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Data (Unaudited)

Amounts in millions

December 31, 2024

December 31, 2023

ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

2,408

$

2,130

Short-term investments

566

63

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $32 in 2024 and $35 in 2023

1,801

1,659

Other current assets

515

489

Total current assets

5,290

4,341

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $1,453 in 2024 and $1,272 in 2023

656

603

Operating lease right-of-use assets

216

277

Goodwill

5,994

5,956

Intangible assets, net

1,890

2,049

Deferred tax assets, net

293

258

Other assets

1,166

1,138

Total assets

$

15,505

$

14,622

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

$

1,344

$

1,076

Current portion of operating lease liabilities

102

108

Current portion of long-term debt

697

—

Deferred revenue

1,454

1,316

Total current liabilities

3,597

2,500

Non-current portion of deferred revenue

57

65

Long-term debt

6,731

7,001

Deferred tax liabilities, net

449

402

Uncertain tax positions

211

196

Operating lease liabilities

216

306

Other liabilities

517

676

Total liabilities

11,778

11,146

Total Moody's shareholders' equity

3,565

3,318

Noncontrolling interests

162

158

Total shareholders' equity

3,727

3,476

Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests and shareholders' equity

$

15,505

$

14,622

13

Table 3 - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

Year Ended

December 31,

Amounts in millions

2024

2023

Cash flows from operating activities

Net income

$

2,059

$

1,608

Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization

431

373

Stock-based compensation

220

193

Deferred income taxes

(62)

(38)

Non-cash restructuring and asset impairment/abandonment-related charges

32

35

Provision for credit losses on accounts receivable

15

22

Gain on previously held/sold investments in non-consolidated affiliates

(7)

(4)

Net changes in other operating assets and liabilities

150

(38)

Net cash provided by operating activities

2,838

2,151

Cash flows from investing activities

Capital additions

(317)

(271)

Purchases of investments

(651)

(143)

Sales and maturities of investments

135

162

Purchases of investments in non-consolidated affiliates

(4)

(5)

Sales of/distributions from investments in non-consolidated affiliates

2

13

Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired

(221)

(3)

Net cash used in investing activities

(1,056)

(247)

Cash flows from financing activities

Issuance of notes

496

—

Repayment of notes

—

(500)

Proceeds from stock-based compensation plans

73

50

Repurchase of shares related to stock-based compensation

(91)

(71)

Treasury shares

(1,292)

(490)

Dividends

(620)

(564)

Dividends to noncontrolling interests

(7)

(9)

Debt issuance costs and related fees

(5)

—

Net cash used in financing activities

(1,446)

(1,584)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

(58)

41

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

278

361

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

2,130

1,769

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$

2,408

$

2,130

14

Table 4 - Non-Operating (Expense) Income, Net (Unaudited)

Three Months Ended

December 31,

Year Ended

December 31,

Amounts in millions

2024

2023

2024

2023

Interest:

Income

$

29

$

19

$

102

$

63

Expense on borrowings

(73)

(76)

(300)

(296)

(Expense) income on UTPs and other tax related liabilities(1)

(1)

(2)

(13)

8

Net periodic pension costs - interest component

(7)

(7)

(26)

(26)

Interest expense, net

$

(52)

$

(66)

$

(237)

$

(251)

Other non-operating income, net:

FX gain (loss)

$

7

$

(1)

$

—

$

(30)

Net periodic pension income - non-service and non-interest cost components

5

9

30

35

Income/gain from investments in non-consolidated affiliates

5

7

15

19

Gain on previously held equity method investments(2)

—

—

7

—

Gain on investments

1

3

13

14

Other

(2)

—

(4)

11

Other non-operating income, net

$

16

$

18

$

61

$

49

Total non-operating (expense) income, net

$

(36)

$

(48)

$

(176)

$

(202)

(1) The amount for the year ended December 31, 2023 includes a $22 million reduction of tax-related interest expense primarily related to the resolutions of tax matters.

(2) The amount for the year ended December 31, 2024 reflects non-cash gains relating to the step-acquisitions of Praedicat and GCR.

15

Table 5 - Financial Information by Segment (Unaudited)

The table below shows revenue and Adjusted Operating Income by reportable segment. Adjusted Operating Income is a financial metric utilized by the Company’s chief operating decision maker to assess the profitability of each reportable segment.

Three Months Ended December 31,

2024

2023

Amounts in millions

MA

MIS

Eliminations

Consolidated

MA

MIS

Eliminations

Consolidated

Total external revenue

$

863

$

809

$

—

$

1,672

$

796

$

684

$

—

$

1,480

Intersegment revenue

3

49

(52)

—

3

48

(51)

—

Total revenue

866

858

(52)

1,672

799

732

(51)

1,480

Compensation expense

347

302

—

649

317

251

—

568

Non-compensation expense

177

113

—

290

183

98

—

281

Intersegment expense

49

3

(52)

—

48

3

(51)

—

Operating, SG&A

573

418

(52)

939

548

352

(51)

849

Adjusted Operating Income

$

293

$

440

$

—

$

733

$

251

$

380

$

—

$

631

Adjusted Operating Margin

33.8

%

51.3

%

43.8

%

31.4

%

51.9

%

42.6

%

Depreciation and amortization

93

20

—

113

78

19

—

97

Restructuring

35

11

—

46

21

15

—

36

Charges related to asset abandonment

13

—

—

13

—

—

—

—

Operating income

$

561

$

498

Operating margin

33.6

%

33.6

%

Year Ended December 31,

2024

2023

Amounts in millions

MA

MIS

Eliminations

Consolidated

MA

MIS

Eliminations

Consolidated

Total external revenue

$

3,295

$

3,793

$

—

$

7,088

$

3,056

$

2,860

$

—

$

5,916

Intersegment revenue

13

193

(206)

—

13

186

(199)

—

Total revenue

3,308

3,986

(206)

7,088

3,069

3,046

(199)

5,916

Compensation expense

1,370

1,169

—

2,539

1,238

1,003

—

2,241

Non-compensation expense

731

410

—

1,141

708

370

—

1,078

Intersegment expense

193

13

(206)

—

186

13

(199)

—

Operating, SG&A

2,294

1,592

(206)

3,680

2,132

1,386

(199)

3,319

Adjusted Operating Income

$

1,014

$

2,394

$

—

$

3,408

$

937

$

1,660

$

—

$

2,597

Adjusted Operating Margin

30.7

%

60.1

%

48.1

%

30.5

%

54.5

%

43.9

%

Depreciation and amortization

353

78

—

431

298

75

—

373

Restructuring

42

17

—

59

59

28

—

87

Charges related to asset abandonment (1)

43

—

—

43

—

—

—

—

Operating income

$

2,875

$

2,137

Operating margin

40.6

%

36.1

%

(1) During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recorded charges related to asset abandonment of $43 million pursuant to the Company's decision to outsource the production of certain sustainability content utilized in our product offerings. These charges consist of: i) $12 million related to severance incurred pursuant to a reduction in staff; and ii) $31 million in incremental amortization expense related to the change in estimated useful lives of certain internally developed software and amortizable intangible assets that are associated with the sustainability content offerings for which production is being outsourced.

16

Table 6 - Transaction and Recurring Revenue (Unaudited)

The following tables summarize the split between transaction revenue and recurring revenue. In the MA segment, recurring revenue represents subscription-based revenue and software maintenance revenue. Transaction revenue in MA represents perpetual software license fees and revenue from software implementation services, risk management advisory projects, and training and certification services. In the MIS segment, excluding MIS Other, transaction revenue represents the initial rating of a new debt issuance, as well as other one-time fees, while recurring revenue represents recurring monitoring fees of a rated debt obligation and/or entities that issue such obligations, as well as revenue from programs such as commercial paper, medium-term notes and shelf registrations. In MIS Other, transaction revenue represents revenue from professional services, while recurring revenue represents subscription-based revenue.

Three Months Ended December 31,

2024

2023

Amounts in millions

Transaction

Recurring

Total

Transaction

Recurring

Total

Decision Solutions

Banking

$

29

$

117

$

146

$

30

$

101

$

131

20

%

80

%

100

%

23

%

77

%

100

%

Insurance

$

7

$

152

$

159

$

13

$

133

$

146

4

%

96

%

100

%

9

%

91

%

100

%

KYC

$

1

$

96

$

97

$

—

$

84

$

84

1

%

99

%

100

%

—

%

100

%

100

%

Total Decision Solutions

$

37

$

365

$

402

$

43

$

318

$

361

9

%

91

%

100

%

12

%

88

%

100

%

Research & Insights

$

4

$

239

$

243

$

4

$

226

$

230

2

%

98

%

100

%

2

%

98

%

100

%

Data & Information

$

1

$

217

$

218

$

1

$

204

$

205

—

%

100

%

100

%

—

%

100

%

100

%

Total MA

$

42

$

821

$

863

$

48

$

748

$

796

5

%

95

%

100

%

6

%

94

%

100

%

Corporate Finance

$

246

$

135

$

381

$

205

$

132

$

337

65

%

35

%

100

%

61

%

39

%

100

%

Structured Finance

$

79

$

59

$

138

$

48

$

54

$

102

57

%

43

%

100

%

47

%

53

%

100

%

Financial Institutions

$

89

$

78

$

167

$

59

$

73

$

132

53

%

47

%

100

%

45

%

55

%

100

%

Public, Project and Infrastructure Finance

$

69

$

46

$

115

$

61

$

44

$

105

60

%

40

%

100

%

58

%

42

%

100

%

MIS Other

$

2

$

6

$

8

$

2

$

6

$

8

25

%

75

%

100

%

25

%

75

%

100

%

Total MIS

$

485

$

324

$

809

$

375

$

309

$

684

60

%

40

%

100

%

55

%

45

%

100

%

Total Moody's Corporation

$

527

$

1,145

$

1,672

$

423

$

1,057

$

1,480

32

%

68

%

100

%

29

%

71

%

100

%

17

Table 6 - Transaction and Recurring Revenue (Unaudited) Continued

Year Ended December 31,

2024

2023

Amounts in millions

Transaction

Recurring

Total

Transaction

Recurring

Total

Decision Solutions

Banking

$

117

$

434

$

551

$

130

$

391

$

521

21

%

79

%

100

%

25

%

75

%

100

%

Insurance

$

23

$

575

$

598

$

38

$

512

$

550

4

%

96

%

100

%

7

%

93

%

100

%

KYC

$

2

$

365

$

367

$

1

$

311

$

312

1

%

99

%

100

%

—

%

100

%

100

%

Total Decision Solutions

$

142

$

1,374

$

1,516

$

169

$

1,214

$

1,383

9

%

91

%

100

%

12

%

88

%

100

%

Research & Insights

$

15

$

911

$

926

$

16

$

868

$

884

2

%

98

%

100

%

2

%

98

%

100

%

Data & Information

$

4

$

849

$

853

$

3

$

786

$

789

—

%

100

%

100

%

—

%

100

%

100

%

Total MA

$

161

$

3,134

$

3,295

$

188

$

2,868

$

3,056

5

%

95

%

100

%

6

%

94

%

100

%

Corporate Finance

$

1,415

$

535

$

1,950

$

887

$

517

$

1,404

73

%

27

%

100

%

63

%

37

%

100

%

Structured Finance

$

292

$

226

$

518

$

190

$

215

$

405

56

%

44

%

100

%

47

%

53

%

100

%

Financial Institutions

$

418

$

309

$

727

$

254

$

291

$

545

57

%

43

%

100

%

47

%

53

%

100

%

Public, Project and Infrastructure Finance

$

384

$

180

$

564

$

301

$

175

$

476

68

%

32

%

100

%

63

%

37

%

100

%

MIS Other

$

8

$

26

$

34

$

6

$

24

$

30

24

%

76

%

100

%

20

%

80

%

100

%

Total MIS

$

2,517

$

1,276

$

3,793

$

1,638

$

1,222

$

2,860

66

%

34

%

100

%

57

%

43

%

100

%

Total Moody's Corporation

$

2,678

$

4,410

$

7,088

$

1,826

$

4,090

$

5,916

38

%

62

%

100

%

31

%

69

%

100

%

18

Table 7 - Adjusted Operating Income and Adjusted Operating Margin (Unaudited)

The Company presents Adjusted Operating Income and Adjusted Operating Margin because management deems these metrics to be useful measures to provide additional perspective on Moody's operating performance. Adjusted Operating Income excludes the impact of: i) depreciation and amortization; ii) restructuring charges/adjustments; and iii) charges related to asset abandonment. Depreciation and amortization are excluded because companies utilize productive assets of different estimated useful lives and use different methods of acquiring and depreciating productive assets. Restructuring charges/adjustments and charges related to asset abandonment, which the Company believes are not reflective of its ongoing operating cost structure, are excluded as the frequency and magnitude of these charges may vary widely across periods and companies.

Management believes that the exclusion of the aforementioned items, as detailed in the reconciliation below, allows for an additional perspective on the Company’s operating results from period to period and across companies. The Company defines Adjusted Operating Margin as Adjusted Operating Income divided by revenue.

Below is a reconciliation of these measures to their most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures:

Three Months Ended December 31,

Year Ended December 31,

Amounts in millions

2024

2023

2024

2023

Operating income

$

561

$

498

$

2,875

$

2,137

Depreciation and amortization

113

97

431

373

Restructuring

46

36

59

87

Charges related to asset abandonment

13

—

43

—

Adjusted Operating Income

$

733

$

631

$

3,408

$

2,597

Operating margin

33.6

%

33.6

%

40.6

%

36.1

%

Adjusted Operating Margin

43.8

%

42.6

%

48.1

%

43.9

%

Table 8 - Free Cash Flow (Unaudited)

The Company defines Free Cash Flow as net cash provided by operating activities minus cash paid for capital additions. Management believes that Free Cash Flow is a useful metric in assessing the Company’s cash flows to service debt, pay dividends and to fund acquisitions and share repurchases. Management deems capital expenditures essential to the Company’s product and service innovations and maintenance of Moody’s operational capabilities. Accordingly, capital expenditures are deemed to be a recurring use of Moody’s cash flow.

Below is a reconciliation of the Company’s net cash flows from operating activities to Free Cash Flow:

Year Ended December 31,

Amounts in millions

2024

2023

Net cash provided by operating activities

$

2,838

$

2,151

Capital additions

(317)

(271)

Free Cash Flow

$

2,521

$

1,880

Net cash used in investing activities

$

(1,056)

$

(247)

Net cash used in financing activities

$

(1,446)

$

(1,584)

19

Table 9 - Constant Currency Revenue Growth (Unaudited)

The Company presents constant currency revenue growth (decline) as its non-GAAP measure of revenue growth (decline). Management deems this measure to be useful in providing additional perspective in assessing the Company's revenue growth (decline) excluding the impacts of changes in foreign exchange rates. The Company calculates the dollar impact of foreign exchange as the difference between the translation of its current period non-USD functional currency results using comparative prior period weighted average foreign exchange translation rates and current year reported results.

Below is a reconciliation of the Company's reported revenue and growth (decline) rates to its constant currency revenue growth (decline) measures:

Three Months Ended December 31,

Year Ended December 31,

Amounts in millions

2024

2023

Change

Growth

2024

2023

Change

Growth

MCO revenue

$

1,672

$

1,480

$

192

13%

$

7,088

$

5,916

$

1,172

20%

FX impact

4

—

4

(1)

—

(1)

Constant currency MCO revenue

$

1,676

$

1,480

$

196

13%

$

7,087

$

5,916

$

1,171

20%

MA revenue

$

863

$

796

$

67

8%

$

3,295

$

3,056

$

239

8%

FX impact

—

—

—

(6)

—

(6)

Constant currency MA revenue

$

863

$

796

$

67

8%

$

3,289

$

3,056

$

233

8%

Decision Solutions revenue

$

402

$

361

$

41

11%

$

1,516

$

1,383

$

133

10%

FX impact

—

—

—

(2)

—

(2)

Constant currency Decision Solutions revenue

$

402

$

361

$

41

11%

$

1,514

$

1,383

$

131

9%

Research and Insights revenue

$

243

$

230

$

13

6%

$

926

$

884

$

42

5%

FX impact

—

—

—

(2)

—

(2)

Constant currency Research and Insights revenue

$

243

$

230

$

13

6%

$

924

$

884

$

40

5%

Data and Information revenue

$

218

$

205

$

13

6%

$

853

$

789

$

64

8%

FX impact

—

—

—

(2)

—

(2)

Constant currency Data and Information revenue

$

218

$

205

$

13

6%

$

851

$

789

$

62

8%

MA recurring revenue

$

821

$

748

$

73

10%

$

3,134

$

2,868

$

266

9%

FX impact

(2)

—

(2)

(8)

—

(8)

Constant currency MA recurring revenue

$

819

$

748

$

71

9%

$

3,126

$

2,868

$

258

9%

MIS revenue

$

809

$

684

$

125

18%

$

3,793

$

2,860

$

933

33%

FX impact

4

—

4

5

—

5

Constant currency MIS revenue

$

813

$

684

$

129

19%

$

3,798

$

2,860

$

938

33%

CFG revenue

$

381

$

337

$

44

13%

$

1,950

$

1,404

$

546

39%

FX impact

1

—

1

1

—

1

Constant currency CFG revenue

$

382

$

337

$

45

13%

$

1,951

$

1,404

$

547

39%

SFG revenue

$

138

$

102

$

36

35%

$

518

$

405

$

113

28%

FX impact

1

—

1

2

—

2

Constant currency SFG revenue

$

139

$

102

$

37

36%

$

520

$

405

$

115

28%

FIG revenue

$

167

$

132

$

35

27%

$

727

$

545

$

182

33%

FX impact

1

—

1

1

—

1

Constant currency FIG revenue

$

168

$

132

$

36

27%

$

728

$

545

$

183

34%

PPIF revenue

$

115

$

105

$

10

10%

$

564

$

476

$

88

18%

FX impact

1

—

1

—

—

—

Constant currency PPIF revenue

$

116

$

105

$

11

10%

$

564

$

476

$

88

18%

20

Table 10 - Key Performance Metrics - Annualized Recurring Revenue (Unaudited)

The Company presents Annualized Recurring Revenue (“ARR”) on a constant currency organic basis for its MA business as a supplemental performance metric to provide additional insight on the estimated value of MA's recurring revenue contracts at a given point in time. The Company uses ARR to manage and monitor performance of its MA operating segment and believes that this metric is a key indicator of the trajectory of MA's recurring revenue base.

The Company calculates ARR by taking the total recurring contract value for each active renewable contract as of the reporting date, divided by the number of days in the contract and multiplied by 365 days to create an annualized value. The Company defines renewable contracts as subscriptions, term licenses, maintenance and renewable services. ARR excludes transaction sales including one-time training, services and perpetual licenses. In order to compare period-over-period ARR excluding the effects of foreign currency translation, the Company bases the calculation on currency rates utilized in its current year operating budget and holds these FX rates constant for the duration of all current and prior periods being reported. Additionally, ARR excludes contracts related to acquisitions to provide additional perspective in assessing growth excluding the impacts from certain acquisition activity.

The Company’s definition of ARR may differ from definitions utilized by other companies reporting similarly named measures, and this metric should be viewed in addition to, and not as a substitute for, financial measures presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Amounts in millions

December 31, 2024

December 31, 2023

Change

Growth

MA ARR

Decision Solutions

Banking

$

457

$

420

$

37

9%

Insurance

601

536

65

12%

KYC

390

334

56

17%

Total Decision Solutions

$

1,448

$

1,290

$

158

12%

Research and Insights

942

885

57

6%

Data and Information

888

821

67

8%

Total MA ARR

$

3,278

$

2,996

$

282

9%

21

Table 11 - Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Diluted EPS Attributable to Moody's Common Shareholders (Unaudited)

The Company presents Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Diluted EPS because management deems these metrics to be useful measures to provide additional perspective on Moody’s operating performance. Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Diluted EPS exclude the impact of: i) amortization of acquired intangible assets; ii) restructuring charges/adjustments; iii) charges related to asset abandonment; and iv) gains on previously held equity method investments.

The Company excludes the impact of amortization of acquired intangible assets as companies utilize intangible assets with different estimated useful lives and have different methods of acquiring and amortizing intangible assets. These intangible assets were recorded as part of acquisition accounting and contribute to revenue generation. The amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions will recur in future periods until such intangible assets have been fully amortized. Furthermore, the timing and magnitude of business combination transactions are not predictable and the purchase price allocated to amortizable intangible assets and the related amortization period are unique to each acquisition and can vary significantly from period to period and across companies.

Restructuring charges/adjustments and charges related to asset abandonment, which the Company believes are not reflective of its ongoing operating cost structure, and gains on previously held equity method investments are excluded as the frequency and magnitude of these items may vary widely across periods and companies.

The Company excludes the aforementioned items to provide additional perspective when comparing net income and diluted EPS from period to period and across companies as the frequency and magnitude of similar transactions may vary widely across periods.

Below is a reconciliation of these measures to their most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures:

Three Months Ended December 31,

Year Ended December 31,

Amounts in millions

2024

2023

2024

2023

Net Income attributable to Moody's common shareholders

$

395

$

340

$

2,058

$

1,607

Pre-tax Acquisition-Related Intangible Amortization Expenses

$

50

$

48

$

198

$

198

Tax on Acquisition-Related Intangible Amortization Expenses

(12)

(12)

(48)

(48)

Net Acquisition-Related Intangible Amortization Expenses

38

36

150

150

Pre-tax restructuring

$

46

$

36

$

59

$

87

Tax on restructuring

(12)

(10)

(15)

(22)

Net restructuring

34

26

44

65

Pre-tax charges related to asset abandonment

$

13

$

—

$

43

$

—

Tax on charges related to asset abandonment

(4)

—

(11)

—

Net charges related to asset abandonment

9

—

32

—

Pre-tax gain on previously held equity method investments

$

—

$

—

$

(7)

$

—

Tax on gain on previously held equity method investments

—

—

2

—

Net gain on previously held equity method investments

—

—

(5)

—

Adjusted Net Income

$

476

$

402

$

2,279

$

1,822

22

Three Months Ended December 31,

Year Ended December 31,

2024

2023

2024

2023

Diluted earnings per share attributable to Moody's common shareholders

$

2.17

$

1.85

$

11.26

$

8.73

Pre-tax Acquisition-Related Intangible Amortization Expenses

$

0.28

$

0.26

$

1.08

$

1.08

Tax on Acquisition-Related Intangible Amortization Expenses

(0.07)

(0.06)

(0.26)

(0.26)

Net Acquisition-Related Intangible Amortization Expenses

0.21

0.20

0.82

0.82

Pre-tax restructuring

$

0.25

$

0.20

$

0.32

$

0.47

Tax on restructuring

(0.06)

(0.06)

(0.08)

(0.12)

Net restructuring

0.19

0.14

0.24

0.35

Pre-tax charges related to asset abandonment

$

0.07

$

—

$

0.24

$

—

Tax on charges related to asset abandonment

(0.02)

—

(0.06)

—

Net charges related to asset abandonment

0.05

—

0.18

—

Pre-tax gain on previously held equity method investments

$

—

$

—

$

(0.04)

$

—

Tax on gain on previously held equity method investments

—

—

0.01

—

Net gain on previously held equity method investments

—

—

(0.03)

—

Adjusted Diluted EPS

$

2.62

$

2.19

$

12.47

$

9.90

Note: The tax impacts in the tables above were calculated using tax rates in effect in the jurisdiction for which the item relates.

23

Table 12 - 2025 Outlook

Moody’s updated outlook for full year 2025, as of February 13, 2025, reflects assumptions about numerous factors that could affect its business and is based on currently available information reviewed by management through, and as of, today’s date. For a complete list of these assumptions, please refer to “Assumptions and Outlook” on page 10 of this earnings release.

Full Year 2025 Moody's Corporation Guidance as of February 13, 2025

Moody's Corporation (MCO)

Current Guidance

Revenue

Increase in the high-single-digit percent range

Operating Expenses

Increase in the low-to-mid-single-digit percent range

G2Operating Margin

Approximately 43%

G3Adjusted Operating Margin (1)

Approximately 50%

G4Interest Expense, Net

$220 million to $240 million

G5Effective Tax Rate

23% to 25%

G6Diluted EPS

$12.75 to $13.25

G7Adjusted Diluted EPS (1)

$14.00 to $14.50

G8Operating Cash Flow

$2.75 to $2.95 billion

G9Free Cash Flow (1)

$2.40 to $2.60 billion

G10Share Repurchases

At least $1.3 billion

(subject to available cash, market conditions, M&A opportunities

and other ongoing capital allocation decisions)

Moody's Analytics (MA)

Current Guidance

MA Revenue

Increase in the high-single-digit percent range

ARR (2)

Increase in the high-single-digit to low-double-digit percent range

G11MA Adjusted Operating Margin

32% to 33%

Moody's Investors Service (MIS)

Current Guidance

MIS Revenue

Increase in the mid-to-high-single-digit percent range

G12MIS Adjusted Operating Margin

62% to 63%

Note: All current guidance as of February 13, 2025.

(1) These metrics are adjusted measures. See below for reconciliation of these measures to their comparable U.S. GAAP measure.

(2) Refer to Table 10 within this earnings release for the definition of and further information on the ARR metric.

The following are reconciliations of the Company's adjusted forward-looking measures to their comparable U.S. GAAP measure:

Projected for the Year Ended December 31, 2025

Operating margin guidance

Approximately 43%

Depreciation and amortization

Approximately 6%

Restructuring

Approximately 1%

Adjusted Operating Margin guidance

Approximately 50%

Projected for the Year Ended December 31, 2025

Operating cash flow guidance

$2.75 to $2.95 billion

G13Less: Capital expenditures

Approximately $350 million

Free Cash Flow guidance

$2.40 to $2.60 billion

Projected for the Year Ended December 31, 2025

Diluted EPS guidance

$12.75 to $13.25

Acquisition-Related Intangible Amortization

Approximately $0.90

Restructuring

Approximately $0.35

Adjusted Diluted EPS guidance

$14.00 to $14.50

24

Mentions · how they’re counted

CategoryUnderlinedWord counterModel’s count
AI

AI, artificial intelligence, generative AI, machine learning, large language model, LLM

0——
Layoffs

layoffs, RIF, headcount reduction, workforce optimization, restructuring

20——
Recession

recession, downturn, contraction, slowdown

0——
Tariffs

tariff, trade war, trade barriers, trade restrictions, trade policy

3——
Buybacks

share repurchase, buyback program

3——

Underlines use the same word lists the scores use. AI, recession and tariffs follow Palanor’s word counter, so those counts match it exactly on the same text. Layoffs and buybacks use the terms the model was given. The model’s count is an estimate by meaning, not by string, so it can differ from the underlines.

Source: SEC EDGAR · public domain · Highlights by Palanor