Moody's Corp (MCO) Q3 2024 Earnings: Revenue Hits $1.8 Billion, EPS at $2.93, Both Surpass Estimates

Impressive Revenue Growth and Earnings Beat Expectations

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Oct 22, 2024
Summary
  • Revenue: Achieved $1.8 billion in Q3 2024, surpassing analyst estimates of $1.724 billion, marking a 23% increase year-over-year.
  • GAAP Diluted EPS: Reported at $2.93 for Q3 2024, reflecting a 39% increase from the prior-year period.
  • Segment Performance: Moody's Investors Service (MIS) revenue reached $1.0 billion, a significant 41% increase, while Moody's Analytics (MA) revenue grew by 7% to $831 million.
  • Operating Cash Flow: Increased by 29%, driven by a 70% growth in MIS transactional revenue, outpacing issuance growth of 51%.
  • Year-to-Date Revenue: Totaled $5.4 billion, up 22% from the previous year, with foreign currency translation having an immaterial impact.
  • Full-Year Guidance: Adjusted diluted EPS guidance raised to a range of $11.90 to $12.10, reflecting strong performance and future growth expectations.
Article's Main Image

On October 22, 2024, Moodys Corp (MCO, Financial) released its 8-K filing detailing the financial results for the third quarter of 2024. As a leading provider of credit ratings, research, and risk analysis, Moody's plays a crucial role in the capital markets, with its Moody's Investors Service (MIS) and Moody's Analytics (MA) segments contributing significantly to its revenue and profit.

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Financial Performance Overview

Moody's reported a remarkable 23% increase in revenue for the third quarter, reaching $1.8 billion, surpassing the analyst estimate of $1.724 billion. The company's diluted earnings per share (EPS) stood at $2.93, exceeding the estimated $2.79. This performance underscores Moody's robust position in the market and its ability to leverage its analytics and ratings services to drive growth.

Segment Contributions and Achievements

The Moody's Investors Service (MIS) segment, which includes corporate and structured finance ratings, generated $1.0 billion in revenue, marking a 41% increase. This growth was driven by a 70% rise in transactional revenue, significantly outpacing the 51% growth in issuance. Meanwhile, Moody's Analytics (MA) segment contributed $831 million, a 7% increase, highlighting the strength of its recurring revenue streams.

Key Financial Metrics and Analysis

Moody's adjusted diluted EPS for the quarter was $3.21, a 32% increase from the previous year, reflecting the company's operational efficiency and strategic investments. The year-to-date revenue reached $5.4 billion, a 22% increase, with foreign currency translation having an immaterial impact.

Metric 3Q 2024 YTD 2024
Revenue $1.8 billion $5.4 billion
Diluted EPS $2.93 $9.09
Adjusted Diluted EPS $3.21 $9.85

Outlook and Strategic Insights

Moody's has updated its full-year 2024 guidance, projecting diluted EPS between $10.85 and $11.05, and adjusted diluted EPS between $11.90 and $12.10. This optimistic outlook is supported by the company's strategic focus on innovation and customer empowerment in navigating complex risk environments.

"Moody's record-breaking revenue performance in the third quarter is a testament to our unwavering status as the Agency of Choice for our customers and our actions to prime the business for durable future growth," stated Rob Fauber, President and CEO.

Overall, Moody's Corp (MCO, Financial) has demonstrated strong financial health and strategic foresight, positioning itself well in the capital markets industry. The company's ability to exceed expectations and adapt to market dynamics will be crucial in sustaining its growth trajectory.

Explore the complete 8-K earnings release (here) from Moodys Corp for further details.