Moody’s Corporation is a United States–based company operating in the financial sector, within the credit rating, financial research and risk analytics industry. The company is one of the world’s leading providers of credit ratings, economic data and enterprise risk solutions.

Its core operations are structured into two main segments:

• Moody’s Investors Service (MIS), responsible for credit ratings across corporates, financial institutions, sovereigns and structured products.
• Moody’s Analytics (MA), which provides risk management software, economic research, data platforms, ESG metrics and regulatory solutions.

The company serves banks, insurers, institutional investors, governments and corporations across global financial markets.

Moody’s operates globally, with a presence in North America, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific, supported by teams of analysts, economists, data scientists and technology specialists.

Market factors influencing its performance include global debt issuance, interest rate cycles, credit market conditions, regulatory frameworks, demand for data analytics, growth in ESG and climate-risk solutions, and competition among rating agencies.

Its operating model combines credit analysis, data intelligence and software-based solutions, enabling clients to assess risk, comply with regulations and make informed financial decisions.

Moody’s Corporation’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker MCO.

History and Development

Moody’s origins date back to 1909, when John Moody published a financial manual analyzing U.S. railroad securities, laying the foundation for modern credit analysis.

In 1914, the company began issuing formal credit ratings, establishing a standardized framework for evaluating credit risk in expanding capital markets.

Over the following decades, Moody’s expanded its coverage to include corporations, municipalities and global issuers, growing alongside the development of international financial markets.

In 1962, the company was acquired by Dun & Bradstreet, which supported expansion in technology and global operations. In 2000, Moody’s was spun off as an independent, publicly traded company, marking a new phase of growth.

A key strategic milestone occurred in 2007 with the creation of Moody’s Analytics, expanding the company’s capabilities beyond ratings into risk software, data and economic analysis.

In recent years, Moody’s has strengthened its position through investments in ESG data, climate-risk analytics, artificial intelligence and digital platforms, while adapting to evolving regulatory requirements and global financial-market conditions.