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Moody’s(MCO) - 2024 Q4 - Annual Report

Company Overview - Moody's Analytics (MA) serves over 14,800 customers across more than 165 countries, including 6,700 corporates and professional services[32]. - Moody's Investors Service (MIS) has rated over $75.8 trillion in total debt outstanding, covering 33,300 rated organizations and structured deals[38]. - The company employs approximately 16,000 people across more than 40 countries, emphasizing its global presence and diverse workforce[22]. Revenue Generation - MA's revenue is driven by subscription-based services, with a focus on data, analytics, and cloud-based software tools for risk management[27]. - MIS generates revenue from non-ratings-related operations, including financial instruments pricing services and Second Party Opinions, although these are not material to the segment's results[39]. Operational Efficiency and Growth - The company aims to enhance operational efficiency through a multi-year restructuring program initiated in December 2024, focusing on high-priority growth areas[20]. - Moody's expects continued growth in global fixed-income market activity, driven by increasing financial complexity and the demand for integrated risk solutions[64]. - The company has a strong position in the credit ratings market, recognized for the depth and breadth of its analytical capabilities[36]. Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility - Moody's received multiple awards for its sustainability efforts in 2024, reflecting its commitment to integrating sustainability into its operations and services[41]. - Moody's focuses on delivering value to stakeholders while managing risks related to sustainability and climate change[41]. - Moody's was recognized on CDP's 2023 Climate Change 'A' List for its leadership in corporate transparency and actions taken in response to climate change[42]. - The company aims to procure 100% renewable electricity in its office spaces as part of its decarbonization strategy, with implementation costs expected to be non-material[55]. Employee Growth and Talent Management - Moody's total employee count increased by 4% from 7,864 in 2023 to 8,145 in 2024, with a notable 6% growth in non-U.S. employees[53]. - The company achieved a 7% increase in its MIS segment's total employees, rising from 5,360 in 2023 to 5,757 in 2024[53]. - The company has implemented a global paid parental leave policy and updated its tuition reimbursement program to attract and retain top talent[44]. Technology and Innovation - The company is leveraging AI and ML technologies to enhance customer service and decision-making capabilities, positioning itself as an early adopter of Gen AI[65]. - Moody's has expanded its climate data and analysis capabilities through the acquisition of RMS, integrating these into existing offerings[56]. Regulatory Environment - The European Parliament reached an agreement on the Regulation on ESG Ratings Activities, which will become law after an 18-month implementation period, potentially impacting certain products offered by the company[83]. - The EU AI Act was published in July 2024, with varying implementation periods, and the company is assessing its implications[84]. - The EU adopted DORA in December 2022, which will apply from early 2025, requiring the company to enhance its IT oversight and risk management[85]. - In March 2023, the FCA initiated a review of competition in the wholesale market data, concluding without specific remedies for credit ratings data[86]. - The U.K. Government intends to introduce regulation for ESG ratings providers in 2025, following a consultation published in March 2023[87]. Intellectual Property - The company owns a variety of intellectual property, including proprietary information, databases, and software tools, which are crucial to its business[88]. - The company provides access to its databases and software applications under standard agreements that include intellectual property protections[92]. - The company does not rely on any single data source for a material aspect of its business, utilizing a variety of commercial sources[93]. - The company considers its intellectual property proprietary and employs various safeguards for its protection[95]. - The company maintains an investor relations website where it provides access to its SEC filings and other financial information[96].