Moody's to Announce Q4 Earnings on February 18
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 17 2026
0mins
Should l Buy MCO?
Source: seekingalpha
- Earnings Announcement: Moody's is set to release its Q4 earnings on February 18, with consensus EPS estimates at $3.44, reflecting a 31.3% year-over-year increase, and revenue estimates at $1.87 billion, up 10.0% year-over-year, which would further solidify its leadership in the financial market.
- Performance Beat: Over the past two years, Moody's has exceeded EPS and revenue estimates 88% of the time, showcasing its strong profitability and market adaptability, thereby enhancing investor confidence in its future performance.
- Estimate Revision Dynamics: In the last three months, Moody's EPS estimates have seen 12 upward revisions and 2 downward revisions, while revenue estimates have experienced 9 upward and 2 downward revisions, indicating analysts' optimistic outlook on the company's future performance.
- Market Reaction: Moody's was upgraded to Buy by Stifel due to its debt issuance outlook, leading to a stock price increase, reflecting the market's positive view on its financial health and growth potential.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy MCO?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on MCO
Wall Street analysts forecast MCO stock price to rise
10 Analyst Rating
8 Buy
2 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 460.110
Low
526.00
Averages
586.50
High
660.00
Current: 460.110
Low
526.00
Averages
586.50
High
660.00
About MCO
Moody's Corporation is a global integrated risk assessment company. It is a global provider of research and insights; data and information, and decision solutions, which help companies make decisions. Its MA segment provides data, intelligence and analytical tools to help business and financial leaders make decisions. MA consists of a premier fixed income and economic research business (Research & Insights); a data business powered by databases on companies and credit (Data & Information), and three cloud-based subscription businesses serving banking, insurance and KYC workflows (Decision Solutions). Its MIS segment is a global provider of credit ratings, research, and risk analysis. It publishes credit ratings and provides assessment services on a wide range of debt obligations, programs and facilities, and the entities that issue such obligations in markets worldwide, including various corporate, financial institution and governmental obligations, and structured finance securities.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Berkshire Hathaway Hosts Shareholder Meeting Post-Buffett Tenure
- New CEO Introduction: New CEO Greg Abel will present Berkshire's business at the shareholder meeting for one hour, followed by a 2.5-hour Q&A session, showcasing his leadership capabilities and vision for the company's future.
- Financial Performance Overview: Berkshire reported a net income of $66.97 billion in 2025, down 25% from $89 billion in 2024, reflecting challenges in investment returns and market volatility while demonstrating resilience amid economic uncertainties.
- Shareholder Meeting Scale: This shareholder meeting is the largest gathering in corporate America, attracting a significant number of investors, highlighting Berkshire's importance in corporate governance and shareholder relations, especially during the transition period following Buffett's retirement.
- Leadership Change Impact: The appointment of Greg Abel as the new CEO signifies a shift in Berkshire's leadership, expected to influence the company's strategic direction and investment decisions, particularly as Abel continues to drive long-term growth strategies under Buffett's guidance.
See More
Blackstone's $400 Million Investment in Teva: A Strategic Bet
- Investment Scale and Strategic Significance: Blackstone Life Sciences' $400 million investment in Teva Pharmaceuticals in March 2023 reflects strong confidence in the new drug duvakitug, representing not just financial backing but a significant bet on Teva's future development.
- Drug Potential and Clinical Progress: Duvakitug, a monoclonal antibody targeting TL1A, is currently undergoing Phase 3 clinical trials for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, with promising Phase 2 results showing durable efficacy over 44 weeks, indicating a broad market potential.
- Teva's Transformation and Market Recognition: Teva has evolved from a mere generic drug manufacturer to a leader in biopharmaceutical innovation, with credit rating agencies upgrading its rating to BB+, reflecting market confidence in its transformation.
- Opportunities and Risks for Investors: Blackstone's investment not only provides Teva with financial support but may also yield milestone payments and low single-digit royalties on global sales, suggesting that while risk-averse investors might hesitate, aggressive investors could find significant value in Teva, especially if duvakitug succeeds as anticipated.
See More
Blackstone Commits $400 Million to Teva's Drug Development
- Significant Investment: Blackstone Life Sciences has committed $400 million to Teva Pharmaceuticals to support the development of its autoimmune disease drug, duvakitug, reflecting confidence in Teva's future and showcasing Blackstone's strategic positioning in the biopharmaceutical sector.
- Clinical Trial Progress: Duvakitug is currently undergoing Phase 3 clinical trials aimed at treating ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, with promising Phase 2 results indicating durable efficacy over 44 weeks, suggesting substantial market potential and the possibility of becoming a best-in-class therapy.
- Credit Rating Upgrade: Following Blackstone's investment, credit rating agencies have begun to recognize Teva's turnaround, with S&P Global upgrading Teva's credit rating from BB to BB+ in December 2025, reflecting a stable outlook and market optimism about its future development.
- Positive Market Outlook: Analysts are generally bullish on Teva, with 12 out of 13 surveyed analysts rating the stock as a
See More
Oklahoma Attorney General Questions ESG Policies of Rating Agencies
- ESG Concerns Raised: Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, along with 22 state attorneys general, sent a letter to Fitch, S&P, and Moody's demanding explanations for their use of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in credit ratings, arguing this could undermine state bond ratings.
- Potential Conflict of Interest: The Attorney General highlighted that the agencies' reliance on speculative ESG predictions may lead to downgrades of fossil fuel companies, which could drive demand for their ESG consulting services, creating an undisclosed conflict of interest.
- Call for Transparency: The letter requests that rating agencies explain ESG-driven downgrades, withdraw or disclose ESG commitments, revise sector-specific methodologies, eliminate or disclose ESG consulting conflicts, and certify an internal controls review.
- Market Reaction: Following the letter's release, shares of S&P Global (SPGI) rose by 1.0% and Moody's (MCO) gained 0.7%, indicating market interest in the agencies' responses and the implications of the letter.
See More
S&P Global Reports Q1 Profit Growth Amid Strong Demand
- Profit Growth: S&P Global reported a Q1 profit of $4.69 per share, a 32.4% increase from $3.54 a year earlier, demonstrating the company's robust profitability amid geopolitical uncertainties.
- Revenue Increase: Total revenue rose 10% year-over-year to $4.17 billion, with the ratings segment revenue climbing 13% to $1.3 billion and market intelligence revenue increasing 8% to $1.3 billion, reflecting strong demand for data and analytics services.
- Market Demand: Heightened market volatility and private credit concerns have led investors to increasingly rely on market analytics and risk assessment tools, driving S&P Global's business growth and underscoring its strategic importance in the current economic landscape.
- Stock Volatility: Despite strong Q1 performance, S&P Global's shares have fallen over 15% this year, primarily due to investor concerns regarding AI-driven disruptions, indicating market uncertainty about future prospects.
See More
Buffett's Retirement Marks New Era for Berkshire Hathaway Leadership
- Leadership Transition: Warren Buffett officially retired as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway on December 31, 2025, with his long-time understudy Greg Abel taking over after more than 25 years at the company; while Buffett remains chairman, Abel now oversees daily operations and the investment portfolio.
- Investment Strategy Shift: Abel is likely to sell Bank of America, previously Buffett's second-largest holding, as it was notably absent from Buffett's list of eight 'forever' stocks in his 2023 annual letter, indicating a significant strategic shift under new leadership.
- Clear Reduction Trend: Berkshire's 13F filings reveal that Buffett has been a consistent seller of Bank of America shares for six consecutive quarters, having reduced his stake by nearly 515.6 million shares, or about 50%, suggesting that BofA is no longer viewed as a core holding.
- Valuation No Longer Attractive: By early 2026, Bank of America shares were trading at a 43% premium to book value, a stark contrast to the 62% discount when Buffett initially invested, and Abel's commitment to value investing may lead to BofA's eventual exit from Berkshire's portfolio.
See More
Berkshire Hathaway Hosts Shareholder Meeting Post-Buffett Tenure
- New CEO Introduction: New CEO Greg Abel will present Berkshire's business at the shareholder meeting for one hour, followed by a 2.5-hour Q&A session, showcasing his leadership capabilities and vision for the company's future.
- Financial Performance Overview: Berkshire reported a net income of $66.97 billion in 2025, down 25% from $89 billion in 2024, reflecting challenges in investment returns and market volatility while demonstrating resilience amid economic uncertainties.
- Shareholder Meeting Scale: This shareholder meeting is the largest gathering in corporate America, attracting a significant number of investors, highlighting Berkshire's importance in corporate governance and shareholder relations, especially during the transition period following Buffett's retirement.
- Leadership Change Impact: The appointment of Greg Abel as the new CEO signifies a shift in Berkshire's leadership, expected to influence the company's strategic direction and investment decisions, particularly as Abel continues to drive long-term growth strategies under Buffett's guidance.
See More
Blackstone's $400 Million Investment in Teva: A Strategic Bet
- Investment Scale and Strategic Significance: Blackstone Life Sciences' $400 million investment in Teva Pharmaceuticals in March 2023 reflects strong confidence in the new drug duvakitug, representing not just financial backing but a significant bet on Teva's future development.
- Drug Potential and Clinical Progress: Duvakitug, a monoclonal antibody targeting TL1A, is currently undergoing Phase 3 clinical trials for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, with promising Phase 2 results showing durable efficacy over 44 weeks, indicating a broad market potential.
- Teva's Transformation and Market Recognition: Teva has evolved from a mere generic drug manufacturer to a leader in biopharmaceutical innovation, with credit rating agencies upgrading its rating to BB+, reflecting market confidence in its transformation.
- Opportunities and Risks for Investors: Blackstone's investment not only provides Teva with financial support but may also yield milestone payments and low single-digit royalties on global sales, suggesting that while risk-averse investors might hesitate, aggressive investors could find significant value in Teva, especially if duvakitug succeeds as anticipated.
See More
Blackstone Commits $400 Million to Teva's Drug Development
- Significant Investment: Blackstone Life Sciences has committed $400 million to Teva Pharmaceuticals to support the development of its autoimmune disease drug, duvakitug, reflecting confidence in Teva's future and showcasing Blackstone's strategic positioning in the biopharmaceutical sector.
- Clinical Trial Progress: Duvakitug is currently undergoing Phase 3 clinical trials aimed at treating ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, with promising Phase 2 results indicating durable efficacy over 44 weeks, suggesting substantial market potential and the possibility of becoming a best-in-class therapy.
- Credit Rating Upgrade: Following Blackstone's investment, credit rating agencies have begun to recognize Teva's turnaround, with S&P Global upgrading Teva's credit rating from BB to BB+ in December 2025, reflecting a stable outlook and market optimism about its future development.
- Positive Market Outlook: Analysts are generally bullish on Teva, with 12 out of 13 surveyed analysts rating the stock as a
See More
Oklahoma Attorney General Questions ESG Policies of Rating Agencies
- ESG Concerns Raised: Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, along with 22 state attorneys general, sent a letter to Fitch, S&P, and Moody's demanding explanations for their use of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in credit ratings, arguing this could undermine state bond ratings.
- Potential Conflict of Interest: The Attorney General highlighted that the agencies' reliance on speculative ESG predictions may lead to downgrades of fossil fuel companies, which could drive demand for their ESG consulting services, creating an undisclosed conflict of interest.
- Call for Transparency: The letter requests that rating agencies explain ESG-driven downgrades, withdraw or disclose ESG commitments, revise sector-specific methodologies, eliminate or disclose ESG consulting conflicts, and certify an internal controls review.
- Market Reaction: Following the letter's release, shares of S&P Global (SPGI) rose by 1.0% and Moody's (MCO) gained 0.7%, indicating market interest in the agencies' responses and the implications of the letter.
See More
S&P Global Reports Q1 Profit Growth Amid Strong Demand
- Profit Growth: S&P Global reported a Q1 profit of $4.69 per share, a 32.4% increase from $3.54 a year earlier, demonstrating the company's robust profitability amid geopolitical uncertainties.
- Revenue Increase: Total revenue rose 10% year-over-year to $4.17 billion, with the ratings segment revenue climbing 13% to $1.3 billion and market intelligence revenue increasing 8% to $1.3 billion, reflecting strong demand for data and analytics services.
- Market Demand: Heightened market volatility and private credit concerns have led investors to increasingly rely on market analytics and risk assessment tools, driving S&P Global's business growth and underscoring its strategic importance in the current economic landscape.
- Stock Volatility: Despite strong Q1 performance, S&P Global's shares have fallen over 15% this year, primarily due to investor concerns regarding AI-driven disruptions, indicating market uncertainty about future prospects.
See More
Buffett's Retirement Marks New Era for Berkshire Hathaway Leadership
- Leadership Transition: Warren Buffett officially retired as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway on December 31, 2025, with his long-time understudy Greg Abel taking over after more than 25 years at the company; while Buffett remains chairman, Abel now oversees daily operations and the investment portfolio.
- Investment Strategy Shift: Abel is likely to sell Bank of America, previously Buffett's second-largest holding, as it was notably absent from Buffett's list of eight 'forever' stocks in his 2023 annual letter, indicating a significant strategic shift under new leadership.
- Clear Reduction Trend: Berkshire's 13F filings reveal that Buffett has been a consistent seller of Bank of America shares for six consecutive quarters, having reduced his stake by nearly 515.6 million shares, or about 50%, suggesting that BofA is no longer viewed as a core holding.
- Valuation No Longer Attractive: By early 2026, Bank of America shares were trading at a 43% premium to book value, a stark contrast to the 62% discount when Buffett initially invested, and Abel's commitment to value investing may lead to BofA's eventual exit from Berkshire's portfolio.
See More
