Is MCO a good stock to buy right now?

Based on our 6-factor quantitative model, MOODYS CORP /DE/ (MCO) receives a "Reduce" rating with a composite score of 46.7/100. It is ranked #2,385 out of 4,446 stocks. Key factor scores: Quality 50/100, Value 57/100, Momentum 37/100. The timing signal is "Bearish". This is quantitative analysis only — not investment advice.

What is the stock rating for MCO?

MOODYS CORP /DE/ (MCO) has a "Reduce" rating and 2-star score. The composite score of 46.7 ranks it #2,385 among 4,446 U.S. stocks. Ratings are updated weekly using academically-proven factor models.

What sector is MCO in?

MOODYS CORP /DE/ operates in the Industrials sector (Business Services industry) with a market cap of $78.10 billion. It is classified as a large-cap stock.

Does MCO pay a dividend?

Yes, MCO pays a dividend with a current yield of 0.77%. For every $1,000 invested, you would receive approximately $7.70 in annual dividend income.

What is MCO's P/E ratio?

MCO has a trailing P/E ratio of 32.69x. The Industrials sector average is 28.3x. This above-average P/E reflects growth expectations or premium valuation.

How profitable is MCO?

MCO's quality factor score is 50/100. Gross margin: 74.0%. ROE: 56.7% vs sector average 8.9%. High margins suggest pricing power and competitive moats.

How is MCO valued compared to peers?

MCO's value factor score is 57/100 (higher = cheaper). Key multiples: P/E 32.7x, EV/EBITDA 22.5x. Valuation is roughly in line with peers.

What is MCO's debt level?

MCO's debt-to-equity ratio is 166%. Sector average: 70%. Elevated leverage increases credit risk.

MCO has a beta of 1.19, meaning it tracks the market. Stability score: 72/100.

Does MCO have high short interest?

MCO's short interest factor score is 39/100 (higher = less short selling). Elevated short interest may indicate bearish sentiment or short squeeze potential.

MCO Stock Analysis: Reduce (Score 46.7/100) | Blank Capital Research

Data Series	1D	5D	1M	YTD	1Y	3Y	5Y	10Y
MCO	-2.47%	-3.04%	-5.49%	-16.33%	+1.04%	-	-	-
Industry Proxy XLI	-0.39%	+4.73%	+0.88%	+10.57%	+38.89%	-	-	-
U.S. Market SPY	-0.07%	+3.60%	+0.34%	-0.36%	+29.52%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Market	-2.40%	-6.64%	-5.83%	-15.97%	-28.49%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Sector	-2.08%	-7.77%	-6.37%	-26.91%	-37.86%	-	-	-

Metric	MCO	Benchmark
P/E Ratio	32.7x	+15%
EV/EBITDA	22.5x	+294%
Price / Book	18.5x

Stock Entity	Score▼	Quality	Value	Momentum	P/E Ratio	ROE	Gross Margin	Net Margin	Rev Growth	D/E Ratio	Market Cap	Compare
STNG Scorpio Tankers Inc.	64	43	96	73	-	93.3%	63.1%	53.8%	-	30.0x	$3.8B	VS
TNK TEEKAY TANKERS LTD.	62	50	97	71	6.3x	91.9%	67.0%	32.8%	-	0.0x	$2.5B	VS
TEN TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LTD	61	50	86	75	7.8x	42.1%	97.8%	22.6%	-	103.0x	$1.2B	VS
HAFN Hafnia Ltd	60	42	79	77	-	439.1%	48.5%	27.0%	-	0.0x	$3.8B	VS
TPH Tri Pointe Homes, Inc.	57	50	67	66	13.6x	8.8%	47.5%	7.9%	-26.0%	50.0x	$4.0B	VS
GLDD Great Lakes Dredge & Dock CORP	57	50	69	70	16.3x	13.5%	22.2%	8.1%	14.8%	73.0x	$1.1B	VS
SOBO South Bow Corp	57	39	79	66	21.9x	48.4%	82.3%	14.9%	-	219.0x	$6.8B	VS
IMPP Imperial Petroleum Inc./Marshall Islands	54	44	98	58	2.8x	47.7%	100.0%	34.0%	-19.7%	0.0x	$156M	VS
CCO Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc.	52	48	58	69	59.3x	-	53.4%	-0.3%	7.7%	-	$1.2B	VS
IMXI International Money Express, Inc.	52	50	73	52	11.6x	25.5%	0.0%	6.4%	-9.7%	221.0x	$476M	VS
MCO MOODYS CORP /DE/	47	50	57	37	32.7x	56.7%	74.0%	31.2%	10.5%	166.0x	$78.1B

Key Ratio	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
Gross Margin %	0.7%	0.7%	0.7%	0.7%	0.7%	0.7%	0.7%	0.7%	0.7%	0.7%	0.7%
Operating Margin %	0.4%	0.4%	0.4%	0.4%	0.3%	0.5%	0.4%	0.4%	0.4%	0.4%	0.2%
EBITDA Margin %	0.5%	0.5%	0.5%	0.4%	0.4%	0.5%	0.5%	0.5%	0.5%	0.5%	0.2%
Net Margin %	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.4%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.2%	0.1%
FCF Margin %	27.0%	-	-	-	-	-	38.0%	33.3%	30.8%	15.8%	30.8%
ROE %	0.6%	0.6%	0.6%	0.5%	0.5%	0.8%	1.1%	2.3%	2.9%	-307.5%	-22.5%
ROA %	0.2%	0.2%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.2%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%
ROIC %	0.2%	23.6%	20.4%	16.1%	14.8%	21.8%	35.0%	36.2%	33.2%	34.7%	594.5%

Key Ratio

TTM

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

Gross Margin %

0.7%

Operating Margin %

0.4%

0.3%

0.5%

0.4%

0.2%

EBITDA Margin %

0.5%

0.4%

0.5%

0.2%

Net Margin %

0.3%

0.4%

0.3%

0.2%

0.1%

FCF Margin %

27.0%

38.0%

33.3%

30.8%

15.8%

30.8%

ROE %

0.6%

0.5%

0.8%

1.1%

2.3%

2.9%

-307.5%

-22.5%

ROA %

0.2%

0.1%

0.2%

0.1%

ROIC %

0.2%

23.6%

20.4%

16.1%

14.8%

21.8%

35.0%

36.2%

33.2%

34.7%

594.5%

Line Item	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
	$7.6B	$7.7B	$7.1B	$5.9B	$5.5B	$6.2B	$5.4B	$4.8B	$4.4B	$4.2B	$3.6B	$3.5B
	—	$2.0B	$1.9B	$1.7B	$1.6B	$1.6B	—	—	—	—	—	—
	$5.7B	$5.7B	$5.1B	$4.2B	$3.9B	$4.6B	$3.9B	$3.4B	$4.4B	$4.2B	$2.6B	$3.5B
Gross Margin	74.0%	74.4%	72.6%	71.5%	70.5%	73.7%	72.5%	71.3%	72.0%	71.1%	71.7%	72.0%
	—	$1.8B	$1.7B	$1.6B	$1.5B	$1.5B	—	—	—	—	—	—
Depreciation	—	$480M	$431M	$373M	$331M	$257M	$220M	$200M	$192M	$158M	$127M	$114M
Total Operating Expenses	—	$2.4B	$2.3B	$2.1B	$2.0B	$1.7B	—	—	—	—	—	—
	$3.3B	$3.4B	$2.9B	$2.1B	$1.9B	$2.8B	$2.4B	$2.0B	$1.9B	$1.8B	$651M	$1.5B
EBIT	$3.1B	$3.4B	$2.9B	$2.1B	$1.9B	$2.8B	$2.4B	$2.0B	$1.9B	$1.8B	$651M	$1.5B
EBITDA	$3.8B	$3.8B	$3.3B	$2.5B	$2.2B	$3.1B	$2.7B	$2.2B	$2.1B	$2.0B	$842M	$1.6B
Operating Margin	43.4%	43.4%	40.6%	36.1%	34.4%	45.7%	44.5%	41.4%	42.0%	43.3%	18.1%	42.3%
EBITDA Margin	49.5%	49.6%	46.6%	42.4%	40.5%	49.9%	49.4%	45.9%	46.8%	47.2%	23.4%	46.2%
	—	$251M	$300M	$296M	$216M	$185M	—	—	—	—	—	—
	—	$3.1B	$2.7B	$1.9B	$1.8B	$2.8B	—	—	—	—	—	—
Income Tax Expense	—	$668M	$640M	$327M	$386M	$541M	$452M	$381M	$352M	$779M	$282M	$430M
	$2.4B	$2.5B	$2.1B	$1.6B	$1.4B	$2.2B	$1.8B	$1.4B	$1.3B	$1.0B	$276M	$950M
Net Margin	31.2%	31.9%	29.0%	27.2%	25.1%	35.6%	33.1%	29.6%	29.7%	24.0%	7.6%	27.3%
	$13.73	$13.73	$11.32	$8.77	$7.47	$11.88	$9.48	$7.51	$6.84	$5.24	$1.38	$4.70
Diluted EPS	$13.73	$13.67	$11.26	$8.73	$7.44	$11.78	$9.48	$7.51	$6.84	$5.24	$1.38	$4.70
Weighted Avg Basic	—	179M	182M	183M	184M	186M	—	—	—	—	—	—
Weighted Avg Diluted	—	180M	183M	184M	185M	188M	—	—	—	—	—	—

Line Item

TTM

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

$7.6B

$7.7B

$7.1B

$5.9B

$5.5B

$6.2B

$5.4B

$4.8B

$4.4B

$4.2B

$3.6B

$3.5B

—

$2.0B

$1.9B

$1.7B

$1.6B

—

$5.7B

$5.1B

$4.2B

$3.9B

$4.6B

$3.9B

$3.4B

$4.4B

$4.2B

$2.6B

$3.5B

Gross Margin

74.0%

74.4%

72.6%

71.5%

70.5%

73.7%

72.5%

71.3%

72.0%

71.1%

71.7%

72.0%

—

$1.8B

$1.7B

$1.6B

$1.5B

—

Depreciation

—

$480M

$431M

$373M

$331M

$257M

$220M

$200M

$192M

$158M

$127M

$114M

Total Operating Expenses

—

$2.4B

$2.3B

$2.1B

$2.0B

$1.7B

—

$3.3B

$3.4B

$2.9B

$2.1B

$1.9B

$2.8B

$2.4B

$2.0B

$1.9B

$1.8B

$651M

$1.5B

EBIT

$3.1B

$3.4B

$2.9B

$2.1B

$1.9B

$2.8B

$2.4B

$2.0B

$1.9B

$1.8B

$651M

$1.5B

EBITDA

$3.8B

$3.3B

$2.5B

$2.2B

$3.1B

$2.7B

$2.2B

$2.1B

$2.0B

$842M

$1.6B

Operating Margin

43.4%

40.6%

36.1%

34.4%

45.7%

44.5%

41.4%

42.0%

43.3%

18.1%

42.3%

EBITDA Margin

49.5%

49.6%

46.6%

42.4%

40.5%

49.9%

49.4%

45.9%

46.8%

47.2%

23.4%

46.2%

—

$251M

$300M

$296M

$216M

$185M

—

$3.1B

$2.7B

$1.9B

$1.8B

$2.8B

—

Income Tax Expense

—

$668M

$640M

$327M

$386M

$541M

$452M

$381M

$352M

$779M

$282M

$430M

$2.4B

$2.5B

$2.1B

$1.6B

$1.4B

$2.2B

$1.8B

$1.4B

$1.3B

$1.0B

$276M

$950M

Net Margin

31.2%

31.9%

29.0%

27.2%

25.1%

35.6%

33.1%

29.6%

29.7%

24.0%

7.6%

27.3%

$13.73

$11.32

$8.77

$7.47

$11.88

$9.48

$7.51

$6.84

$5.24

$1.38

$4.70

Diluted EPS

$13.73

$13.67

$11.26

$8.73

$7.44

$11.78

$9.48

$7.51

$6.84

$5.24

$1.38

$4.70

Weighted Avg Basic

—

179M

182M

183M

184M

186M

—

Weighted Avg Diluted

—

180M

183M

184M

185M

188M

—

MOODYS CORP /DE/ (MCO) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Last updated: April 2026

Company Overview — What Does MOODYS CORP /DE/ Do?

Moody's Corporation operates as an integrated risk assessment firm worldwide. It operates in two segments, Moody's Investors Service and Moody's Analytics. The Moody's Investors Service segment publishes credit ratings and provides assessment services on various debt obligations, programs and facilities, and entities that issue such obligations, such as various corporate, financial institution, and governmental obligations, as well as and structured finance securities. This segment provides ratings in approximately 140 countries. Its ratings are disseminated through press releases to the public through electronic media, including the internet and real-time information systems used by securities traders and investors. This segment has rated approximately 5,000 non-financial corporates; 3,600 financial institutions; 16,000 public finance issuers; 145 sovereigns; 47 supranational institutions; 459 sub-sovereigns; and 1,000 infrastructure and project finance issuers, as well as 9,100 structured finance deals. The Moody's Analytics segment develops a range of products and services that support the risk management activities of institutional participants in financial markets; and offers subscription based research, data, and analytical products comprising credit ratings, credit research, quantitative credit scores and other analytical tools, economic research and forecasts, business intelligence and company information products, commercial real estate data and analytical tools, and on-line and classroom-based training services, as well as credentialing and certification services. It also offers offshore analytical and research services with learning solutions and certification programs; and software solutions, as well as related risk management services. The company was formerly known as Dun and Bradstreet Company and changed its name to Moody's Corporation in September 2000. Moody's Corporation was founded in 1900 and is headquartered in New York, New York. MOODYS CORP /DE/ (MCO) is classified as a large-cap stock in the Industrials sector, specifically within the Business Services industry. The company is led by CEO Robert S. Fauber and employs approximately 14,400 people, headquartered in New York, New York. With a market capitalization of $78.1B, MCO is one of the prominent companies in the Industrials sector.

MOODYS CORP /DE/ (MCO) Stock Rating — Reduce (April 2026)

As of April 2026, MOODYS CORP /DE/ receives a Reduce rating with a composite score of 46.7/100 and 2 out of 5 stars from the Blank Capital Research quantitative model.MCO ranks #2,385 out of 4,446 stocks in our coverage universe. Within the Industrials sector, MOODYS CORP /DE/ ranks #386 of 752 stocks, placing it in the lower half of its Industrials peers. The rating is generated by a multi-factor model that weighs quality (30%), momentum (25%), value (15%), investment (10%), stability (10%), and short interest (10%).

MCO Stock Price and 52-Week Range

MOODYS CORP /DE/ (MCO) currently trades at $427.41. The stock lost $10.81 (2.5%) in the most recent trading session. The 52-week high for MCO is $546.88, which means the stock is currently trading -21.8% from its annual peak. The 52-week low is $378.71, putting the stock 12.9% above its annual trough. Recent trading volume was 1.1M shares, reflecting moderate market activity.

Is MCO Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

MOODYS CORP /DE/ (MCO) carries a value factor score of 57/100 in the Blank Capital model, indicating fair valuation relative to historical norms. The trailing price-to-earnings ratio is 32.69x, compared to the Industrials sector average of 28.33x — a premium of 15%. The price-to-book ratio stands at 18.54x, versus the sector average of 2.23x. The price-to-sales ratio is 10.20x, compared to 0.50x for the average Industrials stock. On an enterprise value basis, MCO trades at 22.46x EV/EBITDA, versus 5.70x for the sector. The EV/EBIT multiple is 27.02x.

Overall, MCO's valuation appears roughly in line with sector benchmarks, suggesting the market is pricing the stock fairly given its current fundamentals and growth trajectory. Neither deep value nor significantly overpriced, the stock occupies a middle ground on valuation.

MOODYS CORP /DE/ Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

MOODYS CORP /DE/ (MCO) earns a quality factor score of 50/100, indicating solid business quality with consistent operational execution. The return on equity (ROE) is 56.7%, compared to the Industrials sector average of 8.9%, which demonstrates strong shareholder value creation. Return on assets (ROA) comes in at 15.1% versus the sector average of 3.3%.

On a margin basis, MOODYS CORP /DE/ reports gross margins of 74.0%, compared to 35.8% for the sector. The operating margin is 43.4% (sector: 6.2%). Net profit margin stands at 31.2%, versus 3.9% for the average Industrials stock. Revenue growth is running at 10.5% on a trailing basis, compared to 6.4% for the sector. The overall profitability profile is adequate, though there may be room for margin expansion.

MCO Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

MOODYS CORP /DE/ has a debt-to-equity ratio of 166.0%, compared to the Industrials sector average of 70.0%. This elevated leverage warrants close monitoring, as it increases the company's sensitivity to rising interest rates and economic downturns. The current ratio is 1.74x, suggesting adequate working capital coverage. Total debt on the balance sheet is $6.99B. Cash and equivalents stand at $2.18B.

MCO has a beta of 1.19, meaning it is roughly in line with the broader market in terms of price volatility. The stability factor score for MOODYS CORP /DE/ is 72/100, indicating low-volatility characteristics and consistent price behavior that appeals to risk-averse investors.

MOODYS CORP /DE/ Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

In TTM 2026, MOODYS CORP /DE/ reported revenue of $7.64B and earnings per share (EPS) of $13.73. Net income for the quarter was $2.38B. Gross margin was 74.0%. Operating income came in at $3.32B.

In FY 2025, MOODYS CORP /DE/ reported revenue of $7.72B and earnings per share (EPS) of $13.73. Net income for the quarter was $2.46B. Gross margin was 74.4%. Revenue grew 8.9% year-over-year compared to FY 2024. Operating income came in at $3.35B.

In Q3 2025, MOODYS CORP /DE/ reported revenue of $2.01B and earnings per share (EPS) of $3.61. Net income for the quarter was $647M. Gross margin was 75.5%. Revenue grew 10.7% year-over-year compared to Q3 2024. Operating income came in at $917M.

In Q2 2025, MOODYS CORP /DE/ reported revenue of $1.90B and earnings per share (EPS) of $3.22. Net income for the quarter was $579M. Gross margin was 74.2%. Revenue grew 4.5% year-over-year compared to Q2 2024. Operating income came in at $818M.

Over the past 8 quarters, MOODYS CORP /DE/ has demonstrated a growth trajectory, with revenue expanding from $1.82B to $7.64B. Investors analyzing MCO stock should weigh these quarterly trends alongside the valuation and quality metrics discussed above.

MCO Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

MOODYS CORP /DE/ (MCO) currently pays a dividend yield of 0.8%. At this yield, a $10,000 investment in MCO stock would generate approximately $$77.00 in annual dividend income. With a net margin of 31.2%, the dividend appears well-covered by earnings, suggesting sustainable payouts going forward.

MCO Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

MOODYS CORP /DE/ (MCO) has a momentum factor score of 37/100, signaling weak relative price performance. Stocks with low momentum scores have historically tended to continue underperforming in the near term. The investment factor score is 29/100, which measures capital allocation efficiency and asset growth patterns. The short interest score of 39/100 signals elevated short interest, which can indicate bearish sentiment among institutional investors.

MCO vs Competitors — Industrials Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

Within the Industrials sector, MOODYS CORP /DE/ (MCO) ranks #386 out of 752 stocks based on the Blank Capital composite score. This places MCO in the lower half of all Industrials stocks in our coverage universe. Key competitors and sector peers include South Bow Corp (SOBO) with a score of 56.5/100, TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LTD (TEN) with a score of 61.4/100, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock CORP (GLDD) with a score of 56.7/100, Tri Pointe Homes, Inc. (TPH) with a score of 57.3/100, and Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. (CCO) with a score of 52.2/100.

Comparing MCO against the S&P 500 benchmark is also instructive for understanding relative performance. Investors can view the full MCO vs S&P 500 (SPY) comparison to assess how MOODYS CORP /DE/ stacks up against the broader market across all factor dimensions.

MCO Next Earnings Date

No upcoming earnings date has been announced for MOODYS CORP /DE/ (MCO) at this time. Check the earnings calendar for the latest scheduling updates across all stocks in our coverage universe.

Should You Buy MCO? — Investment Thesis Summary

The quantitative profile for MOODYS CORP /DE/ suggests caution. Momentum is weak at 37/100, a headwind for near-term performance. Low volatility (stability score 72/100) reduces downside risk.

In summary, MOODYS CORP /DE/ (MCO) earns a Reduce rating with a composite score of 46.7/100 as of April 2026. The rating is derived from the Blank Capital Research methodology, which combines six factor dimensions into a single quantitative ranking. Investors should consider these quantitative signals alongside their own fundamental research, risk tolerance, and investment time horizon before making buy or sell decisions on MCO stock.

Related Resources for MCO Investors

Explore more research and tools: MCO vs S&P 500 comparison, top Industrials stocks, stock screener, our methodology, quality factor explained, value factor explained, momentum factor explained. Compare MCO head-to-head with peers: MCO vs SOBO, MCO vs TEN, MCO vs GLDD.

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MOODYS CORP /DE/ (MCO) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Company Overview — What Does MOODYS CORP /DE/ Do?

MOODYS CORP /DE/ (MCO) Stock Rating — Reduce (April 2026)

MCO Stock Price and 52-Week Range

Is MCO Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

MOODYS CORP /DE/ Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

MCO Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

MOODYS CORP /DE/ Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

MCO Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

MCO Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

MCO vs Competitors — Industrials Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

MCO Next Earnings Date

Should You Buy MCO? — Investment Thesis Summary

Related Resources for MCO Investors

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