Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

Form 10-Q

 

 

(Mark one)

 

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2016

Or

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from              to             

Commission file number 1-14037

 

 

Moody’s Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   13-3998945
(State of Incorporation)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

7 World Trade Center at

250 Greenwich Street, New York, N.Y.

  10007
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:

(212) 553-0300

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x     No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months, or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files.    Yes  x     No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer   x    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   ¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

 

Title of Each Class

 

Shares Outstanding at September 30, 2016

Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share   191.2 million


Table of Contents

MOODY’S CORPORATION

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

 

         Page(s)  
  Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations      3-7   
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION   
Item 1.   Financial Statements   
 

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the Three and Nine Months Ended September  30, 2016 and 2015

     8   
 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015

     9   
  Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015      10   
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the Nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015      11   
  Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)      12-38   
Item 2.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations   
  The Company      39   
  Critical Accounting Estimates      39-42   
  Reportable Segments      42   
  Results of Operations      43-55   
  Liquidity and Capital Resources      56-61   
  Recently Issued Accounting Standards      61   
  Contingencies      61   
  Regulation      62   
  Forward-Looking Statements      63   
Item 4.   Controls and Procedures      64   
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION   
Item 1.   Legal Proceedings      65   
Item 1A.   Risk Factors      65   
Item 2.   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds      65   
Item 5.   Other Information      65   
Item 6.   Exhibits      66   

SIGNATURES

     67   
Exhibits Filed Herewith   
10.1   Fourth Amendment to the Moody’s Corporation Career Transition Plan   
31.1   Chief Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002   
31.2   Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002   
32.1   Chief Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002   
32.2   Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002   
101.DEF   XBRL Definitions Linkbase Document   
101.INS   XBRL Instance Document   
101.SCH   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document   
101.CAL   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document   
101.LAB   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document   
101.PRE   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document   


Table of Contents

GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

The following terms, abbreviations and acronyms are used to identify frequently used terms in this report:

 

TERM

  

DEFINITION

Adjusted Operating Income    Operating income excluding restructuring, depreciation and amortization
Adjusted Operating Margin    Adjusted Operating Income divided by revenue
Amba    Amba Investment Services; a provider of outsourced investment research and quantitative analytics for global financial institutions; a majority owned subsidiary of the Company acquired 100% of Amba in December 2013
Americas    Represents countries within North and South America, excluding the U.S.
AOCI    Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss); a separate component of shareholders’ equity
ASC    The FASB Accounting Standards Codification; the sole source of authoritative GAAP as of July 1, 2009 except for rules and interpretive releases of the SEC, which are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants
Asia-Pacific    Represents countries in Asia including but not limited to: Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand
ASU    The FASB Accounting Standards Update to the ASC. It also provides background information for accounting guidance and the bases for conclusions on the changes in the ASC. ASUs are not considered authoritative until codified into the ASC
BlackBox    BlackBox Logic; a leading provider of Residential Mortgage-Backed securities loan level data. The Company acquired the customer base and products of BlackBox Logic in December 2015
Board    The board of directors of the Company
BPS    Basis points
Canary Wharf Lease    Operating lease agreement entered into on February 6, 2008 for office space in London, England, occupied by the Company in the second half of 2009
CFG    Corporate finance group; an LOB of MIS
CLO    Collateralized loan obligation
CMBS    Commercial mortgage-backed securities; part of the CREF asset class within SFG
Commission    European Commission
Common Stock    The Company’s common stock
Company    Moody’s Corporation and its subsidiaries; MCO; Moody’s
Copal    Copal Partners; an acquisition completed in November 2011; part of the MA segment; leading provider of outsourced research and analytical services to institutional investors
Copal Amba    Operating segment and reporting unit created in January 2014 that consists of all operations from Copal as well as the operations of Amba. The Copal Amba operating segment provides outsourced research and analytical services to the global financial and corporate sectors
Council    Council of the European Union
CP    Commercial paper
CP Notes    Unsecured CP issued under the CP Program
CP Program    A program entered into on August 3, 2016 allowing the Company to privately place CP up to a maximum of $1 billion for which the maturity may not exceed 397 days from the date of issue
CRAs    Credit rating agencies
CRA3    Regulation (EU) No 462/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council, which updated the regulatory regimes imposing additional procedural requirements on CRAs

 

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Table of Contents
CREF    Commercial real estate finance which includes REITs, commercial real estate CDOs and mortgage-backed securities; part of SFG
CSI    CSI Global Education, Inc.; an acquisition completed in November 2010; part of the MA segment; a provider of financial learning, credentials, and certification services primarily in Canada
CSPP    Corporate Sector Purchase Programme; quantitative easing program implemented by the ECB. This program allows the central bank to purchase bonds issued by European companies, as well as provide access to the secondary bond market in which existing corporate bonds trade
D&A    Depreciation and amortization
DBPP    Defined benefit pension plans
DOJ    U.S. Department of Justice
ECB    European Central Bank
ECCA    Economics and Consumer Credit Analytics; a business within the RD&A LOB which provides economic and consumer credit trend analytics
EMEA    Represents countries within Europe, the Middle East and Africa
EPS    Earnings per share
Equilibrium    A leading provider of credit rating and research services in Peru and Panama; acquired by Moody’s in May 2015
ERS    The enterprise risk solutions LOB within MA, which offers risk management software products as well as software implementation services and related risk management advisory engagements
ESMA    European Securities and Markets Authority
ETR    Effective tax rate
EU    European Union
EUR    Euros
Excess Tax Benefits    The difference between the tax benefit realized at exercise of an option or delivery of a restricted share and the tax benefit recorded at the time the option or restricted share is expensed under GAAP
Exchange Act    The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
FASB    Financial Accounting Standards Board
FIG    Financial institutions group; an LOB of MIS
Financial Reform Act    Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
Free Cash Flow    Net cash provided by operating activities less cash paid for capital additions
FSTC    Financial Services Training and Certifications; a reporting unit within the MA segment that includes on-line and classroom-based training services and CSI
FX    Foreign exchange
GAAP    U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
GBP    British pounds
GGY    Gilliland Gold Young; a leading provider of advanced actuarial software for the global insurance industry. The Company acquired GGY on March 1, 2016
ICRA    ICRA Limited; a leading provider of credit ratings and research in India. The Company previously held 28.5% equity ownership and in June 2014, increased that ownership stake to just over 50% through the acquisition of additional shares
IT    Information technology

 

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KIS    Korea Investors Service, Inc; a leading Korean rating agency and consolidated subsidiary of the Company
KIS Pricing    Korea Investors Service Pricing, Inc; a leading Korean provider of fixed income securities pricing and consolidated subsidiary of the Company
Legacy Tax Matter(s)    Exposures to certain potential tax liabilities assumed in connection with the Company’s spin-off from Dun and Bradstreet in 2000
Lewtan    Lewtan Technologies; a leading provider of analytical tools and data for the global structured finance market; part of the RD&A LOB within MA; an acquisition completed in October 2014
LIBOR    London Interbank Offered Rate
LOB    Line of business
MA    Moody’s Analytics – a reportable segment of MCO formed in January 2008 which provides a wide range of products and services that support financial analysis and risk management activities of institutional participants in global financial markets; consists of three LOBs – RD&A, ERS and PS
M&A    Mergers and acquisitions
MCO    Moody’s Corporation and its subsidiaries; the Company; Moody’s
MD&A    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
MIS    Moody’s Investors Service – a reportable segment of MCO; consists of five LOBs – SFG, CFG, FIG, PPIF and MIS Other
MIS Other    Consists of non-ratings revenue from ICRA, KIS Pricing and KIS Research. These businesses are components of MIS; MIS Other is an LOB of MIS
Moody’s    Moody’s Corporation and its subsidiaries; MCO; the Company
Net Income    Net income attributable to Moody’s Corporation, which excludes net income from consolidated noncontrolling interests belonging to the minority interest holder
NM    Percentage change is not meaningful
Non-GAAP    A financial measure not in accordance with GAAP; these measures, when read in conjunction with the Company’s reported results, can provide useful supplemental information for investors analyzing period-to-period comparisons of the Company’s performance, facilitate comparisons to competitors’ operating results and to provide greater transparency to investors of supplemental information used by management in its financial and operational decision making
NRSRO    Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization
OCI    Other comprehensive income (loss); includes gains and losses on cash flow and net investment hedges, unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities, certain gains and losses relating to pension and other retirement benefit obligations and foreign currency translation adjustments
Other Retirement Plan    The U.S. retirement healthcare and U.S. retirement life insurance plans
PPIF    Public, project and infrastructure finance; an LOB of MIS
Profit Participation Plan    Defined contribution profit participation plan that covers substantially all U.S. employees of the Company
PS    Professional Services, an LOB within MA that provides outsourced research and analytical services as well as financial training and certification programs
RD&A    Research, Data and Analytics; an LOB within MA that produces, sells and distributes research, data and related content. Includes products generated by MIS, such as analyses on major debt issuers, industry studies, and commentary on topical credit events, as well as economic research, data, quantitative risk scores, and other analytical tools that are produced within MA
Reform Act    Credit Rating Agency Reform Act of 2006
REIT    Real Estate Investment Trust

 

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Relationship Revenue    For MIS represents monitoring of a rated debt obligation and/or entities that issue such obligations, as well as revenue from programs such as commercial paper, medium-term notes and shelf registrations. For MIS Other represents subscription-based revenue. For MA, represents subscription-based and maintenance revenue
Retirement Plans    Moody’s funded and unfunded pension plans, the healthcare plans and life insurance plans
SAV    Structured Analytics and Valuation; a business within the RD&A LOB which provides data and analytics for securitized assets
SEC    U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Securities Act    Securities Act of 1933, as amended
Series 2007-1 Notes    Principal amount of $300 million, 6.06% senior unsecured notes due in September 2017 pursuant to the 2007 Agreement
SFG    Structured finance group; an LOB of MIS
SG&A    Selling, general and administrative expenses
Total Debt    All indebtedness of the Company as reflected on the consolidated balance sheets
Transaction Revenue    For MIS, represents the initial rating of a new debt issuance as well as other one-time fees. For MIS Other, represents revenue from professional services and outsourcing engagements. For MA, represents software license fees and revenue from risk management advisory projects, training and certification services, and outsourced research and analytical engagements
U.K.    United Kingdom
U.S.    United States
USD    U.S. dollar
UTBs    Unrecognized tax benefits
UTPs    Uncertain tax positions
VSOE    Vendor specific objective evidence; as defined in the ASC, evidence of selling price limited to either of the following: the price charged for a deliverable when it is sold separately, or for a deliverable not yet being sold separately, the price established by management having the relevant authority
2007 Agreement    Note purchase agreement dated September 7, 2007, relating to the Series 2007-1 Notes
2010 Indenture    Supplemental indenture and related agreements dated August 19, 2010, relating to the 2010 Senior Notes
2010 Senior Notes    Principal amount of $500 million, 5.50% senior unsecured notes due in September 2020 pursuant to the 2010 Indenture
2012 Facility    Revolving credit facility of $1 billion entered into on April 18, 2012; was replaced with the 2015 Facility
2012 Indenture    Supplemental indenture and related agreements dated August 18, 2012, relating to the 2012 Senior Notes
2012 Senior Notes    Principal amount of $500 million, 4.50% senior unsecured notes due in September 2022 pursuant to the 2012 Indenture
2013 Indenture    Supplemental indenture and related agreements dated August 12, 2013, relating to the 2013 Senior Notes
2013 Senior Notes    Principal amount of the $500 million, 4.875% senior unsecured notes due in February 2024 pursuant to the 2013 Indenture
2014 Indenture    Supplemental indenture and related agreements dated July 16, 2014, relating to the 2014 Senior Notes

 

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2014 Senior Notes (5-Year)    Principal amount of $450 million, 2.75% senior unsecured notes due in July 2019
2014 Senior Notes (30-Year)    Principal amount of $600 million, 5.25% senior unsecured notes due in July 2044
2015 Facility    Five-year unsecured revolving credit facility, with capacity to borrow up to $1 billion; replaces the 2012 Facility
2015 Indenture    Supplemental indenture and related agreements dated March 9, 2015, relating to the 2015 Senior Notes
2015 Senior Notes    Principal amount €500 million, 1.75% senior unsecured notes issued March 9, 2015 and due in March 2027
7WTC    The Company’s corporate headquarters located at 7 World Trade Center in New York, NY
7WTC Lease    Operating lease agreement entered into on October 20, 2006

 

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Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

MOODY’S CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

(Amounts in millions, except per share data)

 

     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     September 30,     September 30,  
     2016     2015     2016     2015  

Revenue

   $ 917.1      $ 834.9      $ 2,662.1      $ 2,618.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses

        

Operating

     253.2        236.1        761.3        724.4   

Selling, general and administrative

     225.3        220.8        683.2        669.1   

Restructuring

     8.4        —          12.0        —     

Depreciation and amortization

     32.7        28.3        93.8        84.8   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

     519.6        485.2        1,550.3        1,478.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

     397.5        349.7        1,111.8        1,140.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-operating (expense) income, net

        

Interest income (expense), net

     (35.4     (25.8     (103.8     (87.0

Other non-operating income (expense), net

     6.9        19.7        15.5        14.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total non-operating (expense) income, net

     (28.5     (6.1     (88.3     (73.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before provisions for income taxes

     369.0        343.6        1,023.5        1,067.3   

Provision for income taxes

     112.4        109.8        322.2        338.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

     256.6        233.8        701.3        729.2   

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

     1.3        2.2        6.1        5.8   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Moody’s

   $ 255.3      $ 231.6      $ 695.2      $ 723.4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings per share attributable to Moody’s common shareholders

        

Basic

   $ 1.33      $ 1.16      $ 3.60      $ 3.60   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted

   $ 1.31      $ 1.14      $ 3.55      $ 3.54   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average number of shares outstanding

        

Basic

     191.7        199.4        193.3        201.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted

     194.3        202.5        196.0        204.5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividends declared per share attributable to Moody’s common shareholders

   $ 0.37      $ 0.34      $ 0.74      $ 0.68   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

MOODY’S CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)

(Amounts in millions)

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30, 2016
    Three Months Ended
September 30, 2015
 
     Pre-tax
amounts
    Tax
amounts
    After-tax
amounts
    Pre-tax
amounts
    Tax
amounts
    After-tax
amounts
 

Net income

       $ 256.6          $ 233.8   
      

 

 

       

 

 

 

Other comprehensive (loss) income:

            

Foreign currency translation:

            

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net

   $ (12.0   $ 2.6        (9.4   $ (43.2   $ 1.5        (41.7

Cash flow hedges:

            

Net unrealized gains on cash flow hedges

     5.1        (1.9     3.2        —          —          —     

Reclassification of gains included in net income

     (1.3     0.4        (0.9     —          —          —     

Available for sale securities:

            

Net unrealized gains on available for sale securities

     0.7        —          0.7        0.7        —          0.7   

Reclassification of gains included in net income

     —          —          —          (0.6     —          (0.6

Pension and Other Retirement Benefits:

            

Amortization of actuarial losses and prior service costs included in net income

     2.4        (0.9     1.5        3.4        (1.3     2.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive loss

   $ (5.1   $ 0.2      $ (4.9   $ (39.7   $ 0.2      $ (39.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

         251.7            194.3   

Less: comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests

         (14.8         2.2   
      

 

 

       

 

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Moody’s

       $ 266.5          $ 192.1   
      

 

 

       

 

 

 
     Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2016
    Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2015
 
     Pre-tax
amounts
    Tax
amounts
    After-tax
amounts
    Pre-tax
amounts
    Tax
amounts
    After-tax
amounts
 

Net income

       $ 701.3          $ 729.2   
      

 

 

       

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss):

            

Foreign currency translation:

            

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net

   $ (9.4   $ 16.6        7.2      $ (94.3   $ (5.8     (100.1

Foreign currency translation adjustments - reclassification of gains included in net income

     —          —          —          (0.1     —          (0.1

Cash flow hedges:

            

Net unrealized gains on cash flow hedges

     2.5        (1.0     1.5        —          —          —     

Reclassification of gains included in net income

     (0.9     0.3        (0.6     —          —          —     

Available for sale securities:

            

Net unrealized gains on available for sale securities

     1.9        —          1.9        2.8        —          2.8   

Reclassification of gains included in net income

     —          —          —          (0.8     —          (0.8

Pension and Other Retirement Benefits:

            

Amortization of actuarial losses and prior service costs included in net income

     7.3        (2.8     4.5        10.3        (3.9     6.4   

Net actuarial gains and prior service costs

     5.3        (2.0     3.3        10.9        (4.2     6.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

   $ 6.7      $ 11.1      $ 17.8      $ (71.2   $ (13.9   $ (85.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

         719.1            644.1   

Less: comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests

         (10.0         5.8   
      

 

 

       

 

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Moody’s

       $ 729.1          $ 638.3   
      

 

 

       

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

MOODY’S CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

(Amounts in millions, except share and per share data)

 

     September 30,     December 31,  
     2016     2015  
ASSETS     

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1,746.1      $ 1,757.4   

Short-term investments

     311.8        474.8   

Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $26.4 in 2016 and $27.5 in 2015

     831.4        802.0   

Deferred tax assets, net

     —          29.3   

Other current assets

     127.6        179.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     3,016.9        3,243.1   

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $581.7 in 2016 and $518.9 in 2015

     329.6        306.4   

Goodwill

     1,040.8        976.3   

Intangible assets, net

     307.8        299.1   

Deferred tax assets, net

     169.6        137.7   

Other assets

     154.6        140.4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 5,019.3      $ 5,103.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT     

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   $ 450.3      $ 566.6   

Deferred tax liabilities, net

     —          16.7   

Current portion of long-term debt

     299.9        —     

Deferred revenue

     652.3        635.2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     1,402.5        1,218.5   

Non-current portion of deferred revenue

     135.0        132.5   

Long-term debt

     3,118.2        3,380.6   

Deferred tax liabilities, net

     107.5        83.8   

Unrecognized tax benefits

     201.1        203.4   

Other liabilities

     412.9        417.2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     5,377.2        5,436.0   

Contingencies (Note 15)

     —          —     

Shareholders’ deficit:

    

Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share; 10,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding

     —          —     

Series common stock, par value $.01 per share; 10,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding

     —          —     

Common stock, par value $.01 per share; 1,000,000,000 shares authorized; 342,902,272 shares issued at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

     3.4        3.4   

Capital surplus

     450.4        451.3   

Retained earnings

     7,261.2        6,709.0   

Treasury stock, at cost; 151,731,498 and 146,826,744 shares of common stock at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively

     (7,973.8     (7,389.2

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (305.7     (339.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Moody’s shareholders’ deficit

     (564.5     (565.0

Noncontrolling interests

     206.6        232.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ deficit

     (357.9     (333.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ deficit

   $ 5,019.3      $ 5,103.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

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MOODY’S CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

(Amounts in millions)

 

     Nine months ended
September 30,
 
     2016     2015  

Cash flows from operating activities

    

Net income

   $ 701.3      $ 729.2   

Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     93.8        84.8   

Stock-based compensation expense

     72.8        66.5   

Deferred income taxes

     7.1        19.7   

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation plans

     (32.4     (44.5

Legacy Tax Matters

     (1.6     (6.4

Changes in assets and liabilities:

    

Accounts receivable

     (35.6     61.0   

Other current assets

     51.1        4.9   

Other assets

     10.2        (6.6

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     (54.6     (35.7

Deferred revenue

     31.2        10.6   

Unrecognized tax benefits and other non-current tax liabilities

     (1.8     (9.9

Other liabilities

     15.1        19.9   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     856.6        893.5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities

    

Capital additions

     (84.8     (65.9

Purchases of investments

     (279.7     (480.4

Sales and maturities of investments

     438.7        448.6   

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

     (79.1     (4.6

Settlement of net investment hedges

     2.5        20.8   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (2.4     (81.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities

    

Issuance of notes

     —          552.8   

Proceeds from stock-based compensation plans

     72.5        72.1   

Repurchase of shares for payroll tax withholdings related to stock-based compensation

     (44.0     (59.3

Cost of treasury shares repurchased

     (678.9     (905.6

Excess tax benefits from settlement of stock-based compensation plans

     32.4        44.5   

Payment of dividends

     (214.5     (205.0

Acquisition of noncontrolling interests

     (45.4     —     

Payment of dividends to noncontrolling interests

     (4.6     (4.6

Contingent consideration paid

     —          (1.5

Debt issuance costs and related fees

     (0.1     (5.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

     (882.6     (512.5

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     17.1        (47.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (11.3     251.6   

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period

     1,757.4        1,219.5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period

   $ 1,746.1      $ 1,471.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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MOODY’S CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(tabular dollar and share amounts in millions, except per share data)

NOTE 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Moody’s is a provider of (i) credit ratings, (ii) credit, capital markets and economic research, data and analytical tools, (iii) software solutions and related risk management services, (iv) quantitative credit risk measures, financial services training and certification services and (v) outsourced research and analytical services. Moody’s has two reportable segments: MIS and MA.

MIS, the credit rating agency, publishes credit ratings on a wide range of debt obligations and the entities that issue such obligations in markets worldwide. Revenue is primarily derived from the originators and issuers of such transactions who use MIS ratings in the distribution of their debt issues to investors. Additionally, MIS earns revenue from certain non-ratings-related operations, which consist primarily of the distribution of research and fixed income pricing services in the Asia-Pacific region and from ICRA non-ratings services. The revenue from these operations is included in the MIS Other LOB and is not material to the results of the MIS segment.

The MA segment develops a wide range of products and services that support financial analysis and risk management activities of institutional participants in global financial markets. Within its Research, Data and Analytics business, MA distributes research and data developed by MIS as part of its ratings process, including in-depth research on major debt issuers, industry studies and commentary on topical credit-related events. The RD&A business also produces economic research as well as data and analytical tools such as quantitative credit risk scores. Within its Enterprise Risk Solutions business, MA provides software solutions as well as related risk management services. The Professional Services business provides outsourced research and analytical services along with financial training and certification programs.

These interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related notes in the Company’s 2015 annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 25, 2016. The results of interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year or any subsequent period. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (including normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows at the dates and for the periods presented have been included. The year-end consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period amounts to conform to the current presentation.

In the first quarter of 2016, the Company adopted ASU No. 2015-17 “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes” on a prospective basis, and accordingly, prior year comparative periods have not been adjusted. This ASU requires the classification of all deferred income tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent on the balance sheet.

In the first quarter of 2016, the Company adopted ASU No. 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs” on a retrospective basis. This ASU requires a company to present debt issuance costs in the balance sheet as a reduction of debt rather than as an asset. The impact to the Company’s balance sheet as of December 31, 2015 and September 30, 2016 relating to the adoption of this ASU is set forth in the table below:

 

    As reported
December 31, 2015
    Reclassification     December 31, 2015
As adjusted
    As reported
September 30, 2016
    Reclassification     September 30, 2016
Under previous
accounting guidance
 

Long-term debt

  $ 3,401.0      $ (20.4   $ 3,380.6      $ 3,118.2      $ 18.5      $ 3,136.7   

Other assets

  $ 160.8      $ (20.4   $ 140.4      $ 154.6      $ 18.6      $ 173.2   

Current portion of long-term debt

        $ 299.9      $ 0.1      $ 300.0   

 

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NOTE 2. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Presented below is a summary of the stock-based compensation cost and associated tax benefit included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations:

 

     Three Months Ended      Nine Months Ended  
     September 30,      September 30,  
     2016      2015      2016      2015  

Stock-based compensation cost

   $ 23.9       $ 22.1       $ 72.8       $ 66.5   

Tax benefit

   $ 7.8       $ 7.2       $ 23.7       $ 21.8   

During the first nine months of 2016, the Company granted 0.5 million employee stock options, which had a weighted average grant date fair value of $22.98 per share based on the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Company also granted 1.2 million shares of restricted stock in the first nine months of 2016, which had a weighted average grant date fair value of $80.90 per share. Both the employee stock options and restricted stock generally vest ratably over a four-year period. Additionally, the Company granted approximately 0.2 million shares of performance-based awards whereby the number of shares that ultimately vest are based on the achievement of certain non-market based performance metrics of the Company over a three-year period. The weighted average grant date fair value of these awards was $76.66 per share.

The following weighted average assumptions were used in determining the fair value for options granted in 2016:

 

Expected dividend yield

     1.83

Expected stock volatility

     32.3

Risk-free interest rate

     1.60

Expected holding period

     6.8 years   

Grant date fair value

   $ 22.98   

Unrecognized compensation expense at September 30, 2016 was $10.4 million and $129.6 million for stock options and unvested restricted stock, respectively, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.3 years and 1.7 years, respectively. Additionally, there was $14.6 million of unrecognized compensation expense relating to the aforementioned non-market based performance-based awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.0 years.

 

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The following tables summarize information relating to stock option exercises and restricted stock vesting:

 

     Nine Months Ended  
     September 30,  
Exercise of stock options:    2016      2015  

Proceeds from stock option exercises

   $ 67.7       $ 68.0   

Aggregate intrinsic value

   $ 67.8       $ 64.7   

Tax benefit realized upon exercise

   $ 23.1       $ 23.0   

Number of shares exercised

     1.4         1.3   
     Nine Months Ended  
     September 30,  
Vesting of restricted stock:    2016      2015  

Fair value of shares vested

   $ 92.8       $ 111.3   

Tax benefit realized upon vesting

   $ 29.5       $ 35.7   

Number of shares vested

     1.0         1.1   
     Nine Months Ended  
     September 30,  
Vesting of performance-based restricted stock:    2016      2015  

Fair value of shares vested

   $ 23.6       $ 43.1   

Tax benefit realized upon vesting

   $ 8.4       $ 15.6   

Number of shares vested

     0.2         0.5   

NOTE 3. INCOME TAXES

Moody’s effective tax rate was 30.5% and 32.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively and 31.5% and 31.7% for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The decrease in the ETR compared to the third quarter of 2015 was primarily due to lower taxes on non-US income.

The Company classifies interest related to UTBs in interest income (expense), net in its consolidated statements of operations. Penalties, if incurred, would be recognized in other non-operating income (expense), net. The Company had an increase in its UTBs of $2.9 million ($2.1 million net of federal tax) during the third quarter of 2016 and an overall decrease in its UTBs during the first nine months of 2016 of $2.3 million (increase of $0.6 million net of federal tax). Moody’s Corporation and subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax in various state, local and foreign jurisdictions.

The Company’s U.S. federal income tax returns for the years 2011 and 2012 are under examination and its returns for 2013 through 2015 remain open to examination. The Company’s New York State tax returns for 2011 through 2014 are currently under examination and the Company’s New York City tax return for 2014 remains open to examination. The Company’s U.K. tax return for 2012 is currently under examination and its returns for 2013 and 2014 remain open to examination.

 

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For ongoing audits, it is possible the balance of UTBs could decrease in the next twelve months as a result of the settlement of these audits, which might involve the payment of additional taxes, the adjustment of certain deferred taxes and/or the recognition of tax benefits. It is also possible that new issues might be raised by tax authorities which could necessitate increases to the balance of UTBs. As the Company is unable to predict the timing or outcome of these audits, it is therefore unable to estimate the amount of changes to the balance of UTBs at this time. However, the Company believes that it has adequately provided for its financial exposure relating to all open tax years by tax jurisdiction in accordance with the applicable provisions of Topic 740 of the ASC regarding UTBs.

The following table shows the amount the Company paid for income taxes:

 

     Nine Months Ended  
     September 30,  
     2016      2015  

Income taxes paid

   $ 242.8       $ 299.9   

NOTE 4. WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING

Below is a reconciliation of basic to diluted shares outstanding:

 

     Three Months Ended      Nine Months Ended  
     September 30,      September 30,  
     2016      2015      2016      2015  

Basic

     191.7         199.4         193.3         201.1   

Dilutive effect of shares issuable under stock-based compensation plans

     2.6         3.1         2.7         3.4   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted

     194.3         202.5         196.0         204.5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Anti-dilutive options to purchase common shares and restricted stock as well as contingently issuable restricted stock which are excluded from the table above

     0.5         0.6         0.9         0.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The calculation of diluted EPS requires certain assumptions regarding the use of both cash proceeds and assumed proceeds that would be received upon the exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock outstanding as of September 30, 2016 and 2015. These assumed proceeds include Excess Tax Benefits and any unrecognized compensation of the awards.

The decrease in the diluted shares outstanding primarily reflects treasury share repurchases under the Company’s Board authorized share repurchase program.

 

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NOTE 5. CASH EQUIVALENTS AND INVESTMENTS

The table below provides additional information on the Company’s cash equivalents and investments:

 

     As of September 30, 2016  
            Gross
Unrealized
Gains
            Balance sheet location  
     Cost         Fair
Value
     Cash and cash
equivalents
     Short-term
investments
     Other
assets
 

Money market mutual funds

   $ 38.9       $ —         $ 38.9       $ 38.9       $ —         $ —     

Certificates of deposit and money market deposit accounts (1)

   $ 798.0       $ —         $ 798.0       $ 458.1       $ 311.8       $ 28.1   

Fixed maturity and open ended mutual funds (2)

   $ 27.9       $ 5.0       $ 32.9       $ —         $ —         $ 32.9   
     As of December 31, 2015  
            Gross
Unrealized
Gains
            Balance sheet location  
     Cost         Fair
Value
     Cash and cash
equivalents
     Short-term
investments
     Other
assets
 

Money market mutual funds

   $ 188.3       $ —         $ 188.3       $ 188.3       $ —         $ —     

Certificates of deposit and money market deposit accounts (1)

   $ 1,307.3       $ —         $ 1,307.3       $ 809.4       $ 474.8       $ 23.1   

Fixed maturity and open ended mutual funds (2)

   $ 28.7       $ 3.2       $ 31.9       $ —         $ —         $ 31.9   

 

(1) 

Consists of time deposits and money market deposit accounts. The remaining contractual maturities for the certificates of deposits classified as short-term investments were one month to 12 months at both September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015. The remaining contractual maturities for the certificates of deposits classified in other assets are one month to 18 months at September 30, 2016 and one month to 27 months at December 31, 2015. Time deposits with a maturity of less than 90 days at time of purchase are classified as cash and cash equivalents.

(2) 

Consists of investments in fixed maturity mutual funds and open-ended mutual funds. The remaining contractual maturities for the fixed maturity instruments range from two months to 22 months and 11 months to 31 months at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 respectively.

The money market mutual funds as well as the fixed maturity and open ended mutual funds in the table above are deemed to be “available for sale” under ASC Topic 320 and the fair value of these instruments is determined using Level 1 inputs as defined in the ASC.

NOTE 6. ACQUISITIONS

The GGY business combination described below is accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting whereby assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recognized at fair value on the date of the transaction. Any excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed was recorded to goodwill. The Company has not presented proforma combined results because the impact on previously reported statements of operations would not have been material. Additionally, the near term impact to the Company’s operations and cash flows is not material.

 

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Table of Contents

Korea Investor Service (KIS)

In July 2016, a subsidiary of the Company acquired the non-controlling interest of KIS and additional shares of KIS Pricing. The aggregate purchase price was not material and the near term impact to operations and cash flow is not expected to be material. KIS and KIS Pricing are a part of the MIS segment.

Gilliland Gold Young (GGY)

On March 1, 2016, subsidiaries of the Company acquired 100% of GGY, a leading provider of advanced actuarial software for the life insurance industry. The cash payments noted in the table below were funded with cash on hand. The acquisition of GGY will allow MA to provide an industry-leading enterprise risk offering for global life insurers and reinsurers.

The table below details the total consideration relating to the acquisition:

 

Cash paid at closing

   $ 83.4   

Additional consideration paid to sellers in the third quarter 2016(1)

     3.1   
  

 

 

 

Total consideration

   $ 86.5   
  

 

 

 

 

(1) 

Represents additional consideration paid to the sellers for amounts withheld at closing pending the completion of certain administrative matters

Shown below is the purchase price allocation, which summarizes the fair value of the assets and liabilities assumed, at the date of acquisition:

 

Current assets

      $ 11.7   

Property and equipment, net

        2.0   

Indemnification assets

        1.5   

Intangible assets:

     

Trade name (19 year weighted average life)

   $ 3.7      

Client relationships (21 year weighted average life)

     13.8      

Software (7 year weighted average life)

     16.6      
  

 

 

    

Total intangible assets (14 year weighted average life)

        34.1   

Goodwill

        59.4   

Liabilities

        (22.2
     

 

 

 

Net assets acquired

      $ 86.5   
     

 

 

 

Current assets in the table above include acquired cash of $7.5 million. Additionally, current assets include accounts receivable of $2.9 million. Goodwill, which has been assigned to the MA segment, is not deductible for tax.

In connection with the acquisition, the Company assumed liabilities relating to UTPs and certain other tax exposures which are included in the liabilities assumed in the table above. The sellers have contractually indemnified the Company against any potential payments that may have to be made regarding these amounts. Accordingly, the Company carries an indemnification asset on its consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2016.

The Company incurred $0.9 million of costs directly related to the GGY acquisition of which $0.6 million was incurred in 2015 and $0.3 million was incurred in the first quarter of 2016. These costs are recorded within selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

GGY is part of the ERS reporting unit for purposes of the Company’s annual goodwill impairment assessment.

 

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Table of Contents

NOTE 7. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

The Company is exposed to global market risks, including risks from changes in FX rates and changes in interest rates. Accordingly, the Company uses derivatives in certain instances to manage the aforementioned financial exposures that occur in the normal course of business. The Company does not hold or issue derivatives for speculative purposes.

Derivatives and non-derivative instruments designated as accounting hedges:

Interest Rate Swaps

In the second quarter of 2014, the Company entered into interest rate swaps with a total notional amount of $250 million to convert the fixed interest rate on the 2010 Senior Notes to a floating interest rate based on the 3-month LIBOR. In the third quarter of 2014, the Company entered into interest rate swaps with a total notional amount of $250 million to convert the fixed interest rate on the remaining balance of the 2010 Senior Notes to a floating interest rate based on the 3-month LIBOR. The purpose of these hedges is to mitigate the risk associated with changes in the fair value of the 2010 Senior Notes, thus the Company has designated these swaps as fair value hedges. The fair value of the swaps is adjusted quarterly with a corresponding adjustment to the carrying value of the 2010 Senior Notes. The changes in the fair value of the hedges and the underlying hedged item generally offset and the net cash settlements on the swaps are recorded each period within interest income (expense), net, in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations.

In the third quarter of 2014, the Company entered into interest rate swaps with a total notional amount of $250 million to convert the fixed interest rate on a portion of the 2014 Senior Notes (5-year) to a floating interest rate based on the 3-month LIBOR. In the first quarter of 2015, the Company entered into interest rate swaps with a total notional amount of $200 million to convert the fixed interest rate on the remaining balance of the 2014 Senior Notes (5-year) to a floating interest rate based on the 3-month LIBOR. The purpose of these hedges is to mitigate the risk associated with changes in the fair value of the 2014 Senior Notes (5-year), thus the Company has designated these swaps as fair value hedges. The fair value of the swaps is adjusted quarterly with a corresponding adjustment to the carrying value of the 2014 Senior Notes (5-year). The changes in the fair value of the hedges and the underlying hedged item generally offset and the net cash settlements on the swaps are recorded each period within interest income (expense), net, in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations.

The following table summarizes the impact to the statement of operations of the Company’s interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges:

 

          Amount of income recognized in the
consolidated statements of  operations
 
          Three Months Ended      Nine Months Ended  
          September 30,      September 30,  

Derivatives designated as fair value accounting hedges

  

Location on Statement of Operations

   2016      2015      2016      2015  

Interest rate swaps

   Interest income (expense), net    $ 2.7       $ 3.9       $ 8.8       $ 11.5   

 

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Table of Contents

Cross-currency swaps

In conjunction with the issuance of the 2015 Senior Notes, the Company entered into a cross-currency swap to exchange €100 million for U.S. dollars on the date of the settlement of the notes. The purpose of this cross-currency swap is to mitigate FX risk on the remaining principal balance on the 2015 Senior Notes that was not designated as a net investment hedge as more fully discussed below. Under the terms of the swap, the Company will pay the counterparty interest on the $110.5 million received at 3.945% per annum and the counterparty will pay the Company interest on the €100 million paid at 1.75% per annum. These interest payments will be settled in March of each year, beginning in 2016, until either the maturity of the cross-currency swap in 2027 or upon early termination at the discretion of the Company. The principal payments on this cross currency swap will be settled in 2027, concurrent with the repayment of the 2015 Senior Notes at maturity or upon early termination at the discretion of the Company. In March 2016, the Company designated these cross-currency swaps as cash flow hedges. Accordingly, changes in fair value subsequent to the date the swaps were designated as cash flow hedges will initially be recognized in OCI. Gains and losses on the swaps initially recognized in OCI will be reclassified to the statement of operations in the period in which changes in the underlying hedged item affects net income. Ineffectiveness, if any, will be recognized in other non-operating (expense) income, net in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations.

Net investment hedges

The Company enters into foreign currency forward contracts which are designated as net investment hedges and has designated €400 million of the 2015 Senior Notes as a net investment hedge. These hedges are intended to mitigate FX exposure related to non-U.S. dollar net investments in certain foreign subsidiaries against changes in foreign exchange rates. These net investment hedges are designated as accounting hedges under the applicable sections of Topic 815 of the ASC.

Hedge effectiveness is assessed based on the overall changes in the fair value of the hedge. For hedges that meet the effectiveness requirements, changes in the fair value are recorded in AOCI in the foreign currency translation account. Any change in the fair value of these hedges that is the result of ineffectiveness is recognized immediately in other non-operating (expense) income, net in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations.

The following table summarizes the notional amounts of the Company’s outstanding net investment hedges:

 

     September 30,      December 31,  
     2016      2015  

Notional amount of net investment hedges:

     

Long-term debt designated as net investment hedge

   400.0       400.0   

Contracts to sell GBP for euros

   £ 22.1       £ 21.2   

Contracts to sell Japanese yen for USD

   ¥ 19,400       ¥ 19,400   

The outstanding contracts to sell Japanese yen for USD expire in November 2016. The outstanding contracts to sell GBP for euros expire in December 2016. The hedge relating to the portion of the 2015 Senior Notes that was designated as a net investment hedge will end upon the repayment of the notes in 2027 unless terminated earlier at the discretion of the Company.

 

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The following table provides information on the gains/(losses) on the Company’s net investment and cash flow hedges:

 

Derivatives and non-derivative instruments in

Net Investment Hedging Relationships

   Amount of
Gain/(Loss) Recognized
in AOCI on Derivative
(Effective Portion)
   

Location of Gain/(Loss)
Reclassified from AOCI into
Income (Effective  Portion)

   Amount of Gain/(Loss)
Reclassified from AOCI into
Income (Effective  Portion)
 
     Three Months Ended          Three Months Ended  
     September 30,          September 30,  
     2016     2015          2016      2015  

FX forwards

   $ (0.2   $ (0.7   N/A    $ —         $ —     

Long-term debt

     (3.2     (0.6   N/A      —           —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total net investment hedges

   $ (3.4   $ (1.3   N/A    $ —         $ —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 
     Three Months Ended          Three Months Ended  

Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships

   September 30,          September 30,  
     2016     2015          2016      2015  

Cross currency swap

   $ 3.2      $ —        Other non-operating income, net    $ 0.9       $ —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ (0.2   $ (1.3 )    Total    $ 0.9       $ —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivatives and non-derivative instruments in

Net Investment Hedging Relationships

   Amount of
Gain/(Loss) Recognized
in AOCI on Derivative
(Effective Portion)
   

Location of Gain/(Loss)

Reclassified from AOCI into

Income (Effective Portion)

   Amount of Gain/(Loss)
Reclassified from AOCI into
Income (Effective  Portion)
 
     Nine Months Ended          Nine Months Ended  
     September 30,          September 30,  
     2016     2015          2016      2015  
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 

FX forwards

   $ (13.4   $ 12.7      N/A    $ —         $ —     

Long-term debt

     (9.2     (2.7   N/A      —           —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total net investment hedges

   $ (22.6   $ 10.0      N/A    $ —         $ —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 
     Nine Months Ended          Nine Months Ended  

Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships

   September 30,          September 30,  
     2016     2015          2016      2015  

Cross currency swap

   $ 1.5      $ —        Other non-operating income, net    $ 0.6       $ —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ (21.1   $ 10.0      Total    $ 0.6       $ —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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The cumulative amount of realized and unrecognized net investment hedge and cash flow hedge gains (losses) recorded in AOCI is as follows:

 

     Cumulative Gains/(Losses), net of tax  
     September 30,      December 31,  
     2016      2015  

Net investment hedges

     

FX forwards

   $ 20.9       $ 34.3   

Long-term debt

     (4.5      4.7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total gains on net investment hedges

   $ 16.4       $ 39.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash flow hedges

     

Treasury rate lock

   $ (1.1    $ (1.1

Cross currency swap

     0.9         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total losses on cash flow hedges

     (0.2      (1.1
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total net gains in AOCI

   $ 16.2       $ 37.9   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivatives not designated as accounting hedges:

Foreign exchange forwards

The Company also enters into foreign exchange forwards to mitigate the change in fair value on certain assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than a subsidiary’s functional currency. These forward contracts are not designated as accounting hedges under the applicable sections of Topic 815 of the ASC. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of these contracts are recognized immediately in other non-operating (expense) income, net in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations along with the FX gain or loss recognized on the assets and liabilities denominated in a currency other than the subsidiary’s functional currency. These contracts have expiration dates at various times through December 2016.

The following table summarizes the notional amounts of the Company’s outstanding foreign exchange forwards:

 

     September 30,      December 31,  
     2016      2015  

Notional amount of currency pair:

     

Contracts to purchase USD with euros

   $ 263.1       $ —     

Contracts to sell USD for euros

   $ 298.6       $ 70.1   

Contracts to purchase euros with other foreign currencies

   36.3       35.5   

Contracts to sell euros for other foreign currencies

   —         1.4   

Contracts to sell euros for GBP

   22.7       23.1   

 

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The following table summarizes the impact to the consolidated statements of operations relating to the net gain (loss) on the Company’s derivatives which are not designated as hedging instruments:

 

          Three Months Ended      Nine Months Ended  
          September 30,      September 30,  

Derivatives not designated as accounting hedges

  

Location on Statement of Operations

   2016      2015      2016      2015  

Foreign exchange forwards

  

Other non-operating income (expense), net

   $ (0.7    $ 0.6       $ (5.9    $ (1.3

The table below shows the classification between assets and liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets for the fair value of the derivative instrument as well as the carrying value of its nonderivative debt instruments designated and qualifying as net investment hedges:

 

     Derivative and Non-derivative  Instruments  
     Balance Sheet
Location
     September 30,
2016
     December 31,
2015
 

Assets:

        

Derivatives not designated as accounting hedges:

        

FX forwards on certain assets and liabilities

     Other current assets       $ 1.3       $ 0.1   

Derivatives designated as accounting hedges:

        

Cross-currency swap

     Other assets         0.1      

FX forwards on net investment in certain foreign subsidiaries

     Other current assets         2.5         0.4   

Interest rate swaps

     Other assets         28.0         12.1   
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

      $ 31.9       $ 12.6   
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities:

        

Derivatives designated as accounting hedges:

        

FX forwards on net investment in certain foreign subsidiaries

    
 
 
Accounts payable
and accrued
liabilities
  
  
  
   $ 30.0       $ 1.2   

Interest rate swaps

     Other liabilities         —           0.3   

Non-derivative instrument designated as accounting hedge:

        

Long-term debt designated as net investment hedge

     Long-term debt         449.5         434.5   

Derivatives not designated as accounting hedges:

        

Cross-currency swap

     Other liabilities         —           7.0   

FX forwards on certain assets and liabilities

    
 
 
Accounts payable
and accrued
liabilities
  
  
  
     0.6         1.9   
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

      $ 480.1       $ 444.9   
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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NOTE 8. GOODWILL AND OTHER ACQUIRED INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The following table summarizes the activity in goodwill for the periods indicated:

 

     Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016  
     MIS     MA     Consolidated  
     Gross
goodwill
    Accumulated
impairment
charge
     Net
goodwill
    Gross
goodwill
    Accumulated
impairment
charge
    Net
goodwill
    Gross
goodwill
    Accumulated
impairment
charge
    Net
goodwill
 

Balance at beginning of year

   $ 284.4      $ —         $ 284.4      $ 704.1      $ (12.2   $ 691.9      $ 988.5      $ (12.2   $ 976.3   

Additions/adjustments

     —          —           —          60.9        —          60.9        60.9        —          60.9   

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     (5.1     —           (5.1     8.7        —          8.7        3.6        —          3.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

   $ 279.3      $ —         $ 279.3      $ 773.7      $ (12.2   $ 761.5      $ 1,053.0      $ (12.2   $ 1,040.8   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     Year ended December 31, 2015  
     MIS     MA     Consolidated  
     Gross
goodwill
    Accumulated
impairment
charge
     Net
goodwill
    Gross
goodwill
    Accumulated
impairment
charge
    Net
goodwill
    Gross
goodwill
    Accumulated
impairment
charge
    Net
goodwill
 

Balance at beginning of year

   $ 298.7      $ —         $ 298.7      $ 734.6      $ (12.2   $ 722.4      $ 1,033.3      $ (12.2   $ 1,021.1   

Additions/adjustments

     3.7        —           3.7        5.0        —          5.0        8.7        —          8.7   

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     (18.0     —           (18.0     (35.5     —          (35.5     (53.5     —          (53.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

   $ 284.4      $ —         $ 284.4      $ 704.1      $ (12.2   $ 691.9      $ 988.5      $ (12.2   $ 976.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The 2016 additions/adjustments for the MA segment in the table above primarily relate to the acquisition of GGY. The 2015 additions/adjustments for the MIS segment in the table above relate to the acquisition of Equilibrium. The 2015 additions/adjustments for the MA segment primarily reflect an adjustment to an indemnification asset recognized as part of the Copal acquisition, goodwill acquired from the acquisition of a business from BlackBox Logic and adjustments to deferred revenue balances and deferred tax assets recognized as part of the Lewtan acquisition.

The accumulated impairment charge in the table above reflects an impairment charge recognized in 2012 relating to the FSTC reporting unit within MA. This impairment charge reflected a contraction in spending for training and certification services for many individuals and global financial institutions in 2012 due to macroeconomic uncertainties at the time. The fair value of the FSTC reporting unit utilized in this impairment assessment was estimated using a discounted cash flow methodology and comparable public company and precedent transaction multiples.

 

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Acquired intangible assets and related amortization consisted of:

 

     September 30,      December 31,  
     2016      2015  

Customer relationships

   $ 313.9       $ 298.4   

Accumulated amortization

     (121.9      (110.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net customer relationships

     192.0         188.4   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Trade secrets

     30.0         29.7   

Accumulated amortization

     (25.0      (23.1
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net trade secrets

     5.0         6.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Software

     91.3         74.7   

Accumulated amortization

     (55.3      (47.7
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net software

     36.0         27.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Trade names

     75.3         72.4   

Accumulated amortization

     (19.0      (16.2
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net trade names

     56.3         56.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other(1)

     43.5         44.3   

Accumulated amortization

     (25.0      (23.4
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net other

     18.5         20.9   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total acquired intangible assets, net

   $ 307.8       $ 299.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (1) 

Other intangible assets primarily consist of databases, covenants not to compete, and acquired ratings methodologies and models.

Amortization expense relating to acquired intangible assets is as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended      Nine Months Ended  
     September 30,      September 30,  
     2016      2015      2016      2015  

Amortization expense

   $ 8.9       $ 7.6       $ 25.5       $ 24.1   

Estimated future amortization expense for acquired intangible assets subject to amortization is as follows:

 

Year Ending December 31,

      

2016 (after September 30)

   $ 8.7   

2017

     31.9   

2018

     26.2   

2019

     23.1   

2020

     21.4   

Thereafter

     196.5   
  

 

 

 

Total estimated future amortization

   $ 307.8   
  

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

NOTE 9. RESTRUCTURING

In September 2016, the Company approved a restructuring plan relating to cost management initiatives in the MIS segment as well as in certain corporate overhead functions. This restructuring plan consists solely of headcount reductions, which when combined with an immaterial restructuring in the first half of 2016, represented approximately 1% of the Company’s workforce. The entire charge for these actions will result in cash outlays that will be paid out over the next twelve months. The cumulative amount of expense incurred from inception through September 30, 2016 for these actions was $12.0 million. Actions under these plans were substantially complete at September 30, 2016.

Total expenses included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations are as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended      Nine Months Ended  
     September 30,      September 30,  
     2016      2015      2016      2015  

Restructuring

   $ 8.4       $ —         $ 12.0       $ —     

Changes to the restructuring liability during the first nine months of 2016 were as follows:

 

     Employee
Termination Costs
 
     Severance  

Balance at January 1, 2016

   $ —     

Cost incurred and adjustments

     12.0   

Cash payments

     (2.4 ) 
  

 

 

 

Balance at September 30, 2016

   $ 9.6   
  

 

 

 

As of September 30, 2016, the remaining restructuring liability of $9.6 million relating to severance is expected to be paid out during the years ending December 31, 2016 and 2017. This liability is recorded within accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2016.

NOTE 10. FAIR VALUE

The ASC establishes a fair value hierarchy whereby the inputs contained in valuation techniques used to measure fair value are categorized into three broad levels as follows:

Level 1: quoted market prices in active markets that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the date of the fair value measurement;

Level 2: inputs other than quoted market prices described in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities; and

Level 3: unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value measurement of the assets or liabilities.

 

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Table of Contents

The table below presents information about items that are carried at fair value at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015:

 

         Fair Value Measurement as of September 30, 2016  
    

Description

  

 

Balance

     Level 1      Level 2  

Assets:

          
 

Derivatives (a)

   $ 31.9       $ —         $ 31.9   
 

Money market mutual funds

     38.9         38.9         —     
 

Fixed maturity and open ended mutual funds (b)

     32.9         32.9         —     
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
 

Total

   $ 103.7       $ 71.8       $ 31.9   
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities:

          
 

Derivatives (a)

   $ 30.6       $ —         $ 30.6   
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
 

Total

   $ 30.6       $ —         $ 30.6   
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
         Fair Value Measurement as of December 31, 2015  
    

Description

  

 

Balance

     Level 1      Level 2  

Assets:

          
 

Derivatives (a)

   $ 12.6       $ —         $ 12.6   
 

Money market mutual funds

     188.3         188.3         —     
 

Fixed maturity and open ended mutual funds (b)

     31.9         31.9         —     
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
 

Total

   $ 232.8       $ 220.2       $ 12.6   
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities:

          
 

Derivatives (a)

   $ 10.4       $ —         $ 10.4   
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
 

Total

   $ 10.4       $ —         $ 10.4   
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a)

Represents FX forwards, interest rate swaps and cross-currency swaps as more fully described in Note 7 to the financial statements.

(b) 

Consists of investments in fixed maturity mutual funds and open-ended mutual funds.

The following are descriptions of the methodologies utilized by the Company to estimate the fair value of its derivative contracts, fixed maturity plans, open ended mutual funds and money market mutual funds:

Derivatives:

In determining the fair value of the derivative contracts, the Company utilizes industry standard valuation models. Where applicable, these models project future cash flows and discount the future amounts to a present value using spot rates, forward points, currency volatilities, interest rates as well as the risk of non-performance of the Company and the counterparties with whom it has derivative contracts. The Company established strict counterparty credit guidelines and only enters into transactions with financial institutions that adhere to these guidelines. Accordingly, the risk of counterparty default is deemed to be minimal.

Fixed maturity and open ended mutual funds:

The fixed maturity mutual funds and open ended mutual funds primarily represent exchange traded funds in India and are classified as securities available-for-sale. Accordingly, any unrealized gains and losses are recognized through OCI until the instruments mature or are sold.

 

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Table of Contents

Money market mutual funds:

The money market mutual funds represent publicly traded funds with a stable $1 net asset value.

NOTE 11. OTHER BALANCE SHEET AND STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS INFORMATION

The following tables contain additional detail related to certain balance sheet captions:

 

     September 30,      December 31,  
     2016      2015  

Other current assets:

     

Prepaid taxes

   $ 46.1       $ 83.3   

Prepaid expenses

     57.0         66.9   

Other

     24.5         29.4   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total other current assets

   $ 127.6       $ 179.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     September 30,      December 31,  
     2016      2015  

Other assets:

     

Investments in joint ventures

   $ 18.6       $ 28.7   

Deposits for real-estate leases

     11.4         11.4   

Indemnification assets related to acquisitions

     20.7         19.2   

Mutual funds and fixed deposits

     61.0         55.0   

Other

     42.9         26.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total other assets

   $ 154.6       $ 140.4   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     September 30,      December 31,  
     2016      2015  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities:

     

Salaries and benefits

   $ 71.4       $ 83.0   

Incentive compensation

     101.4         137.2   

Customer credits, advanced payments and advanced billings

     27.2         24.6   

Self-insurance reserves

     21.7         19.7   

Dividends

     7.1         78.2   

Professional service fees

     51.2         54.5   

Interest accrued on debt

     23.1         59.4   

Accounts payable

     28.0         22.2   

Income taxes

     7.9         11.5   

Restructuring

     9.6         —     

Pension and other retirement employee benefits

     6.4         6.2   

Other

     95.3         70.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   $ 450.3       $ 566.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     September 30,      December 31,  
     2016      2015  

Other liabilities:

     

Pension and other retirement employee benefits

   $ 256.1       $ 261.7   

Deferred rent-non-current portion

     98.9         98.4   

Interest accrued on UTPs

     33.5         27.9   

Legacy and other tax matters

     1.2         1.7   

Other

     23.2         27.5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total other liabilities

   $ 412.9       $ 417.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

Changes in the Company’s self-insurance reserves for claims insured by the Company’s wholly-owned insurance subsidiary, which primarily relate to legal defense costs for claims from prior years, are as follows:

 

     Nine Months Ended      Year Ended  
     September 30, 2016      December 31, 2015  

Balance January 1,

   $ 19.7       $ 21.5   

Accruals

     9.7         22.2   

Payments

     (7.7      (24.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance

   $ 21.7       $ 19.7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other Non-Operating Income (Expense):

The following table summarizes the components of other non-operating (expense) income:

 

     Three Months Ended      Nine Months Ended  
     September 30,      September 30,  
     2016      2015      2016      2015  

FX gain/(loss)

   $ 4.3       $ 9.7       $ 9.1       $ (2.5

Legacy Tax benefit

     1.6         6.4         1.6         6.4   

Joint venture income

     2.3         3.5         7.2         8.8   

Other

     (1.3      0.1         (2.4      1.3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 6.9       $ 19.7       $ 15.5       $ 14.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

NOTE 12. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME AND ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The following table provides details about the reclassifications out of AOCI:

 

     Three Months
Ended September 30, 2016
     Nine Months
Ended September 30, 2016
    Affected line in the
consolidated statement of
operations
 

Gains on cash flow hedges

       

Cross-currency swap

     1.3         0.9       
 
Other non-operating
income (expense), net
  
  

Income tax effect of item above

     (0.4      (0.3    
 
Provision for
income taxes
  
  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total gains on cash flow hedges

     0.9         0.6     
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

Pension and other retirement benefits

       

Amortization of actuarial losses and prior service costs included in net income

     (1.5      (4.6     Operating expense   

Amortization of actuarial losses and prior service costs included in net income

     (0.9      (2.7     SG&A expense   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total before income taxes

     (2.4      (7.3  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

Income tax effect of item above

     0.9         2.8       
 
Provision for
income taxes
  
  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total pension and other retirement benefits

     (1.5      (4.5  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total losses included in Net Income attributable to reclassifications out of AOCI

   $ (0.6    $ (3.9  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   
     Three Months
Ended September 30, 2015
     Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2015
    Affected line in the
consolidated statement of
operations
 

Gains on foreign currency translation adjustments

       

Liquidation of foreign subsidiary

   $ —         $ 0.1       
 
 
Other non-operating
income (expense),
net
  
  
  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total gains on foreign translation adjustments

     —           0.1     
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

Gains on available for sale securities:

       

Gains on available for sale securities

     0.6         0.8       
 
 
Other non-operating
income (expense),
net
  
  
  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total gains on available for sale securities

     0.6         0.8     
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

Pension and other retirement benefits

       

Amortization of actuarial losses and prior service costs included in net income

     (2.1      (6.4     Operating expense   

Amortization of actuarial losses and prior service costs included in net income

     (1.3      (3.9     SG&A expense   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total before income taxes

     (3.4      (10.3  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

Income tax effect of item above

     1.3         3.9       
 
Provision for
income taxes
  
  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total pension and other retirement benefits

     (2.1      (6.4  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total losses included in Net Income attributable to reclassifications out of AOCI

   $ (1.5    $ (5.5  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

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Table of Contents

The following table shows changes in AOCI by component (net of tax):

 

    Three Months Ended  
    September 30, 2016     September 30, 2015  
Gains/(Losses)   Cash Flow
Hedges
    Pension
and Other
Retirement
Benefits
    Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
    Gains on
Available
for Sale
Securities
    Total     Pension
and Other
Retirement
Benefits
    Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
    Gains on
Available
for Sale
Securities
    Total  

Balance June 30,

  $ (2.5   $ (79.4   $ (239.4   $ 4.5      $ (316.8   $ (94.4   $ (189.2   $ 2.8      $ (280.8

Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications

    3.2        —          9.2        (1.9     10.5        —          (41.7     0.7        (41.0

Amounts reclassified from AOCI

    (0.9     1.5        —          —          0.6        2.1        —          (0.6     1.5   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income/(loss)

    2.3        1.5        9.2        (1.9     11.1        2.1        (41.7     0.1        (39.5
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance September 30,

  $ (0.2   $ (77.9   $ (230.2   $ 2.6      $ (305.7   $ (92.3   $ (230.9   $ 2.9      $ (320.3
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    Nine Months Ended  
    September 30, 2016     September 30, 2015  
Gains/(Losses)   Cash Flow
Hedges
    Pension
and Other
Retirement
Benefits
    Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
    Gains on
Available
for Sale
Securities
    Total     Pension
and Other
Retirement
Benefits
    Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
    Gains on
Available
for Sale
Securities
    Total  

Balance December 31,

  $ (1.1   $ (85.7   $ (256.0   $ 3.3      $ (339.5   $ (105.4   $ (130.7   $ 0.9      $ (235.2

Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications

    1.5        3.3        25.8        (0.7     29.9        6.7        (100.1     2.8        (90.6

Amounts reclassified from AOCI

    (0.6     4.5        —          —          3.9        6.4        (0.1     (0.8     5.5   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income/(loss)

    0.9        7.8        25.8        (0.7     33.8        13.1        (100.2     2.0        (85.1
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance September 30,

  $ (0.2   $ (77.9   $ (230.2   $ 2.6      $ (305.7   $ (92.3   $ (230.9   $ 2.9      $ (320.3
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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NOTE 13. PENSION AND OTHER RETIREMENT BENEFITS

Moody’s maintains funded and unfunded noncontributory Defined Benefit Pension Plans. The U.S. plans provide defined benefits using a cash balance formula based on years of service and career average salary for its employees or final average pay for selected executives. The Company also provides certain healthcare and life insurance benefits for retired U.S. employees. The retirement healthcare plans are contributory; the life insurance plans are noncontributory. Moody’s funded and unfunded U.S. pension plans, the U.S. retirement healthcare plans and the U.S. retirement life insurance plans are collectively referred to herein as the “Retirement Plans”. The U.S. retirement healthcare plans and the U.S. retirement life insurance plans are collectively referred to herein as the “Other Retirement Plans”.

Effective January 1, 2008, the Company no longer offers DBPPs to U.S. employees hired or rehired on or after January 1, 2008. New U.S. employees will instead receive a retirement contribution of similar benefit value under the Company’s Profit Participation Plan. Current participants of the Company’s DBPPs continue to accrue benefits based on existing plan formulas.

The components of net periodic benefit expense related to the Retirement Plans are as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,  
     Pension Plans      Other Retirement Plans  
     2016      2015      2016      2015  

Components of net periodic expense

           

Service cost

   $ 5.0       $ 5.5       $ 0.6       $ 0.5   

Interest cost

     4.5         4.2         0.3         0.2   

Expected return on plan assets

     (4.3      (3.6      —           —     

Amortization of net actuarial loss from earlier periods

     2.5         3.1         0.1         0.1   

Amortization of net prior service costs from earlier periods

     0.1         0.1         (0.1      —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net periodic expense

   $ 7.8       $ 9.3       $ 0.9       $ 0.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
     Pension Plans      Other Retirement Plans  
     2016      2015      2016      2015  

Components of net periodic expense

           

Service cost

   $ 15.1       $ 16.3       $ 1.7       $ 1.6   

Interest cost

     13.6         12.7         0.8         0.7   

Expected return on plan assets

     (12.8      (10.8      —           —     

Amortization of net actuarial loss from earlier periods

     7.4         9.3         0.1         0.3   

Amortization of net prior service costs from earlier periods

     0.1         0.5         (0.2      —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net periodic expense

   $ 23.4       $ 28.0       $ 2.4       $ 2.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company made a contribution of $22.4 million to its funded pension plan as well as payments of $2.3 million related to its unfunded U.S. DBPPs and $0.4 million to its U.S. other retirement plans during the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The Company anticipates making payments of $2.8 million related to its unfunded U.S. DBPPs and $0.4 million to its U.S. other retirement plans, respectively, during the remainder of 2016.

 

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NOTE 14. INDEBTEDNESS

The following table summarizes total indebtedness:

 

     September 30, 2016  
     Principal
Amount
     Fair Value of
Interest Rate
Swap (1)
     Unamortized
(Discount)

Premium
    Unamortized
Debt  Issuance
Costs (2)
    Carrying
Value
 

Notes Payable:

            

6.06% Series 2007-1 Notes due 2017

   $ 300.0       $ —         $ —        $ (0.1   $ 299.9   

5.50% 2010 Senior Notes, due 2020

     500.0         20.0         (1.4     (1.7     516.9   

4.50% 2012 Senior Notes, due 2022

     500.0         —           (2.5     (2.2     495.3   

4.875% 2013 Senior Notes, due 2024

     500.0         —           (2.1     (2.8     495.1   

2.75% 2014 Senior Notes (5-Year), due 2019

     450.0         8.0         (0.5     (1.9     455.6   

5.25% 2014 Senior Notes (30-Year), due 2044

     600.0         —           3.3        (6.0     597.3   

1.75% 2015 Senior Notes, due 2027

     561.9         —           —          (3.9     558.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total debt

   $ 3,411.9       $ 28.0       $ (3.2   $ (18.6   $ 3,418.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current portion

               (299.9
            

 

 

 

Total long-term debt

             $ 3,118.2   
            

 

 

 
     December 31, 2015  
     Principal
Amount
     Fair Value of
Interest Rate
Swap (1)
     Unamortized
(Discount)

Premium
    Unamortized
Debt Issuance
Costs (2)
    Carrying
Value
 

Notes Payable:

            

6.06% Series 2007-1 Notes due 2017

   $ 300.0       $ —         $ —        $ (0.2   $ 299.8   

5.50% 2010 Senior Notes, due 2020

     500.0         9.4         (1.6     (2.0     505.8   

4.50% 2012 Senior Notes, due 2022

     500.0         —           (2.8     (2.5     494.7   

4.875% 2013 Senior Notes, due 2024

     500.0         —           (2.3     (3.1     494.6   

2.75% 2014 Senior Notes (5-Year), due 2019

     450.0         2.3         (0.5     (2.4     449.4   

5.25% 2014 Senior Notes (30-Year), due 2044

     600.0         —           3.4        (6.2     597.2   

1.75% 2015 Senior Notes, due 2027

     543.1         —           —          (4.0     539.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total long-term debt

   $ 3,393.1       $ 11.7       $ (3.8   $ (20.4   $ 3,380.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) 

The Company has entered into interest rate swaps on the 2010 Senior Notes and the 2014 Senior Notes (5-Year) which are more fully discussed in Note 7 above.

(2)

Pursuant to ASU No. 2015-03, unamortized debt issuance costs are presented as a reduction to the carrying value of the notes payable. See Note 1 for additional discussion.

 

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On August 3, 2016, the Company entered into a private placement commercial paper program under which the Company may issue CP notes up to a maximum amount of $1.0 billion. Borrowings under the CP Program are backstopped by the 2015 Facility. Amounts under the CP Program may be re-borrowed. The maturity of the CP Notes will vary, but may not exceed 397 days from the date of issue. The CP Notes are sold at a discount from par, or alternatively, sold at par and bear interest at rates that will vary based upon market conditions. The rates of interest will depend on whether the CP Notes will be a fixed or floating rate. The interest on a floating rate may be based on the following: (a) certificate of deposit rate; (b) commercial paper rate; (c) the federal funds rate; (d) the LIBOR; (e) prime rate; (f) Treasury rate; or (g) such other base rate as may be specified in a supplement to the private placement agreement. The CP Program contains certain events of default including, among other things: non-payment of principal, interest or fees; entrance into any form of moratorium; and bankruptcy and insolvency events, subject in certain instances to cure periods. The Company has not borrowed under this program through September 30, 2016.

At September 30, 2016, the Company was in compliance with all covenants contained within all of the debt agreements. The 2015 Facility, the 2015 Senior Notes, the 2014 Senior Notes (5-year), the 2014 Senior Notes (30-year), the Series 2007-1 Notes, the 2010 Senior Notes, the 2012 Senior Notes and the 2013 Senior Notes all contain cross default provisions. These provisions state that default under one of the aforementioned debt instruments could in turn permit lenders under other debt instruments to declare borrowings outstanding under those instruments to be immediately due and payable. As of September 30, 2016, there were no such cross defaults.

Interest expense, net

The following table summarizes the components of interest as presented in the consolidated statements of operations:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2016      2015      2016      2015  

Income

   $ 2.5       $ 2.8       $ 8.2       $ 7.0   

Expense on borrowings

     (35.6      (29.8      (105.6      (88.8

Expense on UTPs and other tax related liabilities (1)

     (2.5      0.4         (7.0      (6.3

Legacy Tax

     0.2         0.7         0.2         0.7   

Capitalized

     —           0.1         0.4         0.4   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ (35.4    $ (25.8    $ (103.8    $ (87.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) The three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 include approximately $2 million in interest income on a tax refund.

The following table shows the cash paid for interest:

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2016      2015  

Interest paid

   $ 129.3       $ 101.0   

 

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Table of Contents

The fair value and carrying value of the Company’s debt as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are as follows:

 

     September 30, 2016      December 31, 2015  
     Carrying
Amount
     Estimated
Fair Value
     Carrying
Amount
     Estimated
Fair Value
 

Series 2007-1 Notes

   $ 299.9       $ 312.9       $ 299.8       $ 320.6   

2010 Senior Notes

     516.9         563.9         505.8         551.2   

2012 Senior Notes

     495.3         557.8         494.7         530.0   

2013 Senior Notes

     495.1         568.8         494.6         533.8   

2014 Senior Notes (5-Year)

     455.6         463.4         449.4         454.3   

2014 Senior Notes (30-Year)

     597.3         743.7         597.2         617.7   

2015 Senior Notes

     558.0         600.0         539.1         520.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 3,418.1       $ 3,810.5       $ 3,380.6       $ 3,527.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The fair value of the Company’s debt is estimated based on quoted market prices for similar instruments. Accordingly, the inputs used to estimate the fair value of the Company’s long-term debt are classified as Level 2 inputs within the fair value hierarchy.

NOTE 15. CONTINGENCIES

Moody’s is involved in legal and tax proceedings, governmental investigations and inquiries, claims and litigation that are incidental to the Company’s business, including claims based on ratings assigned by MIS. Moody’s is also subject to ongoing tax audits in the normal course of business. Management periodically assesses the Company’s liabilities and contingencies in connection with these matters based upon the latest information available. Moody’s discloses material pending legal proceedings pursuant to SEC rules and other pending matters as it may determine to be appropriate.

Following the global credit crisis of 2008, MIS and other credit rating agencies have been the subject of intense scrutiny, increased regulation, ongoing inquiry and governmental investigations, and civil litigation. Legislative, regulatory and enforcement entities around the world are considering additional legislation, regulation and enforcement actions, including with respect to MIS’s compliance with regulatory standards. Moody’s periodically receives and is continuing to address subpoenas and inquiries from various governmental authorities, including the U.S. Department of Justice and state attorneys general, and is responding to such investigations and inquiries.

In a letter dated September 29, 2016, the DOJ stated that it is preparing a civil complaint to be filed against Moody’s and MIS in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey alleging certain violations of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act in connection with the ratings MIS assigned to residential mortgage-backed securities and collateralized debt obligations in the period leading up to the 2008 financial crisis. The DOJ also stated that its investigation remains ongoing and may expand to include additional theories. A number of state attorneys general have indicated that they also expect to pursue similar claims under state law, which claims may include additional periods, theories, asset classes or activities. The Company is continuing to respond to the DOJ’s and states’ subpoenas and inquiries.

In addition, the Company is facing litigation from market participants relating to the performance of MIS rated securities. Although Moody’s in the normal course experiences such litigation, the volume and cost of defending such litigation has significantly increased following the events in the U.S. subprime residential mortgage sector and global credit markets more broadly over the last several years.

 

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Table of Contents

For claims, litigation and proceedings and governmental investigations and inquiries not related to income taxes, where it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated, the Company records liabilities in the consolidated financial statements and periodically adjusts these as appropriate. When the reasonable estimate of the loss is within a range of amounts, the minimum amount of the range is accrued unless some higher amount within the range is a better estimate than another amount within the range. In other instances, because of uncertainties related to the probable outcome and/or the amount or range of loss, management does not record a liability but discloses the contingency if significant. As additional information becomes available, the Company adjusts its assessments and estimates of such matters accordingly. In view of the inherent difficulty of predicting the outcome of litigation, regulatory, governmental investigations and inquiries, enforcement and similar matters and contingencies, particularly where the claimants seek large or indeterminate damages or where the parties assert novel legal theories or the matters involve a large number of parties, the Company cannot predict what the eventual outcome of the pending matters will be or the timing of any resolution of such matters. The Company also cannot predict the impact (if any) that any such matters may have on how its business is conducted, on its competitive position or on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows. As the process to resolve any pending matters progresses, management will continue to review the latest information available and assess its ability to predict the outcome of such matters and the effects, if any, on its operations and financial condition. However, in light of the large or indeterminate damages sought in some such matters, the absence of similar court rulings on the theories of law asserted and uncertainties regarding apportionment of any potential damages, an estimate of the range of possible losses cannot be made at this time.

NOTE 16. SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company is organized into three operating segments: (i) MIS, (ii) MA and (iii) Copal Amba. The Copal Amba operating segment has been aggregated with the MA operating segment based on the fact that it has similar economic characteristics to MA. Accordingly, the Company reports in two reportable segments: MIS and MA.

The MIS segment consists of five LOBs. The CFG, SFG, FIG and PPIF LOBs generate revenue principally from fees for the assignment and ongoing monitoring of credit ratings on debt obligations and the entities that issue such obligations in markets worldwide. The MIS Other LOB primarily consists of the distribution of research and financial instruments pricing services in the Asia-Pacific region as well as ICRA non-ratings revenue.

The MA segment develops a wide range of products and services that support the risk management activities of institutional participants in global financial markets. The MA segment consists of three LOBs - RD&A, ERS and PS.

Revenue for MIS and expenses for MA include an intersegment royalty charged to MA for the rights to use and distribute content, data and products developed by MIS. The royalty rate charged by MIS approximates the fair value of the aforementioned content, data and products and is generally based on comparable market transactions. Also, revenue for MA and expenses for MIS include an intersegment fee charged to MIS from MA for certain MA products and services utilized in MIS’s ratings process. These fees charged by MA are generally equal to the costs incurred by MA to produce these products and services. Additionally, overhead costs and corporate expenses of the Company that exclusively benefit only one segment are fully charged to that segment. Overhead costs and corporate expenses of the Company that benefit both segments are allocated to each segment based on a revenue-split methodology. Accordingly, a reportable segment’s share of these costs will increase as its proportion of revenue relative to Moody’s total revenue increases. Overhead expenses include costs such as rent and occupancy, information technology and support staff such as finance, human resources and information technology. “Eliminations” in the table below represent intersegment revenue/expense. Moody’s does not report the Company’s assets by reportable segment, as this metric is not used by the chief operating decision maker to allocate resources to the segments. Consequently, it is not practical to show assets by reportable segment.

 

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Table of Contents

Financial Information by Segment

The table below shows revenue, Adjusted Operating Income and operating income by reportable segment. Adjusted Operating Income is a financial metric utilized by the Company’s chief operating decision maker to assess the profitability of each reportable segment.

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,  
     2016      2015  
     MIS      MA      Eliminations     Consolidated      MIS      MA      Eliminations     Consolidated  

Revenue

   $ 637.6       $ 309.0       $ (29.5   $ 917.1       $ 571.6       $ 290.1       $ (26.8   $ 834.9   

Operating, SG&A

     272.8         235.2         (29.5     478.5         268.1         215.6         (26.8     456.9   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted Operating Income

     364.8         73.8         —          438.6         303.5         74.5         —          378.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less:

                     

Restructuring

     7.6         0.8         —          8.4         —           —           —          —     

Depreciation and amortization

     19.1         13.6         —          32.7         16.9         11.4         —          28.3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

   $ 338.1       $ 59.4       $ —        $ 397.5       $ 286.6       $ 63.1       $ —        $ 349.7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
     2016      2015  
     MIS      MA      Eliminations     Consolidated      MIS      MA      Eliminations     Consolidated  

Revenue

   $ 1,836.9       $ 908.9       $ (83.7   $ 2,662.1       $ 1,859.1       $ 838.7       $ (79.2   $ 2,618.6   

Operating, SG&A

     830.1         698.1         (83.7     1,444.5         836.4         636.3         (79.2     1,393.5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted Operating Income

     1,006.8         210.8         —          1,217.6         1,022.7         202.4         —          1,225.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less:

                     

Restructuring

     10.2         1.8         —          12.0         —           —           —          —     

Depreciation and amortization

     54.8         39.0         —          93.8         48.7         36.1         —          84.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

   $ 941.8       $ 170.0       $ —        $ 1,111.8       $ 974.0       $ 166.3       $ —        $ 1,140.3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

The cumulative restructuring charges incurred since January 1, 2016 through September 30, 2016 for the MIS and MA reportable segments are $10.2 million and $1.8 million, respectively. The charge in MA reflects cost management initiatives in certain corporate overhead functions of which a portion is allocated to MA based on a revenue-split methodology.

 

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Table of Contents

MIS and MA Revenue by Line of Business

The table below presents revenue by LOB within each reportable segment:

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,      Nine Months Ended September 30,  
     2016      2015      2016      2015  

MIS:

           

Corporate finance (CFG)

   $ 299.6       $ 248.3       $ 844.7       $ 866.6   

Structured finance (SFG)

     104.2         112.5         306.3         335.0   

Financial institutions (FIG)

     95.8         89.5         280.4         273.7   

Public, project and infrastructure finance (PPIF)

     105.2         90.6         309.0         291.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total ratings revenue

     604.8         540.9         1,740.4         1,766.5   

MIS Other

     7.5         7.2         22.6         23.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total external revenue

     612.3         548.1         1,763.0         1,789.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Intersegment royalty

     25.3         23.5         73.9         69.5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     637.6         571.6         1,836.9         1,859.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

MA:

           

Research, data and analytics (RD&A)

     167.7         157.9         500.9         465.0   

Enterprise risk solutions (ERS)

     101.5         92.2         288.5         252.5   

Professional services (PS)

     35.6         36.7         109.7         111.5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total external revenue

     304.8         286.8         899.1         829.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Intersegment revenue

     4.2         3.3         9.8         9.7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     309.0         290.1         908.9         838.7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Eliminations

     (29.5      (26.8      (83.7      (79.2
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total MCO

   $ 917.1       $ 834.9       $ 2,662.1       $ 2,618.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Consolidated Revenue Information by Geographic Area:

     Three Months Ended September 30,      Nine Months Ended September 30,  
     2016      2015      2016      2015  

United States

   $ 545.7       $ 482.1       $ 1,571.6       $ 1,527.8   

International:

           

EMEA

     225.9         215.4         665.4         660.4   

Asia-Pacific

     92.5         85.5         272.0         270.8   

Americas

     53.0         51.9         153.1         159.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total International

     371.4         352.8         1,090.5         1,090.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 917.1       $ 834.9       $ 2,662.1       $ 2,618.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 17. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”. This ASU outlines a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Deferral of the Effective Date” which defers the effective date of the ASU for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted up to the original effective date of December 15, 2016. In addition, in the first and second quarter of 2016, the FASB issued additional updates clarifying the implementation guidance for the new revenue recognition standard.

The Company intends to adopt the new revenue guidance as of January 1, 2018 and is currently evaluating the application of a transition method and the impact that adoption of these updates will have on its consolidated financial statements. Currently, the Company believes this ASU will have an impact on: i) the accounting for certain software subscription revenue in MA whereby the license rights within the arrangement would be recognized at the inception of the contract based on estimated stand-alone selling price with the remainder recognized over the subscription period; ii) the accounting for certain ERS revenue arrangements where VSOE is not available should result in the acceleration of revenue recognition and iii) the capitalization of certain contract implementation costs for its ERS business which will be expensed as incurred under the new standard.

 

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In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01 “Financial Instruments – Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (Subtopic 825-10).” The amendments in this ASU update various aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosures relating to financial instruments. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this ASU on the Company’s financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” requiring lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and lease liability for all leases with terms of more than 12 months. Recognition, measurement and presentation of expenses and cash flows will depend on classification as either a finance or operating lease. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. This standard must be adopted using a modified retrospective approach whereby leases will be presented in accordance with the new standard as of the earliest period presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this ASU on the Company’s financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-07, “Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting.” This ASU amends the accounting for an investment not previously accounted for under the equity method that subsequently qualifies for the equity method of accounting. It requires a company to add the cost of the additional interest acquired to its current basis and the commencement of the equity method of accounting when the criteria are met. In addition, the unrealized gains or losses in accumulated other comprehensive related to an available for sale equity security should be recognized through earnings if the investment subsequently qualifies for the equity method of accounting. The amendments of this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this ASU will only impact the Company if an investment not previously accounted for under the equity method qualifies for accounting under the equity method.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting”. This ASU changes various aspects related to the accounting for share-based payments including: i) accounting for Excess Tax Benefits and shortfalls; ii) the accounting for forfeitures; iii) restrictions on the value of shares retained by an entity to fund the employee’s portion of payroll taxes; and iv) classification of Excess Tax Benefits in the statement of cash flows. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is permitted if all amendments are adopted in the same period. The Company is evaluating the impact of this ASU on its financial statements but currently expects that the most significant effect of this ASU will be the impact on its reported Net Income and Diluted EPS as Excess Tax Benefits and shortfalls will be recorded to the provision for income taxes under this ASU as compared to a charge to capital surplus under current GAAP. The Company intends to adopt this ASU in the first quarter of 2017.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” The amendments in this ASU require the use of an “expected credit loss” impairment model for most financial assets reported at amortized cost which will require entities to estimate expected credit losses over the lifetime of the instrument. This may result in the earlier recognition of allowances for losses. For available-for-sale debt securities with unrealized losses, an allowance for credit losses will be recognized as a contra account to the amortized cost carrying value of the asset rather than a direct reduction to the carrying value, with changes in the allowance impacting earnings. This ASU is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted in annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Entities will apply the standard’s provisions as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first effective reporting period. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this ASU on its financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. This ASU adds or clarifies guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows with the intent to alleviate diversity in practice for classifying various types of cash flows. This ASU is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this ASU on its statements of cash flows.

NOTE 18. SUBSEQUENT EVENT

On October 18, 2016, the Board approved the declaration of a quarterly dividend of $0.37 per share of Moody’s common stock, payable on December 12, 2016 to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 21, 2016.

 

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Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

This discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the Moody’s Corporation condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains Forward-Looking Statements. See “Forward-Looking Statements” commencing on page 63 for a discussion of uncertainties, risks and other factors associated with these statements.

The Company

Moody’s is a provider of (i) credit ratings, (ii) credit and economic related research, data and analytical tools, (iii) software solutions and related risk management services, (iv) quantitative credit risk measures, financial services training and certification services and (v) outsourced research and analytical services. Moody’s has two reportable segments: MIS and MA.

MIS, the credit rating agency, publishes credit ratings on a wide range of debt obligations and the entities that issue such obligations in markets worldwide. Revenue is primarily derived from the originators and issuers of such transactions who use MIS ratings in the distribution of their debt issues to investors. Additionally, MIS earns revenue from certain non-ratings-related operations, which consist primarily of the distribution of research and fixed income pricing services in the Asia-Pacific region, and from ICRA non-ratings services. The revenue from these operations is included in the MIS Other LOB and is not material to the results of the MIS segment.

The MA segment develops a wide range of products and services that primarily support financial analysis and risk management activities of institutional participants in global financial markets. Within its RD&A business, MA distributes research and data developed by MIS as part of its ratings process, including in-depth research on major debt issuers, industry studies and commentary on topical credit-related events. The RD&A business also produces economic research as well as data and analytical tools such as quantitative credit risk scores. Within its ERS business, MA provides software solutions as well as related risk management services. The PS business provides outsourced research and analytical services and financial training and certification programs.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Moody’s discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations are based on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires Moody’s to make estimates and judgments that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. These estimates are based on historical experience and on other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. On an ongoing basis, Moody’s evaluates its estimates, including those related to revenue recognition, accounts receivable allowances, contingencies, goodwill and acquired intangible assets, pension and other retirement benefits, stock-based compensation, and income taxes. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Item 7, MD&A, in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, includes descriptions of some of the judgments that Moody’s makes in applying its accounting estimates in these areas. Since the date of the annual report on Form 10-K, there have been no material changes to the Company’s critical accounting estimates, except for updates to estimates utilized in the Company’s annual goodwill impairment assessment, which is performed as of July 31 of each year.

Goodwill and Other Acquired Intangible Assets

On July 31 of each year, Moody’s evaluates its goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level, defined as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment.

 

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The Company has six primary reporting units: two within the Company’s ratings business (one for the ICRA business and one that encompasses all of Moody’s other ratings operations) and four reporting units within MA: RD&A, ERS, FSTC and Copal Amba. The RD&A reporting unit encompasses the distribution of investor-oriented research and data developed by MIS as part of its ratings process, in-depth research on major debt issuers, industry studies, economic research and commentary on topical events and credit analytic tools. The ERS reporting unit provides products and services that support the credit risk management and regulatory compliance activities of financial institutions and also provides advanced actuarial software for the life insurance industry. These products and services are primarily delivered via software that is licensed on a perpetual basis or sold on a subscription basis. The FSTC reporting unit consists of the portion of the MA business that offers both credit training as well as other professional development training and implementation services. The Copal Amba reporting unit provides outsourced research and analytical services.

The Company evaluates the recoverability of goodwill using a three-step impairment test approach at the reporting unit level. In the first step, the Company assesses various qualitative factors to determine whether the fair value of a reporting unit may be less than its carrying amount. If a determination is made based on the qualitative factors that an impairment does not exist, the Company is not required to perform further testing. If the aforementioned qualitative assessment results in the Company concluding that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit may be less than its carrying amount, the fair value of the reporting unit will be determined and compared to its carrying value including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets assigned to that unit, goodwill is not impaired and the Company is not required to perform further testing. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, the Company must perform a third step of the impairment test to determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. The implied fair value of the goodwill is determined based on the difference between the fair value of the reporting unit and the net fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities of the reporting unit. If the implied fair value of the goodwill is less than its carrying value, the difference is recognized as an impairment charge. For the reporting units where the Company is consistently able to conclude that no impairment exists using only a qualitative approach, the Company’s accounting policy is to perform the second step of the aforementioned goodwill impairment assessment at least once every three years. At July 31, 2016, the Company performed the second step of the goodwill impairment test on all reporting units, which resulted in no impairment of goodwill.

Determining the fair value of a reporting unit or an indefinite-lived acquired intangible asset involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions include revenue growth rates and operating margins used to calculate projected future cash flows, risk-adjusted discount rates, future economic and market conditions, and appropriate comparable market metrics. However, as these estimates and assumptions are unpredictable and inherently uncertain, actual future results may differ from these estimates. In addition, the Company also makes certain judgments and assumptions in allocating shared assets and liabilities to determine the carrying values for each of its reporting units.

Other assets and liabilities, including applicable corporate assets, are allocated to the extent they are related to the operation of respective reporting units.

 

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Sensitivity Analyses and Key Assumptions for Deriving the Fair Value of a Reporting Unit

The following table identifies the amount of goodwill allocated to each reporting unit as of September 30, 2016 as well as the amount by which the net assets of each reporting unit would exceed the fair value under Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test as prescribed in ASC Topic 350, assuming hypothetical reductions in their fair values as of July 31, 2016, which was the date of the last quantitative goodwill impairment assessment for all reporting units.

 

            Sensitivity Analysis  
            Deficit Caused by a Hypothetical Reduction to Fair  Value  
     Goodwill      10%      20%      30%     40%  

MIS

   $ 48.9       $ —         $ —         $ —        $ —     

RD&A

     179.9         —           —           —          —     

ERS

     335.4         —           —           —          —     

FSTC

     85.4         —           —           (14.4     (34.6

Copal Amba

     160.3         —           —           —          (6.5

ICRA

     230.9         —           —           —          —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Totals

   $ 1,040.8       $ —         $ —         $ (14.4   $ (41.1
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Methodologies and significant estimates utilized in determining of the fair value of reporting units:

The following is a discussion regarding the Company’s methodology for determining the fair value of its reporting units, excluding ICRA, as of at July 31, 2016, the date of each reporting unit’s last quantitative assessment. As ICRA is a publicly traded company in India, the Company was able to observe its fair value based on its market capitalization.

The fair value of each reporting unit, excluding ICRA, was estimated using a discounted cash flow methodology and comparable public company and precedent transaction multiples. The DCF analysis requires significant estimates, including projections of future operating results and cash flows of each reporting unit that is based on internal budgets and strategic plans, expected long-term growth rates, terminal values, weighted average cost of capital and the effects of external factors and market conditions. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could materially affect the estimated fair value of each reporting unit which could result in an impairment charge to reduce the carrying value of goodwill, which could be material to the Company’s financial position and results of operations. Moody’s allocates newly acquired goodwill to reporting units based on the reporting unit expected to benefit from the acquisition. The Company evaluates its reporting units on an annual basis, or more frequently if there are changes in the reporting structure of the Company due to acquisitions or realignments.

The sensitivity analyses on the future cash flows and WACC assumptions described below are as of July 31, 2016. The following discusses the key assumptions utilized in the discounted cash flow valuation methodology that requires significant management judgment:

 

   

Future cash flow assumptions —The projections for future cash flows utilized in the models are derived from historical experience and assumptions regarding future growth and profitability of each reporting unit. These projections are consistent with the Company’s operating and strategic plan. Cash flows for the five years subsequent to the date of the quantitative goodwill impairment analysis were utilized in the determination of the fair value of each reporting unit. The growth rates assumed a gradual increase in revenue based on a continued improvement in the global economy and capital markets, new customer acquisition and new products. Beyond five years, a terminal value was determined using a perpetuity growth rate based on inflation and real GDP growth rates. A sensitivity analysis of the revenue growth rates was performed on all reporting units. For all reporting units, a 10% decrease in the revenue growth rates used would not have resulted in the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeding its respective estimated fair value.

 

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WACC —The WACC is the rate used to discount each reporting unit’s estimated future cash flows. The WACC is calculated based on the proportionate weighting of the cost of debt and equity. The cost of equity is based on a risk-free interest rate, an equity risk factor which is derived from public companies similar to the reporting unit and which captures the perceived risks and uncertainties associated with the reporting unit’s cash flows. The cost of debt component is calculated as the weighted average cost associated with all of the Company’s outstanding borrowings as of the date of the impairment test and was immaterial to the computation of the WACC. The cost of debt and equity is weighted based on the debt to market capitalization ratio of publicly traded companies with similarities to the reporting unit being tested. The WACC for all reporting units ranged from 8.5% to 11.5% as of July 31, 2016. Differences in the WACC used between reporting units is primarily due to distinct risks and uncertainties regarding the cash flows of the different reporting units. A sensitivity analysis of the WACC was performed on all reporting units as of July 31, 2016 for each reporting unit. For all reporting units, an increase in the WACC of one percentage point would not result in the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeding its fair value.

Amortizable intangible assets are reviewed for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. There were no such events or changes during the first nine months of 2016 that would indicate that the carrying amount of amortizable intangible assets in any of the Company’s reporting units may not be recoverable. This determination was made based on continued growth, consistent with operating and strategic plans for the reporting unit where the intangible asset resides.

Reportable Segments

The Company is organized into two reportable segments at September 30, 2016: MIS and MA.

The MIS segment is comprised primarily of all of the Company’s ratings operations consisting of five LOBs – CFG, SFG, FIG, PPIF and MIS Other. The ratings LOBs generate revenue principally from fees for the assignment and ongoing monitoring of credit ratings on debt obligations and the entities that issue such obligations in markets worldwide. The MIS Other LOB consists of certain non-ratings operations managed by MIS which consists of non-rating revenue from ICRA as well as certain research and fixed income pricing service operations in the Asia-Pacific region.

The MA segment develops a wide range of products and services that support financial analysis and risk management activities of institutional participants in global financial markets. The MA segment consists of three lines of business – RD&A, ERS and PS.

The following is a discussion of the results of operations of the Company and its reportable segments. Total MIS revenue and total MA expenses include the intersegment royalty revenue for MIS and expense charged to MA for the rights to use and distribute content, data and products developed by MIS. The royalty rate charged by MIS approximates the fair value of the aforementioned content, data and products developed by MIS. Total MA revenue and total MIS expenses include intersegment fees charged to MIS from MA for the use of certain MA products and services in MIS’s ratings process. These fees charged by MA are generally equal to the costs incurred by MA to provide these products and services. Overhead charges and corporate expenses that exclusively benefit one segment are fully charged to that segment. Additionally, overhead costs and corporate expenses of the Company that benefit both segments are generally allocated to each segment based on a revenue-split methodology. Overhead expenses include costs such as rent and occupancy, information technology and support staff such as finance, human resources and information technology.

 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three months ended September 30, 2016 compared with three months ended September 30, 2015

Executive Summary

 

   

Moody’s revenue in the three months ended September 30, 2016 totaled $917.1 million, an increase of $82.2 million, or 10%, compared to 2015 and reflected growth in both reportable segments.

 

   

MIS revenue increased 12% compared to the prior year primarily due to strong growth in rated issuance volumes for high-yield corporate debt and bank loans reflecting opportunistic refinancing and M&A activity in the sector. The increase also reflects strong growth in public finance issuance reflecting a combination of both new issuance as well as higher refunding volumes.

 

   

MA revenue was 6% higher than the prior year reflecting increases in ERS and RD&A, most notably in the U.S. The ERS revenue growth reflected revenue from the first quarter 2016 acquisition of GGY as well as growth in the credit assessment and stress testing product lines. In RD&A, revenue growth was primarily driven by credit research subscriptions and licensing of ratings data.

 

   

Total operating expenses increased $34.4 million, or 7%, compared to the third quarter of 2015 primarily reflecting:

 

   

higher compensation costs of $24.9 million associated with headcount growth, most notably in MA, which included costs from the acquisition of GGY, and annual compensation increases; and

 

   

a restructuring charge of $8.4 million associated with cost management initiatives in the MIS segment as well as in certain corporate overhead functions.

 

   

Operating income of $397.5 million in the third quarter of 2016 was up $47.8 million compared to 2015. Operating margin was 43.3% compared to 41.9% in the prior year. Adjusted Operating Income of $438.6 million in the third quarter of 2016 increased $60.6 million compared to 2015. Adjusted Operating Margin was 47.8% compared to 45.3% in the prior year period.

 

   

The increase in non-operating expense, net, compared to the prior year is primarily due to higher interest expense on borrowings reflecting the $300 million of additional borrowings under the 2014 Senior Notes (30-Year) in November 2015. Additionally, there were higher FX gains in the prior year.

 

   

The ETR in the third quarter of 2016 was 150 BPS lower compared to the third quarter of 2015 primarily due to lower taxes on non-U.S. income.

 

   

Diluted EPS of $1.31 in the third quarter of 2016, which included a $0.03 restructuring charge, increased $0.17 from 2015, which included a $0.03 benefit from a Legacy Tax Matter. Excluding the restructuring charge in 2016 and the benefit from a Legacy Tax Matter in the prior year, non-GAAP diluted EPS of $1.34 in 2016 increased $0.23 reflecting a 10% increase in Net Income coupled with a 4% reduction in diluted weighted average shares outstanding.

 

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Moody’s Corporation

 

    

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

    % Change
Favorable
(Unfavorable)
 
     2016     2015    

Revenue:

      

United States

   $ 545.7      $ 482.1        13

International:

      

EMEA

     225.9        215.4        5

Asia-Pacific

     92.5        85.5        8

Americas

     53.0        51.9        2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total International

     371.4        352.8        5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total

     917.1        834.9        10
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Expenses:

      

Operating

     253.2        236.1        (7 %) 

SG&A

     225.3        220.8        (2 %) 

Restructuring

     8.4        —          N

Depreciation and amortization

     32.7        28.3        (16 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total

     519.6        485.2        (7 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating income

   $ 397.5      $ 349.7        14
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Adjusted Operating Income (1)

   $ 438.6      $ 378.0        16
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Interest income (expense), net

   $ (35.4   $ (25.8     (37 %) 

Other non-operating income (expense), net

   $ 6.9      $ 19.7        (65 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Non-operating income(expense), net

     (28.5     (6.1     (367 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net income attributable to Moody’s

   $ 255.3      $ 231.6        10

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

     194.3        202.5        4

Diluted EPS attributable to Moody’s common shareholders

   $ 1.31      $ 1.14        15

Non-GAAP EPS attributable to Moody’s common shareholders

   $ 1.34      $ 1.11        21

Operating margin

     43.3     41.9  

Adjusted Operating Margin(1)

     47.8     45.3  

 

(1) 

Adjusted Operating Income and Adjusted Operating Margin are non-GAAP financial measures. Refer to the section entitled “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” of this Management Discussion and Analysis for further information regarding these measures.

The table below shows Moody’s global staffing by geographic area:

 

     September 30,      % Change  
     2016      2015         

United States

     3,417         3,302         3

International

     7,440         6,946         7
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total

     10,857         10,248         6
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

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Global revenue of $917.1 million in the third quarter of 2016 increased $82.2 million, or 10%, compared to 2015 reflecting growth in both reportable segments.

The $64.2 million increase in MIS revenue is primarily due to strong growth in rated issuance volumes for high-yield corporate debt and bank loans reflecting opportunistic refinancing and M&A activity in the sector. The increase also reflects strong growth in public finance issuance reflecting a combination of both new issuance as well as higher refunding volumes. Additionally, the growth reflects benefits from changes in the mix of fee type, new fee initiatives and pricing increases.

The growth in MA reflects increases in ERS and RD&A in the U.S. The growth in ERS reflects revenue from the acquisition of GGY as well as growth in the credit assessment and stress testing product lines. In RD&A, revenue growth was primarily driven by credit research subscriptions and licensing of ratings data.

Transaction revenue accounted for 50% of global MCO revenue in the third quarter of 2016 compared to 46% in the prior year.

U.S. revenue of $545.7 million in the third quarter of 2016 increased $63.6 million compared to the prior year, reflecting growth in both MIS and MA.

Non-U.S. revenue of $371.4 million increased $18.6 million compared to the third quarter of 2015. This increase reflects strong growth in MIS revenue in EMEA and Asia-Pacific partially offset by declines in MA in the EMEA and Asia-Pacific regions.

Operating expenses were $253.2 million in the third quarter of 2016, or 7% higher compared to 2015 and included an increase in compensation costs reflecting higher expenses resulting from the impact of annual compensation increases and increased headcount in MA (including headcount from the acquisition of GGY). The growth in compensation costs also reflects higher incentive compensation reflecting the Company’s strong financial performance in the third quarter of 2016. These increases were partially offset by lower non-compensation costs reflecting cost reduction initiatives in response to challenging business conditions in MIS in the first half of 2016.

SG&A expenses of $225.3 million in the third quarter of 2016 increased $4.5 million from the prior year period reflecting modestly higher compensation costs. The growth in compensation costs was primarily due to higher incentive compensation in the third quarter of 2016 reflecting the Company’s strong financial performance in the previous three months.

The restructuring charge in 2016 is comprised of severance costs relating to cost management initiatives in the MIS segment as well as in certain corporate overhead functions.

Operating income of $397.5 million in the third quarter of 2016 increased $47.8 million compared to 2015, resulting in an operating margin of 43.3%, compared to 41.9% in the prior year. Adjusted Operating Income of $438.6 million in the third quarter of 2016 increased $60.6 million compared to 2015, resulting in an Adjusted Operating Margin of 47.8% compared to 45.3% in the prior year period.

Interest income (expense), net in the third quarter of 2016 was ($35.4) million, a $9.6 million increase in expense compared to 2015 reflecting interest on the $300 million of additional borrowings under the 2014 Senior Notes (30-Year) in November 2015.

Other non-operating income (expense), net was $6.9 million in the third quarter of 2016, a $12.8 million decrease in income compared to 2015 reflecting lower FX gains of approximately $5 million compared to the prior year. Additionally, there was a $6.4 million benefit from a Legacy Tax Matter in 2015 compared to a $1.6 million benefit in 2016.

The Company’s ETR was 30.5% in the third quarter of 2016, compared with 32.0% in 2015 with the decrease primarily due to lower taxes on non-U.S. income.

Net Income in the third quarter of 2016 was $255.3 million, or $23.7 million higher than 2015. Diluted EPS, which included a $0.03 restructuring charge, was $1.31 or $0.17 higher compared to 2015 which included a $0.03 benefit related to a Legacy Tax Matter. Excluding the restructuring charge in 2016 and Legacy Tax benefit in 2015, non-GAAP diluted EPS of $1.34 increased $0.23. The increase in diluted EPS reflects a 10% increase in Net Income coupled with a 4% reduction in diluted weighted average shares outstanding. The reduction in diluted weighted average shares outstanding reflects share repurchases under the Company’s Board authorized share repurchase program partially offset by shares issued under the employee stock-based compensation programs.

 

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Segment Results

Moody’s Investors Service

The table below provides a summary of revenue and operating results, followed by further insight and commentary:

 

    

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

    % Change
Favorable
(Unfavorable)
 
     2016     2015    

Revenue:

      

Corporate finance (CFG)

   $ 299.6      $ 248.3        21

Structured finance (SFG)

     104.2        112.5        (7 %) 

Financial institutions (FIG)

     95.8        89.5        7

Public, project and infrastructure finance (PPIF)

     105.2        90.6        16
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total ratings revenue

     604.8        540.9        12
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

MIS Other

     7.5        7.2        4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total external revenue

     612.3        548.1        12
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Intersegment royalty

     25.3        23.5        8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total

     637.6        571.6        12
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Expenses:

      

Operating and SG&A (external)

     268.6        264.8        (1 %) 

Operating and SG&A (intersegment)

     4.2        3.3        (27 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Adjusted Operating Income

     364.8        303.5        20
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Restructuring

     7.6        —          N

Depreciation and amortization

     19.1        16.9        (13 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating income

   $ 338.1      $ 286.6        18
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Adjusted Operating Margin

     57.2     53.1  

Operating margin

     53.0     50.1  

The following is a discussion of external MIS revenue and operating expenses:

Global MIS revenue of $612.3 million in the third quarter of 2016 increased 12% compared to 2015. The increase reflects strong growth in rated issuance volumes for high-yield corporate debt and bank loans as well as higher volumes in the U.S. public finance sector. Additionally, the increase over the prior year reflects the impact of changes in the mix of fee type, new fee initiatives and pricing increases. These increases were partially offset by challenges in the U.S. securitization markets, most notably in the CLO and CMBS asset classes, as well as lower investment-grade corporate debt revenue in the U.S.

Transaction revenue for MIS was 63% in the third quarter of 2016 compared to 58% in the third quarter of 2015.

In the U.S., revenue was $391.3 million in the third quarter of 2016, an increase of $38.8 million compared to 2015 reflecting growth in bank loan and high-yield corporate debt issuance volumes as well as strong growth in U.S. public finance issuance. Also contributing to the growth were the impacts of changes in the mix of fee type, new fee initiatives and pricing increases. These increases were partially offset by continued challenges in the U.S. securitization markets, most notably in the CLO and CMBS asset classes.

Non-U.S. revenue was $221.0 million in the third quarter of 2016, or 13% higher compared to 2015. The increase primarily reflects growth in the EMEA region in speculative-grade corporate debt, bank loan and investment-grade corporate debt revenue coupled with higher banking revenue in Asia-Pacific.

 

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Global CFG revenue of $299.6 million in the third quarter of 2016 increased 21% compared to 2015 primarily due to strong growth in rated issuance volumes for high-yield corporate debt and bank loans in the U.S. and EMEA. This growth was due to favorable market conditions which resulted in opportunistic refinancing and continued M&A activity as well as increased investor demand for high-yield instruments. Also, the growth in high-yield issuance in EMEA reflects the favorable impact of the ECB’s Corporate Sector Purchase Programme. Benefits from changes in the mix of fee type, new fee initiatives and pricing increases also contributed to the revenue growth. These increases were partially offset by a decline in U.S. investment-grade revenue reflecting an unfavorable shift in the mix of fee type in this sector. Transaction revenue represented 70% and 65% of total CFG revenue in the third quarter of 2016 and 2015, respectively. In the U.S., revenue was $200.4 million, or $27.5 million higher than the prior year. Internationally, revenue of $99.2 million increased $23.8 million compared to the prior year.

Global SFG revenue of $104.2 million in the third quarter of 2016 decreased $8.3 million, or 7%, compared to 2015, primarily due to lower U.S. securitization revenue. Revenue in the U.S. of $71.4 million decreased $7.0 million compared to the third quarter of 2015 primarily reflecting smaller deal sizes within structured credit coupled with lower CMBS issuance. The decline in CMBS issuance reflected declining availability of collateral for these instruments as well as uncertainties relating to the forthcoming risk retention regulations for this asset class. These declines were partially offset by higher REIT and RMBS activity. Non-U.S. revenue in the third quarter of 2016 of $32.8 million decreased $1.3 million primarily reflecting declines in RMBS and covered bond activity in EMEA. Transaction revenue was 60% of total SFG revenue in the third quarter of 2016 compared to 62% in the prior year.

Global FIG revenue of $95.8 million in the third quarter of 2016 increased 7% compared to 2015, with substantially all of the growth coming from the banking sector in the Asia-Pacific region reflecting robust cross-border issuance from Chinese banks and asset managers. Additionally, the growth reflects benefits from changes in the mix of fee type, new fee initiatives and pricing increases. These increases were partially offset by lower U.S. banking-related rated issuance volumes. In the U.S., revenue was $41.5 million, $0.8 million higher compared to 2015. Internationally, revenue was $54.3 million in the third quarter of 2016, or $5.5 million higher compared to 2015. Transaction revenue was 41% of total FIG revenue in the third quarter of 2016 compared to 35% in the same period in 2015.

Global PPIF revenue was $105.2 million in the third quarter of 2016, an increase of $14.6 million, or 16%, compared to 2015. In the U.S., revenue in the third quarter of 2016 was $75.6 million, an increase of $17.2 million compared to 2015, primarily due to strong growth in public finance issuance. This growth reflects opportunistic refunding activity amidst favorable market conditions as well as higher new issuance volumes to fund municipal infrastructure investment needs. Additionally, the growth in the U.S. reflects higher infrastructure finance revenue coupled with benefits from changes in the mix of fee type, new fee initiatives and pricing increases. Outside the U.S., PPIF revenue decreased $2.6 million compared to 2015, primarily due to lower public and infrastructure finance revenue in EMEA. Transaction revenue was 63% and 56% of total PPIF revenue in third quarter of 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Operating and SG&A expenses in the third quarter of 2016 increased $3.8 million compared to 2015 primarily due to higher incentive compensation costs reflecting MIS’s strong financial performance in the third quarter of 2016. This was partially offset by lower non-compensation expense reflecting cost reduction initiatives.

The restructuring charge in 2016 relates to cost management initiatives in the MIS segment as well as in certain corporate overhead functions in response to challenging market conditions in the ratings business in the first half of 2016.

Adjusted Operating Income and operating income in the third quarter of 2016, which includes intersegment royalty revenue and intersegment expenses, were $364.8 million and $338.1 million, respectively, up 20% and 18%, respectively, compared to 2015. Adjusted Operating Margin and operating margin were 57.2% and 53.0%, respectively, or 410BPS and 290BPS higher compared to the third quarter of 2015.

 

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Moody’s Analytics

The table below provides a summary of revenue and operating results, followed by further insight and commentary:

 

    

 

Three months ended September 30,

    % Change
Favorable
(Unfavorable)
 
     2016     2015    

Revenue:

      

Research, data and analytics (RD&A)

   $ 167.7      $ 157.9        6

Enterprise risk solutions (ERS)

     101.5        92.2        10

Professional services (PS)

     35.6        36.7        (3 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total external revenue

     304.8        286.8        6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Intersegment revenue

     4.2        3.3        27
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total MA Revenue

     309.0        290.1        7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Expenses:

      

Operating and SG&A (external)

     209.9        192.1        (9 %) 

Operating and SG&A (intersegment)

     25.3        23.5        (8 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Adjusted Operating Income

     73.8        74.5        (1 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Restructuring

     0.8        —          N

Depreciation and amortization

     13.6        11.4        (19 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating income

   $ 59.4      $ 63.1        (6 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Adjusted Operating Margin

     23.9     25.7  

Operating margin

     19.2     21.8  

The following is a discussion of external MA revenue and operating expenses:

Global MA revenue increased $18.0 million, or 6%, compared to the third quarter of 2015 reflecting growth in RD&A as well as ERS, which included revenue from the acquisition of GGY. Excluding unfavorable changes in FX translation rates, MA revenue grew 9% compared to the prior year. Recurring revenue comprised 76% and 75% of total MA revenue in the third quarter of 2016 and 2015.

In the U.S., revenue of $154.4 million in the third quarter of 2016 increased $24.8 million, and reflected growth in ERS and RD&A.

Non-U.S. revenue of $150.4 million in the third quarter of 2016 was $6.8 million lower than in 2015 reflecting declines in RD&A and ERS due to unfavorable changes in FX rates.

Global RD&A revenue of $167.7 million, which comprised 55% of total external MA revenue in both the third quarter of 2016 and 2015, increased $9.8 million, or 6%, over the prior year period. Excluding unfavorable changes in FX rates, RD&A revenue grew 9%. This growth, which was most notable in the U.S., reflected strong sales of credit research and licensing of ratings data. In the U.S., revenue of $100.4 million increased 14% over the prior year. Non-U.S. revenue of $67.3 million decreased 4% with the decline due to unfavorable changes in FX rates.

Global ERS revenue in the third quarter of 2016 of $101.5 million increased $9.3 million, or 10%, over 2015. Excluding unfavorable changes in FX rates, ERS revenue grew 14% due to revenue from the first quarter 2016 acquisition of GGY as well as growth in the credit assessment and stress testing product lines. Revenue in ERS is subject to quarterly volatility resulting from the variable nature of project timing and the concentration of software implementation and license revenue in a relatively small number of engagements. In the U.S., revenue of $41.0 million increased 39% compared to the prior year. Non-U.S. revenue of $60.5 million decreased 3% compared to the prior year with the decline due to unfavorable changes in FX rates.

 

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Global PS revenue of $35.6 million in the third quarter of 2016 decreased $1.1 million compared to 2015 primarily reflecting declines in the outsourced research and analytical services business due to current challenges in the financial services industry. In the U.S., revenue of $13.0 million increased 6% over the prior year. Non-U.S. revenue of $22.6 million decreased 7% compared to the prior year.

Operating and SG&A expenses in the third quarter of 2016 increased $17.8 million compared to 2015. The expense growth is primarily due to an increase in compensation costs reflecting higher headcount to support business growth. Headcount from the acquisition of GGY as well as annual merit increases also contributed to the compensation expense growth.

The restructuring charge in 2016 reflects cost management initiatives in certain corporate overhead functions of which a portion is allocated to MA based on a revenue-split methodology.

Adjusted Operating Income was $73.8 million in the third quarter of 2016 and decreased $0.7 million compared to the same period in 2015. Operating income of $59.4 million in the third quarter of 2016 was $3.7 million lower compared to the same period in 2015. Adjusted Operating Margin for the third quarter of 2016 was 23.9%, compared to 25.7% in 2015. Operating margin was 19.2% compared to 21.8% in the prior year. Operating margin and Adjusted Operating Margin in 2016 were suppressed due to a larger proportion of overhead costs allocated to MA under the Company’s revenue- split methodology. Adjusted Operating Income and operating income both include intersegment revenue and expense.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared with nine months ended September 30, 2015

Executive Summary

 

   

Moody’s revenue in the first nine months of 2016 totaled $2,662.1 million, an increase of $43.5 million, or 2%, compared to 2015 reflecting good growth in MA revenue partially offset by modest declines in MIS.

 

   

MIS revenue decreased 1% compared to the prior year reflecting challenges in the first half of 2016 in the high-yield and investment-grade corporate debt sectors due to elevated credit spreads and market volatility at the time. Additionally, the decrease reflected lower 2016 securitization activity in the U.S., most notably in the U.S. CLO and CMBS asset classes which reflected the aforementioned elevated credit spreads and market volatility as well as uncertainty relating to the implementation of certain regulatory requirements for these asset classes. The aforementioned declines were partially offset by benefits from changes in the mix of fee type, new fee initiatives and pricing increases. The decline in the first nine months of 2016 was also partially offset by robust rated issuance volumes for high-yield corporate debt and bank loans as well as for public finance related activity in the third quarter of 2016 reflecting both opportunistic refinancing and new issuance activity.

 

   

MA revenue was 8% higher than the prior year reflecting increases in ERS and RD&A, most notably in the U.S. Revenue grew in all product areas of ERS and included revenue from the acquisition of GGY. In RD&A, revenue growth was primarily driven by credit research subscriptions and licensing of ratings data as well as growth in SAV and ECCA.

 

   

Total operating expenses increased $72.0 million, or 5%, reflecting:

 

   

higher compensation costs of $58.7 million associated with headcount growth in MA (including costs from the acquisition of GGY) and annual compensation increases partially offset by cost reduction initiatives in response to the challenging business conditions in MIS in the first half of 2016;

 

   

a restructuring charge of $12.0 million associated with cost management initiatives in the MIS segment as well as in certain corporate overhead functions;

 

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Operating income of $1,111.8 million in the first nine months of 2016 was down $28.5 million compared to 2015 and resulted in an operating margin of 41.8% compared to 43.5% in the prior year. Adjusted Operating Income of $1,217.6 million in the first nine months of 2016 decreased $7.5 million compared to 2015, resulting in an Adjusted Operating Margin of 45.7% compared to 46.8% in the prior year.

 

   

The ETR in the first nine months of 2016 was 20 BPS lower than the prior year primarily due to lower taxes on non-U.S. income.

 

   

The change in non-operating income (expense) net, compared to the prior year is primarily due to higher interest expense reflecting the 2015 Senior Notes issued in March 2015 and the $300 million of additional borrowings under the 2014 Senior Notes (30-Year) in November 2015. Additionally, there was a $6.4 million Legacy tax benefit in 2015 compared to a $1.6 million benefit in 2016. Partially offsetting this change were FX gains of approximately $9 million in 2016 compared to FX losses of approximately $3 million in the prior year.

 

   

Diluted EPS of $3.55 in the first nine months of 2016 was flat compared to 2015 as lower Net Income was offset by a 4% reduction in diluted weighted average shares outstanding. Excluding the $0.04 restructuring charge in 2016 and the $0.03 benefit from a Legacy Tax Matter in the prior year, non-GAAP EPS of $3.59 in 2016 increased $0.08.

Moody’s Corporation

 

    

 

Nine months ended September 30,

    % Change
Favorable
(Unfavorable)
 
     2016     2015    

Revenue:

      

United States

   $ 1,571.6      $ 1,527.8        3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

International:

      

EMEA

     665.4        660.4        1

Asia-Pacific

     272.0        270.8        —     

Americas

     153.1        159.6        (4 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total International

     1,090.5        1,090.8        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total

     2,662.1        2,618.6        2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Expenses:

      

Operating

     761.3        724.4        (5 %) 

SG&A

     683.2        669.1        (2 %) 

Restructuring

     12.0        —          NM   

Depreciation and amortization

     93.8        84.8        (11 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total

     1,550.3        1,478.3        (5 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating income

   $ 1,111.8      $ 1,140.3        (2 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Adjusted Operating Income (1)

   $ 1,217.6      $ 1,225.1        (1 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Interest income (expense), net

   $ (103.8   $ (87.0     (19 %) 

Other non-operating income (expense), net

   $ 15.5      $ 14.0        11
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Non-operating income (expense), net

   $ (88.3   $ (73.0     (21 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net income attributable to Moody’s

   $ 695.2      $ 723.4        (4 %) 

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

     196.0        204.5        4

Diluted EPS attributable to Moody’s common shareholders

   $ 3.55      $ 3.54        —     

Non-GAAP EPS attributable to Moody’s common shareholders

   $ 3.59      $ 3.51        2

Operating margin

     41.8     43.5  

Adjusted Operating Margin(1)

     45.7     46.8  

 

(1) 

Adjusted Operating Income and Adjusted Operating Margin are non-GAAP financial measures. Refer to the section entitled “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” of this Management Discussion and Analysis for further information regarding these measures.

 

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Global revenue of $2,662.1 million in the first nine months of 2016 increased $43.5 million, or 2%, compared to 2015 and reflected good growth in MA revenue, which included revenue from the first quarter 2016 acquisition of GGY, partially offset by a modest decline in MIS revenue.

The $26.6 million decrease in MIS revenue reflects challenges early in 2016 in the speculative-grade corporate debt sector due to elevated credit spreads and market volatility at the time as well as unfavorable issuance mix in investment-grade corporate debt. Additionally, the decrease reflects lower securitization activity in the U.S. in the first nine months of 2016, primarily in the U.S. CLO and CMBS asset classes which was due to the aforementioned elevated credit spreads and market volatility as well as uncertainty relating to the implementation of certain risk retention regulatory requirements. These declines were mostly offset by benefits from changes in the mix of fee type, new fee initiatives and pricing increases coupled with robust issuance in the third quarter of 2016 for high-yield corporate debt and bank loans as well as in public finance.

The $70.1 million growth in MA reflects increases in ERS and RD&A, most notably in the U.S. Revenue grew in all product areas of ERS and included revenue from the 2016 acquisition of GGY. In RD&A, revenue growth was primarily driven by credit research, subscriptions and licensing of ratings data as well as growth in the SAV and ECCA businesses.

Transaction revenue accounted for 48% of global MCO revenue in the first nine months of 2016 compared to 50% in the prior year.

U.S. revenue of $1,571.6 million in the first nine months of 2016 increased $43.8 million from the prior year, reflecting strong growth in MA partially offset by a modest decline in MIS.

Non-U.S. revenue of $1,090.5 million was flat compared to the first nine months of 2015 due to declines in MIS across all regions being offset by growth in MA across all regions.

Operating expenses were $761.3 million in the first nine months of 2016, up $36.9 million compared to 2015 and included an increase in compensation costs of approximately $49 million. This increase reflects higher salaries and employee benefit expenses resulting from the impact of annual compensation increases and increased headcount, most notably in MA which includes headcount from the acquisition of GGY. These increases were partially offset by an approximate $13 million decrease in non-compensation expenses reflecting cost reduction initiatives in response to challenging business conditions in MIS earlier in the year.

SG&A expenses of $683.2 million in the first nine months of 2016 grew $14.1 million from the prior year period reflecting increased compensation costs primarily due to annual compensation increases and headcount growth in MA which included headcount from the GGY acquisition. Additionally, there was an increase in non-compensation expenses reflecting higher rent and occupancy costs and legal expenses being partially offset by the impact of cost reduction initiatives in response to challenging business conditions in MIS earlier in the year.

The restructuring charge of $12.0 million relates to cost management initiatives in 2016 in the MIS segment as well as in certain corporate overhead functions.

Operating income of $1,111.8 million decreased $28.5 million from the first nine months of 2015. Adjusted Operating Income was $1,217.6 million in the first nine months of 2016, a decrease of $7.5 million compared to 2015. Operating margin of 41.8% decreased 170 BPS compared to the first nine months of prior year. Adjusted Operating Margin of 45.7% decreased 110 BPS compared to the prior year.

Interest income (expense), net in the first nine months of 2016 was ($103.8) million, a $16.8 million increase in expense compared to 2015 reflecting interest on the 2015 Senior Notes which were issued in March 2015 as well as interest on the $300 million of additional borrowings under the 2014 Senior Notes (30-Year) in November 2015.

Other non-operating income (expense), net was $15.5 million in the first nine months of 2016, a $1.5 million increase in income compared to 2015 reflecting approximately $9 million in FX gains compared to approximately $3 million in FX losses in the prior year. The gains in 2016 are primarily due to the strengthening of the euro to the British pound over the previous nine months. This increase in income was partially offset by a $6.4 million benefit from a Legacy Tax Matter in 2015 compared to a $1.6 million benefit in 2016.

The Company’s ETR was 31.5% in the first nine months of 2016, compared with 31.7% in 2015 with the decrease reflecting lower taxes on non-U.S. income.

 

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Net Income in the first nine months of 2016 was $695.2 million, $28.2 million lower than prior year. EPS of $3.55 per diluted share in 2016 was flat compared to the prior year as lower Net Income was offset by a 4% reduction in diluted weighted average shares outstanding. Excluding the restructuring charge in 2016 and the benefit from a Legacy Tax Matter in the prior year, non-GAAP EPS of $3.59 in 2016 increased $0.08. The reduction in diluted weighted average shares outstanding reflects share repurchases under the Company’s Board authorized share repurchase program partially offset by shares issued under the employee stock-based compensation programs.

Segment Results

Moody’s Investors Service

The table below provides a summary of revenue and operating results, followed by further insight and commentary:

 

    

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

    % Change
Favorable
(Unfavorable)
 
     2016     2015    

Revenue:

      

Corporate finance (CFG)

   $ 844.7      $ 866.6        (3 %) 

Structured finance (SFG)

     306.3        335.0        (9 %) 

Financial institutions (FIG)

     280.4        273.7        2

Public, project and infrastructure finance (PPIF)

     309.0        291.2        6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total ratings revenue

     1,740.4        1,766.5        (1 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

MIS Other

     22.6        23.1        (2 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total external revenue

     1,763.0        1,789.6        (1 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Intersegment royalty

     73.9        69.5        6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total

     1,836.9        1,859.1        (1 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Expenses:

      

Operating and SG&A (external)

     820.3        826.7        1

Operating and SG&A (intersegment)

     9.8        9.7        (1 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Adjusted Operating Income

     1,006.8        1,022.7        (2 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Restructuring

     10.2        —          NM   

Depreciation and amortization

     54.8        48.7        (13 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating income

   $ 941.8      $ 974.0        (3 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Adjusted Operating Margin

     54.8     55.0  

Operating margin

     51.3     52.4  

The following is a discussion of external MIS revenue and operating expenses:

Global MIS revenue of $1,763.0 million in the first nine months of 2016 was down 1% compared to 2015 reflecting challenges in the first half of 2016 in the speculative-grade corporate debt sector due to elevated credit spreads and market volatility at the time coupled with an unfavorable shift in issuance mix for investment-grade corporate debt. Additionally, the decrease reflected lower securitization activity in the U.S. in the first nine months of 2016, primarily in the U.S. CLO and CMBS asset classes, which reflected the aforementioned elevated credit spreads and market volatility as well as uncertainty relating to the implementation of certain risk retention regulatory requirements for these asset classes. These declines were partially offset by the favorable impact of changes in the mix of fee type, new fee initiatives and pricing increases as well as robust rated issuance volumes for high-yield corporate debt and bank loans in the third quarter of 2016 as capital market volatility and elevated credit spreads that hindered issuance in the first half of 2016 subsided. The declines also were partially offset by strong growth in U.S. public finance issuance in the third quarter of 2016.

 

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Transaction revenue for MIS was 60% in the first nine months of 2016 compared to 62% in the first nine months of 2015.

In the U.S., revenue was $1,126.3 million in the first nine months of 2016, a decrease of $9.7 million compared to 2015 and reflected lower rated issuance volumes for high-yield corporate debt in the first half of 2016. Additionally, there were declines in securitization activity within the CLO and CMBS asset classes within SFG. The declines were partially offset by benefits from changes in the mix of fee type, new fee initiatives and pricing increases. The decrease compared to the prior year was also partially offset by the aforementioned growth in rated issuance volumes for high-yield corporate debt and bank loans as well as strong public finance issuance in the third quarter of 2016. 

Non-U.S. revenue was $636.7 million in the first nine months of 2016, a decrease of $16.9 million compared to 2015 primarily reflecting lower revenue in the first half of 2016 from rating investment-grade and high-yield corporate debt across all regions. These declines were partially offset by benefits from changes in the mix of fee type, new fee initiatives and pricing increases. These declines compared to the prior year were also partially offset by growth in non-U.S. high-yield corporate debt and bank loans as well as investment-grade corporate debt in the third quarter of 2016. This growth in the third quarter reflected improved market sentiment following volatility in the first half of 2016 as well as the CSPP providing a ballast to corporate debt issuance in the EMEA region.

Global CFG revenue of $844.7 million in the first nine months of 2016 was down 3% compared to 2015. The decline reflects lower rated issuance volumes in the first half of 2016 for speculative-grade corporate debt across all regions due to elevated credit spreads and capital market volatility at the time. Also, there was lower investment-grade corporate debt revenue across all regions reflecting the aforementioned elevated credit spreads and market volatility early in 2016. These declines were partially offset by benefits from changes in the mix of fee type, new fee initiatives and pricing increases. The decline compared to the prior year was also partially offset by robust rated issuance volumes for high-yield corporate debt and bank loans in the U.S. and EMEA in the third quarter of 2016 as capital market volatility and elevated credit spreads that hindered issuance in the first half of 2016 subsided. Furthermore, the increase in high-yield rated issuance volumes in EMEA in the third quarter of 2016 reflects additional liquidity in the region resulting from the ECB sponsored CSPP. Transaction revenue represented 68% and 70% of total CFG revenue in the first nine months of 2016 and 2015, respectively. In the U.S., revenue was $580.9 million, or flat compared to than the prior year. Internationally, revenue of $263.8 million decreased $21.4 million compared to the prior year.

Global SFG revenue of $306.3 million in the first nine months of 2016 decreased $28.7 million, or 9%, compared to 2015. In the U.S., revenue of $204.3 million decreased $32.0 million compared to 2015. This decrease primarily reflected lower CLO formation, most notably in the first half of 2016, due to elevated credit spreads and declining availability of collateral for these instruments earlier in the year. Additionally, the decrease reflected lower securitization activity in the CMBS asset class reflecting higher average credit spreads over the course of 2016, particularly in the first quarter, as well as uncertainties relating to the implementation of certain risk retention regulatory requirements for this asset class. Non-U.S. revenue in the first nine months of 2016 of $102.0 million increased $3.3 million compared to the prior year primarily reflecting an increase in RMBS and ABS activity in EMEA. Transaction revenue was 59% of total SFG revenue in the first nine months of 2016 compared to 63% in the prior year.

Global FIG revenue of $280.4 million in the first nine months of 2016 increased 2% compared to 2015. In the U.S., revenue was $122.5 million, up modestly compared to 2015 primarily reflecting benefits from changes in the mix of fee type, new fee initiatives and pricing increases as well as higher M&A related issuance volumes in the insurance sector. These increases were partially offset by reduced banking-related issuance volumes due to market volatility in the first half of 2016. Internationally, revenue was $157.9 million in the first nine months of 2016, also up modestly compared to 2015 primarily due to benefits from changes in the mix of fee type, new fee initiatives and pricing increases coupled with growth in the Asia-Pacific region reflecting higher cross-border issuance from Chinese banks and asset managers. Transaction revenue was 38% of total FIG revenue in the first nine months of 2016 compared to 37% in the same period in 2015.

Global PPIF revenue was $309.0 million in the first nine months of 2016 and increased $17.8 million, or 6%, compared to 2015. In the U.S., revenue of $211.7 million increased $20.3 million compared to 2015 primarily due to strong growth in public finance issuance in the third quarter of 2016. This growth reflects opportunistic refunding activity amidst favorable market conditions as well as higher new issuance volumes to fund municipal infrastructure investment needs. Additionally, the growth in the U.S. reflects higher infrastructure finance revenue coupled with benefits from changes in the mix of fee type, new fee initiatives and pricing increases. Outside the U.S., PPIF revenue decreased 3% compared to 2015 reflecting lower infrastructure finance revenue in EMEA coupled with lower project finance revenue in Asia-Pacific and the Americas regions. These declines were partially offset by higher infrastructure finance revenue in the Americas region. Transaction revenue was 63% and 61% of total PPIF revenue in first nine months of 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

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Operating and SG&A expenses in the first nine months of 2016 decreased $6.4 million compared to 2015 primarily reflecting lower non-compensation expenses due to overall cost control initiatives. Compensation expenses were up slightly compared to the prior year reflecting annual salary increases and modest headcount growth in the ratings LOBs. These increases in compensation expense were partially offset by reduced incentive compensation costs reflecting lower projected achievement against full-year targeted results compared to the prior year.

The restructuring charge in 2016 relates to cost management initiatives in the MIS segment as well as in certain corporate overhead functions.

The increase in D&A compared to the prior year reflects capital expenditures related to investments in the Company’s IT and operational infrastructure.

Adjusted Operating Income and operating income in the first nine months of 2016, which includes intersegment royalty revenue and intersegment expenses, were $1,006.8 million and $941.8 million, respectively, and decreased $15.9 million and $32.2 million, respectively, compared to 2015. Adjusted Operating Margin and operating margin were 54.8% and 51.3%, respectively, compared to 55.0% and 52.4%, in the prior year, respectively.

Moody’s Analytics

The table below provides a summary of revenue and operating results, followed by further insight and commentary:

 

     Nine Months Ended September 30,     % Change
Favorable
 
     2016     2015     (Unfavorable)  

Revenue:

      

Research, data and analytics (RD&A)

   $ 500.9      $ 465.0        8

Enterprise risk solutions (ERS)

     288.5        252.5        14

Professional services (PS)

     109.7        111.5        (2 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total external revenue

     899.1        829.0        8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Intersegment revenue

     9.8        9.7        1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total MA Revenue

     908.9        838.7        8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Expenses:

      

Operating and SG&A (external)

     624.2        566.8        (10 %) 

Operating and SG&A (intersegment)

     73.9        69.5        (6 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Adjusted Operating Income

     210.8        202.4        4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Restructuring

     1.8        —          N

Depreciation and amortization

     39.0        36.1        (8 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating income

   $ 170.0      $ 166.3        2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Adjusted Operating Margin

     23.2     24.1  

Operating margin

     18.7     19.8  

 

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The following is a discussion of external MA revenue and operating expenses:

Global MA revenue increased $70.1 million in the first nine months of 2016, or 8%, compared to the first nine months of 2015. Excluding unfavorable changes in FX rates, MA revenue grew 11% compared to the prior year and reflected growth in RD&A as well as ERS, which included revenue from the acquisition of GGY. Recurring revenue comprised 76% in both the first nine months of 2016 and 2015.

In the U.S., revenue of $445.3 million in the first nine months of 2016 increased $53.5 million, and reflected growth in ERS and RD&A.

Non-U.S. revenue of $453.8 million in the first nine months of 2016 was $16.6 million higher than in 2015 reflecting growth in RD&A and ERS partially offset by unfavorable changes in FX rates.

Global RD&A revenue of $500.9 million, which comprised 56% of total external MA revenue in both the first nine months of 2016 and 2015, increased $35.9 million, or 8%, over the prior year period. Excluding unfavorable changes in FX rates, RD&A revenue increased 10% over the prior year. The growth reflected strength in credit research subscriptions and licensing of ratings data as well as higher revenue within SAV and ECCA. In the U.S., revenue of $292.9 million increased 12% over the prior year. Non-U.S. revenue of $208.0 million increased 2%.

Global ERS revenue in the first nine months of 2016 of $288.5 million increased $36.0 million, or 14%, over 2015. Excluding unfavorable changes in FX rates, ERS revenue grew 17% reflecting increases across all product offerings and included revenue from the acquisition of GGY in March of 2016. Revenue in ERS is subject to quarterly volatility resulting from the variable nature of project timing and the concentration of software implementation and license revenue in a relatively small number of engagements. In the U.S., revenue of $114.1 million increased 24% compared to the prior year. Non-U.S. revenue of $174.4 million increased 8%.

Global PS revenue of $109.7 million in the first nine months of 2016 declined modestly compared to 2015. Excluding unfavorable changes in FX rates, PS revenue was flat compared to the prior year. In the U.S., revenue of $38.3 million was flat compared to 2015. Non-U.S. revenue of $71.4 million was also flat compared to the prior year.

Operating and SG&A expenses in the first nine months of 2016 increased $57.4 million compared to 2015. The expense growth resulted from an increase in compensation costs primarily due to higher headcount to support business growth as well as headcount from the acquisition of GGY and annual merit increases.

Adjusted Operating Income was $210.8 million in the first nine months of 2016 and increased $8.4 million compared to 2015. Operating income of $170.0 million in the first nine months of 2016 increased $3.7 million compared to 2015. Adjusted Operating Margin for the first nine months of 2016 was 23.2% compared to 24.1% in 2015. Operating margin was 18.7% in the first nine months of 2016 compared to 19.8% in the prior year. Operating margin and Adjusted Operating Margin in 2016 were suppressed due to a larger proportion of overhead costs allocated to MA under the Company’s revenue split methodology. Adjusted Operating Income and operating income both include intersegment revenue and expense.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flow

The Company is currently financing its operations, capital expenditures and share repurchases from cash flow from operating and financing activities. The following is a summary of the changes in the Company’s cash flows followed by a brief discussion of these changes:

 

     Nine Months  Ended
September 30,
     $ Change
Favorable
(Unfavorable)
 
     2016      2015         

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 856.6       $ 893.5       $ (36.9

Net cash used in investing activities

   $ (2.4    $ (81.5    $ 79.1   

Net cash used in financing activities

   $ (882.6    $ (512.5    $ (370.1

Free Cash Flow*

   $ 771.8       $ 827.6       $ (55.8

 

* Free Cash Flow is a non-GAAP financial measure. Refer to the section “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” of this MD&A for further information on this financial measure. Free Cash Flow declined from 2015 due to lower net income coupled with higher capital expenditures.

Net cash provided by operating activities

Net cash flows from operating activities decreased $36.9 million compared to the prior year primarily due to:

 

   

A decrease in net income of $27.9 million;

 

   

a $96.6 million decrease from changes in accounts receivable primarily reflecting growth in accounts receivable in 2016 compared to a decrease in accounts receivable in 2015;

Partially offset by:

 

   

an approximate $42 million increase relating to the timing of tax payments;

 

   

an approximate $27 million increase relating to higher incentive compensation payouts in 2015 compared to 2016 which reflected lower achievement against full-year targeted results in 2015 compared to 2014; and

 

   

an approximate $21 million increase relating to higher deferred revenue reflecting overall business growth.

Net cash used in investing activities

The $79.1 million decrease in cash used in investing activities is primarily due to:

 

   

lower net maturities of short-term investments of $190.8 million;

Partially offset by:

 

   

cash paid, net of cash acquired, of approximately $79 million to acquire GGY;

 

   

$18.3 million less cash received upon maturity of FX forward contracts designated as net investment hedges; and

 

   

higher capital expenditures of approximately $19 million reflecting investment in the Company’s IT and operational infrastructure.

Net cash used in financing activities

The $370.1 million increase in cash used in financing activities was attributed to:

 

   

net proceeds of $552.8 million in 2015 reflecting the issuance of the 2015 Senior Notes;

 

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Partially offset by:

 

   

treasury shares repurchased of $678.9 million in the first nine months of 2016 compared to $905.6 million repurchased in the prior year period.

Cash and short-term investments held in non-U.S. jurisdictions

The Company’s aggregate cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments of $2.1 billion at September 30, 2016 consisted of approximately $1.7 billion located outside of the U.S. Approximately 28% of the Company’s aggregate cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments is denominated in euros and British pounds. Approximately 95% of the cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments in the Company’s non-U.S. operations are held by entities whose undistributed earnings are indefinitely reinvested in the Company’s foreign operations. Accordingly, the Company has not provided for deferred income taxes on these indefinitely reinvested earnings. A future distribution or change in assertion regarding reinvestment by the foreign subsidiaries relating to these earnings could result in additional tax liability to the Company. It is not practicable to determine the amount of the potential additional tax liability due to complexities in the tax laws and in the hypothetical calculations that would have to be made. The Company manages both its U.S. and international cash flow to maintain sufficient liquidity in all regions to effectively meet its operating needs.

Indebtedness

At September 30, 2016, Moody’s had $3.4 billion of outstanding debt and $1.0 billion of additional capacity available under the Company’s CP program which is backstopped by the 2015 Facility as more fully discussed in Note 14 to the condensed consolidated financial statements. There were no borrowings outstanding under the CP program or 2015 Facility at September 30, 2016. At September 30, 2016, the Company was in compliance with all covenants contained within all of the debt agreements. The 2015 Facility, the 2007 Agreement, the 2010 Indenture, the 2012 Indenture, the 2013 Indenture, the 2014 Indenture and the 2015 Indenture contain cross default provisions. These provisions state that default under one of the aforementioned debt instruments could in turn permit lenders under other debt instruments to declare borrowings outstanding under those instruments to be immediately due and payable. At September 30, 2016, there were no such cross defaults.

The repayment schedule for the Company’s borrowings is as follows:

 

Year Ended

December 31,

  Series 2007-1(2)
Notes
    2010 Senior
Notes
    2012 Senior
Notes
    2013 Senior
Notes
    2014 Senior
Notes (5-Year)
    2014 Senior
Notes (30-Year)
    2015 Senior
Notes (1)
    Total  

2016 (after September 30,)

  $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —     

2017

    300.0        —          —          —          —          —          —          300.0   

2018

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

2019

    —          —          —          —          450.0        —          —          450.0   

2020

    —          500.0        —          —          —          —          —          500.0   

Thereafter

    —          —          500.0        500.0        —          600.0        561.9        2,161.9   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 300.0      $ 500.0      $ 500.0      $ 500.0      $ 450.0      $ 600.0      $ 561.9      $ 3,411.9   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) 

Based on end of quarter FX rates

(2) 

Matures in September of 2017 and accordingly is recorded in current liabilities.

 

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Other Material Future Cash Requirements

The Company believes that it has the financial resources needed to meet its cash requirements for the next twelve months. Cash requirements for periods beyond the next twelve months will depend, among other things, on the Company’s profitability and ability to manage working capital requirements. Future cash requirements may be affected by developments with respect to existing contingencies. See Item 1 “Financial Statements”, Note 15 “Contingencies” of this Form 10-Q. The Company may also borrow from various sources.

The Company remains committed to using its strong cash flow to create value for shareholders by investing in growing areas of the business, reinvesting in ratings quality initiatives, making selective acquisitions, repurchasing stock and paying a dividend, all in manner consistent with maintaining sufficient liquidity after giving effect to any additional indebtedness that may be incurred. In October 2016, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.37 per share of Moody’s common stock, payable on December 12, 2016 to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 21, 2016. The continued payment of dividends at this rate, or at all, is subject to the discretion of the Board. In December 2015, the Board authorized $1.0 billion of share repurchase authority that has a remaining repurchase authority of approximately $787 million at September 30, 2016. Full-year 2016 total share repurchases are expected to be approximately $750 million, subject to available cash, market conditions and other ongoing capital allocation decisions.

On February 6, 2008, the Company entered into an operating lease agreement to occupy six floors of an office tower located in the Canary Wharf district of London, England with an initial term of 17.5-years and a total of 15 years of renewal options. The total remaining lease payments as of September 30, 2016 are approximately £84 million, of which approximately £8 million will be paid in the next twelve months. Payments under this lease agreement are included in the contractual obligations table below.

On October 20, 2006, the Company entered into an operating lease agreement with 7 World Trade Center, LLC for 589,945 square-feet of an office building located at 7WTC at 250 Greenwich Street, New York, New York, which is serving as Moody’s headquarters. The 7WTC Lease has an initial term of 21 years with a total of 20 years of renewal options. The total remaining lease payments are approximately $394 million, of which approximately $32 million will be paid during the next twelve months. Payments under this lease agreement are included in the contractual obligations table below.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

At September 30, 2016, Moody’s did not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as special purpose or variable interest entities where Moody’s is the primary beneficiary, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. As such, Moody’s is not exposed to any financing, liquidity market or credit risk that could arise if it had engaged in such relationships.

 

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Contractual Obligations

The following table presents payments due under the Company’s contractual obligations as of September 30, 2016:

 

            Payments Due by Period  

(in millions)

   Total      Less Than 1 Year      1 - 3 Years      3 - 5 Years      Over 5 Years  

Indebtedness(1)

   $ 4,851.1       $ 431.3       $ 676.1       $ 695.7       $ 3,048.0   

Operating lease obligations

     762.5         93.4         167.6         139.6         361.9   

Capital lease obligations

     0.9         0.5         0.4         —           —     

Purchase obligations

     143.9         64.5         54.0         25.4         —     

Pension obligations(2)

     160.8         28.1         44.5         17.3         70.9   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total(3)

   $ 5,919.2       $ 617.8       $ 942.6       $ 878.0       $ 3,480.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) 

Reflects principal payments, related interest and applicable fees due on the Series 2007-1 Notes, the 2010 Senior Notes, the 2012 Senior Notes, the 2013 Senior Notes, the 2014 Senior Notes (5-year), the 2014 Senior Notes (30-year), the 2015 Senior Notes and the 2015 Facility as described in Note 14 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

(2) 

Reflects projected benefit contributions to the Company’s funded U.S. DBPP and payments relating to the Company’s U.S. unfunded DBPPs and Retirement and Other Plans described in Note 13 to the condensed consolidated financial statements

(3) 

The table above does not include the Company’s net long-term tax liabilities of $201.1 million relating to UTPs since the expected cash outflow of such amounts by period cannot be reasonably estimated.

Dividends

On October 18, 2016, the Board approved the declaration of a quarterly dividend of $0.37 per share of Moody’s common stock, payable on December 12, 2016 to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 21, 2016.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures:

In addition to its reported results, Moody’s has included in this MD&A certain adjusted results that the SEC defines as “non-GAAP financial measures.” Management believes that such non-GAAP financial measures, when read in conjunction with the Company’s reported results, can provide useful supplemental information for investors analyzing period to period comparisons of the Company’s performance, facilitate comparisons to competitors’ operating results and can provide greater transparency to investors of supplemental information used by management in its financial and operational decision-making. These non-GAAP measures, as defined by the Company, are not necessarily comparable to similarly defined measures of other companies. Furthermore, these non-GAAP measures should not be viewed in isolation or used as a substitute for other GAAP measures in assessing the operating performance or cash flows of the Company. Below are brief descriptions of the Company’s non-GAAP financial measures accompanied by a reconciliation of the non-GAAP measure to its most directly comparable GAAP measure:

Constant Currency Measures:

The Company presents certain revenue growth on a constant currency basis because management deems this metric to be a useful measure of assessing the operations of the Company in times of foreign exchange rate volatility. Constant currency measures exclude the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates on operating results. The Company calculates the dollar impact of foreign exchange as the difference between the translation of its current period non-USD functional currency results using prior comparative period weighted average foreign exchange translation rates and current year as reported results. Growth rates on a constant currency basis are determined based on the difference between current period revenue translated using prior period comparative weighted average exchange rates and prior period as reported results divided by prior as reported results. Below is a reconciliation of certain of the Company’s reported revenue changes to the changes on a constant currency basis:

 

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     Three Months Ended
September 30, 2016
 
    

RD&A

    ERS     Total
MA
 
     Revenue     Revenue     Revenue  
     %     %     %  

Reported change

     6     10     6

FX impact

     3     4     3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Constant currency change

     9     14     9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016  
     RD&A     ERS     PS     Total
MA
 
     Revenue     Revenue     Revenue     Revenue  
     %     %     %     %  

Reported change

     8     14     (2 %)      8

FX impact

     3     3     2     3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Constant currency change

     11     17     —          11
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted Operating Income and Adjusted Operating Margin:

The table below reflects a reconciliation of the Company’s operating income to Adjusted Operating Income. The Company defines Adjusted Operating Income as operating income excluding depreciation and amortization and restructuring charges. The Company utilizes Adjusted Operating Income because management deems this metric to be a useful measure for assessing the operating performance of Moody’s, measuring the Company’s ability to service debt, fund capital expenditures, and expand its business. Adjusted Operating Income excludes depreciation and amortization because companies utilize productive assets of different ages and use different methods of both acquiring and depreciating productive assets. Adjusted Operating Income also excludes restructuring charges as the frequency and magnitude of these charges may vary widely across periods and companies. Management believes that the exclusion of these items, detailed in the reconciliation below, allows for a more meaningful comparison of the Company’s results from period to period and across companies. The Company defines Adjusted Operating Margin as Adjusted Operating Income divided by revenue.

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2016     2015     2016     2015  

Operating income

   $ 397.5      $ 349.7      $ 1,111.8      $ 1,140.3   

Adjustments:

        

Restructuring

     8.4        —          12.0        —     

Depreciation and amortization

     32.7        28.3        93.8        84.8   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted Operating Income

   $ 438.6      $ 378.0      $ 1,217.6      $ 1,225.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Margin

     43.3     41.9     41.8     43.5

Adjusted Operating Margin

     47.8     45.3     45.7     46.8

 

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Non-GAAP Diluted EPS

The Company presents this non-GAAP measure to exclude restructuring charges in 2016 and a Legacy Tax benefit in the third quarter of 2015 to allow for a more meaningful comparison of Moody’s diluted earnings per share from period to period. Below is a reconciliation of these measures to their most directly comparable U.S. GAAP amount:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2016      2015      2016      2015  

Diluted EPS - GAAP

   $ 1.31       $ 1.14       $ 3.55       $ 3.54   

Legacy Tax

     —           (0.03      —           (0.03

Restructuring

     0.03         —           0.04         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted EPS - Non-GAAP

   $ 1.34       $ 1.11       $ 3.59       $ 3.51   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Free Cash Flow:

The Company defines free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities minus payments for capital additions. Management believes that free cash flow is a useful metric in assessing the Company’s cash flows to service debt, pay dividends and to fund acquisitions and share repurchases. Management deems capital expenditures essential to the Company’s product and service innovations and maintenance of Moody’s operational capabilities. Accordingly, capital expenditures are deemed to be a recurring use of Moody’s cash flow. Below is a reconciliation of the Company’s net cash flows from operating activities to free cash flow:

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2016      2015  

Net cash flows provided by operating activities

   $ 856.6       $ 893.5   

Capital additions

     (84.8      (65.9
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Free cash flow

   $ 771.8       $ 827.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

   $ (2.4    $ (81.5

Net cash used in financing activities

   $ (882.6    $ (512.5

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

For information regarding recently issued accounting standards, see Item 1 - “Financial Statements”, Note 17 “Recently Issued Accounting Standards.”

Contingencies

Legal proceedings in which the company is involved also may impact Moody’s liquidity or operating results. No assurance can be provided as to the outcome of such proceedings. In addition, litigation inherently involves significant costs. For information regarding legal proceedings, see Item 1 - “Financial Statements”, Note 15 “Contingencies.”

 

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Regulation

MIS and many of the securities that it rates are subject to extensive regulation in both the U.S. and in other countries (including by state and local authorities). Thus, existing and proposed laws and regulations can impact the Company’s operations and the markets for securities that it rates. Additional laws and regulations have been adopted but not yet implemented or have been proposed or are being considered. Each of the existing, adopted, proposed and potential laws and regulations can increase the costs and legal risk associated with the issuance of credit ratings and may negatively impact Moody’s operations or profitability, the Company’s ability to compete, or result in changes in the demand for credit ratings, in the manner in which ratings are utilized and in the manner in which Moody’s operates.

The regulatory landscape has changed rapidly in recent years, and continues to evolve. In the EU, the CRA industry is registered and supervised through a pan-European regulatory framework. The European Securities and Markets Authority has direct supervisory responsibility for the registered CRA industry throughout the EU. MIS is a registered entity and is subject to formal regulation and periodic inspection. Applicable rules include procedural requirements with respect to ratings of sovereign issuers, liability for intentional or grossly negligent failure to abide by applicable regulations, mandatory rotation requirements of CRAs hired by issuers of securities for ratings of resecuritizations, restrictions on CRAs or their shareholders if certain ownership thresholds are crossed, reporting requirements to ESMA regarding fees, and additional procedural and substantive requirements on the pricing of services. CRA3 also requires that ESMA and the European Commission produce several reports on the industry’s structure and the use of ratings. In October 2015, ESMA published its reports, wherein it acknowledged the impact of regulation on the industry, and stated that it will continue to monitor the industry structure over the next three to five years. On October 19, 2016, the Commission published its analysis, reaching a conclusion similar to ESMA’s that no new legislation is needed for the industry at this time, but that it will continue to monitor the credit rating market and analyze approaches that may strengthen existing regulation.

Separately, on June 23, 2016 the U.K. voted through a referendum to exit the EU. The longer-term impacts of the decision to leave the EU on the overall regulatory framework for the U.K. will depend, in part, on the relationship that the U.K. negotiates with the EU in the future. In the interim, however, the U.K.’s markets regulator (the Financial Conduct Authority) has said that all EU financial regulations will stay in place and that firms must continue to abide by their existing obligations. As a consequence, at this point in time, there is no change to the regulatory framework under which MIS operates and ESMA remains MIS’s regulator both in the EU and in the U.K.

In the U.S., CRAs are subject to extensive regulation primarily pursuant to the Reform Act and the Financial Reform Act. The SEC is required by these legislative acts to publish two annual reports to Congress on NRSROs. The Financial Reform Act requires the SEC to examine each NRSRO once a year and issue an annual report summarizing the examination findings, among other requirements. The annual report required by the Reform Act details the SEC’s views on the state of competition, transparency and conflicts of interests among NRSROs, among other requirements. The SEC voted in August 2014 to adopt its final rules for NRSROs as required by the Financial Reform Act. The Company has made and continues to make substantial IT and other investments, and has implemented the relevant compliance obligations.

In light of the regulations that have gone into effect in both the EU and the U.S. (as well as many other countries), from time to time and as a matter of course pursuant to their enabling legislation these regulatory authorities have and will continue to publish reports that describe their oversight activities over the industry. In addition, other legislation and/or interpretation of existing regulation relating to credit rating and research services is being considered by local, national and multinational bodies and this type of activity is likely to continue in the future. Finally, in certain countries, governments may provide financial or other support to locally-based rating agencies. For example, governments may from time to time establish official rating agencies or credit ratings criteria or procedures for evaluating local issuers. If enacted, any such legislation and regulation could change the competitive landscape in which MIS operates. The legal status of rating agencies has been addressed by courts in various decisions and is likely to be considered and addressed in legal proceedings from time to time in the future. Management of the Company cannot predict whether these or any other proposals will be enacted, the outcome of any pending or possible future legal proceedings, or regulatory or legislative actions, or the ultimate impact of any such matters on the competitive position, financial position or results of operations of Moody’s.

 

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Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q are forward-looking statements and are based on future expectations, plans and prospects for the Company’s business and operations that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Such statements involve estimates, projections, goals, forecasts, assumptions and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those contemplated, expressed, projected, anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. Those statements appear at various places throughout this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, including in the section entitled “Contingencies” under Item 2. “MD&A”, commencing on page 39 of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, under “Legal Proceedings” in Part II, Item 1, of this Form 10-Q, and elsewhere in the context of statements containing the words “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “plan”, “will”, “predict”, “potential”, “continue”, “strategy”, “aspire”, “target”, “forecast”, “project”, “estimate”, “should”, “could”, “may” and similar expressions or words and variations thereof relating to the Company’s views on future events, trends and contingencies. Stockholders and investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and other information are made as of the date of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, and the Company undertakes no obligation (nor does it intend) to publicly supplement, update or revise such statements on a going-forward basis, whether as a result of subsequent developments, changed expectations or otherwise. In connection with the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the Company is identifying examples of factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ, perhaps materially, from those indicated by these forward-looking statements.

Those factors, risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the current world-wide credit market disruptions and economic slowdown, which is affecting and could continue to affect the volume of debt and other securities issued in domestic and/or global capital markets; other matters that could affect the volume of debt and other securities issued in domestic and/or global capital markets, including regulation, credit quality concerns, changes in interest rates and other volatility in the financial markets such as that due to the U.K.’s referendum vote whereby the U.K. citizens voted to withdraw from the EU; the level of merger and acquisition activity in the U.S. and abroad; the uncertain effectiveness and possible collateral consequences of U.S. and foreign government initiatives to respond to the current world-wide credit market disruptions and economic slowdown; concerns in the marketplace affecting our credibility or otherwise affecting market perceptions of the integrity or utility of independent credit agency ratings; the introduction of competing products or technologies by other companies; pricing pressure from competitors and/or customers; the level of success of new product development and global expansion; the impact of regulation as an NRSRO, the potential for new U.S., state and local legislation and regulations, including provisions in the Financial Reform Act and regulations resulting from that Act; the potential for increased competition and regulation in the EU and other foreign jurisdictions; exposure to litigation related to our rating opinions, as well as any other litigation, government and regulatory proceedings, investigations and inquires to which the Company may be subject from time to time; provisions in the Financial Reform Act legislation modifying the pleading standards, and EU regulations modifying the liability standards, applicable to credit rating agencies in a manner adverse to credit rating agencies; provisions of EU regulations imposing additional procedural and substantive requirements on the pricing of services; the possible loss of key employees; failures or malfunctions of our operations and infrastructure; any vulnerabilities to cyber threats or other cybersecurity concerns; the outcome of any review by controlling tax authorities of the Company’s global tax planning initiatives; exposure to potential criminal sanctions or civil remedies if the Company fails to comply with foreign and U.S. laws and regulations that are applicable in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates, including sanctions laws, anti-corruption laws, and local laws prohibiting corrupt payments to government officials; the impact of mergers, acquisitions or other business combinations and the ability of the Company to successfully integrate acquired businesses; currency and foreign exchange volatility; the level of future cash flows; the levels of capital investments; and a decline in the demand for credit risk management tools by financial institutions. These factors, risks and uncertainties as well as other risks and uncertainties that could cause Moody’s actual results to differ materially from those contemplated, expressed, projected, anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements are described in greater detail under “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, and in other filings made by the Company from time to time with the SEC or in materials incorporated herein or therein. Stockholders and investors are cautioned that the occurrence of any of these factors, risks and uncertainties may cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those contemplated, expressed, projected, anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements, which could have a material and adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition. New factors may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict new factors, nor can the Company assess the potential effect of any new factors on it.

 

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures: The Company carried out an evaluation, as required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act, as of the end of the period covered by this report (the “Evaluation Date”). Based on such evaluation, such officers have concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the communication to the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

In addition, the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has determined that there were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, these internal controls over financial reporting during the period covered by the report.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

For information regarding legal proceedings, see Item 1 – “Financial Statements – Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited),” Note 15 “Contingencies” in this Form 10-Q.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes since December 31, 2015 to the significant risk factors and uncertainties known to the Company that, if they were to occur, could materially adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition, operating results and/or cash flow. For a discussion of the Company’s risk factors, refer to Item 1A. “Risk Factors”, contained in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

MOODY’S PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2016

 

Period

   Total Number of Shares
Purchased (1)
     Average Price
Paid per Share
     Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Program
     Approximate Dollar Value of
Shares That May Yet be
Purchased Under the
Program (2)
 

July 1 - 31

     723,660       $ 97.09         720,761       $  909.8 million   

August 1 - 31

     576,647       $ 104.69         572,909       $ 849.8 million   

September 1 - 30

     581,160       $ 108.66         579,574       $ 786.8 million   
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

Total

     1,881,467       $ 103.00         1,873,244      
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

(1) Includes surrender to the Company of 2,899, 3,738 and 1,586 shares of common stock in July, August and September, respectively, to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of restricted stock issued to employees
(2) As of the last day of each of the months. On December 15, 2015, the Board authorized a $1 billion share repurchase program. There is no established expiration date for the remaining authorization.

During the third quarter of 2016, Moody’s issued 0.8 million shares under employee stock-based compensation plans.

 

Item 5. Other Information

Not applicable

 

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Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit

   No.

  

Description

    3    ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BY-LAWS
      .1    Amended and Restated By-laws of Moody’s Corporation, effective April 17, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Report on Form 8-K of the Registrant, file number 1-14037, filed April 22, 2013).
      .2    Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Moody’s Corporation, dated April 17, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Report on Form 8-K of the Registrant, file number 1-14037, filed April 22, 2013).
10.1*    Fourth Amendment to the Moody’s Corporation Career Transition Plan
10.2    Form of Commercial Paper Dealer Agreement between Moody’s Corporation, as Issuer, and the Dealer party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Report on Form 8-K, file number 1-14037, filed August 3, 2016).
31    CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
      .1*    Chief Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
      .2*    Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32    CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
      .1*    Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The Company has furnished this certification and does not intend for it to be considered filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or incorporated by reference into future filings under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
      .2*    Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The Company has furnished this certification and does not intend for it to be considered filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or incorporated by reference into future filings under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
101.DEF*    XBRL Definitions Linkbase Document
101.INS*    XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH*    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL*    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.LAB*    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document
101.PRE*    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

* Filed herewith

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

    MOODY’S CORPORATION
  By:   /S/ LINDA S. HUBER
    Linda S. Huber
    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer)
Date: October 24, 2016    
  By:   /S/ MICHAEL CRIMMINS
    Michael Crimmins
    Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller (principal accounting officer)

 

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