Moodys (MCO) risk factors, FY2024 10-K

Moodys's FY2024 10-K, filed Feb 14, 2025, lists 18 risk factors. There is no earlier 10-K to compare against, so the most company-specific risks are listed below.

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Risk factors listed
180 groups
Section length
11k wordsItem 1A

Moodys's biggest risks in the FY2024 10-K

  • Moody's faces intense regulatory scrutiny regarding credit ratings and data dissemination.
  • Competition from Gen AI and traditional firms threatens pricing and market share.
  • Operations rely heavily on cybersecurity and cross-border data protection compliance.

The risks most specific to Moodys

  • Moody’s Faces Risks Related to Laws and Regulations that Affect the Financial Industry, Including the Credit Rating Industry, Moody's Businesses and Moody’s Customers

    Moody's is subject to extensive and stringent global regulations affecting the financial and credit rating industries.

  • Moody's Analytics. Certain of MA’s subscription products contain credit ratings data and related research produced by MIS, and often are used by MA customers for regulatory compliance purposes, including determination of capital charges and regulatory reporting

    Moody's Analytics products containing credit ratings face regulatory compliance pressures regarding data availability and terms.

  • The Company Faces Exposure to Litigation and Government Regulatory Proceedings, Investigations and Inquiries (Including Competition Market Studies) Related to Rating Opinions and Other Business Practices

    The company faces litigation and regulatory investigations related to MIS rating opinions and business practices.

  • The Introduction of Competing Products, Technologies or Services by Other Companies Can Negatively Impact the Nature and Economics of the Company’s Business

    Gen AI offerings from competitors and Moody's own products introduce rapid technological disruption to ratings and research markets.

  • The Company Faces Increased Pricing Pressure from Competitors and/or Customers

    Moody's faces pricing pressure from rival credit rating agencies, investment banks, and in-house research operations.

  • The Company Is Exposed to Risks Related to Cybersecurity and Protection of Confidential Information

    The company relies on secure computer systems and third-party vendors to protect sensitive confidential information from cybersecurity threats.

  • The Company Is Exposed to Risks Related to Protection of Confidential and Personal Information

    Cross-border data transfers subject Moody's to complex privacy and data security laws like the FTC Act, GDPR, and Cyber Security Law.

All 18 risk factors

Headings as the filing states them, in filing order.

Other

  1. 01Moody’s Faces Risks Related to Laws and Regulations that Affect the Financial Industry, Including the Credit Rating Industry, Moody's Businesses and Moody’s Customers
  2. 02Moody's Analytics. Certain of MA’s subscription products contain credit ratings data and related research produced by MIS, and often are used by MA customers for regulatory compliance purposes, including determination of capital charges and regulatory reporting
  3. 03The Company Faces Exposure to Litigation and Government Regulatory Proceedings, Investigations and Inquiries (Including Competition Market Studies) Related to Rating Opinions and Other Business Practices
  4. 04The Company Is Exposed to Risks Related to Its Compliance and Risk Management Programs
  5. 05Moody’s Faces Risks Related to Protecting Its Intellectual Property Rights
  6. 06Moody’s Faces Risks Related to Tax Matters, Including Changes in Tax Rates or Tax Rules
  7. 07The Company is Exposed to Legal, Economic, Operational and Regulatory Risks of Operating in Multiple Jurisdictions
  8. 08Moody’s Operations are Exposed to Risks from Infrastructure Malfunctions or Failures
  9. 09sabotage, intentional acts of vandalism, acts of terrorism, political unrest, pandemic, war or otherwise, may impair the Company’s ability to deliver its products and services
  10. 10The Introduction of Competing Products, Technologies or Services by Other Companies Can Negatively Impact the Nature and Economics of the Company’s Business
  11. 11The Company Faces Increased Pricing Pressure from Competitors and/or Customers
  12. 12The Company Is Exposed to Reputation and Credibility Concerns
  13. 13Our reputation or business could be negatively impacted by ESG matters and our reporting of such matters
  14. 14Moody’s Is Exposed to Risks Related to Loss of Skilled Employees and Related Compensation Cost Pressures
  15. 15Moody’s Acquisitions, Dispositions and Other Strategic Transactions or Investments May Not Produce Anticipated Results Exposing the Company to Future Significant Impairment Charges Relating to Its Goodwill, Intangible Assets or Property and Equipment
  16. 16Our business could be negatively impacted by climate change
  17. 17The Company Is Exposed to Risks Related to Cybersecurity and Protection of Confidential Information
  18. 18The Company Is Exposed to Risks Related to Protection of Confidential and Personal Information

Other Moodys 10-Ks

  • FY2025 10-K risk factors
    18 risks2 new2 dropped8 reworded

    New sustainability risks include anti-ESG backlash, failure to meet commitments, and climate-related operational and regulatory costs.

    Filed Feb 18, 2026

About this page

The headings are the filing's own. The one-line readings and the overview are automated and can be wrong: read Item 1A of the 10-K for the exact wording.