Edgar Filing: MOODYS CORP /DE/

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company

Form 10-Q

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, 2010

¨	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):

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, 2010
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share		234.2 million

MOODY’S CORPORATION

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q


		Page(s)
	Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations		3-6

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.	Financial Statements
	Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 and 2009		7
	Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009		8
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 and 2009		9
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)		10-27

Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		28-55
	The Company		28
	Critical Accounting Estimates		28-30
	Operating Segments		30-31
	Results of Operations		31-41
	Liquidity and Capital Resources		42-48
	2010 Outlook		48
	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements		48
	Contingencies		49-51
	Regulation		51-54
	Forward-Looking Statements		55

Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk		56

Item 4.	Controls and Procedures		56

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.	Legal Proceedings		57

Item 1A.	Risk Factors		57-58

Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		59

Item 5.	Other Information		59

Item 6.	Exhibits		60

SIGNATURES			61
Exhibits Filed Herewith
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

GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

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


TERM		DEFINITION
ACNielsen		ACNielsen Corporation – a former affiliate of Old D&B

Analytics		Moody’s Analytics – reportable segment of MCO formed in January 2008, which includes the non-rating commercial activities of MCO

AOCI		Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss); a separate component of shareholders’ equity (deficit)

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

ASU		The FASB Accounting Standards Updates 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.

Basel II		Capital adequacy framework published in June 2004 by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision

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.

CDOs		Collateralized debt obligations

CESR		Committee of European Securities Regulators

CFG		Corporate finance group; an LOB of MIS

CMBS		Commercial mortgage-backed securities; part of CREF

Cognizant		Cognizant Corporation – a former affiliate of Old D&B; comprised the IMS Health and NMR businesses

Commission		European Commission

Company		Moody’s Corporation and its subsidiaries; MCO; Moody’s

Corporate Family Ratings		Rating opinion of a corporate family’s ability to honor all of its financial obligations which is assigned to the corporate family as if it had a single class of debt and a single consolidated legal entity structure. This rating is often issued in connection with ratings of leveraged finance transactions.

COSO		Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission

CP		Commercial paper

CP Notes		Unsecured commercial paper notes

CP Program		The Company’s commercial paper program entered into on October 3, 2007

CRAs		Credit rating agencies

CRA Reform Act		Credit Rating Agency Reform Act of 2006

CREF		Commercial real estate finance which includes REITs, commercial real estate CDOs and MBS; part of SFG

D&B Business		Old D&B’s Dun & Bradstreet operating company

DBPP		Defined benefit pension plans

Debt/EBITDA		Ratio of Total Debt to EBITDA

Directors’ Plan		The 1998 MCO Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Incentive Plan

Distribution Date		September 30, 2000; the date which old D&B separated into two publicly traded companies – Moody’s Corporation and New D&B

EBITDA		Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization

ECAIs		External Credit Assessment Institutions

ECB		European Central Bank


TERM		DEFINITION
EMEA		Represents countries within Europe, the Middle East and Africa

EPS		Earnings per share

ESP		Estimated selling price; price, as defined by the ASC, at which a vendor would transact if a deliverable were sold by the vendor regularly on a standalone basis

ESPP		The 1999 Moody’s Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan

ETR		Effective tax rate

EU		European Union

EUR		Euros

Excess Tax Benefit		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 that 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

Fitch		Fitch Ratings, a division of the Fitch Group which is a majority-owned subsidiary of Fimalac, S.A.

Financial Reform Act		Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act

FSF		Financial Stability Forum

FX		Foreign exchange

GAAP		U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

GBP		British pounds

G-8		The finance ministers and central bank governors of the group of eight countries consisting of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, U.S. and U.K., that meet annually

G-20		The G-20 is an informal forum of industrial and emerging-market countries on key issues related to global economic stability. The G-20 is comprised of: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the U.K. and the U.S. and The EU who is represented by the rotating Council presidency and the ECB

HFSC		House Financial Services Committee

IMS Health		A spin-off of Cognizant; provides services to the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries

Indenture		Indenture and supplemental indenture dated August 19, 2010, relating to the 2010 Senior Notes

Indicative Ratings		These are ratings which are provided as of a point in time, and not published or monitored. They are primarily provided to potential or current issuers to indicate what a rating may be based on business fundamentals and financial conditions as well as based on proposed financings

IOSCO		International Organization of Securities Commissions

IOSCO Code		Code of Conduct Fundamentals for Credit Rating Agencies

IRS		Internal Revenue Service

Legacy Tax Matter(s)		Exposures to certain potential tax liabilities assumed in connection with the 2000 Distribution

LIBOR		London Interbank Offered Rate


TERM		DEFINITION
LOB		Line of business

MA		Moody’s Analytics – a reportable segment of MCO formed in January 2008; which includes the non-rating commercial activities of MCO

Make Whole Amount		The prepayment penalty amount relating to the Series 2005-1 Notes, Series 2007-1 Notes, and 2010 Senior Notes which is a premium based on the excess, if any, of the discounted value of the remaining scheduled payments over the prepaid principal

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 four LOBs – SFG, CFG, FIG and PPIF

MIS Code		Moody’s Investors Service Code of Professional Conduct

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

New D&B		The New D&B Corporation - which comprises the D&B business

NM		Percentage change is not meaningful

NMR		Nielsen Media Research, Inc.; a spin-off of Cognizant; a leading source of television audience measurement services

Notices		IRS Notices of Deficiency for 1997-2002

NRSRO		Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization

Old D&B		The former Dun and Bradstreet Company which distributed New D&B shares on September 30, 2000, and was renamed Moody’s Corporation

Post-Retirement Plans		Moody’s funded and unfunded pension plans, the post-retirement healthcare plans and the post-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

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

REITs		Real estate investment trusts

RMBS		Residential mortgage-backed security; part of SFG

RMS		The Risk Management Software LOB within MA which provides both economic and regulatory capital risk management software and implementation services

S&P		Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services; a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

SEC		U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

Securities Act		Securities Act of 1933

Series 2005-1 Notes		Principal amount of $300.0 million, 4.98% senior unsecured notes due in September 2015 pursuant to the 2005 Agreement

Series 2007-1 Notes		Principal amount of $300.0 million, 6.06% senior unsecured notes due in September 2017 pursuant to the 2007 Agreement


TERM		DEFINITION
SFG		Structured finance group; an LOB of MIS

SG&A		Selling, general and administrative expenses

Stock Plans		The 1998 Plan and the 2001 Plan

T&E		Travel and entertainment expenses

TPE		Third party evidence; evidence, as defined in the ASC, used to determine selling price based on a vendor’s or any competitor’s largely interchangeable products or services in standalone sales transactions to similarly situated customers

Total Debt		All indebtedness of the Company as reflected on the consolidated balance sheets, excluding current accounts payable and deferred revenue incurred in the ordinary course of business

U.K.		United Kingdom

U.S.		United States

USD		U.S. dollar

UTBs		Unrecognized tax benefits

UTPs		Uncertain tax positions

VAT		Value added tax

VSOE		Vendor specific objective evidence; evidence, as defined in the ASC, 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

1998 Plan		Old D&B’s 1998 Key Employees’ Stock Incentive Plan

2000 Distribution		The distribution by Old D&B to its shareholders of all of the outstanding shares of New D&B common stock on September 30, 2000

2000 Distribution Agreement		Agreement governing certain ongoing relationships between the Company and New D&B after the 2000 Distribution including the sharing of any liabilities for the payment of taxes, penalties and interest resulting from unfavorable IRS rulings on certain tax matters and certain other potential tax liabilities

2001 Plan		The Amended and Restated 2001 MCO Key Employees’ Stock Incentive Plan

2005 Agreement		Note purchase agreement dated September 30, 2005, relating to the Series 2005-1 Notes

2007 Agreement		Note purchase agreement dated September 7, 2007 relating to the Series 2007-1 Notes

2007 Facility		Revolving credit facility of $1 billion entered into on September 28, 2007, expiring in 2012

2007 Restructuring Plan		The Company’s 2007 restructuring plan approved on December 31, 2007

2008 Term Loan		Five-year $150.0 million senior unsecured term loan entered into by the Company on May 7, 2008

2009 Restructuring Plan		The Company’s 2009 restructuring plan approved on March 27, 2009

2010 Senior Notes		Principal amount of $500.0 million, 5.50% senior unsecured notes due in September 2020 pursuant to the Indenture

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

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 September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2010			2009			2010			2009
Revenue	$	513.3		$	451.8		$	1,467.7		$	1,311.4

Expenses
Operating		153.7			135.1			423.9			385.5
Selling, general and administrative		152.2			124.3			418.5			351.2
Restructuring		0.4			3.7			—			18.6
Depreciation and amortization		18.1			16.2			49.1			47.5

Total expenses		324.4			279.3			891.5			802.8

Operating income		188.9			172.5			576.2			508.6

Non-operating (expense) income, net
Interest (expense) income, net		(12.8	)		(11.5	)		(35.1	)		(20.9	)
Other non-operating (expense) income, net		5.3			1.7			0.7			(8.8	)

Total non-operating (expense) income, net		(7.5	)		(9.8	)		(34.4	)		(29.7	)

Income before provision for income taxes		181.4			162.7			541.8			478.9
Provision for income taxes		44.2			61.0			167.3			175.1

Net income		137.2			101.7			374.5			303.8
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		1.2			1.1			4.1			3.7

Net income attributable to Moody’s	$	136.0		$	100.6		$	370.4		$	300.1

Earnings per share attributable to Moody’s common shareholders
Basic	$	0.58		$	0.43		$	1.57		$	1.27

Diluted	$	0.58		$	0.42		$	1.56		$	1.26

Weighted average number of shares outstanding
Basic		234.3			236.4			235.5			236.0

Diluted		235.7			238.2			237.1			237.6

Dividends declared per share attributable to Moody’s common shareholders	$	0.105		$	0.10		$	0.21		$	0.20

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

MOODY’S CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

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


	September 30, 2010			December 31, 2009
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	793.7		$	473.9
Short-term investments		10.8			10.0
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $31.2 in 2010 and $24.6 in 2009		410.6			444.9
Deferred tax assets, net		47.1			32.3
Other current assets		39.2			51.8

Total current assets		1,301.4			1,012.9
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $197.5 in 2010 and $164.8 in 2009		307.5			293.0
Goodwill		355.2			349.2
Intangible assets, net		93.3			104.9
Deferred tax assets, net		227.8			192.6
Other assets		63.0			50.7

Total assets	$	2,348.2		$	2,003.3

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	321.0		$	317.2
Commercial paper		15.0			443.7
Current portion of long-term debt		9.4			3.8
Deferred revenue		447.2			471.3

Total current liabilities		792.6			1,236.0
Non-current portion of deferred revenue		96.9			103.8
Long-term debt		1,235.6			746.2
Deferred tax liabilities, net		15.9			31.4
Unrecognized tax benefits		171.2			164.2
Other liabilities		333.6			317.8

Total liabilities		2,645.8			2,599.4

Contingencies (Note 12)
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, 2010 and December 31, 2009		3.4			3.4
Capital surplus		384.1			391.1
Retained earnings		3,650.1			3,329.0
Treasury stock, at cost; 108,690,561 and 106,044,833 shares of common stock at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively		(4,320.7	)		(4,288.5	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(24.6	)		(41.2	)

Total Moody’s shareholders’ deficit		(307.7	)		(606.2	)
Noncontrolling interests		10.1			10.1

Total shareholders’ deficit		(297.6	)		(596.1	)

Total liabilities and shareholders’ deficit	$	2,348.2		$	2,003.3

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

MOODY’S CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

(Amounts in millions)


	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2010			2009
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$	374.5		$	303.8
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		49.1			47.5
Stock-based compensation expense		41.3			44.4
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation plans		(6.1	)		(3.2	)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable		31.1			51.3
Other current assets		(1.1	)		45.1
Other assets		(46.2	)		9.4
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		24.7			7.1
Restructuring		(4.7	)		7.8
Deferred revenue		(30.7	)		(22.8	)
Unrecognized tax benefits		21.8			(26.8	)
Other liabilities		21.0			(7.0	)

Net cash provided by operating activities		474.7			456.6

Cash flows from investing activities
Capital additions		(54.6	)		(64.3	)
Purchases of short-term investments		(24.0	)		(10.7	)
Sales and maturities of short-term investments		23.6			11.5
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired		—			(0.9	)

Net cash used in investing activities		(55.0	)		(64.4	)

Cash flows from financing activities
Borrowings under revolving credit facilities		250.0			2,412.0
Repayments of borrowings under revolving credit facilities		(250.0	)		(3,025.0	)
Issuance of commercial paper		2,232.8			7,703.0
Repayments of commercial paper		(2,661.5	)		(7,276.6	)
Issuance of notes		496.9			—
Repayment of notes		(1.9	)		—
Net proceeds from stock-based compensation plans		26.0			14.6
Cost of treasury shares repurchased		(119.6	)		—
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation plans		6.1			3.2
Payment of dividends		(74.1	)		(70.8	)
Payment of dividends to noncontrolling interests		(4.4	)		(2.9	)
Payments under capital lease obligations		(1.0	)		(1.1	)
Debt issuance costs and related fees		(4.0	)		—

Net cash used in financing activities		(104.7	)		(243.6	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		4.8			28.2

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents		319.8			176.8
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period		473.9			245.9

Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period	$	793.7		$	422.7

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

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 and economic related research, data and analytical tools, (iii) risk management software and (iv) quantitative credit risk measures, credit portfolio management solutions and training services. In 2007 and prior years, Moody’s operated in two reportable segments: Moody’s Investors Service and Moody’s KMV. Beginning in January 2008, Moody’s segments were changed to reflect the Reorganization announced in August 2007 and Moody’s now reports in two new reportable segments: MIS and MA. As a result of the Reorganization, the rating agency remains in the MIS operating segment and several ratings business lines have been realigned. All of Moody’s other non-rating commercial activities are included within the new Moody’s Analytics segment. The MIS segment publishes credit ratings on a wide range of debt obligations and the entities that issue such obligations in markets worldwide. Revenue is derived from the originators and issuers of such transactions who use MIS’s ratings to support the distribution of their debt issues to investors. The MA segment develops a wide range of products and services that support the credit risk management activities of institutional participants in global financial markets. These offerings include quantitative credit risk scores, credit processing software, economic research, analytical models, financial data, and specialized advisory and training services. MA also distributes investor-oriented research and data developed by MIS as part of its rating process, including in-depth research on major debt issuers, industry studies and commentary on topical events.

The Company operated as part of Old D&B until September 30, 2000, when Old D&B separated into two publicly traded companies—Moody’s Corporation and New D&B. At that time, Old D&B distributed to its shareholders shares of New D&B stock. New D&B comprised the business of Old D&B’s Dun & Bradstreet operating company. The remaining business of Old D&B consisted solely of the business of providing ratings and related research and credit risk management services and was renamed Moody’s Corporation. For purposes of governing certain ongoing relationships between the Company and New D&B after the 2000 Distribution and to provide for an orderly transition, the Company and New D&B entered into various agreements including a distribution agreement, tax allocation agreement and employee benefits agreement.

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 2009 annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 1, 2010. 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 (consisting of 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 prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Other than the update to the Company’s revenue recognition policy pursuant to the early adoption of ASU No. 2009-13, “Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements” further described below, there have been no material changes to the Company’s significant accounting policies from those disclosed in its Form 10-K filed with the SEC for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or the services have been provided and accepted by the customer when applicable, fees are determinable and the collection of resulting receivables is considered probable.

In October 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-13, “Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements” (“ASU 2009-13”). The new standard changes the requirements for establishing separate units of accounting in a multiple element arrangement and requires the allocation of arrangement consideration based on the relative selling price of each deliverable. The Company has elected to early adopt ASU 2009-13 on a prospective basis for applicable transactions originating or materially modified on or after January 1, 2010. If applied in the same manner to the year ended December 31, 2009, ASU 2009-13 would not have had a material impact on net revenue reported for both its MIS and MA segments in terms of the timing and pattern of revenue recognition. The adoption of ASU 2009-13 did not have a significant effect on the Company’s net revenue in the period of adoption and is also not expected to have a significant effect on the Company’s net revenue in periods after the initial adoption when applied to multiple element arrangements based on the currently anticipated business volume and pricing.

For 2010 and future periods, pursuant to the guidance of ASU 2009-13, when a sales arrangement contains multiple deliverables, the Company allocates revenue to each deliverable based on its relative selling price which is determined based on its vendor specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) if available, third party evidence (“TPE”) if VSOE is not available, or estimated selling price (“ESP”) if neither VSOE nor TPE is available.

MOODY’S CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

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

The Company’s products and services will generally continue to qualify as separate units of accounting under ASU 2009-13. The Company evaluates each deliverable in an arrangement to determine whether it represents a separate unit of accounting. A deliverable constitutes a separate unit of accounting when it has stand-alone value to the customers and if the arrangement includes a customer refund or return right relative to the delivered item, the delivery and performance of the undelivered item is considered probable and substantially in the Company’s control. In instances where the aforementioned criteria are not met, the deliverable is combined with the undelivered items and revenue recognition is determined as one single unit.

The Company determines whether its selling price in a multi-element transaction meets the VSOE criteria by using the price charged for a deliverable when sold separately. In instances where the Company is not able to establish VSOE for all deliverables in a multiple element arrangement, which may be due to the Company infrequently selling each element separately, not selling products within a reasonably narrow price range, or only having a limited sales history, the Company attempts to establish TPE for deliverables. The Company determines whether TPE exists by evaluating largely similar and interchangeable competitor products or services in standalone sales to similarly situated customers. However, due to the difficulty in obtaining third party pricing, possible differences -in its market strategy from that of its peers and the potential that products and services offered by the Company may contain a significant level of differentiation and/or customization such that the comparable pricing of products with similar functionality cannot be obtained, the Company generally is unable to reliably determine TPE. Based on the selling price hierarchy established by ASU 2009-13, when the Company is unable to establish selling price using VSOE or TPE, the Company will establish an ESP. ESP is the price at which the Company would transact a sale if the product or service were sold on a stand-alone basis. The Company establishes its best estimate of ESP considering internal factors relevant to is pricing practices such as costs and margin objectives, standalone sales prices of similar products, percentage of the fee charged for a primary product or service relative to a related product or service, and customer segment and geography. Additional consideration is also given to market conditions such as competitor pricing strategies and market trend. The Company reviews its determination of VSOE, TPE and ESP on an annual basis or more frequently as needed.

In the MIS segment, revenue attributed to initial ratings of issued securities is recognized when the rating is issued. Revenue attributed to monitoring of issuers or issued securities is recognized ratably over the period in which the monitoring is performed, generally one year. In the case of commercial mortgage-backed securities, derivatives, international residential mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, issuers can elect to pay the monitoring fees upfront. These fees are deferred and recognized over the future monitoring periods based on the expected lives of the rated securities.

Multiple element revenue arrangements in the MIS segment are generally comprised of an initial rating and the related monitoring service. Beginning January 1, 2010, in instances where monitoring fees are not charged for the first year monitoring effort, fees are allocated to the initial rating and monitoring services based on the relative selling price of each service to the total arrangement fees. The Company generally uses ESP in determining the selling price for its initial ratings as the Company rarely sells initial ratings separately without providing related monitoring services and thus is unable to establish VSOE or TPE for initial ratings. Prior to January 1, 2010 and pursuant to the previous accounting standards, for these types of arrangements the initial rating fee was first allocated to the monitoring service determined based on the estimated fair market value of monitoring services, with the residual amount allocated to the initial rating. Under ASU 2009-13 this practice can no longer be used for non-software deliverables upon the adoption of ASU 2009-13.

In the MA segment, products and services offered by the Company include software licenses and related maintenance, subscriptions, and professional services. Revenue from subscription based products, such as research and data subscriptions and certain software-based credit risk management subscription products, is recognized ratably over the related subscription period, which is principally one year. Revenue from sale of perpetual licenses of credit processing software is generally recognized at the time the product master or first copy is delivered or transferred to and accepted by the customer. Software maintenance revenue is recognized ratably over the annual maintenance period. Revenue from services rendered within the professional services line of business is generally recognized as the services are performed. If uncertainty exists regarding customer acceptance of the product or service, revenue is not recognized until acceptance occurs.

Products and services offered within the MA segment are sold either stand-alone or together in various combinations. In instances where a multiple element arrangement includes software and non-software deliverables, revenue is allocated to the non-software deliverables and to the software deliverables, as a group, using the relative selling prices of each of the deliverables in the arrangement based on the aforementioned selling price hierarchy. Revenue is recognized for each element based upon the conditions for revenue recognition noted above.

If the arrangement contains more than one software deliverable, the arrangement consideration allocated to the software deliverables as a group is allocated to each software deliverable using VSOE. In the instances where the Company is not able to determine VSOE for all of the deliverables of an arrangement, the Company allocates the revenue to the undelivered elements equal to its VSOE and the residual revenue to the delivered elements. If the Company is unable to determine VSOE for an undelivered element, the Company defers all revenue allocated to the software deliverables until the Company has delivered all of the elements or when VSOE has been determined for the undelivered elements.

Prior to January 1, 2010 and pursuant to the previous accounting standards, the Company allocated revenue in a multiple element arrangement to each deliverable based on its relative fair value, or for software elements, based on VSOE. If the fair value was not available for an undelivered element, the revenue for the entire arrangement was deferred.

MOODY’S CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

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

NOTE 3. 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 September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2010		2009		2010		2009
Stock compensation cost	$	13.6	$	13.8	$	41.3	$	44.4
Tax benefit	$	5.0	$	5.0	$	15.6	$	16.3

During the nine months ended September 30, 2010 the Company granted 2.4 million employee stock options, which had a weighted average grant date fair value of $10.39 per share based on the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Company also granted 1.4 million shares of restricted stock in the first nine months of 2010, which had a weighted average grant date fair value of $25.50 per share. Of the shares granted, approximately 0.4 million contained a condition 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 following weighted average assumptions were used in determining the fair value for options granted in 2010:


Expected dividend yield		1.58%
Expected stock volatility		44%
Risk-free interest rate		2.73%
Expected holding period		5.9 years
Grant date fair value	$	10.39

On April 20, 2010, the shareholders of the Company approved an increase in the number of shares which may be issued with respect to awards granted under the 2001 Plan. The 2001 Plan, which is shareholder approved, now permits the granting of up to 35.6 million shares, of which not more than 15.0 million shares are available for grants of awards other than stock options.

Unrecognized compensation expense at September 30, 2010 was $39.3 million and $43.8 million for stock options and nonvested restricted stock, respectively, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.6 years and 1.4 years, respectively.

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


	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2010		2009
Stock option exercises:
Proceeds from stock option exercises	$	28.5	$	13.5
Aggregate intrinsic value	$	16.3	$	9.2
Tax benefit realized upon exercise	$	6.6	$	3.7

Restricted stock vesting:
Fair value of shares vested	$	12.4	$	7.9
Tax benefit realized upon vesting	$	4.6	$	2.9

NOTE 4. INCOME TAXES

Moody’s effective tax rate was 24.4% and 37.5% for the three month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively and 30.9% and 36.6% for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate for both periods was primarily due to a tax benefit, recorded in the third quarter of 2010, on foreign earnings that are indefinitely reinvested. The year over year decrease in the effective tax rate is also due to the completion of various tax audits resulting in the recognition of UTBs.

The Company classifies interest related to UTBs in interest expense in its consolidated statements of operations. Penalties, if incurred, would be recognized in other non-operating expenses. During the third quarter of 2010, the Company had an overall increase in its UTBs of $0.2 million ($3.1 million decrease, net of federal tax benefit), and an overall increase in its UTBs during the first nine months of 2010 of $7.0 million ($0.7 million decrease, net of federal tax benefit).

Prepaid taxes of $4.2 million and $18.6 million at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, are included in other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

MOODY’S CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

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

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. Moody’s U.S. federal tax returns filed for the years 2007 through 2009 remain subject to examination by the IRS. The Company’s tax filings in New York State for the years 2004 through 2007 are currently under examination. The income tax returns for 2008 remain open to examination for both New York State and New York City. Tax filings in the U.K. for 2006 are currently under examination by the U.K. taxing authorities and for 2007 and 2008 remain open to examination.

For ongoing audits related to open tax years, 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 for all open tax years by tax jurisdiction in accordance with the applicable provisions of topic 740 of the ASC regarding UTBs. Additionally, the Company is seeking tax rulings on certain tax positions that, if granted, could decrease the balance of UTPs over the next twelve months however, due to the uncertainty involved with this process, the Company is unable to estimate the amount of changes to the balance of UTPs at this time.

NOTE 5. WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING

Below is a reconciliation of basic to diluted shares outstanding:

Three Months Ended
September 30,

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

2010

2009

2010

2009

Basic

234.3

236.4

235.5

236.0

Dilutive effect of shares issuable under stock-based compensation plans

1.4

1.8

1.6

1.6

Diluted

235.7

238.2

237.1

237.6

Anti-dilutive options to purchase common shares and restricted stock excluded from the table above

16.0

14.7

16.3

16.0

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, 2010 and 2009. These assumed proceeds include Excess Tax Benefits and any unrecognized compensation on the awards.

NOTE 6. SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

Short-term investments are securities with maturities greater than 90 days at the time of purchase that are available for operations in the next twelve months. The short-term investments, primarily consisting of certificates of deposit, are classified as held-to-maturity and therefore are carried at cost. The remaining contractual maturities of the short-term investments were one month to eight months and one month to three months as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. Interest and dividends are recorded into income when earned.

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.

The Company engages in hedging activities to protect against FX risks from forecasted billings and related revenue denominated in the EUR and the GBP. FX options and forward exchange contracts are utilized to hedge exposures related to changes in FX rates. As of September 30, 2010, all FX options and forward exchange contracts had maturities between one and two months. The hedging program mainly utilizes FX options. The forward exchange contracts are immaterial. Both the FX options and forward exchange contracts are designated as cash flow hedges.

MOODY’S CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

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

The following table summarizes the notional amounts of the Company’s outstanding FX options:


	September 30, 2010		December 31, 2009
Notional amount of Currency Pair:
GBP/USD	£	0.6	£	5.0
EUR/USD	€	1.9	€	9.9
EUR/GBP	€	2.6	€	21.0

In May 2008, the Company entered into interest rate swaps with a total notional amount of $150.0 million to protect against fluctuations in the LIBOR-based variable interest rate on the 2008 Term Loan, further described in Note 11. These interest rate swaps are designated as cash flow hedges.

The Company also enters into foreign exchange forwards to mitigate foreign exchange gains and losses on certain intercompany loans denominated in currencies other than a subsidiary’s functional currency. These forward contracts are not designated as hedging instruments 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 intercompany loan.

The tables below show the classification between assets and liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets of the fair value of derivative instruments as well as information on gains/(losses) on those instruments:


	Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
	Asset				Liability
	September 30, 2010		December 31, 2009		September 30, 2010		December 31, 2009
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
FX options	$	0.2	$	1.2	$	—	$	—
Interest rate swaps		—		—		10.1		7.6

Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments		0.2		1.2		10.1		7.6
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
FX forwards on intercompany loans		2.3		0.3		—		1.0

Total	$	2.5	$	1.5	$	10.1	$	8.6

The fair value of FX options and interest rate swaps are included in other current assets and other liabilities, respectively, in the consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009. The fair value of the FX forwards are included in other current assets at September 30, 2010 and in other current assets and accounts payable and accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2009. All of the above derivative instruments are valued using Level 2 inputs as defined in Topic 820 of the ASC. In determining the fair value of the derivative contracts in the table above, the Company utilizes industry standard valuation models when active market quotes are not available. 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 has 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.

MOODY’S CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

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


Derivatives in Cash Flow 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)						Location of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)		Gain / (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)
	Three Months Ended September 30,								Three Months Ended September 30,								Three Months Ended September 30,
	2010			2009					2010			2009					2010			2009
FX options	$	(0.4	)	$	(1.5	)		Revenue	$	(0.2	)	$	0.7			Revenue	$	—		$	—
Interest rate swaps		(1.1	)		(1.4	)		Interest expense		(0.7	)		(0.7	)		N/A		—			—

Total	$	(1.5	)	$	(2.9	)			$	(0.9	)	$	—				$	—		$	—


	Nine Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2010			2009					2010			2009					2010			2009
FX options	$	0.1		$	(1.3	)		Revenue	$	(0.7	)	$	1.6			Revenue	$	(0.2	)	$	(0.2	)
Interest rate swaps		(3.6	)		(0.5	)		Interest expense		(2.3	)		(1.8	)		N/A		—			—

Total	$	(3.5	)	$	(1.8	)			$	(3.0	)	$	(0.2	)			$	(0.2	)	$	(0.2	)

All gains and losses on derivatives designated as hedging instruments are initially recognized through AOCI. Realized gains and losses reported in AOCI are reclassified into earnings (into revenue for the FX options and into Interest expense, net for the interest rate swaps) as the underlying transaction is recognized. The existing realized gains as of September 30, 2010 expected to be reclassified to earnings in the next twelve months are immaterial.

The cumulative amount of unrecognized hedge losses recorded in AOCI is as follows:


	Unrecognized Losses, net of tax
	September 30, 2010			December 31, 2009
FX options	$	(0.2	)	$	(1.2	)
Interest rate swaps		(6.4	)		(5.1	)

Total	$	(6.6	)	$	(6.3	)

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, 2010						Year Ended December 31, 2009
	MIS		MA		Consolidated		MIS			MA		Consolidated
Beginning balance	$	11.1	$	338.1	$	349.2	$	10.6		$	327.4	$	338.0
Additions/adjustments		—		—		—		(0.3	)		5.0		4.7
FX translation		0.2		5.8		6.0		0.8			5.7		6.5

Ending balance	$	11.3	$	343.9	$	355.2	$	11.1		$	338.1	$	349.2

The 2009 additions/adjustments for the MA segment in the table above relate primarily to adjustments made to the purchase accounting associated with acquisitions made in December 2008.

MOODY’S CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

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

Acquired intangible assets and related amortization consisted of:


	September 30, 2010			December 31, 2009
Customer lists	$	80.4		$	80.6
Accumulated amortization		(47.3	)		(42.8	)

Net customer lists		33.1			37.8

Trade secret		25.5			25.5
Accumulated amortization		(10.3	)		(8.7	)

Net trade secret		15.2			16.8

Software		54.6			55.0
Accumulated amortization		(18.8	)		(14.8	)

Net software		35.8			40.2

Other		28.2			26.8
Accumulated amortization		(19.0	)		(16.7	)

Net other		9.2			10.1

Total acquired intangible assets, net	$	93.3		$	104.9

Other intangible assets primarily consist of databases, trade names and covenants not to compete.

Amortization expense is as follows:


	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2010		2009		2010		2009
Amortization expense	$	4.2	$	4.2	$	12.1	$	12.4

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


Year Ending December 31,
2010 (after September 30)	$	3.8
2011		14.8
2012		14.2
2013		14.0
2014		10.6
Thereafter		35.9

Intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the estimated undiscounted future cash flows are lower than the carrying amount of the related asset, a loss is recognized for the difference between the carrying amount and the estimated fair value of the asset. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually as of November 30th, or more frequently if circumstances indicate the assets may be impaired. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 there were no impairments to goodwill or intangible assets. For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, there were no impairments to goodwill, however $0.2 million of intangible assets was included in the restructuring charge as further described in Note 9 below.

NOTE 9. RESTRUCTURING

On March 27, 2009, the Company approved the 2009 Restructuring Plan to reduce costs in response to a strategic review of its business in certain jurisdictions and weak global economic and market conditions. The 2009 Restructuring Plan consisted of headcount reductions of approximately 150 positions representing approximately 4% of the Company’s workforce at December 31, 2008 as well as contract termination costs and the divestiture of non-strategic assets. The 2009 Restructuring Plan included closing offices in South Bend, Indiana; Jakarta, Indonesia and Taipei, Taiwan. There was $0.2 million in accelerated amortization for intangible assets recognized in the first quarter of 2009 relating to the closure of the Jakarta, Indonesia office. The remaining liability relating to this charge will result in cash outlays that will be substantially paid out over the next twelve months. The cumulative amount of expense incurred from inception through September 30, 2010 for the 2009 Restructuring Plan was $14.8 million. The 2009 Restructuring Plan was substantially complete at September 30, 2009.

MOODY’S CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

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

On December 31, 2007, the Company approved the 2007 Restructuring Plan that reduced global headcount by approximately 275 positions, or approximately 7.5% of the workforce at September 30, 2007, in response to the Company’s reorganization announced in August 2007 and a decline in the then current and anticipated issuance of rated debt securities in some market sectors. Included in the 2007 Restructuring Plan was a reduction of staff as a result of: (i) consolidation of certain corporate staff functions, (ii) the integration of businesses comprising MA and (iii) an anticipated decline in new securities issuance in some market sectors. The 2007 Restructuring Plan also called for the termination of technology contracts as well as the outsourcing of certain technology functions. The cumulative amount of expense incurred from inception through September 30, 2010 for the 2007 Restructuring Plan was $50.2 million. The 2007 Restructuring Plan was substantially complete as of December 31, 2008.

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


	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2010		2009		2010			2009
	(in millions)
2007 Restructuring Plan	$	0.3	$	0.7	$	0.8		$	1.6
2009 Restructuring Plan		0.1	$	3.0		(0.8	)		17.0

Total	$	0.4	$	3.7	$	—		$	18.6

The amount related to the 2009 Restructuring Plan for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2009 reflects costs associated with initial estimates for this plan. All other amounts in the table above reflect adjustments to previous estimates for both plans.

Changes to the restructuring liability during the first nine months of 2010 were as follows:


	Employee Termination Costs											Total Restructuring Liability
	Severance			Pension Settlements		Total			Contract Termination Costs			Total Restructuring Liability
Balance at December 31, 2009	$	4.4		$	8.1	$	12.5		$	1.5		$	14.0
2007 Restructuring Plan
Cost incurred and adjustments		(0.2	)		—		(0.2	)		0.4			0.2
Cash payments		—			—		—			(0.4	)		(0.4	)
2009 Restructuring Plan
Cost incurred and adjustments		(1.0	)		—		(1.0	)		—			(1.0	)
Cash payments		(3.0	)		—		(3.0	)		(0.4	)		(3.4	)
FX Translation		(0.1	)		—		(0.1	)		—			(0.1	)

Balance at September 30, 2010	$	0.1		$	8.1	$	8.2		$	1.1		$	9.3

As of September 30, 2010, the remaining restructuring liability of $1.2 million relating to severance and contract termination costs is expected to be paid out before the end of 2010. Payments related to the $8.1 million unfunded pension liability will be paid in accordance with the Post-Retirement Plans as certain of the affected employees reach retirement age.

Severance and contract termination costs of $1.2 million and $5.9 million as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, are recorded in accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Additionally, the amount for pension settlements is recorded within other liabilities as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009.

NOTE 10. PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS

Moody’s maintains funded and unfunded noncontributory Defined Benefit Pension Plans primarily for U.S. based employees. The DBPPs provide defined benefits using a cash balance formula based on years of service and career average salary for its U.S. employees or final average pay for selected executives. The Company also provides certain healthcare and life insurance benefits for retired U.S. employees. The post-retirement healthcare plans are contributory with participants’ contributions adjusted annually; the life insurance plans are noncontributory. Moody’s funded and unfunded pension plans, the post-retirement healthcare plans and the post-retirement life insurance plans are collectively referred to herein as the Post-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 U.S. DBPPs continue to accrue benefits based on existing plan benefit formulas.

MOODY’S CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

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

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


	Three Months Ended September 30,
	Pension Plans						Other Post-Retirement Plans
	2010			2009			2010		2009
Components of net periodic expense
Service cost	$	3.3		$	3.0		$	0.2	$	0.2
Interest cost		3.1			2.5			0.2		0.2
Expected return on plan assets		(2.7	)		(2.5	)		—		—
Amortization of net actuarial loss from earlier periods		0.7			0.1			—		—
Amortization of net prior service costs from earlier periods		0.2			0.1			0.1		—

Net periodic expense	$	4.6		$	3.2		$	0.5	$	0.4


	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	Pension Plans						Other Post-Retirement Plans
	2010			2009			2010		2009
Components of net periodic expense
Service cost	$	10.1		$	9.1		$	0.6	$	0.6
Interest cost		9.1			7.4			0.6		0.6
Expected return on plan assets		(8.0	)		(7.5	)		—		—
Amortization of net actuarial loss from earlier periods		2.1			0.4			—		—
Amortization of net prior service costs from earlier periods		0.5			0.3			0.1		—

Net periodic expense	$	13.8		$	9.7		$	1.3	$	1.2

In March 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (the “Act”) and the related reconciliation measure, which modifies certain provisions of the Act, were signed into law. The Act repeals the current rule permitting deduction of the portion of the drug coverage expense that is offset by the Medicare Part D subsidy. The provision of the Act is effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2010 and the reconciliation measure delays the aforementioned repeal of the drug coverage expense reduction by two years to December 31, 2012. The Company has accounted for the enactment of the two laws in the first quarter of 2010, for which the impact to the Company’s income tax expense and net income was immaterial.

The Company made payments of $1.1 million to its unfunded DBPPs and $0.3 million to its other post-retirement plans during the nine months ended September 30, 2010. The Company presently anticipates making additional payments of $7.2 million to its unfunded DBPPs and $0.3 million to its other post-retirement plans during the remainder of 2010.

MOODY’S CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

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

NOTE 11. INDEBTEDNESS

The following table summarizes total indebtedness:


	September 30, 2010			December 31, 2009
2007 Facility	$	—		$	—
Commercial paper, net of unamortized discount of nil and $0.1 million at 2010 and 2009, respectively.		15.0			443.7
Notes payable:
Series 2005-1 Notes due 2015		300.0			300.0
Series 2007-1 Notes due 2017		300.0			300.0
2010 Senior Notes, net of unamortized discount of $3.1 million at 2010, due 2020		496.9			—
2008 Term Loan, various payments through 2013		148.1			150.0

Total Debt		1,260.0			1,193.7
Current portion		(24.4	)		(447.5	)

Total long-term debt	$	1,235.6		$	746.2

2007 Facility

On September 28, 2007, the Company entered into a $1.0 billion five-year senior, unsecured revolving credit facility, expiring in September 2012. The 2007 Facility will serve, in part, to support the Company’s CP Program described below. Interest on borrowings is payable at rates that are based on LIBOR plus a premium that can range from 16.0 to 40.0 basis points of the outstanding borrowing amount depending on the Debt/EBITDA ratio. The Company also pays quarterly facility fees, regardless of borrowing activity under the 2007 Facility. The quarterly fees for the 2007 Facility can range from 4.0 to 10.0 basis points per annum of the facility amount, depending on the Company’s Debt/EBITDA ratio. The Company also pays a utilization fee of 5.0 basis points on borrowings outstanding when the aggregate amount outstanding exceeds 50% of the total facility. The 2007 Facility contains certain covenants that, among other things, restrict the ability of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries, without the approval of the lenders, to engage in mergers, consolidations, asset sales, transactions with affiliates and sale-leaseback transactions or to incur liens, as defined in the related agreement. The 2007 Facility also contains financial covenants that, among other things, require the Company to maintain a Debt/EBITDA ratio of not more than 4.0 to 1.0 at the end of any fiscal quarter.

Commercial Paper

On October 3, 2007, 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. Amounts available under the CP Program may be re-borrowed. The CP Program is supported by the Company’s 2007 Facility. The maturities 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 at the time of issuance. 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) federal funds rate; (d) 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 weighted average interest rate on CP borrowings outstanding was 0.6% and 0.3% as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. 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.

Notes Payable

On August 19, 2010, the Company issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes in a public offering. The 2010 Senior Notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 5.50% and mature on September 1, 2020. Interest on the 2010 Senior Notes will be due semi-annually on September 1 and March 1 of each year, commencing March 1, 2011. The Company may prepay the 2010 Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at any time at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount being prepaid, plus accrued and unpaid interest and a Make-Whole Amount. Additionally, at the option of the holders of the notes, the Company may be required to purchase all or a portion of the notes upon occurrence of a “Change of Control Triggering Event,” as defined in the Indenture, at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase. The Indenture contains covenants that limit the ability of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries to, among other things, incur or create liens and enter into sale and leaseback transactions. In addition, the Indenture contains a covenant that limits the ability of the Company to consolidate or merge with another entity or to sell all or substantially all of its assets to another entity. The Indenture contains customary default provisions. In addition, an event of default will occur if the Company or certain of it subsidiaries fail to pay the principal of any indebtedness (as defined in the Indenture) when due at maturity in an aggregate amount of $50 million or more, or a default occurs that results in the acceleration of the maturity of the Company’s or certain of its subsidiaries’ indebtedness in an aggregate amount of $50 million or more. Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an event of default under the Indenture, the notes may become immediately due and payable either automatically or by the vote of the holders of more than 25% of the aggregate principal amount of all of the notes then outstanding.

MOODY’S CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

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

On September 7, 2007, the Company issued and sold through a private placement transaction, $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 6.06% Series 2007-1 Senior Unsecured Notes due 2017 pursuant to the 2007 Agreement. The Series 2007-1 Notes have a ten-year term and bear interest at an annual rate of 6.06%, payable semi-annually on March 7 and September 7. Under the terms of the 2007 Agreement, the Company may, from time to time within five years, in its sole discretion, issue additional series of senior notes in an aggregate principal amount of up to $500.0 million pursuant to one or more supplements to the 2007 Agreement. The Company may prepay the Series 2007-1 Notes, in whole or in part, at any time at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount being prepaid, plus accrued and unpaid interest and a Make Whole Amount. The 2007 Agreement contains covenants that limit the ability of the Company, and certain of its subsidiaries to, among other things: enter into transactions with affiliates, dispose of assets, incur or create liens, enter into any sale-leaseback transactions, or merge with any other corporation or convey, transfer or lease substantially all of its assets. The Company must also not permit its Debt/EBITDA ratio to exceed 4.0 to 1.0 at the end of any fiscal quarter.

On September 30, 2005, the Company issued and sold through a private placement transaction, $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of its Series 2005-1 Senior Unsecured Notes due 2015 pursuant to the 2005 Agreement. The Series 2005-1 Notes have a ten-year term and bear interest at an annual rate of 4.98%, payable semi-annually on March 30 and September 30. Proceeds from the sale of the Series 2005-1 Notes were used to refinance $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Company’s outstanding 7.61% senior notes which matured on September 30, 2005. In the event that Moody’s pays all, or part, of the Series 2005-1 Notes in advance of their maturity, such prepayment will be subject to a Make Whole Amount. The Series 2005-1 Notes are subject to certain covenants that, among other things, restrict the ability of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries, without the approval of the lenders, to engage in mergers, consolidations, asset sales, transactions with affiliates and sale-leaseback transactions or to incur liens, as defined in the related agreements.

2008 Term Loan

On May 7, 2008, Moody’s entered into a five-year, $150.0 million senior unsecured term loan with several lenders. Proceeds from the loan were used to pay off a portion of the CP outstanding. Interest on borrowings under the 2008 Term Loan is payable quarterly at rates that are based on LIBOR plus a margin that can range from 125 basis points to 175 basis points depending on the Company’s Debt/EBITDA ratio. The outstanding borrowings shall amortize beginning in 2010 in accordance with the schedule of payments set forth in the 2008 Term Loan outlined in the table below.

The 2008 Term Loan contains restrictive covenants that, among other things, restrict the ability of the Company to engage or to permit its subsidiaries to engage in mergers, consolidations, asset sales, transactions with affiliates and sale-leaseback transactions or to incur, or permit its subsidiaries to incur, liens, in each case, subject to certain exceptions and limitations. The 2008 Term Loan also limits the amount of debt that subsidiaries of the Company may incur. In addition, the 2008 Term Loan contains a financial covenant that requires the Company to maintain a Debt/EBITDA ratio of not more than 4.0 to 1.0 at the end of any fiscal quarter.

The principal payments due on the 2008 Term Loan through its maturity are as follows:


Year Ending December 31,
2010 (after September 30)	$	1.9
2011		11.3
2012		71.2
2013		63.7

Total	$	148.1

At September 30, 2010, the Company was in compliance with all covenants contained within all of the debt agreements. In addition to the covenants described above, the 2007 Facility, the 2005 Agreement, the 2007 Agreement, the 2010 Senior Notes and the 2008 Term Loan 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, 2010, there were no such cross defaults.

MOODY’S CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

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

Interest (expense) income, 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,
	2010			2009			2010			2009
Expense on borrowings	$	(14.0	)	$	(10.4	)	$	(35.4	)	$	(34.8	)
Income		0.8			0.6			1.9			2.0
Expense on UTBs and other tax related liabilities		(0.2	)		(2.4	)		(5.3	)		4.3
Capitalized		0.6			0.7			1.2			1.1
Legacy Tax (a)		—			—			2.5			6.5

Total interest expense, net	$	(12.8	)	$	(11.5	)	$	(35.1	)	$	(20.9	)

(a)	The amounts in both years represent interest income related to the favorable settlement of Legacy Tax Matters, as further discussed in Note 12 below.

Net interest expense of $20.9 million for the first nine months of 2009 reflects a reduction of approximately $12 million related to tax and tax-related liabilities.

The Company’s long-term debt, including the current portion, is recorded at cost. The fair value and carrying value of the Company’s long-term debt as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 is as follows:


	September 30, 2010				December 31, 2009
	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value
Series 2005-1 Notes	$	300.0	$	314.4	$	300.0	$	291.1
Series 2007-1 Notes		300.0		327.8		300.0		298.6
2010 Senior Notes		496.9		515.0		—		—
2008 Term Loan		148.1		148.1		150.0		150.0

Total	$	1,245.0	$	1,305.3	$	750.0	$	739.7

The fair value of the Company’s 2010 Senior Notes is based on quoted market prices. The fair value of the remaining long-term debt, which is not publicly traded, is estimated using discounted cash flows based on prevailing interest rates available to the Company for borrowings with similar maturities.

NOTE 12. CONTINGENCIES

From time to time, Moody’s is involved in legal and tax proceedings, governmental investigations, 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 events in the U.S. subprime residential mortgage sector and the credit markets more broadly over the last several years, MIS and other credit rating agencies are the subject of intense scrutiny, increased regulation, ongoing investigation, 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 newly imposed regulatory standards. Moody’s has received subpoenas and inquiries from states attorneys general and other governmental authorities and is responding to such investigations and inquiries.

On July 1, 2008, Moody’s publicly announced the results of the Company’s investigation into the issues raised in a May 21, 2008 report by a newspaper concerning a coding error in a model used in the rating process for certain constant-proportion debt obligations. The Company’s investigation determined that, in April 2007, members of a European rating surveillance committee engaged in conduct contrary to Moody’s Code of Professional Conduct. On March 18, 2010, MIS received a “Wells Notice” from the Staff of the SEC stating that the Staff was considering recommending that the SEC institute administrative and cease-and-desist proceedings against MIS in connection with MIS’s initial June 2007 application on SEC Form NRSRO to register as a nationally recognized statistical rating organization under the CRA Reform Act of 2006. The SEC Staff subsequently informed the Company that the Staff’s investigation of the matter had been completed, that a Report of Investigation Pursuant to Section 21(a) of the Exchange Act would be issued and that no enforcement action would be taken by the SEC.

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 in the current economic environment.

MOODY’S CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

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

and plaintiffs filed an amended consolidated complaint in November 2008. The Company removed the consolidated action to the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York in December 2008. In January 2009, the plaintiffs moved to remand the case to the Supreme Court of the State of New York, which the Company opposed. On February 23, 2010, the court issued an opinion remanding the case to the Supreme Court of New York. On October 30, 2008, the Louisiana Municipal Police Employees Retirement System, a purported shareholder of the Company’s securities, also filed a shareholder derivative complaint on behalf of the Company against its directors and certain officers, and the Company as a nominal defendant, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. This complaint also asserts various causes of action relating to the Company’s ratings of RMBS, CDO and constant-proportion debt obligations, and named defendants’ participation in the alleged public dissemination of false and misleading information about MIS’s ratings practices and/or a failure to implement internal procedures and controls to prevent the alleged wrongdoing. On December 9, 2008, Rena Nadoff, a purported shareholder of the Company, filed a shareholder derivative complaint on behalf of the Company against its directors and its CEO, and the Company as a nominal defendant, in the Supreme Court of the State of New York. The complaint asserts a claim for breach of fiduciary duty in connection with alleged overrating of asset-backed securities and underrating of municipal securities. On October 20, 2009, the Company moved to dismiss or stay the action in favor of related federal litigation. On January 26, 2010, the court entered a stipulation and order, submitted jointly by the parties, staying the Nadoff litigation pending coordination and prosecution of similar claims in the above and below described federal derivative actions. On July 6, 2009, W. A. Sokolowski, a purported shareholder of the Company, filed a purported shareholder derivative complaint on behalf of the Company against its directors and current and former officers, and the Company as a nominal defendant, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The complaint asserts claims relating to alleged mismanagement of the Company’s processes for rating structured finance transactions, alleged insider trading and causing the Company to buy back its own stock at artificially inflated prices.

Two purported class action complaints have been filed by purported purchasers of the Company’s securities against the Company and certain of its senior officers, asserting claims under the federal securities laws. The first was filed by Raphael Nach in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on July 19, 2007. The second was filed by Teamsters Local 282 Pension Trust Fund in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on September 26, 2007. Both actions have been consolidated into a single proceeding entitled In re Moody’s Corporation Securities Litigation in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. On June 27, 2008, a consolidated amended complaint was filed, purportedly on behalf of all purchasers of the Company’s securities during the period February 3, 2006 through October 24, 2007. Plaintiffs allege that the defendants issued false and/or misleading statements concerning the Company’s business conduct, business prospects, business conditions and financial results relating primarily to MIS’s ratings of structured finance products including RMBS, CDO and constant-proportion debt obligations. The plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and their reasonable costs and expenses incurred in connection with the case. The Company moved for dismissal of the consolidated amended complaint in September 2008. On February 23, 2009, the court issued an opinion dismissing certain claims and sustaining others.

Moody’s Wall Street Analytics unit is cooperating with an investigation by the SEC concerning services provided by that unit to certain financial institutions in connection with the valuations used by those institutions with respect to certain financial instruments held by such institutions.

For claims, litigation and proceedings not related to income taxes, where it is both probable that a liability is expected to be 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. 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. For income tax matters, the Company employs the prescribed methodology of Topic 740 of the ASC which requires a company to first determine whether it is more-likely-than-not (defined as a likelihood of more than fifty percent) that a tax position will be sustained based on its technical merits as of the reporting date, assuming that taxing authorities will examine the position and have full knowledge of all relevant information. A tax position that meets this more-likely-than-not threshold is then measured and recognized at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely to be realized upon effective settlement with a taxing authority.

The Company cannot predict the ultimate impact that any of the legislative, regulatory, enforcement or litigation matters may have on how its business is conducted and thus its competitive position, financial position or results of operations. Based on its review of the latest information available, in the opinion of management, the ultimate monetary liability of the Company for the pending matters referred to above (other than the Legacy Tax Matters that are discussed below) is not likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, although it is possible that the effect could be material to the Company’s consolidated results of operations for an individual reporting period.

Legacy Tax Matters

Moody’s continues to have exposure to potential liabilities arising from Legacy Tax Matters. As of September 30, 2010, Moody’s has recorded liabilities for Legacy Tax Matters totaling $58.1 million. This includes liabilities and accrued interest due to New D&B arising from the 2000 Distribution Agreement. It is possible that the ultimate liability for Legacy Tax Matters could be greater than the liabilities recorded by the Company, which could result in additional charges that may be material to Moody’s future reported results, financial position and cash flows.

The following summary of the relationships among Moody’s, New D&B and their predecessor entities is important in understanding the Company’s exposure to the Legacy Tax Matters.

MOODY’S CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

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

In November 1996, The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation separated into three separate public companies: The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation, ACNielsen Corporation and Cognizant Corporation. In June 1998, The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation separated into two separate public companies: Old D&B and R.H. Donnelley Corporation. During 1998, Cognizant separated into two separate public companies: IMS Health Incorporated and Nielsen Media Research, Inc. In September 2000, Old D&B separated into two separate public companies: New D&B and Moody’s.

Old D&B and its predecessors entered into global tax planning initiatives in the normal course of business. These initiatives are subject to normal review by tax authorities. Old D&B and its predecessors also entered into a series of agreements covering the sharing of any liabilities for payment of taxes, penalties and interest resulting from unfavorable IRS determinations on certain tax matters, and certain other potential tax liabilities, all as described in such agreements. Further, in connection with the 2000 Distribution and pursuant to the terms of the 2000 Distribution Agreement, New D&B and Moody’s have agreed on the financial responsibility for any potential liabilities related to these Legacy Tax Matters.

Settlement agreements were executed with the IRS in 2005 regarding the Legacy Tax Matters for the years 1989-1990 and 1993-1996. These settlements represent substantially all of the total potential liability to the IRS, including penalties. As of September 30, 2010, the Company continues to carry a liability of $2.0 million for the remaining potential exposure. In addition, with respect to these settlement agreements, Moody’s and New D&B believe that IMS Health and NMR did not pay their full share of the liability to the IRS pursuant to the terms of the applicable separation agreements among the parties. Moody’s and New D&B paid these amounts to the IRS on their behalf, and attempted to resolve this dispute with IMS Health and NMR. As a result, Moody’s and New D&B commenced arbitration proceedings against IMS Health and NMR in connection with the 1989-1990 matter. This matter was resolved during the third quarter of 2008 in favor of Moody’s and New D&B, resulting in IMS Health and NMR having paid a total of $6.7 million to Moody’s. In the second quarter of 2009, Moody’s and New D&B reached a settlement with IMS Health and NMR with respect to the 1993-1996 matter, resulting in $10.8 million of cash proceeds paid to Moody’s of which $6.5 million represents interest and $4.3 million is a reduction of tax expense.

Amortization Expense Deductions

This Legacy Tax Matter, which was affected by developments in June 2007 and 2008 as further described below, involves a partnership transaction which resulted in amortization expense deductions on the tax returns of Old D&B since 1997. IRS audits of Old D&B’s and New D&B’s tax returns for the years 1997 through 2002 concluded in June 2007 without any disallowance of the amortization expense deductions, or any other adjustments to income related to this partnership transaction. These audits resulted in the IRS issuing the Notices for other tax issues for the 1997-2000 years aggregating $9.5 million in tax and penalties, plus statutory interest of approximately $6 million, which should be apportioned among Moody’s, New D&B, IMS Health and NMR pursuant to the terms of the applicable separation agreements. Moody’s share of this assessment was $6.6 million including interest, net of tax. In November 2007, the IRS assessed the tax and penalties and used a portion of the deposit discussed below to satisfy the assessment, together with interest. As noted below, the Company has challenged the IRS’s actions and recovered a portion of these amounts. The absence of any tax deficiencies in the Notices for the amortization expense deductions for the years 1997 through 2002, combined with the expiration of the statute of limitations for 1997 through 2002, for issues not assessed, resulted in Moody’s recording an earnings benefit of $52.3 million in the second quarter of 2007. This is comprised of two components, as follows: (i) a reversal of a tax liability of $27.3 million related to the period from 1997 through the Distribution Date, reducing the provision for income taxes; and (ii) a reduction of accrued interest expense of $17.5 million ($10.6 million, net of tax) and an increase in other non-operating income of $14.4 million, relating to amounts due to New D&B. In June 2008, the statute of limitations for New D&B relating to the 2003 tax year expired. As a result, in the second quarter of 2008, Moody’s recorded a reduction of accrued interest expense of $2.3 million ($1.4 million, net of tax) and an increase in other non-operating income of $6.4 million, relating to amounts due to New D&B.

On the Distribution Date, New D&B paid Moody’s $55.0 million for 50% of certain anticipated future tax benefits of New D&B through 2012. It is possible that IRS audits of New D&B for tax years after 2003 could result in income adjustments with respect to the amortization expense deductions of this partnership transaction. In the event that these tax benefits are not claimed or otherwise not realized by New D&B, or there is an audit adjustment, Moody’s would be required, pursuant to the terms of the 2000 Distribution Agreement, to repay to New D&B an amount equal to the discounted value of its share of the related future tax benefits and its share of any tax liability that New D&B incurs. As of September 30, 2010, Moody’s liability with respect to this matter totaled $56.2 million.

In March 2006, New D&B and Moody’s each deposited $39.8 million with the IRS in order to stop the accrual of statutory interest on potential tax deficiencies with respect to the 1997 through 2002 tax years. In July 2007, New D&B and Moody’s commenced procedures to recover approximately $57 million of these deposits ($24.6 million for New D&B and $31.9 million for Moody’s), which represents the excess of the original deposits over the total of the deficiencies asserted in the Notices. As noted above, in November 2007 the IRS used a portion of Moody’s share of the deposit to satisfy an assessment and related interest; it subsequently returned the balance of the deposit with interest. The Company has pursued a refund of a portion of the outstanding amount. In May 2010, the IRS refunded $5.2 million to the Company for the 1997 tax year, which included interest of approximately $2.5 million.

MOODY’S CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

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

NOTE 13. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

The components of total comprehensive income, net of tax, are as follows:


	Three months ended September 30,
	2010								2009
	Shareholders’ of Moody’s Corporation			Noncontrolling Interests		Total			Shareholders’ of Moody’s Corporation			Noncontrolling Interests		Total
Net income	$	136.0		$	1.2	$	137.2		$	100.6		$	1.1	$	101.7
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on cash flow hedges (net of tax of $0.1 million and $0.7 million in 2010 and 2009, respectively)		(0.6	)		—		(0.6	)		(2.9	)		—		(2.9	)
FX translation (net of tax of $1.7 million and $1.0 million in 2010 and 2009, respectively)		58.8			0.7		59.5			13.2			0.5		13.7
Amortization and recognition of actuarial losses and prior service costs (net of tax of $0.4 million and $0.1 million in 2010 and 2009, respectively)		0.5			—		0.5			0.1			—		0.1

Total comprehensive income	$	194.7		$	1.9	$	196.6		$	111.0		$	1.6	$	112.6


	Nine months ended September 30,
	2010								2009
	Shareholders’ of Moody’s Corporation			Noncontrolling Interests		Total			Shareholders’ of Moody’s Corporation			Noncontrolling Interests		Total
Net income	$	370.4		$	4.1	$	374.5		$	300.1		$	3.7	$	303.8
Net realized and unrealized gain/ (loss) on cash flow hedges (net of tax of $0.1 million and $3.4 million in 2010 and 2009, respectively)		(0.3	)		—		(0.3	)		(1.4	)		—		(1.4	)
FX translation (net of tax of $10.3 million and $10.7 million in 2010 and 2009, respectively)		11.5			0.3		11.8			30.5			0.3		30.8
Net actuarial gains and prior service costs (net of tax of $2.9 million and $2.1 million in 2010 and 2009, respectively)		4.1			—		4.1			3.1			—		3.1
Amortization and recognition of actuarial losses and prior service costs (net of tax of $1.4 million and $0.3 million in 2010 and 2009, respectively)		1.3			—		1.3			0.4			—		0.4

Total comprehensive income	$	387.0		$	4.4	$	391.4		$	332.7		$	4.0	$	336.7

MOODY’S CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

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

The following table summarizes the activity in the Company’s noncontrolling interests:


	Nine Months ended September 30,
	2010			2009
Beginning Balance	$	10.1		$	8.3
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		4.1			3.7
Dividends declared to noncontrolling interests		(4.4	)		(2.9	)
FX translation		0.3			0.3

Ending Balance	$	10.1		$	9.4

NOTE 14. SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company operates in two reportable segments: MIS and MA.

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. Additionally, overhead costs and corporate expenses of the Company are 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 resource, information technology and legal. “Eliminations” in the table below represent intersegment royalty revenue/expense.

Below is financial information by segment, MIS and MA revenue by line of business and consolidated revenue information by geographic area, each of which is for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010, and total assets by segment as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009.

Financial Information by Segment


	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2010										2009
	MIS			MA		Eliminations			Consolidated		MIS		MA		Eliminations			Consolidated
Revenue	$	373.7		$	155.1	$	(15.5	)	$	513.3	$	319.8	$	146.5	$	(14.5	)	$	451.8
Expenses:
Operating, SG&A		205.0			116.4		(15.5	)		305.9		173.7		100.2		(14.5	)		259.4
Restructuring		0.2			0.2		—			0.4		1.0		2.7		—			3.7
Depreciation and amortization		9.7			8.4		—			18.1		7.9		8.3		—			16.2

Total		214.9			125.0		(15.5	)		324.4		182.6		111.2		(14.5	)		279.3

Operating income	$	158.8		$	30.1	$	—		$	188.9	$	137.2	$	35.3	$	—		$	172.5


	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2010										2009
	MIS			MA		Eliminations			Consolidated		MIS		MA		Eliminations			Consolidated
Revenue	$	1,068.6		$	445.4	$	(46.3	)	$	1,467.7	$	929.4	$	425.6	$	(43.6	)	$	1,311.4
Expenses:
Operating, SG&A		562.1			326.6		(46.3	)		842.4		489.5		290.8		(43.6	)		736.7
Restructuring		(0.1	)		0.1		—			—		9.1		9.5		—			18.6
Depreciation and amortization		25.3			23.8		—			49.1		23.1		24.4		—			47.5

Total		587.3			350.5		(46.3	)		891.5		521.7		324.7		(43.6	)		802.8

Operating income	$	481.3		$	94.9	$	—		$	576.2	$	407.7	$	100.9	$	—		$	508.6

The cumulative restructuring charges incurred since the fourth quarter of 2007 through September 30, 2010 for both restructuring plans, which is further described in Note 9 above, are $48.7 million and $16.3 million for the MIS and MA operating segments, respectively.

MOODY’S CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

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

The tables below present revenue by LOB by segment and reflect the aforementioned MA business realignment:

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,
	2010			2009			2010			2009
MIS:
Corporate finance (CFG)	$	144.9		$	101.4		$	399.2		$	293.0
Structured finance (SFG)		70.1			79.2			214.7			226.2
Financial institutions (FIG)		73.6			62.9			213.0			186.5
Public, project and infrastructure finance (PPIF)		69.6			61.8			195.4			180.1

Total external revenue		358.2			305.3			1,022.3			885.8
Intersegment royalty		15.5			14.5			46.3			43.6

Total MIS		373.7			319.8			1,068.6			929.4

MA:
Research, data and analytics (RD&A)		106.0			103.4			315.8			307.7
Risk management software (RMS)		42.8			36.8			115.3			102.8
Professional Services		6.3			6.3			14.3			15.1

Total MA		155.1			146.5			445.4			425.6

Eliminations		(15.5	)		(14.5	)		(46.3	)		(43.6	)

Total MCO	$	513.3		$	451.8		$	1,467.7		$	1,311.4


	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2010		2009		2010		2009
United States	$	278.3	$	229.7	$	794.4	$	675.7

International:
EMEA		155.5		156.7		453.9		453.3
Other		79.5		65.4		219.4		182.4

Total International		235.0		222.1		673.3		635.7

Total	$	513.3	$	451.8	$	1,467.7	$	1,311.4

September 30, 2010

December 31, 2009

MIS

Corporate
Assets (a)

Consolidated

MIS

Corporate
Assets (a)

Consolidated

Total Assets by Segment:

Total Assets

594.7

783.4

970.1

2,348.2

579.4

724.9

699.0

2,003.3

(a)	Represents common assets that are shared between each segment or utilized by the corporate entity. Such assets primarily include cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, unallocated property and equipment and deferred taxes.

MOODY’S CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

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

NOTE 15. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

Adopted:

In June 2009, the FASB issued a new accounting standard related to the consolidation of variable interest entities. This new standard eliminates the quantitative approach previously required for determining the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity and requires ongoing qualitative reassessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity. This new standard also requires enhanced disclosures regarding an enterprise’s involvement in variable interest entities. The Company has adopted this new accounting standard as of January 1, 2010 and the implementation did not impact its consolidated financial statements.

In October 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-13, “Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements” (“ASU 2009-13”). The new standard changes the requirements for establishing separate units of accounting in a multiple element arrangement and requires the allocation of arrangement consideration to each deliverable based on the relative selling price. The selling price for each deliverable is based on vendor-specific objective evidence of selling price (“VSOE”) if available, third-party evidence (“TPE”) if VSOE is not available, or estimated selling price (“ESP”) if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. The Company has elected to early adopt ASU 2009-13 on a prospective basis for applicable transactions originating or materially modified on or after January 1, 2010. The early adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Further information on the early adoption of this standard is set forth in Note 2 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-06, “Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements”. The new standard requires disclosure regarding transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 classifications within the fair value hierarchy as well as requiring further detail of activity within the Level 3 category of the fair value hierarchy. The new standard also requires disclosures regarding the fair value for each class of assets and liabilities, which is a subset of assets or liabilities within a line item in a company’s balance sheet. Additionally, the standard will require further disclosures surrounding inputs and valuation techniques used in fair value measurements. The new disclosures and clarifications of existing disclosures set forth in this ASU are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the additional disclosures regarding Level 3 fair value measurements, for which the effective date is for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2010. The Company has partially adopted the provisions of this ASU as of January 1, 2010 for all new disclosure requirements except for the aforementioned requirements regarding Level 3 fair-value measurements, for which the Company will adopt that portion of the ASU on January 1, 2011. The portion of this ASU that was adopted on January 1, 2010 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company does not expect the implementation of the portion of this ASU that relates to Level 3 fair value measurements to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

NOTE 16. SUBSEQUENT EVENT

On October 26, 2010, the Board approved the declaration of a quarterly dividend of $0.105 per share of Moody’s common stock, payable on December 10, 2010 to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 20, 2010.

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 55 for a discussion of uncertainties, risks and other factors associated with these statements.

The Company

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 derived from the originators and issuers of such transactions who use MIS ratings in the distribution of their debt issues to investors.

The MA segment develops a wide range of products and services that support the risk management activities of institutional participants in global financial markets. Within its RD&A business, MA distributes investor-oriented 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 and provides economic research and credit data and analytical tools such as quantitative credit risk scores. Within its RMS business, MA provides both economic and regulatory capital risk management software solutions. Within its professional services business it provides quantitative credit risk measures, credit portfolio management solutions and training services.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Moody’s discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations are based on the Company’s condensed 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, restructuring, goodwill and acquired intangible assets, pension and other post-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, 2009, 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, the Company has updated its accounting policy regarding revenue recognition pursuant to the early adoption of accounting guidance concerning revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables. A discussion of the Company’s new accounting policy and related management estimates underlying the policy follows:

Revenue Recognition

The Company determines whether its selling price in a multi-element transaction meets the VSOE criteria by using the price charged for a deliverable when sold separately. In instances where the Company is not able to establish VSOE for all deliverables in a multiple element arrangement, which may be due to the Company infrequently selling each element separately, not selling products within a reasonably narrow price range, or only having a limited sales history, the Company attempts to establish TPE for deliverables. The Company determines whether TPE exists by evaluating largely similar and interchangeable competitor products or services in standalone sales to similarly situated customers. However, due to the difficulty in obtaining third party pricing, possible differences in its market strategy from that of its peers and the potential that products and services offered by the Company may contain a significant level of differentiation and/or customization such that the comparable pricing of products with similar functionality cannot be obtained, the Company generally is unable to reliably determine TPE. Based on the selling price hierarchy established by ASU 2009-13, when the Company is unable to establish selling price using VSOE or TPE, the Company will establish an ESP. ESP is the price at which the Company would transact a sale if the product or service were sold on a stand-alone basis. The Company establishes its best estimate of ESP considering internal factors relevant to is pricing practices such as costs and margin objectives, standalone sales prices of similar products, percentage of the fee charged for a primary product or service relative to a related product or service, and customer segment and geography. Additional consideration is also given to market conditions such as competitor pricing strategies and market trend. The Company reviews its determination of VSOE, TPE and ESP on an annual basis or more frequently as needed.

Excluding the change in the revenue recognition policy and the related management estimates discussed above, there have been no material changes to the Company’s critical accounting estimates from those discussed in Item 7, MD&A in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Operating Segments

The Company reports in two reportable segments: MIS and MA. The MIS segment is comprised of all of the Company’s ratings activities. All of Moody’s other non-rating commercial activities are included in the MA segment.

The MIS segment consists of four lines of business – structured finance, corporate finance, financial institutions and public, project and infrastructure finance – that generate revenue principally from fees for the assignment and monitoring of credit ratings on debt obligations and the entities that issue such obligations in markets worldwide.

The MA segment consists of three lines of business – RD&A, RMS and professional services – that develop a wide range of products and services that support the risk management activities of institutional participants in global financial markets. Within its Research, Data and Analytics business, MA distributes investor-oriented 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. RD&A also produces and provides economic research and credit data and analytical tools such as quantitative credit risk scores. Within its Risk Management Software business, MA provides both economic and regulatory capital risk management software and implementation services. Within its professional services business it provides quantitative credit risk measures, credit portfolio management solutions and training services.

In the fourth quarter of 2009, the MA businesses were realigned and renamed to reflect the reporting unit structure for the MA segment at December 31, 2009. Pursuant to this realignment the subscriptions business was renamed RD&A and the software business was renamed RMS. The revised groupings classify license software sales, certain subscription-based risk management software revenue, maintenance and advisory services relating to software sales to the redefined RMS business. The following tables are reconciliations of the revenue groupings previously disclosed to the new groupings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009:


Revenue reported as per filing in prior year:	Three Months Ended September 30, 2009			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009
Subscriptions	$	118.9		$	353.7
Software		20.2			53.7
Professional Services		7.4			18.2

Total MA	$	146.5		$	425.6


Reclassification for 2009 realignment:	Three Months Ended September 30, 2009			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009
Subscriptions	$	(15.5	)	$	(46.0	)
Software		16.6			49.1
Professional Services		(1.1	)		(3.1	)

Total MA	$	—		$	—


Revenue Reported:	Three Months Ended September 30, 2009			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009
Research, data and analytics (RD&A)	$	103.4		$	307.7
Risk management software (RMS)		36.8			102.8
Professional Services		6.3			15.1

Total MA	$	146.5		$	425.6

The following is a discussion of the results of operations of the Company and these segments, including the intersegment royalty revenue for MIS and expense incurred by MA for the rights to use and distribute content, data and products developed by MIS. Additionally, overhead

costs and corporate expenses of the Company are 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, information technology and legal.

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. These non-GAAP financial measures relate to adjustments made to the Company’s 2007 and 2009 Restructuring Plans and Legacy Tax Matters, further described in Note 9 and Note 12, respectively, to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended September 30, 2010 compared with Three Months Ended September 30, 2009

Executive Summary

Moody’s revenue for the third quarter of 2010 totaled $513.3 million, an increase of $61.5 million compared to the same period in 2009. Total expenses were $324.4 million, an increase of $45.1 million compared to the third quarter of 2009. Operating income of $188.9 million in the third quarter of 2010 increased $16.4 million compared to the same period in the prior year. Excluding the impact of restructuring related amounts in both periods, the third quarter 2010 operating income of $189.3 million increased $13.1 million over the prior year period. Diluted EPS of $0.58 for the third quarter of 2010 increased $0.16 over the prior year period and included a tax benefit of $0.07, recorded in the third quarter of 2010, on foreign earnings that are indefinitely reinvested.

Moody’s Corporation

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)
	2010			2009			% Change Favorable (Unfavorable)
Revenue:
United States	$	278.3		$	229.7			21	%

International:
EMEA		155.5			156.7			(1	)%
Other		79.5			65.4			22	%

Total International		235.0			222.1			6	%


Total		513.3			451.8			14	%

Expenses:
Operating		153.7			135.1			(14	)%
SG&A		152.2			124.3			(22	)%
Restructuring		0.4			3.7			89	%
Depreciation and amortization		18.1			16.2			(12	)%

Total		324.4			279.3			(16	)%


Operating income	$	188.9		$	172.5			10	%


Interest (expense) income, net	$	(12.8	)	$	(11.5	)		(11	)%
Other non-operating (expense) income, net	$	5.3		$	1.7			212	%
Net income attributable to Moody’s	$	136.0		$	100.6			35	%

Global revenue of $513.3 million in the third quarter of 2010 increased $61.5 million compared to the same period in 2009, reflecting growth in both ratings and MA revenue. The ratings revenue growth is primarily due to strong speculative-grade corporate debt and bank loan rated issuance coupled with good growth in banking and public finance rated issuance. The aforementioned ratings revenue growth was partially offset by declines in rated issuance across most asset classes within SFG. The increase in MA revenue reflects growth from within RMS and RD&A. Transaction revenue accounted for 45% of global MCO revenue in the third quarter of 2010 compared to 37% in the same period of the prior year. Transaction revenue in the MIS segment represents the initial rating of a new debt issuance as well as other one-time fees while relationship revenue represents the recurring 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. In the MA segment, relationship revenue represents subscription-based revenues and software maintenance revenue. Transaction revenue in MA represents software license fees and revenue from the professional services line of business which offers credit risk management advisory and training services, which are typically sold on a per-engagement basis.

U.S. revenue increased $48.6 million over the third quarter of 2009, and reflects growth in both segments. The growth in U.S. ratings revenue reflects strong bank loan and high-yield issuance within CFG as well as good growth in infrastructure and public finance issuance. These increases were partially offset by declines in U.S. derivatives issuance. The MA growth is primarily due to increases in RMS revenue.

International revenue increased $12.9 million compared to the same period in 2009, reflecting growth in both segments. The increase in ratings revenue reflects growth in high-yield corporate debt and banking related issuance across all non-U.S. regions, coupled with growth in sovereign and sub-sovereign rated issuance in EMEA. These increases were partially offset by declines in rated issuance across most asset classes within SFG as well as declines in infrastructure finance revenue in the EMEA region. Changes in FX translation rates had an approximate $8 million unfavorable impact on international revenue in the third quarter of 2010.

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


	September 30,				% Change
	2010		2009		% Change
United States		2,275		2,162		5	%
International		2,013		1,824		10	%

Total		4,288		3,986		8	%

Operating expenses were $153.7 million in the third quarter of 2010, an increase of $18.6 million from the third quarter of 2009 and was primarily due to higher compensation costs. The increase primarily reflects approximately $7 million higher incentive compensation resulting from greater achievement against targeted results compared to the prior year period. Additionally, the increase in compensation costs reflects approximately $9 million higher salaries and related employee benefits primarily due to annual merit increases coupled with headcount increases within both operating segments to support business growth.

SG&A expenses of $152.2 million for the third quarter of 2010 increased $27.9 million from the same quarter in 2009. Non-compensation expenses increased approximately $14 million over the prior year primarily reflecting higher professional service costs relating to ongoing investments in technology infrastructure as well as higher legal and litigation-related costs due to ongoing matters. Compensation costs increased approximately $14 million primarily due to higher salaries and related benefits expense of approximately $10 million which reflects annual merit increases and headcount growth in sales personnel within MA as well as in support areas such as compliance and IT. Also driving the increase was higher incentive compensation costs of approximately $4 million reflecting greater achievement against targeted results compared to the prior period.

Restructuring expense in the third quarter of 2010 reflects minor adjustments to previous estimates associated with the 2007 and 2009 Restructuring Plans. Restructuring expense of $3.7 million in the third quarter of 2009 reflects costs associated with headcount reductions, divestiture of non-strategic assets and contract termination costs relating to office closures in accordance with the 2009 Restructuring Plan, as well as adjustments to previous estimates for both the 2007 and 2009 Restructuring Plans.

Operating income for the quarter was $188.9 million, up $16.4 million from the third quarter of 2009, reflecting the 14% increase in revenue partially offset by the 16% increase in operating expenses. Excluding the impact of the aforementioned restructuring adjustments in both years, operating income of $189.3 million increased $13.1 million over the third quarter of 2009. Changes in FX translation rates had an approximate $6 million unfavorable impact on operating income in the third quarter of 2010.

Interest (expense) income, net for the three months ended September 30, 2010 was $(12.8) million, a $1.3 million increase compared to the same period in 2009. The increase is primarily due to higher interest on borrowings which reflects the issuance of the $500 million 2010 Senior Notes issued in August 2010. This was partially offset by lower expense on short-term borrowings reflecting lower average balances in the current year period compared to 2009 and lower interest on UTBs and other tax related liabilities reflecting statute of limitation lapses in the third quarter of 2010.

Other non-operating (expense) income, net of $5.3 million in the third quarter of 2010 increased $3.6 million compared to the prior year. This increase primarily reflects a charge of approximately $5 million in the third quarter of 2009 relating to an international non-income tax matter that did not recur in 2010.

Moody’s ETR was 24.4% for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, down from 37.5% in 2009. The lower ETR for the three months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the same period in 2009 reflected a $17.6 million tax benefit, recorded in the third quarter of 2010, on foreign earnings that are indefinitely reinvested.

Net Income in the third quarter of 2010, which reflected the aforementioned tax benefit of $17.6 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, was $136.0 million, or $0.58 per diluted share representing an increase of $35.4 million, or $0.16 per diluted share, compared to the prior year. Excluding amounts related to the 2009 restructuring charge and restructuring-related adjustments in both years, Net Income increased $33.4 million, or 32%, from $102.9 million in 2009, resulting in a $0.15, or 35%, increase in diluted EPS compared to the prior year.

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)
	2010		2009		% Change Favorable (Unfavorable)
Revenue:
Corporate finance (CFG)	$	144.9	$	101.4		43	%
Structured finance (SFG)		70.1		79.2		(11	)%
Financial institutions (FIG)		73.6		62.9		17	%
Public, project and infrastructure finance (PPIF)		69.6		61.8		13	%


Total external revenue		358.2		305.3		17	%
Intersegment royalty		15.5		14.5		7	%


Total MIS revenue		373.7		319.8		17	%
Expenses:
Operating and SG&A		205.0		173.7		(18	)%
Restructuring		0.2		1.0		80	%
Depreciation and amortization		9.7		7.9		(23	)%

Total		214.9		182.6		(18	)%


Operating income	$	158.8	$	137.2		16	%

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

Global MIS revenue of $358.2 million in the third quarter of 2010 increased $52.9 million compared to the same period in 2009. The growth is primarily due to strong speculative-grade corporate debt and bank loan rated issuance coupled with good growth in banking and public finance rated issuance. This growth was partially offset by declines in rated issuance across most asset classes within SFG. Transaction revenue for MIS in the third quarter of 2010 was 58% compared to 50% in 2009, with the increase reflecting the aforementioned strong rated issuance in the bank loan and high-yield sectors within CFG.

In the U.S., revenue was $207.2 million in the third quarter of 2010, an increase of $42.4 million, or 26%, compared to the third quarter of 2009. The increase relates primarily to strong growth over the prior year in rated issuance for bank loans and high-yield corporate debt coupled with good growth in investment-grade corporate debt as well as infrastructure and public finance related issuance.

Non-U.S. revenue was $151.0 million in the third quarter of 2010, an increase of $10.5 million, or 7%, over the prior year. The increase primarily reflects higher speculative-grade and banking rated issuance across all non-U.S. regions partially offset by declines in rated issuance across most asset classes within SFG and declines in infrastructure finance revenue in the EMEA region. Changes in FX translation rates had an approximate $9 million unfavorable impact on non-U.S. MIS revenue in the third quarter of 2010.

Global CFG revenue of $144.9 million in the third quarter of 2010 increased $43.5 million from the prior year. The global increase is primarily due to higher rated issuance for speculative-grade corporate debt and bank loans as well as increases in Corporate Family Ratings. Accordingly, transaction revenue increased to 74% of total CFG revenue in the third quarter of 2010, compared to 64% in the prior year. In the U.S., third quarter 2010 revenue was $94.8 million, or 51% higher than the same period in 2009. This increase is primarily due to higher bank loan issuance reflecting increased volumes of loan refinancing and leveraged buy-out activity compared to the same period in 2009. Additionally, there was an increase in speculative-grade rated issuance volumes which reflected narrowing credit spreads and greater investor appetite for high-yield products as uncertainties in the EU sovereign debt markets began to subside as the third quarter of 2010 progressed. Internationally, revenue of $50.1 million in the third quarter of 2010 increased 29% compared to the same period in 2009, driven primarily by higher speculative-grade rated issuance volumes across all non-U.S. regions which reflects the aforementioned increase in investor confidence in the high-yield markets as uncertainties in the EU sovereign debt markets began to subside in the third quarter of 2010 coupled with growth in Corporate Family Ratings in the EMEA and Asia regions.

Global SFG revenue of $70.1 million in the third quarter of 2010 decreased $9.1 million compared to the same period in 2009, reflecting lower revenue from rating derivatives and asset-backed securities partially offset by increased rated issuance for covered bonds. In the third quarter of 2010, transaction-based revenue accounted for 47% of total SFG revenue, up from 43% in 2009. In the U.S., revenue of $34.0 million in the third quarter of 2010 decreased $2.9 million compared to the prior year and primarily related to declines in derivatives transactions reflecting continued reduced investor appetite coupled with ongoing economic and regulatory uncertainties. Non-U.S. revenue of $36.1 million in the third quarter of 2010 decreased $6.2 million compared to the prior year, reflecting rated issuance declines across most asset classes within the EMEA region due to continued high interest rate spreads and a lack of investor appetite for structured finance securities. The aforementioned declines were partially offset by higher covered bond issuance in EMEA as investors were attracted to these instruments amidst the economic and market uncertainties that were present in the EU region for a portion of the third quarter of 2010. Changes in FX translation rates had an approximate $5 million unfavorable impact on non-U.S. SFG revenue in the third quarter of 2010.

Global FIG revenue of $73.6 million in the third quarter of 2010 increased $10.7 million from the prior year, primarily reflecting higher banking related issuance across all regions coupled with higher insurance related issuance in the U.S. Transaction revenue was 37% of global FIG revenue, an increase from 27% in the third quarter of 2009. In the U.S., revenue of $29.7 million in the third quarter of 2010 increased $3.7 million compared to the prior year driven by higher insurance related issuance which reflects insurers opportunistically issuing debt in the current low interest rate environment. Outside the U.S., revenue in the third quarter of 2010 was $43.9 million, or 19% higher than in the prior year, primarily due to stronger banking related issuance volumes across all non-U.S. regions, most notably from within the Latin America and EMEA regions. The growth in the Latin American banking sector reflects an increase in demand for securities in the region due to Brazil’s relative economic strength coupled with banks taking advantage of the current low interest rate environment. Changes in FX translation rates had an approximate $2 million unfavorable impact on third quarter 2010 international FIG revenue.

Global PPIF revenue was $69.6 million in the third quarter of 2010, an increase of $7.8 million compared to the same period in 2009, primarily reflecting increases in public finance revenue across all regions and higher rated issuance volumes in infrastructure finance in the U.S. These increases were partially offset by lower rated issuance volumes in infrastructure finance within the EMEA region primarily due to strong comparable results in the third quarter of 2009. Revenue generated from new transactions was 60% of total PPIF revenue in the third quarter of 2010, up from 57% in the prior year period. In the U.S., third quarter 2010 PPIF revenue increased 24% over the prior year primarily due to higher U.S. infrastructure finance issuance reflecting robust issuance due to rising capital expenditure needs. Additionally, growth in the U.S. reflects increases in public finance revenue due to higher issuance related to the Build America Bond Program which was implemented as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Outside the U.S., PPIF revenue decreased $1.6 million over the prior year, primarily due to lower infrastructure finance issuance in EMEA which reflected strong issuance volumes in the prior year period. These declines were partially offset by higher public finance rated issuance, generated primarily from within the EMEA region, as uncertainties relating to the sovereign debt markets in the EU began to subside as the third quarter of 2010 progressed.

Operating and SG&A expenses in the third quarter of 2010 increased $31.3 million compared to the prior year and reflected increases in non-compensation and compensation expenses of approximately $17 million and $14 million, respectively. The increase in compensation expenses relates to higher incentive compensation due to greater achievement against targeted results in the third quarter of 2010 compared to the prior year. Additionally, there were higher salaries reflecting annual merit increases coupled with headcount growth within the ratings LOBs as well as in support areas such as compliance and IT. The increase in non-compensation expenses primarily reflects higher legal and litigation-related costs relating to ongoing matters and higher IT consulting costs relating to investments in technology infrastructure, most of which are allocated to MIS as part of the allocation of overhead and corporate expenses which is based on a revenue-split methodology.

Operating income in the third quarter of 2010 of $158.8 million, which includes the intersegment royalty revenue, increased $21.6 million from the prior year and reflects the $53.9 million increase in total MIS revenue exceeding the 18% increase in operating expenses. Excluding minor restructuring-related adjustments in 2010 and 2009, operating income in the third quarter of 2010 was $159.0 million, an increase of $20.8 million from the same period in 2009.

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)
	2010		2009		% Change Favorable (Unfavorable)

Revenue:
Research, data and analytics (RD&A)	$	106.0	$	103.4		3	%
Risk management software (RMS)		42.8		36.8		16	%
Professional services		6.3		6.3		—	%

Total		155.1		146.5		6	%


Expenses:
Operating and SG&A (including intersegment royalty)		116.4		100.2		(16	)%
Restructuring		0.2		2.7		93	%
Depreciation and amortization		8.4		8.3		(1	)%

Total		125.0		111.2		(12	)%


Operating income	$	30.1	$	35.3		(15	)%

Global MA revenue in the third quarter of 2010 increased $8.6 million over the prior year, reflecting growth in RMS and RD&A. Recurring revenue, which includes subscriptions and software maintenance fees, comprised 86% of third quarter 2010 MA revenue, slightly lower than 88% in the same period of 2009.

Revenue in the U.S. increased $6.2 million, or 10%, over the prior year with increases in RMS comprising 77% of the growth. International revenue, which represented 54% and 56% of global MA revenue the quarters ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, increased 3% over the prior year reflecting growth in RMS and RD&A.

Global RD&A revenue, which comprised over 68% of total MA revenue in both quarters, increased $2.6 million, or 3%, over the prior year. The increase reflects greater demand for products that support analysis for investment and commercial credit applications and also the gradual stabilization among capital markets customers as disruption from the global financial crisis recedes. Global RMS revenue in the third quarter of 2010 increased $6.0 million over the prior year primarily due to the final delivery and client acceptance of software licenses and implementations. Revenue from professional services was flat compared to the prior year. Revenue in the RMS and professional services LOBs are subject to quarterly volatility resulting from the variable nature of project timing and the concentration of revenue in a relatively small number of engagements.

Operating and SG&A expenses in the third quarter of 2010, which include the intersegment royalty for the right to use and distribute content, data and products developed by MIS, increased $16.2 million compared to 2009 reflecting both higher compensation and non-compensation costs of approximately $12 million and $4 million, respectively. The increase in compensation costs is primarily due to higher incentive compensation reflecting greater achievement against targeted results compared to the prior year, an increase in commissions expense and higher salaries reflecting headcount increases to support business growth. The increase in non-compensation costs primarily reflects higher legal and litigation- related costs relating to ongoing matters and higher IT consulting costs relating to investments in technology infrastructure, most of which are allocated to MA as part of the allocation of overhead and corporate expenses which is based on a revenue-split methodology.

The restructuring expense in the third quarter of 2009 reflects costs associated with the divestiture of non-strategic assets and contract termination costs for office closures in accordance with the 2009 Restructuring Plan.

Operating income of $30.1 million in the third quarter of 2010, which includes the intersegment royalty expense, declined $5.2 million compared to the same period in 2009, reflecting the 12% increase in operating expenses exceeding the 6% increase in revenue. Excluding the 2009 restructuring charge and minor restructuring-related adjustments in 2010, operating income totaled $30.3 million in the third quarter of 2010, a decrease of $7.7 million from the same quarter in 2009.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 compared with Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009

Executive Summary

Moody’s revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 totaled $1,467.7 million, an increase of $156.3 million compared to the same period in 2009. Total expenses were $891.5 million, an increase of $88.7 million compared to the first nine months of 2009. Operating income of $576.2 million in the first nine months of 2010 increased $67.6 million compared to the same period in the prior year. Excluding the restructuring charge and minor related adjustments in 2009, operating income increased $49.0 million from $527.2 million in the prior year period. Diluted EPS of $1.56 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 increased $0.30 over the prior year period and included a tax benefit of $0.07, recorded in the third quarter of 2010, on foreign earnings that are indefinitely reinvested as well as a $0.02 favorable impact relating to the resolution of a Legacy Tax Matter. Excluding the aforementioned Legacy Tax Matter in 2010, diluted EPS of $1.54 increased $0.26, or 20%, from $1.28 in 2009, which excludes a prior year favorable impact of $0.03 related to the resolution of a Legacy Tax Matter and an unfavorable $0.05 impact for restructuring.

Moody’s Corporation

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)
	2010			2009			% Change Favorable (Unfavorable)
Revenue:
United States	$	794.4		$	675.7			18	%

International:
EMEA		453.9			453.3			—	%
Other		219.4			182.4			20	%

Total International		673.3			635.7			6	%


Total		1,467.7			1,311.4			12	%

Expenses:
Operating		423.9			385.5			(10	)%
SG&A		418.5			351.2			(19	)%
Restructuring		—			18.6			100	%
Depreciation and amortization		49.1			47.5			(3	)%

Total		891.5			802.8			(11	)%


Operating income	$	576.2		$	508.6			13	%


Interest (expense) income, net	$	(35.1	)	$	(20.9	)		(68	)%
Other non-operating (expense) income, net	$	0.7		$	(8.8	)		108	%
Net income attributable to Moody’s	$	370.4		$	300.1			23	%

Global revenue of $1,467.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 increased $156.3 million compared to the same period in 2009, reflecting good growth in ratings revenue and modest growth within MA. The growth in ratings revenue is primarily due to strong issuance activity in 2010 within the corporate and financial institution debt markets. Transaction revenue accounted for 42% of global MCO revenue in the first nine months of 2010 compared to 37% in the same period of the prior year.

U.S. revenue increased $118.7 million over the first nine months of 2009 reflecting growth in all ratings LOBs, most notably in rated issuance for bank loans coupled with higher rated issuance for high-yield corporate bonds in the first and third quarters of 2010. Partially offsetting these increases were declines in revenue from rating investment-grade corporate debt compared to a strong prior year comparative period. Additionally, there was growth in all LOBs within the MA segment, most notably in RMS.

International revenue increased $37.6 million compared to the same period in 2009 primarily reflecting growth in CFG revenue, particularly in speculative-grade ratings in EMEA, coupled with higher banking related revenue across all non-U.S. regions. Additionally, the growth reflects higher RD&A and RMS revenue from within MA. These increases were partially offset by declines in most asset classes within SFG as well as declines in investment-grade issuance within the EMEA region.

Operating expenses were $423.9 million in the first nine months of 2010, an increase of $38.4 million from the same period in 2009 and was primarily due to higher compensation costs reflecting approximately $19 million higher incentive compensation resulting from greater achievement against targeted results compared to the prior year period. Additionally, the increase in compensation costs reflects approximately $18 million higher salaries and related employee benefits primarily due to annual merit increases coupled with higher headcount in both operating segments to support business growth.

SG&A expenses of $418.5 million for the first nine months of 2010 increased $67.3 million from the same period in 2009. The increase is due to both higher compensation and non-compensation costs compared to 2009. Non-compensation expenses increased approximately $41 million over the prior year primarily reflecting higher professional service costs relating to ongoing investments in technology infrastructure as well as higher legal and litigation-related costs related to ongoing matters. Compensation costs increased approximately $26 million primarily due to higher salaries and related employee benefits which reflects annual merit increases and headcount growth in sales personnel within MA as well as in support areas such as compliance and IT coupled with approximately $6 million higher incentive compensation costs reflecting greater achievement against targeted results compared to the prior period.

Restructuring expense in 2009 reflects severance costs associated with the 2009 Restructuring Plan approved on March 27, 2009 and adjustments to the previous estimates for both the 2007 and 2009 Restructuring Plans.

Operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was $576.2 million, up $67.6 million from the same period in 2009, reflecting the 12% increase in revenue being partially offset by the 11% increase in operating expenses. Excluding the restructuring charge and minor restructuring-related adjustments in 2009, operating income increased $49.0 million over the first nine months of 2009.

Interest (expense) income, net for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was $(35.1) million, a $14.2 million increase compared to the same period in 2009. The increase relates primarily to an interest expense reduction of approximately $12 million in the first quarter of 2009 for UTBs and other tax-related liabilities that did not recur in 2010. Additionally, there was interest income related to the favorable settlement of Legacy Tax Matters of $2.5 million and $6.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Other non-operating (expense) income, net of $0.7 million in the first nine months of 2010 increased $9.5 million compared to the prior year. This increase reflects an approximate $5 million charge in 2009 for an international non-income tax matter that did not recur in 2010. Additionally, the increase reflects FX losses of approximately $(4) million in 2010 compared to losses of approximately $(7) million in 2009. The FX losses in both periods reflect the weakening of the euro to the British pound over both of the nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009.

Moody’s ETR was 30.9% for the first nine months of 2010, down from 36.6% in 2009. The lower ETR in 2010 includes a $17.6 million tax benefit, recorded in the third quarter of 2010, on foreign earnings that are indefinitely reinvested as well as a reduction in the state ETR compared to the prior year. The 2010 and 2009 tax expense included benefits of $2.1 million and $1.7 million, respectively, relating to the favorable resolution of Legacy Tax Matters (see “Contingencies – Legacy Tax Matters” below for further information). Also, the 2010 ETR was favorably impacted by the settlement of a non-U.S. tax audit resulting in a reduction of UTBs related to that tax jurisdiction. Additionally, the 2009 ETR reflects a non-taxable $12 million interest expense reduction related to UTBs and other tax-related liabilities. Excluding the Legacy Tax Matters in both years, the ETR in 2010 of 31.4% decreased 600 Bps from 2009.

Net Income in the nine month period ended September 30, 2010, which reflected the aforementioned tax benefit of $17.6 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, was $370.4 million, or $1.56 per diluted share, and increased $70.3 million, or $0.30 per diluted share, compared to the prior year. Excluding benefits for favorable resolutions of Legacy Tax Matters as well as restructuring charges and related adjustments in 2009, Net Income increased $62.3 million, or 21%, to $365.8 million, resulting in a $0.26, or 20%, increase in diluted EPS compared to the prior year.

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)
	2010			2009		% Change Favorable (Unfavorable)
Revenue:
Corporate finance (CFG)	$	399.2		$	293.0		36	%
Structured finance (SFG)		214.7			226.2		(5	)%
Financial institutions (FIG)		213.0			186.5		14	%
Public, project and infrastructure finance (PPIF)		195.4			180.1		8	%


Total external revenue		1,022.3			885.8		15	%
Intersegment royalty		46.3			43.6		6	%


Total MIS revenue		1,068.6			929.4		15	%
Expenses:
Operating and SG&A		562.1			489.5		(15	)%
Restructuring		(0.1	)		9.1		101	%
Depreciation and amortization		25.3			23.1		(10	)%

Total		587.3			521.7		(13	)%


Operating income	$	481.3		$	407.7		18	%

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

Global MIS revenue of $1,022.3 million in the first nine months of 2010 increased $136.5 million compared to the same period in 2009. The increase reflects strong growth in rated issuance for speculative-grade corporate debt and bank loans within CFG as well as good growth from banking related issuance within FIG. These increases were partially offset by declines in investment-grade issuance within CFG. Transaction revenue for MIS in the first nine months of 2010 was 56% compared to 49% in 2009, with the increase primarily reflecting the aforementioned strong rated issuance in the high-yield and bank loan sectors within CFG as well as higher banking related issuance within FIG.

In the U.S., revenue was $590.9 million in the first nine months of 2010, an increase of $107.0 million, or 22%, compared to the same period in 2009. The increase relates primarily to strong rated issuance volumes in bank loans and high-yield corporate debt within CFG, higher issuance in the CREF sector within SFG and good growth in public finance and banking issuance within PPIF and FIG, respectively. These increases were partially offset by declines in U.S. investment-grade rated issuance compared to a strong prior year comparative period as well as declines in derivatives rated issuance within SFG.

Non-U.S. revenue was $431.4 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2010, an increase of $29.5 million, or 7%, over the prior year. The increase reflects growth in banking related revenue across all non-U.S. regions as well as higher speculative-grade corporate debt issuance in the EMEA region. These increases were partially offset by declines within the EMEA region in most asset classes in SFG coupled with lower rated issuance for investment-grade corporate debt.

Global CFG revenue of $399.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 increased $106.2 million from the prior year primarily due to higher rated issuance volumes in the high-yield corporate debt sector, coupled with higher bank loan issuance and an increase in Indicative Ratings and Corporate Family Ratings. The aforementioned growth was partially offset by declines in rated issuance for investment-grade debt. Transaction revenue represented 71% of total CFG revenue in the first nine months of 2010, compared to 65% in the prior year. In the U.S., revenue in the first nine months of 2010 was $261.0 million, or 43% higher than the same period in 2009. This increase is primarily due to higher bank loan issuance which reflects the narrowing of credit spreads which has resulted in a high volume of refinancing activity coupled with increased issuance related to leveraged buy-out activity. Additionally, there was higher speculative-grade corporate debt issuance reflecting increased investor appetite for high-yield instruments as stability returned to the corporate credit markets. These increases were partially offset by lower rated issuance for investment-grade corporate debt compared to a strong prior year period where many companies were refinancing their debt ahead of expected maturities. Internationally, revenue of $138.2 million in the first nine months of 2010

increased 26% compared to the same period in 2009, driven primarily by growth in rated issuance for speculative-grade corporate debt across all regions which reflects the aforementioned increased investor confidence in the high-yield markets coupled with higher revenue from Indicative Ratings and Corporate Family Ratings in the EMEA region. These increases were partially offset by declines in investment-grade rated issuance reflecting a strong comparative prior year period.

Global SFG revenue of $214.7 million in the first nine months of 2010 decreased $11.5 million compared to the same period in 2009 reflecting lower revenue in the derivatives sector partially offset by increased issuance activity in U.S. CREF and structured covered bonds in EMEA. In the U.S., revenue of $107.3 million in the first nine months of 2010 increased $1.7 million compared to the prior year and primarily related to growth in CREF issuance, partially offset by continued declines in the derivatives sector. The increase in U.S. CREF revenue is primarily due to higher real estate investment trust related issuance reflecting the low interest rate environment and narrowing credit spreads in this sector. Non-U.S. revenue of $107.4 million in the first nine months of 2010 decreased $13.2 million compared to the prior year, reflecting declines in most asset classes within the EMEA region as reduced investor demand for structured products resulting from uncertainties surrounding the EU sovereign debt markets has driven down issuance. These decreases were partially offset by higher revenue from rating covered bonds in the EMEA region as investors were attracted to these instruments amidst economic and market uncertainties within the EU region.

Global FIG revenue of $213.0 million in the first nine months of 2010 increased $26.5 million from the prior year, primarily reflecting higher banking related revenue. Transaction revenue increased to 38% of global FIG revenue, up from 28% in the prior year period. In the U.S., revenue of $87.6 million in the first nine months of 2010 increased $10.1 million compared to the prior year. The growth over the prior year was driven by higher banking related revenue compared to a challenging prior year period due to an increase in issuance from smaller banks whose access to the credit markets was limited in the prior year period. Outside the U.S., revenue in the first half of 2010 was $125.4 million, or 15% higher than in the prior year, and was primarily due to growth in banking revenue across all non-U.S. regions compared to a challenging prior year period.

Global PPIF revenue was $195.4 million in the first nine months of 2010, an increase of $15.3 million compared to the same period in 2009, primarily reflecting increases in public and project finance revenue. Revenue generated from new transactions was 58% of total PPIF revenue in the first nine months of 2010, down slightly from 59% in the prior year period. In the U.S., revenue for the nine month period ended September 30, 2010 increased 15% over the prior year primarily due to growth in public finance revenue which reflects modest price increases compared to the prior year coupled with issuance relating to the Build America Bond Program which was implemented in the U.S. as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Additionally, there was higher infrastructure finance revenue relating to issuers’ rising capital expenditure needs. Outside the U.S., PPIF revenue decreased 3% compared to prior year reflecting declines in infrastructure and project finance revenue within the EMEA region due to a strong comparative prior year period, partially offset by higher project finance rated issuance in the Asia and Americas regions.

Operating and SG&A expenses in the first nine months of 2010 increased $72.6 million compared to the prior year and reflected increases in compensation and non-compensation expenses of approximately $34 million and $38 million, respectively. The increase in compensation expenses relates to higher incentive compensation due to greater achievement against targeted results in the first nine months of 2010 compared to the prior year. Additionally, there were higher salaries reflecting annual merit increases, headcount growth within the ratings LOBs as well as support areas such as compliance and IT for which the costs are allocated to each segment based on a revenue-split methodology. The increase in non-compensation expenses reflects higher legal and litigation- related costs relating to ongoing matters and higher IT consulting costs relating to investments in technology infrastructure.

The restructuring charge of $9.1 million in the prior year period reflects costs associated with the 2009 Restructuring Plan approved in the first quarter of 2009 as well as minor adjustments made to both the 2009 and 2007 restructuring plans.

Operating income in the first nine months of 2010 of $481.3 million, which includes the intersegment royalty revenue, increased $73.6 million from the prior year and reflects the 15% increase in total MIS revenue exceeding the 13% increase in operating expenses. Excluding the restructuring-related amounts in both periods, operating income in the first nine months of 2010 was $481.2 million, an increase of $64.4 million from the same period in 2009.

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 (Unfavorable)
	2010		2009
Revenue:
Research, data and analytics (RD&A)	$	315.8	$	307.7		3	%
Risk management software (RMS)		115.3		102.8		12	%
Professional services		14.3		15.1		(5	)%

Total		445.4		425.6		5	%


Expenses:
Operating and SG&A (including intersegment royalty)		326.6		290.8		(12	)%
Restructuring		0.1		9.5		99	%
Depreciation and amortization		23.8		24.4		2	%

Total		350.5		324.7		(8	)%


Operating income	$	94.9	$	100.9		(6	)%

Global MA revenue in the first nine months of 2010 increased $19.8 million over the prior year primarily reflecting growth in RMS and RD&A. Recurring revenue, which includes subscriptions and software maintenance fees, comprised 88% of MA revenue in the first nine months of 2010, slightly lower than 90% in the same period of 2009.

Revenue in the U.S. increased $11.7 million, or 6%, over the prior year and reflected growth across all LOBs. International revenue, which represented 54% and 55% of global MA revenue in each of the nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, increased 3% over the prior year with growth in RD&A and RMS being partially offset by declines in professional services.

Global RD&A revenue, which comprised over 70% of total MA revenue in both 2010 and 2009, increased $8.1 million, or 3%, over the prior year, with 73% of the growth occurring internationally. The increase reflects greater demand for products that support analysis for investment and commercial credit applications and also the gradual stabilization among capital markets customers as disruption from the global financial crisis recedes. Global RMS revenue in the first nine months of 2010 increased $12.5 million over the prior year due to the final delivery and client acceptance of software licenses and implementations. Revenue from professional services decreased $0.8 million compared to 2009. Revenue in the RMS and professional services LOBs are subject to quarterly volatility resulting from the variable nature of project timing and the concentration of revenue in a relatively small number of engagements.

Operating and SG&A expenses in the nine months of 2010, which include the intersegment royalty for the right to use and distribute content, data and products developed by MIS, increased $35.8 million compared to 2009 reflecting both higher compensation and non-compensation costs of approximately $26 million and $10 million, respectively. The increase in compensation costs is primarily due to higher incentive compensation reflecting greater achievement against targeted results in the first nine months of 2010 compared to the prior year as well as higher salaries reflecting annual merit increases and headcount increases to support business growth. Additionally, there was an increase in commissions expense compared to the prior year reflecting higher MA sales. The increase in non-compensation costs reflects higher legal and litigation- related costs relating to ongoing matters and higher IT consulting costs relating to investments in technology infrastructure, most of which are allocated to MA as part of the allocation of overhead and corporate expenses which is based on a revenue-split methodology.

The restructuring charge of $9.5 million in the prior year period reflects severance costs associated with the 2009 Restructuring Plan approved in the first quarter of 2009, which includes costs related to the divestiture of non-strategic assets and contract termination costs for office closures as well as minor adjustments made to original estimates for the 2007 Restructuring Plan.

Operating income of $94.9 million in the first nine months of 2010, which includes the intersegment royalty expense, decreased $6.0 million compared to the prior year, reflecting the $25.8 million increase in total expenses exceeding the $19.8 million increase in revenue. Excluding the 2009 restructuring charge and minor restructuring-related adjustments for both restructuring plans in 2010 and 2009, operating income totaled $95.0 million in nine months ended September 30, 2010, a decrease of $15.4 million from the same period in 2009.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flow

The Company is currently financing its operations, capital expenditures and share repurchases through cash flow from operations and from financing activities. The Company had net repayments on short-term borrowings of $428.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and issued $496.9 million in long-term debt as more fully discussed below.

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)
	2010			2009
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	474.7		$	456.6		$	18.1
Net cash used in investing activities	$	(55.0	)	$	(64.4	)	$	9.4
Net cash used in financing activities	$	(104.7	)	$	(243.6	)	$	138.9

Net cash provided by operating activities

The $18.1 million increase in net cash flows provided by operating activities resulted from an increase in net income of $70.7 million, which was partially offset by the following changes in assets and liabilities:

•

A $20.2 million reduction in cash flow due to changes in year-to-date accounts receivable balances from December 31, 2008 to September 30, 2009 compared to the same period in 2010;

•

An approximate $76 million reduction in cash flows from operations due to an increase in net deferred tax assets;

•

A reduction in cash flows of approximately $13 million related to higher payments in 2010 to settle the 2009 Restructuring Plan obligations compared to 2009;

•

An increase in cash flows of approximately $28 million due to changes in other liabilities primarily reflecting a $17 million payment made in 2009 for interest to settle a tax audit for the 2001-2007 tax years and a $12 million reduction of accrued interest in the prior year, both of which did not recur in 2010;

•

A $48.6 million increase from UTB’s primarily related to a $51 million payment in 2009 for the settlement of a tax audit for the 2001-2007 tax years.

Net cash used in investing activities

Net cash used in investing activities for the first nine months of 2010 decreased $9.4 million compared to the prior year period. The $9.7 million reduction in capital expenditures compared to 2009 reflects less costs relating to the build-out the Canary Wharf leased facility in London, England in the current year as the project nears completion partially offset by higher cash outlays relating to the Company’s continued investment in IT infrastructure.

Net cash used in financing activities

The $138.9 million decrease in cash used in financing activities was primarily attributed to:

•

Proceeds received of $496.9 million relating to the issuance of the 2010 Senior Notes in August 2010;

Partially offset by:

•

A $119.6 million increase in treasury shares repurchased. There were no share repurchases in 2009 as the Company instead utilized its operating cash flow to repay outstanding borrowings;

•

A $242.1 million increase in net repayments in short-term borrowings under the Company’s CP program and revolving credit facility.

Future Cash Requirements

The Company believes that it has the financial resources needed to meet its cash requirements and expects to have positive operating cash flow 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 its ability to manage working capital requirements. The Company may also borrow from various sources.

The Company remains committed to using its strong cash flow to create value for shareholders in a manner consistent with maintaining sufficient liquidity by investing in growing areas of the business, reinvesting in ratings quality initiatives, making selective acquisitions in related businesses, repurchasing stock and paying a dividend. In the near-term, Moody’s intends to maintain its dividend and has commenced a share repurchase program, the continuation of which is dependent on Moody’s liquidity and market conditions. As of September 30, 2010, Moody’s had $1.3 billion of share repurchase authority remaining under its current program, which does not have an established expiration.

During the third quarter of 2010, the Company issued $500 million of 2010 Senior Notes due in September 2020, the proceeds of which were or will be used for general corporate purposes, including the redemption and repayment of short-term or long-term borrowings; working capital needs; capital expenditures; acquisitions of or investments in businesses or assets; and purchases of the Company’s common stock under its authorized stock repurchase program. At September 30, 2010 the Company had total borrowings outstanding from its CP Program of $15 million. At September 30, 2010, Moody’s had $1.3 billion of outstanding debt with approximately $985 million of additional capacity available. Principal payments on the 2008 Term Loan have commenced in September 2010 and will continue through its maturity in accordance with the schedule of payments outlined in the “Indebtedness” section of this MD&A below.

On February 6, 2008, the Company entered into a 17.5 year operating lease agreement to occupy six floors of an office tower located in the Canary Wharf district of London, England. The total base rent of the Canary Wharf Lease over its 17.5-year term is approximately 134 million GBP, and the Company will begin making base rent payments in 2011. In addition to the base rent payments the Company will be obligated to pay certain customary amounts for its share of operating expenses and tax obligations.

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 approximately 21 years with a total of 20 years of renewal options. The total base rent of the 7WTC Lease over its initial 21-year term is approximately $536 million including rent credits from the World Trade Center Rent Reduction Program promulgated by the Empire State Development Corporation. On March 28, 2007, the 7WTC lease agreement was amended for the Company to lease an additional 78,568 square feet at 7WTC. The additional base rent is approximately $106 million over a 20-year term. The total remaining lease payments as of September 30, 2010, including the aforementioned rent credits, are approximately $565 million.

The Company also intends to use a portion of its cash flow to pay dividends. On October 26, 2010, the Board approved the declaration of a quarterly dividend of 10.5 cents per share of Moody’s common stock, payable on December 10, 2010 to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 20, 2010. The continued payment of dividends at this rate, or at all, is subject to the discretion of the Board.

Indebtedness

The following table summarizes total indebtedness:


	September 30, 2010			December 31, 2009
2007 Facility	$	—		$	—
Commercial paper, net of unamortized discount of nil and $0.1 million at 2010 and 2009, respectively.		15.0			443.7
Notes payable:
Series 2005-1 Notes due 2015		300.0			300.0
Series 2007-1 Notes due 2017		300.0			300.0
2010 Senior Notes, net of unamortized discount of $3.1 million in 2010, due 2020		496.9			—
2008 Term Loan, various payments through 2013		148.1			150.0


Total Debt		1,260.0			1,193.7
Current portion		(24.4	)		(447.5	)


Total long-term debt	$	1,235.6		$	746.2

2007 Facility

Commercial Paper

On October 3, 2007, 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. Amounts available under the CP Program may be re-borrowed. The CP Program is supported by the Company’s 2007 Facility. The maturities 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 at the time of issuance. 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) federal funds rate; (d) 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 weighted average interest rate on CP borrowings outstanding was 0.1% and 0.3% as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. 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.

Notes Payable

consolidate or merge with another entity or to sell all or substantially all of its assets to another entity. The Indenture contains customary default provisions. In addition, an event of default will occur if the Company or certain of its subsidiaries fail to pay the principal of any Indebtedness (as defined in the Indenture) when due at maturity in an aggregate amount of $50 million or more, or a default occurs that results in the acceleration of the maturity of the Company’s or certain of its subsidiaries’ Indebtedness in an aggregate amount of $50 million or more. Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an event of default under the Indenture, the notes may become immediately due and payable either automatically or by the vote of the holders of more than 25% of the aggregate principal amount of all of the notes then outstanding.

2008 Term Loan

The principal payments due on the 2008 Term Loan through its maturity are as follows:


Year Ending December 31,
2010 (after September 30)	$	1.9
2011		11.3
2012		71.2
2013		63.7


Total	$	148.1

Interest (expense) income, 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,
	2010			2009			2010			2009
Expense on borrowings	$	(14.0	)	$	(10.4	)	$	(35.4	)	$	(34.8	)
Income		0.8			0.6			1.9			2.0
Expense on UTBs and other tax related liabilities		(0.2	)		(2.4	)		(5.3	)		4.3
Capitalized		0.6			0.7			1.2			1.1
Legacy Tax (a)		—			—			2.5			6.5

Total interest expense, net	$	(12.8	)	$	(11.5	)	$	(35.1	)	$	(20.9	)

(a)	The amounts in both years represent interest income related to the favorable settlement of Legacy Tax Matters, as further discussed below.

Net interest expense of $20.9 million for the first nine months of 2009 reflects a reduction of approximately $12 million related to tax and tax-related liabilities.


	September 30, 2010				December 31, 2009
	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value
Series 2005-1 Notes	$	300.0	$	314.4	$	300.0	$	291.1
Series 2007-1 Notes		300.0		327.8		300.0		298.6
2010 Senior Notes		496.9		515.0		—		—
2008 Term Loan		148.1		148.1		150.0		150.0


Total	$	1,245.0	$	1,305.3	$	750.0	$	739.7

The fair value of the Company’s 2010 Senior Notes is based on quoted market prices. The fair value of the remaining long-term debt, which is not publicly traded, is estimated using discounted cash flows with inputs based on prevailing interest rates available to the Company for borrowings with similar maturities.

Management may consider pursuing additional long-term financing when it is appropriate in light of cash requirements for operations, share repurchases and other strategic opportunities, which would result in higher financing costs.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

At September 30, 2010, 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.

Contractual Obligations

The following table presents payments due under the Company’s contractual obligations as of September 30, 2010:


			Payments Due by Period
	Total		Less Than 1 Year		1-3 Years		3-5 Years		Over 5 Years
Indebtedness (1)	$	1,753.7	$	91.2	$	267.3	$	421.2	$	974.0
Operating lease obligations		879.5		56.4		122.2		108.8		592.1
Purchase obligations (2)		120.0		62.8		47.5		9.7		—
Pension obligations (3)		74.2		8.8		11.5		7.4		46.5
Capital lease obligations		0.3		0.3		—		—		—


Total (4)	$	2,827.7	$	219.5	$	448.5	$	547.1	$	1,612.6

(1)	Reflects principal payments, related interest and applicable fees on the 2008 Term Loan, the Series 2005-1 Notes, the Series 2007-1 Notes, the 2010 Senior Notes, borrowings under the CP Program and the 2007 Facility, as described in Note 11 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

(2)	Includes amounts contractually committed to for the build-out of the Canary Wharf Lease.

(3)	Reflects projected benefit payments for the next ten years relating to the Company’s unfunded Post-Retirement Benefit Plans described in Note 10 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

(4)	The table above does not include the Company’s net long-term tax liabilities of $227.4 million relating to UTBs and Legacy Tax Matters since the expected cash outflow of such amounts by period cannot be reasonably estimated.

Dividends

2010 Outlook

Moody’s outlook for 2010 is based on assumptions about many macroeconomic and capital market factors, including interest rates, corporate profitability, business investment spending, merger and acquisition activity, consumer borrowing and securitization, and the eventual withdrawal of government-sponsored economic stabilization initiatives. There is an important degree of uncertainty surrounding these assumptions and, if actual conditions differ from these assumptions, Moody’s results for the year may differ materially from the current outlook. The Company’s guidance assumes foreign currency translation at end-of-quarter exchange rates.

Moody’s is raising its guidance for diluted earnings per share for full-year 2010 to a range of $1.90 to $1.96. Certain components of 2010 guidance have been modified to reflect Moody’s current view of credit market conditions and implications for the Company. For Moody’s overall, the Company now expects full-year 2010 revenue to increase in the high-single to low-double-digit percent range and expenses to increase in the low-double-digit percent range. The Company continues to estimate incremental costs related to new regulation of approximately $15 million for this year and $15 to 25 million for next year. The Company still projects the full-year 2010 operating margin in the high-thirties percent range and now expects the 2010 effective tax rate in the range of 33 to 34 percent. Share repurchase is expected to continue in 2010, subject to available cash flow and other capital allocation decisions.

For the global MIS business, full-year 2010 revenue is now expected to increase in the low-double-digit percent range. The Company now projects MIS revenue growth in the high-teens percent range within the U.S. and in the low- to mid-single-digit percent range outside the U.S. Corporate finance revenue is now expected to increase in the low-thirties percent range. The Company now expects structured finance revenue to decline in the mid-single-digit percent range and revenue from financial institutions to grow in the mid-single-digit percent range. Public, project and infrastructure finance revenue is still projected to increase in the mid-single-digit percent range.

For Moody’s Analytics, the Company continues to expect full-year 2010 revenue to increase in the mid-single-digit percent range. The Company still projects revenue growth in the low-single-digit percent range for research, data and analytics, while revenue in both the risk management software and professional services businesses is now expected to increase in the mid-teens percent range. Moody’s still expects MA revenue both in the U.S. and outside the U.S. to grow in the mid-single-digit percent range.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In October 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-13, “Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements” (“ASU 2009-13”). The new standard changes the requirements for establishing separate units of accounting in a multiple element arrangement and requires the allocation of arrangement consideration to each deliverable based on the relative selling price. The selling price for each deliverable is based on vendor-specific objective evidence of selling price (“VSOE”) if available, third-party evidence (“TPE”) if VSOE is not available, or estimated selling price (“ESP”) if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. The Company has elected to early adopt ASU 2009-13 on a prospective basis for applicable transactions originating or materially modified on or after January 1, 2010. Further information on the early adoption of this standard is set forth in Item 2. “Critical Accounting Estimates” of this MD&A.

Contingencies

On June 27, 2008, the Brockton Contributory Retirement System, a purported shareholder of the Company’s securities, filed a purported shareholder derivative complaint on behalf of the Company against its directors and certain senior officers, and the Company as nominal defendant, in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York. The plaintiff asserts various causes of action relating to the named defendants’ oversight of MIS’s ratings of RMBS and constant-proportion debt obligations, and their participation in the alleged public dissemination of false and misleading information about MIS’s ratings practices and/or a failure to implement internal procedures and controls to prevent the alleged wrongdoing. The plaintiff seeks compensatory damages, restitution, disgorgement of profits and other equitable relief. On July 2, 2008, Thomas R. Flynn, a purported shareholder of the Company’s securities, filed a similar purported shareholder derivative complaint on behalf of the Company against its directors and certain senior officers, and the Company as nominal defendant, in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York, asserting similar claims and seeking the same relief. The cases have been consolidated and plaintiffs filed an amended consolidated complaint in November 2008. The Company removed the consolidated action to the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York in December 2008. In January 2009, the plaintiffs moved to remand the case to the Supreme Court of the State of New York, which the Company opposed. On February 23, 2010, the court issued an opinion remanding the case to the Supreme Court of New York. On October 30, 2008, the Louisiana Municipal Police Employees Retirement System, a purported shareholder of the Company’s securities, also filed a shareholder derivative complaint on behalf of the Company against its directors and certain officers, and the Company as a nominal defendant, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. This complaint also asserts various causes of action relating to the Company’s ratings of RMBS, CDO and constant-proportion debt obligations, and named defendants’ participation in the alleged public dissemination of false and misleading information about MIS’s ratings practices and/or a failure to implement internal procedures and controls to prevent the alleged wrongdoing. On December 9, 2008, Rena Nadoff, a purported shareholder of the Company, filed a shareholder derivative complaint on behalf of the Company against its directors and its CEO, and the Company as a nominal defendant, in the Supreme Court of the State of New York. The complaint asserts a claim for breach of fiduciary duty in connection with alleged overrating of asset-backed securities and underrating of municipal securities. On October 20, 2009, the Company moved to dismiss or stay the action in favor of related federal litigation. On January 26, 2010, the court entered a stipulation and order, submitted jointly by the parties, staying the Nadoff litigation pending coordination and prosecution of similar claims in the above and below described federal derivative actions. On July 6, 2009, W. A. Sokolowski, a purported shareholder of the Company, filed a purported shareholder derivative complaint on behalf of the Company against its directors and current and former officers, and the Company as a nominal defendant, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The complaint asserts claims relating to alleged mismanagement of the Company’s processes for rating structured finance transactions, alleged insider trading and causing the Company to buy back its own stock at artificially inflated prices.

re Moody’s Corporation Securities Litigation in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. On June 27, 2008, a consolidated amended complaint was filed, purportedly on behalf of all purchasers of the Company’s securities during the period February 3, 2006 through October 24, 2007. Plaintiffs allege that the defendants issued false and/or misleading statements concerning the Company’s business conduct, business prospects, business conditions and financial results relating primarily to MIS’s ratings of structured finance products including RMBS, CDO and constant-proportion debt obligations. The plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and their reasonable costs and expenses incurred in connection with the case. The Company moved for dismissal of the consolidated amended complaint in September 2008. On February 23, 2009, the court issued an opinion dismissing certain claims and sustaining others.

Legacy Tax Matters

The following summary of the relationships among Moody’s, New D&B and their predecessor entities is important in understanding the Company’s exposure to the Legacy Tax Matters.

Amortization Expense Deductions

Regulation

In the U.S., since 1975, MIS has been designated as an NRSRO by the SEC. The SEC first applied the NRSRO designation in that year to companies whose credit ratings could be used by broker-dealers for purposes of determining their net capital requirements. Since that time, Congress, the SEC and other governmental and private bodies have used the ratings of NRSROs to distinguish between “investment-grade” and “non-investment-grade” securities, among other purposes.

In September 2006, the Credit Rating Agency Reform Act of 2006 was passed, which created a voluntary registration process for rating agencies wishing to be designated as NRSROs. The CRA Reform Act provided the SEC with authority to oversee NRSROs, while prohibiting the SEC from regulating the substance of credit ratings or the procedures and methodologies by which any NRSRO determines credit ratings. In June 2007, the SEC published its first set of rules implementing the CRA Reform Act. These rules address the NRSRO application and registration process, as well as oversight rules related to recordkeeping, financial reporting, prevention of misuse of material non-public information, conflicts of interest, and prohibited acts and practices. In February 2009, the SEC published a second set of rules applicable to NRSROs, the majority of which provide requirements for managing conflicts of interest, enhancing record keeping requirements, and improving transparency of ratings performance and methodologies. In November 2009, the SEC published a third set of final rules for NRSROs.