Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


Form 10-Q

 


(Mark one)

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

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2006

Or

 

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

For the transition period from              to            

Commission file number 1-14037

 


Moody’s Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Delaware   13-3998945
(State of Incorporation)   (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
99 Church 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 is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer  x    Accelerated filer  ¨   Non-accelerated filer  ¨

Indicate by checkmark 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 June 30, 2006

Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share

   281.9 million

 



Table of Contents

MOODY’S CORPORATION

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

 

          Page
   PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION   

Item 1.

  

Financial Statements

  
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the Three Months and Six Months Ended June 30, 2006 and 2005

   3
  

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) at June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005

   4
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2006 and 2005

   5
  

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

   6-20

Item 2.

  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   21-38

Item 3.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

   38

Item 4.

  

Controls and Procedures

   38
   PART II. OTHER INFORMATION   

Item 1.

  

Legal Proceedings

   39

Item 1A.

  

Risk Factors

   39

Item 2.

  

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

   39-40

Item 4.

  

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

   40

Item 6.

  

Exhibits

   40

SIGNATURES

   41

Exhibits

     

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

  

 

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Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

MOODY’S CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

(Amounts in millions, except per share data)

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
         2006            2005             2006            2005      

Revenue

   $ 511.4    $ 446.8     $ 951.6    $ 837.3  

Expenses

          

Operating, selling, general and administrative

     213.0      185.3       405.5      354.7  

Depreciation and amortization

     9.3      8.7       18.7      17.3  
                              

Total expenses

     222.3      194.0       424.2      372.0  
                              

Operating income

     289.1      252.8       527.4      465.3  
                              

Interest and other non-operating income (expense), net

     0.7      (3.9 )     4.1      (9.1 )
                              

Income before provision for income taxes

     289.8      248.9       531.5      456.2  

Provision for income taxes

     117.7      103.5       213.2      192.1  
                              

Net income

   $ 172.1    $ 145.4     $ 318.3    $ 264.1  
                              

Earnings per share

          

Basic

   $ 0.60    $ 0.48     $ 1.10    $ 0.88  
                              

Diluted

   $ 0.59    $ 0.47     $ 1.07    $ 0.86  
                              

Weighted average shares outstanding

          

Basic

     286.4      300.4       288.5      299.7  
                              

Diluted

     293.7      307.7       296.6      306.9  
                              

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

 

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MOODY’S CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

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

 

     June 30,
2006
    December 31,
2005
 
ASSETS     

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 223.2     $ 486.0  

Short-term investments

     7.1       94.5  

Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $13.7 in 2006 and $12.7 in 2005

     424.6       421.8  

Other current assets

     24.9       49.5  
                

Total current assets

     679.8       1,051.8  

Property and equipment, net

     60.0       55.4  

Prepaid pension costs

     54.1       56.4  

Goodwill

     154.0       152.1  

Intangible assets, net

     66.6       70.8  

Other assets

     116.6       70.7  
                

Total assets

   $ 1,131.1     $ 1,457.2  
                
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY     

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   $ 192.2     $ 279.8  

Deferred revenue

     334.9       299.1  
                

Total current liabilities

     527.1       578.9  

Non-current portion of deferred revenue

     88.9       75.7  

Notes payable

     300.0       300.0  

Other liabilities

     194.5       193.2  
                

Total liabilities

     1,110.5       1,147.8  
                

Contingencies (Note 8)

    

Shareholders’ equity:

    

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

     —         —    

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

     —         —    

Common stock, par value $.01 per share; 1,000,000,000 shares authorized; 342,902,272 shares issued at June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005

     3.4       3.4  

Capital surplus

     303.3       240.9  

Retained earnings

     1,717.5       1,419.2  

Treasury stock, at cost; 60,995,344 and 52,604,734 shares of common stock at June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively

     (2,011.1 )     (1,353.2 )

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     7.5       (0.9 )
                

Total shareholders’ equity

     20.6       309.4  
                

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 1,131.1     $ 1,457.2  
                

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

 

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MOODY’S CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

(Amounts in millions)

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2006     2005  

Cash flows from operating activities

    

Net income

   $ 318.3     $ 264.1  

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

    

Depreciation and amortization

     18.7       17.3  

Stock-based compensation expense

     34.6       29.2  

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation plans

     (74.3 )     33.4  

Changes in assets and liabilities:

    

Accounts receivable

     2.6       (9.6 )

Other current assets

     25.1       (0.8 )

Prepaid pension costs

     2.3       1.7  

Other assets

     (50.5 )     (6.5 )

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     (0.9 )     (27.1 )

Deferred revenue

     46.4       33.7  

Other liabilities

     0.3       10.2  
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     322.6       345.6  
                

Cash flows from investing activities

    

Capital additions

     (12.9 )     (11.7 )

Purchases of marketable securities

     (338.8 )     (13.0 )

Sales and maturities of marketable securities

     429.1       9.1  

Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired

     (2.0 )     (3.9 )
                

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     75.4       (19.5 )
                

Cash flows from financing activities

    

Net proceeds from stock plans

     70.5       52.5  

Cost of treasury shares repurchased

     (775.8 )     (19.2 )

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation plans

     74.3       —    

Payment of dividends

     (40.3 )     (27.8 )

Payments under capital lease obligations

     —         (0.6 )
                

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (671.3 )     4.9  

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     10.5       (6.3 )
                

(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (262.8 )     324.7  

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period

     486.0       606.1  
                

Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period

   $ 223.2     $ 930.8  
                

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

 

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Table of Contents

MOODY’S CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

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

1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Moody’s Corporation (“Moody’s” or the “Company”) is a provider of (i) credit ratings, research and analysis covering fixed income securities, other debt instruments and the entities that issue such instruments in the global capital markets, and credit training services, and (ii) quantitative credit risk assessment products and services and credit processing software for banks, corporations and investors in credit-sensitive assets. Moody’s operates in two reportable segments: Moody’s Investors Service and Moody’s KMV (“MKMV”). Moody’s Investors Service publishes rating opinions on a broad range of credit obligors and credit obligations issued in domestic and international markets, including various corporate and governmental obligations, structured finance securities and commercial paper programs. It also publishes investor-oriented credit research and economic commentary, including in-depth research on major issuers, industry studies, special comments and credit opinion handbooks. The MKMV business develops and distributes quantitative credit risk assessment products and services and credit processing software for banks, corporations and investors in credit-sensitive assets.

The Company operated as part of The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation (“Old D&B”) until September 30, 2000 (the “Distribution Date”), when Old D&B separated into two publicly traded companies—Moody’s Corporation and The New D&B Corporation (“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 “D&B Business”). 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”. The method by which Old D&B distributed to its shareholders its shares of New D&B stock is hereinafter referred to as the “2000 Distribution”.

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 (the “2000 Distribution Agreement”), Tax Allocation Agreement, Employee Benefits Agreement, Shared Transaction Services Agreement, Insurance and Risk Management Services Agreement, Data Services Agreement and Transition Services 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 2005 annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 1, 2006. 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 statement of financial position, results of operations and cash flows at the dates and for the periods presented have been included. The year-end condensed 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.

2. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

On January 1, 2006, the Company adopted, under the modified prospective application method, the fair value method of accounting for stock-based compensation under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123 (Revised 2004) “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS No. 123R”). Under this pronouncement, companies are required to record compensation expense for all share-based payment award transactions granted to employees based on the fair value of the equity instrument at the time of grant. This includes shares issued under employee stock purchase plans, stock options, restricted stock and stock appreciation rights. Previously, on January 1, 2003, the Company adopted, on a prospective basis, the fair value method of accounting for stock-based compensation under SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”.

 

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MOODY’S CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

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

 

In the first half of 2006, the incremental compensation expense due to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R caused operating income and income before provision for income taxes to decrease by $2.9 million, net income to decrease by $1.7 million and had a $0.01 impact on both basic and diluted earnings per share. In addition, prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, cash retained as a result of tax deductions relating to stock-based compensation was presented in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows as an operating cash flow, along with other tax cash flows, in accordance with the provisions of Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) No. 00-15, “Classification in the Statement of Cash Flows of the Income Tax Benefit Received by a Company upon Exercise of a Nonqualified Employee Stock Option” (“EITF 00-15”). SFAS No. 123R supersedes EITF 00-15, amends SFAS No. 95, “Statement of Cash Flows”, and requires tax benefits relating to excess stock-based compensation deductions to be prospectively presented in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows as a financing cash flow. As a result of this change in presentation, $74.3 million of excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation was recorded as a cash flow from financing activities rather than a cash flow from operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2006.

The condensed consolidated statements of operations include pre-tax compensation expense of $20.7 million and $12.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively; and $34.6 million and $29.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, related to stock-based compensation plans. The total income tax benefit recognized in the income statement for stock-based compensation plans was $7.8 million and $4.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively; and $13.2 million and $11.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. There was $0.1 million of compensation expense capitalized for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006. There was no compensation expense capitalized for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005. The expense for the six months ended June 30, 2005 includes approximately $9.1 million relating to the accelerated expensing of equity grants for employees who were at or near retirement eligibility as defined in the related Company stock plans. The 2005 expense is less than that which would have been recognized if the fair value method had been applied to all awards since the original effective date of SFAS No. 123 rather than being applied prospectively as of January 1, 2003. Had the Company determined stock-based compensation expense using the fair value method provisions of SFAS No. 123 since its original effective date, Moody’s net income and earnings per share for 2005 would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts shown below. The pro forma amounts for the six months ended June 30, 2005 include the effect of the $9.1 million pre-tax charge discussed above.

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30, 2005
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2005
 

Net income:

    

As reported

   $ 145.4     $ 264.1  

Add: Stock-based compensation expense included in reported net income, net of tax

     7.7       17.7  

Deduct: Stock-based compensation expense determined under the fair value method, net of tax

     (8.9 )     (20.6 )
                

Pro forma net income

   $ 144.2     $ 261.2  
                

Basic earnings per share:

    

As reported

   $ 0.48     $ 0.88  

Pro forma

   $ 0.48     $ 0.87  

Diluted earnings per share:

    

As reported

   $ 0.47     $ 0.86  

Pro forma

   $ 0.47     $ 0.85  

 

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Table of Contents

MOODY’S CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

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

 

The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model that uses the assumptions noted below. The expected dividend yield is derived from the annual dividend rate on the date of grant. The expected stock volatility is based on implied volatility from traded options as well as historical volatility. The risk-free interest rate is the rate in effect at the time of the grant based on U.S. government zero coupon bonds with maturities similar to the expected holding period. The expected holding period was determined by examining historical and projected post-vesting exercise behavior activity. The following weighted average assumptions were used for options granted during the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005:

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
       2006         2005       2006     2005  

Expected dividend yield

   0.39 %   0.54 %   0.44 %   0.53 %

Expected stock volatility

   23 %   23 %   23 %   23 %

Risk-free interest rate

   4.88 %   4.29 %   4.59 %   4.07 %

Expected holding period

   6 yrs     6 yrs     6 yrs     6 yrs  

Prior to the 2000 Distribution, certain employees of Moody’s received grants of Old D&B stock options under Old D&B’s 1998 Key Employees’ Stock Incentive Plan (the “1998 Plan”). At the Distribution Date, all unexercised Old D&B stock options held by Moody’s employees were converted into separately exercisable options to acquire Moody’s common stock and separately exercisable options to acquire New D&B common stock, such that each option had the same ratio of the exercise price per option to the market value per share, the same aggregate difference between market value and exercise price, and the same vesting provisions, option periods and other terms and conditions applicable prior to the 2000 Distribution. Old D&B stock options held by employees and retirees of Old D&B were converted in the same manner. Immediately after the 2000 Distribution, the 1998 Plan was amended and adopted by the Company.

Under the 1998 Plan, 33,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock have been reserved for issuance. The Amended and Restated 2001 Moody’s Corporation Key Employees’ Stock Incentive Plan (the “2001 Plan”), which is shareholder approved, permits the granting of up to 25,600,000 shares, of which not more than 5,000,000 shares are available for grants of awards other than stock options. Both the 1998 Plan and the 2001 Plan (“Stock Plans”) provide that options are exercisable not later than ten years from the grant date. The vesting period for awards under the Stock Plans is determined by the Board of Directors at the date of the grant and has been four years except for employees who are at or near retirement eligibility, as defined, for which vesting is between one and four years. Options may not be granted at less than the fair market value of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant. The Stock Plans also provide for the granting of restricted stock. Unlike the 1998 Plan, the 2001 Plan also provides that consultants to the Company or any of its affiliates are eligible to be granted options.

The Company maintains a stock plan for its Board of Directors, the 1998 Moody’s Corporation Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Incentive Plan (the “Directors’ Plan”), which permits the granting of awards in the form of non-qualified stock options, restricted stock or performance shares. The Directors’ Plan provides that options are exercisable not later than ten years from the grant date. The vesting period is determined by the Board of Directors at the date of the grant and is generally one year for options and three years for restricted stock. Under the Directors’ Plan, 800,000 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance. Any director of the Company who is not an employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries as of the date that an award is granted is eligible to participate in the Directors’ Plan.

 

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Table of Contents

MOODY’S CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

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

 

A summary of option activity as of June 30, 2006 and changes during the six months then ended is presented below:

 

Options

   Shares    

Weighted

Average

Exercise Price

Per Share

  

Weighted

Average

Remaining

Contractual

Term

  

Aggregate

Intrinsic

Value

Outstanding, December 31, 2005

   23.7     $ 23.62      

Granted

   2.9       63.18      

Exercised

   (4.0 )     18.32      

Forfeited or expired

   (0.4 )     40.12      
              

Outstanding, June 30, 2006

   22.2     $ 29.48    6.4 yrs    $ 580.0
              

Vested and unvested expected to vest, June 30, 2006

   21.4     $ 28.79    6.3 yrs    $ 571.3
              

Exercisable, June 30, 2006

   13.3     $ 19.92    5.1 yrs    $ 459.7
              

The weighted average grant date fair value per option of Moody’s options granted during the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 was $23.70 and $12.29, respectively; and $19.97 and $12.50 for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between Moody’s closing stock price on the last trading day of the first half of 2006 and the exercise prices, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options as of June 30, 2006. This amount changes based on the fair value of Moody’s stock. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, was $186.1 million and $86.7 million, respectively. As of June 30, 2006, there was $90.6 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to options. The expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.3 years. Proceeds received from the exercise of stock options was $74.2 million and $52.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The tax benefit realized from stock options exercised during the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 was $75.6 million and $35.0 million, respectively.

At June 30, 2006, options outstanding of 20.7 million and 1.5 million were held by Moody’s employees and retirees and New D&B employees and retirees, respectively.

A summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested restricted stock as of June 30, 2006 and changes during the six months then ended is presented below:

 

Nonvested Restricted Stock

   Shares     Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value Per Share

Balance, December 31, 2005

   1.3     $ 38.59

Granted

   0.9       63.18

Vested

   (0.4 )     37.80

Forfeited

   (0.1 )     48.34
        

Balance, June 30, 2006

   1.7     $ 51.92
        

 

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MOODY’S CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

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

 

The total fair value of shares vested during the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 was $27.0 million and $9.7 million, respectively. As of June 30, 2006, there was $67.2 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested restricted stock. The expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.4 years. The tax benefit realized from the vesting of restricted stock during the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 was $10.7 million and $3.9 million, respectively.

The Company has a policy of issuing treasury stock to satisfy shares issued under stock-based compensation plans. The Company currently expects to use a significant portion of its cash flow to continue its share repurchase program. The Company implemented a systematic share repurchase program in the third quarter of 2005 through a SEC Rule 10b5-1 program. Moody’s may also purchase opportunistically when conditions warrant. On June 5, 2006, the Board of Directors authorized an additional $2 billion share repurchase program. Moody’s will begin repurchasing shares under the new program upon completion of the $1 billion program authorized in October 2005. The Company’s intent is to return capital to shareholders in a way that serves their long-term interests. As a result, Moody’s share repurchase activity will continue to vary from quarter to quarter.

At the Distribution Date, all unexercised Old D&B stock options were converted into separately exercisable options of Moody’s and New D&B. The 2000 Distribution Agreement provided that, for subsequent exercises of those options, the issuer of the stock rather than the employer would be entitled to the related tax deduction. Accordingly, from the Distribution Date through the 2002 tax year, Moody’s claimed tax deductions when employees of New D&B exercised Moody’s stock options and vice versa.

Beginning with stock option exercises in 2003, Moody’s changed its tax deductions to conform to an IRS ruling which clarified that the employer should take the tax deduction for option exercises rather than the issuer. The 2000 Distribution Agreement entitles Moody’s to reimbursement from New D&B for the resulting loss of the issuer-based tax deductions and in the first quarter of 2006, Moody’s received $20.9 million from New D&B. Accordingly, as of June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, Moody’s has reflected $12.5 million and $5.1 million, respectively, in other assets related to the amounts due from New D&B and $18.1 million in other current assets as of December 31, 2005.

In addition, the Company also sponsors the Moody’s Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”). The ESPP allows eligible employees to purchase common stock of the Company on a monthly basis at 85% of its fair market value on the first trading day of the month. The employee purchases are funded through after-tax payroll deductions, which plan participants can elect at from one percent to ten percent of compensation, subject to the federal limit. This results in stock-based compensation expense for the difference between the purchase price and fair market value under SFAS No. 123R as well as under SFAS No. 123.

3. RECONCILIATION OF WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING

Below is a reconciliation of basic shares outstanding to diluted shares outstanding:

 

    

Three Months Ended

June 30,

  

Six Months Ended

June 30,

         2006            2005            2006            2005    

Basic

   286.4    300.4    288.5    299.7

Dilutive effect of shares issuable under stock-based compensation plans

   7.3    7.3    8.1    7.2
                   

Diluted

   293.7    307.7    296.6    306.9
                   

 

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MOODY’S CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

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

 

Options to purchase 2.9 million and 4.0 million common shares for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively; and 2.9 million and 4.1 million common shares for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, were outstanding but were not included in the computation of diluted weighted average shares outstanding because they were antidilutive.

4. 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 and include auction rate certificates at December 31, 2005. The short-term investments are classified as available-for-sale and therefore are carried at fair value. The remaining contractual maturities of the short-term investments were one month to 11 months and one month to 38 years as of June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively. Unrealized holding gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, if any, would be included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of applicable income taxes in the condensed consolidated financial statements. During the three months and six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, there were no realized gains or losses from sales of available-for-sale securities.

5. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

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

 

    

Six Months Ended

June 30, 2006

  

Year Ended

December 31, 2005

    

Moody’s

Investors

Service

  

Moody’s

KMV

   Consolidated   

Moody’s

Investors

Service

  

Moody’s

KMV

   Consolidated

Beginning balance

   $ 28.0    $ 124.1    $ 152.1    $ 7.6    $ 124.1    $ 131.7

Additions

     1.4      —        1.4      20.3      —        20.3

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     0.5      —        0.5      0.1      —        0.1
                                         

Ending balance

   $ 29.9    $ 124.1    $ 154.0    $ 28.0    $ 124.1    $ 152.1
                                         

The following table summarizes intangible assets at the dates indicated:

 

    

June 30,

2006

   

December 31,

2005

 

Customer lists (11.3 year original weighted average life)

   $ 60.6     $ 60.2  

Accumulated amortization

     (24.0 )     (21.2 )
                

Net customer lists

     36.6       39.0  
                

MKMV trade secret (12.0 year weighted average life)

     25.5       25.5  

Accumulated amortization

     (1.2 )     (0.2 )
                

Net trade secret

     24.3       25.3  
                

Other amortizable intangible assets (5.0 year original weighted average life)

     13.3       12.9  

Accumulated amortization

     (7.6 )     (6.4 )
                

Net other amortizable intangible assets

     5.7       6.5  
                

Total intangible assets

   $ 66.6     $ 70.8  
                

 

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MOODY’S CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

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

 

Amortization expense for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 was $5.0 million and $3.3 million, respectively. In December 2005, the Company began amortizing the MKMV trade secret over 12 years.

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

 

Year Ending December 31,

    

2006 (after June 30)

   $ 4.9

2007

     9.1

2008

     8.0

2009

     7.1

2010

     7.1

Thereafter

   $ 30.4

6. PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS

Moody’s maintains both funded and unfunded noncontributory defined benefit pension plans in which substantially all U.S. employees of the Company are eligible to participate. The plans provide defined benefits using a cash balance formula based on years of service and career average salary or final average pay for selected executives.

The Company also provides certain healthcare and life insurance benefits for retired U.S. employees (“Other Post-Retirement Plans”). The post-retirement healthcare plans are contributory with participants’ contributions adjusted annually; the life insurance plans are noncontributory. Effective at the Distribution Date, Moody’s assumed responsibility for pension and Other Post-Retirement Plans relating to its active employees. New D&B has assumed responsibility for the Company’s retirees and vested terminated employees as of the Distribution Date.

Following are the components of net periodic expense related to the pension and Other Post-Retirement Plans for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005:

 

     Pension Plans     Other Post-Retirement Plans
    

Three Months

Ended

June 30, 2006

   

Three Months

Ended

June 30, 2005

   

Three Months

Ended

June 30, 2006

  

Three Months

Ended

June 30, 2005

Components of net periodic expense

         

Service cost

   $ 2.9     $ 2.4     $ 0.2    $ 0.1

Interest cost

     1.7       1.5       0.1      0.1

Expected return on plan assets

     (2.1 )     (2.0 )     —        —  

Amortization of net actuarial loss from earlier periods

     0.8       0.7       —        —  

Amortization of unrecognized prior service costs

     0.1       0.1       —        —  
                             

Net periodic expense

   $ 3.4     $ 2.7     $ 0.3    $ 0.2
                             

 

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MOODY’S CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

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

 

    Pension Plans     Other Post-Retirement Plans
   

Six Months

Ended

June 30, 2006

   

Six Months

Ended

June 30, 2005

   

Six Months

Ended

June 30, 2006

 

Six Months

Ended

June 30, 2005

Components of net periodic expense

       

Service cost

  $ 5.6     $ 5.0     $ 0.4   $ 0.3

Interest cost

    3.5       3.1       0.2     0.2

Expected return on plan assets

    (4.2 )     (4.1 )     —       —  

Amortization of net actuarial loss from earlier periods

    1.6       1.3       —       —  

Amortization of unrecognized prior service costs

    0.2       0.2       0.1     —  
                           

Net periodic expense

  $ 6.7     $ 5.5     $ 0.7   $ 0.5
                           

The Company made payments of $0.4 million related to its unfunded pension plan obligations during the six months ended June 30, 2006 and no payments during the six months ended June 30, 2005. Moody’s made no contributions to its funded pension plans during both the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005. The Company made no significant payments to its Other Post-Retirement Plans during both the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005. The Company presently anticipates making payments of $0.5 million to its unfunded pension plans and $0.3 million to its Other Post-Retirement Plans during the remainder of 2006.

7. INDEBTEDNESS

On September 30, 2005, the Company entered into a Note Purchase Agreement and issued and sold through a private placement transaction, $300 million aggregate principal amount of its Series 2005-1 Senior Unsecured Notes (the “Notes”). The 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. The proceeds from the sale of the Notes were used to refinance $300 million aggregate principal amount of the Company’s outstanding 7.61% Senior Notes (“Old Notes”) which matured on September 30, 2005. In the event that Moody’s pays all or part of the Notes in advance of their maturity (the “Prepaid Principal”), such prepayment will be subject to a penalty calculated based on the excess, if any, of the discounted value of the remaining scheduled payments, as defined in the agreement, over the Prepaid Principal. Interest paid under the Notes and Old Notes was $7.5 million and $11.4 million in each of the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

On September 1, 2004, Moody’s entered into a five-year senior, unsecured bank revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) in an aggregate principal amount of $160 million that expires in September 2009. The Facility replaced the $80 million five-year facility that was scheduled to expire in September 2005 and the $80 million 364-day facility that expired in September 2004. Interest on borrowings under the Facility is payable at rates that are based on the London InterBank Offered Rate plus a premium that can range from 17 basis points to 47.5 basis points depending on the Company’s ratio of total indebtedness to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“Earnings Coverage Ratio”), as defined in the related agreement. At June 30, 2006, such premium was 17 basis points. The Company also pays quarterly facility fees, regardless of borrowing activity under the Facility. The quarterly fees can range from 8 basis points of the Facility amount to 15 basis points, depending on the Company’s Earnings Coverage Ratio, and were 8 basis points at June 30, 2006. Under the Facility, the Company also pays a utilization fee of 12.5 basis points on borrowings outstanding when the aggregate amount outstanding under the Facility exceeds 50% of the Facility. No interest was paid under the Facility for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 as no borrowings were outstanding during those periods.

 

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MOODY’S CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

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

 

The Notes and the Facility (the “Agreements”) contain 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. The Facility also contains financial covenants that, among other things, require the Company to maintain an Interest Coverage Ratio, as defined in the agreement, of not less than 3 to 1 for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, and an Earnings Coverage Ratio, as defined in the agreement, of not more than 4 to 1 at the end of any fiscal quarter. At June 30, 2006, the Company was in compliance with such covenants. Upon the occurrence of certain financial or economic events, significant corporate events or certain other events constituting an event of default under the Agreements, all loans outstanding under the Agreements (including accrued interest and fees payable thereunder) may be declared immediately due and payable and all commitments under the Agreements may be terminated. In addition, certain other events of default under the Agreements would automatically result in amounts outstanding becoming immediately due and payable and all commitments being terminated.

Moody’s total interest expense was $3.8 million and $5.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively; and $7.6 million and $11.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Total interest income on cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments was $4.7 million and $6.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively; and $11.0 million and $10.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

8. CONTINGENCIES

From time to time, Moody’s is involved in legal and tax proceedings, claims and litigation that are incidental to the Company’s business, including claims based on ratings assigned by Moody’s. 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, other than routine litigation incidental to Moody’s business, material proceedings known to be contemplated by governmental authorities and other pending matters that it may determine to be appropriate. For those matters where it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated, the Company has recorded liabilities in the condensed consolidated financial statements and periodically adjusts these as appropriate. In other instances, because of the uncertainties related to both 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 liabilities accordingly.

Based on its review of the latest information available, in the opinion of management, the ultimate liability of the Company in connection with pending legal and tax proceedings, claims and litigation will not have a material adverse effect on Moody’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows, subject to the contingencies described below.

Legacy Contingencies

Moody’s has exposure to certain potential liabilities assumed in connection with the 2000 Distribution. These contingencies are referred to by Moody’s as “Legacy Contingencies”. The principal Legacy Contingencies presently outstanding relate to tax matters.

 

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MOODY’S CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

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

 

To understand the Company’s exposure to the potential liabilities described below, it is important to understand the relationship between Moody’s and New D&B, and the relationship among New D&B and its predecessors and other parties who, through various corporate reorganizations and related contractual commitments, have assumed varying degrees of responsibility with respect to such matters.

In November 1996, The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation through a spin-off separated into three separate public companies: The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation, ACNielsen Corporation (“ACNielsen”) and Cognizant Corporation (“Cognizant”). In June 1998, The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation through a spin-off separated into two separate public companies: The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation and R.H. Donnelley Corporation. During 1998, Cognizant through a spin-off separated into two separate public companies: IMS Health Incorporated (“IMS Health”) and Nielsen Media Research, Inc. (“NMR”). In September 2000, Old D&B through a spin-off separated into two separate public companies: New D&B and Moody’s, as further described in Note 1 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Legacy Tax Matters

Old D&B and its predecessors entered into global tax planning initiatives in the normal course of business, including through tax-free restructurings of both their foreign and domestic operations. These initiatives are subject to normal review by tax authorities.

Pursuant to a series of agreements, as between themselves, IMS Health and NMR are jointly and severally liable to pay one-half, and New D&B and Moody’s are jointly and severally liable to pay the other half, of any payments for taxes, penalties and accrued interest resulting from unfavorable Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) rulings on certain tax matters as described in such agreements (excluding the matter described below as “Amortization Expense Deductions” for which New D&B and Moody’s are solely responsible) and certain other potential tax liabilities, also as described in such agreements.

In connection with the 2000 Distribution and pursuant to the terms of the 2000 Distribution Agreement, New D&B and Moody’s have, between themselves, agreed to each be financially responsible for 50% of any potential liabilities that may arise to the extent such potential liabilities are not directly attributable to their respective business operations.

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, three specific tax matters are discussed below.

Royalty Expense Deductions

This matter related to the IRS’ stated intention to disallow certain royalty expense deductions claimed by Old D&B on its tax returns for the years 1993 through 1996 as well as the IRS’ intention to reallocate to Old D&B income and expense items that had been reported in a certain partnership tax return for 1996. These matters were settled with the IRS in October 2005. However, IMS Health and NMR disagreed with New D&B’s calculation of each party’s share of the liability. New D&B anticipates commencing arbitration proceedings against IMS Health and NMR to collect the $7.3 million that New D&B and Moody’s each were obligated to pay to the IRS on their behalf. Based upon the current understanding of the positions that New D&B and IMS Health may take, the Company believes it is likely that New D&B will prevail, but Moody’s cannot predict with certainty the outcome.

 

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MOODY’S CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

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

 

In the second quarter of 2006, Moody’s paid approximately $9 million for the state income tax liability connected with the terms of the October 2005 settlement with the IRS and reversed the remaining reserve of $1.5 million.

Additionally, the IRS reasserted its position that certain tax refund claims made by Old D&B related to 1993 and 1994 may be offset by tax liabilities relating to the above mentioned partnership formed in 1993. In the fourth quarter of 2005, New D&B filed a protest with the IRS Appeals Office concerning the IRS’ denial of the tax refunds. In the first quarter of 2006, New D&B began discussions with the IRS Appeals Office to resolve the matter. Moody’s share is estimated at approximately $9 million.

Amortization Expense Deductions

In April 2004, New D&B received Examination Reports (the “April Examination Reports”) from the IRS with respect to a partnership transaction entered into in 1997 which resulted in amortization expense deductions on the tax returns of Old D&B since 1997. These deductions could continue through 2012. In the April Examination Reports, the IRS stated its intention to disallow the amortization expense deductions related to this partnership that were claimed by Old D&B on its 1997 and 1998 tax returns. The IRS also stated its intention to disallow certain royalty expense deductions claimed by Old D&B on its 1997 and 1998 tax returns with respect to the partnership transaction. In addition, the IRS stated its intention to disregard the partnership structure and to reallocate to Old D&B certain partnership income and expense items that had been reported in the partnership tax returns for 1997 and 1998. New D&B disagrees with these positions taken by the IRS. IRS audits of Old D&B’s or New D&B’s tax returns for years subsequent to 1998 have resulted in the issuance of similar Examination Reports for the 1999 through 2002 tax years. Similar Examination Reports could result for tax years subsequent to 2002.

Should any such payments be made by New D&B related to either the April Examination Reports or any potential Examination Reports for future years, including years subsequent to the separation of Moody’s from New D&B, then pursuant to the terms of the 2000 Distribution Agreement, Moody’s would have to pay to New D&B its 50% share. In addition, should New D&B discontinue claiming the amortization expense deductions on future tax returns, Moody’s would be required to repay to New D&B an amount equal to the discounted value of its 50% share of the related future tax benefits. New D&B had paid the discounted value of 50% of the future tax benefits from this transaction in cash to Moody’s at the Distribution Date. Moody’s estimates that the Company’s potential exposures (including penalties and interest, and net of tax benefits) could be up to $119 million relating to the disallowance of amortization expense deductions and could be up to $157 million relating to the disallowance of amortization expense deductions by the partnership and reallocation of the partnership income and expense to Old D&B. These exposures could increase by approximately $6 million to $10 million per year, depending on actions that the IRS may take and on whether New D&B continues claiming the amortization expense deductions on its tax returns.

New D&B is currently in discussion with the IRS on these issues. On March 3, 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 up to or equal to that amount with respect to the 1997 through 2002 tax years.

Moody’s believes that the IRS’ proposed assessments of tax against Old D&B and the proposed reallocations of partnership income and expense to Old D&B are inconsistent with each other. Accordingly, while it is possible that the IRS could ultimately prevail in whole or in part on one of such positions, Moody’s believes that it is unlikely that the IRS will prevail on both.

 

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MOODY’S CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

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

 

Utilization of Capital Losses

In December 2004, New D&B executed a formal settlement agreement for all outstanding issues related to the matter concerning utilization of certain capital losses generated by Old D&B during 1989 and 1990. New D&B received two assessments on this matter during the first quarter of 2005. The third and final assessment was received in April 2006 of which Moody’s paid $0.3 million. The amounts paid by Moody’s for the first two assessments included its share of approximately $4 million that Moody’s and New D&B believe should have been paid by IMS Health and NMR, but were not paid by them due to their disagreement with various aspects of New D&B’s calculation of their respective shares of the payments. If New D&B fails to resolve this dispute with IMS Health and NMR, Moody’s understands that New D&B anticipates commencing arbitration proceedings against them. Moody’s believes that New D&B should prevail in its position, but the Company cannot predict with certainty the outcome. In the first quarter of 2005, Moody’s had increased its liabilities by $2.7 million due to this disagreement.

Summary of Moody’s Exposure to Legacy Tax Matters

The Company considers from time to time the range and probability of potential outcomes related to its legacy tax matters and establishes liabilities that it believes are appropriate in light of the relevant facts and circumstances. In doing so, Moody’s makes estimates and judgments as to future events and conditions and evaluates its estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis.

For the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, the Company recorded a tax benefit of $2.4 million and a charge of $2.7 million, respectively. The Company also has recorded $1.8 million and $3.0 million of interest expense related to its legacy tax matters in the first half of 2006 and 2005, respectively. Moody’s total net legacy tax liabilities as of June 30, 2006 were $91 million and are predominantly long term.

It is possible that the legacy tax matters could be resolved in amounts that are 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. In matters where Moody’s believes the IRS has taken inconsistent positions, Moody’s may be obligated initially to pay its share of related duplicative assessments. However, Moody’s believes that ultimately it is unlikely that the IRS would retain such duplicative payments.

9. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Total comprehensive income was as follows:

 

    

Three Months Ended

June 30,

   

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 
       2006        2005       2006    2005  

Net income

   $ 172.1    $ 145.4     $ 318.3    $ 264.1  

Other comprehensive income (loss)—foreign currency translation adjustment

     7.2      (5.8 )     8.4      (7.5 )
                              

Total comprehensive income

   $ 179.3    $ 139.6     $ 326.7    $ 256.6  
                              

 

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MOODY’S CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

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

 

10. SEGMENT INFORMATION

Moody’s operates in two reportable segments: Moody’s Investors Service and Moody’s KMV. The Company reports segment information in accordance with SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information”. SFAS No. 131 defines operating segments as components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision-maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance.

Moody’s Investors Service consists of four rating groups—structured finance, corporate finance, financial institutions and sovereign risk, and public finance—that generate revenue principally from the assignment of credit ratings on issuers and issues of fixed-income obligations in the debt markets, and research, which primarily generates revenue from the sale of investor-oriented credit research, principally produced by the rating groups, and economic commentary. Given the dominance of Moody’s Investors Service to Moody’s overall results, the Company does not separately measure or report corporate expenses, nor are such expenses allocated between the Company’s business segments. Accordingly, all corporate expenses are included in operating income of the Moody’s Investors Service segment and none have been allocated to the Moody’s KMV segment.

The Moody’s KMV business develops and distributes quantitative credit risk assessment products and services and credit processing software for banks, corporations and investors in credit-sensitive assets. Assets used solely by Moody’s KMV are separately disclosed within that segment. All other Company assets, including corporate assets, are reported as part of Moody’s Investors Service. Revenue by geographic area is generally based on the location of the customer. Inter-segment sales are insignificant and no single customer accounted for 10% or more of total revenue.

Below is financial information by segment, Moody’s Investors Service revenue by business unit and consolidated revenue information by geographic area, each for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, and total assets by segment as of June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

Financial Information by Segment

 

    

Three Months Ended

June 30, 2006

  

Three Months Ended

June 30, 2005

 
    

Moody’s

Investors

Service

  

Moody’s

KMV

   Consolidated   

Moody’s

Investors

Service

  

Moody’s

KMV

    Consolidated  

Revenue

   $ 476.5    $ 34.9    $ 511.4    $ 416.7    $ 30.1     $ 446.8  

Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses

     185.1      27.9      213.0      158.9      26.4       185.3  

Depreciation and amortization

     5.3      4.0      9.3      4.6      4.1       8.7  
                                            

Operating income

     286.1      3.0      289.1      253.2      (0.4 )     252.8  
                                  

Interest and other non-operating income (expense), net

           0.7           (3.9 )
                          

Income before provision for income taxes

           289.8           248.9  

Provision for income taxes

           117.7           103.5  
                          

Net income

         $ 172.1         $ 145.4  
                          

 

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MOODY’S CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

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

 

    

Six Months Ended

June 30, 2006

  

Six Months Ended

June 30, 2005

 
    

Moody’s

Investors

Service

  

Moody’s

KMV

   Consolidated   

Moody’s

Investors

Service

  

Moody’s

KMV

   Consolidated  

Revenue

   $ 884.4    $ 67.2    $ 951.6    $ 776.6    $ 60.7    $ 837.3  

Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses

     352.7      52.8      405.5      304.2      50.5      354.7  

Depreciation and amortization

     10.6      8.1      18.7      9.0      8.3      17.3  
                                           

Operating income

     521.1      6.3      527.4      463.4      1.9      465.3  
                                 

Interest and other non-operating income (expense), net

           4.1            (9.1 )
                           

Income before provision for income taxes

           531.5            456.2  

Provision for income taxes

           213.2            192.1  
                           

Net income

         $ 318.3          $ 264.1  
                           

Moody’s Investors Service Revenue by Business Unit

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
   Six Months Ended
June 30,
         2006            2005            2006            2005    

Ratings revenue:

           

Structured finance

   $ 217.8    $ 192.5    $ 393.3    $ 331.1

Corporate finance

     107.8      79.5      193.9      160.4

Financial institutions and sovereign risk

     66.9      65.6      132.8      131.3

Public finance

     21.1      26.2      40.7      49.4
                           

Total ratings revenue

     413.6      363.8      760.7      672.2

Research revenue

     62.9      52.9      123.7      104.4
                           

Total Moody’s Investors Service

   $ 476.5    $ 416.7    $ 884.4    $ 776.6
                           

Consolidated Revenue Information by Geographic Area

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
   Six Months Ended
June 30,
         2006            2005            2006            2005    

United States

   $ 328.1    $ 281.8    $ 607.0    $ 523.9

International

     183.3      165.0      344.6      313.4
                           

Total

   $ 511.4    $ 446.8    $ 951.6    $ 837.3
                           

Revenue in Europe was $128.7 million and $113.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively; and $236.2 million and $214.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

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MOODY’S CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)—(Continued)

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

 

Total Assets by Segment

 

     June 30, 2006    December 31, 2005
    

Moody’s

Investors

Service

  

Moody’s

KMV

   Consolidated   

Moody’s

Investors

Service

  

Moody’s

KMV

   Consolidated

Total assets by segment

   $ 888.0    $ 243.1    $ 1,131.1    $ 1,204.5    $ 252.7    $ 1,457.2
                                         

11. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN No. 48”), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a company’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. FIN No. 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return as well as provides guidance on recognition and derecognition of tax benefits resulting from a subsequent change of judgment, classification of liabilities, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods and disclosure. In accordance with FIN No. 48, a company is required 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. In making this assessment, a company must assume that the taxing authority 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 ultimate settlement with a taxing authority, without considering time values. FIN No. 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 and accordingly, is required to be adopted by the Company on January 1, 2007. Upon adoption, if necessary, the Company will adjust its financial statements to reflect only those tax positions that are more-likely-than-not to be sustained as of the adoption date. Transition adjustments, if any, will be recorded directly to the beginning balance of retained earnings and reported as a change in accounting principle. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact of the adoption of FIN No. 48 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

12. SUBSEQUENT EVENT

On August 1, 2006, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the declaration of a quarterly dividend of $0.07 per share of Moody’s common stock, payable on September 10, 2006 to shareholders of record at the close of business on August 20, 2006.

 

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

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

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains Forward-Looking Statements. See “Forward-Looking Statements” commencing at page 37 for a discussion of uncertainties, risks and other factors associated with these statements.

The Company

Except where otherwise indicated, the terms “Moody’s” and the “Company” refer to Moody’s Corporation and its subsidiaries. Moody’s is a provider of (i) credit ratings, research and analysis covering fixed income securities, other debt instruments and the entities that issue such instruments in the global capital markets, and credit training services, and (ii) quantitative credit risk assessment products and services and credit processing software for banks, corporations and investors in credit-sensitive assets. Moody’s operates in two reportable segments: Moody’s Investors Service and Moody’s KMV.

Moody’s Investors Service publishes rating opinions on a broad range of credit obligors and credit obligations issued in domestic and international markets, including various corporate and governmental obligations, structured finance securities and commercial paper programs. It also publishes investor-oriented credit research and economic commentary, including in-depth research on major debt issuers, industry studies, special comments and credit opinion handbooks.

The Moody’s KMV business develops and distributes quantitative credit risk assessment products and services and credit processing software for banks, corporations and investors in credit-sensitive assets.

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, goodwill and intangible assets, pension and other post-retirement benefits and stock-based compensation. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, includes descriptions of some of the judgments that Moody’s makes in applying its accounting estimates in these areas. Since the date of the annual report on Form 10-K, there have been no material changes to the Company’s critical accounting estimates. Further information is provided on stock-based compensation.

Stock-Based Compensation

On January 1, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123R, under the modified prospective application method. Previous to this, the Company was applying the fair value method of accounting for stock-based compensation on a prospective basis since January 1, 2003, as allowed under the provisions of SFAS No. 123 as amended by SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure—an

 

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amendment of FASB Statement No. 123”. In the first half of 2006, the adoption of SFAS No. 123R resulted in additional pre-tax stock-based compensation expense of $2.9 million ($1.7 million after-tax) than would have been recorded had the Company continued to apply the provisions of SFAS No. 123 on a prospective basis. The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The methodologies to determine the assumptions in the Black-Scholes model in 2006 were consistent with the 2005 methods.

Operating Segments

Moody’s Investors Service consists of four rating groups—structured finance, corporate finance, financial institutions and sovereign risk, and public finance—that generate revenue principally from the assignment of credit ratings on issuers and issues of fixed-income obligations in the debt markets, and research, which primarily generates revenue from the sale of investor-oriented credit research, principally produced by the rating groups, and economic commentary. For presentation purposes, Europe represents Europe, Middle East and Africa. Given the dominance of Moody’s Investors Service to Moody’s overall results, the Company does not separately measure or report corporate expenses, nor are such expenses allocated between the Company’s business segments. Accordingly, all corporate expenses are included in operating income of the Moody’s Investors Service segment and none have been allocated to the Moody’s KMV segment.

The Moody’s KMV business develops and distributes quantitative credit risk assessment products and services and credit processing software for banks, corporations and investors in credit-sensitive assets.

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

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended June 30, 2006 Compared With Three Months Ended June 30, 2005

Consolidated Company Results

Moody’s revenue for the second quarter of 2006 was $511.4 million, an increase of $64.6 million or 14.5% from $446.8 million for the second quarter of 2005. Moody’s achieved strong revenue growth in the global corporate finance, structured finance, research and MKMV, as well as modest growth in financial institutions, offsetting weakness in public finance.

Revenue in the United States was $328.1 million for the second quarter of 2006, an increase of $46.3 million or 16.4% from $281.8 million in the second quarter of 2005. Approximately 83% of the U.S. growth was driven by corporate finance and structured finance, reflecting strong corporate bond and collateralized debt issuance. Research as well as U.S. financial institutions contributed to year-to-year growth as well.

Moody’s international revenue was $183.3 million in the second quarter, an increase of $18.3 million or 11.1% from $165.0 million in the second quarter of 2005. International ratings revenue grew $11.3 million versus the prior year, with approximately 94% of the growth related to Europe. All international lines of business, except for financial institutions, grew at double-digit rates due to increased demand for Moody’s credit rating services as well as research and analytic products. Foreign currency translation negatively impacted international revenue growth by approximately $2 million.

Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses were $213.0 million in the second quarter of 2006, an increase of $27.7 million or 14.9% from $185.3 million in the second quarter of 2005. The largest contributor to this increase was growth in compensation and benefits expense of approximately $26 million, reflecting modest salary increases coupled with increased staffing. Moody’s average global staffing of approximately 3,000 employees during the quarter ended June 30, 2006 was approximately 18% higher than during the same prior year period. The increase includes approximately 4% relating to the acquisition of Economy.com in November

 

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2005 and hiring to support business growth mainly in the U.S. and European ratings businesses and the corporate compliance and technology support functions. Stock-based compensation expense increased $8.4 million year-over-year due to the final year of phasing in of expense over the current four-year equity plan vesting period and the effects of a higher share price on the value of the 2006 equity grants versus 2005. Additional increases were due to higher rent and occupancy costs of approximately $3 million to support business expansion and higher professional services costs of approximately $2 million primarily due to information technology investment spending. Expenses for the second quarter of 2005 included a charge of $9.4 million for the settlement of sales tax matters related to Moody’s operations in Japan from 2000 through June 30, 2005. In addition, foreign currency translation accounted for a reduction of the year-to-year expense growth of approximately $1 million.

Second quarter operating income of $289.1 million rose $36.3 million or 14.4% from $252.8 million in the same period of 2005. Foreign currency translation reduced operating income growth by approximately $1 million. Moody’s operating margin for the second quarter of 2006 was 56.5% compared to 56.6% a year earlier.

Moody’s reported $0.7 million of interest and other non-operating income (expense), net for the second quarter of 2006 compared with ($3.9) million for the same period of 2005. Interest expense was $3.8 million and $5.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, with the decrease principally related to a lower interest rate on Moody’s $300 million Notes. Interest income was $4.7 million in the second quarter of 2006 compared to $6.2 million in the second quarter of 2005. The decrease was due to a lower average cash balance in 2006 compared to 2005 offset by higher interest rate yields. Foreign exchange gains (losses) were $0.5 million and ($3.8) million in the second quarters of 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Moody’s effective tax rate was 40.6% in the second quarter of 2006 compared to 41.6% in the second quarter of 2005. The 2006 tax rate included a $1.5 million benefit related to legacy income tax matters. (See Contingencies—Legacy Tax Matters, below).

Net income was $172.1 million for the second quarter of 2006, an increase of $26.7 million or 18.4% from $145.4 million for the second quarter of 2005. Basic and diluted earnings per share for the second quarter of 2006 were $0.60 and $0.59, respectively, compared to basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.48 and $0.47, respectively, for the second quarter of 2005.

Segment Results

Moody’s Investors Service

Revenue at Moody’s Investors Service for the second quarter of 2006 was $476.5 million, up $59.8 million or 14.4% from $416.7 million in the second quarter of 2005. Ratings revenue accounted for $49.7 million of the increase, with growth largely from global corporate finance and structured finance offsetting weakness in public finance. Foreign currency translation negatively impacted revenue growth by approximately $2 million. Price increases contributed to year-to-year growth in revenue.

Structured finance revenue was $217.8 million for the second quarter of 2006, an increase of $25.3 million or 13.1% from $192.5 million in the same period of 2005. Approximately $19 million of the increase was in the U.S. with the collateralized debt sectors offsetting weakness in the residential mortgage-backed sector. The increased use of securitization as a financing tool has resulted in an ample supply of collateralized loan obligations and cash flow resecuritizations that have driven growth in collateralized debt obligations. International structured finance revenue grew approximately $6 million year-to-year, with issuance related revenue growth in the derivatives, asset backed and residential mortgage-backed sectors primarily accounting for the increase.

Revenue in the corporate finance group was $107.8 million for the second quarter of 2006, up $28.3 million or 35.6% from $79.5 million in the second quarter of 2005. Revenue in the U.S. increased by approximately 39% primarily due to stronger investment grade and high yield issuance as well as growth in non-issuance related

 

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revenue. International corporate finance revenue increased approximately $9 million or about 30% largely due to increased investment-grade corporate bond issuance and growth in non-issuance related revenue in Europe. Robust merger and acquisition and private equity activity contributed to the increased issuance in both the U.S. and Europe. Price increases also contributed to year-to-year growth in global corporate finance revenue.

Financial institutions and sovereign risk revenue was $66.9 million for the second quarter of 2006, an increase of $1.3 million or 2% higher than $65.6 million in the second quarter of 2005. In the U.S., revenue grew by $5.4 million, principally reflecting growth in the insurance and banking sectors as well as through price increases. Internationally, revenue declined by $4.1 million compared to the prior year period, including a $0.6 million negative impact from foreign exchange. International revenue growth during the quarter was impacted by an issuance decline in the banking sector in Europe.

Public finance revenue was $21.1 million for the second quarter of 2006, a decrease of $5.1 million or 19.5% from $26.2 million for the same period in 2005. Dollar issuance in the municipal bond market decreased approximately 3% versus the same period in 2005, primarily due to a 48% decline in refunding activity. Additionally, the revenue yield declined as the predominant issuers accessing the markets were in sectors with relatively lower yielding fees, such as states and municipalities.

Research revenue of $62.9 million for the second quarter of 2006 was $10.0 million or 18.9% higher than the $52.9 million reported in the second quarter of 2005. In total, revenue grew by approximately $6 million in the U.S. and $4 million internationally, with Europe accounting for approximately 39% of the international growth. Research and analytics services accounted for approximately $4 million of global revenue growth primarily from credit research on corporate and financial institutions and structured finance related business. Licensing of Moody’s data to customers for internal and external use accounted for about $1 million of revenue growth.

Moody’s Investors Service operating, selling, general and administrative expenses, including corporate expenses, were $185.1 million in the second quarter of 2006, an increase of $26.2 million or 16.5% from $158.9 million in the second quarter of 2005. Compensation and benefits expense accounted for approximately $26 million of the expense growth, reflecting modest salary increases coupled with increased staffing. Moody’s Investors Service average staffing of approximately 2,600 employees during the quarter ended June 30, 2006 was approximately 22% higher than during the same prior year period. This increase includes approximately 4% relating to the acquisition of Economy.com in November 2005 and hiring to support business growth mainly in the U.S. and European ratings businesses and the corporate compliance and technology support functions. Stock-based compensation expense increased $8.0 million year-over-year due to the final year of phasing in of expense over the current four-year equity plan vesting period and the effects of a higher share price on the value of the 2006 equity grants versus 2005. Additional increases were due to higher rent and occupancy costs of approximately $3 million to support business expansion and higher professional services costs of approximately $2 million primarily due to information technology investment spending. Expenses for the second quarter of 2005 included a charge of $9.4 million for the settlement of sales tax matters related to Moody’s operations in Japan from 2000 through June 30, 2005. Foreign currency translation accounted for a reduction of the year-to-year expense growth of approximately $1 million.

Moody’s Investors Service operating income of $286.1 million for the second quarter of 2006 was up $32.9 million or 13.0% from $253.2 million in the second quarter of 2005. Foreign currency translation reduced operating income growth by approximately $1 million.

Moody’s KMV

Moody’s KMV revenue of $34.9 million for the second quarter of 2006 increased $4.8 million or 15.9% from $30.1 million for the same period in 2005. Revenues from risk product subscriptions increased 9.1% year-over-year due to an increase to the contracted subscription base. Revenue from the licensing of credit processing

 

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software and the related software maintenance fees increased approximately 47% due to increased demand for these products and services. Revenue from professional services rose approximately 18%. In the second quarter, international revenue accounted for 56% of global revenue.

MKMV’s operating, selling, general and administrative expenses were $27.9 million in the second quarter of 2006, an increase of $1.5 million or 5.7% from $26.4 million in the second quarter of 2005. Stock-based compensation expense increased $0.4 million year-over-year. The year-to-year increase in expense reflects the final year of phasing in of expense over the current four-year equity plan vesting period and the effects of a higher share price on the value of the 2006 equity grants versus 2005. MKMV operating income (loss) was $3.0 million in the second quarter of 2006 compared with ($0.4) million in the second quarter of 2005. Currency translation did not have a significant year-to-year impact on MKMV results.

Six Months Ended June 30, 2006 Compared With Six Months Ended June 30, 2005

Consolidated Company Results

Moody’s revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2006 was $951.6 million, an increase of $114.3 million or 13.7% from $837.3 million for the same period 2005. Moody’s achieved strong revenue growth in several business sectors, including global structured finance, corporate finance, and research, U.S. financial institutions and international MKMV.

Revenue in the United States was $607.0 million for the six months of 2006, an increase of $83.1 million or 15.9% from $523.9 million in the first six months of 2005. Approximately 84% of the U.S. growth was driven by structured finance and corporate finance, reflecting strong issuance across most structured asset classes as well as corporate bonds. Global research and U.S. financial institutions contributed to year-to-year growth as well.

Moody’s international revenue was $344.6 million in the first six months, an increase of $31.2 million or 10.0% over $313.4 million in the first six months of 2005. International ratings revenue grew approximately $20 million versus the prior year, with approximately 82% of the growth related to Europe where corporate finance and the credit derivatives, residential mortgage-backed and commercial mortgage-backed sectors were primary drivers of growth. International Moody’s KMV and European research contributed to growth as well. Foreign currency translation negatively impacted international revenue growth by approximately $9 million.

Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses were $405.5 million in the first half of 2006, an increase of $50.8 million or 14.3% from $354.7 million in the first half of 2005. The largest contributor to this increase was growth in compensation and benefits expense of approximately $34 million, reflecting modest salary increases coupled with increased staffing. Moody’s average global staffing of over 2,900 employees during the six months ended June 30, 2006 was approximately 17% higher than during the same prior year period. The increase includes approximately 4% relating to the acquisition of Economy.com in November 2005 and hiring to support business growth mainly in the U.S. and European ratings businesses and the corporate compliance and technology support functions. Stock-based compensation expense increased $5.4 million year-over-year due to the final year of phasing in of expense over the current four-year equity plan vesting period and the effects of a higher share price on the value of the 2006 equity grants versus 2005 offset by additional expense of $9.1 million recorded in the first quarter of 2005 related to the accelerated expensing of equity grants for employees at or near retirement eligibility. Additional increases were due to higher rent and occupancy costs of approximately $4 million to support business expansion and higher professional services costs of approximately $4 million primarily due to information technology investment spending. Expenses for the second quarter of 2005 included a charge of $9.4 million for the settlement of sales tax matters related to Moody’s operations in Japan from 2000 through June 30, 2005. In addition, foreign currency translation accounted for a reduction of the year-to-year expense growth of approximately $4 million.

First half operating income of $527.4 million rose $62.1 million or 13.3% from $465.3 million in the same period of 2005. Foreign currency translation reduced operating income growth by approximately $5 million. Moody’s operating margin in the first half of 2006 was 55.4% compared to 55.6% a year earlier.

 

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Moody’s reported $4.1 million of interest and other non-operating income (expense), net in the first half of 2006 compared with ($9.1) million in the same period of 2005. Interest expense was $7.6 million and $11.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, with the decrease principally related to a lower interest rate on Moody’s $300 million Notes. Interest income was $11.0 million in the first half of 2006 compared to $10.7 million in the same period of 2005. The increase was due to a higher weighted average yield. Foreign exchange gains (losses) were $1.3 million and ($7.5) million in the first half of 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Moody’s effective tax rate was 40.1% in the first half of 2006 compared to 42.1% in the first half of 2005. The 2006 tax rate included a $2.4 million benefit and the 2005 tax rate included a charge of $2.7 million related to legacy income tax matters (See Contingencies—Legacy Tax Matters, below). Additionally, the 2006 tax rate was positively impacted by approximately 60 basis points due to the favorable settlements of state tax audits.

Net income was $318.3 million in the first half of 2006, an increase of $54.2 million or 20.5% from $264.1 million in the first half of 2005. Basic and diluted earnings per share in the first half of 2006 were $1.10 and $1.07, respectively, compared to basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.88 and $0.86, respectively, in the first half of 2005.

Segment Results

Moody’s Investors Service

Revenue at Moody’s Investors Service for the first six months of 2006 was $884.4 million, up $107.8 million or 13.9% from $776.6 million in the first six months of 2005. Ratings revenue accounted for $88.4 million of growth with, in particular, global structured finance and corporate finance offsetting weakness in U.S. public finance. Double-digit growth in research also contributed to growth. Foreign currency translation negatively impacted revenue growth by approximately $9 million. Price increases also contributed to year-to-year growth in reported revenue.

Structured finance revenue was $393.3 million for the first six months of 2006, an increase of $62.2 million or 18.8% from $331.1 million in the same period of 2005. Approximately $47 million of the increase was in the U.S., with the collateralized debt and commercial mortgage-backed sectors contributing approximately 84% to this amount. Demand for collateralized debt obligations increased as an ample supply of collateralized loan obligations and cash flow resecuritizations drove issuance higher. Global commercial mortgage-backed revenue was approximately $62 million, about 18% more than prior year. While growth in lending volume for the sector slowed due to higher interest rates, the number of deals that came to market increased. The global residential mortgage-backed sector increased revenue by 5% year-to-year. International structured finance revenue grew approximately $15 million year-to-year, with Europe contributing approximately $14 million. Foreign currency translation negatively impacted international revenue growth by approximately $3 million.

Corporate finance revenue was $193.9 million for the first six months of 2006, up $33.5 million or 20.9% from $160.4 million in the first six months of 2005. Revenue in the U.S. increased approximately 22% primarily due to issuance related growth in bank loan ratings revenue and corporate bond revenue. Investment grade bond issuance increased 21% and high yield bond issuance increased approximately 22%, primarily due to robust issuance from merger and acquisition and private equity activity during the second quarter. International corporate finance revenue increased approximately $11 million or about 19% due largely to increased corporate bond issuance and non-issuance related fees in Europe. Price increases also contributed to year-to-year growth in global corporate finance revenue.

Revenue in the financial institutions and sovereign risk group was $132.8 million for the first six months of 2006, an increase of $1.5 million or 1.1% from $131.3 million in the first six months of 2005. In the U.S., revenue grew $8 million, principally due to strength in insurance and real estate sectors. Internationally, revenue declined approximately $7 million compared to the prior year period, primarily due to slowing issuance activity in Europe. This includes a $2 million negative impact from foreign exchange. Price increases also contributed to year-to-year growth in global financial institutions revenue.

 

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Public finance revenue was $40.7 million for the first six months of 2006, a decrease of $8.7 million or 17.6% from $49.4 million for the same period in 2005. Dollar issuance in the municipal bond market declined 14% below the same period in 2005, primarily due to lower interest rate sensitive refunding activity. Refinancings represented 20% of total dollar issuance in the first six months of 2006, versus 37% in the same period of 2005.

Research revenue of $123.7 million for the first six months of 2006 was $19.3 million or 18.5% higher than the $104.4 million reported in the first six months of 2005. Revenue grew by approximately $13 million in the U.S. and about $6 million internationally with Europe accounting for approximately 48% of international growth. Research and analytics services accounted for approximately $7 million of global revenue growth primarily from credit research on corporate and financial institutions and the structured finance related business. Revenue from the licensing of Moody’s information to financial customers for internal use and redistribution was $27 million in the first six months of 2006, an increase of $4 million, or 20% higher than the prior year.

Moody’s Investors Service operating, selling, general and administrative expenses, including corporate expenses, were $352.7 million in the first half of 2006, an increase of $48.5 million or 15.9% from $304.2 million in the first half of 2005. Compensation and benefits expense accounted for approximately $37 million of the expense growth, reflecting modest salary increases coupled with increased staffing. Moody’s Investors Service average staffing of over 2,500 employees during the six months ended June 30, 2006 was approximately 21% higher than during the prior year period. This increase includes approximately 4% relating to the acquisition of Economy.com in November 2005 and hiring to support business growth mainly in the U.S. and European ratings businesses and the corporate compliance and technology support functions. Stock-based compensation expense increased $5.4 million year-over-year due to the final year of phasing in of expense over the current four-year equity plan vesting period and the effects of a higher share price on the value of the 2006 equity grants versus 2005 offset by additional expense recorded in the first quarter of 2005 related to the accelerated expensing of equity grants for employees at or near retirement eligibility. Additional increases were due to higher rent and occupancy costs of approximately $4 million to support business expansion and higher professional services costs of approximately $4 million primarily due to information technology investment spending. Expenses for the second quarter of 2005 included a charge of $9.4 million for the settlement of sales tax matters related to Moody’s operations in Japan from 2000 through June 30, 2005. Foreign currency translation accounted for a reduction of the year-to-year expense growth of approximately $4 million.

Moody’s Investors Service operating income of $521.1 million in the first half of 2006 was up $57.7 million or 12.5% from $463.4 million in the first half of 2005. Foreign currency translation reduced operating income growth by approximately $5 million.

Moody’s KMV

Moody’s KMV revenue of $67.2 million for the first six months of 2006 was $6.5 million or 10.7% more than the same period in 2005. MKMV’s revenue growth reflected increasing demand for credit decisioning software and software related maintenance which grew approximately 38% or $4 million compared to the first six months of 2005. Growth in subscriptions revenue related to credit risk assessment products grew approximately 4% or $2 million compared to prior year. In the first six months, international revenue accounted for 57% of global revenue.

MKMV’s operating, selling, general and administrative expenses were $52.8 million in the first half of 2006, an increase of $2.3 million or 4.6% from $50.5 million in the first half of 2005. Compensation and benefits expense decreased approximately $3 million primarily due to the reduction of certain employee obligations. A $1.8 million charge was also recorded in connection with a non-income tax matter in the first quarter of 2006. MKMV operating income was $6.3 million in the first half of 2006 compared with $1.9 million in the first half of 2005. Currency translation did not have a significant year-to-year impact on MKMV results.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flow

The Company is currently financing its operations, capital expenditures and share repurchases through cash flow from operations. Net cash provided by operating activities was $322.6 million and $345.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Moody’s net cash provided by operating activities in 2006 decreased by $23.0 million compared with 2005. The decrease is primarily attributable to classifying the 2006 excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation plans of $74.3 million as a cash flow from financing activities as required under SFAS No. 123R. Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R in the first quarter of 2006, cash retained as a result of tax deductions relating to stock-based compensation was presented in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows as an operating cash flow, along with other tax cash flows. SFAS No. 123R supersedes prior guidance and requires tax benefits relating to excess stock-based compensation deductions to be prospectively presented in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows as a financing cash flow. The 2006 cash flow included the net receipt of approximately $16 million from New D&B primarily related to issuer-based tax deductions, as discussed in Note 2 to the condensed consolidated financial statements, offset by an increase in the amounts due from New D&B of $4.9 million related to option activity in the first half of 2006 compared to activity in the first half of 2005. Additionally, Moody’s deposited approximately $40 million with the IRS in the first quarter of 2006 relating to Amortization Expense Deductions, as discussed in Note 8 to the condensed consolidated financial statements. This deposit was recorded in other assets. Growth in net income contributed $54.2 million to cash provided by operating activities. Increase in tax payments of approximately $38 million compared with 2005 decreased cash flow from operations. A net change in accounts receivable favorably impacted cash flow from operations by approximately $12 million. The net change in accounts payable and accrued liabilities had a positive effect of approximately $26 million on cash flow from operations. Increase in deferred revenue contributed approximately $13 million to cash flow from operations offset by changes in other liabilities which decreased cash flow from operations by approximately $10 million.

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities was $75.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 compared with ($19.5) million for the same period of 2005. Spending for property and equipment and internal use software totaled $12.9 million for the first six months of 2006 compared with $11.7 million for the first six months of 2005. Net sales of marketable securities totaled $90.3 million for the first six months of 2006 compared with net purchases of $3.9 million for the first six months of 2005.

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities was ($671.3) million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 compared to $4.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2005. Net proceeds from exercises of stock options were $70.5 million in the 2006 period and $52.5 million in the 2005 period. The 2006 amount also includes $74.3 million of excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation plans which are now classified as a cash flow from financing activities under SFAS No. 123R. These amounts were offset by $775.8 million and $19.2 million used for share repurchases for the first six months of 2006 and 2005, respectively, and dividends paid of $40.3 million and $27.8 million for the first six months of 2006 and 2005, respectively. The increase in dividends reflects a quarterly dividend paid of $0.07 per share in the first half of 2006 compared with $0.0375 per share in the first quarter of 2005 and $0.055 per share in the second quarter of 2005.

Future Cash Requirements

Moody’s currently expects to fund expenditures as well as liquidity needs created by changes in working capital from internally generated funds. The Company believes that it has the financial resources needed to meet its cash requirements for the next twelve months and expects to have positive operating cash flow for fiscal year 2006. 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.

 

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The Company currently intends to use a portion of its cash flow to pay dividends. On August 1, 2006, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the declaration of a quarterly dividend of $0.07 per share of Moody’s common stock, payable on September 10, 2006 to shareholders of record at the close of business on August 20, 2006.

The continued payment of dividends at this rate, or at all, is subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors.

The Company also currently expects to use a significant portion of its cash flow to continue its share repurchase program. The Company implemented a systematic share repurchase program in the third quarter of 2005 through a SEC Rule 10b5-1 program. Moody’s may also purchase opportunistically when conditions warrant. On June 5, 2006, the Board of Directors authorized an additional $2 billion share repurchase program. Moody’s will begin repurchasing shares under the new program upon completion of the $1 billion program authorized in October 2005. The Company’s intent is to return capital to shareholders in a way that serves their long-term interests. As a result, Moody’s share repurchase activity will continue to vary from quarter to quarter.

In addition, the Company will from time to time consider cash outlays for acquisitions of or investments in complementary businesses, products, services and technologies. The Company may also be required to make future cash outlays to pay to New D&B its share of potential liabilities related to the legacy tax and legal contingencies that are discussed in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under “Contingencies”. These potential cash outlays could be material and might affect liquidity requirements, and they could cause the Company to pursue additional financing. There can be no assurance that financing to meet cash requirements will be available in amounts or on terms acceptable to the Company, if at all.

Indebtedness

On September 30, 2005, the Company entered into a Note Purchase Agreement and issued and sold through a private placement transaction, $300 million aggregate principal amount of Notes. The 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. The proceeds from the sale of the Notes were used to refinance $300 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 Notes in advance of their maturity, such prepayment will be subject to a penalty calculated based on the excess, if any, of the discounted value of the remaining scheduled payments, as defined in the agreement, over the Prepaid Principal.

On September 1, 2004, Moody’s entered into a five-year senior, unsecured bank revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) in an aggregate principal amount of $160 million that expires in September 2009. The Facility replaced the $80 million five-year facility that was scheduled to expire in September 2005 and the $80 million 364-day facility that expired in September 2004. Interest on borrowings under the Facility is payable at rates that are based on the London InterBank Offered Rate plus a premium that can range from 17 basis points to 47.5 basis points depending on the Company’s ratio of total indebtedness to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as defined in the related agreement. At June 30, 2006, such premium was 17 basis points. The Company also pays quarterly facility fees, regardless of borrowing activity under the Facility. The quarterly fees can range from 8 basis points of the Facility amount to 15 basis points, depending on the Company’s Earnings Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Facility), and were 8 basis points at June 30, 2006. Under the Facility, the Company also pays a utilization fee of 12.5 basis points on borrowings outstanding when the aggregate amount outstanding under the Facility exceeds 50% of the Facility. No borrowings under the Facility were outstanding as of June 30, 2006.

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

 

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The Notes and the Facility (the “Agreements”) contain 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. The Facility also contains financial covenants that, among other things, require the Company to maintain an Interest Coverage Ratio, as defined in the agreement, of not less than 3 to 1 for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, and an Earnings Coverage Ratio, as defined in the agreement, of not more than 4 to 1 at the end of any fiscal quarter. At June 30, 2006, the Company was in compliance with such covenants. Upon the occurrence of certain financial or economic events, significant corporate events or certain other events constituting an event of default under the Agreements, all loans outstanding under the Agreements (including accrued interest and fees payable thereunder) may be declared immediately due and payable and all commitments under the Agreements may be terminated. In addition, certain other events of default under the Agreements would automatically result in amounts outstanding becoming immediately due and payable and all commitments being terminated.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

At June 30, 2006, 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

As of June 30, 2006, there has not been any material change outside the normal course of business in Moody’s contractual obligations as presented in its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.

Dividends

On August 1, 2006, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the declaration of a quarterly dividend of $0.07 per share of Moody’s common stock, payable on September 10, 2006 to shareholders of record at the close of business on August 20, 2006.

Outlook

Moody’s outlook for 2006 is based on assumptions about many macroeconomic and capital market factors, including interest rates, corporate profitability and business investment spending, merger and acquisition activity, consumer spending, residential mortgage borrowing and refinancing activity and securitization levels. 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 from the current outlook.

Based on Moody’s stronger than expected results for the first half of 2006 the Company has made a number of revisions to the outlook for the full year 2006. For Moody’s overall, the Company now projects revenue growth in the low double-digit percent range for the full year 2006. This assumes foreign currency translation for the remainder of the year at current exchange rates, which would result in no material full year impact from currency translation. Moody’s now expects the operating margin after the impact of expensing stock-based compensation to decline by up to 100 basis points in 2006 compared with 2005. Among other things, this reflects the Company’s increased outlook for revenue and a delay in some expenses related to real estate expansion of the New York headquarters. The margin outlook continues to reflect investments Moody’s is making to: expand internationally; improve analytical processes; pursue ratings transparency and compliance initiatives; introduce new products; and improve technology infrastructure.

 

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For 2006, the Company projects year-over-year growth in diluted earnings per share in the mid-teens percent range. This forecast includes the impacts of adjustments related to legacy tax matters in 2005 and 2006, and the expensing of stock-based compensation in 2005 and 2006. This year represents the final year of “phasing in” of expense related to stock-based compensation, which began in 2003. The impact of expensing stock-based compensation is expected to be in the range of $0.15—$0.17 per diluted share in 2006, compared to $0.10 per diluted share in 2005.

In the U.S., Moody’s forecasts high single to double-digit percent revenue growth for the Moody’s Investors Service ratings and research business for the full year 2006. In the U.S. structured finance business, the Company expects revenue for the year to rise in the mid- to high single-digit percent range from the record level of 2005. Moody’s projects a mid-teens percent decline in revenue from residential mortgage-backed securities ratings (including home equity securitization), offset by strong year-over-year revenue growth from rating credit derivatives and commercial mortgage-backed securities.

In the U.S. corporate finance business, the Company expects revenue growth in the mid- to high teens percent range for the year, up from the previous expectation of high single-digit percent growth largely due to higher expected transaction volume in rated bonds and bank loans.

In the U.S. financial institutions sector, Moody’s expects revenue to grow in the low double-digit percent range for the year as new ratings mandates and fee increases partly related to the Enhanced Analysis Initiative should more than offset the impact of lower revenue related to issuance volumes.

For the U.S. public finance sector, the Company expects revenue for 2006 to decline in the double-digit percent range as rising interest rates should continue to slow refinancing activity. Moody’s continues to expect strong growth in the U.S. research business at better than twenty percent.

Outside the U.S. the Company still expects ratings revenue to grow in the low teens percent range. This forecast assumes that foreign currency translation will have no material impact on revenue growth for the year. The outlook assumes mid- to high teens percent growth in international revenue for all major business lines except financial institutions, where Moody’s expects international revenue to grow in the mid-single-digit percent range.

The outlook for Moody’s KMV globally anticipates growth in net sales and revenue from credit risk assessment subscription products, credit decision processing software, and professional services. The Company now expects this will result in high single-digit percent growth in revenue, with greater growth in profitability.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN No. 48”), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a company’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. FIN No. 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return as well as provides guidance on recognition and derecognition of tax benefits resulting from a subsequent change of judgment, classification of liabilities, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods and disclosure. In accordance with FIN No. 48, a company is required 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. In making this assessment, a company must assume that the taxing authority 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 ultimate settlement with a taxing authority, without considering time values. FIN No. 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 and accordingly, is required to be adopted by the

 

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Company on January 1, 2007. Upon adoption, if necessary, the Company will adjust its financial statements to reflect only those tax positions that are more-likely-than-not to be sustained as of the adoption date. Transition adjustments, if any, will be recorded directly to the beginning balance of retained earnings and reported as a change in accounting principle. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact of the adoption of FIN No. 48 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Contingencies

From time to time, Moody’s is involved in legal and tax proceedings, claims and litigation that are incidental to the Company’s business, including claims based on ratings assigned by Moody’s. 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, other than routine litigation incidental to Moody’s business, material proceedings known to be contemplated by governmental authorities and other pending matters that it may determine to be appropriate. For those matters where it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated, the Company has recorded liabilities in the condensed consolidated financial statements and periodically adjusts these as appropriate. In other instances, because of the uncertainties related to both 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 liabilities accordingly.

Based on its review of the latest information available, in the opinion of management, the ultimate liability of the Company in connection with pending legal and tax proceedings, claims and litigation will not have a material adverse effect on Moody’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows, subject to the contingencies described below.

Legacy Contingencies

Moody’s has exposure to certain potential liabilities assumed in connection with the 2000 Distribution. These contingencies are referred to by Moody’s as “Legacy Contingencies”. The principal Legacy Contingencies presently outstanding relate to tax matters.

To understand the Company’s exposure to the potential liabilities described below, it is important to understand the relationship between Moody’s and New D&B, and the relationship among New D&B and its predecessors and other parties who, through various corporate reorganizations and related contractual commitments, have assumed varying degrees of responsibility with respect to such matters.

In November 1996, The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation through a spin-off separated into three separate public companies: The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation, ACNielsen Corporation (“ACNielsen”) and Cognizant Corporation (“Cognizant”). In June 1998, The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation through a spin-off separated into two separate public companies: The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation and R.H. Donnelley Corporation. During 1998, Cognizant through a spin-off separated into two separate public companies: IMS Health Incorporated (“IMS Health”) and Nielsen Media Research, Inc. (“NMR”). In September 2000, Old D&B through a spin-off separated into two separate public companies: New D&B and Moody’s, as further described in Note 1 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Legacy Tax Matters

Old D&B and its predecessors entered into global tax planning initiatives in the normal course of business, including through tax-free restructurings of both their foreign and domestic operations. These initiatives are subject to normal review by tax authorities.

 

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Pursuant to a series of agreements, as between themselves, IMS Health and NMR are jointly and severally liable to pay one-half, and New D&B and Moody’s are jointly and severally liable to pay the other half, of any payments for taxes, penalties and accrued interest resulting from unfavorable Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) rulings on certain tax matters as described in such agreements (excluding the matter described below as “Amortization Expense Deductions” for which New D&B and Moody’s are solely responsible) and certain other potential tax liabilities, also as described in such agreements.

In connection with the 2000 Distribution and pursuant to the terms of the 2000 Distribution Agreement, New D&B and Moody’s have, between themselves, agreed to each be financially responsible for 50% of any potential liabilities that may arise to the extent such potential liabilities are not directly attributable to their respective business operations.

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, three specific tax matters are discussed below.

Royalty Expense Deductions

This matter related to the IRS’ stated intention to disallow certain royalty expense deductions claimed by Old D&B on its tax returns for the years 1993 through 1996 as well as the IRS’ intention to reallocate to Old D&B income and expense items that had been reported in a certain partnership tax return for 1996. These matters were settled with the IRS in October 2005. However, IMS Health and NMR disagreed with New D&B’s calculation of each party’s share of the liability. New D&B anticipates commencing arbitration proceedings against IMS Health and NMR to collect the $7.3 million that New D&B and Moody’s each were obligated to pay to the IRS on their behalf. Based upon the current understanding of the positions that New D&B and IMS Health may take, the Company believes it is likely that New D&B will prevail, but Moody’s cannot predict with certainty the outcome.

In the second quarter of 2006, Moody’s paid approximately $9 million for the state income tax liability connected with the terms of the October 2005 settlement with the IRS and reversed the remaining reserve of $1.5 million.

Additionally, the IRS reasserted its position that certain tax refund claims made by Old D&B related to 1993 and 1994 may be offset by tax liabilities relating to the above mentioned partnership formed in 1993. In the fourth quarter of 2005, New D&B filed a protest with the IRS Appeals Office concerning the IRS’ denial of the tax refunds. In the first quarter of 2006, New D&B began discussions with the IRS Appeals Office to resolve the matter. Moody’s share is estimated at approximately $9 million.

Amortization Expense Deductions

In April 2004, New D&B received Examination Reports (the “April Examination Reports”) from the IRS with respect to a partnership transaction entered into in 1997 which resulted in amortization expense deductions on the tax returns of Old D&B since 1997. These deductions could continue through 2012. In the April Examination Reports, the IRS stated its intention to disallow the amortization expense deductions related to this partnership that were claimed by Old D&B on its 1997 and 1998 tax returns. The IRS also stated its intention to disallow certain royalty expense deductions claimed by Old D&B on its 1997 and 1998 tax returns with respect to the partnership transaction. In addition, the IRS stated its intention to disregard the partnership structure and to reallocate to Old D&B certain partnership income and expense items that had been reported in the partnership tax returns for 1997 and 1998. New D&B disagrees with these positions taken by the IRS. IRS audits of Old D&B’s or New D&B’s tax returns for years subsequent to 1998 have resulted in the issuance of similar Examination Reports for the 1999 through 2002 tax years. Similar Examination Reports could result for tax years subsequent to 2002.

Should any such payments be made by New D&B related to either the April Examination Reports or any potential Examination Reports for future years, including years subsequent to the separation of Moody’s from New D&B, then pursuant to the terms of the 2000 Distribution Agreement, Moody’s would have to pay to New

 

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D&B its 50% share. In addition, should New D&B discontinue claiming the amortization expense deductions on future tax returns, Moody’s would be required to repay to New D&B an amount equal to the discounted value of its 50% share of the related future tax benefits. New D&B had paid the discounted value of 50% of the future tax benefits from this transaction in cash to Moody’s at the Distribution Date. Moody’s estimates that the Company’s potential exposures (including penalties and interest, and net of tax benefits) could be up to $119 million relating to the disallowance of amortization expense deductions and could be up to $157 million relating to the disallowance of amortization expense deductions by the partnership and reallocation of the partnership income and expense to Old D&B. These exposures could increase by approximately $6 million to $10 million per year, depending on actions that the IRS may take and on whether New D&B continues claiming the amortization expense deductions on its tax returns.

New D&B is currently in discussion with the IRS on these issues. On March 3, 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 up to or equal to that amount with respect to the 1997 through 2002 tax years.

Moody’s believes that the IRS’ proposed assessments of tax against Old D&B and the proposed reallocations of partnership income and expense to Old D&B are inconsistent with each other. Accordingly, while it is possible that the IRS could ultimately prevail in whole or in part on one of such positions, Moody’s believes that it is unlikely that the IRS will prevail on both.

Utilization of Capital Losses

In December 2004, New D&B executed a formal settlement agreement for all outstanding issues related to the matter concerning utilization of certain capital losses generated by Old D&B during 1989 and 1990. New D&B received two assessments on this matter during the first quarter of 2005. The third and final assessment was received in April 2006 of which Moody’s paid $0.3 million. The amounts paid by Moody’s for the first two assessments included its share of approximately $4 million that Moody’s and New D&B believe should have been paid by IMS Health and NMR, but were not paid by them due to their disagreement with various aspects of New D&B’s calculation of their respective shares of the payments. If New D&B fails to resolve this dispute with IMS Health and NMR, Moody’s understands that New D&B anticipates commencing arbitration proceedings against them. Moody’s believes that New D&B should prevail in its position, but the Company cannot predict with certainty the outcome. In the first quarter of 2005, Moody’s had increased its liabilities by $2.7 million due to this disagreement.

Summary of Moody’s Exposure to Legacy Tax Matters

The Company considers from time to time the range and probability of potential outcomes related to its legacy tax matters and establishes liabilities that it believes are appropriate in light of the relevant facts and circumstances. In doing so, Moody’s makes estimates and judgments as to future events and conditions and evaluates its estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis.

For the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, the Company recorded a tax benefit of $2.4 million and a charge of $2.7 million, respectively. The Company also has recorded $1.8 million and $3.0 million of interest expense related to its legacy tax matters in the first half of 2006 and 2005, respectively. Moody’s total net legacy tax liabilities as of June 30, 2006 were $91 million and are predominantly long term.

It is possible that the legacy tax matters could be resolved in amounts that are 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. In matters where Moody’s believes the IRS has taken inconsistent positions, Moody’s may be obligated initially to pay its share of related duplicative assessments. However, Moody’s believes that ultimately it is unlikely that the IRS would retain such duplicative payments.

 

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Regulation

In the United States, Moody’s Investors Service has been designated as a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (“NRSRO”) by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The SEC first applied the NRSRO designation in 1975 to companies whose credit ratings could be used by broker-dealers for purposes of determining their net capital requirements. Since that time, Congress (including in certain mortgage-related legislation), the SEC (including in certain of its regulations under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) and other governmental and private bodies have used the ratings of NRSROs to distinguish between, among other things, “investment grade” and “non-investment grade” securities. Moody’s Investors Service also voluntarily registers with the SEC as a NRSRO under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended.

Over the past several years, U.S. regulatory and congressional authorities have questioned the suitability of continuing to use ratings in federal securities laws and, if such use is continued, the potential need for altering the regulatory framework under which rating agencies operate. Following is a summary of some recent developments in the U.S.

In March 2005, the SEC disclosed that in considering the oversight of NRSROs, it may pursue a voluntary compliance and oversight framework for rating agencies that are designated as NRSROs, or it could seek legislative authority for formal oversight of NRSROs. Moody’s continues to cooperate with the SEC in its efforts to develop the voluntary framework with the NRSROs.

In April 2005, the SEC released for public comment a Proposed Rule on the “Definition of Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization”. The proposed definition of the term NRSRO is an entity that: (i) issues publicly available credit ratings that are current assessments of the creditworthiness of obligors with respect to specific securities or money market instruments; (ii) is generally accepted in the financial markets as an issuer of credible and reliable ratings, including ratings for a particular industry or geographic segment, by the predominant users of securities ratings; and (iii) uses systematic procedures designed to ensure credible and reliable ratings, manage potential conflicts of interest, and prevent the misuse of nonpublic information, and has sufficient financial resources to ensure compliance with those procedures. Numerous market participants, including Moody’s, responded to the request for comment. Moody’s response can be found on the Regulatory Affairs page of the Company’s website.

In addition, in June 2005 the SEC produced technical assistance pursuant to a congressional request relating to statutory authority that the SEC may need if Congress determines that it is appropriate to create a comprehensive oversight regime for credit rating agencies. Congress had also requested that market participants provide their views on the SEC’s technical assistance. Moody’s comments can be found on the Regulatory Affairs page of the Company’s website.

In April and May 2006, SEC Chairman Christopher Cox testified at hearings of the U.S. House of Representatives Financial Services Committee and the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs (the “Banking Committee”) to review current securities issues. Oversight of rating agencies was discussed at both hearings, including legislative considerations and the SEC’s ongoing process to develop a voluntary oversight framework with the NRSROs.

In the House of Representatives (the “House”), H.R. 2990, the “Credit Rating Agency Duopoly Relief Act”, was passed by the Financial Services Committee in June 2006 and the full House in July 2006. The bill was originally introduced in June 2005 and an amended version was passed. In the Senate, the “Credit Rating Agency Reform Act of 2006” was voted on and passed by the Banking Committee on August 2, 2006. No date has been set for consideration of the bill by the full Senate. Although there are differences between the House and Senate bills, each of them would among other things: (i) allow rating agencies who wish to have their ratings used in federal securities laws to register as NRSROs with the SEC after an application process; and (ii) give the SEC inspection and civil enforcement authority related to NRSROs.

 

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At present, Moody’s is unable to assess the likelihood of any regulatory or legislative changes that may result from ongoing reviews in the United States, nor the nature and effect of any such regulatory changes.

Internationally, several regulatory developments have occurred:

IOSCO—In December 2004, the Technical Committee of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (“IOSCO”) published the Code of Conduct Fundamentals for Credit Rating Agencies (the “IOSCO Code”). The IOSCO Code is the product of approximately two years of collaboration among IOSCO, rating agencies and market participants, and incorporates provisions that address three broad areas:

 

    the quality and integrity of the rating process;

 

    credit rating agency independence and the avoidance of conflicts of interest; and

 

    credit rating agency responsibilities to the investing public and issuers.

The IOSCO Code is not binding on credit rating agencies. It relies on voluntary compliance and public disclosure of areas of non-compliance by credit rating agencies so that users of credit ratings can better assess rating agency behavior and performance.

Moody’s endorsed the IOSCO Code and in June 2005 published its Code of Professional Conduct (the “Moody’s Code”) pursuant to the IOSCO Code. In April 2006, Moody’s Investors Service published its first annual report on the implementation of Moody’s Code. The report discusses policies, procedures and processes that implement the Moody’s Code. The report also describes differences between the Moody’s Code and the IOSCO Code and how Moody’s believes that the objectives of the IOSCO Code are otherwise addressed. Both Moody’s Code and the report can be found on the Regulatory Affairs page of the Company’s website.

European Union—In the European Union, the European Commission (“Commission”) issued a Communication on rating agencies in January 2006. The Commission noted that recent European Union (“EU”) financial services legislative measures that are relevant to credit rating agencies, combined with a self-regulatory framework for rating agencies based on the IOSCO Code, provided a suitable framework for the oversight of rating agencies and that no legislative actions were required at present. The Commission indicated that it will monitor developments related to rating agencies and has asked the Committee of European Securities Regulators (“CESR”) to monitor rating agencies’ compliance with the IOSCO Code and report back regularly.

CESR has initiated a process to assess such compliance and plans to submit its first annual report to the Commission in October 2006. The CESR process involves discussions with individual rating agencies as well as a survey of market participants. CESR has indicated that its report will identify issues that have arisen for rating agencies in implementing their codes of conduct, as well as those IOSCO Code provisions that rating agencies have chosen not to include in their codes and for which they have disclosed their non-compliance.

European Union Market Abuse Directive—In 2003, the EU adopted the Market Abuse Directive (the “Directive”), which provides a common European framework for the prohibition of insider dealing and market manipulation, and promotes market integrity by ensuring prompt and fair disclosure of information about financial instruments to the public. The EU countries are currently adopting legislation that implements the Directive. While the Directive is applicable to all participants in the European capital markets, the EU has excluded credit rating agencies from certain of its rules that specifically address the type and amount of information that should be disclosed to the market. Depending on how each EU country adopts the Directive, it could, among other things, alter rating agencies’ communications with issuers as part of the rating assignment process and increase Moody’s cost of doing business in Europe and the legal risk associated with such business.

The Basel Committee—In June 2004, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision published its new capital adequacy framework (“Basel II”) to replace its initial 1988 framework. Under Basel II, ratings assigned by recognized credit rating agencies (called External Credit Assessment Institutions, or “ECAIs”) could be used by banks in determining credit risk weights for many of their institutional credit exposures. It is anticipated that national authorities will implement these aspects of Basel II starting in January 2007. Recognized ECAIs could be subject to a broader range of oversight.

 

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In the EU, Basel II has been adopted through the Capital Requirements Directive (“CRD”), which, among other things, sets out criteria for recognizing ECAIs within the EU. The Commission created the Committee of European Banking Supervisors (“CEBS”), comprised of European banking regulators, to advise it on banking policy issues that include implementing the CRD. In January 2006, CEBS published “Guidelines for a common approach to the recognition of External Credit Assessment Institutions”. The guidelines provide the basis for a consistent approach in EU Member States to the implementation of the CRD’s ECAI recognition and supervision criteria. In April 2006, Moody’s applied to be recognized as an ECAI in the EU. The recognition process is ongoing.

Bank regulators in other jurisdictions globally have begun the ECAI recognition process, and Moody’s has been recognized in several jurisdictions. At this time Moody’s cannot predict the long-term impact of Basel II on the manner in which the Company conducts its business. However, Moody’s does not currently believe that Basel II will materially affect its financial position or results of operations.

Other legislation and regulation relating to credit rating and research services has been considered from time to time by local, national and multinational bodies and is likely to be considered in the future. In certain countries, governments may provide financial or other support to locally-based rating agencies. In addition, governments may from time to time establish official rating agencies or credit ratings criteria or procedures for evaluating local issuers. If enacted, any such legislation and regulation could significantly change the competitive landscape in which Moody’s operates. In addition, the legal status of rating agencies has been addressed by courts in various decisions and is likely to be considered and addressed in legal proceedings from time to time in the future. Management of Moody’s cannot predict whether these or any other proposals will be enacted, the outcome of any pending or possible future legal proceedings, or the ultimate impact of any such matters on the competitive position, financial position or results of operations of Moody’s.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q are forward-looking statements and are based on future expectations, plans and prospects for the Company’s business and operations that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Such statements involve estimates, projections, goals, forecasts, assumptions and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those contemplated, expressed, projected, anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. Those statements appear at various places throughout this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, including in the sections entitled “Outlook” and “Contingencies” under Item 2. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, commencing at page 21 of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, and elsewhere in the context of statements containing the words “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “plan”, “will”, “predict”, “potential”, “continue”, “strategy”, “aspire”, “target”, “forecast”, “project”, “estimate”, “should”, “could”, “may” and similar expressions or words and variations thereof relating to the Company’s views on future events, trends and contingencies. Stockholders and investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and other information are made as of the date of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, and the Company undertakes no obligation (nor does it intend) to publicly supplement, update or revise such statements on a going-forward basis, whether as a result of subsequent developments, changed expectations or otherwise. In connection with the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the Company is identifying examples of factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ, perhaps materially, from those indicated by these forward-looking statements. Those factors, risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, changes in the volume of debt and other securities issued in domestic and/or global capital markets; changes in interest rates and other volatility in the financial markets; market perceptions of the utility and integrity of independent agency ratings; possible loss of market share through competition; introduction of competing products or technologies by other companies; pricing pressures from competitors and/or customers; the potential emergence of government-sponsored credit rating agencies; proposed U.S., foreign, state and local legislation and regulations, including those relating to Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations; possible judicial decisions in various jurisdictions

 

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regarding the status of and potential liabilities of rating agencies; the possible loss of key employees to investment or commercial banks or elsewhere and related compensation cost pressures; the outcome of any review by controlling tax authorities of the Company’s global tax planning initiatives; the outcome of those tax and legal contingencies that relate to Old D&B, its predecessors and their affiliated companies for which the Company has assumed portions of the financial responsibility; the outcome of other legal actions to which the Company, from time to time, may be named as a party; the ability of the Company to successfully integrate the KMV and MRMS businesses; a decline in the demand for credit risk management tools by financial institutions. These factors, risks and uncertainties as well as other risks and uncertainties that could cause Moody’s actual results to differ materially from those contemplated, expressed, projected, anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements are described in greater detail in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K and in other filings made by the Company from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission or in materials incorporated herein or therein. Stockholders and investors are cautioned that the occurrence of any of these factors, risks and uncertainties may cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those contemplated, expressed, projected, anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements, which could have a material and adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition. New factors may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict new factors, nor can the Company assess the potential effect of any new factors on it.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

There was no material change in the Company’s exposure to market risk from December 31, 2005 to June 30, 2006. For a discussion of the Company’s exposure to market risk, refer to Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk”, contained in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures: The Company carried out an evaluation, as required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act, as of the end of the period covered by this report (the “Evaluation Date”). Based on such evaluation, such officers have concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and to provide reasonable assurance that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

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

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

From time to time, Moody’s is involved in legal and tax proceedings, claims and litigation that are incidental to the Company’s business, including claims based on ratings assigned by Moody’s. 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, other than routine litigation incidental to Moody’s business, material proceedings known to be contemplated by governmental authorities and other pending matters that it may determine to be appropriate. For those matters where it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated, the Company has recorded liabilities in the condensed consolidated financial statements and periodically adjusts these as appropriate. In other instances, because of the uncertainties related to both 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 liabilities accordingly.

The discussion of the legal matters under Part I, Item 2. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Contingencies”, commencing at page 32 of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, is incorporated into this Item 1 by reference.

Based on its review of the latest information available, in the opinion of management, the ultimate liability of the Company in connection with the pending legal and tax proceedings, claims and litigation will not have a material adverse effect on Moody’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows, subject to the contingencies described in Part I, Item 2. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Contingencies”.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The significant risk factors and uncertainties known to the Company that, if they were to occur, could materially adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition, operating results and/or cash flow are set forth in Item 1A. “Risk Factors”, contained in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.

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

MOODY’S PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2006

 

Period

  

Total Number of

Shares Purchased

   

Average Price

Paid per Share

  

Total Number of Shares

Purchased as Part of

Publicly Announced

Program

  

Approximate Dollar Value of

Shares That May yet be

Purchased Under the

Program (2)

 

April  1 - 30

   1,258,033 (1)   $ 71.01    1,257,970    $ 564.8 million  

May   1 - 31

   6,843,848     $ 58.26    6,843,848    $ 166.1 million  

June   1 - 30

   1,628,900     $ 52.71    1,628,900    $ 2,080.2 million  (3)
                

Total

   9,730,781        9,730,718   
                

(1) Includes the surrender to the Company of 63 shares in April of common stock to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of restricted stock issued to employees.

 

(2) As of the last day of each of the months.

 

(3) On June 5, 2006, the Board of Directors authorized an additional $2 billion share repurchase program. Moody’s will begin repurchasing shares under the new program upon completion of the $1 billion program authorized in October 2005. There is no established expiration date for either of these authorizations.

 

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During the second quarter of 2006, Moody’s repurchased 9.7 million shares at an aggregate cost of $573.9 million and issued 0.9 million shares of stock under employee stock-based compensation plans. Since becoming a public company in October 2000 and through June 30, 2006, Moody’s has repurchased 79.2 million shares at a total cost of $2.6 billion, including 36.7 million shares to offset issuances under employee stock-based compensation plans.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

Previously reported in the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006.

Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.        

Description

3       ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BY-LAWS
   .1      Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant dated June 15, 1998, as amended effective June 30, 1998, as amended effective October 1, 2000, and as further amended effective April 26, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Report on Form 8-K of the Registrant file number 1-14037, filed October 4, 2000, and Exhibit 3.1 to the Report on Form 8-K of the Registrant, file number 1-14037, filed April 27, 2005).
   .2      Amended and Restated By-laws of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form 10, file number 1-14037, filed June 18, 1998).
31       CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
   .1*    Chief Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   .2*    Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32       CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
   .1*    Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (The Company has furnished this certification and does not intend for it to be considered filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or incorporated by reference into future filings under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.)
   .2*    Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (The Company has furnished this certification and does not intend for it to be considered filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or incorporated by reference into future filings under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.)

* Filed herewith.

 

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SIGNATURES

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

 

MOODY’S CORPORATION
By:   /s/    LINDA S. HUBER        
  Linda S. Huber
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
  (principal financial officer)

Date: August 3, 2006

 

By:   /s/    JOSEPH MCCABE        
  Joseph McCabe
  Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller
  (principal accounting officer)

Date: August 3, 2006

 

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