Moody's Corp. (NYSE: MCO) reported Q4 EPS of $1.63, $0.12 worse than the analyst estimate of $1.75. Revenue for the quarter came in at $1.1 billion versus the consensus estimate of $1.15 billion.

• 4Q18 revenue of $1.1 billion down 9% from 4Q17; FY 2018 revenue of $4.4 billion up 6% from FY 2017
• 4Q18 diluted EPS of $1.29 up from $0.13 in 4Q17; 4Q18 adjusted diluted EPS of $1.63 up 8% from $1.511
• FY 2018 diluted EPS of $6.74 up 31% from FY 2017; FY 2018 adjusted diluted EPS of $7.39 up 22% from FY 20171
• Announcing a quarterly dividend of $0.50 per share, up 14% from Moody’s prior quarterly dividend of $0.44 per share, and a $500 million accelerated share repurchase program
• Projected FY 2019 diluted EPS of $7.30 to $7.55; adjusted diluted EPS of $7.85 to $8.10

“Moody’s Corporation achieved strong results for full year 2018, driven by robust performance at Moody’s Analytics, prudent expense management and the benefit of a lower effective tax rate, despite weaker than expected global debt issuance in the fourth quarter,” said Raymond McDaniel, President and Chief Executive Officer of Moody’s. “For 2019, we remain focused on strong execution across the business and project revenue growth in the mid-single-digit percent range, diluted EPS in the range of $7.30 to $7.55 and adjusted diluted EPS in the range of $7.85 to $8.10, with strength in Moody’s Analytics offsetting expectations for flat to down issuance in global debt.”

GUIDANCE:

Moody's Corp. sees FY2019 EPS of $7.85-$8.10, versus the consensus of $7.94.

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Moody's Corp. (MCO) click here.