Wells Fargo Cuts Moody's (MCO) Price Target to $595

Wells Fargo maintained an Overweight rating on Moody's Corporation NYSE: MCO on October 22, 2026, while slightly lowering its price target for the risk assessment firm from $597.00 to $595.00. The research note was issued on the same day the stock closed at $488.74.

MCO Moody's Corporation

$475.35 ▼ -4.10% year to date

1M 3M YTD

Daily close · Oct 20, 2026

Wells Fargo's Call on Moody's Corporation

On October 22, 2026, Wells Fargo issued a note maintaining its Overweight rating on the financial data provider while trimming the target by two dollars. The updated target of $595.00 sits below the firm's prior target of $597.00. Several other major research firms also delivered updates on the same date.

Other Institutional Activity in Moody's Corporation

Large institutional players maintained notable stakes in the financial services firm earlier in the year. Berkshire Hathaway, Inc held 24,669,778 shares worth about $12,057,043,065 through its report date of June 30, 2026, with no change in units. TCI Fund Management Ltd held 14,334,027 shares valued at roughly $7,005,575,033, also reporting zero change over the period.

Moody's Corporation Stock Up 2.4%

Moody's recently traded around $486.95 as of October 22, 2026, down about 0.4% from its event-day close of $488.74. The price sits above its 50-day moving average of $477.67 and its 200-day moving average of $468.50. Shares remain below their 52-week high of $546.88 while staying well above the 52-week low of $402.28.

Recent Earnings

Moody's reported trailing twelve month revenue of $8.16 billion alongside basic earnings of $15.76 per share. The business generated a net profit margin of 34.3% and a return on equity of 76.9%, supported by year-over-year revenue growth of 15.1%.

Dividend

The company pays an annual dividend rate of $4.12 per share, which translates to a dividend yield of 0.87%. The payout is backed by a dividend payout ratio of 25.0%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Moody's Corporation

Company insiders completed several transactions prior to the rating update. Chief Executive Officer Robert Fauber sold 1,467 shares on July 1, 2026, at $455.49 for $668,204, another 1,467 shares on August 3, 2026, at $484.30 for $710,468, and 1,467 shares on September 1, 2026, at $501.89 for $736,273. General Counsel Richard G Steele sold 157 shares on July 1, 2026, at $455.49 for $71,512.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Wall Street firms updated their views on October 22, 2026. Morgan Stanley maintained its Equal-Weight rating with a target moved to $480.00 from $470.00. B of A Securities kept a Buy rating with a target of $575.00 down from $580.00. BMO Capital kept a Market Perform rating with a target raised to $511.00 from $490.00. Stifel kept a Buy rating with a target reduced to $537.00 from $550.00. Overall, the stock carries a consensus Buy rating across 21 analyst opinions with a mean price target of $551.29.

About Moody's Corporation

Moody's Corporation operates as an integrated risk assessment firm, offering data, analytics, and research across global financial markets. Through its core segments, the company supports institutional participants with credit ratings, research tools, and risk management software. The firm's assessment services play a central role in debt markets and capital allocation worldwide.

Bottom Line

Wells Fargo's decision to keep an Overweight rating while lowering its target reflects ongoing adjustments by major financial institutions regarding valuation. Investors will watch how broader credit market conditions influence upcoming financial results and institutional positioning.