Moody’s Corporation (NYSE:MCO) experienced a notable drop in its stock price during the third quarter of 2025, driven by increasing competition in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector. According to the third-quarter investor letter from Mar Vista Investment Partners, the integrated risk assessment firm saw its shares decline by 3.16% over the month, closing at $490.09 on October 8, 2025. The company’s market capitalization stands at approximately $87.902 billion.
The investor letter highlighted a broader context for US equities, which enjoyed a strong third quarter, buoyed by optimism surrounding the Federal Reserve’s dovish stance and a surge in technology stocks. The S&P 500® Index and the Nasdaq Composite saw significant gains, with the Mar Vista U.S. Quality Premier Strategy returning 6.41% net of fees. In comparison, the Russell 1000 Index and the S&P 500 Index reported returns of 8.00% and 8.12%, respectively.
In its analysis, Mar Vista noted that Moody’s Corporation is grappling with a “growing AI arms race” among competitors. A report from FactSet indicated signs of slowing growth and highlighted that intensifying competitive dynamics from both startups and established firms might affect profit margins. Despite this, Moody’s Analytics has been proactive in deploying advanced AI models, aiming to enhance its ecosystem by allowing clients to integrate its data and tools into their operations.
Mar Vista’s investor letter expressed cautious optimism about Moody’s investments in AI. The firm believes these efforts could solidify Moody’s position within the banking, insurance, and asset management industries, thereby strengthening its economic moat. Despite the potential, Moody’s Corporation is currently not featured on the list of the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds, with 82 hedge fund portfolios holding the stock as of the end of the second quarter—unchanged from the previous quarter.
While acknowledging the risks associated with investing in Moody’s Corporation, Mar Vista conveyed a preference for other AI stocks that may offer higher short-term returns. The firm suggested that certain AI investments could provide substantial upside potential, prompting investors to explore alternatives beyond Moody’s.
For those interested in broader market trends, Mar Vista also provided insights into the most profitable dividend stocks and upcoming investment opportunities. As the landscape for AI continues to evolve, the performance of established players like Moody’s Corporation will be closely watched by investors and analysts alike.
With the rapid advancements in AI technologies and the increasing number of competitors entering the market, Moody’s future performance will hinge on its ability to adapt and innovate amidst these challenges.
