Moody's rating outlook
What is it?
The Moody's issuer long-term rating outlook indicates the likely direction of an issuer's long-term credit rating over a six- to 24-month horizon. It is assigned at the issuer level and reflects Moody's assessment of fundamental trends that may lead to a rating change.
Outlook values
| Value | Description |
| Positive | A rating upgrade is likely over the outlook horizon. |
| Stable | The rating is unlikely to change over the outlook horizon. |
| Negative | A rating downgrade is likely over the outlook horizon. |
| Developing | The rating may be upgraded, downgraded, or affirmed, depending on future events. |
| Ratings under review (RUR) | One or more ratings are under review for a possible change; replaces the standard outlook. |
| Ratings withdrawn (RWR) | Moody's has withdrawn all active ratings for the issuer; no outlook applies. |
| No outlook (NOO) | No outlook is assigned for this issuer. |
Why is it important?
- Signals the probable direction of a credit rating change before it occurs, giving investors an early indicator of shifting credit risk.
- Complements the long-term issuer rating by providing forward-looking context alongside the current rating value.
- Enables filtering and sorting by outlook in the Bond Screener for registered users.