Profit climbed to $137.4 million from $101.9 million a year earlier. Profit per share rose to 58 cents from 43 cents, beating analysts' average estimate of 48 cents, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.

The company said its ratings picked up broadly in the quarter, with an increase in high-yield bank loan ratings more than offsetting a decrease in structured finance ratings.

Rival Standard & Poor's, owned by McGraw-Hill Cos, also reported a jump in earnings in the fourth quarter.

Moody's said its quarterly revenue rose 16 percent to $564.3 million.