S&P upgrades outlook on Molson Coors Brewing to 'Positive' from 'Stable' after brewer cuts its debt
Nevin Barich
NEW YORK
,
November 7, 2011
(Associated Press)
–
Standard & Poor's Ratings Services upgraded its outlook on Molson Coors Brewing Co. on Friday to "Positive" from "Stable" as the brewer cut its debt.
The rating agency also affirmed its "BBB-" corporate credit and senior unsecured debt ratings on the company, which is based in Denver. The rating is the lowest level of investment grade.
Molson Coors had about $2 billion of debt outstanding at Sept. 24. The company recently repaid some debt and cut its liability tied to a cross-currency swap during the third quarter.
S&P said that despite challenging industry conditions, Molson Coors is expected to continue to improve its debt level relative to its earnings.
Molson Coors reported Wednesday that its third-quarter net income fell 23 percent as high costs and high unemployment among its core customers continued to take a toll on its profits.
The rating agency said it would consider a higher rating if Molson Coors' improves its financial performance and continues to improve its credit measures.
Shares of Molson Coors fell 28 cents to close at $38.87 Friday and were unchanged in after-hours trading.
© 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.