Latest news with #SPGlobalRatings
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Varex Imaging Corporation (VREX) Downgraded by S&P as Regulatory Outlook Remains Cloudy
S&P Global Ratings has downgraded its ratings on Varex Imaging Corporation (NASDAQ:VREX) because it believes the stock is surrounded by high levels of unpredictability and weaker credit metrics. Tariff drama has been lingering for quite some time now, and with uncertainty around policy implementation by the U.S. administration, the firm believes Varex's profitability and sales are under serious threat. A technician in a lab coat inspecting an X-ray imaging component. The slashing of the rating from 'B+' to 'BB-' also considers the refinancing risk of the company stemming from near-term maturities. With short-term capital structure, external factors, including capital market conditions and geopolitical risk, push the company into a vulnerable state. This isn't the first time the company has exhibited such performance. The credit assessor now expects a leverage above the downside threshold of 3.5x, with a free operating cash flow (FOCF) to debt below 12% for FY2025, much in line with last year's benchmark. No relief from the medical segment either, as the demand remains subdued. Despite the approval of a $1.4 trillion government stimulus package, the Chinese government is taking initiatives to support local vendors, putting further pressure on Varex Imaging Corporation (NASDAQ:VREX)'s sales. However, due to the company's competitive position and new contracts, S&P has extended a stable rating outlook. While we acknowledge the potential of VREX as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than VREX and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about the READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires. Disclosure. None.


Bloomberg
21-05-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
NYU's Bond Rating Outlook Dinged Amid Large Capital Plans
The outlook on New York University's credit rating was revised to negative from stable by S&P Global Ratings, which cited the school's plans to ramp up debt for capital projects. The school is planning to sell $1.25 billion of tax-exempt bonds and $920 million of taxable bonds, according to the ratings company. S&P has a AA- rating, the fourth-highest level of investment grade, on NYU. The debt will be used for campus projects and to refinance outstanding securities.


Arab News
19-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi banks' March profits jump 27% on lending boom
RIYADH: Saudi banks recorded a 27.1 percent year-on-year increase in net profits in March, reaching SR8.81 billion ($2.35 billion). According to the Saudi Central Bank, also known as SAMA, this figure reflects earnings before zakat and tax. The robust performance marks one of the strongest monthly earnings in recent years. It underscores growing confidence in the Kingdom's banking sector amid steady economic activity and a strong pipeline of Vision 2030-related projects. According to a January report by S&P Global Ratings, Saudi banks are expected to maintain stable profitability throughout the year. The analysis highlighted a favorable economic environment and declining interest rates as key enablers of continued credit expansion. In particular, corporate lending is anticipated to remain the primary driver of loan growth in 2025, supported by increased construction activity, infrastructure investment, and government-led initiatives. S&P expects lending growth to hover around 10 percent for the year, with corporate lending closely tied to Vision 2030 implementation leading the surge. Meanwhile, mortgage lending is projected to recover moderately in response to lower borrowing costs. Saudi banks are also expected to continue leveraging international capital markets to fund growth. S&P estimated credit losses will stabilize at 50 to 60 basis points, supported by strong provisioning cushions built in recent quarters. The March performance aligns with broader credit dynamics observed in Saudi Arabia. According to SAMA, total bank credit reached SR3.1 trillion in March, an annual increase of 16.26 percent, the highest growth in over three years. Corporate loans accounted for 55.19 percent of the total, rising 22.3 percent year-on-year to over SR1.71 trillion. This trend reflects a shift in Saudi lending priorities, with businesses now driving the lending landscape. The uptick in business credit signals increased private sector activity, particularly across construction, real estate, and manufacturing. This robust banking performance aligns with the Kingdom's broader non-oil economic momentum. According to the Riyad Bank Saudi Arabia Purchasing Managers' Index compiled by S&P Global, the Kingdom recorded a PMI of 58.1 in March, the highest among its Middle Eastern peers and well above the 50.0 threshold, indicating expansion. Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Economy and Planning reported in February that non-oil activities now make up 52 percent of gross domestic product, having grown 20 percent since the launch of Vision 2030. With the government targeting $100 billion in annual foreign direct investment by 2030, the expansion of the banking and non-oil sectors plays a critical role in attracting global capital and supporting long-term economic sustainability. As corporate activity intensifies and lending strategies evolve, Saudi banks appear well-positioned to balance growth, profitability, and resilience.


BBC News
16-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Moody's downgrades US credit rating citing rising debt
The US has lost its last triple-A credit score from a major ratings firm after being downgraded by Moody's, which cited growing federal debt over the past lowering the US rating to 'Aa1', Moody's noted that successive US administrations had failed to reverse ballooning deficits and interest costs.A triple-A rating signifies a country's highest possible credit reliability, and indicates it is considered to be in very good financial health with a strong capacity to repay its debts. Moody's warned in 2023 the US triple-A rating was at risk. Fitch Ratings downgraded the US in 2023 and S&P Global Ratings did so in 2011. This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest can receive Breaking News on a smartphone or tablet via the BBC News App. You can also follow @BBCBreaking on X to get the latest alerts.


Bloomberg
16-05-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
US Credit Rating Cut by Moody's on Government Debt Increase
The US was downgraded by Moody's Ratings on an increase in government debt, a landmark move that casts doubt on the nation's status as the world's highest-quality sovereign borrower. Moody's lowered the US credit score to Aa1 from Aaa on Friday, joining Fitch Ratings and S&P Global Ratings in grading the world's biggest economy below the top, triple-A position.