Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Ford, GM may qualify for higher credit ratings

NEW YORK — Ford and General Motors' new union contracts may qualify them for higher credit ratings.


Moody's Investors Service said Wednesday it's reviewing ratings for Ford.


The Dearborn, Michigan, automaker reached a deal on Tuesday with the United Auto Workers for a new four-year contract.


The automaker's ratings under review include "Ba2" for corporate family and probability of default, and "Ba3" for senior unsecured debt, both of which are so-called junk status. They also include "Baa3" for secured bank debt, the lowest level of investment grade.


An upgrade would return Ford more squarely to investment-grade status, which the automaker has said is one of its top goals. About $55 billion of debt would be affected.


Moody's is already reviewing Detroit-based GM's ratings after its workers ratified a similar contract last week.


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