METRO received solid ratings for its credit worthiness from two of the major credit rating agencies, Standard & Poor's Global Ratings and Moody's Investor Service. S&P Global awarded the Authority's $121.9 million sales and use tax contractual obligations Series a "AAA" rating. This reflects S&P Global's highest ranking and an upgrade from last year's "AA+."
S&P Global stated the upgrade reflected the agency's "extraordinary debt service coverage" and sales tax revenue growth provided by the "robust and sizable local economy that continues to expand."
Moody's assigned the Series 2018 bonds a "Aa2" rating, which matched the rating given by Moody's to METRO bonds issued in 2017. Moody's positive forecast extends to METRO's credit worthiness to take on additional debt.
"These ratings are encouraging and reveal what we already know, that with solid support from our thriving region, METRO is on firm financial footing and poised to meet the future transit needs of the Houston/ Harris County area," said METRO President & CEO Tom Lambert.
The latest issuance is expected to close in early December. The bonds are being issued to purchase light-rail vehicles, buses, and fare box equipment.