Approximately $18 million of debt affected; outlook is stable
New York, October 08, 2012 --
Moody's Rating
Issue: Lease Revenue Refunding Bonds (County Facilities Projects),
Series 2012; Rating: A2; Sale Amount: $17,870,000;
Expected Sale Date: 10/15/12; Rating Description: Lease
Rental: Abatement
Opinion
Moody's Investors Service has assigned an A2 rating to Riverside County's
upcoming sale of Lease Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2012.
The outlook is stable.
RATINGS RATIONALE
The rating largely reflects ongoing weakening of the county's already
narrow financial position. The county has faced substantial challenges
as the weak economy cut into its discretionary revenues. Management
has been unable to overcome these challenges, and both operating
and structural balance in the general fund remain elusive. The
rating continues to reflect the county's very large tax base which has
long term advantages, such as low cost real estate, sizable
warehousing and distribution facilities, and a nascent alternative
energy production sector. In the nearer term, the effects
of the recession are still palpable, including a weak housing market
and high unemployment. However, there are some modest signs
that the county's recession is abating. The rating also incorporates
the county's manageable debt portfolio. The stable outlook reflects
the combined effects of the modestly improving economy and slowing rate
of financial weakening, suggesting that the county's credit position
will remain consistent with the current rating over the long term.
The two notch rating distinction between the A2 on the lease rating and
the county's Aa3- Issuer rating represents Moody's standard
notching differential for fixed asset leases relative to a California
issuer's general obligation rating. Broadly speaking the two notches
reflect the risk of abatement and the narrower, general fund security
pledge for leases compared to the very strong, voter-approved
unlimited property tax pledge securing general obligation bonds.
STRENGTHS
-Large, diversified tax base
-Economy positioned to return to long-term growth based
on low cost, well-located commercial/industrial real estate
CHALLENGES
-Declining revenue base resulting from weak economy and residential
real estate market collapse
-Inability to achieve sustained operating or structural budgetary
balance, resulting in continued narrowing of already comparatively
thin financial position
OUTLOOK
The stable outlook reflects the combined effects of the modestly improving
economy and slowing rate of financial weakening, suggesting that
the county's credit position will remain consistent with the current rating
over the long term.
WHAT COULD MAKE THE RATING GO UP
- Sustained positive operating results resulting in materially
stronger financial position
- Return to strong, sustained economic growth
WHAT COULD MAKE THE RATING GO DOWN
- Materially weakened financial position
The principal methodology used in this rating was General Obligation Bonds
Issued by U.S. Local Governments published in October 2009.
Please see the Credit Policy page on www.moodys.com for
a copy of this methodology.
REGULATORY DISCLOSURES
The Global Scale Credit Ratings on this press release that are issued
by one of Moody's affiliates outside the EU are endorsed by Moody's
Investors Service Ltd., One Canada Square, Canary Wharf,
London E 14 5FA, UK, in accordance with Art.4 paragraph
3 of the Regulation (EC) No 1060/2009 on Credit Rating Agencies.
Further information on the EU endorsement status and on the Moody's
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this announcement provides relevant regulatory disclosures in relation
to the rating action on the support provider and in relation to each particular
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this announcement provides relevant regulatory disclosures in relation
to the provisional rating assigned, and in relation to a definitive
rating that may be assigned subsequent to the final issuance of the debt,
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the lead rating analyst and to the Moody's legal entity that has issued
the rating.
Gregory W. Lipitz
Vice President - Senior Analyst
Public Finance Group
Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
250 Greenwich Street
New York, NY 10007
U.S.A.
JOURNALISTS: 212-553-0376
SUBSCRIBERS: 212-553-1653
Kevork Khrimian
Vice President - Senior Analyst
Public Finance Group
JOURNALISTS: 212-553-0376
SUBSCRIBERS: 212-553-1653
Releasing Office:
Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
250 Greenwich Street
New York, NY 10007
U.S.A.
JOURNALISTS: 212-553-0376
SUBSCRIBERS: 212-553-1653
Moody's assigns A2 rating to Riverside County's Lease Revenue refunding Bonds, Series 2012