New York, July 29, 2020 -- Moody's Investors Service has assigned a Aaa rating to the City of San Antonio, TX's $145.2 million General Improvement Bonds, Series 2020, $15.5 million Combination Tax and Revenue Certificates of Obligation, Taxable Series 2020, $40.5 million Combination Tax and Revenue Certificates of Obligation, Series 2020 and $43.9 million Tax Notes, Series 2020. We also maintain the Aaa issuer rating and Aaa rating on the city's previously issued general obligation limited tax (GOLT) debt. Post sale, the city will have $2.3 billion in GOLT debt. The outlook is stable.
RATINGS RATIONALE
The Aaa rating reflects the strength of the economy sustained by multiple sectors including the stability afforded by institutional presence and a steady history of solid operating performance guided by an adept management team. Financial reserves will remain healthy as city officials use careful expense management and continue to budget conservatively to mitigate the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic. The rating also incorporates the city's low resident income indicators and high debt levels compared to similarly rated peers driven by strong demand for goods and services. Pension levels are moderately elevated but should remain affordable supported by the strength of the economy and tax base.
The lack of rating distinction between the issuer rating and the GOLT rating reflects the ample taxing headroom under the limited tax cap that provides more than six times debt service, offsetting the lack of a full faith and credit pledge and the inability for the city to increase the rate above the cap.
We regard the coronavirus outbreak as a social risk under our ESG framework, given the substantial implications for public health and safety. The coronavirus crisis is not a key driver for this rating action. We do not see any material immediate credit risks for City of San Antonio because of its healthy liquidity and ability to make expenditure cuts. However, the situation surrounding coronavirus is rapidly evolving and the longer term impact will depend on both the severity and duration of the crisis. If our view of the credit quality of the city changes, we will update the rating and/or outlook at that time.
RATING OUTLOOK
The stable outlook reflects the strength of the city's financial practices which will enable the city to manage unforeseen financial challenges and allow reserve levels to remain relatively stable. These practices combined with the large local economy should keep the credit profile in line with similarly rated peers.
FACTORS THAT COULD LEAD TO AN UPGRADE OF THE RATINGS
- Not applicable
FACTORS THAT COULD LEAD TO A DOWNGRADE OF THE RATINGS
- Negative trends in operating performance and material reduction in reserves
- Weakened economic profile; tax base loss
- Growth in unfunded pension liability resulting in budgetary pressure
- Increasing debt levels absent corresponding tax base growth
LEGAL SECURITY
The bonds and certificates are secured by a direct and continuing annual ad valorem tax, levied on all taxable property, within the limits prescribed by law. The certificates are additionally secured by a subordinate pledge of the city's park system, in an amount limited to $1,000.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Proceeds from the bonds and certificates will be used for a variety of city needs including infrastructure, equipment, facilities, technology and quality of life needs.
PROFILE
The City of San Antonio is the county seat of Bexar County (Aaa stable) and is the seventh largest city in the nation and second most populous metropolitan area in Texas (Aaa stable). The local economy is anchored by three primary sectors: military, financial services and tourism. The current population is estimated at 1.5 million.
METHODOLOGY
The principal methodology used in these ratings was US Local Government General Obligation Debt published in September 2019 and available at https://www.moodys.com/researchdocumentcontentpage.aspx?docid=PBM_1191097. Alternatively, please see the Rating Methodologies page on www.moodys.com for a copy of this methodology.
REGULATORY DISCLOSURES
For further specification of Moody's key rating assumptions and sensitivity analysis, see the sections Methodology Assumptions and Sensitivity to Assumptions in the disclosure form. Moody's Rating Symbols and Definitions can be found at: https://www.moodys.com/researchdocumentcontentpage.aspx?docid=PBC_79004
For ratings issued on a program, series, category/class of debt or security this announcement provides certain regulatory disclosures in relation to each rating of a subsequently issued bond or note of the same series, category/class of debt, security or pursuant to a program for which the ratings are derived exclusively from existing ratings in accordance with Moody's rating practices. For ratings issued on a support provider, this announcement provides certain regulatory disclosures in relation to the credit rating action on the support provider and in relation to each particular credit rating action for securities that derive their credit ratings from the support provider's credit rating. For provisional ratings, this announcement provides certain 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, in each case where the transaction structure and terms have not changed prior to the assignment of the definitive rating in a manner that would have affected the rating. For further information please see the ratings tab on the issuer/entity page for the respective issuer on www.moodys.com.
The ratings have been disclosed to the rated entity or its designated agent(s) and issued with no amendment resulting from that disclosure.
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Regulatory disclosures contained in this press release apply to the credit rating and, if applicable, the related rating outlook or rating review.
Moody's general principles for assessing environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks in our credit analysis can be found at https://www.moodys.com/researchdocumentcontentpage.aspx?docid=PBC_1133569.
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Adebola Kushimo
Lead Analyst
Regional PFG Dallas
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Nicholas Lehman
Additional Contact
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