Credit Research News - May, 2007

Moody's Cuts Pitney Bowes Ratings

Moody's Investors Services on Thursday cut the rating on long-term debt issued by Pitney Bowes Inc.

Should We Really Have More Debt, Not Less?

Recently I ran across an article by Kenneth Fisher in Financial Planning, "Learning to Love Debt: The idea that debt is good may be counterintuitive, but the U.S. should have more debt, not less."

Bush Seeks International Help to Combat Global Warming

I'm proud to be introduced by my wife. I love her dearly. She's a great first lady.

Ace*Comm stock could be delisted, company eyes debt financing

Ace*Comm Corp., which earlier this month said it would cut jobs as part of a reorganization, faces a possible delisting from Nasdaq while the company attempts to line up financing.

Proposed legislation would lower water bills

City council's public utilities committee is reviewing legislation that would leave homeowners with a lower water bill.

Free Credit Card Debt Consolidation – Get Rid Of Mounting Debts

Free credit card debt consolidation services are the order of the day, with each person owning at least one credit card.

InSight Health Files for Bankruptcy Reorganization

Lake Forest-based InSight Health Services Holdings Corp., a provider of medical scanning services that is seeking to trade most of company's shares for debt relief, now is taking its plan to bankruptcy court.

Fitch affirms TD ratings; revises outlook

Action follows TD Ameritrade’s announcement to acquire a portion of Fiserv’s Investment Support Services business

G&K Services Announces $100 Million Share Repurchase Program

G&K Services, Inc. (Nasdaq:GKSR), a market leader in branded identity apparel programs and facility services, today announced that its Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to $100 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock.

True North Corporation Announces First Quarter 2007 Results

True North Corporation - The Return On Ideas Company™ (TSX VENTURE: TN) ("True North" or the "Company") - today announced that it has released its results for the quarter ended March 31, 2007 and that its Financial Reporting is Now Current.

Fitch Rates Gwinnett Health System (Georgia) $308.44MM 2007A-F 'A+'

Fitch Ratings has assigned an underlying 'A+' rating to the approximately $308.4 million Hospital Authority of Gwinnett County, Georgia revenue anticipation certificates, series 2007A-F.

Moody's Puts Swift Ratings Under Review

Moody's Investors Services said Tuesday it's reviewing the junk grade ratings of Swift & Co. for possible upgrade

CT Communications To Merge With Windstream Corporation

CT Communications, Inc. (CTC) today announced a definitive agreement to merge with Windstream Corporation .

S&P Assigns 'B' Ratings to Hub Int'l.

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services has assigned its "B" counterparty credit rating to Hub International Ltd. with a stable outlook. S&P also assigned its "B" senior secured debt rating to Hub's

OCZ Buys All Business And Assets Of PC Power & Cooling For Initial Consideration Of $10 Mln

M OCZ Technology Group Inc. (OCZ.L) announced the acquisition of all of the business and assets of PC Power & Cooling

URS To Acquire Washington Group International For $2.6 Billion In Cash and Stock

URS and Washington Group Acquisition Combines Leaders in Engineering, Construction and Management Services to Create Diversified “Single Source” E&C Company.

Dangerous debt left to our children

Recently Democrats in Congress have passed a budget resolution that promises to preserve middle-class tax cuts, provide even more tax relief to 19 million middle-class families

Your Friend In Need – A Debt Consolidation Company

Debts have become a part of life in today’s society. As a result, debt consolidation companies, companies whose aim is to reduce the debt

Now, the hard part - paying off student loans

As college graduation season comes to a close, the newly anointed degree holders will finally have to face a new reality -- life with hefty education debt.

City will ask residents to end fire department minimum manning rule

Only rumored until now, a public vote on a proposal to end minimum manning in the fire department will be part of Mayor Clarence Phillips' budget deficit reduction plan.

Grads need to ponder post-college debt options

As college graduation season comes to a close, new degree holders will have to face a new reality -- life with hefty education debt.

In a cycle of debt

The payday loan industry is booming, but critics say the 'quick fix' is a revolving door of fees that is financial quicksand for cash-strapped Americans

Our debt to military needs to be paid in full

Many Americans believe we are failing America's greatest asset, our armed forces.

HIGH COST OF LIVING

The ever increasing high cost of living which confronts our citizens on a daily basis is making it very difficult or impossible in some cases

Student Debt Consolidation, Inflation and Interest Rates

An interesting issue that most of the time goes unnoticed when it comes to student debt consolidation is the effects that inflation and interest rates have on someone’s debt.

S&P Lowers Clorox Ratings Outlook

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services on Friday lowered its ratings outlook for Clorox to "Negative" from "Stable,"

Fitch Affirms Winchester Hospital, Massachusetts' Bonds at 'BBB+'; Outlook Stable

Fitch Ratings has affirmed the underlying 'BBB+' rating on the $26.0 million Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority revenue bonds, series 1994D bonds issued on behalf of Winchester Hospital (Winchester).

A.M. Best Assigns Rating to Nationwide Financial’s Junior Subordinated Notes

A.M. Best Co. has assigned a debt rating of “bbb” to the $400 million 6.75% fixed-to-floating rate junior subordinated notes issued by Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.

Peter Quinn to Join Bank of America as Utilities Debt Research Analyst

Bank of America today announced that Peter D. Quinn is expected to join the Debt Research group in Banc of America Securities as a senior research analyst

Resolve Announces Correction on Effectiveness of Debt Reduction

Resolve Staffing, Inc. (OTCBB:RSFF) announces today that the previously announced debt reduction with the former shareholders of ELS remains subject to formal approval by Resolve’s senior lender

A.M. Best Assigns Rating to Nationwide Financial's Junior Subordinated Notes

A.M. Best Co. has assigned a debt rating of "bbb" to the $400 million 6.75% fixed-to-floating rate junior

Huge credit card debt bothering you? This can help

An emergency situation caused a huge credit card debt in your name and now the collection agencies nag you all day for recovering the money.

Skilled Healthcare IPO: Growing In A Prime Consolidation Niche, With Nagging Debt

On May 10, Bill Simpson wrote an analysis of Skilled Healthcare Group (SKH). On May 15, the company sold 16.7 million shares near the high end

Warsaw Schools Accept Donations, Grant

Large gifts to Warsaw Schools were accepted by the school board Monday night.

Broadridge Financial Prices Debt Offer

Broadridge Financial Solutions Inc., which provides outsourcing services to financial services companies

Tips for Managing a Financial Crunch

In the world of living paycheck to paycheck, unforeseen expenses create a very stressful situation.

EVCI Career Colleges Holding Corp. Completes ComVest Financing and Bank Debt Restructuring

EVCI Career Colleges Holding Corp. (NASDAQ: EVCI) announced today that it has completed a previously announced financing with ComVest Investment Partners III, L.P. (an affiliate of ComVest Group Holdings LLC)

Countdown to Retirement: Are you prepared?

Editor's note: The Hampton Union welcomes financial columnist Kathleen Thomas of Ameriprise Financial Services in Hampton. Thomas' column will appear one Tuesday a month.

Tyco Announces Pricing Terms in Connection With Certain Tender Offers and Consent Solicitations

Tyco International Ltd. ("Tyco") (NYSE: TYC; BSX: TYC) today announced pricing terms in connection with the tender offers of certain of its subsidiaries

3 step proactive approach to get rid of credit card debt quickly

People treat credit card debt like a disease. They don't care about it until things get out of hand and considerably threaten their lives.

Fitch Expects to Rate Mackinaw Power's Sr. Secured Bonds 'BBB-' & Term Loan 'BB-'

Fitch expects to assign a rating of 'BBB-' to Mackinaw Power, LLC's (Mackinaw) proposed issuance of $296 million senior secured bonds

Fitch Affs Sisters of Charity Leavenworth Health System, Kansas, at 'AA' & 'AA/F1+'

Fitch Ratings has affirmed the 'AA' and 'AA/F1+' ratings on approximately $698.5 million of debt issued on behalf of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Health System's (SCLHS). The outstanding debt issues affected are listed below.

Resolve Announces First Quarter Operating Results, Conference Call and Debt Reduction

Resolve Staffing, Inc. (OTCBB:RSFF) reported today Revenues for the quarter ended March 31, 2007. Revenue for the first quarter of 2007 totaled $61,861,760 (GAAP),

Credit One Financial Services, New Debt Consolidation Company, Launches in Newark

Credit One Financial Solutions (www.creditonefs.com), a new financial services company formed by five former MBNA executives, held a Grand Opening today attended by Gov. Ruth Ann Minner.

American Telecom Services Reports $6.9 Million in Sales for Third Quarter of Fiscal 2007

Company Reports Sales From Repeat Orders From Existing Customers With Products Now Sold in Over 13,000 Locations

Bad Toys Holdings, Inc. Announces Southland Health Services, Inc. Changes Accounting Method

Bad Toys Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: BTYH) announced today that its formally wholly owned subsidiary, Southland Health Services, Inc.

Beckman Coulter Ratings Affirmed, Removed From CreditWatch; Outlook Negative

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services affirmed its 'BBB' corporate credit and senior unsecured debt ratings on Beckman Coulter Inc.

3 biggest factors that drive a person towards credit card debt

The alarming rise in credit card debt is causing sleepless nights of a good number of people in USA.

Strengthening Your Credit

Experts say payment history has the biggest impact on individual credit

Hospital draws up debt plan

SAN PABLO: Doctors Medical Center managers plot way to cut annual obligation from $25 million to $6 million

New Grads' First Job: Tackling Student Loan Debt

As college graduation season comes to a close, the newly anointed degree holders will finally have to face a new reality - life with hefty education debt.

Bankers oppose fee, rate limits

In Britain, this past week was Credit Awareness Week, during which the banking industry and financial-services firms tried to educate consumers

Put debt to work earning money, these experts say

Jessica Lanning has a radical idea: Don't pay off your mortgage. Don't pay a down payment if you can avoid it.

Keep the debt monkey off your back

When it comes to borrowing money, caution is coming into vogue.

The Dark Side of the Credit Boom

"The bright side of the credit boom is an apparently expanding economy. Sooner or later, however, the boom is going to show its dark side. The gap between the credit and money induced increase in demand for and supply of resources becomes obvious."

You don’t have to major in math to see how expensive it is

Beverly Usher is fearful that as she prepares to send her daughter to college, she’s simultaneously putting her on a steppingstone into financial quicksand.

Debt and the Breakeven Syndrome

If I ever write a book titled “30 Reasons I Didn’t Save for Retirement (During My 30-Year Dental Career),” many of the reasons would relate to how dentists handle debt and equipment purchases.

Fitch Rates California Public Works Board $32.5MM 2007D Lease Revs 'A'

Fitch Ratings has assigned an 'A' rating to the State Public Works Board (SPWB) of the State of California's $32.465 million in lease revenue bonds, 2007 series D

Using Credit Card Debt Consolidation Help To Your Advantage

If you are flooded with unpaid credit card bills and are neck deep in financial trouble, you need credit card debt consolidation help immediately.

Credit Card Debt Consolidation Help - Repaying Credit Card Bills

If you are looking for credit card debt consolidation help, you have many options.

Pre-Paid Legal: Great Business Model, Few Competitors

Pre-Paid Legal Services (PPD) is a company that sells exactly what its name states, pre-paid legal services.

Dude, you're getting a debt: Dell accused of deceptive practices

Paul Reisner says he had an excellent credit rating — until he got what he thought was a good deal on a Dell computer.

GED services continue despite funding lapse

Technical colleges dig deep to cover year end GED costs not covered in amended FY '07 budget.

OMNI Raises 2007 Guidance

OMNI ENERGY SERVICES CORP. announced today that, excluding unforeseen weather and permit delays, it now expects its fiscal 2007 net income

Neighborhood Housing plans to sell properties to offset debt

Tim Vanderkleed has turned a giant Victorian house used until recently as a duplex back into a single-family residence.

Many Gamerco utility users owe money

Gamerco residents are once again falling behind ontheir utility payments, and city officials are getting worried. They're hoping a tougher stance will turn things around.

Billy Ballew Motorsports Announces New Sponsor, Christian Debt Consolidation

Billy Ballew Motorsports announced today that Christian Debt Consolidation will be the Primary Sponsor on the No. 15 Chevrolet Silverado NASCAR Craftsman Truck

Council set to OK record budget Lack of city debt may be short-lived

The city's biggest ever budget of $50.5 million is drawing praise despite its high price tag.

Credit Counseling Solves Debt Management Issues According To ChristiaNet Poll

Credit Counseling such as consumer counseling, debt management, credit repair, collection agencies and financial services are some of the credit counseling related articles at http://www.christianet.com/creditcounseling/.

McGraw settles with settlers

Four companies that offer debt settlement services have agreed to stop, West Virginia Attorney General Darrell McGraw said Wednesday.

Cerberus to steer $65bn Chrysler debt plan

US buyout group Cerberus Capital Management, which sealed a $7.4bn (€5.4bn) takeover of Chrysler earlier this week, is looking at a potential $65bn refinancing of the US carmaker's financial services arm to lighten its debt burden.

Bono says rich nations badly off track on aid

Anti-poverty activist and rocker Bono on Tuesday said the world's industrial nations are badly off track on their promises of aid to Africa's poor

SunTrust to Present at Lehman Brothers Financial Services Conference

SunTrust Banks, Inc. (NYSE: STI) will present at the Lehman Brothers Financial Services Conference in London on Thursday, May 17, 2007 at approximately 9:40 AM Eastern Time.

MISCOR Group Reports First Quarter Results

Industrial services provider MISCOR Group, Ltd. (OTC Bulletin Board: MCGL) reported a 22 percent increase in net sales for its first quarter ended April 1, 2007,

Social services, transit cut under plan

$146B budget revision increases prison health care, education spending.

Nationwide Financial Prices $400 Million Junior Subordinated Debt Offering

Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE:NFS), a leading provider of long-term savings and retirement products, today announced that it has priced and will issue in a public offering $400 million of fixed-to-floating rate junior subordinated notes.

Newtek Business Services Transitions to New CFO

Newtek Business Services, Inc. (http://www.newtekbusinessservices.com/) a direct distributor to the small to medium sized business market, has announced that it will begin a transition to a new Chief Financial Officer.

65 Ways To Save Money III

A home energy audit can identify ways to save up to hundreds of dollars a year on home heating (and air conditioning). Ask your electric or gas utility if they audit homes for free or for a reasonable charge. If they do not, ask them to refer you to a qualified professional.

SMTC Reports First Quarter Results

SMTC Corporation (Nasdaq: SMTX, TSX: SMX) ("SMTC"), a global electronics manufacturing services provider, announced today its results for the first quarter ended April 1, 2007 which are expressed in US dollars.

Ista’s Setback Puts More Pressure on Flagship Xibrom

InSight Extends Debt for Stock Offer; Quality Systems Remains a Darling of Stock Watchers

Debt: An Inescapable Concept

Debt is an inescapable concept. It is never a question of debt or no debt. It is always a question of which kind of debt, owed to whom, when.

Higher Payout on Board

RAILROAD STOCKS GAINED SPEED last Tuesday on shareholder-friendly moves by giant CSX Corp. and on acquisition activity in the sector.

Debt Consolidation Credit Help – A Smart Method To Avoid Bankruptcy

Debt consolidation credit help is for those who have fallen deep into the debt trap. If you have multiple debts you are finding hard to manage, and are afraid of bankruptcy or possession of your property, debt consolidation help is for you.

Roni Deutch Helps Clients Settle IRS Back Taxes Through Manageable Monthly Payments

Last month, tax attorney Roni Deutch and her law firm resolved the back tax liability for clients owing in aggregate over $2.5 million to the IRS through negotiating Installment Agreements. Installment Agreements allow taxpayers to pay back their IRS tax debts through manageable monthly payments.

Call centre company takes over US firm

HUYTON-BASED call centre operator Vertex has made its second acquisition in the US as part of a strategy

Triple Crown Media, Inc. Announces Third Quarter Results

Crown Media, Inc. TCMI announces that for the third quarter ended March 31, 2007, total revenues were $36.3 million and loss from continuing operations was ($0.6) million

Some Quick Tips For Finding The Best Debt Consolidation Help

Debt consolidation help is available online as well as through various non-profit organizations.

AirNet Systems, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2007 Results

AirNet Systems, Inc. (Amex: ANS) today reported net income of $1.9 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, for the first quarter 2007

Debt Resolve, Inc. Announces First Quarter 2007 and Fiscal Year 2006 Earnings; Releases Projections

Debt Resolve, Inc. (AMEX: DRV), a leading provider of patented online collection technology, released today its preliminary results for the first quarter 2007 and fiscal year 2006

OMNI Reports Record First Quarter Results

Revenues Increase 111% Net Income Rises 185% Excluding Non-recurring Charge and Tax Benefits Adjusted EBITDA Surges 121%

Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. Announces Record First Quarter Net Income and Earnings Per Share

23% Increase in Revenue for the Three Months to $16.7 Million; 58% Increase in Net Income for the Three Months to $2.7 Million

The secret of successful debt settlement

Debt Settlement, also called credit card debt negotiation is an arrangement between a debtor and a creditor to repay a debt generally for a for a lowered payoff amount.

Federal Jury in Los Angeles Orders Debt Collector Arrow Financial Services to Pay Consumer $100,000.

On May 4, 2007, a unanimous federal jury in Los Angeles, California ordered debt collector Arrow Financial Services to pay Laura Nelson $100,000.00 for a multi-year pattern of unfair debt collection and false credit reporting practices. Laura Nelson v. Arrow Financial Services, LLC, United States District Court Case No. CV06-1568 RGK (PLAx).

Event Brief of Q1 2007 AMN Healthcare Services, Inc. Earnings Conference Call - Final

AHS reported 1Q07 revenues of $284m and diluted EPS of $0.23 per share. AHS expects 2007 revenue to come in at $1.18-1.20b and 2Q07 revenues to be in the range of $289-291m. 2007 EPS is expected to be $1.10-1.14 and 2Q07 EPS is expected to be $0.23-0.25.

S&P to Require More Protection on Second-Lien Debt (Update4)

Standard & Poor's joined Moody's Investors Service in requiring more protection for investors in bonds backed by second mortgages

Martin: An emphasis on human services

Watch as Scott Martin connects gang activity to farmland preservation in three easy steps.

Macquarie Infrastructure Company Reports First Quarter 2007 Financial Results

Macquarie Infrastructure Company MIC, a leader in the ownership and operation of U.S. infrastructure businesses, reported consolidated revenue

Integrated Electrical Services Reports Fiscal 2007 Second Quarter Results

Company Completes Amendment to Prepay $15 Million of Term Loan Principal

Fitch Rates Milwaukee County, Wisconsin's $32.6MM GOs 'AA'

Fitch has assigned a 'AA' rating to Milwaukee County, Wisconsin's $32,625,000 general obligation (GO) corporate purpose bonds, series 2007A, which will sell competitively on May 17, 2007.

T-3 Energy Services, Inc. Announces First Quarter 2007 Earnings

T-3 Energy Services, Inc. ("T-3 Energy") (Nasdaq:TTES) reported first quarter 2007 net income of $5.5 million, or $0.51 per diluted share, up 45% and 46%

AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. Reports Record First Quarter Net Income of $21.5 Million

AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. (Nasdaq:AFSI) today reported record net income of $21.5 million and revenues of $140.3 million for the first quarter 2007.

Refinances $30.0 Million of Debt

Interest Rate Fixed at 5.9%; $2.7 Million Debt Reduction; Approximately $0.7 Million in Annual Interest Savings

Free Debt Consolidation Loan Quote Through The Right Non Profit Debt Service

Today, many individuals and companies offer free debt consolidation loan quote to people with defective credit standing.

Credit Card Debt Consolidation Loan – Loans To Ease Your Bad Credit History

If multiple credit card dues and other unsecured loans have resulted in a bad credit score that negates all your efforts to hunt for a loan, consider a credit card debt consolidation loan.

Debt won't close doors at Most Holy Name of Jesus

The church is working on ways to repay the diocese almost half a million dollars spent in running a now-closed parochial school.

Telecom fraud

Telecommunication fraud is the single biggest cause of revenue loss in the telecoms sector, accounting for between three and six per cent of a single operator’s annual revenue

Savvis prices $345M in new debt

Savvis Inc. said late Thursday that it priced $345 million in new debt announced earlier in the day at a rate equivalent to an initial conversion price of about $70.38 per share.

Westchester Medical Center pays off $70M debt to county

Westchester Medical Center has wiped clean its debt to Westchester County, paying back $70 million owed for capital improvements, malpractice claims and other expenses.

Tyson Foods Improves Credit Profile

On the heels of two quarters with positive net income, Springdale-based Tyson Foods Inc. has its debt watchers re-evaluating the meat giant's credit profile, but lingering corn concerns continue to present further risks.

Choosing The Right Debt Consolidation Help

A person who has financial problems stand to gain through the assistance of some debt consolidation help through a credit counselor.

Lexington Medical debt rating upgraded

Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services has raised Lexington Medical Center’s debt rating to A+ from A.

Debt Relief Services Offer Christians Hope According To ChristiaNet Poll

Services such as debt relief, Christian counseling, consolidation loans, settlement companies and eliminating credit card debt are some of the debt relief related articles at http://www.christianet.com/debtrelief/.

Topsham budget tops $18M

A preview of the budget due to take effect on July 1 tops the agenda for a public hearing that begins at 7 p.m. Thursday at Topsham Public Library.

MKTG Services Appoints Wendy Bella as Director of National Accounts for Several Key Vertical Markets

MKTG Services, a leading provider of highly effective and measurable marketing solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Wendy Bella as Director of National Accounts.

Qwest Reports Solid First Quarter 2007 Results

EBITDA Margins Expand Year Over Year and Sequentiallya Data Revenue of $1.2 Billion up 11% From First Quarter 2006

Informa Research Services Advises How to Use the Extra Cash You Save from Refinancing Your Mortgage

Mortgage industry experts estimate that over one trillion dollars worth of adjustable mortgages will reset by the end of 2007.

Consolidated Credit Counseling Services, Inc. Offers Steps to Avoid Foreclosure

Mortgage delinquency rates have hit an all-time high in the first quarter of 2007, and many people are scrambling to avoid foreclosure. The experts at the nonprofit organization Consolidated Credit Counseling Services, provide advice about how to keep consumer's home and credit intact.

Driven to finish

Veterinary student worries about supporting family after graduation

Debt Resolve to Acquire Creditors Interchange in a Transaction Valued at $64 Million; Announces Next

Now Offers an Advanced, Comprehensive, One-Stop Accounts Receivable Management Solution for Global Clients