Ford Upgraded: $65B of Debt Affected

Moody's Investors Service has boosted the ratings of Ford and Ford Motor Credit, and is evaluating the ratings for further possible upgrade. About $65 billion of debt is affected by the upgrade.

Author:: Andrea Tse
Publish date:: Mar 17, 2010 4:50 PM EDT

NEW YORK (

TheStreet

) -- Moody's Investors Service has boosted the ratings of

Ford

(F) - Get Report

and

Ford Motor Credit

, and is evaluating the ratings for further possible upgrade. About $65 billion of debt is affected by this upgrade.

"The upgrade of Ford's long-term ratings anticipates that the company's restructured business model will generate significantly improved operating and financial performance ... supported by a robust new product program, a more disciplined approach toward production levels and incentives, the expanding cost benefits associated with the new UAW (United Auto Workers) agreement, and solid progress in globalizing platforms and product offerings," Moody's writes.

Moody's says this business model is bringing the company market-share gains in the U.S., healthy price realization, and operating performance that is more robust than Moody's had previously expected.

Ford stock finished Wednesday's trading session up 4.5% at $14.10.

-- Reported by Andrea Tse in New York

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