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June 8, 2010 Laura Alexander Senior Vice President 777 Main Street, Suite 1200 Fort Worth, Texas 76102 817.332.9710 laura.alexander@firstsw.com General Obligation Credit Ratings
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Member FINRA & SIPC © 2010 First Southwest Company M ECKLENBURG C OUNTY, N ORTH C AROLINA City’s current general obligation credit ratings –Moody’sAa1 (rating expected on 6/9/10) –Standard & Poor’sAA+ (affirmed on 6/1/10) –FitchAA+ (affirmed on 6/3/10) –All are one notch from being “AAA” Factors that influence general obligation credit ratings: –Economic (local trends, tax base, diversification of economy) –Administrative (management, financial policies) –Financial (operating results, investments, reserve levels) –Debt (amount, repayment terms, future borrowing plans) General Obligation Credit Ratings 1 CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS
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Member FINRA & SIPC © 2010 First Southwest Company M ECKLENBURG C OUNTY, N ORTH C AROLINA 2 CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS Standard & Poor’s Credit Strengths “Expanding, diversifying economic base and prominent participation in the north-central Texas economy” “Generally positive financial results with strong reserves” “Strong financial management practices” “Favorable and faster than average principal amortization, allowing for additional debt” Financial Management Assessment (unique to S&P): “Strong” -Many formalized policies -Reserve requirements -Use of fund balance -Capital improvement planning -Debt management -Monthly financial reports -Five year financial forecast which highlight the long term effect of current-year budget decisions
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Member FINRA & SIPC © 2010 First Southwest Company M ECKLENBURG C OUNTY, N ORTH C AROLINA 3 CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS Fitch Credit Strengths “Financial performance benefits from strong fiscal stewardship and policies, including the requirement that the unreserved general fund balance be at least 10% of spending.” “The city’s debt profile is moderate and the pace of amortization is rapid.” “The metropolitan economy is diverse and, although area unemployment has risen, rates remain below the national average.”
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Member FINRA & SIPC © 2010 First Southwest Company M ECKLENBURG C OUNTY, N ORTH C AROLINA 4 CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS Credit Considerations Standard & Poor’s “Expectation that the city will sustain its sound financial position…” “Rating stability remains dependent on the receipt of audited results that are consistent with monthly financial results and management’s financial projections…” Fitch “Given the current economic downturn and its impact on key operating revenues, achieving structural balance and preserving financial reserves are crucial to the rating.” “Preservation of the 10% minimum unreserved fund balance is key to the city’s long-term rating.” “Adherence to timely reporting requirements and implementation of internal controls and enhanced accounting and reporting systems are important to maintaining fiscal stability.”
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Member FINRA & SIPC © 2010 First Southwest Company M ECKLENBURG C OUNTY, N ORTH C AROLINA 5 CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS Looking Forward The City’s financially conservative policies and practices have been validated by the rating agencies. The rating agencies’ comments provide valuable insights into the City’s key credit considerations. These credit considerations are critical to 1.preserving the City’s current credit ratings and 2.maintaining the long term financial health of Fort Worth
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