KBRA Assigns Texas Tech University System RFS Bonds at AA+, Stable Outlook

BY Business Wire | MUNICIPAL | 01/30/25 04:03 PM EST

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- KBRA assigns a AA+, Stable Outlook to Texas Tech University System Board of Regents Revenue Financing System ("RFS") Refunding and Improvement Bonds Series 2025A and RFS Refunding and Improvement Bonds Taxable Series 2025B to be issued on behalf of the Texas Tech University System. Concurrently, KBRA affirms outstanding RFS obligations issued under the Master Resolution and payable from and solely secured by Pledged Revenues of the RFS System.

Key Credit Considerations

The rating actions reflect the following key credit considerations:

Credit Positives

  • Solid finances, characterized by substantial liquidity, diverse funding, and typically balanced operations.
  • Healthy student demand, driven by an expansive operation that includes academic and health institutions.
  • Highly experienced and stable leadership team.

Credit Challenges

  • On-going plans for debt issuance driven by capital-intensive nature of operations.

Rating Sensitivities

For Upgrade

  • Strengthened financial performance and liquidity, providing enhanced financial flexibility.

For Downgrade

  • While not expected, a significant increase in leverage that strains the Revenue Financing System (RFS) security pledge and structure.

To access ratings and relevant documents, click here.

Methodologies

  • Public Finance: Private, Not-For-Profit U.S. Higher Education Rating Methodology
  • ESG Global Rating Methodology

Disclosures

A description of all substantially material sources that were used to prepare the credit rating and information on the methodology(ies) (inclusive of any material models and sensitivity analyses of the relevant key rating assumptions, as applicable) used in determining the credit rating is available in the Information Disclosure Form(s) located here.

Information on the meaning of each rating category can be located here.

Further disclosures relating to this rating action are available in the Information Disclosure Form(s) referenced above. Additional information regarding KBRA policies, methodologies, rating scales and disclosures are available at www.kbra.com.

About KBRA

Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC (KBRA), one of the major credit rating agencies (CRA), is a full-service CRA registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an NRSRO. Kroll Bond Rating Agency Europe Limited is registered as a CRA with the European Securities and Markets Authority. Kroll Bond Rating Agency UK Limited is registered as a CRA with the UK Financial Conduct Authority. In addition, KBRA is designated as a Designated Rating Organization (DRO) by the Ontario Securities Commission for issuers of asset-backed securities to file a short form prospectus or shelf prospectus. KBRA is also recognized as a Qualified Rating Agency by Taiwan?s Financial Supervisory Commission and is recognized by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners as a Credit Rating Provider (CRP) in the U.S.

Doc ID: 1007818

Source: Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC

In general the bond market is volatile, and fixed income securities carry interest rate risk. (As interest rates rise, bond prices usually fall, and vice versa. This effect is usually more pronounced for longer-term securities.) Fixed income securities also carry inflation risk and credit and default risks for both issuers and counterparties. Unlike individual bonds, most bond funds do not have a maturity date, so avoiding losses caused by price volatility by holding them until maturity is not possible.

Lower-quality debt securities generally offer higher yields, but also involve greater risk of default or price changes due to potential changes in the credit quality of the issuer. Any fixed income security sold or redeemed prior to maturity may be subject to loss.

Before investing, consider the funds' investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. Contact Fidelity for a prospectus or, if available, a summary prospectus containing this information. Read it carefully.

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