S&P Global Ratings Assign UCM ‘A+’ Long-term Rating for Seventh Year

The University of Central Missouri has received a long-term rating of “A+” by Standard & Poor’s (S&P) Global Ratings for the seventh consecutive year regarding its Missouri Health & Educational facilities Authority’s series 2018A, 2018B and 2023 educational facilities revenue bonds. In addition, as a result of UCM’s dedication to sound financial operations, the rating continues to include a stable outlook.

In its rating action, S&P Global noted, “The stable outlook reflects our favorable view of the university’s continued operating success, which is fueled by growth in net tuition revenue and management's conservative approach to financial management. Furthermore, the outlook reflects the university's healthy financial resources, which continue to provide ample support to the university. Finally, the outlook reflects UCM’s manageable debt burden, which, absent any additional debt, will materially decline over the next few years and the university continues to amortize debt.”

S&P Global Ratings provide a forward-looking opinion about a borrower’s credit worthiness and ability to repay debt using a letter-grade system. “AAA” is the very best rating that can be given for a borrower’s ability to replay long-term bonds. A long-term credit issue rating of “A” means that the organization being rated is more susceptible to adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in  higher-rated categories, but the borrower’s ability to meet its financial commitments is still strong.

At the end of Fiscal Year 2024, UCM’s total debt outstanding equaled approximately $67.2 million, including $39.9 million in fixed-rate, long-term debt between the series 2018A, 2018B and 2023 bonds. Total debt also includes $22.3 million in leases, $3.7 million in SBITA and $1.3 million in various notes.

"To maintain an “A+” rating for a seventh consecutive year, with a stable outlook, says a great deal about the campus-wide commitment towards good stewardship of our financial resources,” said Bill Hawley, vice president for finance and operations at UCM.    

Rex Vanatta, controller, added, “To focus on student success and academic excellence, it is vital that the institution remains financially sustainable. This rating reflects this sustainability as well as our ability to secure financing for potential future projects that will benefit our students.”