NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fitch Ratings affirms the following Reedy Creek Improvement District, Florida (RCID) utility system revenue bonds:
--$1.2 million utility revenue bonds, series 1997-1, at 'A'
--$42
million utility revenue bonds, series 2003-1, at 'A';
--$173
million utility revenue refunding bonds, series 2003-2, at 'A';
--$26.9
million utility revenue bonds, series 2005-1, at 'A';
--$57.5
million utility revenue refunding bonds, series 2005-2, at 'A'.
The Rating Outlook is Stable.
RATING RATIONALE:
--RCID has a broad range of powers for the
provision of essential utility services principally to the Walt Disney
Company, as well as sole rate-making authority that provides it with a
degree of financial flexibility.
--Given the intrinsic link between the two entities, RCID's rating is correlated with, but not capped by, Disney's rating, and Disney's improved credit quality has been a positive rating factor for RCID in recent years. Fitch has rated Disney 'A' with a Stable Outlook since June 2008.
--The theme parks and resorts located within the district are critically important to Disney's financial operations. Consequently, Fitch believes that Disney places a high priority on making payments to RCID for utility services, thereby supporting a higher rating for RCID.
--RCID's financial metrics have been generally stable for the past few fiscal years but below Fitch's rating category medians for retail electric systems; coverage of debt service has averaged 1.1 times (x) and cash on hand has averaged 36 days. RCID's retail electric system contributes about 60% of its utility operating revenues.
--Leverage is high, evidenced by the utility's proportion of debt service payments relative to fiscal 2010 operating expenses (21%, unaudited) and slim equity levels (9.6%). However, amortization is rapid, with 88% of debt maturing within 10 years, and the district has no plans to issue additional utility debt.
--The rating also reflects the terms of the district's three purchase power agreements (PPAs), which are fundamental to its overall electric services and will require renewal or replacement (and expansion) within the next two years.
--By virtue of its land ownership within the district, Disney elects RCID's board members, which in practice has created a close working relationship between the two entities, but in theory could threaten the independence of the board.
KEY RATING DRIVERS:
--Changes to the credit quality to Disney.
--RCID's ability to maintain a stable and adequate financial position irrespective of Disney's operating conditions.
--The timely renewal or replacement of the district's PPAs to maintain adequate capacity for its electric services.
SECURITY:
The bonds are secured by a first lien on net revenues of
the combined utility system, after payment of operations and maintenance
costs.
CREDIT SUMMARY:
The utility system provides electric, wastewater,
chilled water, natural gas, solid waste, water, hot water, and reclaimed
water services within the 40 square mile district. The electric system,
the largest of the utilities, includes 59.6 megawatts (MW) of owned
generation, which provides about one-third of system load. The
district's three relatively short-term PPAs satisfy the remainder of
energy requirements. Management intends to renew or replace the
district's PPAs, all of which expire by 2015, and add additional
capacity through another PPA over the next couple of years. According to
the consulting engineer's fiscal 2009 report, the district has caused
the utility system to be run in an economic and efficient manner and has
budgeted reasonable amounts for its operation and repair.
The district has sole jurisdiction over utility rates, including a semiannual fuel and purchased power surcharge that helps mitigate fluctuations in commodity prices; management reports that in practice the small number of stakeholders in the district enables rates changes in as little as 60 days. This authority has helped facilitate the timely recovery of costs and the maintenance of the district's adequate financial position.
Charges for electric, water, and wastewater services are slightly above surrounding systems. However, the district has exclusive right to water and wastewater services and a territorial agreement with neighboring Progress Energy (rated 'BBB' by Fitch with a Stable Outlook) for electric services.
RCID's financial metrics have been stable, if not somewhat modest relative to other 'A'-rated retail electric systems rated by Fitch. Debt service coverage has averaged 1.1x over the past three fiscal years, and cash on hand has averaged 36 days. Fitch's rating category medians for retail electric systems are 1.2x and 102 days, respectively. Management meets regularly to minimize the risks to material variations in financial operations and reports that its flexible rate-setting authority and close working relationship with Disney allow the district to operate with relatively slimmer margins.
The utility system is highly leveraged with approximately $300 million of outstanding debt. Equity to capitalization is just 9.6% and debt service represents a high 21% of operating expenses. However, most utility infrastructure is in place and the district's $25 million-$50 million of capital needs over the next five years will require only a modest amount of additional debt.
The district was created in 1967 by special act of the state legislature to administer certain aspects of the Walt Disney World Resort, which opened in 1971. The enabling legislation bestowed upon RCID a wide range of governmental powers generally reserved for cities and counties, including the ability to issue debt, exercise eminent domain, create land use and building codes, develop and maintain its own infrastructure, and levy taxes. Disney owns approximately two-thirds of the total land area within the district and is responsible for approximately 85% of utility system revenues. Disney is also empowered to elect the members of the district's governing board by virtue of its proportional land ownership.
Additional information is available at 'www.fitchratings.com'.
In addition to the sources of information identified in Fitch's Revenue-Supported Rating Criteria, this action was additionally informed by information from R.W. Beck and CreditScope.
Applicable Criteria and Related Research:
--'Revenue-Supported Rating Criteria', Oct. 8, 2010;
--'Public
Power Rating Guidelines', June 11, 2009.
For information on Build America Bonds, visit 'www.fitchratings.com/BABs.'
Applicable Criteria and Related Research:
Revenue-Supported Rating
Criteria
http://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=564565
Public
Power Rating Guidelines
http://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=447150
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