Moody's: Duke Stock Repurchase Stable
Moody's Investors Service has confirmed the credit ratings of Duke Power Co. (DP) despite the utility's decision to repurchase up to $1 billion in stock by 2000. Moody's expects DP to maintain its 'Aa2' senior secured bond rating. DP management intends to repurchase the stock while allowing a gradual increase in the retained earnings cushion. The program was designed to absorb the substantial cash inflow caused by the reversal of the Catawba power plant purchased-capacity levelization in 1996 and by the utility's declining capital expenditure needs.