Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Non-Tech : DEATHcare Stocks-Grim Reaper of Profits? -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: HairyWho? who wrote (38)	12/5/1997 12:52:00 PM
From: HairyWho?	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 114

I meant to post this on December 2nd. Hillenbrand (NYSE:HB) Company Press Release: Hillenbrand Industries' Sr Unsecd Debt Rtd A+ by S&P NEW YORK--(BUSINESS EDITORS)--Standard & Poor's CreditWire 12/2/97--Standard & Poor's Tuesday assigned its single-'A' plus rating to Hillenbrand Industries Inc [NYSE:HB - news].'s $100 million senior unsecured debt issue due 2027. Standard & Poor's also affirmed its single-'A' plus corporate credit and long-term debt ratings on the company. The solid investment-grade ratings reflect Batesville, Ind. - based Hillenbrand's ability to generate cash in excess of ongoing needs from market-leading positions in burial caskets and hospital beds, and management's conservative financial policy. The company's burial casket business - Batesville Casket - commands a position several times larger than its nearest competitor in a fragmented and relatively price-insensitive market. This provides important economies of scale in manufacturing and distribution. Hillenbrand's Hill-Rom hospital bed operation is even better entrenched in its field. However, hospital consolidation and customer cost-containment efforts diminish some of the pricing flexibility enjoyed in the past. The company is emphasizing improved operating efficiency both in the U.S. and at international operations acquired over the past few years. Despite increasing pressure, Hillenbrand's still-attractive return on capital should permit management to maintain a conservative financial structure and its traditional emphasis on maximizing long-term cash flow. OUTLOOK: STABLE The company's pool of cash and investments provides the capacity for Hillenbrand to effect moderate-sized acquisitions and share repurchases within the constraints of the current rating, Standard & Poor's said. -- CreditWire