/ 17 July 1999

ESKOM LEADS CORPORATE CREDIT

STATE-owned utility Eskom has the highest credit rating on an unsecured basis of any corporation in the country,according to a report issued on Thursday. International rating agency, Duff & Phelps Credit Rating, Africa (DCR) said it has reaffirmed Eskom’s short-term domestic currency credit rating at D-1+ (D one plus), and its long-term domestic currency rating at AAA. “These are the highest possible ratings that can be accorded, and Eskom is the only corporation in South Africa to be accorded such high ratings on an unsecured basis,” it said. Neil Brislin of DCR said the high ratings given to Eskom were supported by strong and stable cash generating capacity and a strong balance sheet. Noting Eskom’s low-cost energy generation capacity and virtual-monopoly status in South Africa, DCR said the utility has a strong liquidity position.