Fitch Upgrades USG's IDR To 'B'; Outlook Stable

(RTTNews) - Fitch Ratings said Friday that it has upgraded the ratings of USG Corp. (USG), including the company's Issuer Default Rating to 'B' from 'B-'.

The Rating Outlook is Stable.

Fitch said the upgrade reflects USG's improving profitability and credit metrics this year and the expectation that this trend continues through at least 2014. The rating for USG also reflects the company's leading market position in all of its core businesses, strong brand recognition, its large manufacturing network and sizeable gypsum reserves.

The Stable Outlook reflects Fitch's expectation that demand for USG's products will continue to grow during the remainder of 2013 and into 2014 as the housing market maintains its moderate recovery and commercial construction activity improves from cyclical lows.

The rating and Stable Outlook also incorporates USG's solid liquidity position, the rating agency said.