NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) Dec. 14, 2006--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said today it revised its outlook on video rental retailer Blockbuster Inc. to stable from negative. The ratings on the Dallas-based company, including the 'B-' corporate credit rating, were affirmed. "The outlook revision is based on the company's strengthened cash flow protection measures as a result of its cost reduction efforts and lower advertising and promotional expenses," said Standard&Poor's credit analyst Diane Shand. Total debt to EBITDA declined to 5.6x in 12 months ended Sept. 30, 2006, from 8.9x, a year earlier, and EBITDA coverage of interest increased to 1.9x from 1.4x. Although cash flow protection measures are still weak, Standard&Poor's expects further improvement
