On May 23, 2008, Standard&Poor's Ratings Services revised its outlook on American Rock Salt Co. LLC (ARSC) to positive from stable. At the same time, we affirmed the ratings on the company, including the 'B-' corporate credit rating. The outlook revision reflects the company's improved credit metrics and enhanced liquidity because of strong results in the past few quarters resulting from severe winter weather in the northeastern U.S. In addition, we expect that ARSC's stronger liquidity position will provide a cushion against potentially milder-than-usual weather next winter. The rating on Mount Morris, N.Y.-based ARSC reflects the company's limited diversity because of its reliance on a single mine to produce its primary product (highway deicing salt), which heightens the
