Ohio-based auto supplier The Goodyear Tire&Rubber Co.'s credit metrics have improved significantly as a result of the company's ongoing deleveraging and free cash flow generation. We believe the recent improvements in the company's profitability and cash flow are sustainable despite the volatile global industry conditions because of Goodyear's favorable product pricing and mix, which is in line with its stated strategy of pursuing profitable growth. We are raising our corporate credit rating on The Goodyear Tire&Rubber Co. to 'BB' from 'BB-'. The stable outlook reflects our belief that the company will continue to maintain its debt-to-EBITDA below 3x and generate a level of free operating cash flow that is in line with our expectations for the
