U.S.-based telecommunications provider Windstream Holdings Inc. announced today that it had authorized a $75 million share repurchase program, expiring Dec. 31, 2016. We are placing our ratings on Windstream, including our 'BB-' corporate credit rating, on CreditWatch with negative implications. The CreditWatch placement reflects the potential for an affirmation or one-notch downgrade of the corporate credit rating. On Aug. 6, 2015, Standard&Poor's Ratings Services placed its ratings, including its 'BB-' corporate credit rating, on Little Rock, Ark.-based Windstream Holdings Inc. on CreditWatch with negative implications. The CreditWatch placement follows the company's announcement that it had authorized a $75 million share repurchase program that will expire on Dec. 31, 2016. We believe that the stock buyback program, coupled with
