–Senior unsecured notes at ‘BBB+’. Fitch’s proposed actions affect approximately $2.8 billion of debt, including an undrawn $400 million revolving credit facility (RCF) expiring 2016. KEY RATING DRIVERS The ratings and Positive Outlook reflect Agilent’s strengthening operating profile due to ongoing revenue diversification. As a result, Fitch expects mid-cycle annual free cash flow (FCF) approaching […]

FREDERIC J. BROWN / AFP / Getty Images Police man the front of a Walmart store amid heightened Black Friday security in Paramount, Calif., on Nov. 23, 2012 Walmart doesn’t make anything. But the giant retailer could play a part in the manufacturing rebound that is taking place in the U.S. with its promise to […]

The Morning Download comes from the editors of CIO Journal and cues up the most important news in business technology every weekday morning. Send us your tips, compliments and complaints. You can get The Morning Download emailed to you each weekday morning by clicking here.  Good morning. U.S. banks will spend more than $40 billion on IT this […]

When President Obama proposed a new budget, he managed to upset just about everyone, including members of his own party. Republicans attacked the proposal for its increase in spending and taxes. Liberal Democrats took issue with Obama’s willingness to change the way Social Security cost-of-living increases are determined, switching to something called, in Washington-speak, “chained […]