S&P: Goodyear Tire unaffected

Standard & Poor's said its rating and outlook on Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (B+/stable/B-2) will not be immediately affected by the company's announcement of improved third-quarter financial results.

Goodyear's sales increased 7% and earnings increased 274% because of tire price increases, successful new product introductions and improved product mix, S&P said.

These factors were partially offset by continued high raw material and energy costs that were exacerbated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Despite its improved financial performance and strengthened credit protection measures, Goodyear continues to have a very heavy debt burden, with operating lease-adjusted debt of about $6.4 billion, S&P said.

S&P said Goodyear also has large underfunded employee benefit liabilities and the company's pension plan will require between $640 million and $850 million of funding during 2006.

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