Bangkok--21 Jun--Standard & Poor's Globally, 24 issuers have crossed the speculative-grade threshold to investment grade in the year to date, with the addition of two more entities since last month's report, affecting debt worth US$53.7 (?40.3) billion, compared with 17 in the comparable period of 2006, according to an article published yesterday by Standard & Poor's. The report, titled "Global Potential Rising Stars," said financials led the charge with seven entities, and nine of the 24 rising-star actions (37.5%) were recorded in emerging markets. "Rising stars have overtaken fallen angels by a margin of nine in 2007 to date," said Diane Vazza, head of Standard & Poor's Global Fixed Income Research Group. "This is in contrast with the 2006 pattern, but in line with the trend in 2004 and 2005." As of June 14, 2007, 30 globally rated entities were best placed to acquire rising-star status, seven more than the number reported in May and six more than the number one year ago. Together, these 30 entities total US$143.2 (?107.6) billion in rated debt, of which US$95.6 (?71.8) billion was attributable to sovereigns. Both the additions this month--Brazil-based Gerdau S.A. and U.S.-based Roper Industries Inc.--were part of our potential rising star list last month. The entities were upgraded due to their improved business profiles. Based on rated debt volume, U.S.-based Williams Cos. Inc., a natural gas producer and pipeline company and a member of the S&P 500, is the largest corporate issuer poised to ascend to investment grade, with US$10.9 billion in rated debt. Ms. Vazza added, "globally, sectors displaying the highest number of potential rising stars included utilities with four entities and insurance, consumer products, and banks with three entities each." The report is available to subscribers of RatingsDirect, the real-time Web-based source for Standard & Poor's credit ratings, research, and risk analysis, at www.ratingsdirect.com . If you are not a RatingsDirect subscriber, you may purchase a copy of the report by calling (1) 212-438-9823 or sending an e-mail to [email protected] . Ratings information can also be found on Standard & Poor's public Web site at www.standardandpoors.com ; under Credit Ratings in the left navigation bar, select Find a Rating, then Credit Ratings Search. Members of the media may request a copy of this report by contacting the media representative provided. Media Contact: Mimi Barker, New York (1) 212-438-5054, [email protected] Analyst Contact: Diane Vazza, New York (1) 212-438-2760