The affirmation reflects Eidsiva’s continued competitive strength as Norway’s largest distribution grid operator, its low industry risk, and projected substantial capex and dividend payouts.

The affirmation reflects the company’s continued competitive strength as Norway’s largest distribution grid operator, its low industry risk, and Scope’s projections of continued substantial capex and dividend payouts.

Business risks are low and stable, but the high capex and dividends will result in a sizeable increase in debt in the next few years.

The affirmation is driven by the ongoing successful integration after the transaction with Hafslund E-CO, with final financial figures being largely in line with Scope's expectations.

The upgrade follows the agreement between the boards of Eidsiva and Hafslund E-CO, announced on 14 March 2019, to merge in accordance with the letter of intent from 20 November 2018. The ratings were previously under review for possible upgrade.

The placing under review for possible upgrade follows the 15 November letter of intent between Eidsiva and Hafslund E-CO to merge their main activities, which will improve Eidsiva's business risk profile, and should improve the issuer rating as well.

Scope Ratings today assigns a first-time corporate issuer rating of BBB- to Norway-based Eidsiva Energi AS. The Outlook for the rating is Stable. Scope also assigns an S-2 short-term rating. The company’s senior unsecured debt is also rated BBB-.