The affirmation reflects the expected stabilisation in credit metrics thanks to the sharp decline in interest rates but still constrained by risks from the exposure to floating interest rates.

The positive outlook is driven by an expected improvement in interest cover to above 2.2x and debt reduction supported by a tighter financial policy.

The rating action is driven by the deterioration observed in the interest cover ratio, which led to a downward assessment of the financial risk profile (BB), standing in contrast to Fastpartner’s stable operations and its unchanged business risk profile.

The rating action reflects Fastpartner’s stable operations and its unchanged business risk profile (assessed at BBB-) as well as a resilient financial risk profile (assessed at BBB) that can tolerate expected interest rate increases.

The affirmation is supported by a good market position in its home market of Stockholm and high profitability levels of 70%, in addition to Fastpartner's improved financial risk profile.