UJB Financial Corp.: Duff & Phelps raised the ratings of UJB Financial. The company's senior debt was raised to BBB plus from BBB, subordinated debt was raised to BBB from BBB-minus, and preferred stock was raised to an investment grade BBB-minus from a junk rating BB plus.
The upgrades reflect the reductions made in nonperforming asset levels, improvement in reserve coverage of problem loans, and strengthening of core profitability.