Bangkok--11 May--Standard & Poor's
In light of sluggish consumer demand and some uncertainty about economic and credit market conditions, the media and entertainment, oil and gas, and retail/restaurants sectors were, in our opinion, the most troubled sectors as of April 30, 2011.
Standard & Poor's Global Fixed Income Research has published its latest Stress In Corporate America article, in which we use three of our preexisting research publications--weakest links, potential bond downgrades, and the distressed report--to identify and spotlight U.S. sectors we believe are currently subject to the highest levels of credit stress.
These sectors had the highest levels of risk among our lists of distressed companies, weakest links, and potential bond downgrades, according to the article, titled "Stress In Corporate America: Overall Credit Conditions Are Gradually Improving For The Three Most Stressed Sectors In 2011."
"We identified 83 companies in these three sectors that meet at least one of the criteria described above," said Diane Vazza, head of Standard & Poor's Global Fixed Income Research. "Of these 83 companies, 16 are on more than one list, indicating even higher vulnerability."
"As of April 20, 2011, the three stressed sectors accounted for about 40% of the issuers listed as weakest links and four of the 12 total defaulters across all sectors in 2011," said Ms. Vazza.
The report is available to subscribers of RatingsDirect on the Global Credit Portal at www.globalcreditportal.com. If you are not a RatingsDirect subscriber, you may purchase a copy of the report by calling (1) 212-438-7280 or sending an e-mail to
[email protected]. Ratings information can also be found on Standard & Poor's public Web site by using the Ratings search box located in the left column at www.standardandpoors.com. 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 Contacts:
Diane Vazza, New York (1) 212-438-2760