April 15, 2020
In recent weeks, the Information and Grading team has mobilized to provide updated insights on the highest risk sectors in the United States. You can find details on nine sectors here.
Within each sector, our team of 20+ analysts is prioritizing individual buyer reviews based on the risk grade and the amount of exposure. The key metrics we focus on are the liquidity and leverage position of the respective companies. Special attention needs to be paid to the amount of cash and working capital the company has to help carry them through this uncertain time. These metrics, combined with any potential upcoming debt maturities, are our critical points for analysis.
As indicated in the chart below, we are facing is an unprecedented crisis. The speed at which rating agencies are downgrading firms significantly supersedes that of any recent crisis, even including the financial crisis of 2008-2009.
