S&P raises Ford's rating but warns of cash squeeze
Mon Apr 13, 2009 3:57pm EDT
NEW YORK, April 13 (Reuters) - Standard & Poor's on Monday raised its ratings on Ford Motor Co (
F.N) after the automaker cut debt by nearly $10 billion, but the agency warned that Ford still risks running short of cash.
Ford's credit profile is better than those of its U.S. competitors, but it faces heavy cash losses for at least another year, S&P said in a statement.
"Our ratings reflect the possibility that the multiple problems Ford faces in stemming cash use could overwhelm its cash and liquidity during the next year," S&P said.
A spokesman for Ford declined comment.
S&P raised Ford's corporate credit rating to CCC-plus, seven steps below investment grade, from SD, or selective default. The rating had been lowered to SD because S&P considered Ford's recent debt exchange a "distressed debt exchange," meaning bondholders received less than the par value of their bonds.
The debt exchange has improved Ford's capital structure and reduced automotive debt by $9.9 billion, S&P said. "Still, Ford estimates that annual cash interest savings will be less than $600 million, a fraction of the company's automotive cash outflows in 2008," the agency said.
S&P assigned a negative outlook to Ford's rating, indicating a downgrade is likely over the next two years.
Ford may have to revisit its informal request for $9 billion of government loans unless sales begin to recover this year, S&P said.
"Even if the government were to eventually provide funding, we stress that we would likely view such assistance as buying more time rather than as a solution to the automaker's fundamental business risks, especially deteriorating global demand."
Ford could run short of cash if its automotive operations use more than $14 billion this year, including restructuring charges, or if auto sales remain weak in 2010, the agency said.
The failure of one or more of Ford's competitors could hurt many of Ford's suppliers, and the resulting turmoil could pressure Ford's liquidity further, S&P said.
Ford rivals General Motors Corp (
GM.N) and Chrysler Holding LLC [CCMLPD.UL] are operating under emergency U.S. government loans and face bankruptcy if they cannot reach cost-cutting agreements with lenders and unions. (Reporting by Dena Aubin; Editing by James Dalgleish