The largest credit rating agency Fitch made to two major Japanese electronics manufacturers a "gift" - lowered the credit ratings of Sony and Panasonic. And Panasonic rating cut by two points - to the level BB, and Sony rating by three points - to the level of BB-. Thus, analysts have cut their heroes to obtain discounted or even any other loans, which in practice make it more difficult for companies to restructure.
In particular we note the deterioration of the situation with Sony. In fact - this is the first time in history that a manufacturer of electronics is listed on the not recommended for purchase list. Two other international rating agencies - Moody and S & P - spared Sony, leaving it in the rating recommended for purchase .
Interestingly, Panasonic is in a more unfavorable position. By the end of the financial year Panasonic expects to net losses of $ 10 billion to repay a portion of which the company has agreed to loan $ 7.6 billion As for Sony, it restructures already got rid of personal chemical industry and expects losses of no more than $ 1.63 billion and $ 1.9 billion it had hoped to collect from the new bond set. But that was before lowering the credit rating. Now, most likely, plans to attract new investment will have to adjust. In other words, the position of the Sony seems to be less disastrous than the Panasonic. But is it really?
As explained Fitch, Panasonic has committed itself to the production of components - batteries, solar panels and other things, while Sony continue to climb in the niche , safely occupied by companies such as Samsung and Apple. Revenue from sales of components of Panasonic business is about 6%, but it gives the greatest gross margin (6%). Sony company save games and digital cameras, but the drop on other positions in the market of consumer electronics has doubled. According to analysts, Panasonic is more likely to survive in a changing economy, than Sony.