credit ratings Archives - CFO

SEC Sues Morningstar Over CMBS Ratings

Risk & Compliance

SEC Sues Morningstar Over CMBS Ratings

The firm allegedly made undisclosed changes to its ratings model that allowed issuers to shortchange investors on interest.

By Matthew Heller | February 17, 2021

Machine Learning Accuracy Assessment and How to Improve Outputs

Machine Learning Accuracy Assessment and How to Improve Outputs

Those who trust too much and those who don’t trust machine learning enough will both miss out on potentially better accuracy.

By Vincent Ryan | July 27, 2020

Fitch Lowers Outlook for Consumer Finance Sector

Credit & Capital

Fitch Lowers Outlook for Consumer Finance Sector

Loan forbearance offers to coronavirus-hit consumers are "prudent" but lenders' credit performance could “deteriorate rapidly” once they expire.

By Matthew Heller | March 30, 2020

Virus Expected to Slam Retail, Restaurant Sales

Risk & Compliance

Virus Expected to Slam Retail, Restaurant Sales

S&P expects "very significant disruptions and sales deterioration" through the second quarter due to store closings and economic contraction.

By Matthew Heller | March 24, 2020

What Kind of Problems Can Machine Learning Solve?

What Kind of Problems Can Machine Learning Solve?

Understanding how to work with machine learning models is crucial for making informed investment decisions.

By David McCann | October 28, 2019

Manipulate Cash Flow to Boost Credit Ratings?

Manipulate Cash Flow to Boost Credit Ratings?

The role of credit-rating agencies in determining interest costs on bank loans leaves much to be desired, a study finds.

By David McCann | November 29, 2018

Moody’s Fined $16M Over Rating Deficiencies

Risk & Compliance

Moody’s Fined $16M Over Rating Deficiencies

The SEC says Moody's failed to ensure the accuracy of statistical models and apply rating symbols consistently.

By Matthew Heller | August 28, 2018

Moody’s Names MassMutual’s Kaye as CFO

Moody’s Names MassMutual’s Kaye as CFO

Mark Kaye "has an impressive record of success as a financial steward and senior executive at leading financial services companies," Moody's CEO says.

By Matthew Heller | August 2, 2018

Ratings Analyst Accused of Insider Trading

Risk & Compliance

Ratings Analyst Accused of Insider Trading

The SEC says two friends of the analyst made nearly $300,000 in illicit profits on tips he gave them about a client's impending acquisition.

By Matthew Heller | June 27, 2018

Will Ratings Agency Downgrades Haunt Connecticut?

Will Ratings Agency Downgrades Haunt Connecticut?

'Connecticut has less flexibility to meet unanticipated revenue shortfalls,' said Standard & Poor's.

By Matthew Heller | May 19, 2016

Gap’s Credit Rating Downgraded to Junk

Gap’s Credit Rating Downgraded to Junk

Fitch Ratings expresses doubts about Gap's cost-cutting strategy, saying earnings will fall this year even with $100 million in expense reduction.

By Katie Kuehner-Hebert | May 11, 2016

Fitch Downgrades Staples to Junk on Weak Sales

Financial Performance

Fitch Downgrades Staples to Junk on Weak Sales

As a standalone company, Staples has "limited ability to reverse declines in sales and EBITDA over the forecast horizon," Fitch warns.

By Katie Kuehner-Hebert | April 8, 2016

Junk Bond Defaults Seen Rising Again in 2016

Junk Bond Defaults Seen Rising Again in 2016

The credit ratings agency forecast that the junk default rate will be 4% this year, up from 3.5% in 2015.

By Matthew Heller | March 2, 2016

DuPont Layoffs Dent Delaware’s Credit Outlook

DuPont Layoffs Dent Delaware’s Credit Outlook

Moody's says the job cuts will reduce DuPont's Delaware workforce by a “significant” 24% and are a credit negative for the Wilmington area.

By Matthew Heller | January 19, 2016

Banks With Weak Cybersecurity Could Be Downgraded: S&P

Banks With Weak Cybersecurity Could Be Downgraded: S&P

Given banks' function as key nodes in the global financial system, S&P views banks as "natural targets facing a high threat of cyber-risk."

By Katie Kuehner-Hebert | September 29, 2015