Posts Tagged ‘refinancing’
Friday, October 30th, 2009
Telecommunications companies serve as a good example at this point. They used to be fixed-line operators. The introduction of new wireless technology changed their business models since they had to adapt their strategies to the new technological landscape. Capital expenditures were massively increased for the building of new wireless networks and the competition intensified for new wireless customers since the telecommunications market was liberalized, and alternative providers were allowed to compete with the incumbent telecommunications companies. Additionally government regulators in Europe asked for billions of dollars in fees for wireless licenses (3G). These technological and regulatory changes resulted in a tremendous increase of leverage for most of the telecommunications companies and a repricing of credit risk in this sector occurred that was accompanied by a negative industry rating trend (from AA_ to BBB_). Another example for the changing landscape of an industry is the electric utilities sector. This market undergoes a liberalization process which is in different stages according to the various jurisdictions. Changes of the regulatory environment have an impact on the development of credit quality.
The business models became riskier as the competition in the sector increased, M&A activities picked up considerably and some utility companies got involved in the risky energy trading business. Formerly low risk and stable cash flows generating businesses turned into higher risk (e.g. energy trading) and more volatile cash flow businesses.
Tags: bad debt, car loans, compare credit, currency trading, debt consolidation, debt settlement, forex, funds, home equity, investment opportunities, portfolio, refinancing
Posted in Private Annuities, bonds, business tips, credit, credit cards, investing, money management | Comments Off
Thursday, October 29th, 2009
The value chain for the automobile industry is representative for a cyclical sector. The various component makers interact with suppliers from the steel, textiles and basic materials industries. The car manufacturers assemble all parts together and finished automobiles are shipped through various distribution networks to the final consumer. Own financial services companies support the sales process. A vertical integration will increase the car manufacturers’ ability to control the entire value chain. Production costs are a major component for the success of car manufacturers. If a new technology or regulatory/deregulatory forces change the structure of an industry’s value chain the companies within this industry will try to adapt to the new situation. This means that management will change its business strategy in order to remain competitive. As a result, the capital structure may change which has a direct effect on credit quality.
Tags: business competition, business objectives, cash reserves, CEO, debt consolidation, investment opportunities, loans guide, money guide, pricing policy, refinancing
Posted in Private Annuities, Tenancy-in-Common, property, purchase real estate, rice, shares, tax, taxes, tenancy | Comments Off