Fitch Ratings Says RadioShack Bonds Are Junk; I Disagree

If you invest in junk bonds, here is an opportunity for you. How on earth Fitch determined that RadioShack (RSH) is more likely to default now than six months or a year ago is beyond me.

From the Associated Press:

Fitch Downgrades RadioShack Ratings
Thursday June 21, 12:02 pm ET

CHICAGO [AP] -- Credit-ratings agency Fitch Ratings on Thursday downgraded ratings for electronics retailer RadioShack Corp.

The company cut RadioShack's issuer default, bank credit facility and senior unsecured notes ratings, all to "BB" from "BB+." "BB" is the first speculative or "junk bond" rating and a plus or a minus indicates the ratings position within the category.

The rating outlook is negative. The downgrades reflect weakness in many of RadioShack's business segments, especially its wireless products and services segment, according to Fitch.

"RadioShack has continued to report negative comparable store sales driven by weak operating trends across most of its business segments," Fitch said in a statement. "Of ongoing concern is the increasing competition in the consumer electronics and wireless businesses from national big-box retailers and discounters as well as wireless carriers and other new wireless distribution channels."

Disclosure: Author owns Radio Shack.

RSH 1-yr chart:

Comments

[Barbara Fried:]

Does anyone know of a website where bonds available to individual investor are listed? Thank You.

2007 Jun 22 09:56 AM

[Saul Sterman:]

Is this what you mean?
blog.bondbuyer.com/

2007 Jun 22 05:46 PM

[Saul Sterman:]

Perhaps this is what you are looking for...
www.investinginbonds.c.../

2007 Jun 22 06:22 PM

[Barbara Fried:]

Thanks, Saul -- Good info.

2007 Jun 25 12:33 PM