- Moody's places 120 oil and gas companies on review for a downgrade, in a sweeping global review that includes all major regions and ranges from the world's top global majors such as Royal Dutch Shell (RDS.A, RDS.B), Total (NYSE:TOT) and BP to 69 U.S. E&P and services firms.
- Warning of "a substantial risk that prices may recover much more slowly over the medium term than many companies expect, as well as a risk that prices might fall further," Moody's now sees both WTI and Brent crude averaging $33/bbl this year, a $7 cut for WTI and a $10 reduction for Brent from its previous forecast.
- The ratings firm also places 55 mining companies on review for downgrade as they battle a slump in commodity prices.
- Among the companies placed on review are Alcoa (NYSE:AA), Schlumberger (NYSE:SLB), Chesapeake Energy (NYSE:CHK), Transocean (NYSE:RIG), Statoil (STO), Vale (NYSE:VALE), Goldcorp (NYSE:GG), National Oilwell Varco (NYSE:NOV) and Diamond Offshore (NYSE:DO).
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