Gibson downgraded by Moody’s due to “weak results”
Gibson 2015 100 year Anniversary not popular with consumers · Source: http://images.guitarcenter.com/Content/GC/002014_promos/gibsonmonth-2014-09-mobile/gibsonmonth-item01.jpg
Gibson Brands has just had its credit rating downgraded by Moody’s Investor Services. The company had a mixed reception to its whole 2015 range of guitars and this has been taken into account along with a very high turnover of senior financial management.
A credit report announced earlier today has stated that Moody’s Investor Services have downgraded Gibson from B3 to a Caa1. This action results from a review of the company which was started on 22nd December last year. Moody’s result was due to ‘weak operating results pushing credit metrics below Moody’s expectations’.
Moody’s have also warned that the Gibson may struggle to meet its financial obligations. As I understand it this could mean for example that any suppliers that Gibson may use for parts will need paying and Gibson may not have the cash flow to do so.
The report’s ‘Rating Rationale’ read:
‘Gibson’s Caa1 Corporate Family Rating considers its weak liquidity profile, soft credit metrics and the highly discretionary nature of its musical instrument and consumer electronics product lines. Demand for these products was dampened by the deterioration in discretionary consumer spending during the last few years and was exasperated by the poor consumer reception of its 2015 guitar models. The ratings also reflect the company’s high leverage at around 8.5 times and the risks associated with the consumer electronics business.
‘Another key concern is that there continues to be high turnover in the company’s senior financial management level. Gibson’s ratings are supported by the company’s strong brand recognition in musical instruments and market share for guitar products, and diversified product line within guitars and related music areas.’
Gibson have claimed that their new improved 2016 lineup has been very popular and Henry Juszkiewicz has said that they are already experiencing an increase in sales, with the popular new lineup. Henry has also stated that their quarterly results for the end of last year were better than the previous years. At the beginning of December 2015 Moody’s stated that Gibson’s approach to business ‘the riskiest’.
MI Pro Article on Gibson report
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2 responses to “Gibson downgraded by Moody’s due to “weak results””
Gibson’s CEO is the problem. Music retailers are not allowed to advertise Gibson Guitars on line unless they are used. Maybe he needs to stop being so arrogant and wake up to reality.
I have a Gibson lesPaul, great sound, good looking. It’s a 2017. The first thing the free strap split and the Gibson hit the floor,cracked neck around the head. Sent it back and they worked on it and it came back playable. A week ago it fell toward and the head broke off completely. Not sure what to do.Now I am to peace the head back togethers. Not sure if it can be done brings it is in several peaces. I have priced a complete neck around $40 . That sound the best way to go an still worried