Fitch: Retail Pressure & Competition Among Issues for U.S. Consumer Products in 2004.Business Editors NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 4, 2004 Anticipated rating stability in 2004 for U.S. consumer products companies could be affected by merger and acquisition (M&A) activity, as well as other important issues including the growth of large retailers, aggressive competition and potential interest rate movements, according to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. a special report by Fitch Ratings Fitch Ratings An international rating agency for financial institutions, insurance companies, and corporate, sovereign, and municipal debt. Fitch Ratings has headquarters in New York and London and is wholly owned by FIMALAC of Paris. . 'While Fitch fitch: see polecat. expects overall stable trends and minimal rating activity for the consumer products sector in 2004, large debt-financed acquisitions that exceed a company's financial flexibility will likely be the primary drivers of rating actions,' said Karen Karen Any member of a variety of tribal peoples of southern Myanmar (Burma). Constituting the second largest minority in Myanmar, the Karen are not a unitary group in any ethnic sense, as they differ among themselves linguistically, religiously, and economically. Ghaffari, Senior Director, Fitch Ratings. 'This activity is anticipated to center on acquisitions that provide strategic brands or product technologies as well as access to new markets.' Retailer pressures, competitive activity and possible interest rate increases may also affect consumer products revenues and operating profits Operating profit (or loss) Revenue from a firm's regular activities less costs and expenses and before income deductions. operating profit See operating income. in 2004. 'Durable goods companies are particularly susceptible to an interest rate increase as it could affect the pace of housing activity, including mortgage refinancings,' said Ghaffari. 'U.S. Consumer Products: Trends for 2004,' is available on the Fitch Ratings web site at 'www.fitchratings.com'. |
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