Fitch Ratings has downgraded 276 distressed bonds in 152 U.S. RMBS transactions to 'Dsf'. The downgrades indicate that the bonds have incurred a principal write-down. Of the bonds downgraded to 'Dsf', all classes were previously rated 'Csf' or 'CCsf'. All ratings below 'Bsf' indicate a default is expected.
As part of this review, the Recovery Estimates of the defaulted bonds were not revised. Additionally, the review only focused on the bonds which defaulted and did not include any other bonds in the affected transactions.
Of the 276 classes affected by these downgrades, 164 are Prime, 61 are Alt-A, and 48 are Subprime. The remaining transaction types are other sectors. The majority of the bonds (53.3%) have a Recovery Estimate of 50% - 90%, which indicates that the bonds will recover 50% - 90% of the current outstanding balance, while 28.9% have a Recovery Estimate of 0%.
A spreadsheet detailing Fitch's rating actions can be found at 'www.fitchratings.com' by performing a title search for 'Fitch Downgrades 276 Distressed Bonds to 'Dsf' in 152 U.S. RMBS Transactions'. These actions were reviewed by a committee of Fitch analysts. The spreadsheet provides the contact information for the performance analyst.
The spreadsheet also details Fitch's assignment of Recovery Estimates (REs) to the transactions. The Recovery Estimate scale is based upon the expected relative recovery characteristics of an obligation. For structured finance, Recovery Estimates are designed to estimate recoveries on a forward-looking basis.
Additional information is available at 'www.fitchratings.com'. The ratings above were solicited by, or on behalf of, the issuer, and therefore, Fitch has been compensated for the provision of the ratings.
Applicable Criteria & Related Research:
--'Global Structured Finance Rating Criteria' (Aug. 4, 2011);
--'Structured Finance Recovery Estimates for Distressed Securities' (Nov. 18, 2011).
Applicable Criteria and Related Research: Fitch Downgrades 276 Distressed Bonds to 'Dsf' in 152 U.S. RMBS Transactions
http://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=679235
Global Structured Finance Rating Criteria
http://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=646569
Structured Finance Recovery Estimates for Distressed Securities
http://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=656557
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Fitch Ratings
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Grant Bailey,
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Managing Director
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or
Media Relations
Sandro
Scenga, New York, +1-212-908-0278
sandro.scenga@fitchratings.com
