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NEW YORK (AP) -- Moody's Investors Service said Friday its placed several of Cott Corp.'s and its beverage subsidiary's ratings under review for a possible downgrade, after the Canadian beverage maker cut its 2007 guidance due to lower demand for carbonated soft drinks and higher commodity costs. The ratings agency placed the Toronto-based company's junk 'Ba3' corporate family rating and default rating on review, as well as Cott Beverages Inc.'s junk 'B1' rating on its $275 million 8 percent senior subordinated notes due 2011. Moody's hasn't downgraded the company since early 2006. It said the company's LGD rates were also subject to change. On Thursday, the company did not provide specific earnings guidance, but said it expects year-over-year revenue growth to be flat and operating income to be "substantially lower" than 2006. Moody's said its rating action reflects the potential for lower margins and cash flow due to the weaker-than-expected sales of its carbonated soft drinks and higher-than-expected advertising costs. Shares of Cott fell 14 cents to $7.86 in after-hours trading, after shares added 21 cents, or 2.6 percent, to $8.
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