Fitch Downgrades Berkshire Hathaway’s Triple A Rating

Citing risks stemming from derivative bets and Warren Buffett's role as chief investment officer, Fitch Ratings yesterday stripped Berkshire Hathaway of its AAA grade. S&P and Moody's still rate Berkshire triple-A.

Published on March 13, 2009

The downgrade underscores how the credit seizure is hurting perceptions of even the strongest companies, said Michael Yoshikami, chief investment strategist at YCMNet Advisors. Five non-financial U.S. companies, including Microsoft Corp., now hold S&P’s AAA grade, down from more than 60 in 1982, according to the ratings firm.

“Triple-A in the end is probably going to be left for the Treasury when it’s all said and done,” said Yoshikami, whose Walnut Creek, California-based firm oversees $800 million and owns Berkshire Hathaway shares. “You’re seeing the rating agencies taking an abundance of caution at this point.”

Buffett’s role as chief investment officer puts the company at risk if he becomes unable to do the job, Fitch said in a statement. Fitch cut the so-called issuer default rating on Berkshire to AA+, and senior unsecured debt to AA. The insurance and reinsurance units kept their AAA status, with a negative outlook for all entities, Fitch said.

“Fitch views this risk as unrelated to Mr. Buffett’s age, but rather Fitch’s belief that Berkshire’s record of outstanding long-term investment results and the company’s ability to identify and purchase attractive operating companies is intimately tied to Mr. Buffett,” Fitch said. Buffett is 78.