The long-term issuer default rating (IDR) for both miners was revised down to negative from stable.
BHP’s IDR was affirmed at A+, while Rio’s remains at A-.
Fitch said the key reason for the change in outlook for BHP was that funds from operations adjusted gross leverage was expected to remain above its 1.5x downgrade trigger over the next financial year.
The agency assessed the demerger of South32 as marginally negative due to weaker projected free cashflow and a modest increase in funds from operations adjusted gross leverage.
“However, BHPB will benefit from a streamlined business structure and better average position on the commodity cost curve, which will help the company navigate the depressed commodity prices environment,” Fitch said.
Fitch expects BHP’s earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation to remain above 40%.
On Rio, Fitch expects the company to be cashflow negative for much of 2015-16 due to the weak iron ore price.
Fitch is forecasting iron ore to average $US50 per tonne in 2015-16, before rising to $60/t in 2017 and $70/t over the long-term.
“Although Rio Tinto benefits from a leading iron ore cost position, the high percentage of revenue and EBITDA generated by that single commodity exposes the company to significant risks,” Fitch said.
Fellow diversified miner Anglo American’s IDR was affirmed at BBB with a negative outlook.
“Rating differentials among the three miners continue to be driven by comparative profitability levels and operational factors such as commodity mix and diversification, and the cost position of operations,” Fitch said.
“In this respect, BHP Billiton continues to be positively differentiated from its peers by its ownership of substantial and profitable oil and gas operations.
“Also, while each of the three global mining companies are meaningful producers of iron ore, copper and coal, at present, BHP Billiton's and Rio Tinto's still sufficiently profitable iron ore operations are substantially larger than those of Anglo American.”
Last month fellow iron ore producer Fortescue Metals Group also had its outlook downgraded to negative by Fitch.
Standard & Poor’s has a negative outlook for BHP, but a stable outlook for Rio.
Shares in BHP rose by 1.6% to $A28.10, while Rio shares gained 1.7% to $57.04.
