Fitch: U.S. building materials companies liquid

Fitch Ratings said U.S. building materials companies have ample liquidity and are positioned to withstand ongoing credit market volatility at least in the near-term.

The agency noted that major debt maturities this year were refinanced with new debt issues and these companies have adequate availability under committed revolving credit facilities.

"The industry faces some uncertainty as to whether and how severely the housing downturn will spill over into commercial construction," Robert Rulla, director at Fitch, said in a written statement. "Also present is the risk that the subprime and broad residential mortgage turmoil may eventually affect commercial lending."

Specific companies reviewed are Building Materials Holding Corp., Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. and Masco Corp. The companies face a varying degree of risk depending on their exposure to the U.S. housing market downturn, Fitch said.

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