Moody's: Hybrid bonds to remain core element of EMEA utilities' funding in 2018
Global Credit Research - 15 Dec 2017
London, 15 December 2017 -- In 2018, most hybrid bond issuance by utilities in EMEA will be to refinance hybrid securities approaching their first call date, says Moody's Investors Service in a report published today. Utilities are the single largest non-financial issuers of hybrid bonds in EMEA, issuing EUR4.2 billion in year-to-date 2017, EUR3.6 billion of which was to refinance existing hybrid securities. Hybrid bonds combine both debt and equity characteristics.
"Low interest rates are enticing EMEA utilities to replace 'called' hybrids, and fuelling investor appetite for the additional yield that a hybrid delivers," says Niel Bisset, Senior Vice President at Moody's.
"That said, the utility sector's stabilised credit profile and limited M&A activity reduces utilities' need to issue new hybrids to strengthen balance sheets," adds Mr Bisset.
The hybrid asset class has developed a track record with both utility issuers and investors in recent years, although some issuers have yet to tap the market. Most issuance to date has been of basket C securities, which are credit supportive because their 50% equity content strengthens an issuer's balance sheet.
Moody's expects that the majority of future issuance will continue to be basket C, although issuers continue to consider alternative features to obtain more equity content, for example by introducing mandatory interest deferral triggers.
Issuers typically replace called and redeemed hybrids in order to maintain the level of equity content within their capital structure. However, where circumstances have changed, for example because a company has strengthened its balance sheet in the meantime, an issuer may choose not to replace.