Free Trial

UTILITIES: Thames Water (Ba2[N]): Price Action

UTILITIES
  • Interesting price action in THAMES since the 2-notch downgrade from Moody’s. Class A € dropped 3-4pts on the news but closed off the lows; after a 2+pt rally today the 27s are above where they were pre-rating change.
  • It’s possible the 70c level triggered some short covering with haircuts estimated in the 15-30c range.
  • Perversely, in our view the downgrade could be a positive for bondholders if it triggers SAR sooner. If SAR is inevitable, arguably the sooner it happens the better, with less emergency cash required from the government.
  • We see government funding as a key variable for eventual haircuts. Media reports on “Project Timber” suggested £5bn which seems excessive vs 5-year capital requirements around £5.7bn. It also depends on to what extent that funding adds to the RCV and is therefore recoverable post restructuring.
133 words

To read the full story

Close

Why MNI

MNI is the leading provider

of intelligence and analysis on the Global Fixed Income, Foreign Exchange and Energy markets. We use an innovative combination of real-time analysis, deep fundamental research and journalism to provide unique and actionable insights for traders and investors. Our "All signal, no noise" approach drives an intelligence service that is succinct and timely, which is highly regarded by our time constrained client base.

Our Head Office is in London with offices in Chicago, Washington and Beijing, as well as an on the ground presence in other major financial centres across the world.
  • Interesting price action in THAMES since the 2-notch downgrade from Moody’s. Class A € dropped 3-4pts on the news but closed off the lows; after a 2+pt rally today the 27s are above where they were pre-rating change.
  • It’s possible the 70c level triggered some short covering with haircuts estimated in the 15-30c range.
  • Perversely, in our view the downgrade could be a positive for bondholders if it triggers SAR sooner. If SAR is inevitable, arguably the sooner it happens the better, with less emergency cash required from the government.
  • We see government funding as a key variable for eventual haircuts. Media reports on “Project Timber” suggested £5bn which seems excessive vs 5-year capital requirements around £5.7bn. It also depends on to what extent that funding adds to the RCV and is therefore recoverable post restructuring.