Fitch Ratings

PPC, backed by positive news, on standby for bond issue

Posted on by admin

The Greek State’s recent bond-market outing for an unprecedented, in the country’s history, borrowing cost of less than 1 percent paves the way for power utility PPC to follow suit.

This low yield and strong attraction of institutional investors, who ended up with over 95 percent of the Greek State’s bond issue, combined with a steady interest by foreign investors in PPC’s portfolio are believed to be pushing the power corporation towards a more aggressive financing policy for a return to bond markets following a six-year absence.

However, PPC has yet to decide on when to make its move. The corporation has not planned a bond issue for this month or next, sources have informed energypress. Even so, a sudden decision cannot be ruled out, they added.

PPC has been contemplating a bond-market outing since late December, when Fitch Ratings delivered a positive credit rating. The US firm included, for the first time, PPC on the list of enterprises it rates and offered a BB ranking, two times better than a preceding B ranking delivered by S&P in November.

At the time, despite the good news, company sources insisted PPC’s objective to head to capital markets in the first half of 2021 remained unchanged.

But a wave of favorable news, which, besides the BB rating from Fitch Ratings, includes PPC’s securitization packages for unpaid receivables; the achievement of profit figures for a fourth successive quarter; a new business plan; the launch of a privatization procedure for distribution network operator DEDDIE/HEDNO; and an upcoming partnership agreement with Germany’s RWE for RES investments in Greece; has generated momentum for PPC.

A bond issue would help finance many of the company’s project plans, primarily in the RES sector, as well as distribution network investments. It will also enable PPC to restructure older debt for lower-cost borrowing terms.

Solid Fitch Ratings grading for PPC paves way to bond issue

Posted on by admin

American credit rating agency Fitch Ratings has delivered a favorable review of power utility PPC that enhances the company’s credit image and takes it a step closer to capital markets.

The credit agency has not only added PPC to its catalogue of companies reviewed, but also given the utility a BB- rating, noting that a firm outlook lies ahead. This status is twice as good as a B rating offered by S&P in November.

It enables PPC to begin examining the prospect of borrowing through a bond issue for the first time in six years.

The Fitch Ratings grading has been embraced at PPC’s Athens headquarters, as it not only seals a perfectly successful year but also puts in place a solid foundation for an even better year in 2021.

Interpretations of the outcome by some analysts remain cautiously optimistic. These analysts believe consolidation of PPC’s improved standing must wait for the release of its financial results for the year. Favorable news on the forthcoming 49 percent privatization of subsidiary DEDDIE/HEDNO, the distribution network operator, will also further enhance PPC’s image, they pointed out.

PPC’s integrated business structure, dominant market position, long-term sustainability as a result of strategic repositioning, as well as favorable energy sector reforms from 2019 to the present were key factors in the favorable Fitch Ratings grading.