The Importance of Self Preservation

In 2009, the equity markets had a roller coaster run, but some shipping companies found windows of opportunity for share placements, often tied to debt reduction. Self help through raising equity capital for balance sheet recapitalization is one way to ride through the difficult times. There had been varying degrees of success and among the most notable would be Neptune Oriental Lines’ (“NOL”) USD 972 million rights issue in June and NYK’s recently concluded JPY 116.4 billion (USD 1.3 billion) global equity offering. Continue Reading

More Mega Bonds

Following Mitsui O.S.K. Lines’ JPY 50 billion double bond issue in June, Nippon Yusen Kaisha (“NYK Line”) is the next Japanese mega carrier that will be tapping the local domestic market for financing. NYK Line will issue two sets of bonds worth a total of JPY 60 billion (USD 625 million). The first bond issue has a maturity of 5 years and pays a stunning annual coupon of just 0.968%. The second offering has a longer tenure of 10 years but carries a higher coupon rate of 1.782%. Both offerings are managed by Mitsubishi UFJ Securities, Mizuho Securities and Nomura Securities.

Rating & Investment Information (“R&I”) and Japan Credit Rating Agency have assigned ratings of AA- and AA to the bonds, but both rating agencies maintain a negative outlook on the industry. R&I said in its report that even though the dry bulk market has been recovering since May, NYK’s losses in regular liner services have grown while the earnings from the car carrier and tanker services have deteriorated sharply. The credit agency noted that NYK’s ambition in becoming an integrated logistic provider will allow the mega carrier to develop an earnings structure that is less susceptible to the fluctuations in the marine transport industry. But until that materializes, the air cargo business will continue to drag down NYK’s earnings in the short run. Nonetheless, a high credit rating has been assigned to the bonds and the issuer, taking into account NYK’s solid client base, strong operating expertise and its proactive cost reduction measures in streamlining its liner and air cargo businesses. Continue Reading