Daily Brief Credit: Vedanta Resources – Event Flash – 5NC2/7NC3 Notes Offering – Lucror Analytics and more

Vedanta Resources (VRL) has launched a roadshow to market its USD 144A/RegS benchmark-sized notes (likely to be 5NC2 or mainly 5NC2, and/or 7NC3), with a potential total size of USD 1.5 bn. The proceeds will be used to refinance the USD 13.875% 2027 notes (USD 470 mn outstanding) and USD 13.875% 2028 notes (USD 1,008 mn outstanding). VRL has sent a conditional redemption notice to trustees of the 2027 notes and 2028 notes, assuming the proposed notes issuance is successful.​ VRL has concurrently launched a tender offer for the 2027 and 2028 notes. 

We expect the proposed 5NC2 notes to price at c. 10%, and the 7NC3 notes at c. 11%.

Lucror Analytics Morning Views comprise our fundamental credit analysis, opinions and trade recommendations on high yield issuers in the region, based on key company-specific developments in the past 24 hours. Our Morning Views include a section with a brief market commentary, key market indicators and a macroeconomic and corporate event calendar.

• Samvardhana Motherson International Ltd
• West China Cement
• Yuexiu Property

Lucror Analytics Morning Views comprise our fundamental credit analysis, opinions and trade recommendations on high yield issuers in the region, based on key company-specific developments in the past 24 hours. Our Morning Views include a section with a brief market commentary, key market indicators and a macroeconomic and corporate event calendar.

• Greentown China
• Medco Energi

Shui On Land’s (SOL) H1/24 results were weak, as the company reported reduced earnings, higher net debt and weaker leverage. Positively, rental income continued to grow. As a result, recurring operating income from rentals and property management covered 0.9x of interest expense for LTM June (FY 2023: 0.8x). In addition, asset values were stable, with consolidated investment properties covering 1.7x of net debt. We expect cash flows to improve in H2/24, supported by the planned delivery of two projects.  

That said, liquidity is poor. We view negatively management’s cautious tone during the earnings call. Going forward, we believe that SOL could seek to monetise its 100% stake in its property investment and management arm, Shui On Xin Tian Di. In addition, the company may raise fresh funding by further increasing the LTV on its investment property portfolio to the maximum of 45%, albeit this is uncertain (depending on its arrangements with banks). SOL may also carry out more asset sales.

Meanwhile, we believe that the company may be considering potential liability management exercises for the USD bonds in the event it fails to obtain sufficient financing for repayment.