SATS launches bond issue to refinance debt

Singapore-based SATS announced the successful launch and pricing of its inaugural issue of US$500 million 4.828% fixed rate senior unsecured notes due 23 January 2029. The notes are immediately converted into euros through a cross currency swap to achieve a fixed rate of 3.498% per annum to match the currency of the existing bridge loans to hedge the company’s foreign currency exposure. This refinancing exercise will result in an “all-in” interest saving of approximately S$8.8 million per year. The proceeds from the notes issuance will be applied entirely to refinance part of SATS’ existing €1 billion bridge loans maturing in May 2024. The notes represent the first issuance of its US$3 billion multicurrency debt issuance programme newly established on 17 November 2023, (EMTN Programme). The EMTN Programme is aligned with SATS’ financial management strategy and provides flexibility to access global markets and optimise the Group’s borrowing costs. The notes have been assigned a senior unsecured rating of A3 by Moody’s Investors Service and will be issued under the programme which Moody’s has assigned a rating of (P)A3. These ratings mirror SATS’ issuer rating of A3 with a stable outlook. SATS Treasury Pte Ltd, the treasury funding vehicle of SATS, issued the notes and its payment obligations under the EMTN Programme will be unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by the company. The notes are expected to be listed on the SGX-ST on 24 January 2024. Manfred Seah, Chief Financial Officer of SATS, said, “The inaugural issuance of the US$500 million notes under the EMTN Programme has been very well received with 3.6 times oversubscription by high-quality global investors. The purpose of the debut issuance is primarily aimed at accessing a broader investor base and spreading our debt maturity profile while lowering the Group’s overall cost of borrowing. This allows SATS to continue to strengthen its financial position, diversify its funding sources and balance its foreign currency exposure to match the Company’s expanded global footprint. This is a key step for SATS towards restoring profitability and advancing its twin-engine growth strategy.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Kay Rolland at [email protected]