Back
26.09.2023
Albertsons Bond Spread Tightens on Kroger's Store Sale
Albertsons Bond Spread Tightens on Kroger's Store Sale
107

The Z-spread for the Albertsons Cos. bond ACI 7.500 15-Mar-2026 (US013092AA91) experienced a significant decrease of 43 basis points in response to ongoing developments related to the Kroger and Albertsons merger.

Albertsons' US013092AA91 has witnessed a notable shift in its Z-spread, decreasing by 43 basis points over the month.

The Z-spread for the ACI bond (US013092AA91), with a 7.500% coupon, due on March 15, 2026, in USD.

The primary driver behind this spread movement is the impending merger between Kroger Co. and Albertsons Cos. Kroger, a well-known supermarket chain, will acquire all outstanding shares of Albertsons Companies, Inc. common and preferred stock for an estimated total consideration of approximately $24.6 billion. This merger aims to create a national footprint under Kroger's banner, with the goal of providing fresh and affordable food to approximately 85 million households.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, Albertsons Cos. will pay a special cash dividend of up to $4 billion to its shareholders, which will reduce the cash component of the purchase price. Kroger intends to invest in lowering prices for customers and enhancing the customer experience. They plan to reinvest cost savings from synergies to reduce prices and invest approximately $1.3 billion into Albertsons Cos. stores to further improve the customer experience.

While the merger has triggered compression in the bond's spread, it is important to note that the reduction is not as substantial as expected due to lingering concerns regarding potential disapproval by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

The merger itself is a high-stakes maneuver in the grocery industry, with Kroger Co. aiming to sell 413 stores to C&S Wholesale Grocers for $1.9 billion in cash. This divestiture is strategically designed to secure antitrust approval for Kroger's merger with Albertsons Cos. C&S Wholesale Grocers, a major grocery wholesaler, is seen as a well-qualified buyer who can maintain competition in the market. The merger's approval remains uncertain, as labor unions, various states, senators, and members of Congress have voiced concerns about its potential impact on wages and competition.

Albertsons' senior unsecured debt is currently rated Ba3 by Moody's and BB+ by S&P, while Kroger Co. holds ratings of Baa1 from Moody's, BBB from S&P, and WD from Fitch. In the days ahead, credit rating agencies will closely monitor the outcome of the merger and its implications on the creditworthiness of the involved entities.

About Albertsons

Albertsons operates food and drug retail stores, providing a wide range of products and services including groceries, general merchandise, health and beauty care items, pharmacy services, fuel, and more. Established by Joe Albertson on July 21, 1939, the company is headquartered in Boise, Idaho.

This article does not constitute investment advice or personal recommendation. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bondfish does not recommend using the data and information provided as the only basis for making any investment decision. You should not make any investment decisions without first conducting your own research and considering your own financial situation.