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26.12.2023
Aon's Acquisition of NFP Sends Ripples Through Bond Market
Aon's Acquisition of NFP Sends Ripples Through Bond Market
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Aon's acquisition plan for NFP triggered a significant drop in the yield of the NFP bond over a week, following the positive market response to NFP's high-yield debt.

The NFP 6.875 15-AUG-2028 USD (US65342RAD26) bond has witnessed a significant yield reduction of 285 basis points to reach 6.1% over the course of a week.

Yield curve illustration showing the performance of the NFP bond (US65342RAD26), with a 6.875% coupon, due on August 15, 2028, in USD.

Aon's strategic move to acquire NFP lies at the core of the bond's yield shift. Aon, a management consulting firm, unveiled plans to acquire NFP, a middle-market insurance broker, in a deal valued at $13.4 billion. The motivation behind the acquisition is to tap into the flourishing middle-market segment of insurance brokerage, wealth management, and retirement plan advisory.

The demand for insurance products remains robust in the face of economic uncertainties, as certain policies are guaranteed by employers and others mandated by the government, rendering the insurance sector recession-proof. Aon's deal, expected to close in mid-2024, will be financed with $7 billion in cash and $6.4 billion in Aon stock. A new debt raise of $5 billion in 2024, while aiming to maintain the current credit rating, will fund the cash portion.

Despite concerns about the seemingly high price at 15 times expected adjusted EBITDA, Aon anticipates $60 million in cost synergies over time. This move follows the regulatory blockage of Aon's previous attempt to acquire Willis Towers Watson. Analysts suggest that Aon's shift toward smaller deals mirrors its strategic response to regulatory challenges.

The market responded positively to NFP's high-yield debt, with the 6.875% bond due 2028 rising more than 8 cents on the dollar, marking it as the biggest gainer. Commenting on this unexpected development, David Knutson from Schroder Investment Management likens it to a visit from "Santa Claus" in the high-yield market, emphasizing the surprise element of such investment-grade M&A activities.

NFP's senior unsecured debt is rated as follows: 'CCC+' by Fitch, 'Caa2' by Moody's, and 'CCC+' by S&P.

Moody's affirms Aon's 'Baa2' senior debt rating after the NFP acquisition announcement, with the outlook shifting from positive to stable, while Fitch revises Aon plc's outlook to negative, affirming an IDR of 'BBB+', and S&P maintains a senior unsecured rating of 'A-'.

About NFP

NFP Corp. is a U.S.-based insurance broker and consulting firm, offering property and casualty, corporate benefits, retirement, and individual solutions. Its services cater to various industries, including agribusiness, aviation, media, communication, technology, construction, education, financial institutions, hospitality, manufacturing, and transportation.

About Aon

Aon Plc provides risk, health, and wealth solutions, concentrating on risk capital, including claim management, reinsurance, risk analysis, management, retention, and transfer. It also covers human capital areas such as analytics, health and benefits, investments, pensions and retirement, talent and rewards, and workplace wellbeing. Established in 1982, the company is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. Aon Plc has a market capitalization of $58.40 billion as of December 26, 2023.

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.