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02.07.2024
Grifols Bond Yield Rises Amid Moody's Downgrade
Grifols Bond Yield Rises Amid Moody's Downgrade
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Grifols' bond yield surged to 9.3% following Moody's downgrade of the company's rating from B2 to B3 due to high leverage and slow cash flow recovery, leading to significant declines in bond prices and a drop in stock value.

The Grifols 3.875% October 2028 EUR bond (XS2393001891) has experienced a substantial shift in its yield, surging by 55 basis points to 9.3% over the past week. The bond's price dropped by 1.4 cents on the euro to 81.8 cents, reflecting growing investor concerns and heightened risk perception.

Yield curve illustration showing the performance of the Grifols bond (XS2393001891), with a 3.875% coupon, due on October 15, 2028, in Euros.

The primary driver behind the yield surge is the recent downgrade of Grifols' credit rating by Moody's. On June 27, 2024, Moody’s downgraded Grifols' corporate family rating from B2 to B3, citing persistently high leverage and a slower-than-expected recovery in free cash flow. This downgrade has caused a ripple effect, leading to a sharp drop in Grifols' bond prices and a corresponding rise in yields. Moody’s highlighted Grifols' Moody's-adjusted debt/EBITDA (leverage) of 10x in 2023 as a significant concern.

Grifols' shares fell by as much as 9%, the most significant drop since March. The company’s total amount of public bonds and loans outstanding stands at EUR 7.54 billion, with its 5-year credit-default swaps trading at 618 basis points. Moody's mentioned governance issues, including limited predictability of financial performance, poor risk management, and a complex organizational structure, as additional factors influencing the downgrade.

Despite these challenges, Fitch Ratings maintained Grifols' rating at B+, improving its outlook from negative to stable. This reflects Fitch's belief that recent actions, such as the sale of a significant stake in Shanghai RAAS for EUR 1.6 billion and the issuance of EUR 1.3 billion in senior secured bonds, have mitigated some short-term refinancing risks.

S&P's corporate rating for Grifols remains at B.

About Grifols

Grifols SA, headquartered in Spain, specializes in the manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals. The company operates across four main business segments: Bioscience, Hospital, Diagnostic, and Raw Materials. The Bioscience division is dedicated to researching, developing, manufacturing, and marketing products derived from human plasma for therapeutic purposes. The Hospital division provides non-biological pharmaceutical products and medical supplies to hospital pharmacies. The Diagnostic division supplies clinical analysis and laboratory testing tools to laboratories, hospitals, and blood banks. The Raw Materials division encompasses the sale of intermediate biological products and manufacturing services to third parties. Grifols SA has production facilities in various locations, including Spain, the United States, Mexico, and Australia, and controls several subsidiaries. Grifols SA has a market capitalization of €4.84 billion as of July 1, 2024.

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.