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20.02.2024
PBB Bond Yields Rise on Real Estate Skepticism
PBB Bond Yields Rise on Real Estate Skepticism
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The bonds yield experienced a significant surge within a week due to escalating concerns about Pfandbriefbank's financial stability, driven by short seller activity and S&P Global Ratings downgrading, resulting in plummeting debt prices and fragile investor confidence.

The PBBG 5.000 05-Feb-2027 EUR (DE000A30WF84) bond has witnessed a notable movement in its yield, soaring by 135 basis points to 8.0% over the span of a week.

Yield curve illustration showing the performance of the PBBG bond (DE000A30WF84), with a 5.000% coupon, due on February 5, 2027, in Euros.

Similarly, the PBBG 8.474 Perp '24 FRN EUR (XS1808862657) has seen a substantial drop in its price, plummeting to 18 cents on the euro over the same period.

Price chart displaying the performance of the PBBG bond (XS1808862657), with an 8.474% Perpetual 2024 Floating Rate Note, denominated in Euros.

The surge in yield stems from escalating concerns regarding the financial stability of Pfandbriefbank (PBB), one of Germany's significant property financiers. Short sellers, notably Petrus Advisers, have intensified their positions against PBB, prompting heightened scrutiny and investor unease. Petrus Advisers, previously holding a substantial stake in PBB, has now turned to betting against the bank, expressing apprehension over its handling of problem real-estate loans.

Till Hufnagel, a partner with Petrus, emphasized the imperative for PBB to confront its challenges head-on, urging the company to raise capital and address non-performing loans promptly. Despite mounting pressure from short sellers and concerns over its exposure to the weakening property market, PBB has refrained from providing substantial commentary, opting instead for a cautious approach.

The bank's reluctance to acknowledge the severity of the situation has drawn criticism, with investors fearing a downward spiral exacerbated by a 40% decline in PBB's shares since the year's outset. PBB's exposure to the United States and the distressed German real estate market has further fueled apprehension, with commercial property prices witnessing a sharp decline.

On February 14, 2024, S&P Global Ratings downgraded Germany-based Deutsche Pfandbriefbank AG from 'BBB/A-2' to 'BBB-/A-3' for its long- and short-term issuer credit ratings, with a negative outlook. It has exacerbated investor anxieties, with the price of its debt plummeting to record lows. Despite PBB's assertions regarding strong capital buffers and profitability, investor confidence remains fragile, reflected in the persistent downward trajectory of its shares and bonds.

About Deutsche Pfandbriefbank

Deutsche Pfandbriefbank AG provides commercial banking services across three segments: Real Estate Finance, Public Investment Finance, and Value Portfolio. The Real Estate Finance segment offers financing to professional real estate investors, including office buildings, residential properties, retail and logistics spaces, and hotels. In the Public Investment Finance segment, the bank finances projects eligible for covered bonds aimed at enhancing public infrastructure. The Value Portfolio segment comprises non-strategic portfolios and activities within the pbb Group. Established on June 1, 1922, the company is headquartered in Garching, Germany. Deutsche Pfandbriefbank AG has a market capitalization of €505 million as of February 19, 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.