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09.04.2024
Thames Water Bond Yields Soar After Parent Company Default
Thames Water Bond Yields Soar After Parent Company Default
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The surge in Thames Water Utilities' 4% Apr 2027 EUR bond yield to 7.5% over the week follows a default by its parent company, Kemble Water Finance Limited, on approximately £1.4 billion of debt, triggering concerns among bondholders and creditors and leading to negotiations for a potential restructuring process.

The Thames Water Utilities 4% Apr 2027 EUR bond (XS2576550326) has experienced a significant shift in its yield, increasing by 139 basis points to 7.5% over the week.

Yield curve illustration showing the performance of the Thames Water Utilities bond (XS2576550326), with a 4% coupon, due on April 18, 2027, in euro.

The surge in the bond's yield comes in the wake of alarming developments within Thames Water's corporate structure. Kemble Water Finance Limited, the holding company of Thames Water Ltd., recently defaulted on approximately £1.4 billion ($1.7 billion) of debt, after failing to meet an interest payment obligation. This default triggered a cross-default across all of Kemble's debts, sparking widespread concern among bondholders and creditors.

The root cause of Kemble's default lies in its inability to secure fresh equity from shareholders, a crucial component of its turnaround plan. Shareholders declined to provide the necessary £500 million infusion, exacerbating Kemble's financial woes. Consequently, Kemble finds itself embroiled in negotiations with creditors and bondholders to navigate through a potential restructuring process.

Despite the default at the parent company level, Thames Water, as an operating entity, remains shielded by stringent legal and regulatory frameworks. However, uncertainties persist, especially regarding the potential spillover effects of the restructuring to the rest of the group. Bondholders, including major institutional investors such as BlackRock Inc., Invesco Ltd., and Royal London Asset Management, are bracing for potential losses, with projections indicating a haircut of at least 20% on Class A bonds.

Thames Water Utilities Ltd.'s credit ratings have faced a series of downgrades and negative outlook assignments from major rating agencies. Moody's Ratings downgraded Thames Water's corporate family rating to Baa3 from Baa2 and adjusted the ratings of its subsidiary Thames Water Utilities Finance Plc to Baa2 from Baa1 for senior secured debt and to Ba3 from Ba1 for subordinated debt, with a negative outlook. Additionally, S&P lowered its rating on Thames Water's class A and B debt, signaling potential further downgrade.

The Yield Map for Thames Water Utilities Euro-denominated bonds as of April 08, 2024:

The Yield Map for Thames Water Utilities Euro-denominated bonds as of April 08, 2024.

About Thames Water

Thames Water, founded in 1989, stands as the UK's largest water and wastewater services company, providing essential water services to millions of customers across London and the Thames Valley. Thames Water manages a vast network of reservoirs, treatment plants, and pipelines, ensuring the delivery of safe and reliable drinking water while maintaining environmental sustainability. The company is headquartered in Reading, Berkshire.

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.