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30.04.2024
Uniti Group Bond Yield Drops Amid Windstream Merger Talks
Uniti Group Bond Yield Drops Amid Windstream Merger Talks
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The Uniti Group's bond yield dropped sharply by 96 basis points to 9% in a week due to talks of a potential merger with Windstream Holdings Inc., valued at up to $15 billion.

The Uniti Group 10.5% Feb 2028 USD bond (US91327TAA97) has experienced a notable shift in its yield, plummeting by 96 basis points to 9.1% within the span of a week.

Yield curve illustration showing the performance of The Uniti Group bond (US91327TAA97), with a 10.5% coupon, maturing on February 15, 2028, in US dollars.

The significant movement in the bond's yield can be attributed to the emerging talks between Uniti Group Inc. and Windstream Holdings Inc. regarding a potential merger. According to sources familiar with the matter, the two telecommunications giants are on the brink of reuniting in a merger that could be valued at up to $15 billion, including debt.

The prospect of this merger has sparked optimism among investors, leading to a surge in Uniti Group's stock price by as much as 13%. If the merger comes to fruition, it could potentially alleviate concerns about Windstream's financial stability, which has been marred by its bankruptcy filing in the past.

The history between Uniti and Windstream adds a layer of complexity to these negotiations. Uniti spun off from Windstream in 2015, leading to a legal dispute over debt covenants. Despite this, Windstream remains Uniti's largest customer and tenant, highlighting the intertwined nature of their relationship.

While discussions are reportedly in advanced stages, it's important to note that nothing has been finalized, and there remains a possibility of changes in timing or even the collapse of talks altogether. Representatives from both Uniti and Windstream have declined to comment on the matter, underscoring the sensitivity of the ongoing negotiations.

Uniti Group holds long-term credit ratings of "B+" from Fitch, "B3" from Moodys, and "B-" from S&P. At the close of the year, the company's leverage ratio stood at 6.03x, calculated based on net debt to fourth quarter 2023 annualized Adjusted EBITDA.

The Yield Map for Uniti Group bonds denominated in USD as of April 30, 2024:

The Yield Map for Uniti Group bonds denominated in USD as of April 30, 2024.

About Uniti Group

Uniti Group, Inc. is a real estate investment trust company specializing in property acquisition, construction, and leasing. Its operations are organized into three primary segments: Uniti Leasing, Uniti Fiber, and Corporate. The Uniti Leasing segment manages mission-critical communications assets through exclusive or shared-tenant agreements, along with overseeing a dark fiber network. In contrast, the Uniti Fiber segment focuses on providing infrastructure solutions, managing cell site backhauls, and operating dark fiber services. Lastly, the Corporate segment handles office and shared service functions. Founded in February 2014, Uniti Group, Inc. is headquartered in Little Rock, AR. The company has a market capitalization of $1.37 billion as of April 29, 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.