Re-rating follows recapitalisation exercise
MOODY’S Investors Service has upgraded AIMS-AMP Capital Industrial Reit’s corporate family rating to Ba2 from Caa1 following its recent recapitalisation exercise.
The industrial trust – which was formerly known as MacarthurCook Industrial Reit – underwent a change of name after a recent debt-and-equity-raising plan. The Reit placed out shares to new investor AMP Capital Holdings and existing sponsor AIMS Financial Group as well as other cornerstone investors. This was then followed by a rights issue and a new term loan.
Concluding a rating review that was started on Nov 9, Moody’s said that the rating outlook for the Reit is stable.
‘The upgrade reflects AIMS-AMP Capital Industrial Reit’s remarkably improved liquidity profile and capital structure following the successful completion of its recapitalisation plan and refinance of the maturing Singapore dollar loan,’ said Moody’s analyst Kaven Tsang.
The Reit has applied part of the proceeds from the issuances to complete its acquisition of a building (4A International Business Park) and will also acquire four new properties from AMP.
‘These new properties are cash flow generative and will to some extent support its income diversification and debt service coverage,’ Mr Tsang added.
In addition, its liquidity profile has improved substantially, without material refinancing needs in the near term, Moody’s noted. The Reit’s debt/capi-talisation leverage has fallen to 30 per cent, from 47 per cent as of Sept 2009. The Reit’s major borrowing, a new $175 million term loan, is only due in December 2012.
But Moody’s also noted that while new sponsor AMP’s ‘established market presence and solid track record’ could benefit AIMS-AMP Capital Industrial Reit as it pursues growth and seeks new funding, AMP still needs to establish a track record in managing the Reit’s business as planned.
Source: Business Times – 30 Dec 2009
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