Carlsberg bondholders reap rewards as takeover plans abandoned
[COPENHAGEN] Carlsberg, probably best known for its understated beer ads, is now pursuing a similar growth strategy. And bondholders like it.
The company's chairman, Flemming Besenbacher, says Carlsberg is no longer seeking growth through acquisitions. It doesn't want to be big, just strong, he told Danish newspaper Berlingske on Monday. The comments, which were confirmed by Carlsberg, put to rest speculation the Danish brewer might be interested in buying SABMiller Plc's Peroni and Grolsch brands.
"As a bondholder, this is positive news from Carlsberg," Michael Denbaek, portfolio manager at SEB Investment Management in Copenhagen, said by phone.
The yield on Carlsberg's 2.5 per cent 1 billion-euro (US$1.09 billion) 2024 bond fell five basis points to 2.05 per cent on Monday. Back in September, the yield had traded as high as 2.64 per cent. The spread relative to the government yield curve also narrowed. Bond yields move inversely to prices.
"Carlsberg is one of our core names and we're long-term investors," Mr Denbaek said. The fund has increased its position in the company's bonds from about 15 million euros a year ago, though Mr Denbaek wouldn't say exactly how much the SEB unit holds now.
"We're not too concerned about daily or monthly fluctuations, but obviously have an interest in Carlsberg keeping its investment grade rating, which may be easier if there are no large takeovers," he said.
Moody's Investors Service has a Baa2 grade with a negative outlook on Carlsberg Breweries A/S, the unit the Copenhagen- based beer maker uses for bond issuance. Fitch has a stable outlook on its BBB grade.
Carlsberg no longer has an ambition to be the fastest- growing brewer in the world and has no acquisition plans, Mr Besenbacher said. The comments build on similar signals from Chief Executive Officer Cees't Hart. Since joining in June, he has revamped the brewer's strategy and cut jobs.
"It's generally positive for bond investors when companies avoid acquisitions that would require further financing and loans," Mr Denbaek said.
BLOOMBERG
BT is now on Telegram!
For daily updates on weekdays and specially selected content for the weekend. Subscribe to t.me/BizTimes
Consumer & Healthcare
Japan Foods books S$576,000 loss for H2 on higher expenses
Rakuten, eBay team up to test US market for used Japanese fashion goods
Ralph Lauren sees weaker-than-expected annual revenue, names insider as CFO
DFI Retail’s underlying profit for FY24 expected to be between US$180 million and US$220 million
US Justice Department to seek breakup of Live Nation-Ticketmaster
Disney to sell stake in Tata’s US$1 billion India TV platform: sources