Investing.com -- Shares of SKF fell by 1% today after the company addressed potential issues with the covenants of some of its bonds, which could be affected by the planned spin-off of its Automotive division.
The company’s statement this morning highlighted concerns regarding "Section 9) Events of Default - Point e" of its EUR300m bond due September 2025. This section indicates that a default could occur if the issuer ceases or threatens to cease a substantial part of its business, barring specific exceptions.
To preempt any potential default triggered by the restructuring, SKF has initiated a consent solicitation for its note holders, related to the anticipated spin-off. By seeking this consent, SKF aims to eliminate any future uncertainties.
The company has reassured stakeholders that no event of default has occurred under any series of the notes and is offering a 0.25% early voting fee to those who vote in favor of the approvals. This move could cost SKF approximately EUR3.2m.
Analysts have been monitoring the situation closely, with RBC commenting on the market’s reaction to SKF’s bonds. "We have been aware of this issue and have confronted the company, but did not get an answer. SKF’s notes have over the past months traded at surprisingly low yields, indicating that some bond investors had started speculating on a default, which would trigger repayment at par value, generating a high immediate return for the bondholder.
Worst case (let’s say a 10% likelihood): In the case that bondholders do not approve SKF’s proposal, there could be a risk of default or - more likely - a higher payout by SKF," stated RBC.
Investors are likely weighing the potential financial implications of the bondholders’ response to SKF’s consent solicitation.
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