Genting Malaysia budgets RM1b capex, said to be proposing US dollar bonds

TheEdge Thu, Apr 08, 2021 07:47am - 2 years View Original


KUALA LUMPUR (April 8): Genting Malaysia Bhd (GENM) is said to be proposing a US dollar-denominated bond issue, which will raise money to mainly refinance the casino and hotel operator’s debt, according to Fitch Ratings.

Fitch said GENM has also budgeted RM1 billion for capital expenditure (capex) for 2021 followed by a RM500 million to RM600 million a year capex thereafter.

"Fitch has published GENM's long-term issuer default rating (IDR) of 'BBB'. The outlook is negative. At the same time, Fitch has assigned GENM's proposed US dollar notes a 'BBB' rating.
"The notes will be issued by GENM Capital Labuan Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of GENM, and guaranteed by GENM.

"The notes are rated at the same level as GENM's IDR as they will constitute direct, unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of the company. The company plans to use the proceeds mainly to refinance debt,” Fitch said in a noted on Tuesday.

GENM owns Malaysia's only casino, Resorts World Genting, which is located close to Kuala Lumpur and attracted nearly 29 million visitors in 2019, according to Fitch.

Fitch said GENM's rating considers its moderate linkage to its weaker parent, Genting Bhd (GENB, BBB/negative), and that Fitch rates GENM based on GENB's consolidated credit profile and the outlook is aligned with that of GENB.

"The negative outlook captures the risk of a slower gaming recovery from the coronavirus pandemic impact than we forecast, such that GENB's leverage is elevated for an extended period. This may result from recurring waves of infection, leading to sporadic lockdowns and continued strict social distancing,” Fitch said.

According to Fitch, GENM has budgeted RM1billion for capex in 2021, and RM500 million to RM600 million annually thereafter, mainly for maintenance capex.

GENM is completing major projects in 2021, and does not plan to incur major capex following completion of the projects, according to Fitch.

"The company is on track to open an outdoor theme park at Resorts World Genting and a hotel at Resorts World New York City in mid-2021. GENM expects the theme park to draw an additional 1.5-2 million visitors per year to Resorts World Genting and generate an additional RM400 million-RM500 million in revenue.

"We expect GENM to continue maintaining financial discipline and operating flexibility to preserve liquidity. This, coupled with moderating capex, should help GENM to deleverage in one to two years, in line with our expectations of gradual demand recovery,” Fitch said.

The content is a snapshot from Publisher. Refer to the original content for accurate info. Contact us for any changes.






Related Stocks

GENM 2.730
GENTING 4.720

Comments

Login to comment.