Digicel Sees Tight Trade

Digicel Limited has raised $250m in new 2020 bonds, landing its lower coupon since a 2009 issuance of 8.25% $800m 2017 bonds. The Caribbean telecom priced the 8NC4 notes at par to yield 7% or T+ 503bp in line with 7.00%-7.25% guidance. “Too tight and below fair value,” says one EM investor, who comped against Digicel’s existing 2017s, which were being quoted at 105 or at 6.65% on a yield-to-worst basis. Based on that, he calculated fair value at 7.6% calculated fair value without a new issue concession. Proceeds are marked for general corporate purposes. Citi, JPMorgan, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank and Barclays led the B/B1 rated transaction. The issuer sold the 2017 notes through Digicel Limited in December 2009 at an 8.50% yield, to fund a buyback of more expensive 9.25% of 2012 bonds. The bonds were trading at 100.25 on the break, says an investor.