Hong Kong, August 22, 2019 -- Moody's Investors Service has affirmed CK Asset Holdings Limited's
A2 issuer rating.
Moody's has also affirmed the following ratings, which are unconditionally
and irrevocably guaranteed by CK Asset: (1) the provisional (P)A2
senior unsecured rating on CK Property Finance (MTN) Limited's medium-term
note (MTN) program; and (2) the A2 senior unsecured rating on the
notes issued by Radiant Access Limited and CK Property Finance (MTN) Limited.
The rating outlooks remain stable.
The rating action follows CK Asset's announcement on 19 August that
the company has entered into an agreement to purchase a 100% stake
in Greene King plc, an integrated brewer and pub retailer in the
UK, for a cash consideration of about GBP2.7 billion (HKD25.2
billion).
"The proposed acquisition will weaken CK Asset's business
and financial profile, but the impact will be manageable given CK
Asset's ample financial cushion and Greene King's moderate
scale relative to CK Asset," says Stephanie Lau, a Moody's
Vice President and Senior Analyst.
Moody's regards Greene King's business profile as less stable
than CK Asset's core property and utility businesses, given
the challenging operating environment facing pub operators in the UK,
uncertain economic conditions and currency volatility.
However, this concern is mitigated by Greene King's long operating
history, its position as one of the leading players in this industry,
ownership of physical assets and stable operating cash flow. In
addition, Moody's estimates Greene King accounted for only
about 10% and 15% of CK Asset's assets and EBITDA
(after joint venture adjustments) for the 12 months ended June 2019.
If the acquisition is completed as planned, Moody's expects
CK Asset's debt leverage -- as measured by net debt/net total
capitalization and including the consolidation of Greene King's
lease-adjusted debt on a pro forma basis -- will rise to about
16% in 2019 from 10% for the 12 months ended June 2019.
However, this rise in leverage will reflect primarily the cash outflow
to fund the acquisition in 2019 and Green King's higher debt leverage.
As such, debt leverage should recover to around 11% in 2020,
as robust cash flow from property sales will reduce its net debt levels,
barring any further acquisitions.
Similarly, CK Asset's recurring EBIT/interest will weaken to around
5.5x in 2019 from 6.3x for the 12 months ended June 2019,
before recovering to around 6.0x-6.5x in 2020.
Such credit metrics solidly position CK Asset at the A2 rating level.
The transaction is subject to approval from CK Asset and Greene King's
independent shareholders, as well as approvals and clearances from
the London Stock Exchange, the UK Panel on Takeovers and Mergers,
and other regulators.
CK Asset's A2 issuer rating continues to reflect its established
market position in property development in Hong Kong and China,
and the diversified recurring income it derives from its portfolio of
mature and stable assets, including investment properties.
The rating also considers its low debt leverage, good financial
flexibility and excellent liquidity profile.
CK Asset's property development business accounted for about 55%
of adjusted EBIT in 2018, which increases volatility in revenue
and earnings because of the lumpiness of development property revenue
recognition.
However, this volatility is mitigated by (1) the company's
leading market position and low-cost land bank; (2) its stable
cash flow from its property rentals; and (3) its growing recurring
income from quality non-property assets, such as its aircraft
leasing, utilities and energy businesses, which are located
in well-regulated developed markets.
CK Asset's more acquisitive strategy since 2016 has increased event
and execution risks, especially as the company enters into new industries
where it lacks an operational track record. However, these
risks are mitigated by CK Asset's high financial flexibility and
its demonstrated financial prudence. The company also has a track
record of monetizing assets at strong valuations, which helps to
fund cash usage and lower debt.
In terms of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors,
the rating considers CK Asset's growing appetite for acquisitions and
its concentrated ownership. These factors are balanced by the company's
prudent financial policy and maintenance of a healthy financial profile
over the years.
The stable rating outlook reflects Moody's expectation that CK Asset
will maintain its prudent approach to financial management, stable
income from quality assets, and strong liquidity.
Upward rating pressure could emerge if CK Asset (1) increases its stable
income streams and its coverage ratio on interest expenses; (2) increases
its geographic diversification to reduce its high reliance on the Chinese
property market, where competition is strong and regulatory risk
is high; and (3) maintains its strong financial profile.
Downward rating pressure could emerge if (1) the company becomes less
prudent in its financial management, weakening its liquidity position
or raising its debt leverage, with adjusted net debt/net total capitalization
exceeding 20%; (2) its non-property development EBIT/interest
falls below 3.0x-3.5x; or (3) it invests in
substantial non-property investments that carry high risk,
thereby raising business and financial risks.
The principal methodology used in these ratings was Homebuilding And Property
Development Industry published in January 2018. Please see the
Rating Methodologies page on www.moodys.com for a copy of
this methodology.
CK Asset Holdings Limited has a leading market position and long track
record in property development and investment in Hong Kong and mainland
China. CKA Asset develops, invests and manages properties
across various asset classes, including residential, office,
retail, industrial, car park and hotel properties.
REGULATORY DISCLOSURES
For ratings issued on a program, series, category/class of
debt or security this announcement provides certain regulatory disclosures
in relation to each rating of a subsequently issued bond or note of the
same series, category/class of debt, security or pursuant
to a program for which the ratings are derived exclusively from existing
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rating assigned, and in relation to a definitive rating that may
be assigned subsequent to the final issuance of the debt, in each
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The first name below is the lead rating analyst for this Credit Rating
and the last name below is the person primarily responsible for approving
this Credit Rating.
Stephanie Lau
Vice President - Senior Analyst
Corporate Finance Group
Moody's Investors Service Hong Kong Ltd.
24/F One Pacific Place
88 Queensway
Hong Kong
China (Hong Kong S.A.R.)
JOURNALISTS: 852 3758 1350
Client Service: 852 3551 3077
Chris Park
Associate Managing Director
Corporate Finance Group
JOURNALISTS: 852 3758 1350
Client Service: 852 3551 3077
Releasing Office:
Moody's Investors Service Hong Kong Ltd.
24/F One Pacific Place
88 Queensway
Hong Kong
China (Hong Kong S.A.R.)
JOURNALISTS: 852 3758 1350
Client Service: 852 3551 3077