MUFG
USPP investors acknowledge competition – but issuers stay loyal
The US private placement market has arguably been the first choice for Australasian corporates’ capital-markets funding for many years. At a roundtable KangaNews and MUFG Securities hosted in Miami in January, USPP investors say they are aware that other funding options – including the Australian domestic market – are increasingly able to offer execution certainty, including at extended tenor. But they say USPPs still offer a compelling value proposition – and many Australia and New Zealand borrowers agree.
AusNet’s Asian-driven 10-year result a shining light in a challenging market
Deal sources say AusNet Services’ success in placing a substantial 10-year Australian dollar transaction – with a significant oversubscription and minimal new-issue concession – reflects borrower specifics and momentum in the execution process rather than a widespread positive corporate issuance tone. A large bid from Asia drove the outcome but investors generally remain highly selective.