Topic Archives: Convert New Issue Analysis

Convertible bonds new issues usually drive-by deals whereas most new high yield and loan issues go through a 1-2 week road show. This is becuase a large part of a convertible bond’s valuation is equity and requires less credit/indenture analysis. Most convertible bonds do not have financial covenants. Once a deal is announced, investors have a short amount of time (usually 1 day or less) to perform a quick and dirty analysis on the deal. Daiwa does a good job of this type of analysis and I have documented most of it here. Exceptions are clearly stated.

Lam esearch (LRCX) new issue 05/05/11

PF Cash $1.795m PF Debt $720m LTM EBITDA $902m LTM FCF $743m Leverage 0.8x Mkt Cap $5.897m LRCX has leading mkt share in etch mkt, used in memory, logic, & micro electromechanical system devices. Ops were negatively impacted in 08 adn 09 when EBITDA and FCF turned negative. Had strong recovery in 2010, continues into […]

Alaska Communications (ALSK) new issue 05/04/11

$100m 144a unsec sub cb pricing tonight from JPM/Opco. Terms: 7yr bullett, 5.75-6.25% up 15-20%, protections. UOP=gcp incl pay down debt & capex funding. As part of bank deal in OCT, co req to repurchase ~100mm of old cvt by 12/12. This enables them to do that (see credit color). New Term Loan came L+400, […]

Apollo Investment Group (AINV) new issue 04/26/11

$200m ($30m) sen unsec cb coming tonight from JPM/BAC. Terms: 6yr, 5.625-6.125% up 15-20%, full pctns. UOP=reduce sec/debt & port/inv. Existing deal came 01/11 5.75% up 17% (came at 98.5) w/stock 14c lower ($11.7). Key 4 these deals is size (big=greater fool will come, small=not obv index inclusion) $575m ARCC came 5.75% up 17.5% now […]

First Street Finance (FSC) new issue 04/13/11

$150m (+22.5m) sen unsec cb overnight from JPM/MS/WFC. Terms: 5yr 4.875-5.375% up 10-15%, full pctn (div>0.166). UOP = paydown debt/gcp $800m inv co incorporated in 2008. Credit assumptions btw L+450 to L+500. However, they renegotiated 2013 term loan in 09/10 @ L+350. ARCC bigger co, BBB rated adn bonds back out L+400 using 22v. We […]

A123 (AONE) new issue 04/01/11

$125m (+18.75m) reg sub cb pricing tonight from DB/GS. Terms: 5yr bullet, 3.25%-3.75% up 20-25%. Concurrent 18m common offer, A123 Systems makes advanced batteries & energy storage systems for cars & electronic grid serv. Company went public in 2009. Stock hit a high shortly after ($25.77) & languished since (down 20% since deal announced). Spending […]

Greenbrier (GBX) new issue 03/30/11

$200m (+15m) sen unsec cb coming tonight from MER: Terms: 7yr, 3.5-4% up 30-35%, full protections. UOP = buyback unsec debt. If you like recovery plays, then you’ll like this: Mfg biz suffered in recession but now seeing upturn. Liq is issue (50% debt secured, credit facilities due this yr, little cash on b/s fcf […]

Interdigital Communications (IDCC) new issue 03/29/11

$150m (+22.5m) sen unsec cb coming tonight from BARC. Terms: 5y, 2.5-3% up 27.5-32.5%, full pctns UOP = call spread / gcp co is small but its intentions are clear (press release mentions future acq & 10K states its search for a partner w/complimentary tech). Rev = royalties from patent license agreements (portfolio of 1300 […]

Mentor Graphics (MENT) new issue 03/29/11

Daiwa New Issue Color $220m ($33m) 144a sub cb pricing tonight from MEW/C/CTDL. Terms: 20 yr, 4-4.5% up 37.5-42.5% nc5y, puts 7/10/15, coco 120%. UOP = $25m stk buyback, 6.25% cb buyback & gcp. A leading provider of electronic design automation software EDA. $1.68mkt cap. Stk double past yr. Feb guidance good w/bookings mo in […]

Ares Capital (ARCC) new issue 03/22/11

$200mn (+30mn) sen unsec cb coming tonight from JPM/BOA/WFC/DB. Terms: 5y, 4.875-5.375% up 15-20%, div ptcn > 35c. UOP= GCP and repay debt. As we know, invests in debt/equity of middle mkt cos (pfolio: 40% 1st lien, 36% sub, balance eqty & other). We’ll use L+500 and 20%iv (high div stk=low vol), Theo 97.74/99.34/100.98. Existing […]

James River Coal (JRCC) new issue 03/22/11

Daiwa $125m (+18.75m) sen unsec cb coming wed from DB/UBS Terms: 7yr 3.25-3.75% up 25-30%, full pctns. Concurrent eq & str8 deals. UOP=Fund part of IRP acq and GCP. JRCC focuses on steam and industrial grade coal & one of largest suppliers of US coal to India. Thru acq enter matallurgical coal mkt. Lev increase, […]