PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (GC), a global leader in the chemical business and chemical flagship company under PTT Group, announces the interest rate for its subordinated hybrid debentures at 5.25% per annum for the first 5 years and 6 months. The subordinated hybrid debentures will be offered to the public through 12 financial institutions. The subscription period is expected to take place during 4 - 12 December 2024. The subordinated hybrid debentures have been assigned the highest credit rating among such debentures in Thailand at the moment at A+(tha), reaffirming GC's position as a leader in the global chemical industry. This initiative highlights GC's commitment to driving Thailand towards a low-carbon society, aiming to achieve a Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions target by 2050.
Mr. Thitipong Jurapornsiridee, Executive Vice President - Finance and Accounting at PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (GC), announced that GC has officially set the interest rate for its subordinated hybrid debentures, payable upon dissolution, with the Issuer's right to early redemption and unconditional interest deferral, at 5.25% per annum for the first 5 years and 6 months. The subscription period is expected to be during 4, 6, 9, and 11 - 12 December 2024 through 12 arrangers. Additional subscription dates on 5, 7 - 8, and 10 December 2024 will be available via online channels of certain arrangers, as specified in the Offering section of GC's draft prospectus.
GC believes that the subordinated hybrid debentures will be a desirable alternative investment for retail investors before this year's end. The minimum subscription amount is 100,000 Baht, with incremental in multiples of 100,000 Baht. Subscriptions can be made through 12 leading financial institutions, including Bangkok Bank, CIMB Thai Bank, KASIKORNBANK, Kiatnakin Phatra Securities, Krungthai Bank, Siam Commercial Bank, Asia Plus Securities, Bank of Ayudhya, Krungthai XSpring Securities, Maybank Securities (Thailand), TMBThanachart Bank, and Yuanta Securities (Thailand).
Mr. Thitipong further stated that GC aims to be a model organization for sustainable operations at the international level, under its vision of "Being a leader in the global chemicals business to create the quality of life". GC has set a target to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. To date, GC has implemented various projects in line with its 3 Steps Plus strategy - Step Change - Step Out - Step Up.
In addition, GC has established various plans to strengthen its business and ensure sustainable growth, such as a debt reduction (Deleverage Plan) and business restructuring, with the goal of further strengthening the company's portfolio.
For this transaction, GC plans to use the proceeds to repay existing debts, both domestic and international. The subordinated hybrid debentures will also be considered a part of the company's equity, both in accounting and for credit rating aspects. Consequently, this issuance will enhance flexibility and strengthen GC's capital structure.
In an accounting aspect, the subordinated hybrid debentures will be fully recognized as equity throughout the life of the debentures, and it will be counted as 50% equity (Equity Credit) in credit rating evaluations. Fitch Ratings (Thailand) has confirmed the equity content for GC's subordinated hybrid debentures and the company expects to receive 50% equity credit from the three major global credit rating agencies: 1) Moody's Investors Service, 2) S&P Global Ratings, and 3) Fitch Ratings Inc., collectively known as the "Big Three" in credit rating. Additionally, the company expects that Fitch Ratings Inc. and Moody's to grant the equity credit for the full term of the debentures. While, it is expected that S&P will grant the equity credit only for the first 5 years and 6 months, after which it will be classified entirely as debt. This structure aligns with GC's option to early redeem the subordinated hybrid debentures when they reach 5-year and 6-month after the issue date, a feature specifically designed to manage the company's debt repayment profile.
Currently, GC is in the process of filing the registration statement and draft prospectus with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which have not yet become effective. Those who are interested can peruse and review further details and the terms and conditions in the draft prospectus and inquire for more information at the following 12 arrangers:
- Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited, at all branches (except micro branches) or call 1333, or subscribe online via Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking.
- CIMB Thai Bank Public Company Limited, at all branches, or call 02-626-7777.
- KASIKORNBANK Public Company Limited, at all branches, call 02-888-8888 press 869, and at KASIKORN Securities Public Company Limited as a sales agent of KASIKORNBANK Public Company Limited.
- Kiatnakin Phatra Securities Public Company Limited, call 02-165-5555, or subscribe online via Dime! app and at Kiatnakin Phatra Bank Public Company Limited as a sales agent of Kiatnakin Phatra Securities Public Company Limited.
- Krung Thai Bank Public Company Limited, at all branches, or call 02-111-1111, or subscribe online via Money Connect by Krungthai in Krungthai NEXT application.
- The Siam Commercial Bank Public Company Limited, at all branches, or call 02-777-6784, or subscribe online via the SCB EASY App, and at InnovestX Securities Co., Ltd., as a sales agent of The Siam Commercial Bank Public Company Limited.
- Asia Plus Securities Company Limited, call 02-680-4004.
- Bank of Ayudhya Public Company Limited, at all branches, or call 1572.
- Krungthai XSpring Securities Co., Ltd., call 02-695-5000.
- Maybank Securities (Thailand) Public Company Limited, call 02-658-5050.
- TMBThanachart Bank Public Company Limited, at all branches, or call 1428, press #4 (booking is open only to institutional investors), and at Thanachart Securities Public Company Limited as a sales agent of TMBThanachart Bank Public Company Limited.
- Yuanta Securities (Thailand) Co., Ltd., call 02-009-8351-56.
Note:
- The registration statement and draft prospectus have not yet become effective as they are still under consideration by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
- The allocation of the debentures will be at the discretion of the arrangers as deemed appropriate.
Disclaimer:
- Investments involve risks. Investors must carefully study and understand the product characteristics, the conditions of returns, and associated risks before making an investment decision.
- Additional details can be found in the registration statement and draft prospectus at www.sec.or.th.