Puerto Rico’s $3.5 billion bond sale, a key part of the Commonwealth’s plan to improve its fiscal position, was met with exceptionally strong demand by investors.
The government had planned to issue $3 billion in general obligation bonds, but the sale was oversubscribed, which prompted officials to raise the offering by $500 million.
The bonds mature in 2035 and were issued at a discount with an 8.00% coupon and 8.727% yield. They were sold exclusively to institutional investors in blocks of $50 million or more.
“With the Commonwealth’s near-term liquidity needs now substantially met and the Government Development Bank’s liquidity strengthened, we are committed to implementing our plan to achieve our stated goals and to prudently manage our resources….,” GDB Interim President Jose V. Pagan Beauchamp said in a statement.
Facing $70 billion of outstanding debt, Gov. Alejandro Garcia Padilla last year unveiled a series of aggressive measures that have significantly decreased Puerto Rico’s budget deficit, increased tax revenue and strengthened its tax-collection processes. Its plan included $750 million of deficit financing, the smallest gap in several years.
Commonwealth officials said investor appetite for the bonds indicates market confidence in Puerto Rico’s fiscal direction.
“The success of this issuance is due to the significant steps the Garcia Padilla administration has taken … to strengthen the Commonwealth’s credit profile, as well as the governor’s commitment to balance the budget in fiscal year 2015,” said David Chafey, chairman of the Government Development Bank of Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico will receive approximately $3.2 billion in net proceeds which will be used to refinance short-term obligations and swap termination payments, according to the government. Officials expect the deal will result in a liquidity infusion to the GDB of about $1.9 billion.
Analysts said proceeds from the sale would give the government time to implement its fiscal reforms and improve its economy, which has been mired in a protracted recession.
The Commonwealth still has about $900 million in GO bond capacity under its constitutional debt limit, which officials said will expand during fiscal year 2015 if FY 2014 revenues are in line with forecasts.
The price of the new issue marked a vast improvement in the perception of Puerto Rico General Obligation debt. Similar bonds had recently yielded as much as 10% in the secondary market.