(ORAFP; Baa1/BBB+/BBB+)
This has been a well flagged move from Orange, repeatedly stating that reconsolidation was a goal of theirs. It had seemed that this would take place via IPO though reporting in recent months had raised the prospect of a direct buyout.
We roughly calculate a 0.4x/0.8x adjusted gross/net lev impact (incl. pensions, 50% hybrids, leases etc.) on a €4bn offer funded from cash though as we have flagged in the past, rating agencies will weigh this against the positives of the deal. Orange had roughly half a turn of headroom at Moody’s but less at S&P though S&P specifically note pro-rata consolidation of JV debt including MasOrange and Orange’s strong financial track record should buy them leeway at the agencies. The fiber JV stake sale could also serve to further lessen the leverage impact.
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The trend needle in USDCAD points south and this week’s recovery is considered corrective. Resistance at the 20-day EMA, at 1.3710, has been pierced. A continuation higher would signal scope for a stronger retracement and expose pivot resistance at the 50-day EMA, at 1.3832. For bears, a reversal lower and a resumption of the downtrend would pave the way for an extension towards 1.3521, envelope-based support.
US data is headlined by Thursday’s Q1 GDP revisions and Friday’s PCE report for May although there are plenty of other releases that will be watched with interest throughout the week.