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HASI Secures Second Investment Grade Credit Rating

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Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital (HASI) has announced that it received a BBB- investment grade credit rating from Fitch Ratings. This is HASI's second investment grade rating, with the first being a Baa3 rating from Moody’s since June 2022. Fitch highlighted HASI's enhanced business profile, improved funding flexibility, strong asset quality, solid operating performance, and leverage within the targeted range. The upgrade is also attributed to HASI's proven track record in renewable energy financing, robust securitization platform, enhanced liquidity, and experienced management. According to CFO Marc Pangburn, this dual investment grade status will allow HASI's bonds to be included in investment grade indices, increasing access to low-cost, long-duration debt capital.

Positive
  • HASI secures a second investment grade rating of BBB- from Fitch.
  • The company maintains an investment grade rating of Baa3 from Moody’s since June 2022.
  • Fitch's upgrade reflects HASI's enhanced business profile and improved funding flexibility.
  • Strong asset quality and solid operating performance cited by Fitch.
  • Leverage remains within the targeted range.
  • Proven track record in renewable energy financing highlighted.
  • Large and profitable securitization platform recognized.
  • Enhanced liquidity and experienced management team mentioned as strengths.
  • Dual investment grade ratings can increase access to low-cost, long-duration debt capital.
  • Inclusion of HASI's bonds in investment grade indices expected.
Negative
  • No immediate financial figures or revenue impacts reported in the PR.
  • The BBB- rating is the lowest investment grade, indicating moderate credit risk.
  • Dependency on maintaining leverage within the targeted range for continued positive ratings.

Insights

The recent investment grade rating of BBB- from Fitch for Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital, Inc. (HASI) is a noteworthy development for investors. This rating, coupled with the existing Baa3 rating from Moody’s, positions HASI favorably in the debt markets. Investment grade ratings are important as they signify lower credit risk, making the company's bonds more attractive to a broader range of institutional investors, including those who are restricted to holding only investment-grade securities.

Enhanced funding flexibility, as mentioned in the Fitch report, will likely translate into better terms for borrowing, which in turn can positively impact HASI’s interest expenses. Lower borrowing costs enable the company to pursue more projects and potentially enhance profitability in the long term.

For retail investors, the investment grade rating indicates a level of financial stability and a lower likelihood of default, making HASI a potentially safer investment compared to lower-rated counterparts. However, investors should remain vigilant and consider the broader economic environment and how it may impact HASI’s operations and renewable energy projects.

The achievement of a second investment grade rating by HASI is not just a testament to its strong financial management but also a significant indicator of confidence in the company’s business model and its role in the renewable energy sector. This rating can open doors to being included in investment grade indices, which could lead to increased demand from institutional investors and potentially a positive movement in the company’s share price.

Furthermore, HASI's focus on renewable energy financing aligns well with the global shift towards sustainable energy solutions. The company's large and profitable securitization platform provides it with a competitive edge, allowing it to monetize its assets efficiently and reinvest in new projects. For investors, this means that HASI is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for clean energy investments.

In summary, the new rating is a clear positive for HASI, reflecting its solid operational performance and strategic positioning within the market.

The securing of a second investment grade rating has legal implications as well. Investment grade ratings often lead to improved covenants and terms in debt agreements, which can be more favorable for the issuer. For HASI, this means that ongoing and future financing deals could come with reduced restrictions and lower collateral requirements, providing greater operational flexibility.

Additionally, the positive rating from Fitch further solidifies HASI's reputation in the financial world, potentially reducing the company's exposure to legal risks associated with financing and debt restructuring. Institutional investors might also view HASI as a more credible and reliable partner, which can lead to further business opportunities and strategic alliances.

From a legal perspective, this rating can be seen as a strong endorsement of HASI's governance and adherence to regulatory standards, offering assurance to investors regarding the company's compliance and risk management practices.

ANNAPOLIS, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital, Inc. ("HASI," "we," "our" or the "Company") (NYSE: HASI), a leading investor in climate solutions, today announced it secured an investment grade rating of BBB- from Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”), a globally recognized leader in credit ratings and research. This marks HASI's second investment grade rating from a major credit rating agency. The Company has maintained an investment grade credit rating of Baa3 from Moody’s Investors Service since June 2022.

In its report, Fitch stated that HASI’s upgrade reflects the Company’s enhanced business profile, improved funding flexibility, continued strong asset quality, solid operating performance, and maintenance of leverage within the targeted range. The report also cites the Company’s proven track record in the renewable energy financing sector, large and profitable securitization platform, enhanced liquidity, and experienced management team.

“Two investment grade ratings will enable our bonds to be included in investment grade indices, increasing our access to low-cost, long-duration debt capital," said Marc Pangburn, Chief Financial Officer of HASI. "Achieving investment grade is a testament to our strong financial position, consistent track record of execution, and resilient business model.”

About HASI

HASI (NYSE: HASI) is a leading climate positive investment firm that actively partners with clients to deploy real assets that facilitate the energy transition. With more than $12 billion in managed assets, our vision is that every investment improves our climate future. For more information, please visit hasi.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Some of the information contained in this press release is forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended that are subject to risks and uncertainties. For these statements, we claim the protections of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in such Sections. These forward-looking statements include information about possible or assumed future results of our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, plans and objectives. When we use the words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "plan," "continue," "intend," "should," "may" or similar expressions, we intend to identify forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Investors are cautioned against placing undue reliance on such statements. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements include those discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” included in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K as well as in other periodic reports that we file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

Forward-looking statements are based on beliefs, assumptions and expectations as of the date of this press release. We disclaim any obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements reflecting new estimates, events or circumstances after the date of this press release.

Media:

Conor Fryer

media@hasi.com

443-321-5754



Investors:

Neha Gaddam

investors@hasi.com

410-571-6189

Source: Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital, Inc.

FAQ

What recent credit rating did HASI receive?

HASI recently received a BBB- investment grade credit rating from Fitch Ratings.

When did HASI receive its first investment grade rating?

HASI received its first investment grade rating of Baa3 from Moody’s in June 2022.

What are the benefits of HASI's dual investment grade ratings?

The dual investment grade ratings enable HASI's bonds to be included in investment grade indices, increasing access to low-cost, long-duration debt capital.

What factors did Fitch consider in HASI's rating upgrade?

Fitch considered HASI's enhanced business profile, improved funding flexibility, strong asset quality, solid operating performance, and leverage within the targeted range.

How does HASI's second investment grade rating impact its business?

The second investment grade rating enhances HASI's credibility and access to low-cost, long-duration debt capital.

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