Friday, December 7, 2007

More on RIG

RIG, the leader in deepwater drilling has been languishing as of late. They had announced an $8.5B financing, which included $6B in converts and $2.5B in senior notes. The downward pressure on the stock is most likely due to selling by the Arbs on the convert. You also have to question why the company would pursue a convert issue just days after a massive recapitalization and $15B buyback through the GSF merger.

While management could have provided more disclosure and transparency on this move, the converts seem to be prudent. This is due to the low coupon rates of 1.5% to 1.625%, and no near-term dilution.

Dilution won’t hit until the stock gets to $168.61, which is the equivalent of a 32.5% converson premium. RIG is obligated to settle the converts for cash up to the principal amount of the notes upon conversion, and in common stock above the conversion price. If the stock gets above $168.81, RIG is then obligated to issue shares at the conversion ratio. If it gets to $185, the converts are about 1% dilutive without factoring in lower interest expense from the coupon rates.

I wouldn’t worry about this issue. RIG is still a buy long term and should outperform others drillers.

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