Ayala Corp. inks $200-M Samurai loan

Ayala Corp. (AC), the country’s oldest conglomerate, on Thursday said it has secured a $200-million (P11.5 billion) Samurai loan, with proceeds going to general corporate purposes of the company.

According to AC, the loan was signed following the positive credit rating appraisal from the Japan Credit Rating Agency Ltd. (JCR), with Mizuho Bank Ltd. and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. (SMBC) serving as the mandated lead arrangers and bookrunners.

“This maiden yen-denominated loan broadens Ayala Corporation’s partnership with Japanese financial institutions, particularly Mizuho and SMBC,” AC treasurer Estelito Biacora said in a statement.

“The Samurai Loan enhances Ayala Group’s capital raising options and helps us better grow businesses that enable people to thrive,” he added.

To recall, AC received an inaugural Foreign Currency Long-Term Issuer Rating of “A-“ from JCR, indicating a relatively high level of creditworthiness.

“We, Mizuho Bank, as Ayala’s long-standing financial partner, are deeply honored to have played a key role as the Rating Advisor for Ayala’s first JCR rating. This achievement reflects our strong partnership and shared commitment to financial excellence,” Mizuho general manager Masaaki Wada said.

AC booked an all-time-high core net income of P45 billion in 2024, driven by strong performance across its banking, property, telecommunications, and infrastructure businesses.

The company earlier this week announced the promotion of four next-generation leaders, who will focus on areas of the group’s business strategically important to its future.—LDF, GMA Integrated News