Bogdan Tudorache

Electrica Group obtained the corporate rating of BBB issuer (Investment Grade), with a stable outlook, from the rating agency Fitch Ratings, which will allow the group to borrow money more easily through issuance of securities on international markets.

The BBB rating reflects the solid financial profile of the Electrica Group, the stability of the cash flow, the leading position both in the distribution area and in the supply of electricity in the regulated area, as well as the potential for maintaining a high level of investments in the next period, the company announced.

In view of the business development opportunities and the ambitious investment plan undertaken during the Fourth Regulatory Period, the Electrica Group prospects several variants regarding the diversification of financing sources. In this regard, the Group made the decision to apply for obtaining an issuer rating from one of the three major rating agencies, considering that this is a proof of transparency and, at the same time, a key element in order to obtain financial flexibility. The existence of a history of the issuer’s rating, at the time of a bond issue or obtaining another source of financing, is beneficial in terms of successfully placing the debt, by accessing advantageous conditions to the market for loan instruments.

“We want to increase the Electrica Group’s credibility in front of our investors, their confidence being extremely important to us. Thus, our aim in investor relations is to be regarded as a transparent company, the rating offering to all stakeholders an independent and comparable evaluation with that of similar companies, which are also tracked by the rating agencies. Following the obtaining of the rating, our investors will benefit from the Fitch experience regarding the analysis and monitoring process of the public rating of the Electrica Group, ensuring them additional comfort when analyzing a potential increase in the investment in Electrica,” said Corina Popescu, general manager, Electrica.