Tabcorp Holdings (ASX:TAH) Announces Successful $300 Million AMTN Issuance
In a significant ASX announcement, Tabcorp Holdings Limited (ASX:TAH) has confirmed its successful return to the Australian Medium Term Note (AMTN) market after a 16-year absence. This marks a notable milestone in the gaming and wagering operator’s capital management strategy, with the Tabcorp AMTN issuance raising $300 million and demonstrating renewed institutional investor confidence.
The company last accessed this market in 2009. The successful pricing of these notes, which carry a 5.99% fixed coupon and a 5.5-year tenor maturing on 28 May 2031, reflects market recognition of operational improvements implemented over the past 18 months.
Settlement is expected to occur on 28 November 2025, subject to customary closing conditions. Proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of drawn debt under the company’s syndicated facility agreement.
This transaction is a key part of Tabcorp’s broader capital management strategy to diversify funding sources and extend its debt maturity profile. The strong investor demand validates the company’s transformation efforts and provides financial flexibility for ongoing strategic initiatives.
“Tabcorp last issued in the AMTN market in 2009 and we are pleased with the very strong interest from investors with our re-entry to this market,” said Mark Howell, Chief Financial Officer. “The response reflects recognition of the positive changes which have been made across the Tabcorp business over the past 18 months. Today’s issuance forms part of our broader capital management strategy, adds further diversity to our funding sources via access to a new capital market, extends the tenor of our weighted average drawn debt maturity to 5.4 years and increases our liquidity to maximise our balance sheet strength.”
Key Terms of the Note Issuance
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Principal Amount | $300 million |
| Coupon Rate | 5.99% per annum (fixed) |
| Maturity Date | 28 May 2031 |
| Tenor | 5.5 years |
| Settlement Date | 28 November 2025 (expected) |
| Security Type | Senior unsecured |
| Use of Proceeds | General corporate purposes, repayment of syndicated facility |
| Weighted Average Debt Maturity | 5.4 years (post-issuance) |
This transaction is a key component of the company’s financial strategy. The successful Tabcorp AMTN issuance marks the company’s strategic re-entry to a capital market it has not accessed in 16 years, signalling both management’s confidence and institutional investors’ renewed appetite for TAH debt securities.
Why has Tabcorp returned to the AMTN Market?
The decision to pursue this note offering stems from several strategic considerations. Tabcorp last accessed this market in 2009, and the 16-year gap reflects the company’s journey through structural changes, operational restructuring, and strategic transformation.
Management has optimised capital management priorities, seeking to diversify funding sources beyond traditional bank lending. Current fixed income market conditions, combined with Tabcorp’s improved operational profile, created favourable timing for this wholesale debt instrument.
Furthermore, the successful pricing demonstrates institutional investors’ comfort with Tabcorp’s credit profile and business fundamentals. The strong investor interest in the Tabcorp AMTN issuance validates operational improvements made across the business, providing the catalyst for management to pursue market re-entry with confidence.
What are Australian Medium Term Notes?
Australian Medium Term Notes are wholesale debt securities issued by corporations under a programme structure, typically with maturities from 1 to 10 years. Understanding how the Tabcorp AMTN issuance fits within this market framework helps investors appreciate its strategic value.
The Australian AMTN market provides an alternative to bank lending, accessing institutional investors like superannuation funds and insurance companies. These are wholesale instruments targeting sophisticated investors, with the programme structure allowing multiple issuances under one legal framework.
These notes are classified as senior unsecured, meaning they rank equally with other senior unsecured creditors but are subordinate to any secured debt. They are also denominated in Australian dollars, eliminating foreign exchange risk for the issuer and investors.
How will Tabcorp use the $300 million proceeds?
The company will use proceeds from the note issuance for general corporate purposes, primarily for the repayment of drawn debt under its syndicated facility agreement. This refinancing strategy serves multiple objectives that strengthen the balance sheet.
Extending the debt maturity profile is a primary goal. The Chief Financial Officer noted that the weighted average drawn debt maturity now extends to 5.4 years, improving the company’s refinancing timeline.
Reducing bank facility utilisation frees up revolving credit capacity for operational flexibility. By repaying drawn amounts, Tabcorp increases its available liquidity buffer without increasing total debt levels, which provides financial agility for future strategic opportunities.
Furthermore, the funding mix optimisation balances committed bank facilities against term capital markets funding. This diversification reduces concentration risk and provides a more stable long-term financing architecture.
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