On July 11, 2023, the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Uruguay announced the successful issuance of a new global bond denominated in nominal pesos. This bond, with a maturity date in 2033, amounted to approximately US$1.267 billion. The government simultaneously conducted a tender offer to repurchase existing global bonds denominated in dollars, pesos, and indexed units (UI) with shorter maturities.
The objectives of this operation were multi-faceted. Firstly, it aimed to continue the government’s funding program for the year 2023. Secondly, it sought to develop the market for fixed-rate nominal peso bonds by establishing a new benchmark bond with a ten-year term. Lastly, the operation aimed to increase the average maturity of the government’s debt in local currency.
The transaction, carried out over the course of a day, involved the issuance of a new fixed-rate nominal peso global bond maturing in 2033 and the tender offer for the repurchase of existing global bonds with maturities in 2028 and 2031 in pesos, final maturities in 2027 and 2028 in UI, and final maturities in 2024, 2025, and 2027 in dollars (“eligible bonds”).
Holders of eligible bonds were given two options: to use them as a form of payment to purchase the new peso bond (“preferred offers”) or to receive cash (“non-preferred offers”). The marketing process for the issuance, targeting both local and international investors, was conducted in close coordination with the staff of the Central Bank of Uruguay (BCU).
The total issuance reached an equivalent of US$1.267 billion, with an annual yield of 9.75%. Of this total, US$1 billion was in cash, and the remaining amount was allocated to repurchasing eligible bonds. The consolidated order book consisted of 73 investors from the United States, Europe, Asia, and Uruguay. The total demand for the new bond peaked at US$2.21 billion.
Several factors contributed to the success of the bond issuance and the interest rate achieved. This marked the fourth time that the Uruguayan government issued a fixed-rate nominal peso bond on a global scale, without indexing it to inflation. The sustained reduction in inflation in Uruguay and the robustness of the BCU’s monetary policy framework were significant factors in achieving the volume of placement and interest rate obtained. Additionally, the transaction enabled the extension of the nominal peso sovereign bond yield curve, establishing a new indicative benchmark for financing costs in pesos for the public and private sectors in the banking and capital markets.
From an economic perspective focused on individual liberties and free markets, this bond issuance reflects the principles of economic freedom by fostering economic development and financial stability. By actively engaging with the international financial market and leveraging favorable macroeconomic conditions, the Uruguayan government has demonstrated its commitment to sound economic policies and responsible fiscal management.
The issuance of a new global bond denominated in nominal pesos contributes to the deepening and diversification of the local bond market, offering both domestic and international investors an opportunity to participate in Uruguay’s economic growth. Furthermore, the transaction facilitates the establishment of a new benchmark for financing costs, providing a reliable reference point for public and private sector borrowing in the local market. This enhances transparency, efficiency, and competition in the financial sector, aligning with the principles of economic freedom.
The success of the bond issuance also highlights Uruguay’s commitment to prudent debt management. By repurchasing existing bonds with shorter maturities and issuing a new bond with a longer maturity, the government aims to extend the average maturity of its debt in local currency. This strategy can help mitigate refinancing risks and ensure a more sustainable debt profile over the long term, fostering economic stability and resilience.
Moreover, the participation of a diverse range of investors from various geographical regions demonstrates the confidence and trust placed in Uruguay’s economic prospects. The country’s strong macroeconomic fundamentals, low inflation, and well-established monetary policy framework have been instrumental in attracting global investors. By adhering to principles of economic freedom, Uruguay has created an environment conducive to foreign investment, capital inflows, and economic growth.
The issuance of the new global bond also contributes to the development and deepening of the local capital market. By providing a benchmark for financing costs, the bond issuance supports the growth of the domestic capital market and facilitates access to long-term financing for both public and private entities. This expansion of the capital market enables businesses to raise capital for investment, expansion, and innovation, promoting economic growth and job creation. In conclusion, Uruguay’s recent bond issuance represents a significant step in its ongoing commitment to economic development, financial stability, and prudent debt management. The successful placement of a new global bond denominated in nominal pesos demonstrates Uruguay’s attractiveness as an investment destination and its adherence to principles of economic freedom. By leveraging favorable market conditions, the government has extended the average maturity of its debt in local currency, deepened the local bond market, and fostered economic growth. The issuance further highlights Uruguay’s commitment to sound economic policies, responsible fiscal management, and the creation of an enabling environment for investment and capital inflows.
