Unexpected Downgrade by S&PIn a surprise move today, S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”) downgraded CPIPG’s rating from BBB- to BB+ with a negativeoutlook. CPIPG has always maintained an active dialogue with our rating agencies. In many cases, we speak weekly.The Group had no indication a downgrade was coming; indeed, S&P was made aware of our recent bond issuanceplans well in advance and assigned a BBB- rating to the transaction.S&P’s decision is disappointing to CPIPG. At year-end 2023, our credit metrics were within S&P’s rating guidance. Ourbusiness plans clearly indicate that the Group will remain within the thresholds for an investment grade rating. Werecently outlined to our rating agencies the additional steps that CPIPG will take within months around disposals,minority equity, debt repayment, capital structure, and governance. Furthermore, our efforts to simplify the group bypreparing for the squeeze-out of S IMMO by IMMOFINANZ are positive for bondholders. The Group’s operationalperformance remains strong, reflected in positive like-for-like rental growth.The immediate impact of S&P’s downgrade is not significant. CPIPG estimates interest expense will increase by about€3 million in 2024 and between €10 to €20 million in 2025, depending on the pace of debt repayment. None of theGroup’s financing arrangements contain any cancellation options or similar provisions, and therefore CPIPG’s liquidityposition is unaffected.CPIPG will work to regain investment grade ratings as soon as reasonably possible. In the meantime, we will focus onliquidity, deleveraging, liability management, simplification, and our reputation.
