STU seeks recapitalisation to repay debt

UNDERFIRE steel supplier Steel & Tube is seeking recapitalisation of $80.9 million to repay debt and complete its restructuring programme.

Steel & Tube chairwoman Susan Paterson said $20.8 million would be sought from institutions at $1.15 per share, followed by the balance sought from a fully underwritten rights offer to shareholders of pro rata 1 for 1.9 at $1.05, and a book build for any shortfall.

Shares in Steel & Tube, placed on a trading halt yesterday, were $1.46, 37.3% down on a year ago.

‘‘We have worked hard to address legacy issues and early benefits from ‘Project Strive’ business transforma tion initiatives are now being seen,’’ Ms Paterson said in a statement.

Earlier this month, Steel & Tube clinched a crucial waiver from its banks for breaching a covenant, and renegotiated its lending terms.

In late May, Steel & Tube’s shares plunged to a 17year low after the company announced a downgrade of more than $50 million and that it had breached some of its banking covenants.

Steel & Tube had expected its earnings before interest and tax (ebit) for its current full year to be similar to last year’s $31 million, but that was downgraded in May to a $38 million ebit loss.

Yesterday, that expected loss was hauled back slightly with new guidance of a $36.2 million ebit loss.

‘‘The capital raised will be used to repay debt, strengthening our balance sheet and giving us greater flexibility to execute our strategy and deliver better value for our shareholders,’’ Ms Paterson said.

‘‘We expect the capitalraising to strengthen Steel & Tube’s share register and help create liquidity, which will benefit all shareholders,’’ she said.

She said given the capitalraising, a final fullyear 2018 dividend would not be paid. Dividends were expected to resume in fullyear 2019, which was consistent with Steel & Tube’s policy of paying 60%80% of normalised aftertax profit.

Ms Paterson said 2019 ebit guidance was of at least $25 million, with normalised ebit of $35 million to $40 million expected to be achieved during the next three years.

Reviews by a new board and management since December identified several issues.

The company is exiting its Steel & Tube Plastics, piping for onfarm irrigation, and is expecting a net writedown of up to $12 million.

A review of inventory on hand, including stock takes and assessment of aged inventory, meant a further writedown of about $18 million was required, while a review of the carrying value of intangible assets meant an impairment of up to $10 million was likely.

A Steel & Tube is scheduled to announce its 2018 result on August 31.