Sector Report - UniCredit Research
Transcription
Sector Report - UniCredit Research
March 2015 European Agencies & Supras Economics & FI/FX Research Credit Research Equity Research Cross Asset Research “ ” Everything you need to know 032015 <date> March 2015 Credit Research Sector Report SSA Contents 3 European supranationals 7 Non-European supranationals 10 European agencies 22 Agencies managing strategic petroleum reserves 24 French EPIC/EPA 29 Agencies – explicit vs. implicit support Cover picture © Petrus Bodenstaff - Fotolia.com Valentina Stadler (UniCredit Bank) +49 89 378-16296 [email protected] UniCredit Research page 2 Robert Vielhaber (UniCredit Bank) +49 89 378-12004 [email protected] See last pages for disclaimer. <date> March 2015 Credit Research Sector Report SSA European supranationals Supranationals – similar structures, different missions Supranationals per se are agencies, except that in terms of ownership and mission they have been extended from one national identity to several nations. "Supranational" essentially means "above nations, above national level". The creditworthiness of supranational institutions, European or otherwise, is underpinned by three factors: a) they normally benefit from preferred creditor status, an implicit agreement between borrower and lender that such an institution will enjoy priority over other creditors; b) the quality of their shareholders and their proven commitment of support, although in most cases no direct guarantees are given; and c) the regulatory environment, which ensures financial stability and/or supportive mechanisms for their debt obligations. Supranationals include multilateral development banks (like EIB, CEB) as well as international institutions (EU, EFSF, ESM). SUPRANATIONALS – EUROPE Issuer/Entity Credit Ratings Basel II – Stand. App. Ticker/ iBoxx Council of Europe Development Bank Aa1s/AA+s/AA+s 0% COE Y Profile Overview: The Council of Europe Development Bank, established in 1956 by the Council of Europe, provides loans to member countries for social purposes including job creation for SMEs, vocational training, social housing, health care, environmental projects, natural catastrophes, educational reform, the integration of refugees, and help for disadvantaged regions. Since the late-1990s, the Council of Europe Development Bank’s lending operations have been rebalanced towards CEE (21 shareholders are CEE countries). Lending to CEE currently accounts for about 50% of total lending. Total assets: EUR 25.3bn (1H14 company data). Ownership: 41 European countries (members of the Council of Europe). Support: Strong commitment and membership support; the CEB's capital quality (11.2% of subscribed capital is actually paid-in) remains excellent, with investmentgrade members accounting for more than 90% of callable capital as of June 2014. Frequent capital increases have resulted in total subscribed capital of EUR 5.5bn. Strengths (Moody's): An exceptionally strong liquidity profile; strong asset quality supported by its prudent risk-management framework and preferred creditor status. Challenges (Moody's): A high amount of leverage (debt to equity ratio) relative to other higher-rated multilateral development banks; managing the shift of its balance sheet towards the economically weaker member countries without negatively impacting its risk-bearing capacity. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 20.6bn Eurasian Development Bank A3s/BBBn/-- 0% EURDEV N Overview: EDB, established in 2006, is a sub-regional development bank servicing an increasing number of countries in the Eurasian Economic Community. The strategic objective of this multilateral development finance institution is the promotion of integration between its members by providing long-term financing to both the private and the public sectors. Total assets: USD 4.3bn (1H14 company data). Ownership: Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Armenia, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan. Support: Strong member support, especially from the two founding and majority members, Russia and Kazakhstan (owning just under two thirds and under one third of share capital, respectively) and comfort letters signed by Russia and Kazakhstan exist. Strengths (Moody's): Very strong asset coverage by paid-in capital; very low leverage; very high coverage of debt service by liquid assets; very high callable capital relative to outstanding debt. Challenges (Moody's): Increasing non-performing loans with seasoning of loan portfolio; increasing risks to operating environment due to Russia-Ukraine crisis; high portfolio concentration and high concentration of members and assets; strong economic links between members. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 2.2bn UniCredit Research page 3 See last pages for disclaimer. <date> March 2015 Credit Research Sector Report SSA Issuer/Entity Credit Ratings Basel II – Ticker/ Stand. App. iBoxx European Atomic Energy Community Aaas/AA+s/AAAs 0% EURAT N Profile Overview: EURATOM was established as a supranational entity in 1957 by the Treaty of Rome, which also created the EU. Its purpose is to help create the conditions necessary for the establishment and growth of peaceful nuclear industries within EU member states. It also extends financing in certain central and eastern European countries to improve the safety and efficiency of nuclear power stations. EURATOM is a legally autonomous entity and has a common budget with the European Commission which, by law, is required to be balanced. Ownership: EU member states. Support: Strong member support; the common budget with the EU Commission acts as a safety net in the unlikely event of EURATOM being unable to meet any of its debt obligations since, should such a situaion arise, EURATOM can draw funds directly from member states through the budget mechanism until all obligations are met. Strengths (Moody's): The joint and several liability of the 28 EU member states with regard to their obligations to the EU; multiple layers of protection in case the EU's borrowers face difficulties repaying their loans; high creditworthiness and firm commitment of the 28 EU member states. Challenges (Moody's): Potential deterioration in the creditworthiness of the EU member states; potential weakening of the member states' commitment to the EU. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 0.3bn European Bank for Reconstruction & Development Aaas/AAAs/AAAs 0% EBRD N Overview: EBRD, established in 1991, has a mandate to help countries in central and eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States with their transition to market economies. It does so by lending mainly to the private sector, by equity investments, and via the provision of guarantees. Total assets: EUR 49.0bn (2013 company data). Ownership: 64 countries plus the European Union and the European Investment Bank; EU member states, the EU, and the EIB together hold 66% of share capital. Support: Strong member support; high-quality callable capital Strengths (Moody's): Robust capital buffers and modest gearing; strong riskmanagement framework; ample liquidity; strong shareholder support. Challenges (Moody's): Loan and share portfolio concentration in countries with challenging macroeconomic environments; potential for asset-quality deterioration should the economic outlook worsen and affect several large borrowers. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 38.0bn European Coal & Steel Community Aaas/AAAs/-- 20% ECS N Overview: ECS was set up in 1951 to support the development of the common market for coal and steel throughout Europe. The treaty expired on 23 July 2002; lending and borrowing operations were terminated in 1997. The European Union is responsible for managing the assets of ECS’s assets and for winding up its financial affairs. Ownership: EU member states. Support: No formal guarantee from member states, but the ECS treaty requires the member states to take measures to ensure that all financial obligations are fully met. ECS's assets cover its outstanding liabilities. Strengths (Moody's): The joint and several liability of the 28 EU member states with regard to their obligations to the EU; multiple layers of protection in case EU borrowers face difficulties repaying their loans; high creditworthiness and firm commitment of the 28 EU member states. Challenges (Moody's): Potential deterioration in the creditworthiness of the EU member states; potential weakening of the member states' commitment to the EU. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 0.2bn EUROFIMA – European Company for the Financing of Railroad Rolling Stock Aa1s/AA+s/-- 20% EUROF Y Overview: EUROFIMA, which was established in 1956, is a joint-stock company that finances rolling stock under equipment financing contracts for railways of its members. Contracts are collateralized by the rolling stock financed and the direct government guarantee from the member countries. Total assets: CHF 27.6bn (2013 company data). Ownership: National railways of 27 continental European countries. Support: Member states must either be directly liable or guarantee the obligations of their national railways under the financing contracts. If the defaulting railway's member state does not honor these obligations, a shareholders' guarantee ensures that all sovereign signatories must cover them if obligations exceed EUROFIMA's guarantee reserve. Proportionate liabilities are capped at the value of shareholdings. Strengths (Moody's): Very high asset quality and preferred creditor status; ongoing implementation and adaptation of a strong risk management framework. Challenges (Moody's): High leverage; low callable capital relative to its debt obligations. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 15.9bn UniCredit Research page 4 See last pages for disclaimer. <date> March 2015 Credit Research Sector Report SSA Issuer/Entity Credit Ratings Basel II – Stand. App. Ticker/ iBoxx European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) Aa1s/AAn/AAs 0% EFSF Y Profile Overview: The EFSF was created in June 2010 as part of a stabilization package agreed on by eurozone member states. The EFSF's mandate is to ensure financial stability by issuing bonds in the capital markets and using the proceeds to assist eurozone members, if necessary. It is a limited liability company incorporated under Luxembourg law. The debt securities issued by the EFSF are backed by a pool of sovereign guarantees from the member states. The EFSF adjusted the maximum guarantee commitments to EUR 725bn, following the exit of Portugal, Greece, Ireland and Cyprus. First committments were EUR 440bn in the original EFSF (EFSF 1.0), and subsequently EUR 780bn under the amended framework agreement (EFSF 2.0) in 2011. The EFSF was created as a temporary institution. It has been followed by a permanent crisis mechanism, the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) as of 8 October 2012. Recently, the EFSF extended its assistance program for Greece to end-February 2015. The EFSF receives loan repayments from beneficiary countries. Ownership: Eurozone member states. The largest shareholders are Germany (29.1%), France (21.9%) and Spain (12.8%). Support: Irrevocable and unconditional guarantees from the member states according to the percentage each has to contribute (“contribution keys”); very strong political support. Strengths (Moody's): Irrevocable and unconditional guarantees by the participating member states on borrowings by EFSF; strong commitment and support from the EFSF member states and high creditworthiness of EFSF's guarantors. Challenges (Moody's): High default correlation between euro area member states; high concentration risk in its loan book. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 196.0bn European Investment Bank Aaas/AAAs/AAAs 0% EIB Y Overview: EIB was established by the Treaty of Rome (1958) and serves as the EU's development bank, aiming to promote the EU's policy objectives via the financing of viable investment projects. It is legally autonomous from other EU entities and has sole legal responsibility for its own debt. With a view to increased lending, in December 2012 the EIB received a capital increase of EUR 10bn, which is fully paid-in. As a consequence, total subscribed capital increased to EUR 243.3bn and paid-in capital from EUR 11.6bn to EUR 21.6bn. Thus, the ratio of paid-in to total capital amounts to 8.9% of total capital. Total assets: EUR 508.1bn (2013 company data). Ownership: 28 EU member states. Support: Strong member support; preferred creditor status; under its statute, the bank is allowed to have maximum loans outstanding equivalent to 250% of its subscribed capital. Strengths (Moody's): Very high asset quality; access to ECB liquidity; strong shareholder support. Challenges (Moody's): High correlation among member states; high correlation of members and assets. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 466.8bn European Stability Mechanism Aa1s/--/AAAs 0% ESM Y Overview: The ESM is a multilateral lending institution aimed at providing emergency financial assistance to Euro Area Member States (EAMS) in financial distress. The ESM is the permanent successor of the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF), and a legally incorporated entity in Luxembourg. Financial assistance comprises loans, credit lines, loans for the purpose of recapitalization of financial institutions, and sovereign securities purchased either in the primary or secondary market. Total subscribed capital amounts to EUR 704.8bn, of which EUR 80.5bn is paid-in. Subscribed capital increased slightly following the accession of Latvia in March 2014. The ratio of paid-in capital to total capital at 11.4% is very high relative to other multilateral lending institutions. Ownership: 19 eurozone member states. Support: The ESM benefits from very strong political commitment and preferred creditor status. The issuer has unique capital call mechanisms. These include emergency capital calls, where the ESM's managing director can make a capital call to ESM shareholders directly to ensure timely payment. Moreover, should any ESM member fail to meet required capital calls (emergency or not), other members would have to temporarily step in to provide the missing capital. Strengths (Moody's): Low leverage with a lending capacity of EUR 500bn and subscribed capital of EUR 702bn; strong commitment and support from the ESM member states and high median creditworthiness of ESM's shareholders; prudent capital management policy; preferred creditor status, junior only to the IMF. Challenges (Moody's): High default correlation between euro area member states; high concentration in its loan book. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 43.3bn UniCredit Research page 5 See last pages for disclaimer. <date> March 2015 Credit Research Sector Report SSA Issuer/Entity Credit Ratings Basel II – Stand. App. Ticker/ iBoxx European Union Aaas/AA+s/AAAs 0% EU Y Profile Overview: The mandate of the EU, which was established in 1958 by the Treaty of Rome, has been to foster economic and social integration through the development of a common market and coordinated policies. Total budget: EUR 161.8bn (2015 EU forecast). Ownership: 28 EU member states. Support: Debt service benefits from: 1. The fact that the EU services its debt with its borrowers' loan repayments; 2. debt-service payments can be made from all EU budget revenues; 3. the EU has recourse to guarantees from member states, public institutions, banks, and other entities; and 4. if budget revenues are insufficient, member states are legally obliged to balance the EC budget and thereby to cover any shortfall. In the event that one or more member states do not meet their legal obligations, the difference would be divided among the remaining member states in proportion to the estimated budget revenue from each of them. Strengths (Moody's): The joint and several liability of the 28 EU member states with regard to their obligations to the EU; multiple layers of protection in case the EU's borrowers face difficulties repaying their loans; high creditworthiness and firm commitment of the 28 EU member states. Challenges (Moody's): Potential deterioration in the creditworthiness of the EU member states; potential weakening of the member states' commitment to the EU. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 54.2bn Nordic Investment Bank Aaas/AAAs/-- 0% NIB N Overview: NIB was established as the Nordic countries' joint international financial institution in 1975. The primary purpose of NIB is to promote sustainable growth in the economies of member countries through medium and long-term financing for private and public projects. The bank also finances projects in emerging markets that are of mutual interest to member and borrowing countries. Total assets: EUR 23.5bn (2013 company data). Ownership: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and, since 2005, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. Support: NIB's capital position is very strong, with more than 96% of capital held by AAA/AA+ rated sovereigns, which is well above that of all of NIB's multilateral peers. The bank’s lending ceiling corresponds to 250% of the subscribed capital and accumulated general reserves. Strengths (Moody's): Healthy liquidity and capital adequacy; impeccable asset quality; prudent financial and risk management; member support from Aaa-rated shareholders, which hold 95% of the bank's subscribed capital; preferred creditor status. Challenges (Moody's): Maintaining the quality of the loan portfolio and minimizing credit risk with a portfolio that contains a significant proportion of first-time borrowers; fulfilling its mandate to finance projects related especially to environmental and renewable energy in a competitive credit environment. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 23.2bn Current Ratings: Moody’s/S&P/Fitch; Outlooks: s=stable; p=positive; n=negative; wp= watch positive; wn=watch negative; wd=watch developing Included in iBoxx Sub-Sovereigns: Y=Yes; N=No Source: rating agencies, Bloomberg, UniCredit Research UniCredit Research page 6 See last pages for disclaimer. <date> March 2015 Credit Research Sector Report SSA Non-European supranationals Non-European Supranationals also issue EUR benchmark bonds In order to complete our overview of all supranationals and hence provide a better comparison, we list non-European supranationals in the table below. Moreover, some of these non-European supranationals such as IBRD, IADB and ASDB have issued benchmark bonds denominated in EUR in the past. Their creditworthiness, like their European-based counterparts, is underpinned by the same factors, mainly preferred creditor status, and the quality and commitment of shareholders. In contrast to European-based supranationals, the non-European ones tend to be multilateral development finance institutions (MDFIs) providing financing to their associated areas and regions. SUPRANATIONALS – NON-EUROPEAN Issuer/Entity Credit Ratings Basel II – Ticker/ Stand. App. iBoxx African Development Bank Aaas/AAAs/AAAs 0% AFDB N Profile Overview: AFDB is an multilateral development finance institution established in 1964, whose mandate is to contribute to the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional members and to reduce their poverty level. AFDB primarily lends to the public sector for long-term projects and to sub-regional and national development banks to finance investment programs. Total assets: USD 32.3bn (2013 company data) Ownership: 54 African and 27 non-African countries. Support: Strong member support including several AAA rated countries. Preferred creditor status. Since 1995, AFDB has restricted its sovereign lending to its most creditworthy regional member countries. Strengths (Moody's): Robust capitalization; strong liquidity position; proven support from a large and diversified group of shareholders; preferred creditor status. Challenges (Moody's): A non-performing loan ratio of around 3% that is relatively high for a Aaa rated multilateral development bank; a challenging operating environment, both politically and economically; concentration risk in North Africa. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 20.4bn Asian Development Bank Aaas/AAAs/AAAs 0% ASIA Y Overview: ASDB was established in 1966 as an multilateral development finance institution whose mission is to promote the economic and social development of its members and to encourage public as well as private-sector investment for development purposes, especially for smaller and less-developed countries. Its aim is to reduce poverty and improve the quality of life. ASDB is the third-largest multilateral development bank. Total assets: USD 115.8bn (2013 company data). Ownership: 67 countries, of which 48 are located in Asia-Pacific. Japan (15.7%) and the US (15.6%), are the largest shareholders, followed by China (6.5%), India (6.4%) and Australia (5.8%). Support: Strong shareholder support. Implicit preferred creditor status. Lending and investments are restricted to 100% of capital and reserves. Strengths (Moody's): Strong capital base and financial fundamentals; solid shareholder support; preferred creditor status. Challenges (Moody's): Remaining strategically relevant in a dynamically evolving region; maintaining asset quality in the event that several large borrowers face financial crises simultaneously. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 60.1bn Caribbean Development Bank Aa1s/AAs/-- 0% CARDEV N Overview: CDB, established in 1969, is a sub-regional MDFI whose purpose is to contribute to the economic growth of its Caribbean member countries and foster their economic cooperation and integration. Total assets: USD 1.5bn (2013 company data). Ownership: 22 regional countries and five non-regional countries (Canada, the UK, Italy, Germany, China). Support: Strong shareholder support. More than 95% of loans are to members or guaranteed by them. Strong support is reflected in a a relatively high share of paid-in capital. Since its creation, subsribce capital has increased by 150%. Strengths (Moody's): Solid capital adequacy indicators; strong financial support from borrowing and non-borrowing member countries; robust liquidity and moderate leverage; history of timely loan repayment despite members' multiple debt restructurings; limited private sector exposure. Challenges (Moody's): High concentration of loans among a limited number of borrowers; average borrower credit quality weak and deteriorating; relatively high vulnerability to external shocks from borrowing-member countries. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 0.4bn UniCredit Research page 7 See last pages for disclaimer. <date> March 2015 Credit Research Sector Report SSA Issuer/Entity Credit Ratings Basel II – Ticker/ Stand. App. iBoxx Corporación Andina de Fomento Aa3s/AA-n/AA-s 20% CAF N Profile Overview: CAF, established in 1968, is an MDFI that supports the economic development of its members. It grants loans for capital projects, export and import financing, and working capital. Total assets: USD 29.4bn (3Q14 company data). Ownership: The bank has 10 core members and 9 additional associated members. Support: Track record of capital increases and preferred creditor treatment. At yearend 2013, CAF had authorized capital of USD 10bn, while paid-in capital was USD 4.0bn. Strengths (Moody's): Strong willingness of members to provide financial support; prudent financial management reflected in highly diversified funding sources; improving average credit quality of an increasingly diversified member base and loan portfolio; record of strong asset performance reflecting preferred-creditor status. Challenges (Moody's): Significant credit exposure to B-rated countries; very limited presence of highly-rated shareholders and low levels of callable capital; comparably heavy dependence on short-term funding and weak liquidity ratios; relatively weak financial policies. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 12.5bn Inter-American Development Bank Aaas/AAAs/AAAs 0% IADB N Overview: IADB is the oldest and second-largest MDFI. It was established in 1959 to help accelerate economic and social development in Latin America and the Caribbean. Its lending operations support the agricultural, energy and transportation industries and also focus on poverty reduction and social equity, modernization and integration, and the environment. Total assets: USD 97.0bn (2013 company data). Ownership: 48 countries including 26 Latin American and Caribbean countries, the US (with a 30% voting share), Japan (5%), Canada (4%); and 20 non-regional countries. China was the latest country to join, in January 2009. Support: Strong member support. Preferred creditor treatment. Capital was increased by USD 70bn, but only USD 1.7bn is to be paid-in (July 2012). Strengths (Moody's): Solid capital base; strong commitment from non-borrowing shareholders; sound financial management; preferred creditor status. Challenges (Moody's): Credit concentration in high-risk countries with volatile macroeconomic environments; balancing a development mandate with sound financial practices and reasonable profitability. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 74.8bn Inter-American Investment Corp Aa2s/AAs/AAAs 20% IICORG N Overview: IAINCO, created in 1989, complements the IADB by supporting small and medium-sized private-sector companies; it provides equity and medium and long-term loans without government guarantees, it mobilizes funding from other lenders, and provides advisory services. Total assets: USD 1.6bn (3Q13 company data). Ownership: 45 member countries: same as the IADB except for the UK, Croatia, and Slovakia. The US is the largest shareholder, contributing 23% of total subscribed capital. Argentina and Brazil rank second with 11% of total subscribed capital each. Support: Strong member support and capitalization. Preferred creditor treatment. Beyond this, support is expected from its larger sister institution, the Inter-American Development Bank. Strengths (Moody's): Strong capitalization and adequate financial management; strong asset performance despite the private sector focus; close funding relationship with the Inter-American Development Bank. Challenges (Moody's): Lending without sovereign guarantees to riskier segments of the private sector; moderate concentration risks stemming from the portfolio. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 0.9bn International Bank for Aaas/AAAs/AAAs Reconstruction and Development (World Bank) 0% IBRD Y Overview: The World Bank, established in 1946, is an MDFI whose main goals are to promote economic development and reduce global poverty. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) is a cornerstone and also finances programs for economic reform in developing member countries. It provides medium and longterm financing to governments and other entities (only those entities with a sovereign guarantee in place). It is the largest and oldest MDFI. The IBRD is also often referred to as the World Bank. Total assets: USD 324.4bn (2013 Moody’s). Ownership: 188 member countries. The largest shareholder is the US, with 15.0% of subscribed shares. Support: Very strong member support. Strengths (Moody's): Sound financial policies; preferred creditor status, aiding asset quality; strong shareholder support. Challenges (Moody's): Asset quality deterioration in case of simultaneous financial crises of several large borrowers. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 135.5bn UniCredit Research page 8 See last pages for disclaimer. <date> March 2015 Credit Research Sector Report SSA Issuer/Entity Credit Ratings Basel II – Ticker/ Stand. App. iBoxx International Finance Corporation Aaas/AAAs/-- 0% IFC N Profile Overview: IFC, an MDFI and a member of the World Bank Group, provides investment services to foster sustainable economic growth in developing countries by financing private-sector investment (without government guarantees), mobilizing capital in the international financial markets, and providing advisory services to businesses and governments. Since none of IFC’s loans are government guaranteed, there is far more risk embedded in its development-related portfolio than in those of most MDFIs. However, IFC has historically maintained reserves for loan losses well in excess of its nonaccrual loans. Total assets: USD 84.1bn (1H14 company data). Ownership: 184 member countries: the five largest shareholders are the US, Japan, Germany, France, and the UK. Support: Preferred creditor treatment. Strong shareholder support as part of the World Bank Group. Strengths (Moody's): Robust capital base; very high liquidity; solid asset quality, reinforced by preferred creditor status; strong shareholder support. Challenges (Moody's): Potential emerging market debt problems, as exemplified by the Argentine crisis. If generalized, this could seriously affect asset quality. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 48.1bn International Finance Facility for Immunisation Aa1s/AAn/AAs 0% IFFIM N Overview: The IFFIM is a UK-registered charity that was established in June 2006 and has its roots in the Millennium Development Goals. The sole purpose of the IFFIM is to raise funds to step up health and immunization efforts in 70 of the world's poorest countries. The financial basis for IFFIM is legally binding grant obligations from its sovereign supporters and private foundations. These grant payments will continue until 2029. Total assets: USD 3.5bn (2013 company data). Donor countries: UK, France, Italy, Norway, Australia, Spain, the Netherlands, Sweden and South Africa. Support: Support from highly-rated grantors. Strengths (Moody's): Strong commitment from donor governments to support programs financed by the IFFIM, reinforced by legally binding grant agreements; gearing ratio and liquidity policies that provide a financial cushion against adverse developments in the full and timely receipt of donor's scheduled payments; financial and risk management by the World Bank. Challenges (Moody's): Concentration of donor pledges; high correlation in credit risk among euro area donors; the possibility of a large number of recipient countries going into arrears with the IMF, causing material reductions in donor payments via the highlevel financing condition. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 1.3bn Islamic Development Bank Aaas/AAAs/AAAs 0% ISDB N Overview: The ISDB’s mandate is to foster the economic development and social progress of its member countries and Muslim communities in non-member countries. The ISDB was established in 1973. The ISDB is unique among MDFIs as it must operate in accordance with the principles of Islamic law, or Sharia. It fulfils its role mainly through asset-backed methods of financing such as leasing, installment sales, interest-free loans and equity investments. Most of the development-related exposure is in unrated or non-investment-grade countries. Ownership: 56 Islamic countries with the main shareholder being Saudi Arabia (23.5%). Support: ISDB benefits from shareholder support and tested preferred creditor status. Virtually all of the ISDB's operational assets (equivalent to development loans for other MDBs) benefit from sovereign, government-owned bank or highly rated commercial bank guarantees. Strengths (Moody's): Strong shareholder support; preferred creditor status; ample and expanding capital base; high level of liquidity, low leverage. Challenges (Moody's): Lack of Aaa rated member countries; risky operating environment, similar to other multilateral development banks. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 9.3bn Current Ratings: Moody’s/S&P/Fitch; Outlook: s=stable; p=positive; n=negative; wp=watch positive; wn=watch negative; wd=watch developing. Included in iBoxx Sub-Sovereigns: Y=Yes; N=No. Source: rating agencies, Bloomberg, UniCredit Research UniCredit Research page 9 See last pages for disclaimer. <date> March 2015 Credit Research Sector Report SSA European agencies A plethora of missions and support mechanisms In contrast to supranationals, European agencies come in all shapes and sizes, providing a plethora of services underpinned by various support mechanisms. Some are supported by legal concepts such as the German maintenance obligation (“Anstaltslast”) or guarantee obligation (“Gewährträgerhaftung”), the Austrian “Ausfallbürgschaft”, or the French “Etablissement Public Industriel et Commercial” and “Etablissement Public à caractère administratif”, while others have direct state guarantees. The only common feature is that they serve national or regional economic policies. AGENCIES – EUROPEAN Issuer/Entity Credit Ratings Basel II – Ticker/ Stand. App. iBoxx Aaas/AA+s/-- 0% Profile Austria Autobahnen- und Schnellstrassen Finanzierungs AG ASFING Y Overview: ASFINAG is a wholly-owned government agency that plans, finances, builds and maintains the Austrian motorway and high-speed road network. It has the right to use the roads ("usus fructus rights") but does not own them, as the motorway network remains the property of the Republic of Austria. The government exercises operational, management, and financial control over ASFINAG, and approves the company's budget. There are currently no privatization plans. Total assets: EUR 14.8bn (2013 company data). Ownership: Wholly-owned by the Republic of Austria. Support: Strong explicit and implicit support. EUR 12bn EMTN program has a full explicit, direct, unconditional, and irrevocable government guarantee (Austrian Budget Law and Railway Act). Furthermore, under the ASFINAG law, the Ministry of Transport is responsible for ensuring that ASFINAG has sufficient funds at all times to protect its liquidity and equity. Strengths (Moody's): Guarantee from the Republic of Austria for the rated debt; full ownership by the Austrian state; role as implementer of the government's trunk road network plans; representation of central government on ASFINAG's supervisory board, with the budget controlled by the Ministry of Transport. Challenges (Moody's): Relatively high leverage; central government decisions influence both the revenue (via tolls) and the expenditure side (investments). Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 9.0bn Bundesimmobiliengesellschaft mbH (BIG) Aaas/--/-- 20% BUNIMM N Overview: BIG centralizes property management for Austria’s public sector, with a view to improving efficiency and, more specifically, the cost-efficiency of various government departments. BIG was created by law in 1992. It has responsibility for managing the Austrian Republic’s real estate, with a EUR 10.5bn portfolio of schools and universities (63%) and other federal tenants such as prisons, police stations and courthouses, as well as offices and private flats (37%) as of 2015. BIG activities involve renting out buildings to various government entities, carrying out renovations and new investments, and handling sales of redundant buildings and land. BIG also offers facilities management services if required by the tenants. Total assets: EUR 11.5bn (1H14 company data). Ownership: Wholly-owned by the Republic of Austria. Support: Strong owner support as the company is of strategic importance. BIG debt counts as part of Austrian sovereign debt, although it does not benefit from a sovereign guarantee. Strengths (Moody's): Fully owned by the state and expected to continue having strategic importance; business model is strongly linked to government-related revenues; strong state oversight and commitment to ensuring financial viability. Challenges (Moody's): Relatively high debt levels; somewhat inflexible rent adjustment factors and rigid cost structure; the possibility for a majority of the tenants to terminate the rental agreement with a year's notice. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 2.6bn Erdöl-Lagergesellschaft m.b.H. UniCredit Research --/AA+s/-- 20% ERDLAG Please refer to the section ‘Agencies managing strategic petroleum reserves’ N page 10 See last pages for disclaimer. <date> March 2015 Credit Research Sector Report SSA Issuer/Entity Credit Ratings Basel II – Ticker/ Stand. App. iBoxx OeBB-Infrastruktur AG Aaas/AA+s/-- 0% OBND Y Profile Overview: OBND was created in January 2005 via the merger of three former state-owned Austrian companies that operated in the railway infrastructure sector. The new company is responsible for planning, constructing, maintaining, and financing the entire Austrian railway network. Total assets: EUR 24.6bn (2013, company data). Ownership: Wholly-owned by the Republic of Austria via OeBB-Holding AG. Support: Strong explicit and implicit government support. The EUR 20bn EMTN program benefits from a full, explicit, direct, unconditional, and irrevocable government guarantee. Furthermore, Austria is responsible for ensuring that OBND maintains sufficient funds at all times to protect its liquidity and equity and to pursue certain activities as agreed upon between the company and the government. This can be achieved directly through funding from the Federal Financing Agency or through the transfer of government funds. Strengths (S&P): Critical role for the Austrian government as sole owner and operator of all railway infrastructures; almost certain likelihood of extraordinary government support; strong explicit government support through timely, unconditional, and irrevocable guarantees; strategic importance as a railway constructor; consensus among political parties protecting the company from privatization (privatization requires consensus). Challenges (S&P): Heavy dependence on sovereign support, including yearly contributions to maintenance and construction; increasing debt. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 15.2bn Oesterreichische Kontrollbank Aaas/AA+s/-- 0% OKB Y Overview: OKB is Austria's main financial and information service provider for the export industry and capital markets. As Austria's Export Credit Agency, OKB offers customized instruments in the area of risk management for a variety of exports. It also acts as principal paying agent for bond issues and administers the government’s bond auctions acting as its agent, handles the clearing and settlement of stock exchange transactions, and acts as a central depository for securities in Austria. Total assets: EUR 28.96bn (2013 company data). Ownership: OKB is owned by a number of Austrian Banks including UniCredit Bank Austria, Erste Bank, RZB and others. Support: Strong explicit and implicit support from the Austrian government. Unconditional, timely, and irrevocable guarantee for debt obligations issued under the Export Financing Guarantees Act. Strengths (S&P): Almost certain likelihood of extraordinary support from the Republic of Austria, based on critical role for and integral link to Austria; irrevocable, unconditional, and timely guarantees by Austria on practically all debt obligations; extremely low-risk loan portfolio, almost entirely comprising fully secured loans. Challenges (S&P): Almost exclusive focus on low-margin businesses, which additionally exposes the bank to the business cycle in the Austrian export sector; no state ownership. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 21.1bn Belgium Apetra --/-- /AAn 20% APETRA Please refer to the section ‘Agencies managing strategic petroleum reserves’ N Dexia Crédit Local Aa3s/AA/AA (grandfathered debt) 0% DEXGRP Y Overview: Dexia Crédit Local (DCL) was one of the three principal entities of the Dexia Group, the Franco-Belgian financial group created in 1996 through the merger of Crédit Local de France and Crédit Communal de Belgique. The two credit institutions specialized in the financing of local governments and participants in local economies. Dexia Group was dismantled in October 2011 and the European Commission approved an orderly resolution plan in 2012. DCL as the residual entity holds the assets remaining after the disposals of the group's viable franchises. These assets will be managed in run-off until extinction or until they can be disposed of. DCL relies on state guaranteed debt and secured financing from central banks. DCL no longer originates new business. Total assets: EUR 247.1bn (2014, company data) Ownership: Governments of Belgium (50.02%) and France (44.40%) as well as institutional, individual and employee shareholder (5.58%). Support: Under the state guarantee scheme, a guarantee is provided on a several but not on a joint basis by the governments of Belgium, France and Luxembourg (51.41%, 45.59% and 3% respectively). The guarantee has a EUR 85bn ceiling and matures in December 2031. Strengths (Moody’s): The systemic support from the governments of Belgium, France and Luxembourg is very strong. This is supported by a subscription of the Belgian and French states to EUR 5.5 billion in preference shares on 31 December 2012. Challenges (S&P): The EU framework on bank resolution (BRRD), aimed at restricting government support and conditional upon the observance of tight conditions might have negative implications on senior creditors, even though the odds of burden sharing being imposed to Dexia's senior creditors are very low. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 29.5bn UniCredit Research page 11 See last pages for disclaimer. <date> March 2015 Credit Research Sector Report SSA Issuer/Entity Credit Ratings Basel II – Ticker/ Stand. App. iBoxx Profile Germany* Bayerische Landesbodenkreditanstalt --/AAAs/-- 0% BYLABO N Overview: BayernLabo is a Bavarian public institution for housing and urban development. It was established under Bayerische Landesbank Law and is a legally dependent institution within BayernLB, yet organizationally and financially independent. Moreover, by law, BayernLabo's assets remain separate from those of BayernLB ("Sondervermögen"). Total assets: EUR 24.6bn (2013 company data). Ownership: State of Bavaria. Support: Explicit, unconditional, and direct guarantee from the state of Bavaria. Strengths (S&P): Almost certain likelihood of extraordinary government support from the State of Bavaria; role as an arm of the government fulfilling public policy goals; benefitting from a state guarantee; comfortable capitalization and funding. Weakenesses (S&P): Constrained business model due to its public policy role; low lending margins, reflecting the public policy role and the resulting lack of internal capital generation; dependent on the parent, Bayerische Landesbank. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 4.0bn Erdölbevorratungsverband --/AAAs/-- 0% German Postal Pensions Securitization Aaa/AAAn/AAAs 20% EBVGR Please refer to the section ‘Agencies managing strategic petroleum reserves’ N GPPS Y Overview: The German Postal Pensions Securitization (GPPS) was created in 2001. The net proceeds from the GPPS bonds were used to purchase present and future claims of BPS-PT (Bundes-Pensions-Service fuer Post und Telekommunikation e.V.) against the successor companies of Deutsche Bundespost (the postal successor companies or PSCs). The bonds are securitisations of pension obligations and medical aid payments due to be paid by the PSCs to retired civil servants previously employed by Deutsche Bundespost or one of the PSCs. All of BPS-PT's rights and obligations have been transferred to the federal government institution Bundesanstalt für Post und Telekommunikation Deutsche Bundespost (BAnst PT), which is BPSPT's legal successor. Ownership: GPPS is an Irish SPV, owned by BAnst PT. Support: GPPS does not enjoy an explicit guarantee, but receives solid explicit and implicit support from the Federal Republic of Germany. The credit risk of GPPS bonds are credit linked to those of the Federal Republic. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 6.5bn *Note that there are other smaller German agencies that we do not feature here as they are not very active in the capital markets: Bremer Aufbaubank, Sächsische Aufbaubank, Thüringer Aufbaubank, Investitionsbank Hessen AG, Investitionsbank des Landes Brandenburg and Hamburgische Wohnungsbaukreditanstalt, Saarländische Investitionskreditbank AG, to name a few. UniCredit Research page 12 See last pages for disclaimer. <date> March 2015 Credit Research Sector Report SSA Issuer/Entity Credit Ratings Basel II – Ticker/ Stand. App. iBoxx Aa1s/AA-s/AAAs 0% Profile Germany ctd. Erste Abwicklungsanstalt ERSTAA Y Overview: EAA is the first deconsolidated entity with partial legal capacity established in Germany (in December 2009). Its sole purpose is to wind down a portfolio of assets that has been taken over from WestLB AG. The assets include distressed and non-strategic parts of WestLB. EAA has taken over a portfolio totaling EUR 77.5bn (nominal) and liabilities worth about EUR 27bn. In July 2012, a second portfolio transfer of about EUR 100bn was executed. According to the business plan EAA aims to halve its portfolio by the end of 2016. In the first half of 2014, the total portfolio was significantly reduced to EUR 92bn. The portfolio decreased faster than expected. Total assets: EUR 80.0 bn (3Q14 company data). Ownership: 48.2% state of North Rhine-Westphalia, the two savings banks’ associations in NRW (50%), and two regional authorities in NRW (1.8%). Support: Loss compensation mechanism ("Verlustausgleichspflicht"), according to Section 7 of EAA's statute, with the main support provider being the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Strengths (Moody's): Direct credit linkages with the state of Nordrhein-Westfalen, its main shareholder; systemic support in the form of guarantees provided under the framework of FMStFG, the federal bill regulating the creation of winding-up entities; liquidity support, which is ensured by the support providers. Challenges (Moody's): Exposure to financial market developments. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 30.8bn FMS Wertmanagement Aaas/AAAs/AAAs 0% FMSWER Y Overview: FMSWER is the deconsolidated entity of Hypo Real Estate Group (HRE) and was established in July 2010. Its aim is to wind down non-strategic assets and risky positions. At end-September 2010, assets worth about EUR 173bn (nominal) were transferred from HRE to FMSWER. Total assets: EUR 181.1bn (1H14 company data). Ownership: 100% owned by the German Financial Market Stabilization Fund (SoFFin), which is in turn owned by the Financial Market Stabilization Agency (FMSA). Thus, FMSWER is indirectly owned by the Federal Republic of Germany. Support: Loss compensation mechanism ("Verlustausgleichspflicht"), with the main support provider being the SoFFin, which is owned by FMSA. The latter is owned by Germany. Thus, ultimately Germany is responsible. Also, FMSWER received an explicit unconditional and irrevocable guarantee from the Republic of Germany as of Janaury 2014. This guarantee holds for forthcoming bond issues as well as for outstanding bonds. Strengths (Moody's): Loss compensation mechanism with the German government as ultimate obligor; explicit guarantee from SoFFin. Challenges (Moody's): Very weak asset quality; long-term, complex and illiquid assets dominate; large maturity mismatch between assets and liabilities; reliance on wholesale funding. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 94.1bn HSH Finanzfonds --/--/AAAs 0% HSHFF N Overview: HSH Finanzfonds is a special purpose entity. The company was established as a public institution by the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein. It takes over the role of capital support of HSH Nordbank AG from the two shareholders, in which the countries are equally involved. This support is to meet the capital requirements that are placed at the HSH Nordbank. Ownership: The Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg and the State of SchleswigHolstein, each hold 50% of the institution's assets. Support: HSH Finanzfonds benefits from a maintenance obligation ("Anstaltslast"), guarantee obligation ("Gewährträgerhaftung") and from the direct and unconditional guarantee of the state of Schleswig-Holstein and the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 0.5bn Investitionsbank Berlin --/--/AAAs 0% IBB N Overview: Investitionsbank Berlin is the business development and promotion bank of the state of Berlin, Germany's capital. The bank supports SMEs in Berlin and helps them to improve their performance and to open to new markets. Total assets: EUR 20.5bn (2013 company data). Ownership: State of Berlin. Support: Maintenance obligation; direct guarantee from the state of Berlin. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 7.0bn UniCredit Research page 13 See last pages for disclaimer. <date> March 2015 Credit Research Sector Report SSA Issuer/Entity Credit Ratings Basel II – Ticker/ Stand. App. iBoxx Aaas/AAAs/AAAs 0% Profile Germany ctd. KfW Bankengruppe KFW Y Overview: KfW Bankengruppe is Germany’s flagship development bank that serves the public policy objectives of the Federal Republic of Germany. The majority of its credit business is covered by guarantees from the federal state and municipal governments, or is in the form of bank loans or trust loans. Its project and export finance business has been outsourced and operates as a legally independent commercial bank (KfW IPEX-Bank) since 1 January 2008 without a state guarantee. Total assets: EUR 464.8bn (2013 company data). Ownership: 80% directly owned by the Federal Republic of Germany, 20% by the 16 German states. Support: KfW benefits from a direct, unconditional, and irrevocable guarantee from the Federal Republic of Germany and a maintenance obligation ("Anstaltslast"). Strengths (S&P): An explicit guarantee from the Federal Republic of Germany covers KfW's liabilities, and KfW benefits from the government's legal maintenance obligation (Anstaltslast); in our opinion, there is an "almost certain" likelihood that KfW would receive timely and sufficient extraordinary support from the German government in the event of financial distress; we see KfW as having a "critical" public policy role for, and an "integral" link with the government, because it supports the government's economic policy objectives. Challenges (S&P): The rating is contingent on government support through the maintenance obligation and federal guarantee. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 387.0bn Landeskreditbank BadenWürttemberg Förderbank AAAs/AAAs/AAAs 0% LBANK Y Overview: L-Bank is a special purpose bank that implements state and economic policy by promoting residential housing, SMEs, technical advancement, the export industry and protection of the environment, as well as providing risk capital with a focus on business start-ups, and supporting the arts and science. Total assets: EUR 70.7bn (2013 company data). Ownership: State of Baden-Wuerttemberg. Support: L-Bank benefits from a maintenance obligation ("Anstaltslast"), a guarantee obligation ("Gewährträgerhaftung") and the direct and unconditional guarantee of the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg. Strengths (S&P): "Almost certain" likelihood of support from the sole owner, the State of Baden-Wuerttemberg; role as sole state development bank; benefits from a threefold state guarantee; stable legal framework for operations; comfortable liquidity and funding. Challenges (S&P): Business model set by public policy mandate; low lending margins in core business, reflecting the bank's developmental role. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 33.1bn Landwirtschaftliche Rentenbank Aaas/AAAs/AAAs 0% RENTEN Y Overview: Rentenbank is a specialized development bank with a public policy mandate to promote German agriculture (including forestry and fisheries) and rural areas. Total assets: EUR 78.3 (2013 company data). Ownership: No natural or legal entity holds any property rights over Rentenbank. Support: Rentenbank benefits from a maintenance obligation ("Anstaltslast") from the Federal Republic of Germany. As of January 2014 the German government provides an explicit, unconditional and irrevocable guarantee for all obligations of Rentenbank. This guarantee was introduced on the back of Basle III regulations (CRD IV/CRR). The guarantee holds for forthcoming bond issues as well as for outstanding bonds. Strengths (S&P): "Almost certain" likelihood of extraordinary support from the German government in times of financial stress; critical role in the pursuit of government policies and an integral link with the government; low-risk operational strategy, a stable financial profile, and strong capitalization. Challenges (S&P): Near impossibility of raising additional shareholder capital due to ownership structure. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 68.9bn UniCredit Research page 14 See last pages for disclaimer. <date> March 2015 Credit Research Sector Report SSA Issuer/Entity Credit Ratings Basel II – Ticker/ Stand. App. iBoxx Aaas/--/-- 0% Profile Germany ctd. LFA Förderbank Bayern BAYLAN N Overview: LFA is a special purpose bank that was established in 1951 to finance the economic reconstruction of Bavaria. LFA is responsible for various Bavarian regional economic programs targeted towards SMEs, "start-ups", infrastructure development, transportation, environmental protection, tourism, and vocational training. Total assets: EUR 22.1bn (2013 company data). Ownership: State of Bavaria. Support: LFA benefits from a maintenance obligation ("Anstaltslast"), guarantee obligation ("Gewährträgerhaftung"), and an explicit, unconditional and irrevocable guarantee of the State of Bavaria. Strengths (Moody's): High concentration in banking industry mitigated by recourse to end-borrower; conservative business profile underpinned by comfortable capital cushion; sound and prudent liquidity management. Challenges (Moody's): Earnings stable, yet under pressure from low-yield environment. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 8.4bn NRW.Bank Aa1s/AA-s/AAAs 0% NRWBK Y Overview: NRWBK is the development bank for the state of North-RhineWestphalia (NRW) and was established as Landesbank NRW on 1 August 2002. It offers the full range of financial development products in the areas of economic development, social housing construction and infrastructure finance. Total assets: EUR 145.3bn (2013 company data). Ownership: State of North-Rhine-Westphalia. Support: NRW.Bank benefits from a maintenance obligation ("Anstaltslast"), guarantee obligation ("Gewährträgerhaftung") and an explicit, unconditional and irrevocable guarantee of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Strengths (S&P): Almost certain likelihood of support from the sole owner, the state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW); role as the only state development bank; state guarantee; stable legal framework for operations; comfortable liquidity and funding due to its quasi-subsovereign risk status. Challenges (S&P): Constraints on the business model owing to its public policy role; low lending margins in the core business, reflecting its purpose as a development bank; reliance on profits from investment activities to build a buffer for promotional lending. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 72.2bn WIBank --/AAs/-- 0% WIBANK N Overview: WIBank is the state development bank for the German state of Hessen. It has a critical role for the state as it supports regional economic and social objectives. WIBank is a legally dependent institution within Helaba, yet organizationally and financially independent. Total assets: EUR 14.5bn (2013 company data). Ownership: WIBank is a legally dependent institution within Helaba and, in turn, Helaba is owned by the savings banks association of Hessen and Thüringen (68.8%), savings banks associations of Rhineland & Westfalen-Lippe, savings banks guarantee gunds and the guarantee fund of the Landesbanks collectively own 19.0%, German state of Thuringia (4.05%), and the German state of Hessen (8.10%). Support: WIBank benefits from a guarantee obligation (Gewährträgerhaftung) and an explicit, unconditional, and direct guarantee from the German state of Hessen. Strengths (S&P): Almost certain likelihood of extraordinary government support from Germany's state of Hesse; essentially acts as an arm of the government to fulfil public policy goals; benefits from a statutory guarantee and a guarantee on its liabilities. Challenges (S&P): Constrained business model due to its public policy role; ringfenced institution within Helaba, and therefore largely relies on Helaba for operations. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 1.6bn UniCredit Research page 15 See last pages for disclaimer. <date> March 2015 Credit Research Sector Report SSA Issuer/Entity Credit Ratings Basel II – Ticker/ Stand. App. iBoxx Profile Italy Cassa Depositi e Prestiti S.p.A. Baa2s/BBBs/BBB+s 50% CDEP N Overview: Cassa Depositi e Prestiti SpA (CDP) is a specialized lender providing financing to the Italian public sector. Its public-policy mission comprises the development of public investment, local utility infrastructure, and large public projects of national interest. CDP has an important public-policy role, and channels retail deposits collected via the post office network into public sector financing. Two entities make up CDP’s business model: the segregated activity (SA or gestione separata) and the ordinary activity (OA or gestione ordinaria). The SA is CDP’s dominant lending business, comprising more than 94% of the total loan book. It provides medium to long term financing to the Italian public sector. It funds itself largely via state-guaranteed postal savings. The OA funds public infrastructure projects that are owned and managed by private law companies (including project finance). It makes up 6% of the total loan book (2012). Total assets: EUR 366.7bn (1H14 company data). Ownership: 80.1% owned by the Italian state and 18.4% by 63 different banking foundations, 1.5% treasury shares. Support: CDP benefits from strong government support, is considered an important tool for public policy, and is closely supervised and monitored by the Ministry of Finance. Borrowing under CDP’s Segregated Activity (SA; 6% of loan book) has an unconditional and irrevocable guarantee from the Italian state, while borrowing related to CDP’s Ordinary Activity (OA; 94% of loan book) has no formal government support. However, the guarantee on part of CDP's obligations is de facto extended to the non-guaranteed part of funding. Strengths (Moody's): Dominant player in public sector financing; good asset quality; solid liquidity and funding profile. Challenges (Moody's): Significant, albeit declining, market risk coming from large equity stakes. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 10.0bn Netherlands Bank Nederlandse Gemeenten Aaas/AA+s/AAAn 20% BNG Y Overview: BNG is a specialized financial institution mandated with the provision of cost-efficient funding to the Dutch public sector. It offers customized lending, asset management, consultancy, payment services and electronic banking to its clients. As a reflection of the strong link between the Dutch government and BNG, S&P upgraded its assessment of the role of BNG (as well as Nederlandse Water-schapsbank) for the Dutch government from “very important” to “critical” in December 2012. As a consequence, the two Dutch agencies were assigned the highest possible likelihood of support for an agency without a direct guarantee according to S&P’s rating criteria. Total assets: EUR 131.2bn (2013 company data). Ownership: 50% Dutch government and 50% local governments. Support: Implicit government support is very strong due to the public sector mandate, importance to the Dutch economy and tight integration with the local governments. Strengths (S&P): Extremely high likelihood of extraordinary government support; leading lender to Dutch public authorities, supporting very strong asset quality; sound capitalization. Challenges (S&P): Sector and geographic concentration with limited diversification of income sources; moderate capital generation due to low lending margins; some earnings volatility from fair-value movements. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 98.2bn UniCredit Research page 16 See last pages for disclaimer. <date> March 2015 Credit Research Sector Report SSA Issuer/ Entity Credit Ratings Basel II – Stand. App. Ticker/ iBoxx Aaan/AA+s/-- 20% NEDWBK Profile Netherlands ctd. Nederlandse Waterschapsbank Y Overview: NEDWBK is a specialized financial institution charged with providing costefficient funding to the Dutch public sector and the water boards (waterschappen). As a reflection of the strong link between the Dutch government and NEDWBK, S&P upgraded its assessment of the role of NEDWBK (as well as BNG) for the Dutch government from “very important” to “critical” in December 2012. As a result, the two Dutch agencies were assigned the highest possible likelihood of support for an agency without a direct guarantee, according to S&P’s rating criteria. Total assets: EUR 73.0bn (2013, company data). Ownership: 81% water control boards, 17% Dutch state and 2% provinces. Support: Implicit government support is very strong due to the public sector mandate, importance to the Dutch economy and tight integration with the local governments. Strengths (S&P): Extremely high likelihood of extraordinary government support; focus on low-risk Dutch public sector lending, supporting very strong asset quality; extremely strong capital base. Challenges (S&P): Sector and geographic concentration with limited diversification of income sources; moderate capital generation due to low lending margins; some earnings volatility from fair-value movements. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 56.8bn Propertize Aaas/--/AAAs 0% PROPBV N Overview: Propertize is an entity responsible for the property finance assets of Dutch SNS REAAL. SNS REAAL split off Property Finance at the end of 2013 and changed its name to Propertize. It received a guarantee from the Dutch state. Propertize wil wind down its loan portfolio and property projects in the coming 10 years. Propertize is issuing bonds under a EUR 4bn guaranteed euro commercial paper program (EMTN). The proceeds of the program are used to repay the state guaranteed funding provided by SNS Bank to Propertize. Total assets: EUR 6.1bn (2013, company data). Ownership: The investment institution of the Dutch state, Stichting Administratiekantoor Beheer Financiele Instelligen (NLFI), owns 100% of the shares of Propertize. NLFI was set up by the Dutch ministry of Finance in 2011. Support: Bonds issued under Propertize’s funding program carry an explicit, irrevocable and unconditional guarantee from the Dutch government. Strengths (Fitch): The guarantee of the Dutch state ensures that payments are met on demand; expectation that claims will be made in a timely manner, reflecting the strong commitment of the Dutch sovereign to preserving financial stability. Challenges (Fitch): PROPBV’s rating moves in line with the rating of the Dutch sovereign; a downgrade of the sovereign rating would effect a downgrade of PROPBV’s funding program. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 2.6bn Nordics Finnvera (Finland) Aaas/AA+s/-- 0% FINNVE N Overview: Finnvera is Finland's official export credit agency and a domestic lender that offers loans and guarantees to Finland-based SMEs. Finnvera also has venture capital activities to be spun off into a separate government entity. Finnvera assists companies with start-up financing, working capital and funds for cyclically weak economic conditions. It also helps companies to develop international operations. Finnvera’s domestic guarantees can be used as security against lending obtained from other sources. Total assets: EUR 5.9bn (3Q14 company data). Ownership: 100% owned by the State of Finland. Support: The Finnish government provides a statutory government guarantee up to a limit of EUR 5bn for Finnvera’s debt obligations. The full principal value of the new EUR 3bn EMTN program has an explicit, unconditional and irrevocable guarantee as well as any "defaults or other interests" or swaps/hedges related to those obligations. Strengths (Moody's): 100% ownership by the Finnish government, debt obligations are explicitly guaranteed by the Republic of Finland. Challenges (Moody's): Finnvera assists companies with funds for coping with cyclically weak economic conditions because Finland’s economy has experienced adverse sector-specific shocks in key industries. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 2.7bn UniCredit Research page 17 See last pages for disclaimer. <date> March 2015 Credit Research Sector Report SSA Issuer/ Entity Credit Ratings Basel II – Stand. App. Ticker/ iBoxx Aaas/AAAs/-- 0% KOMMUN Profile Nordics ctd. KommuneKredit (Denmark) N Overview: KommuneKredit, which was established in 1898, operates as a financing vehicle with the sole purpose of providing its members with low-cost funding. Membership is restricted to Danish local governments (whose borrowings are strictly controlled by the central government) and entities guaranteed by local governments. KommuneKredit is the oldest specialized local government lender in the Nordic region. KommuneKredit reports directly to the Ministry of the Interior and Health, which also oversees the local government sector. The legal framework of KommuneKredit was amended by a new Act, which came into effect on 1 January 2007 regarding the requirement for equity capital as well as regulation on prefunding. Total assets: DKK 184.2bn (2013 company data). Membership: All 98 Danish municipalities and all five regions are members. Support: Members provide a joint and several guarantee for all of the institution's obligations. Strengths (Moody's): Very strong public policy role, in terms of being the prime loan provider to Danish local and regional governments; joint and several guarantees by all Danish municipalities and regions; special status from government legislation that limits exposure to regulatory risks; excellent asset quality in its loan book and investments in highly rated securities; conservative asset-liability management; very strong capitalization. Challenges (S&P): Dependence on wholesale funding and no access to central bank financing, which could potentially pose slight funding and liquidity risks; some concentration risks in lending and derivative counterparty exposures. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 20.7bn Kommuninvest (Sweden) Aaas/AAAs/-- 0% KOMINS N Overview: Kommuninvest is a non-profit local government-funding agency, which aims to provide low-cost funding for its members. Kommuninvest borrows on the capital markets and lends to its members. With 12 members in 1986, Kommuninvest started operations as a regional project for inter-municipal financing cooperation in the county of Örebro (Örebro län). Membership was opened to all Swedish municipalities and counties in 1993, and the company has since experienced very rapid growth. In early 2010, Kommuninvest AB became a counterparty of the Swedish central bank (Riksbank). Total assets: SEK 286.7bn (1H14 company data). Membership: At the beginning of 2015, total membership of Kommuninvest Cooperative Society increased to 280 (from total 310). Support: Joint and several guarantees are provided by its members. Strengths (S&P): Very strong public policy role, in terms of being the prime loan provider to Danish local and regional governments; joint and several guarantees by all Danish municipalities and regions; special status from government legislation that limits exposure to regulatory risks; excellent asset quality in the loan book and investments in highly rated securities; conservative asset-liability management; very strong capitalization. Challenges (S&P): Dependence on wholesale funding and no access to central bank financing, which could potentially pose slight funding and liquidity risks; some concentration risks in lending and derivative counterparty exposures. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 32.1bn UniCredit Research page 18 See last pages for disclaimer. <date> March 2015 Credit Research Sector Report SSA Issuer/ Entity Credit Ratings Basel II – Ticker/ Stand. App. iBoxx Aaas/AAAs/-- 20% Profile Nordics ctd. Kommunalbanken (Norway) KBN N Overview: Kommunalbanken operates as a special-purpose funding entity for the Norwegian regional and local government sector (including partnerships of, and entities guaranteed by, local governments). It provides low-cost funding to the sector and promotes competition in the market for municipal loans. In addition, Kommunalbanken also grants loans to local government companies, backed by municipal guarantees. KBN holds a market share of ca. 50% of all local government financing in Norway, including municipal companies. Over 98% of Norwegian municipalities (essentially all those seeking financing) borrow from KBN. Total assets: NOK 398.0bn (1H14 company data). Ownership: 100% owned by the Norwegian government. Support: Kommunalbanken enjoys very strong implicit support from the Kingdom of Norway, which is based on a strong letter of support. Strengths (S&P): Extremely high likelihood of extraordinary support, given our view of the agency's integral link with and very important role for the Norwegian government; Challenges (S&P): Dependence on wholesale funding and no access to central bank financing, which adds to funding risk; some concentration risks in lending and derivative counterparty exposures. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 49.8bn Municipality Finance (Finland) Aaas/AA+s/-- 0% KUNTA N Overview: Municipality Finance was established in May 2001 through a merger between Municipal Housing Finance Plc (MHF) and Municipality Finance Plc (old MuniFin). It operates as a funding vehicle for the Finnish local government and for the public housing sector. KUNTA can only lend to members of the Municipal Guarantee Board, companies owned by the Municipal Guarantee Board and to entities guaranteed by the Republic of Finland. Total assets: EUR 28.2bn for the full year 1H14 (company data). Ownership: KUNTA is 31% owned by Keva (formerly the Local Government Pension Institute) and 16% owned by the Finnish government. The remaining shares are held by 294 local governments and local-government-related organizations. Support: MuniFin's funding is guaranteed by the Municipal Guarantee Board, with member local governments covering 99% of Finland's population. Municipal Guarantee Board's liabilities and expenses are, in turn, jointly guaranteed by those Finnish municipalities that make up its membership. Strengths (S&P): Ultimate guarantee from Finnish municipalities through guarantee institution Municipal Guarantee Board; central bank access, enabling very strong liquidity position; excellent asset quality in the loan book and securities portfolio; continued active capital strengthening in preparation for upcoming regulatory requirements; conservative risk management with strong monitoring capacities. Challenges (S&P): Funding risk due to dependence on wholesale markets and sizable volumes of callable liabilities, some concentration risk in lending due to public policy mandate. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 25.9bn Swedish Export Credit Corp Aa1s/AA+s/-- 20% SEK N Overview: SEK is a specialized provider of long-term financial solutions. Loans are extended to any area of Swedish economic life that is directly or indirectly linked to the export industry. In recent years, the company has also lent to municipalities. To widen its revenue base and leverage its expertise, SEK has developed advisory services and also engaged in arranging debt capital market transactions across the Nordic region. Total assets: EUR 34.8bn (SEK 316.9bn; 3Q14 company data). Ownership: 100% owned by the Kingdom of Sweden. Support: Government support is deemed highly likely due to its ownership. Strengths (S&P): Extremely high likelihood of government support, very good loan asset quality, robust capitalization. Challenges (S&P): Concentration on large individual exposures, low profitability, total reliance on wholesale funding. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 29.2bn UniCredit Research page 19 See last pages for disclaimer. <date> March 2015 Credit Research Sector Report SSA Issuer/Entity Credit Ratings Basel II – Ticker/ Stand. App. iBoxx A2n/An/-- 20% Profile Nordics ctd. SBAB BANK SBAB Y Overview: SBAB is a large Swedish mortgage institution. It services both corporate and household clients but targets the household segment in particular. In March 2011, SBAB was removed from the government's "for sale" list after a close vote in parliament. SBAB also adopted a full banking license. Total assets: EUR 36.5bn (SEK 333.8bn, 1H14 company data). Ownership: 100% owned by the Swedish government. Support: The Swedish government provides a commitment of support. This is demonstrated by 1. the explicit support by the government through a fee-based subordinated credit facility and 2. an ownership clause for EMTN-bondholders, which grants a right of early redemption should the government ownership drop below 51%. Strengths (S&P):Strong capital levels, minimal credit losses, stable market position in mortgage lending. Challenges (S&P): Business model highly concentrated on the Swedish property market; narrow product offering; dependent on wholesale funding, though deposit franchise is improving. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 7.6bn Slovenia SID Bank Baa3s/A-s/-- 0% SEDABI N Overview: SID Banka was established in 1992 as the Slovene Export Corporation with the aim of providing insurance and financing for exports of Slovenian companies. Its mandate was expanded in 2007 to include, among others, financing of SMEs, research and development, regional development, environment and energy. Total assets: EUR 3.5 (3Q14 company data). Ownership: 100% owned by the Republic of Slovenia. Support: SID Banka's debt obligations benefit from an explicit, timely, unconditional and irrevocable guarantee from the Republic of Slovenia. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 1.8bn Spain Corporación de Reservas Baa3p/BBBs/BBB+s Estratégicas de Productos Petrolíferos 100% Fondo de Amortizacion del Deficit Electrico 0% Baa2/BBB/BBB+s CORES Please refer to the section “Agencies managing strategic petroleum reserves” N FADE Y Overview: The Spanish Electricity Deficit Amortization Fund was established to securitize the tariff deficit that has accumulated since 2000 by electricity companies operating in Spain. Legally, FADE is a securitization vehicle. Support: FADE's debt obligations (up to EUR 26 bn) benefit from an explicit, timely, unconditional and irrevocable guarantee from the Kingdom of Spain. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 22.3bn Fondo de Reestructuracion Ordenada Bancaria Baa2p/BBB/BBB+s 0% FROB Y Overview: FROB was established to maintain confidence in the Spanish banking system. It manages the restructuring of credit institutions and reinforces these institutions' own resources. FROB also plays an important role in the European Stability Mechanism program for the Spanish banking sector. Ownership: 75% owned by the Spanish government, with the remainder owned by the Deposit Guarantee Fund of Banks, the Deposit Guarantee Fund of Savings Banks and the Deposit Guarantee Fund of Credit Cooperatives. Support: FROB's debt obligations benefit from an explicit, timely, unconditional and irrevocable guarantee by the Kingdom of Spain. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 2.5bn Institut Catala de Finances --/BBs/BBB-n 20% INCAFI N Overview: INCAFI is a public entity subject to private law, which channels public credit and provides long-term financing to foster the economic and social development of Catalonia in line with finance policies, complementing private financing. INCAFI does not have a banking license, but its accounts are subject to Spanish banking regulations. Total assets: EUR 3.8bn (2013 S&P). Ownership: Spanish region of Catalonia (100%). Support: Strong explicit support from the government of Catalonia. Strengths (S&P): Strong ongoing support from the Catalan government through guarantees on all debt and capital injections if needed, economic importance as a Catalan government financial agency and a financing entity for the region's key business sectors, adequate capitalization. Challenges (S&P): Historically low profitability due to its public-service role, high geographic and single-name concentration, weak financial profile. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 0.8bn UniCredit Research page 20 See last pages for disclaimer. <date> March 2015 Credit Research Sector Report SSA Issuer/Entity Credit Ratings Basel II – Ticker/ Stand. App. iBoxx Profile Spain Instituto de Crédito Oficial Baa2p/BBBs/BBB+s 0% ICO Y Overview: Instituto de Crédito Oficial (ICO) is a specialized credit institution offering financing for enterprises in Spain, the founding of enterprises, technological innovation, renewable energy sources, housing, film exhibiting and film making, foreign aid. Since 2012, ICO has also provided support to regions in Spain. ICO supports economic activities that contribute to the growth and improved distribution of national wealth. It acts as a state-owned bank and the state’s financial agency. Total assets: EUR 102.2bn (2013 company data). Ownership: Kingdom of Spain (100%). Support: ICO debt obligations benefit from an explicit, timely, unconditional and irrevocable guarantee from the Kingdom of Spain. Strengths (S&P): Strong ongoing support from the Spanish government through guarantees on all debt and capital injections, special status as the Spanish government's financial agency, key role in implementing financial aspects of national strategic economic policies and in providing extraordinary financial support to mitigate the impact of Spain's economic crisis. Challenges (S&P): Historically low profitability due to its public-service role; business concentration in Spain, where economic risk is higher than the average in peer countries. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 50.9bn United Kingdom Network Rail Aa1s/AAA/AA+s** Infrastructure Finance Plc 0%** UKRAIL N Overview: Network Rail Infrastructure Finance (NRIF) is a special-purpose vehicle that issues debt on behalf of Network Rail Ltd (NRL) and then lends the proceeds to Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd. (NRIL) under an intercompany loan agreement. NRIL is the owner and operator of the UK's rail infrastructure network. NRL, a company limited by guarantee, wholly owns NRIL through subsidiary Network Rail Hold Co Ltd. Support: The unconditional, irrevocable and explicit guarantee is provided by the Secretary of State for Transport for NRIF’s GBP 40bn debt program and GBP 4bn CP program. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 38.4bn **applies to specific bonds or programs that are government-guaranteed current ratings: Moody’s/S&P/Fitch; outlooks: s=stable, p=positive, n=negative, wp=watch positive, wn=watch negative, wd=watch developing included in iBoxx Sub-Sovereigns: Y=yes, N=no Source: rating agencies, Bloomberg, UniCredit Research UniCredit Research page 21 See last pages for disclaimer. <date> March 2015 Credit Research Sector Report SSA Agencies managing strategic petroleum reserves Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) There are several European agencies that manage strategic petroleum reserves in Europe. These include APETRA in Belgium, CORES of Spain, EBV of Germany, ELG in Austria and SAGESS in France. Strategic petroleum reserves are considered crucial and strategic in countries heavily dependent on imported energy. All agencies are established under public law and most have members (the domestic petroleum companies) rather than shareholders. APETRA alone is 100% owned by the Beglian government. None of these special agencies are directly guaranteed by their respective governments, but they operate under a favorable and regulatory and are required to balance their budgets. AGENCIES MANAGING STRATEGIC POETROLEUM RESERVES Issuer/ Entity Credit Ratings Basel II – Ticker/ Stand. App. iBoxx Apetra --/-- /AAn 20% APETRA N Profile Overview: APETRA is in charge of ensuring the security of the oil supply for Belgium and enables the country to fulfil its international obligations requiring it to own a minimum stock of crude oil and petroleum products, the objective of which are to protect the state from the consequences of a disruption to the oil supply. APETRA was created by royal decree on 15 June 2006 (for an indefinite period) as a limited liability company, governed by public law with a social objective and legally distinct from the state. APETRA is financially autonomous, is governed by its own board of directors, has control over its own assets and budget and can be party to legal proceedings. Ownership: Belgian government. Support (Fitch): Strong implicit support of the Belgian sovereign due to the stratetic mission and close state supervision and control of APETRA. Good liquidity is given. Strengths (Fitch): State backing, strategic importance, tight supervision by the state, strong budgetary performance, good liquidity. Challenges (Fitch): No formal support mechanism, refinancing risk. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 0.7bn Corporación de Reservas Estratégicas de Productos Petrolíferos Baa3p/BBBs/BBB+s 100% CORES N Overview: CORES is the organization responsible for managing the strategic oil reserves and controlling compulsory reserves in Spain. By law, all companies authorized to distribute oil products in Spain must be members of CORES and pay its monthly fees or risk losing their licenses. CORES was created in October 1994 by means of Royal Decree 2111, which granted the corporation a mandate to constitute, maintain and manage Spain's strategic oil stocks. CORES is regarded as a corporation governed by public law but with a legal personality and capacity to act under private law. Total assets: EUR 2.1bn (2013 S&P). Membership: All oil and gas operators and importers in Spain. Support: Its legal status as a quasi-state entity embedded in a rigid legal framework ensures strong state support, albeit not explicit. Strengths (S&P): Almost certain likelihood of timely and sufficient extraordinary government support in the event of financial stress, high strategic importance for the Spanish state and economy, strong legal and regulatory status, solid and predictable funding profile and financial flexibility as a result of excess reserves available for sale. Challenges (S&P): Lack of explicit guarantees from the state, limited asset diversification. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 1.8bn UniCredit Research page 22 See last pages for disclaimer. <date> March 2015 Credit Research Sector Report SSA Issuer/ Entity Credit Ratings Basel II – Ticker/ Stand. App. iBoxx Erdölbevorratungsverband --/AAAs/-- 0% EBVGR N Profile Overview: EBV is the German agency responsible for the country’s strategic petroleum reserves (its legal status is that of a quasi-state entity). EBV is supervised by the Federal Ministry of Economy and Technology, has no shareholders and is not subject to corporate income or trade tax. Membership: All companies operating in Germany as importers, refiners or traders of oil products must become fee-paying EBV members (it had 111 members as of 31 December 2014). Support: By law, EBV cannot be subject to bankruptcy proceedings and, in the event of liquidation, its debt would be assumed by the federal government. Strengths (S&P): Almost certain likelihood of extraordinary support from the Federal Republic of Germany due to EBV's strategic importance, legal status as a quasi-state entity enjoying a favorable financial regime, reliable fee-based funding system with a full cost-coverage mechanism, very strong financial position due to large hidden reserves. Challenges (S&P): Limited asset diversification. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 0.03bn Erdöl-Lagergesellschaft m.b.H. --/AA+s/-- 20% ERDLAG N Overview: Erdoel-Lagergesellschaft m.b.H (ELG) has been charged with fulfilling Austria's strategic oil reserve obligations according to international regulations. ELG was founded in 1976 by Austria's major oil importers on behalf of the Austrian government. ELG was set up as a private law company owned by private shareholders but it operates as a non-profit institution in accordance with the requirements in the EU directive governing compulsory reserve requirements for EU member states. Ownership: 55.6% OMV Refining & Marketing GmbHm, 23.1% BP Europe SE, 16.7% Shell Austria GmbH and 4.6% ENI Austria GmbH. Support: Strong implicit support from the Austrian sovereign due to the stratetic mission and close state supervision and control. Strengths (S&P): "Critical" and legally defined role as the sole central stockholding entity fulfilling Austria's international oil stockholding obligations; integral link with the Austrian government through a legal mandate and Austria's full stakeholder interest, although privately owned; partial guarantees from Austria to finance stockholdings and prefinancing of payment obligations for the subsequent 12 months; a strong framework ensuring that fees fully cover costs and operations are self-sustaining. Challenges (S&P): Dependence of refinancing on developments in capital markets, limited client and asset diversification. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 0.8bn Société Anonyme de Gestion des Stocks de Sécurité --/AAn/-- 20% SAGESS N Overview: Since its establishment in 1988, SAGESS’s mission has been to maintain and manage the required national strategic oil reseves at any given time. It aims to ensure better enforcement by safeguarding a satisfactory geographic distribution of inventories and easing the burden of stockpiling requirements on companies' balance sheets, especially for smaller operators. SAGESS’s mission and strategic importance for the French government is about to be reinforced further: SAGESS will be recognized as France's single central stockholding entity under the 2009 EU directive on oil stockpiling obligations. SAGESS will retain its strategic role for the French economy due to France's dependency on imported oil, the country's international obligations with regard to strategic stockpiling and the increasing concentration of global reserves in politically volatile regions. Total assets: EUR 4.6bn (1H14 company data). Ownership: 31 shareholders – Only those oil companies that are authorized as warehouse keepers and subject to the strategic storage obligation can become shareholders. Support: Strong implicit support from the French sovereign due to the stratetic mission and close state supervision and control of SAGESS. Strengths (S&P): Critical role in managing most of France's strategic oil reserves and fulfilling France's international oil stockpiling obligations; integral link with the French government, given SAGESS's full integration into French energy policy and its close state supervision; supportive legal framework. Challenges (S&P): Absence of formal and explicit guarantee from the French government. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 3.5bn current ratings: Moody’s/S&P/Fitch; outlooks: s=stable, p=positive, n=negative, wp=watch positive, wn=watch negative, wd=watch developing included in iBoxx Sub-Sovereigns: Y=Yes, N=No Source: rating agencies, Bloomberg, UniCredit Research UniCredit Research page 23 See last pages for disclaimer. <date> March 2015 Credit Research Sector Report SSA French EPIC/EPA Explicit status for French agencies In contrast to other European countries, most French agencies operate within their own legal framework, which provides them with an explicit status. They are categorized as Établissements Publics (EPs) and are wholly-owned by the French government. An EP can only be created, transformed or broken up by law or decree of the French government. EPs typically provide a public service and play an important role in government policy. They are tightly controlled and monitored by the government, although various ministries also directly or indirectly influence their management. Three different categories The various missions and businesses are reflected in different categories: ■ EPICs (Établissements Public Industriel et Commercial) generate revenues mostly from industrial or commercial activities. The government's role is to set prices and fees for services rendered by EPICs. ■ EPAs (Établissements Public à Caractère Administratif) derive their income mostly from subsidies, as they are not meant to get involved in commercial activities, but instead provide services on behalf of the government. ■ EPSs (Établissements Public de Santé) derive their revenues from the national social security system. The French government maintains considerable financial and operational control. EPs enjoy implicit government guarantee With the state ultimately being responsible for the solvency and liquidity of these entities, an EP cannot go bankrupt. In the event of a liquidity crisis, they have access to short-term credit lines from the Caisse de la Dette Publique (CDP), a French Treasury fund. In the event of liquidation, all of the entities’ liabilities would be assumed by the central government. Thus, the guarantee from the French government is an implicit one, defined by its status, i.e. a so-called "statutory guarantee". This contrasts with explicitly guaranteed agencies such as German development bank KFW, which enjoys a direct guarantee from the Federal Republic of Germany. Support stemming from the status as an EP is deemed so strong that the ratings of the French EPs are equalized with the ratings of the Republic of France. …and very few an explicit guarantee The first French agency with an explicit, unconditional and irrevocable sovereign guarantee for its bonds was SFEF, which was founded during the banking crisis of 2008 as part of the government's rescue plan for the financial sector. SFEF stopped its issuing activity in October 200 and to date, there are no mor bonds oustanding. However, SFEF could resume its lending activity if a prime minister's decree would allow it on grounds of exceptional illiquidity circumstances. We consider this to be extremely unlikely. There are also certain issuance programs that enjoy an explicit government guarantee. For example, bonds issued under UNEDIC's annual funding programs have had an explicit, unconditional and irrevocable guarantee by the Republic of France since 2011. Also, Caisse Centrale du Crédit Immobilier de France (3cif) has a EUR 16bn explicit, unconditional and irrevocable guarantee until 2035. UniCredit Research page 24 See last pages for disclaimer. <date> March 2015 Credit Research Sector Report SSA FRENCH EPA/EPIC Issuer/ Entity Credit Ratings Basel II – Stand. App. Ticker/ iBoxx Agence France Locale Aa2n/--/-- 20% AFLBNKO N Profile Overview: Agence France Locale (AFL) was created in July 2013 by 11 French local and regional governments (LRGs). Since then, there have been several capital increases, taking the total number of shareholders to 91 as of February 2015. The mandate of AFL is to raise cost-efficient funding in the capital markets by pooling together the funding needs of its member LRGs. AFL has a dual company structure: 1) Agence France Locale - Société Territoriale, 100% owned by French (LRGs), sets the strategic guidelines for the Group, appoints the supervisory board of its subsidiary and manages the guarantee mechanism; and 2) Agence France Locale, its subsidiary, is a credit institution which raises funds in the capital markets and distributes the proceeds to the LRGs. Ownership: Wholly-owned by 91 French local and regional governments (as of February 2015), representing 13% of the French local public sector debt. Support: Explicit joint and several guarantee from its member LRGs. In addition to members providing a guarantee up to their respective outstanding borrowings, members have recourse to the other members in case of default of AFL in order to ensure a joint liability guarantee system. Strengths (Moody’s): Strong parental support resulting from the explicit joint and several guarantee: moderate level of systemic support from the French government; exposure to French public sector represents high asset quality; strict underwriting policy; asset portfolio expected to be robust; independence of AFL’s lending operations; AFL would be able to honour its committmens using its own resources in the theoretical case of being put in run-off mode. Challenges (Moody’s): Risk associated with whether AFL will be able to develop its franchise as expected in line with start-up nature of the bank. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): AFL’s inaugural bond is scheduled to be issued at the end of 2Q15. Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris --/AAn/AAs 0% APHP N Overview: APHP is Europe's largest hospital network. It accounts for 10% of all hospital beds in France. The organization provides a wide variety of health care services. APHP is an EPS that falls under the jurisdiction of Paris. Due to its considerable size, it enjoys a special status over other public hospitals. In 2010, APHP became one of France's 33 regional public hospitals, or Centres Hospitaliers Régionaux (CHR), which, as state public agencies, can only be created and dissolved by state decree. By law, the state is ultimately responsible for meeting the obligations of a CHR, as it would have to take over all its assets and liabilities if it were dissolved. Ownership: Wholly-owned by the Republic of France. Support: As an EPS, APHP operates within a special legal framework and benefits from strong implicit government support. Strengths (Fitch): Almost certain likelihood that the French state would provide timely and sufficient extraordinary financial support; critical role for the French government, given unique position within France's hospital system; integral link with the French state, since APHP is subject to close direct and indirect state supervision and controls; record of strong ongoing state support. Challenges (Fitch): Revenues are highly dependent on the state’s decisions on tariff-setting and on general grants to finance APHP’s public health responisbilities. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 1.3bn Agence Française de Développement --/AAn/AAs 20% AGFRNC Y Overview: AFD is the principal instrument for French bilateral aid and concessionary lending to developing countries and to French overseas departments and territories. AFD is an EPIC and is subject to strict government supervision. As the entity's sole shareholder, the government appoints the majority of AFD's board members, must approve all budgets and strategic decisions and strictly monitors funding. Total assets: EUR 23.6bn (2013 company data). Ownership: Wholly owned by the Republic of France. Support: As an EPIC, AFD operates within a special legal framework and benefits from strong implicit government support. Strengths (S&P): Almost certain extraordinary financial support from the French government, virtual prompt access to emergency funding from the French treasury through the government's public debt fund ("Caisse de la Dette Publique"), sovereign mandate for official development assistance, sound governance and management practices. Challenges (S&P): Large exposure to speculative-grade counterparties, significantly deteriorating capital ratios, wholesale funded. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 23.8bn UniCredit Research page 25 See last pages for disclaimer. <date> March 2015 Credit Research Sector Report SSA Issuer/ Entity Credit Ratings Basel II – Stand. App. Ticker/ iBoxx Caisse Centrale du Crédit Immobilier de France (3cif) Aa1s/--/AAs 0% CCCI Y Profile Overview: Caisse Centrale du Crédit Immobilier de France (3cif) is the rated funding entity of Crédit Immobilier de France (CIF). CIF was an independent organization active in the distribution of housing loans to individuals in France. After Crédit Immobilier de France was hit by a liquidity crisis in 2012/13, the French state granted an explicit guarantee to Crédit Immobilier de France in November 2013. Additionally, the French state grants a EUR 16bn guarantee for new issuances by Caisse Central du Crédit Immobilier de France (3cif). This guarantee is unconditional, irrevocable and at first demand. It is valid until 2035. CIF needs funding to cover the difference between housing loans and short liabilities. France also grants a EUR 12bn internal guarantee. Total assets EUR 22.4bn (1H2014). Ownership: CIF is a privately owned French banking group that was hit by a liquidity crisis in 2012. Negotiations with the French state resulted in an orderly resolution process for the coming 25 years. 3CIF is 100% owned by Credit Immobilier de France Developpement (CIFD). It is in turned held by partially state owned Procivis. Support: Strong government support. Bonds issued by 3cif have an explicit, unconditional and irrevocable guarantee from the French sovereign. The guarantee is valid up to 2035. Strengths (Moodys): The state guarantee ensures adequate funding until extinction; capitalisation will remain strong throughout run-off; the run-off offers strong indirect protection to non-guaranteed debt holders. Challenges (Moody’s): Asset quality has displayed moderate deterioration but is likely to remain adequate. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 12.5bn Caisse des Depots et Consignations Aa1n/AAn/AAs 0% CDCEPS Y Overview: Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC) is a public financial institution with a strong link to the French government. It has two distinct business segments. One specializes in long-term investments to support economic development (referred to as the “consolidated activities”). The second one pursues other public-interest missions on behalf of the French government. As of 31 December 2013, the consolidated activities reported a consolidated asset base of EUR 143.1bn. Including public missions, total assets are approximately EUR 400bn. Under CDC’s unique status, its mission is to serve the general interest of the public and to promote the economic development of France. It is entrusted with various public-interest missions, engaging at the state’s behest in social housing and local development. It also engages in other activities, in which it benefits from a monopoly, including collecting legal deoposits. Total assets: EUR 143.1bn (2013 company data). Ownership: Wholly-owned by the Republic of France. Support: As an Établissement Public, CDC operates within a special legal framework and benefits from strong implicit government support. Strengths (S&P): Critical public policy role and integral link with the French state, public sector institution can be seen as an extension of the French government, sound risk-management practices and corporate governance. Challenges (S&P): Structural volatility in earnings, capitalization constrained by sizable equity investments. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 19.3bn Caisse d’ Amortissement de la Dette Sociale Aa1n/--/AAs 0% CADES Y Overview: CADES is a state agency that was created in 1996 for the sole purpose of redeeming French public debt arising from deficits accumulated by the country's social security system. Originally created for a limited timeframe, CADES' lifespan has been extended as deficits accumulated by the social security system have persisted. To enable CADES to repay its debt, it has been endowed with the tax proceeds from theContribution au Remboursement de la Dette Sociale (CRDS) and, since 2009, from Contribution Sociale Généralisée (CSG). Since 2011, it has received additional CSG proceeds and a portion of the Contribution sociale sur les revenus du capital (CSRC). CADES had assumed debt of EUR 226.7bn at year-end 2014. Of this, EUR 96.74bn has been amortized. Total assets: EUR 11.9bn (2013 company data). Ownership: Wholly owned by the Republic of France. Support: As an EPA, CADES operates within a special legal framework and benefits from strong implicit government support. Due to its highly important public policy mission of amoritizing social security debt, government support is extremely high. Strengths (Moody's): High degree of central government support and of state supervision derived from its EPA status; tax revenues endowed to CADES that enjoy broad and diversified tax bases; adequacy of cash flows. Challenges (Moody's): Uncertainty with respect to any new transfers of debt in the long term. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 133.4bn UniCredit Research page 26 See last pages for disclaimer. <date> March 2015 Credit Research Sector Report SSA Issuer/ Entity Credit Ratings Basel II – Stand. App. Ticker/ iBoxx Caisse Nationale des Autoroutes Aa1n/AAn/AAs 20% CNA Y Profile Overview: CNA is the long-term financing vehicle of France’s toll-road operators. CNA passes on to these companies the proceeds from its borrowings and receives reimbursement for the issuing costs on a pro rata basis. The companies also cover its operating expenses. In return, gains on short-term investments are redistributed to the companies. As a result, CNA posts a net result of zero every year. CNA's administration is entrusted to state-owned Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC). Its repayment capacity relies on the French toll-road operators. Total assets: EUR 8.2bn (1H14 company data). Ownership: Wholly owned by the Republic of France. Support: As an EPA, CNA operates within a special legal framework and benefits from strong implicit government support. Strengths (S&P): Integral link with the central government, given its status as a public administrative body, which implies strong state monitoring; critical role for France, despite the transition to an amortization structure from a financing fund, given that a default would hurt the government's reputation; matching cash inflows and outflows and no delays in the transfer of funds from concessionaires; high predictability of stress situations at the concessionaires, owing to government monitoring and regulation. Challenges (S&P): No explicit guarantee from the French government for the company's financial obligations; reliance on concessionaires to service debt; lack of explicit back-up lines to bridge potential delays in revenue; concessionaires' debt to the company is not senior to their other obligations; high concentration risk, given that at year-end 2014 four entities represented 90% of the loans due to the company. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 5.1bn Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens Aa1n/--/AAs 20% RATPFP N Overview: RATP is the Greater Paris transportation authority, operating the city's subway and buses as well as part of its suburban network (the RER), which links Paris to its suburban areas. RATP plays a key role in public transportation for the Greater Paris area along with SNCF. RATP is an EPIC, which means that it is tightly controlled and monitored by the government. Total assets: EUR 17.9bn (2013 company data). Ownership: Wholly owned by the Republic of France. Support: As an EPIC, RATP operates within a special legal framework and benefits from strong implicit government support. Strengths (Moody's): Key role in providing public transportation services for the Greater Paris area; a recent overhaul of RATP's framework tightened the regulatory environment and clarified its role; improving financial metrics; status as an EPIC, which ensures the central government's ultimate support. Challenges (Moody's): The opening of RATP's domestic market to competition will introduce major changes to the way RATP operates, although any impact before 2024 is unlikely; expected increasing pressure from European authorities to alter its EPIC status. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 4.5bn SNCF Reseau Aa1n/AAn/AAs 20% RESFER Y Overview: SNCF Reseau is a 100% state-owned entity. It was created in 1997 as an EPIC and given full ownership of the French rail infrastructure. Formerly known as Réseau Ferré de France, it was restructured as a subsidiary of the new holding company SNCF in early 2015. SNCF Reseau oprates around 30,000 km of railway lines in 108,000 hectares of land. It is the second-largest railway operator in Europe. In addition, SNCF Reseau sets the objectives for managing, developing and maintaining the rail network. This is carried out by SNCF Mobilites, the French stateowned train operating company, on behalf of SNCF Reseau. The entity is financed through charges paid by rail operators for their network usage and material subsidies that it receives from the French state, local governments and the EU. The entity has maintained its EPIC status despite restructuring, which is credit positive. The ticker is also still RESFER. Ownership: Wholly owned by SNCF, which is owned by the French government. Support: As an EPIC, SNCF Reseau operates within a special legal framework and benefits from strong implicit government support. Strengths (Moody’s): Very high probability of support from the government of France and very high dependence between SNCF Reseau and the government; low business risk given monopoly position. Challenges (Moody’s): Weak credit metrics, liquidity is dependent on receipt of subsidies and investment grants, reform of French railway system entails a shift to an integrated model. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 38.1bn Société Anonyme de Gestion des Stocks de Sécurité UniCredit Research --/AAn/-- 20% SAGESS Please refer to the section “Agencies managing strategic petroleum reserves” N page 27 See last pages for disclaimer. <date> March 2015 Credit Research Sector Report SSA Issuer/ Entity Credit Ratings Basel II – Stand. App. Ticker/ iBoxx Bpifrance Financement Aa1n/--/AAs 20% OSEOFI Y Profile Overview: Bpifrance Financement (formerly OSEO SA) is a subsidiary of EPIC BPIGroupe. EPIC BPI-Groupe and CDC own in equal shareholdings BPI-Group SA (the financial holding). This financial holding owns directly and indirectly several subsidiaries under private law, such as: 1. the debt financing division Bpifrance Financement – a credit institution in charge of the mission of general interest entrusted to BPI-Group SA and defined by law; 2. an equity investment division comprising: a) Bpifrance Participations SA – a limited company in charge of equity investment funds; and b) Bpifrance Investissement SAS – a simplified joint stock company in charge of the management of investment funds. These subsidiaries – including BPI-Group SA – make up Bpifrance. Bonds are issued by Bpifrance Financement, which enjoys a explicit, unconditional and irrevocable guarantee from EPIC BPI-Groupe. Ownership: Bpifrance Financenent is owned 10% by commercial banks and 90% by BPI Groupe SA, which in turn is 50% owned by EPIC BPI-Groupe (100% owned by the French government) and Caisse des Depots et Consignations (100% owned by the French government). Support: With an explicit, unconditional and irrevocable guarantee from an EPIC, credit risk of Bpifrance Financement can be equated to that of an EPIC. Thus, it operates within a special legal framework and benefits from strong implicit government support. Strengths (Fitch):. Tight state supervision; strong state support; resilient financial performance; strong, diversified funding; sound liquidity position; diversified risk assets. Challenges (Fitch): Credit linked to French sovereign risk; potential changes to the legal status of EPIC. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 12.2bn SNCF Mobilités Aa2n/AA-n/AAs 20% SNCF Y Overview: SNCF Mobilités is the state-owned rail operator with a monopoly in railpassenger services. With a turnover of EUR 32bn in 2011, SNCF is one of the biggest transport groups in the world. SNCF is closely supervised by the French Ministry of Finance and Transportation. It was formerly known as Société Nationale des Chemnins de Fer Française (SNCF) until it became restructured. SNCF Mobilités is a subsidiary of the newly created SNCF holidng company and has maintained its EPIC status despite restructuring. Total assets: EUR 39.8bn (2013 company data). Ownership Wholly owned by SNCF, which is owned by the French government. Support: As an EPIC, SNCF Mobilités operates within a special legal framework and benefits from strong implicit government support. Strengths (Moody’s): SNCF Mobilités’ exposure to railway competition is limited, and market opening will be slow; the reform of the French railway system is unlikely to have a rating impact. Challenges (Moody’s): Operating performance in 2014 was challenging, the operating performance of SNCF Voyages’s business unit and SNCF Logistics (formerly SNCF Geodis business unit) is SNCF Mobilités’ main issue. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 9.8bn UNEDIC Aa1n/AAn/AAs 0% UNEDIC Y Overview: UNEDIC is a French agency that manages unemployment benefits in France. It operates two public entities responsible for the collection of contributions and the payment of benefits. The French government guarantees UNEDIC’s continuity and sustainability. UNEDIC has a legal obligation to balance its budget. The agency has an implicit guarantee from the French government because its services are mandatory. Bonds issued under UNEDIC’s annual funding programs have had an explicit, irrevocable and unconditional guarantee from the French government since 2011. Total assets: EUR 8.3bn (2013 company data). Ownership: Owned and managed in equal measure by social partners (employers' representatives and labor unions) since 1958. Support: UNEDIC has benefited from various forms of state support (through direct guarantees for some of its long-term debt) and subsidies when UNEDIC was in financial distress. UNEDIC has had an explicit, unconditional and irrevocable guarantee from the French government for its annual funding programs since 2011. Strengths (S&P): Central role in defining and managing the French unemployment insurance scheme, which is part of the government's employment policies; an almost certain likelihood of extraordinary financial support from the Republic of France, in our view; explicit government guarantees on all Unedic's bond issues since 2011; efficient and prudent debt and liquidity management. Challenges (S&P): Absence of the French government's formal and explicit responsibility on all Unedic's liabilities; finances hampered by weakened French GDP growth and increased structural unemployment, leading to large debt accumulation since 2009. Outstanding bonds (Bloomberg): EUR 21.4bn Individual bonds with a direct government guarantee may be 0% risk weighted. current Ratings: Moody’s/S&P/Fitch; outlooks: s=stable, p=positive, n=negative, wp=watch positive, wn=watch negative, wd=watch developing included in iBoxx Sub-Sovereigns: Y=Yes, N=No Source: rating agencies, Bloomberg, UniCredit Research UniCredit Research page 28 See last pages for disclaimer. <date> March 2015 Credit Research Sector Report SSA Agencies – explicit vs. implicit support Direct vs. implicit support In this section, we provide an overview of the different types of agencies that exist in the European SSA universe. We present our definition of a “real” guarantee and our definition of an agency. Based on this, we provide two tables: The first table includes agencies with explicit support from their sovereign, which is either an explicit, unconditional and irrevocable guarantee from the respective sovereign (the classic examples are KFW and ICO), or another form of explicit support mechanism which can be considered equivalent to a sovereign guarantee. The second table includes agencies with an indirect or implicit form of government support. This differentiation seems to have become increasingly relevant to investors in recent years, which is reflected in an increasing differentiation of spreads according to the type of support an agency enjoys. Moreover, the existence of an explicit guarantee has gained importance for regulatory issues. For example, all agencies with an explicit, unconditional and irrevocable guarantee will qualify for the highest category, extremely high quality liquid assets, of the liquidity coverage ratio (LCR). Definition of a guarantee A “real” guarantee has to fulfil three criteria: 1. it must be explicit, 2. it must be irrevocable and 3. it must be unconditional. 1. A guarantee is explicit if it is explained somewhere, for example, in a specific law, in the bond documentation or in the EMTN program. 2. A guarantee is irrevocable if the guarantee on a bond/issuance program/issuer cannot be removed, i.e. grandfathering exists for all guaranteed bonds. 3. A guarantee is unconditional if the investor can claim the principal and interest directly from the guarantor without any conditions attached. Recently, another feature of a “real” guarantee has become popular: a guarantee at first demand. With this feature, the guarantor must provide interest/redemption payments immediately upon the investor’s first request (“at first demand”). To us, this is implied by a guarantee’s “unconditional” attribute. However, with increasing sensitivity towards the exact design of guarantee structures, attaching the label “at first demand” to a guarantee seems to reassure investors. Definition of an agency UniCredit Research In order to qualify as an agency, an entity has to fulfill one or more of the following criteria: ■ It is fully or partly publicly owned, like Bank Nederlandse Gementeen, which is 50% government-owned. ■ It enjoys an explicit or implicit government guarantee or some other form of support. This can be a direct, unconditional and irrevocable government guarantee, which is the case for KFW or ICO, or a support mechanism such as maintenance obligation ("Anstaltslast"). ■ It has a public-policy mission, like the French CADES, which assumes current and future financial obligations from the social security system. ■ It operates under public sector law, e.g. Austrian ASFINAG, which operates under a specific public ASFINAG law. page 29 See last pages for disclaimer. <date> March 2015 Credit Research Sector Report SSA AGENCIES WITH DIRECT SUPPORT (GUARANTEE OR QUASI-GUARANTEE) Name Ticker Rating Basel II risk w. Support Agencies with an explicit, unconditional and irrevocable sovereign guarantee Autobahnen- und Schnellstrassen Finanzierungs AG ASFING Aaas/AA+s/-- 0% Strong explicit and implicit support. EUR 12bn EMTN program has a full explicit, direct, unconditional and irrevocable government guarantee (Austrian Budget Law and Railway Act); furthermore, under the ASFINAG law, the Ministry of Transport is responsible for ensuring that ASFINAG has sufficient funds at all times to protect its liquidity and equity. Bayerische Landesbodenkreditanstalt BYLABO --/AAAs/-- 0% Explicit, unconditional and direct guarantee from the State of Bavaria. Caisse Centrale du Credit Immobilier de France (3cif) CCCI Baa2s/--/As 0% Bonds issued by 3cif have an explicit, unconditional and irrevocable guarantee from the French sovereign; as the bonds have a duration of five years, the gurantee might expire in five years. Dexia Crédit Locale DEXGRP Aa3s/AA/AA (grandfathered debt) 0% Under the state guarantee scheme, a guarantee is provided on a several but not on a joint basis by the governments of Belgium, France and Luxembourg (51.41%, 45.59% and 3% respectively). The guarantee has a EUR 85bn ceiling and matures in December 2031. Finnvera FINNVE Aaas/AA+s/-- 0% Explicit, unconditional and irrevocable guarantee from the Republic of Finland. FMS Wertmanagement FMSWER Aaas/AAAs/AAAs 0% Loss compensation mechanism (Verlustausgleichspflicht), with the main support provider being the SoFFin, which is owned by FMSA, which itself is owned by Germany. Thus, Germany is ultimately responsible. Also, FMSWER received an explicit unconditional and irrevocable guarantee from the Republic of Germany as of Janaury 2014.This guarantee applies to forthcoming bond issues as well as outstanding bonds. Fondo de Amortizacion del Deficit Electrico FADE Baa2/BBB/BBB+s 0% Explicit, unconditional and irrevocable guarantee from the Kingdom of Spain. Fondo de Reestructuracion Ordenada Bancaria FROB Baa2p/BBB/BBB+s 0% Explicit, timely, unconditional and irrevocable guarantee from the Kingdom of Spain. HSH Finanzfonds HSHFF --/--/AAAs 0% Maintenance obligation (Anstaltslast), guarantee obligation (Gewährträgerhaftung) and a explicit, unconditional and irrevocable guarantee from the German state of Schleswig-Holstein and the City of Hamburg. Instituto de Crédito Oficial ICO Baa2p/BBBs/BBB+s 0% Explicit, irrevocable and unconditional guarantee from the Kingdom of Spain. Investitionsbank Berlin IBB --/--/AAAs 0% Explicit, irrevocable and unconditional guarantee from the German state of Berlin and maintenance obligation (Anstaltslast). KfW Bankengruppe KFW Aaas/AAAs/AAAs 0% Direct, unconditional and irrevocable guarantee from the Federal Republic of Germany and maintenance obligation (Anstaltslast). KommuneKredit KOMMUN Aaas/AAAs/-- 0% Members (98 Danish municipalities and five regions) provide a joint and several guarantee for all of the institution's obligations. Kommuninvest KOMINS Aaas/AAAs/-- 0% Joint and several guarantees are provided by its members (regional and local Swedish governments). Landeskreditbank BadenWürttemberg Förderbank LBANK AAAs/AAAs/AAAs 0% Maintenance obligation (Anstaltslast), guarantee obligation (Gewährträgerhaftung) and a explicit, unconditional and irrevocable guarantee from the German state of Baden-Wuerttemberg. Landwirtschaftliche Rentenbank RENTEN Aaas/AAAs/AAAs 0% Maintenance obligation (Anstaltslast) from the Federal Republic of Germany. The agency received an explicit, unconditional and irrevocable guarantee from the Federal Republic of Germany in January 2014. LFA Förderbank Bayern BAYLAN Aaas/--/-- 0% LFA benefits from a maintenance obligation (Anstaltslast), guarantee obligation (Gewährträgerhaftung) and an explicit, unconditional and irrevocable guarantee from the State of Bavaria. Municipality Finance KUNTA Aaas/AA+s/-- 0% Funding guarantee by the Municipal Guarantee Board, whose liabilities are jointly guaranteed by its Finnish member municipalities, covering 99% of Finland's population. NRW.Bank NRWBK Aa1s/AA-s/AAAs 0% Explicit, unconditional and irrevocable guarantee from the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, maintenance obligation (Anstaltslast) and guarantee obligation (Gewährträgerhaftung). OeBB-Infrastruktur AG OBND Aaas/AA+s/-- 0% EMTN program benefits from an explicit, unconditional and irrevocable guarantee from the Republic of Austria. Austria is responsible for ensuring that OBND maintains sufficient funds at all times to protect its liquidity and equity and to pursue certain activities as agreed upon by the company and the government. Oesterreichische Kontrollbank OKB Aaas/AA+s/-- 0% Strong explicit and implicit support by the Austrian government. Unconditional, timely and irrevocable guarantee for debt obligations issued under the Export Financing Guarantees Act. Propertize PROPBV Aaas/--/AAAs 0% Bonds issued under Propertize’s funding program carry an explicit, irrevocable and unconditional guarantee from the Dutch government. SID Bank SEDABI Baa3s/A-s/-- 0% SID Banka's debt obligations benefit from an explicit, timely, unconditional and irrevocable guarantee from the Republic of Slovenia. UniCredit Research page 30 See last pages for disclaimer. <date> March 2015 Credit Research Sector Report SSA Name Ticker Rating Basel II risk w. Support Agencies with support mechanisms equivalent to a guarantee (quasi-guarantee) Erdoelbevorratungsverband EBVGR --/AAAs/-- 0% By law, EBV cannot be subject to bankruptcy proceedings and, in the event of liquidation, its debt would be assumed by the federal government. Erste Abwicklungsanstalt ERSTAA Aa1s/AA-s/AAAs 0% Loss compensation mechanism (Verlustausgleichspflicht), according to Section 7 of EAA's statute, with the main support provider being the State of North Rhine-Westphalia. Caisse d’ Amortissement de la Dette Sociale CADES Aa1n/--/AAs 0% As an EPA, CADES operates within a special legal framework and benefits from strong implicit government support. Due to its highly important public policy mission to amoritize social security debt, government support is extremely high. Source: rating agencies, UniCredit Research UniCredit Research page 31 See last pages for disclaimer. <date> March 2015 Credit Research Sector Report SSA AGENCIES WITH IMPLICIT SUPPORT Name Ticker Ratings Basel II risk weighting Support Agence Française de Développement AGFRNC --/AAn/AAs 20% As an EPIC, AFD operates within a special legal framework and benefits from strong implicit government support. Agence France Locale AFLBNKO Aa2n/--/-- 20% Explicit joint and several guarantee from its member LRGs. In addition to members providing a guarantee up to their respective outstanding borrowings, members have recourse to the other members in case of default of AFL in order to ensure a joint liability guarantee system. APETRA APETRA --/-- /AAn 20% Strong implicit support of the Belgian sovereign due to the stratetic mission and close state supervision and control of APETRA. Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris APHP --/AAn/AAs 0% As an EPS, it benefits from French government support (100% ownership). Bank Nederlandse Gemeenten BNG Aaan/AA+s/AAAn 20% Implicit government support is very strong due to the public sector mandate, importance to the Dutch economy and tight integration with local governments. Bundesimmobiliengesellschaft mbH BUNIMM Aaas/--/-- 20% Owner support by the Republic of Austria (100% ownership) as the company is of strategic importance. German Postal Pension Securitization GPPS Aaa/AAAn/AAAs 20% GPPS does not enjoy an explicit guarantee but receives solid explicit and implicit support from the Federal Republic of Germany. Caisse des Depots et Consignations CDCEPS Aa1n/AAn/AAs 20% As an Établissement Public, CDC operates within a special legal framework and benefits from strong implicit government support. Caisse Nationale des Autoroutes CNA Aa1n/AAn/AAs 20% As an EPA, CNA operates within a special legal framework and benefits from strong implicit government support. Cassa Depositi e Prestiti S.p.A. CDEP Baa2s/BBB-s/BBB+s 50% CDP enjoys strong government support, is considered an important tool for public policy and is closely supervised and monitored by the Ministry of Finance. Most crucially, the guarantee on part of CDP's obligations is de facto extended to the non-guaranteed part of funding. Corporación de Reservas Estratégicas de Productos Petrolíferos CORES Baa3p/BBBs/BBB+s 20% Its legal status as a quasi-state entity embedded within a rigid legal framework ensures strong state support, albeit not explicit state support. Erdöl-Lagergesellschaft m.b.H. ERDLAG --/AA+s/-- 20% Strong implicit support from the Austrian sovereign due to the stratetic mission and close state supervision and control. Kommunalbanken KBN Aaas/AAAs/-- 20% Kommunalbanken enjoys very strong implicit support from the Kingdom of Norway, which is based on a strong letter of support. Nederlandse Waterschapsbank NEDWBK Aaan/AA+s/-- 20% Implicit government support is very strong due to the public sector mandate, importance to the Dutch economy and tight integration with local governments. Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens RATPFP Aa1n/--/AAs 20% As an EPIC, RATP operates within a special legal framework and benefits from strong implicit government support.* SNCF Reseau RESFER Aa1n/AAn/AAs 20% As an EPIC, SNCF Reseau operates within a special legal framework and benefits from strong implicit government support.* Societe Anonyme de Gestion SAGESS des Stocks de Securite --/AAn/-- 20% Strong implicit support of the French sovereign due to the stratetic mission and close state supervision and control of SAGESS. SNCF Mobilités SNCF Aa2n/AA-n/AAs 20% As an EPIC, SNCF Mobilités operates within a special legal framework and benefits from strong implicit government support. No change to this special status is expected as a result of the restructuring of the French railway sector.* Swedish Export Credit Corp SEK Aa1s/AA+s/-- 20% Government support is deemed highly likely due to its ownership (100% ownership). SBAB SBAB A2n/An/-- 20% The Swedish government provides a commitment of support. This is demonstrated by 1. the explicit support by the government through a feebased subordinated credit facility and 2. an ownership clause for EMTN bondholders, which grants the right to early redemption should government ownership drop below 51%. *For an explanation of this status, please refer to the section "French EPIC/EPA". UniCredit Research page 32 Source: rating agencies, UniCredit Research See last pages for disclaimer. <date> March 2015 Credit Research Sector Report SSA Disclaimer Our recommendations are based on information obtained from, or are based upon public information sources that we consider to be reliable but for the completeness and accuracy of which we assume no liability. All estimates and opinions included in the report represent the independent judgment of the analysts as of the date of the issue. 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POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTERESTS 3CIF 4; ASFINAG 4; Bank Nederlandse Gemeenten NV 4; Bayerische Landesbodenkreditanstalt 4; CADES 4; CORES 4; Erste Abwicklungsanstalt 3, 4; FROB 4; ICO 4; Investitionsbank Berlin 4; Kommunekredit 4; Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau 3, 4; L-Bank Landeskreditbank Baden-Württemberg 4; Landwirtschaftliche Rentenbank 3, 4; LFA Foerderbank Bayern 7; Nederlandse Waterschapsbank 4; NRW.BANK 4; ÖBB Infrastruktur Bau AG 4; Österreichische Kontrollbank 1a, 4, 6a; SBAB 4; SFEF 4 Key 1a: UniCredit Bank AG and/or a company affiliated with it (pursuant to relevant domestic law) owns at least 2% of the capital stock of the company. Key 1b: The analyzed company owns at least 2% of the capital stock of UniCredit Bank AG and/or a company affiliated with it (pursuant to relevant domestic law). Key 2: UniCredit Bank AG and/or a company affiliated with it (pursuant to relevant domestic law) belonged to a syndicate that has acquired securities or any related derivatives of the analyzed company within the twelve months preceding publication, in connection with any publicly disclosed offer of securities of the analyzed company, or in any related derivatives. Key 3: UniCredit Bank AG and/or a company affiliated (pursuant to relevant domestic law) administers the securities issued by the analyzed company on the stock exchange or on the market by quoting bid and ask prices (i.e. acts as a market maker or liquidity provider in the securities of the analyzed company or in any related derivatives). Key 4: The analyzed company and UniCredit Bank AG and/or a company affiliated (pursuant to relevant domestic law) concluded an agreement on services in connection with investment banking transactions in the last 12 months, in return for which the Bank received a consideration or promise of consideration. Key 5: The analyzed company and UniCredit Bank AG and/or a company affiliated (pursuant to relevant domestic law) have concluded an agreement on the preparation of analyses. Key 6a: Employees of UniCredit Bank AG Milan Branch and/or members of the Board of Directors of UniCredit (pursuant to relevant domestic law) are members of the Board of Directors of the Issuer. Members of the Board of Directors of the Issuer hold office in the Board of Directors of UniCredit (pursuant to relevant domestic law). Key 6b: The analyst is on the supervisory/management board of the company they cover. Key 7: UniCredit Bank AG Milan Branch and/or other Italian banks belonging to the UniCredit Group (pursuant to relevant domestic law) extended significant amounts of credit facilities to the Issuer. RECOMMENDATIONS, RATINGS AND EVALUATION METHODOLOGY Company Date Rec. Company – – – – Date – Rec. – Company – Date – Rec. – Overview of our ratings You will find the history of rating regarding recommendation changes as well as an overview of the breakdown in absolute and relative terms of our investment ratings on our website http://www.disclaimer.unicreditmib.eu/credit-research-rd/Recommendations_CR_e.pdf. Note on the evaluation basis for interest-bearing securities: Recommendations relative to an index: For high grade names the recommendations are relative to the "iBoxx EUR Benchmark" index family, for sub investment grade names the recommendations are relative to the "iBoxx EUR High Yield" index family. Marketweight: We recommend having the same portfolio exposure in the name as the respective iBoxx index. We expect that the average total return of the instruments of the issuer is equal to the total return of the index. Overweight: We recommend having a higher portfolio exposure in the name as the respective iBoxx index. We expect that the average total return of the instruments of the issuer is greater than the total return of the index. Underweight: We recommend having a lower portfolio exposure in the name as the respective iBoxx index. We expect that the average total return of the instruments of the issuer is less than the total return of the index. Outright recommendations: Hold: We recommend holding the respective instrument for investors who already have exposure. We expect that the total return of the instruments of the issuer is equal to the yield. Buy: We recommend buying the respective instrument for investors who already have exposure. We expect that the total return of the instruments of the issuer is greater than the yield. Sell: We recommend selling the respective instrument for investors who already have exposure. We expect that the total return of the instruments of the issuer is less than the yield. We employ three further categorizations for interest-bearing securities in our coverage: Restricted: A recommendation and/or financial forecast is not disclosed owing to compliance or other regulatory considerations such as a blackout period or a conflict of interest. UniCredit Research page 33 <date> March 2015 Credit Research Sector Report SSA Coverage in transition: Due to changes in the research team, the disclosure of a recommendation and/or financial information are temporarily suspended. The interest-bearing security remains in the research universe and disclosures of relevant information will be resumed in due course. Not rated: Suspension of coverage. 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The information contained in this report is intended solely for certain "major U.S. institutional investors" and may not be used or relied upon by any other person for any purpose. Such information is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell any securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or under any other U.S. federal or state securities laws, rules or regulations. The investment opportunities discussed in this report may be unsuitable for certain investors depending on their specific investment objectives, risk tolerance and financial position. In jurisdictions where UniCredit Capital Markets is not registered or licensed to trade in securities, commodities or other financial products, transactions may be executed only in accordance with applicable law and legislation, which may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and which may require that a transaction be made in accordance with applicable exemptions from registration or licensing requirements. The information in this publication is based on carefully selected sources believed to be reliable, but UniCredit Capital Markets does not make any representation with respect to its completeness or accuracy. All opinions expressed herein reflect the author’s judgment at the original time of publication, without regard to the date on which you may receive such information, and are subject to change without notice. UniCredit Capital Markets may have issued other reports that are inconsistent with, and reach different conclusions from, the information presented in this report. These publications reflect the different assumptions, views and analytical methods of the analysts who prepared them. Past performance should not be taken as an indication or guarantee of future performance, and no representation or warranty, express or implied, is provided in relation to future performance. UniCredit Capital Markets and any company affiliated with it may, with respect to any securities discussed herein: (a) take a long or short position and buy or sell such securities; (b) act as investment and/or commercial bankers for issuers of such securities; (c) act as market makers for such securities; (d) serve on the board of any issuer of such securities; and (e) act as paid consultant or advisor to any issuer. The information contained herein may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of U.S. federal securities laws that are subject to risks and uncertainties. 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CR e 3 UniCredit Research page 35 <date> March 2015 Credit Research Sector Report SSA UniCredit Research* Michael Baptista Global Head of CIB Research +44 207 826-1328 [email protected] Dr. Ingo Heimig Head of Research Operations +49 89 378-13952 [email protected] Credit Research Luis Maglanoc, CFA, Head +49 89 378-12708 [email protected] Credit Strategy & Structured Credit Research Dr. Philip Gisdakis, Head Credit Strategy +49 89 378-13228 [email protected] Dr. Christian Weber, CFA, Deputy Head Credit Strategy +49 89 378-12250 [email protected] Dr. Tim Brunne Quantitative Credit Strategy +49 89 378-13521 [email protected] Holger Kapitza Credit Strategy & Structured Credit +49 89 378-28745 [email protected] Dr. Stefan Kolek EEMEA Corporate Credits & Strategy +49 89 378-12495 [email protected] Manuel Trojovsky Credit Strategy & Structured Credit +49 89 378-14145 [email protected] Financials Credit Research Corporate Credit Research Franz Rudolf, CEFA, Head Covered Bonds +49 89 378-12449 [email protected] Stephan Haber, CFA, Co-Head Telecoms, Technology +49 89 378-15192 [email protected] Valentina Stadler, Deputy Head Sub-Sovereigns & Agencies +49 89 378-16296 [email protected] Dr. Sven Kreitmair, CFA, Co-Head Automotive & Mobility +49 89 378-13246 [email protected] Florian Hillenbrand, CFA Covered Bonds +49 89 378-12961 [email protected] Jana Arndt, CFA Basic Resources, Industrial G&S, Construction & Materials +49 89 378-13211 [email protected] Dr. Tilo Höpker Banks +49 89 378-12960 [email protected] Luis Maglanoc, CFA Regulatory & Accounting Service +49 89 378-12708 [email protected] Natalie Tehrani Monfared Regulatory & Accounting Service +49 89 378-12242 [email protected] Emanuel Teuber Banks, Financial Services, Insurance +49 89 378-14245 [email protected] Robert Vielhaber Sub-Sovereigns & Agencies +49 89 378-12004 [email protected] Dr. Claudia Vortmüller Banks +49 89 378-12429 [email protected] Christian Aust, CFA Chemicals, Industrial Transportation, Paper & Packaging +49 89 378-12806 [email protected] Mehmet Dere Retail, Travel & Leisure, Oil & Gas +49 89 378-11294 [email protected] Olga Fedotova Russia/CIS (Banks, Oil & Gas, Basic Resources, Telecoms) +44 207 826-1376 [email protected] Michael Gerstner Utilities, Hybrids +49 89 378-15449 [email protected] Alexander Rozhetskin Russia/CIS (Banks, Oil & Gas, Basic Resources, Telecoms) +44 207 826-7953 [email protected] Jonathan Schroer, CFA Media/Cable, Logistics, Business Services +49 89 378-13212 [email protected] Dr. Silke Stegemann, CEFA Health Care & Pharma, Food & Beverage, Personal & Household Goods +49 89 378-18202 [email protected] Publication Address UniCredit Research Corporate & Investment Banking UniCredit Bank AG Arabellastrasse 12 D-81925 Munich [email protected] Bloomberg UCCR Internet www.research.unicredit.eu *UniCredit Research is the joint research department of UniCredit Bank AG (UniCredit Bank), UniCredit Bank AG London Branch (UniCredit Bank London), UniCredit Bank AG Milan Branch (UniCredit Bank Milan), UniCredit Bank New York (UniCredit Bank NY), UniCredit Bulbank, Zagrebačka banka d.d., UniCredit Bank Czech Republic and Slovakia, Bank Pekao, ZAO UniCredit Bank Russia (UniCredit Russia), UniCredit Tiriac Bank (UniCredit Tiriac). CR 12 UniCredit Research page 36