KUALA LUMPUR (Apr 24): Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) has launched its inaugural Samurai bond issuance,  raising JPY 31.3 billion (equivalent to approximately US$261 million) with a three and five year tenor. 

In a media statement today, Maybank (fundamental: 1.5; valuation: 1.45) said this is the first-ever Samurai bond issued out of the Malaysian banking sector, as well as the first Samurai bond issuance in fiscal year 2015 in Japan.

Group corporate treasurer Odie Lee said Maybank was proud to be able to access one of the largest bond markets in the world and to gain the confidence of Japanese investors. 

"Maybank will remain committed to the Japanese capital market in sourcing its funding needs going forward, and will continue to strengthen the collaboration with the financial institutions there," he said. 

The issue is rated A3 by Moody's and A by JCR. 

SMBC Nikko Securities Inc, Daiwa Securities Co Ltd and HSBC Securities (Japan) Ltd, Tokyo Branch, have been appointed as joint lead managers, whilst BNP Paribas Securities (Japan) Ltd and Mizuho Securities Co Ltd are the managers. 

As at 2.49 pm, Maybank shares were 16 sen higher at RM9.41, with a market capitalisation of RM87.7 billion. 

(Note: The Edge Research's fundamental score reflects a company's profitability and balance sheet strength, calculated based on historical numbers. The valuation score determines if a stock is attractively valued or not, also based on historical numbers. A score of 3 suggests strong fundamentals and attractive valuations.)