Fixed-Income Insights
Public power has remained a stable, relatively defensive municipal bond sector.
This article is from the second-quarter 2019 edition of The Muni Quarterly.
Public power continues to be a stable sector in the municipal bond market, underpinned by inherent strengths such as an independent rate-setting authority, the essential public services the sector offers, and a government-protected monopoly. As an investment, the sector is relatively defensive given its low correlation with economic cycles. Financial metrics are sound, with strong liquidity and high debt-service-coverage ratios remaining relatively unchanged year over year. Electric rates remain competitive and affordable.
We continue to monitor trends in capital spending, regulation, and climate change. Capital planning is difficult given long construction timeframes and the uncertainty of long-term demand. However, this is offset by the ability to pass costs onto ratepayers without the need for third-party regulatory approval. Regulatory uncertainty at the federal level has not been that impactful as state level regulations have generally been the bigger driver in capital expenditure plans. Climate change is believed to have increased the frequency of extreme weather events, but, again, independent rate-setting authority largely offsets this risk. “Black swan” events like prolonged cyber-attacks have been seen in recent headlines, but we believe events such as these remain highly unlikely.
In conclusion, while there are some trends to follow, we expect the public power sector to remain stable.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This commentary may contain assumptions that are “forward-looking statements,” which are based on certain assumptions of future events. Actual events are difficult to predict and may differ from those assumed. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will materialize or that actual returns or results will not be materially different from those described here.
This material is provided for general and educational purposes only. It is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument, or any Lord Abbett product or strategy. References to specific asset classes and financial markets are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be, and should not be interpreted as, recommendations or investment advice.
References to specific securities and issuers are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended and should not be interpreted as recommendations to purchase or sell such securities. The securities referenced may or may not be held in portfolios managed by Lord Abbett and, if such securities are held, no representation is being made that such securities will continue to be held. This is not a representation of any securities Lord Abbett purchased or would have purchased or that an investment in any securities of such issuers would be profitable.
A Note about Risk: The value of an investment in fixed-income securities will change as interest rates fluctuate and in response to market movements. As interest rates fall, the prices of debt securities tend to rise. As rates rise, prices tend to fall. Investing in the bond market is subject to risks, including market, interest rate, issuer, credit, inflation risk, and liquidity risk. The municipal bond market may be impacted by unfavorable legislative or political developments and adverse changes in the financial conditions of state and municipal issuers or the federal government in case it provides financial support to the municipality. Income from the municipal bonds held could be declared taxable because of changes in tax laws. Certain sectors of the municipal bond market have special risks that can affect them more significantly than the market as a whole. Because many municipal instruments are issued to finance similar projects, conditions in these industries can significantly affect an investment. Income from municipal bonds may be subject to the alternative minimum tax. Federal, state and local taxes may apply. Investments in Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories, commonwealths, and possessions may be affected by local, state, and regional factors. These may include, for example, economic or political developments, erosion of the tax base, and the possibility of credit problems.
The information provided is not directed at any investor or category of investors and is provided solely as general information about Lord Abbett’s products and services and to otherwise provide general investment education. None of the information provided should be regarded as a suggestion to engage in or refrain from any investment-related course of action as neither Lord Abbett nor its affiliates are undertaking to provide impartial investment advice, act as an impartial adviser, or give advice in a fiduciary capacity. If you are an individual retirement investor, contact your financial advisor or other fiduciary about whether any given investment idea, strategy, product or service may be appropriate for your circumstances.
The opinions in this commentary are as of the date of publication, are subject to change based on subsequent developments, and may not reflect the views of the firm as a whole. The material is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research, or investment advice, is not a recommendation or offer to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investment strategy, and is not intended to predict or depict the performance of any investment. Readers should not assume that investments in companies, securities, sectors, and/or markets described were or will be profitable. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. This document is prepared based on the information Lord Abbett deems reliable; however, Lord Abbett does not warrant the accuracy and completeness of the information. Investors should consult with a financial advisor prior to making an investment decision.
About The Author
THE MUNI QUARTERLY
The Second Quarter 2019 edition offers insights from our analysts on key topics for municipal bond investors, along with essential market information.