In this edition, we take a close look at the wave of large-scale mergers and acquisition activity in the U.S. banking industry, which has made 2021 the busiest year for $500 million deals in more than two decades. Among the 18 megadeals so far, stock prices for the buyers and the six banks involved in mergers of equals, or MOEs, closed down a median of 0.63% on the day of announcement. The deals carried little to no tangible book value dilution, a key metric for investors.
So-called blue hydrogen, viewed as a more sustainable alternative to traditional emissions-intensive "gray" hydrogen, has sparked a debate among scientists and energy experts of its green credentials. Researchers in the U.S. found that blue hydrogen produces 20% more carbon emissions in heat generation than natural gas.
Slowing U.S. economic growth and an expected rise in borrowing costs could erode U.S. companies' ability to invest in growth and make interest payments as corporate debt levels climb ever higher, according to economists and analysts.
US Bank M&A in Focus
Recent string of US bank megadeals book share price gains
Many regional banks' stock prices declined following their respective deal announcements this year. But the market rewarded Valley National, U.S. Bancorp and Home Bancshares for striking deals with little to no tangible book value dilution.
—Read the full article from S&P Global Market Intelligence
Wave of large-scale US bank M&A reaches highest level in 23 years
Eighteen U.S. bank deals with values of at least $500 million have been announced this year, the most in more than two decades.
—Read the full article from S&P Global Market Intelligence
Deep Dives
In-depth features looking at the impact of major news developments in key industries.
Financials
Commerzbank, other German banks among Europe's least efficient
Three large German lenders were among the least efficient in a ranking by S&P Global Market Intelligence.
—Read the full article from S&P Global Market Intelligence
Senate, industry bracing for tough confirmation battle at OCC
Saule Omarova, the Biden administration's progressive pick to lead the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, will likely face a difficult confirmation process due to her controversial views on the financial system.
—Read the full article from S&P Global Market Intelligence
Biden's bank tax reporting proposal still in play
The reporting requirement was included as part of President Joe Biden's budget to raise revenue and close the tax gap between the amount some wealthy Americans pay and the amount they owe. Its future remains uncertain.
—Read the full article from S&P Global Market Intelligence
Big US banks could face higher capital ratios as balance sheets balloon
The biggest U.S. banks appear headed toward higher capital requirements because of increases in risk scores that the industry argues is largely a byproduct of federal efforts to support the economy during the pandemic.
—Read the full article from S&P Global Market Intelligence
Insurance
Berkshire, AIG neck and neck as excess and surplus market strengthens in Q2
Direct written premiums across the excessive and surplus market were up 33.4% year over year in the second quarter as portfolio management efforts by admitted carriers pushes business toward excess and surplus writers.
—Read the full article from S&P Global Market Intelligence
Higher claims severity, driving activity may create bumpy road for auto insurers
Claims frequency and miles driven have begun to rebound to pre-pandemic levels as loss severity remains elevated for some of the largest U.S. private auto insurers.
—Read the full article from S&P Global Market Intelligence
Credit and Markets
Weakening US economy threatens swelling corporate debt mountain
The rate of default is declining in the U.S., as cheap debt has allowed companies to refinance. But the growing debt burden makes companies vulnerable if borrowing costs rise or the economic recovery stalls.
—Read the full article from S&P Global Market Intelligence
Bear market unlikely, but stumble in stocks may lead to bigger fall
A recent 4% drawdown in the S&P 500 has stoked fears of a larger correction.
—Read the full article from S&P Global Market Intelligence
Energy and Utilities
Gov. Newsom launches $15B package for climate, EVs, hydrogen; orders offshore wind goal
One lawmaker called the package "the largest investment California, or any state, has ever made in the effort to stave off the most catastrophic impacts of climate change."
—Read the full article from S&P Global Market Intelligence
Foreign demand drives wood biomass sector growth despite inconsistent US policy
Biomass fuel production continues to grow in the Southeast to meet demand from abroad, with companies investing in plant expansions or additional facilities, even as some executives in the sector differ on its future.
—Read the full article from S&P Global Market Intelligence
Blue hydrogen under microscope over emissions, role as transition fuel
A sprawling debate has emerged about the merits of blue hydrogen, a fuel often regarded as a transitionary solution in the decarbonization journey.
—Read the full article from S&P Global Market Intelligence
Hydrogen threatens to drive wedge between Democrats, climate activists
As the Biden administration and Congress prepare to deploy vast resources to scale up hydrogen supply and demand, climate groups argue for paring back the nation's hydrogen ambitions.
—Read the full article from S&P Global Market Intelligence
Healthcare
US pharma giants combat emissions crisis with long-term net-zero pledges
The healthcare sector contributes 4.4% of global emissions, and as one of the fastest-growing industries in the world — in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic — that footprint is forecast to triple by 2050 if unchecked.
—Read the full article from S&P Global Market Intelligence
Technology, Media and Telecommunications
Cybersecurity investments set to grow as threat landscape heightens
Despite several high-profile security breaches this year, prominent cybersecurity-focused exchange-traded funds have not registered a breakout performance year-to-date. But analysts believe the equities in these funds stand poised for greater growth.
—Read the full article from S&P Global Market Intelligence
Leveraged Finance
Scalding CLO market breaks another quarterly issuance mark
The $43.6 billion in deals through Sept. 23 bested the $43.4 billion in deals issued in the second quarter.
—Read the full article from S&P Global Market Intelligence
Leveraged loan market continues to shatter records in Q3 amid hunt for yield
The amount of institutional U.S. leveraged loans outstanding, as measured by the S&P/LSTA Leveraged Loan Index, has hit a record $1.3 trillion as of Sept. 24.
—Read the full article from S&P Global Market Intelligence
Metals and Mining
High metal prices could slow the race to zero carbon
The cost of lithium-ion batteries has dropped dramatically in recent years, but that trend could stall or even reverse on the back of a high commodity price boom, according to industry experts.
—Read the full article from S&P Global Market Intelligence
The Week in M&A
Analysts encouraged by Houlihan Lokey's GCA Corp. deal
Read full article
Perseus Mining prioritizing organic growth over 'challenging' M&A, CEO says
Read full article
Agnico Eagle's Kirkland merger may appease investors 'indifferent' about gold
Read full article
Valley to diversify into venture capital and private banking with Leumi deal
Read full article
The Big Number
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