Mirant's bonds traded down after investors piled into the unsecured debt following the proposed NRG/Texas Genco acquisition. Its 7.4% '04 bonds, which are in default, traded down to 120 from 128. Its 5.75% '07 bonds were down six points to 116. Its '03 revolving credit was down two points to 111. "The bonds were up too much on a frothy valuation of the company. People were bidding aggressively based on its equity value. But the fervor has died down," said a distressed debt trader.
Investors' favorable view of the company came after NRG's planned acquisition of Texas Genco in a deal valued at $5.8 billion. Equity sponsors of Texas Genco made a hefty profit on their original equity investments. Investors in Mirant bought into the unsecured debt, which will be converted into equity, in anticipation of making a big profit on the company as it emerges from bankruptcy.