XXI Century to capitalize interest payment due on May 24

XXI Century (AIM: XXIC LN) announced this morning that it elected to capitalize the interest payment due on its USD 175 mln Eurobonds amounting to USD 14.4 mln, which would have fallen due on May 24, 2010. Following the capitalization of the interest, the total principal outstanding will be USD 206.6 mln. The arrangement reflects new terms and conditions of the notes, originally due in 2010, following restructuring in July 2009. Andriy Gostik: The decision to capitalize interest came as no surprise, as the developer is currently hardly generating operating income sufficient to cover its financial expenses. We continue to view the stock as a distressed asset play, with extra high risks attached. A possible trigger for the stock would be a sell-out to a strategic investor with a subsequent significant haircut on outstanding financial obligations, something that we do not have an indication of happening yet.