MADISON, Wis. – CUNA Mutual Group has entered into an agreement with a number of institutional investors to issue $85 million in fixed-rate, 20- year surplus notes.
“Surplus notes are a cost-effective opportunity in this low-interest environment to take advantage of our financial strength and raise new capital,” said Jeff Post, president and CEO of CUNA Mutual. “The new capital increases our already strong financial position and gives us flexibility to invest in opportunities that will drive future growth.”
A surplus note is a bond-like instrument issued primarily by mutual insurance companies. They are debt-like in that they pay an interest rate and have a finite maturity. During that period, CUNA Mutual pays an interest rate to its investors.
“Investors’ willingness to purchase our surplus notes is a major achievement for CUNA Mutual,” Post added in a statement. “The ready acceptance of these notes by sophisticated investors is a major vote of confidence in CUNA Mutual’s strategy, our relationship with our customers – and our future.”
CUNA Mutual said it will use the infusion of capital to support its credit union market and diversification strategies “that will drive future profitable growth. The initiatives could include acquisitions and/or investment in business-to-consumer initiatives in the credit union marketplace.”
