Origin may need to cut debt to keep rating

Recent falls in LNG and oil prices may mean Origin may have to cut debt levels in order for it to keep its BBB investment grade status. Origin’s APLNG project has been a major consumer of capital in recent years and a sell-down of its stake may be required to bolster Origin’s balance sheet in light of weaker revenues. Macquarie noted Origin’s past reluctance to issue equity which leaves asset sales of part of the APLNG project or its stake in Contact Energy as possible moves.