8-KMaterial AgreementsFinancial EventsExhibits & Filings

CATERPILLAR INC 8-K Report, Material Agreement (Sep 12, 2017)

Filed September 12, 2017For Securities:CAT

Summary

Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) filed an 8-K on September 11, 2017, detailing material definitive agreements related to its credit facilities. The company entered into a new $3.15 billion, 364-day revolving credit facility, which replaces its previous facility and includes provisions for borrowing in Pounds Sterling and Euros, as well as Japanese Yen, through specific addendums. This move demonstrates Caterpillar's proactive management of its liquidity and funding arrangements. Furthermore, Caterpillar amended and extended its existing three-year and five-year credit facilities. The three-year facility's expiration was pushed to September 8, 2020, and the five-year facility to September 8, 2022. These credit facilities, totaling a significant amount of available borrowing capacity, are intended for general corporate purposes. As of the filing date, no amounts had been drawn under these facilities. The report also outlines key financial covenants, including minimum consolidated net worth requirements for Caterpillar and specific interest coverage and leverage ratios for Cat Financial, ensuring financial stability and operational integrity.

Key Highlights

  • 1New $3.15 billion unsecured revolving credit facility established with a 364-day term, expiring September 6, 2018.
  • 2The new facility replaces Caterpillar's prior 364-day facility, indicating an update to short-term liquidity arrangements.
  • 3Provisions added for international currency borrowing (Euro, Pounds Sterling, Japanese Yen) within the new and amended facilities.
  • 4Existing three-year credit facility extended to September 8, 2020.
  • 5Existing five-year credit facility extended to September 8, 2022.
  • 6All credit facilities are available for general corporate purposes.
  • 7Key financial covenants include minimum $9 billion consolidated net worth for Caterpillar and specific ratio requirements for Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The filing details a new $3.15 billion 364-day facility and amendments extending existing three-year and five-year facilities. While the specific aggregate amounts of the amended 2015 facilities are not restated in this 8-K, their extensions indicate continued access to significant borrowing capacity for general corporate purposes, in addition to the new 364-day facility.

As of the filing date (September 11, 2017), Caterpillar stated that no amounts had been drawn on the newly established or amended credit facilities. This suggests the company is maintaining a strong liquidity position and is utilizing these facilities primarily for strategic financial flexibility.

Caterpillar must maintain a consolidated net worth of not less than $9 billion. Additionally, Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation (Cat Financial) must adhere to specific financial covenants, including maintaining an interest coverage ratio above 1.15 to 1 and a leverage ratio below 10.0 to 1, ensuring the financial stability of its finance subsidiary.

These actions indicate Caterpillar's ongoing strategy to manage its capital structure and ensure robust liquidity. The new 364-day facility provides short-term funding flexibility, while the extensions of the longer-term facilities secure access to capital for future needs and general corporate purposes through 2020 and 2022, respectively. The inclusion of international currency borrowing also enhances operational flexibility for global subsidiaries.