Summary
Carnival Corporation (CCL) announced on May 26, 2021, the successful syndication and repricing of its first-priority senior secured term loan facility. This refinancing effort significantly reduces the interest rate on its outstanding dollar and Euro-denominated loans. Specifically, the margin on the U.S. dollar tranche will decrease by 4.50% per annum, and the Euro tranche by 3.75% per annum. These repriced loans are set to mature on June 30, 2025. This debt restructuring is a positive step for Carnival, as it lowers the company's future interest expenses and improves its liquidity position. The reduction in borrowing costs is particularly important given the ongoing challenges faced by the travel and cruise industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the repricing is expected to close on June 30, 2021, subject to customary conditions, it signals improved access to credit markets and a proactive approach to managing its financial obligations.
Key Highlights
- 1Carnival Corporation successfully repriced its senior secured term loan facility on May 26, 2021.
- 2The repricing lowers interest rates on outstanding U.S. dollar loans by 4.50% per annum (adjusted LIBOR + 3.00% margin with a 0.75% floor).
- 3Interest rates on outstanding Euro loans are reduced by 3.75% per annum (EURIBOR + 3.75% margin with a 0.00% floor).
- 4The term loan facility, totaling $1.86 billion and €800 million, matures on June 30, 2025.
- 5JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Barclays Bank PLC acted as joint global coordinators for the repricing.
- 6The repricing is expected to be implemented via Amendment No. 2 to the facility and is anticipated to close on June 30, 2021.
- 7PJT Partners served as the independent financial advisor to Carnival Corporation for this transaction.