8-KFinancial EventsExhibits & Filings

CIENA CORP 8-K Report, Financial Obligation (Jul 17, 2014)

Filed July 17, 2014For Securities:CIEN

Summary

Ciena Corporation (CIEN) has executed a significant financing initiative through the amendment of its existing asset-based lending (ABL) facility and the establishment of a new term loan facility. The ABL facility has been enhanced with increased commitment levels, extended maturity, and more favorable terms, including a lower interest rate margin and a reduced minimum cash requirement. This strategic move provides Ciena with greater financial flexibility and improved borrowing capacity. The company has also secured a new $250 million term loan. The proceeds from this term loan are primarily intended to provide liquidity for the potential repayment of its 4.00% senior convertible notes due March 15, 2015. This proactively addresses potential conversion or repayment needs for these notes, ensuring financial stability and strategic options for Ciena.

Key Highlights

  • 1Increased ABL facility commitment from $150 million to $200 million, with an option to extend to $250 million.
  • 2Extended ABL facility maturity date from August 13, 2015, to December 31, 2016, removing an acceleration trigger related to convertible notes.
  • 3Reduced minimum unrestricted cash requirement for the ABL facility from $200 million to $150 million.
  • 4Lowered interest rate margin on ABL borrowings to a range of 150-200 basis points over LIBOR.
  • 5Secured a new $250 million senior secured term loan facility.
  • 6Net proceeds of approximately $246 million from the term loan will support potential repayment of convertible notes due March 2015 or be used for general corporate purposes.
  • 7The Term Loan matures on July 15, 2019, and includes quarterly amortization payments.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary purpose is to enhance Ciena's financial flexibility. The amendment to the ABL facility increases borrowing capacity and extends its maturity. The new term loan provides substantial liquidity, primarily intended to address the potential repayment of Ciena's 4.00% senior convertible notes due March 15, 2015, or for general corporate purposes if the notes are converted.

The amended ABL facility offers several benefits: a higher total commitment ($200 million, with an option to increase), a longer maturity date (December 31, 2016), reduced interest rate margins (150-200 bps over LIBOR), and a lower minimum cash requirement ($150 million). It also removes a maturity acceleration trigger related to the outstanding convertible notes.

The net proceeds of approximately $246 million from the term loan are principally intended to provide additional liquidity to support the repayment of Ciena's 4.00% senior convertible notes due March 15, 2015, should holders not elect to convert them. If the notes are converted, Ciena may use the proceeds for other general corporate purposes, including repaying or refinancing other existing debt.

The new term loan matures on July 15, 2019. It bears interest at a rate equal to LIBOR (with a 0.75% floor) plus an applicable margin of 3.00%.