8-KMaterial AgreementsFinancial EventsExhibits & Filings

DARDEN RESTAURANTS INC 8-K Report, Material Agreement (Aug 18, 2005)

Filed August 18, 2005For Securities:DRI

Summary

Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI) filed an 8-K report on August 18, 2005, announcing the entry into a new Credit Agreement dated August 16, 2005. This agreement establishes a new unsecured revolving credit facility of up to $500 million, maturing on August 15, 2010. This facility replaces a previous credit agreement and is intended to support the company's commercial paper program and provide for general corporate purposes. The new credit facility offers flexibility in borrowing terms, with interest rates tied to LIBOR or a base rate, and allows for letters of credit up to $100 million. Key financial covenants include maintaining a consolidated total debt to consolidated total capitalization ratio below 0.65 to 1.00. As of the filing date, no borrowings were outstanding under this new facility. The company also noted the termination of its prior credit agreement and highlighted various existing relationships with the banks involved in the new agreement, including those providing investment banking and other financial services.

Key Highlights

  • 1Darden Restaurants entered into a new $500 million unsecured revolving credit facility, replacing a prior agreement.
  • 2The new facility matures on August 15, 2010, providing a five-year term.
  • 3Proceeds can be used for Darden's commercial paper program and general corporate purposes.
  • 4The agreement allows for up to $100 million in letters of credit.
  • 5Interest rates are variable, based on LIBOR or a base rate, with facility fees determined by the company's debt rating.
  • 6Key financial covenants include a debt-to-capitalization ratio below 0.65 to 1.00.
  • 7No borrowings were outstanding under the new facility as of August 18, 2005.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary purpose of the new Credit Agreement is to provide Darden Restaurants with financial flexibility by establishing a $500 million unsecured revolving credit facility. This facility is intended to support the company's commercial paper program and fund general corporate purposes.

The new agreement provides up to $500 million in unsecured borrowings and allows for up to $100 million in letters of credit. It matures on August 15, 2010. Interest rates are variable, tied to LIBOR or a base rate, and a facility fee is payable on loan commitments, with rates influenced by Darden's debt rating.

Darden must maintain a ratio of consolidated total debt to consolidated total capitalization of less than 0.65 to 1.00. There are also limitations on secured debt and debt owed by subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions.

As of August 18, 2005, the filing date, Darden Restaurants had not drawn any amounts under the new $500 million credit facility.