8-KMaterial AgreementsFinancial EventsExhibits & Filings

W.W. GRAINGER, INC. 8-K Report, Material Agreement (Oct 10, 2017)

Filed October 10, 2017For Securities:GWW

Summary

W.W. Grainger, Inc. (GWW) has entered into a new, five-year syndicated revolving credit facility agreement, replacing its previous facility. The new credit facility provides access to up to $750 million, with an option to increase it to $1.125 billion, offering significant financial flexibility. This move demonstrates the company's proactive approach to managing its capital structure and ensuring liquidity for its operations and strategic initiatives. The new facility, which matures on October 6, 2022 (with a potential one-year extension), is unsecured and its terms, including interest rates and fees, are tied to the company's credit rating. Standard covenants and events of default are included, which are typical for such agreements. The termination of the previous credit facility has also been formally noted, marking a clean transition to the new financing arrangement.

Key Highlights

  • 1W.W. Grainger, Inc. entered into a new $750 million syndicated revolving credit facility on October 6, 2017.
  • 2The new facility has a five-year term, maturing on October 6, 2022, with an option for a one-year extension.
  • 3The credit limit can be increased up to $1.125 billion, subject to obtaining additional commitments.
  • 4This new facility replaces the company's prior $900 million unsecured revolving credit facility, which was set to mature in August 2018.
  • 5The credit facility is unsecured, and its interest rates and fees are determined by the company's credit rating.
  • 6The agreement includes customary representations, warranties, covenants, and events of default, with certain thresholds and exceptions.
  • 7The company's subsidiaries are also borrowers under this facility, and their obligations are guaranteed by W.W. Grainger, Inc.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary purpose of this 8-K filing is to announce W.W. Grainger, Inc.'s entry into a new, material definitive agreement: a five-year syndicated revolving credit facility. It also serves to formally note the termination of the company's previous credit facility.

The new credit facility has a size of $750 million, with the option for the company to increase it up to $1.125 billion. The term is five years, with a maturity date of October 6, 2022, and a potential one-year extension.

The new credit facility replaces the company's prior $900 million unsecured revolving credit facility. While the previous facility was also unsecured and had a shorter remaining term, the new facility offers a slightly larger potential capacity and a defined five-year term, providing potentially longer-term financial stability.

The new credit facility is unsecured. Interest rates and facility fees are variable and determined by a margin linked to the rating on the company's non-credit-enhanced, senior unsecured long-term debt. Borrowings can be at either a Eurocurrency rate or a base rate, plus the applicable margin.