8-KMaterial AgreementsFinancial EventsExhibits & Filings

LOWES COMPANIES INC 8-K Report, Material Agreement (Sep 12, 2018)

Filed September 12, 2018For Securities:LOW

Summary

Lowe's Companies, Inc. (LOW) filed an 8-K on September 11, 2018, reporting on the entry into two material definitive agreements related to its credit facilities. The company entered into a $1.75 billion five-year unsecured revolving Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, which extends the maturity date of its revolving credit facility and provides the option to increase the facility by an additional $500 million. Additionally, Lowe's entered into a $250 million unsecured 364-day credit agreement. These agreements are significant as they provide Lowe's with substantial liquidity and financial flexibility. The ability to borrow in multiple currencies and the terms of interest rates and fees, which are tied to the company's credit ratings, indicate a well-managed approach to its capital structure. The inclusion of financial covenants, specifically a leverage ratio limit of 4.00 to 1.00 for Consolidated Adjusted Funded Debt to Consolidated EBITDAR, demonstrates a commitment to maintaining financial discipline, which is crucial for investor confidence.

Key Highlights

  • 1Lowe's entered into a $1.75 billion five-year unsecured revolving Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement on September 10, 2018.
  • 2The new credit agreement extends the maturity date of the revolving credit facility.
  • 3The company has the option to increase the revolving credit facility by an additional $500 million, subject to lender commitments.
  • 4Lowe's also entered into a $250 million unsecured 364-day credit agreement.
  • 5Both agreements allow for borrowings in multiple currencies, including USD, EUR, GBP, and CAD.
  • 6Interest rates and facility fees are variable, based on the company's credit ratings, and currently offer favorable terms.
  • 7Both agreements include a financial covenant requiring Consolidated Adjusted Funded Debt to Consolidated EBITDAR to not exceed 4.00 to 1.00.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary purpose of these agreements is to refinance and extend Lowe's existing credit facilities, providing enhanced financial flexibility and ensuring access to liquidity. The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement extends the maturity of a significant revolving credit facility, while the 364-day agreement offers short-term borrowing capacity.

Under the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, Lowe's has $1.75 billion in revolving credit, with an option to increase it by an additional $500 million. The 364-day credit agreement provides $250 million in borrowing capacity.

Yes, both agreements include a financial covenant that requires Lowe's to maintain a ratio of Consolidated Adjusted Funded Debt to Consolidated EBITDAR that does not exceed 4.00 to 1.00 at the end of each fiscal quarter. This demonstrates a commitment to managing leverage.

The company's credit ratings directly influence the applicable margins for interest rates on borrowings and the rates for facility and letter of credit fees. Higher credit ratings generally result in lower borrowing costs and fees.