8-KMaterial AgreementsFinancial EventsExhibits & Filings

LOWES COMPANIES INC 8-K Report, Material Agreement (Jan 9, 2020)

Filed January 9, 2020For Securities:LOW

Summary

This 8-K filing by Lowe's Companies, Inc. announces the entry into a $1 billion unsecured 364-day term loan facility with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. This facility provides the company with a significant source of short-term liquidity, available through multiple draws until January 31, 2020. The loan matures on December 31, 2020, and carries interest rates based on either a Base Rate or a Eurocurrency Rate plus an applicable margin. Investors should note the inclusion of a financial covenant related to the ratio of Consolidated Adjusted Funded Debt to Consolidated EBITDAR, which must not exceed 4.00 to 1.00 at the end of each fiscal quarter. The agreement also contains standard provisions for events of default, including cross-default and change of control clauses. This facility offers financial flexibility while maintaining a manageable debt structure for the near term.

Key Highlights

  • 1Lowe's secured a $1 billion unsecured 364-day term loan facility with Wells Fargo Bank.
  • 2The facility allows for multiple draws, with a target funding date of January 31, 2020.
  • 3The loan matures on December 31, 2020.
  • 4Interest rates are tied to a Base Rate or Eurocurrency Rate plus an applicable margin (0.000% for Base Rate, 0.625% for Eurocurrency Rate).
  • 5An upfront fee of 0.02% applies to advances funded after the Target Date if the full principal isn't drawn by January 31, 2020.
  • 6A key financial covenant requires maintaining a Consolidated Adjusted Funded Debt to Consolidated EBITDAR ratio not exceeding 4.00 to 1.00.
  • 7The agreement includes standard events of default, such as cross-default and change of control provisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

The $1 billion term loan facility provides Lowe's with a significant source of short-term unsecured borrowing capacity. This can be used for general corporate purposes, offering financial flexibility and liquidity.

The loan is a 364-day facility, meaning it matures on December 31, 2020. It is unsecured and can be drawn in tranches of at least $100 million.

Yes, the loan includes a financial covenant requiring Lowe's to maintain a ratio of Consolidated Adjusted Funded Debt to Consolidated EBITDAR not exceeding 4.00 to 1.00 at the end of each fiscal quarter. This is a standard measure of leverage and profitability.

If the full principal amount of the Term Loan is not funded on or before January 31, 2020 (the 'Target Date'), Lowe's will pay an upfront fee equal to 0.02% of the aggregate principal amount of each Advance occurring after the Target Date. This incentivizes timely funding.