8-KMaterial AgreementsFinancial EventsExhibits & Filings

LOWES COMPANIES INC 8-K Report, Material Agreement (Apr 27, 2021)

Filed April 27, 2021For Securities:LOW

Summary

Lowe's Companies, Inc. (LOW) announced on April 27, 2021, that it has entered into a $1 billion unsecured 364-day term loan facility with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association. This facility, effective April 22, 2021, provides the company with significant short-term liquidity, with the option to draw the full amount or in increments of at least $100 million. The loan matures on April 21, 2022, and carries interest based on either a Base Rate or Eurodollar Rate plus an applicable margin. An upfront fee may apply if full funding doesn't occur by May 15, 2021. This financing strengthens Lowe's financial flexibility and demonstrates its ability to secure substantial credit lines. The agreement includes standard covenants, notably a financial covenant requiring the maintenance of a Consolidated Adjusted Funded Debt to Consolidated EBITDAR ratio not exceeding 4.00 to 1.00. The facility also features typical events of default, such as cross-default and change of control provisions, which are important considerations for investors assessing the company's risk profile.

Key Highlights

  • 1Lowe's secured a $1 billion unsecured 364-day term loan facility with Wells Fargo.
  • 2The facility provides immediate access to significant short-term liquidity.
  • 3The loan matures on April 21, 2022, offering flexibility within the upcoming fiscal year.
  • 4Borrowings can be made in U.S. Dollars with options for Base Rate or Eurodollar Rate interest calculations.
  • 5A key financial covenant requires a Consolidated Adjusted Funded Debt to Consolidated EBITDAR ratio not to exceed 4.00:1.00.
  • 6The agreement includes standard protections for lenders, such as cross-default and change of control clauses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lowe's entered into this $1 billion term loan facility to enhance its short-term financial flexibility and liquidity. This provides the company with readily available funds to manage its working capital needs, pursue strategic opportunities, or weather potential economic uncertainties.

The loan is a $1 billion unsecured 364-day facility with Wells Fargo, maturing on April 21, 2022. Interest rates are based on a Base Rate or Eurodollar Rate plus an applicable margin (0.00% for Base Rate, 0.70% for Eurodollar Rate). It includes a financial covenant to maintain a debt-to-EBITDAR ratio below 4.00:1.00 and customary events of default.

The financial covenant requiring Consolidated Adjusted Funded Debt to Consolidated EBITDAR not to exceed 4.00 to 1.00 is a crucial indicator of Lowe's leverage and its ability to service its debt. Maintaining this ratio demonstrates financial discipline and operational efficiency to lenders and investors.

Yes, an upfront fee of 0.02% of the aggregate principal amount may be charged for any advances drawn after May 15, 2021, if the full $1 billion is not funded by that date. This is an incentive for timely funding of the facility.