8-KMaterial AgreementsFinancial EventsOther Events+1

MOODYS CORP /DE/ 8-K Report, Material Agreement (Aug 20, 2012)

Filed August 20, 2012For Securities:MCO

Summary

Moody's Corporation (MCO) announced the closing of a public offering of $500 million in aggregate principal amount of 4.50% Senior Notes due 2022 on August 20, 2012. The offering was conducted under an underwriting agreement with Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated as representatives for the underwriters, and the notes were registered under a previously filed Form S-3. The net proceeds from this debt issuance are earmarked for general corporate purposes. This includes the potential redemption of existing short-term or long-term borrowings, such as up to $127.5 million under its senior unsecured term loan facility, as well as working capital, capital expenditures, strategic acquisitions or investments, and share repurchases under its authorized program. The company entered into a second supplemental indenture with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, to formalize the issuance of these notes.

Key Highlights

  • 1Moody's Corporation successfully closed a $500 million public offering of 4.50% Senior Notes due 2022.
  • 2The debt issuance occurred on August 20, 2012, with the underwriting agreement dated August 15, 2012.
  • 3Proceeds are designated for general corporate purposes, including debt repayment, working capital, capital expenditures, and share repurchases.
  • 4A portion of the proceeds may be used to repay up to $127.5 million of borrowings under the company's existing five-year senior unsecured term loan facility.
  • 5The notes mature on September 1, 2022, with semi-annual interest payments on March 1 and September 1.
  • 6The indenture includes covenants that restrict Moody's and its subsidiaries from incurring certain liens or entering into sale and leaseback transactions.
  • 7The notes may be redeemed by the company or repurchased by the company at the holder's option upon a 'Change of Control Triggering Event'.

Frequently Asked Questions

This Form 8-K is filed to report on Moody's Corporation's entry into a material definitive agreement (the Underwriting Agreement) and the creation of a direct financial obligation (the issuance of $500 million in Senior Notes due 2022).

The net proceeds are intended for general corporate purposes. This includes repaying existing debt (up to $127.5 million from a term loan facility), funding working capital needs, financing capital expenditures, pursuing acquisitions or investments, and repurchasing company stock.

The notes bear a fixed interest rate of 4.50% per annum, mature on September 1, 2022, and pay interest semi-annually on March 1 and September 1. The company has the option to redeem the notes under certain conditions, and holders have the option to sell back notes upon a 'Change of Control Triggering Event'.

Yes, the indenture governing the notes includes covenants that limit Moody's and certain subsidiaries' ability to incur liens, enter into sale and leaseback transactions, or merge with or sell substantially all assets to another entity without meeting specific conditions.