8-KMaterial AgreementsFinancial EventsExhibits & Filings

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC 8-K Report, Material Agreement (Mar 27, 2015)

Filed March 27, 2015For Securities:ROK

Summary

Rockwell Automation, Inc. (ROK) has filed an 8-K report detailing the execution of a new $1,000,000,000 five-year unsecured revolving credit agreement, effective March 24, 2015. This new facility replaces a prior $750,000,000 agreement and provides increased financial flexibility. The company has the option to further increase the credit line by up to $350,000,000, subject to certain conditions. Proceeds from this new credit facility are designated for general corporate purposes, indicating the company's ongoing need for liquidity for its operational and strategic initiatives. The agreement includes standard covenants, representations, and events of default common for such credit facilities, with a notable restriction on the debt-to-capital ratio not exceeding 60%. This update signifies a proactive approach by Rockwell Automation to manage its financial resources and ensure adequate funding availability.

Key Highlights

  • 1Entered into a new $1,000,000,000 five-year unsecured revolving credit agreement on March 24, 2015.
  • 2The new credit agreement replaces a previous $750,000,000 credit facility, which was terminated concurrently.
  • 3The company has the option to increase the aggregate commitments under the new agreement by up to an additional $350,000,000.
  • 4Borrowings under the new agreement will be used for general corporate purposes.
  • 5The credit agreement features variable interest rates based on either a base rate or the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR).
  • 6Customary covenants, representations, and events of default are included, with a specific restriction that the debt-to-capital ratio must not exceed 60%.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary purpose of the new $1,000,000,000 five-year unsecured revolving credit agreement is to provide Rockwell Automation with financial flexibility for its general corporate purposes, which can include funding operations, strategic initiatives, or other business needs.

The new agreement is for a larger amount ($1,000,000,000) compared to the previous agreement ($750,000,000) and has a similar five-year term. It replaces the older agreement, which was terminated concurrently without any early termination penalties.

The agreement includes standard covenants customary for credit facilities. A significant financial covenant restricts the company's debt-to-capital ratio, which cannot exceed 60%. Other covenants relate to restrictions on incurring secured indebtedness, mergers, asset sales, and sale-leaseback transactions, subject to certain exceptions.

Borrowings will bear interest at variable rates. The company can elect between a base rate loan (which includes the prime rate, federal funds rate plus 0.5%, or 1% plus a one-month LIBOR) plus a base rate margin, or a Eurodollar loan (based on LIBOR) plus a Eurodollar margin. The Eurodollar margin ranges from 0.75% to 1.50% depending on the company's credit rating.