8-KMaterial AgreementsFinancial EventsShareholder Matters+1

REPUBLIC SERVICES, INC. 8-K Report, Material Agreement (May 8, 2012)

Filed May 8, 2012For Securities:RSG

Summary

Republic Services, Inc. (RSG) has filed an 8-K report detailing significant changes to its credit facilities and the implications for its debt obligations. The company entered into a new $1.25 billion unsecured revolving credit facility that matures in May 2017, replacing an existing facility. This new facility offers flexibility with an option to increase availability by up to $500 million, subject to certain conditions. Additionally, an amendment to its existing $1.25 billion credit facility was made, reducing its commitment to $1.0 billion and aligning its terms with the new facility. Crucially, these actions have resulted in the automatic release of subsidiary guarantees on all of the company's outstanding senior notes, totaling $5.6 billion. Guarantees on certain debentures issued by a subsidiary have also been released. This release of guarantees significantly alters the credit profile of these debt instruments, potentially impacting their risk and return for investors.

Key Highlights

  • 1Republic Services entered into a new $1.25 billion unsecured revolving credit facility maturing in May 2017.
  • 2The new credit facility replaces a previous $1.25 billion facility and includes an option to increase borrowing capacity by up to $500 million.
  • 3An amendment to an existing credit facility reduced its commitment to $1.0 billion and aligned its terms with the new facility.
  • 4The primary impact for investors is the automatic release of subsidiary guarantees on all $5.6 billion of the company's outstanding senior notes.
  • 5Guarantees on certain debentures issued by a subsidiary (Browning-Ferris Industries, LLC) were also released.
  • 6The credit facilities contain customary covenants requiring the maintenance of specific financial ratios (e.g., EBITDA to interest, debt to EBITDA).

Frequently Asked Questions

The main financial change is the entry into a new $1.25 billion unsecured revolving credit facility and an amendment to an existing one. The most significant consequence for investors is the automatic release of subsidiary guarantees on $5.6 billion of Republic Services' senior notes.

The new Amended and Restated Credit Facility matures in May 2017.

The release of subsidiary guarantees means that these subsidiaries are no longer contractually obligated to back the company's senior notes. This effectively makes the senior notes unsecured obligations of Republic Services, Inc. directly, which could alter their risk profile and credit rating.

The Amended and Restated Credit Facility includes covenants that require the company to maintain certain financial ratios. Republic Services may still pay dividends and repurchase common stock, but it must be in compliance with these covenants.