8-KShareholder MattersCorporate ChangesOther Events+1

SCHWAB CHARLES CORP 8-K Report, Rights Modification (Dec 11, 2020)

Filed December 11, 2020For Securities:SCHWSCHW-PDSCHW-PJ

Summary

This 8-K filing from The Charles Schwab Corporation (SCHW) on December 11, 2020, details two significant financing activities: a preferred stock issuance and a debt issuance. The company filed a Certificate of Designations to establish Series H Preferred Stock, which carries specific voting rights and dividend preferences. Crucially, the terms of this preferred stock impose restrictions on Schwab's ability to pay dividends or repurchase common stock if dividends on the Series H Preferred Stock are not met. The filing also outlines the underwriting agreements for both the issuance of 2,500,000 Depositary Shares (representing interests in the Series H Preferred Stock) and the sale of senior notes, specifically 0.900% Senior Notes due 2026 and 1.650% Senior Notes due 2031. These transactions are part of a broader strategy to manage the company's capital structure, likely in anticipation of or following significant events, such as the pending acquisition of TD Ameritrade. Investors should note the financial implications of the new preferred stock, particularly the potential constraints on common stock distributions, and the terms of the newly issued debt, which will impact the company's leverage and interest expense. The filing incorporates by reference detailed agreements and opinions, underscoring the complexity of these capital-raising efforts.

Key Highlights

  • 1Establishment of Series H Preferred Stock with specific dividend and voting rights, effective December 10, 2020.
  • 2Restrictions placed on common stock dividend payments and repurchases if Series H Preferred Stock dividends are not met.
  • 3Issuance of 2,500,000 Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/100th interest in a share of Series H Preferred Stock.
  • 4Underwriting agreements signed with major financial institutions (BofA Securities, Citigroup, Credit Suisse, Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan) for both preferred and debt offerings.
  • 5Issuance of Senior Notes: 0.900% Senior Notes due 2026 and 1.650% Senior Notes due 2031.
  • 6The debt issuance is governed by the Senior Indenture and a Fifteenth Supplemental Indenture.
  • 7All transactions were made pursuant to effective registration statements and related prospectus supplements.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary purpose appears to be capital raising and managing the company's capital structure. The specifics of the 'Preferred Issuance' are detailed in an underwriting agreement and related filings, indicating Schwab's intent to sell these securities to investors.

Holders of Series H Preferred Stock have priority rights, including for dividends. The terms state that Schwab's ability to pay dividends on, or repurchase, its common stock is restricted if it fails to declare and pay or set aside funds for dividends on the Series H Preferred Stock for the preceding dividend period. This could limit future distributions to common stockholders.

Schwab issued 0.900% Senior Notes due 2026 and 1.650% Senior Notes due 2031. These notes were issued under the existing Senior Indenture, supplemented by a Fifteenth Supplemental Indenture dated December 11, 2020. These represent new long-term debt obligations for the company.

The underwriters for both the preferred stock and debt offerings were represented by BofA Securities, Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC.