8-KMaterial AgreementsFinancial EventsRegulation FD+1

TransDigm Group INC 8-K Report, Material Agreement (Jul 3, 2013)

Filed July 3, 2013For Securities:TDG

Summary

TransDigm Group Inc. (TDG) filed an 8-K on July 3, 2013, detailing significant financial maneuvers primarily centered around debt financing and a substantial shareholder distribution. The company amended its credit agreement to allow for a special dividend of up to $1.9 billion to common stockholders, alongside issuing $500 million in 7.50% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2021. Concurrently, TDG secured an additional $900 million in incremental term loans, fully drawn on July 1, 2013, under its existing credit facility. These actions indicate a strategic use of leverage to return capital to shareholders and fund operations. Investors should note the substantial debt issuance and the increase in leverage. The press release, also filed, clarifies that the $900 million incremental term loan carries a current interest rate of approximately 3.8%, and confirms the authorization of a special cash dividend of $22.00 per share, with a record date of July 15, 2013, and a payment date of July 25, 2013. The filing also includes standard registration rights agreements for the new notes.

Key Highlights

  • 1Amendment to Credit Agreement to permit a special dividend of up to $1.9 billion to common stockholders.
  • 2Issuance of $500 million aggregate principal amount of 7.50% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2021.
  • 3Secured $900 million in Incremental Term Loans (Tranche C), fully drawn on July 1, 2013.
  • 4The Incremental Term Facility has an initial interest rate of approximately 3.8%.
  • 5Authorized and declared a one-time special cash dividend of $22.00 per share.
  • 6Record date for the special dividend is July 15, 2013; payment date is July 25, 2013.
  • 7Registration Rights Agreement executed to allow for exchange of privately placed notes for registered notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary purpose of these transactions is to facilitate a substantial return of capital to shareholders through a large special dividend, funded by a combination of new debt issuance ($500 million in senior subordinated notes) and an increase in existing credit facilities ($900 million in incremental term loans). The amendment to the credit agreement was necessary to permit these actions.

TransDigm is issuing $500 million in 7.50% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2021, which are subordinated to senior debt. Additionally, they drew down $900 million in incremental term loans under their existing credit agreement, which had an approximate initial interest rate of 3.8%.

TransDigm's board of directors authorized a one-time special cash dividend of $22.00 per share. The record date for this dividend is July 15, 2013, and the payment date is July 25, 2013. The total potential payout for this dividend could be up to $1.9 billion, as permitted by the amended credit agreement.

Yes, the Indenture governing the 7.50% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2021 contains covenants that limit TransDigm Group and its subsidiaries regarding incurring additional indebtedness, paying dividends, making investments, engaging in affiliate transactions, asset sales, and other restricted payments. These are standard covenants for such debt issuances.