8-KEarnings & ResultsMaterial AgreementsFinancial Events+1

WASTE MANAGEMENT INC 8-K Report, Material Agreement (Jul 30, 2020)

Filed July 30, 2020For Securities:WM

Summary

Waste Management, Inc. (WM) announced on July 28, 2020, the entry into a new 364-day revolving credit facility totaling $3.0 billion. This facility, maturing on July 27, 2021, is intended to support general corporate purposes, including potential acquisitions and the refinancing of existing debt. The credit agreement includes provisions for converting outstanding balances into a term loan and is guaranteed by its wholly-owned subsidiary, Waste Management Holdings, Inc. The terms include a facility fee and interest rates tied to LIBOR or a base rate, with spreads influenced by the Company's senior public debt ratings from S&P and Moody's. A key financial covenant in the agreement limits the total debt to EBITDA ratio to 3.75:1, with a provision to temporarily increase this leverage ratio to 4.25:1 under specific conditions related to acquisitions exceeding $200 million. The agreement also details customary covenants and events of default, including cross-default provisions and change of control clauses. Additionally, the company issued a press release on July 30, 2020, announcing its second quarter 2020 financial results, which are incorporated by reference.

Key Highlights

  • 1Secured a new $3.0 billion, 364-day revolving credit facility maturing July 27, 2021.
  • 2Facility is for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions and debt refinancing.
  • 3Includes a financial covenant limiting total debt to EBITDA ratio to 3.75:1, with a potential temporary increase to 4.25:1 for acquisitions.
  • 4Interest rates for borrowings are tied to LIBOR or a base rate, with spreads dependent on credit ratings.
  • 5The credit agreement contains standard representations, warranties, covenants, and events of default.
  • 6Wholly-owned subsidiary, Waste Management Holdings, Inc., guarantees obligations under the credit agreement.
  • 7The company also announced its second quarter 2020 financial results in a separate press release.

Frequently Asked Questions

The $3.0 billion revolving credit facility is primarily for general corporate purposes. This includes funding potential acquisitions and refinancing existing indebtedness, providing financial flexibility for Waste Management, Inc.

The most significant financial covenant requires Waste Management, Inc. to maintain a total debt to EBITDA ratio not exceeding 3.75 to 1. However, this ratio can be temporarily increased to 4.25 to 1 if the company undertakes an acquisition valued at over $200 million, for a specified period.

Borrowings can be either Eurocurrency Loans (based on LIBOR plus a spread) or Base Rate Loans (based on a base rate plus a spread). The applicable spreads range from 1.0% to 1.3% for Eurocurrency Loans and 0% to 0.3% for Base Rate Loans. These spreads are determined by the Company's senior public debt rating, and the current terms reflect a spread of 1.225% for Eurocurrency Loans and 0.225% for Base Rate Loans.

While the 8-K filing announces the new credit facility, it also references a press release filed concurrently (Exhibit 99.1) that details the Company's second quarter 2020 financial results. Investors should refer to that press release for specific operational and financial performance information for the quarter.