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Ecovyst Successfully Amends and Extends Term Loan Facility

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Ecovyst Inc. (NYSE: ECVT) announced the successful amendment and extension of its senior secured term loan facility, now totaling $873 million. The new terms reduce the interest rate margin to SOFR plus 2.25% from the previous SOFR plus 2.75% and extend the loan maturity to June 2031. Additionally, the Credit Spread Adjustment of 10 basis points has been eliminated. Ecovyst expects to save approximately $3 million annually in cash interest due to these favorable changes. This adjustment provides the company with greater financial flexibility to pursue growth opportunities.

Positive
  • Amended term loan facility totals $873 million.
  • Interest rate margin reduced to SOFR plus 2.25% from SOFR plus 2.75%.
  • Loan maturity extended to June 2031.
  • Elimination of the 10 basis points Credit Spread Adjustment.
  • Expected annual cash interest savings of approximately $3 million.
  • Favorable refinancing outcome due to strong operating results and cash flow generation.
Negative
  • Floating interest rates expose the company to potential future rate increases.
  • Term loan facility still represents a significant debt load of $873 million, which may impact financial flexibility if market conditions deteriorate.

Insights

The refinancing of Ecovyst's term loan facility presents a significant development for investors. Refinancing at a lower interest rate margin from SOFR plus 2.75% to SOFR plus 2.25% directly translates to reduced borrowing costs. This interest rate reduction is expected to save the company approximately $3.0 million annually in cash interest, which can be redirected towards growth initiatives.

Additionally, the extension of the loan maturity to June 2031 offers increased financial flexibility, allowing Ecovyst to better manage its long-term debt obligations. By replacing the Credit Spread Adjustment (CSA) with a zero percent minimum SOFR floor, Ecovyst aligns itself with more favorable market terms.

Short-term, this refinancing reduces financial pressure and enhances liquidity. Long-term, the lower cost of capital and extended maturity could improve Ecovyst's financial health, making it more attractive to both debt and equity investors. However, it is important to monitor the company's ability to sustain strong operating results and cash flow to fully capitalize on these improved terms.

From a market perspective, the successful amendment and extension of Ecovyst's term loan facility underscores its strong positioning and favorable relationships with creditors. This move is reflective of the company's robust financial performance and investor confidence.

The elimination of the Credit Spread Adjustment (CSA) and the lowering of the interest margin are indicators that lenders perceive lower risk. This can positively influence Ecovyst's market perception and potentially its credit rating. The extended maturity also indicates that Ecovyst has secured long-term financial stability, which is a solid foundation for pursuing growth opportunities without the immediate pressure of upcoming debt maturities.

Investors should consider how Ecovyst plans to utilize the financial flexibility gained from this refinancing. It indicates potential for strategic investments in advanced materials and specialty catalysts that could drive future revenue growth. However, the overall impact will depend on the effective allocation of these resources.

MALVERN, Pa., June 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ecovyst Inc. (NYSE: ECVT) ("Ecovyst" or the "Company"), a leading integrated and innovative global provider of advanced materials, specialty catalysts and services, today announced that it has successfully amended and extended its existing senior secured term loan facility (the "Amended Term Loan Facility") in an aggregate principal amount of $873 million at a lower interest rate margin and with an extended maturity. The Amended Term Loan Facility will have interest at a floating rate of SOFR (with a zero percent minimum SOFR floor) plus 2.25 percent per annum (a reduction from the prior maximum interest rate of SOFR plus 2.75 percent) and will mature in June of 2031. The Amended Term Loan Facility also eliminates the Credit Spread Adjustment (CSA) of 10 basis points.

"We are very pleased with the favorable outcome of the refinancing to extend our Term Facility by three years at a lower cost. The market continues to reward Ecovyst with attractive borrowing rates due to the strong operating results and cash flow generation of our portfolio," commented Mike Feehan, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. "We believe this amendment to our Term Loan Facility will provide for additional flexibility as we continue to invest in the numerous growth opportunities in front of Ecovyst."

As a result of the refinancing, the Company expects to reduce cash interest by approximately $3.0 million per annum.

About Ecovyst Inc.

Ecovyst Inc. and subsidiaries is a leading integrated and innovative global provider of advanced materials, specialty catalysts and services. We support customers globally through our strategically located network of manufacturing facilities. We believe that our products, which are predominantly inorganic, and our services contribute to improving the sustainability of the environment.

We have two uniquely positioned specialty businesses: Ecoservices provides sulfuric acid recycling to the North American refining industry for the production of alkylate and provides high quality and high strength virgin sulfuric acid for industrial and mining applications. Ecoservices also provides chemical waste handling and treatment services, as well as ex-situ catalyst activation services for the refining and petrochemical industry. Advanced Materials & Catalysts provides finished silica catalysts, catalyst supports and functionalized silicas necessary to produce high performing plastics and to enable sustainable chemistry, and through its Zeolyst joint venture, innovates and supplies specialty zeolites used in catalysts that support the production of sustainable fuels, remove nitrogen oxides from diesel engine emissions, and that are broadly applied in refining and petrochemical processes.

Note on Forward-Looking Statements

Some of the information contained in this press release constitutes "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "seeks," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "projects" and similar references to future periods. Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Our actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. We caution you, therefore, against relying on any of these forward-looking statements. They are neither statements of historical fact nor guarantees or assurances of future performance. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law.

For more information:

Gene Shiels – Director of Investor Relations
(484) 617-1225
gene.shiels@ecovyst.com

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ecovyst-successfully-amends-and-extends-term-loan-facility-302171236.html

SOURCE Ecovyst Inc.

FAQ

What is the new interest rate for Ecovyst's amended term loan facility?

The new interest rate is SOFR plus 2.25% per annum.

When does Ecovyst's amended term loan facility mature?

The amended term loan facility matures in June 2031.

How much does Ecovyst expect to save annually in cash interest due to the amended loan facility?

Ecovyst expects to save approximately $3 million annually in cash interest.

What was the previous interest rate for Ecovyst's term loan facility?

The previous interest rate was SOFR plus 2.75% per annum.

How much is Ecovyst's amended term loan facility worth?

The amended term loan facility is worth $873 million.

Ecovyst Inc.

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