Holley Announces Additional $25 Million Debt Paydown

Rhea-AI Summary

Holley Inc. (NYSE: HLLY) has paid down an additional $25 million in principal against its first lien term loan facility, reducing the principal amount outstanding by $50 million since September 2023. This move is expected to result in up to an estimated $2 million in annualized net interest savings. Holley is committed to further reducing its leverage over the next 12 months.

Insights

Financial Analyst

Holley Inc.'s recent announcement of reducing its first lien term loan facility by $50 million is a noteworthy move in the context of corporate financial strategy. This action directly relates to the company's debt management and capital structure optimization, which are critical for maintaining a healthy balance sheet and can influence investor confidence.

The use of free cash flow for debt repayment is a positive signal, indicating that the company generates sufficient operational cash to not only sustain its business but also to address its liabilities. This can lead to reduced interest expenses, which Holley estimates at an annualized $2 million in savings. Such savings can potentially be redirected towards investments in growth or returned to shareholders.

Stakeholders should note that aggressive debt paydown can sometimes come at the expense of other strategic opportunities. However, in an environment where interest rates may rise, reducing leverage is often seen as a prudent approach to mitigate financial risk. The company's focus on deleveraging also suggests a disciplined approach to financial management, which could be a positive indicator for its long-term financial health and creditworthiness.

Industry Analyst

The automotive aftermarket performance solutions sector, where Holley Inc. operates, is competitive and capital-intensive. The ability to manage debt effectively is a significant advantage as it can provide a company with more agility to respond to market changes and invest in R&D or marketing efforts that can enhance its competitive position.

From an industry standpoint, Holley's proactive debt management may set a precedent for other players in the space. It reflects a strategic prioritization of financial stability over aggressive expansion, which could be particularly advantageous during economic downturns or periods of market volatility.

Should Holley continue on this path, it may emerge as a more resilient player, potentially gaining a better rating from credit agencies, which in turn can lower the cost of future capital. This financial maneuvering can have a positive ripple effect on the company's operations and market share.

Holley has utilized strong free cash flow to pay down $50 million in debt since September 2023

BOWLING GREEN, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Holley Inc. (NYSE: HLLY), a leader in automotive aftermarket performance solutions, today announced it paid down an additional $25 million in principal against its first lien term loan facility. This debt reduction against Holley’s first lien term loan facility was completed through opportunistic repurchases at a discount to par in November and December and were completed using cash on hand.

Combined with the $25 million paydown during September 2023, Holley has reduced the principal amount outstanding under its first lien term loan facility by $50 million since September 2023 allowing Holley to recognize up to an estimated $2 million in annualized net interest savings. Holley is committed to further reducing its leverage over the next 12 months.

“We are delivering our commitments and executing the strategy we outlined at the beginning of 2023 to improve financial flexibility and reduce leverage,” said Jesse Weaver, Chief Financial Officer, Holley. “The successful execution of these opportunistic repurchases is another key step forward for Holley. Looking ahead to 2024, our executive leadership team remains committed to prioritizing near-term cash flow for debt reduction.”

For more investor relations news, visit Holley’s website.

About Holley
Holley Inc. (NYSE: HLLY) is a leading designer, marketer, and manufacturer of high-performance products for car and truck enthusiasts. Holley offers a leading portfolio of iconic brands that deliver innovation and inspiration to a large and diverse community of millions of avid automotive enthusiasts who are passionate about the performance and personalization of their classic and modern cars. Holley has disrupted the performance category by putting the enthusiast consumer first, developing innovative new products, and building a robust M&A process that has added meaningful scale and diversity to its platform. For more information on Holley, visit https://www.holley.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release may be considered “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events or Holley’s future financial or operating performance. For example, statements regarding further debt reduction and any benefits related thereto are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “should,” “will,” “continue,” “estimate,” “see,” “look,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “predict,” “or” or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar terminology. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Holley and its management, are inherently uncertain. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: 1) the ability of Holley to grow and manage growth profitably which may be affected by, among other things, competition and maintenance of relationships with customers and suppliers; 2) the ability to hire or retain its management and key employees; 3) costs related to Holley being a public company; 4) disruptions to Holley's operations, including as a result of cybersecurity incidents; 5) changes in applicable laws or regulations; 6) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Holley; 7) general economic and political conditions, including the current macroeconomic environment, political tensions and war (including the conflict in Ukraine, the conflict in Israel and surrounding areas, and the possible expansion of such conflicts and potential geopolitical consequences); 8) the possibility that Holley may be adversely affected by other economic, business and/or competitive factors, including recent events affecting the financial services industry (such as the closures of certain regional banks); 9) Holley’s estimates of its financial performance; 10) Holley’s ability to anticipate and manage through disruptions and higher costs in manufacturing, supply chain, logistical operations, and shortages of certain Holley products in distribution channels; and 11) other risks and uncertainties set forth in the section entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 15, 2023, and/or disclosed in any subsequent filings with the SEC. Although Holley believes the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, nothing in this press release should be regarded as a representation by any person that the forward-looking statements or projections set forth herein will be achieved or that any of the contemplated results of such forward looking statements or projections will be achieved. There may be additional risks that Holley presently does not know or that Holley currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Holley undertakes no duty to update these forward-looking statements, except as otherwise required by law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231219009197/en/

Investor Relations:

Ross Collins or Stephen Poe

Alpha IR Group

312-445-2870

HLLY@alpha-ir.com

Source: Holley Inc.

FAQ

What did Holley Inc. (NYSE: HLLY) announce regarding its debt reduction?

Holley Inc. (NYSE: HLLY) announced that it paid down an additional $25 million in principal against its first lien term loan facility, reducing the principal amount outstanding by $50 million since September 2023.

How did Holley Inc. (NYSE: HLLY) achieve the debt reduction?

The debt reduction against Holley’s first lien term loan facility was completed through opportunistic repurchases at a discount to par in November and December and were completed using cash on hand.

What are the expected benefits of the debt reduction for Holley Inc. (NYSE: HLLY)?

This move is expected to result in up to an estimated $2 million in annualized net interest savings for Holley Inc. (NYSE: HLLY).

What is Holley Inc. (NYSE: HLLY) committed to over the next 12 months?

Holley Inc. (NYSE: HLLY) is committed to further reducing its leverage over the next 12 months.

Who commented on the debt reduction for Holley Inc. (NYSE: HLLY)?

Jesse Weaver, Chief Financial Officer of Holley, commented on the debt reduction, stating that the successful execution of these opportunistic repurchases is another key step forward for Holley.

Where can I find more investor relations news for Holley Inc. (NYSE: HLLY)?

For more investor relations news, visit Holley’s website.