TOPGOLF CALLAWAY BRANDS SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETES DEBT REPRICING
- Successfully repriced $1.24 billion first-lien term loan due 2030
- Lowered interest rate by 50 basis points to SOFR +300
- Eliminated 10-basis point credit spread adjustment for total reduction of 60 basis points
- Expected interest expense savings of over $7 million annually
- Focus on managing leverage, maintaining financial flexibility, and funding growth
- None.
Insights
The repricing of Topgolf Callaway Brands' term loan is a strategic financial move that will have a tangible impact on the company's balance sheet. By reducing the interest rate by 50 basis points and eliminating the 10-basis point CSA, the company is set to save over $7 million annually in interest expenses. This reduction in costs is significant considering the original loan amount of $1.24 billion and the savings could be allocated towards other strategic investments or directly improve the bottom line.
It's important to note that the term 'basis point' refers to one-hundredth of a percentage point. A 60 basis point reduction on a substantial loan like this can result in considerable interest savings. The SOFR (Secured Overnight Financing Rate) mentioned is a benchmark interest rate for dollar-denominated derivatives and loans, which replaced LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate). A SOFR +300 basis points would mean the interest rate is 3% above the daily SOFR rate.
For investors, this news indicates a proactive approach by Topgolf Callaway Brands' management to strengthen their financial position. It reflects positively on their ability to renegotiate debt terms favorably, which could lead to improved credit ratings and potentially lower costs of capital in the future.
From a market perspective, Topgolf Callaway Brands' decision to reprice its term loan may be seen as a response to the current interest rate environment. Given the historical low-interest rates in the past few years, companies have had the opportunity to restructure their debt under more favorable terms. However, as rates begin to rise, locking in lower rates now could be a prudent move.
The company's statement regarding positive free cash flow in 2023 and the forecast for 2024 suggests operational efficiency and a strong market position. This could reassure investors about the company's growth prospects and its ability to generate enough cash to meet financial obligations. Additionally, the involvement of major financial institutions as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners, such as Bank of America and JPMorgan Chase, adds credibility to the transaction and could be interpreted as a vote of confidence in Topgolf Callaway Brands' financial health.
Examining the repricing from a debt capital markets standpoint, the move by Topgolf Callaway Brands can be seen as a strategic refinancing effort. In the broader context of corporate finance, such a repricing transaction can impact the company's Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC), as debt servicing costs are a component of this calculation. A lower WACC is generally favorable as it indicates that a company can generate greater returns on investment than the cost of capital.
The elimination of the credit spread adjustment (CSA) also suggests that the company's credit risk profile has improved, or that market conditions have become more favorable, allowing them to negotiate away this additional cost. For stakeholders, this could signal a positive outlook on the company's risk management and negotiation capabilities.
Overall, this repricing could have a ripple effect on the company's future financing activities, possibly allowing for more favorable terms on future debt issuances or refinancings, which is an important consideration for long-term stakeholders and potential investors.
Summary of Transaction
- Successfully repriced the existing
Topgolf Callaway Brands first-lien term loan due 2030$1.24 billion - Lowered the Topgolf Callaway Brands first-lien term loan interest rate by 50 basis points, to SOFR +300, and eliminated the 10-basis point credit spread adjustment (CSA) for a total reduction of 60 basis points
- Interest expense savings expected to be greater than
on an annualized basis$7 million
"We are pleased to announce the successful completion of our debt repricing, which will lower our annual interest expense while continuing to provide the Company with ample liquidity," said Brian Lynch, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Legal Officer at Topgolf Callaway Brands. "This repricing is consistent with our focus on managing overall leverage while maintaining the financial flexibility and liquidity needed to fund the continued growth of our business, a business which delivered positive free cash flow at both the total Company and Topgolf in 2023 and is forecast to do so again in 2024."
Bank of America, N.A., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., MUFG Securities Americas Inc., and Truist Securities, Inc. acted as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners.
For additional information on the terms and conditions, please see the Company's Form 8-K regarding the debt repricing, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements used in this press release that relate to future plans, events, financial results, performance, prospects, or growth opportunities, including statements relating to the Company's expected interest expense savings, continued growth of the business; future total Company and Topgolf free cash flows; the Company's overall leverage, financial flexibility, liquidity and ability to fund the continued growth of the business, and statements of belief and any statement of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing, are forward-looking statements as defined under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon current information and expectations. Accurately estimating the forward-looking statements is based upon various risks and unknowns, including uncertainty regarding global economic conditions, including relating to inflation, decreases in consumer demand and spending, and any severe or prolonged economic downturn; costs, expenses or difficulties related to the merger with Topgolf, including the integration of the Topgolf business; failure to realize the expected benefits and synergies of the Topgolf merger in the expected timeframes or at all; the Company's level of indebtedness; continued availability of credit facilities and liquidity and ability to comply with applicable debt covenants; effectiveness of capital allocation and cost/expense reduction efforts; continued brand momentum and product success; growth in the direct-to-consumer and e-commerce channels; ability to realize the benefits of the continued investments in the Company's business; consumer acceptance of and demand for the Company's and its subsidiaries' products and services; any changes in
About Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp.
Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp. (NYSE: MODG) is an unrivaled tech-enabled Modern Golf and active lifestyle company delivering leading golf equipment, apparel, and entertainment, with a portfolio of global brands including Topgolf, Callaway Golf, TravisMathew, Toptracer, Odyssey, OGIO, Jack Wolfskin, and World Golf Tour ("WGT"). "Modern Golf" is the dynamic and inclusive ecosystem that includes both on-course and off-course golf. For more information, please visit https://www.topgolfcallawaybrands.com.
Contact:
Katina Metzidakis
invrelations@tcbrands.com
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SOURCE Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp.
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