Jack in the Box Inc. announced the completion of a new five-year $600 million senior credit facility, comprised of a $400 million revolving credit facility and $200 million term loan.
Proceeds from the refinancing will be used to retire the previous $600 million senior credit facility that was due in June 2015. As of the closing, approximately $220 million of the revolving credit facility will be drawn and $200 million will be outstanding on the term loan. Both will mature in November 2017, with the term loan having required principal payments of $20 million in each of the first four years after closing, and the balance due in the fifth year.
The interest rate on the new senior credit facility is based on the company’s leverage ratio and can range from LIBOR plus 1.75% to 2.25% with no floor. The initial interest rate is LIBOR plus 2.0%.
“Refinancing now enables us to take advantage of lower rates and reduce our interest expense while creating a flexible, longer-term capital structure to support the company’s strategic plan,” said Jerry Rebel, executive vice president and chief financial officer. “The new credit agreement provides for up to $500 million for stock repurchases and the potential payment of cash dividends, subject to certain limitations based on our leverage ratio.”
Due to replacing existing credit facilities prior to expiration, the company will be required to expense approximately $0.8 million of deferred financing fees in the first quarter of fiscal 2013.
Wells Fargo Securities and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated served as joint lead arrangers and joint book managers.