Hosts analyze the critical role of covenants during economic chaos sparked by the coronavirus. They discuss how U.S. companies are drawn to revolvers for liquidity, highlighting loan structures and springing maintenance covenants. The conversation delves into strategic credit management, emphasizing asset-based decisions. Banks' assessments of material adverse effects are examined, especially for hard-hit sectors like airlines. Finally, they explore the shifting landscape of corporate liquidity strategies, stressing cash retention over taking on more debt.
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Quick takeaways
Companies are increasingly drawing on their revolving credit facilities to manage liquidity, reflecting a shift in financial strategies during economic downturns.
The scrutiny of Material Adverse Effect clauses highlights the complexities of covenant compliance as external factors disrupt traditional revenue generation models.
Deep dives
Liquidity Concerns During Market Disruption
The current economic landscape has raised significant liquidity concerns for companies, which are increasingly drawing on their revolving credit facilities to maintain cash reserves. Many businesses, especially in heavily impacted industries like airlines, are seeing revenues plummet almost to zero, prompting them to secure liquidity even in the absence of immediate needs. For instance, companies such as Avis have publicly shared their strategies, highlighting their focus on maintaining liquidity to weather this downturn. This trend highlights a broader strategy where firms aim to reassure investors of their financial stability during times of heightened uncertainty.
Covenants and Financial Flexibility
The discussion around covenants is critical as many companies are now activating their springing maintenance covenants by drawing down on revolvers, which has implications for their financial structures. In Europe, the introduction of super senior revolvers in bond structures is noteworthy, as companies like Codera have recently accessed these facilities, impacting how creditors view collateral enforcement. Moreover, with many companies drawing on their revolvers just to bolster cash on hand, they find themselves with increased flexibility despite higher debt levels, which can positively impact their capital structure. This situation complicates traditional interpretations of leverage and covenant compliance, as companies maintain cash to offset increased liabilities.
Navigating Material Adverse Effects
The concept of Material Adverse Effect (MAE) is under scrutiny as companies encounter unexpected operational challenges in light of the pandemic. In both the US and Europe, lenders are questioning the validity of claiming an MAE when revenue generation has been drastically halted due to external factors. Discussions highlight the complexities surrounding these clauses, and the challenges of interpreting them in current circumstances, particularly when proving a material adverse effect can be subjective. Stakeholders are advised to reevaluate how these provisions may apply in the current economic climate as traditional notions may no longer be relevant.
Introducing Reorg’s newest podcast: Covenant Conversations! Join hosts Shweta Rao and Peter Washkowitz as they delve into the complex world of covenants -- from global trends to semantic granularities, this wide-ranging podcast will provide listeners with information on covenants they may not even know they need. In this inaugural episode, Peter and Shweta discuss the increasing frequency with which companies are accessing their revolvers in order to preserve liquidity amidst a massive spike in global volatility caused by coronavirus.
If you are not a Reorg subscriber, request access here: go.reorg-research.com/Podcast-Trial
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