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Carnival Corporation & plc Announces Pricing of €500 Million 5.75% Senior Unsecured Notes Offering for Refinancing and Interest Expense Reduction and Successful Repricing of Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan B Facilities for Interest Expense and Debt Reduction

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Carnival & plc announced the pricing of €500 million 5.75% senior unsecured notes offering for refinancing and interest expense reduction, along with the successful repricing of senior secured first lien term loan B facilities. The company plans to use the proceeds to redeem existing debt and reduce interest expenses, resulting in significant cost savings. The Notes Offering and Repricing Transaction are part of the company's ongoing debt reduction and capital structure simplification strategy, expected to lower net interest expenses by over $30 million for the remainder of 2024 and over $50 million annually. The transactions are set to close on April 25, 2024, subject to customary conditions. The Notes will pay interest annually at a rate of 5.75% and mature in 2030, while the term loan facilities will bear interest based on SOFR with a margin of 2.75%. PJT Partners is acting as the financial advisor to Carnival & plc.
Carnival & plc ha annunciato la quotazione di una offerta di obbligazioni senior non garantite da 500 milioni di euro con un interesse del 5,75% per il rifinanziamento e la riduzione dei costi degli interessi, insieme al riuscito riprezzamento delle facilitazioni di prestito a termine garantite senior di primo grado. La società prevede di utilizzare il ricavato per rimborsare il debito esistente e ridurre le spese per interessi, ottenendo così un notevole risparmio sui costi. L'offerta di obbligazioni e la transazione di riprezzamento fanno parte della strategia di riduzione del debito e semplificazione della struttura di capitale dell'azienda, che prevede di abbassare le spese nette per interessi di oltre $30 milioni per il resto del 2024 e di oltre $50 milioni annualmente. Le transazioni si concluderanno il 25 aprile 2024, soggette alle condizioni consuete. Le obbligazioni pagheranno un interesse annuale del 5,75% e matureranno nel 2030, mentre le facilitazioni di prestito a termine avranno un interesse basato sul SOFR con un margine del 2,75%. PJT Partners funge da consulente finanziario per Carnival & plc.
Carnival & plc anunció la fijación de precios de una oferta de 500 millones de euros en notas senior no aseguradas al 5,75% para refinanciación y reducción de gastos por intereses, junto con la exitosa repricing de las facilidades de préstamo a término con garantía senior del primer gravamen. La compañía planea usar los ingresos para redimir la deuda existente y reducir los gastos por intereses, lo que resultará en un ahorro de costos significativo. La Oferta de Notas y la Transacción de Repricing son parte de la estrategia de reducción de deuda y simplificación de la estructura de capital de la empresa, que se espera que reduzca los gastos netos por intereses en más de $30 millones por el resto de 2024 y más de $50 millones anualmente. Las transacciones están programadas para cerrarse el 25 de abril de 2024, sujeto a las condiciones habituales. Las Notas pagarán intereses anualmente a una tasa del 5,75% y vencerán en 2030, mientras que las facilidades de préstamo a término tendrán un interés basado en el SOFR con un margen del 2,75%. PJT Partners se desempeña como asesor financiero de Carnival & plc.
카니발 & plc는 금융 비용 절감과 재융자 목적으로 5.75%의 이자율을 가진 5억 유로 규모의 고정수익 부채안전 채권을 발행한다고 발표했다. 이와 함께 성공적인 선순위 담보 대출 재정가격 조정을 완료했다. 회사는 이 자금을 기존 부채 상환 및 이자 비용 절감에 사용할 계획이며, 이는 상당한 비용 절감을 가져올 것이다. 이 채권 발행 및 가격 재조정 거래는 회사의 지속적인 부채 감소 및 자본 구조 단순화 전략의 일부로, 2024년 나머지 기간 동안 순이자 비용을 3천만 달러 이상, 연간 5천만 달러 이상 절감할 것으로 예상된다. 이 거래들은 2024년 4월 25일에 종료될 예정이며, 관례적 조건에 따라 진행된다. 노트는 연이율 5.75%로 이자를 지급하고 2030년에 만기가 도래하며, 대출 시설은 SOFR을 기반으로 2.75%의 마진으로 이자가 부과된다. PJT 파트너스가 카니발 & plc의 금융 고문으로 활동하고 있다.
Carnival & plc a annoncé le prix d'une émission de 500 millions d'euros de billets à ordre senior non garantis à 5,75% pour le refinancement et la réduction des dépenses d'intérêt, ainsi que le succès de la revalorisation des facilités de prêt à terme sécurisé senior premier privilège. La société prévoit d'utiliser les produits pour rembourser la dette existante et réduire les dépenses d'intérêt, ce qui entraînera des économies de coûts importantes. L'émission des billets et la transaction de revalorisation font partie de la stratégie de réduction de dette et de simplification de la structure_capitale de l'entreprise, prévue pour réduire les dépenses d'intérêt nettes de plus de 30 millions de dollars pour le reste de 2024 et de plus de 50 millions de dollars annuellement. Les transactions sont prévues pour être clôturées le 25 avril 2024, sous réserve des conditions habituelles. Les billets paieront un intérêt annuel de 5,75% et arriveront à échéance en 2030, alors que les installations de prêt à terme auront un intérêt basé sur SOFR avec une marge de 2,75%. PJT Partners agit en tant que conseiller financier pour Carnival & plc.
Carnival & plc gab die Preisfestsetzung einer Anleiheemission von 500 Millionen Euro mit 5,75% unbesicherten Senior Notes bekannt, die für die Refinanzierung und die Senkung der Zinskosten bestimmt ist, zusammen mit der erfolgreichen Neubewertung der besicherten Senior-Erstpfandrecht-Terminkreditfazilitäten. Das Unternehmen plant, die Erlöse zur Tilgung bestehender Schulden und zur Reduzierung der Zinskosten zu verwenden, was zu erheblichen Kosteneinsparungen führen wird. Die Anleihenemission und die Neubewertungstransaktion sind Teil der Strategie des Unternehmens zur Schuldenreduktion und Vereinfachung der Kapitalstruktur, die voraussichtlich die Nettokosten für Zinsen um mehr als 30 Millionen Dollar für den Rest des Jahres 2024 und jährlich über 50 Millionen Dollar senken wird. Die Transaktionen sollen am 25. April 2024 unter den üblichen Bedingungen abgeschlossen werden. Die Notes werden jährlich Zinsen in Höhe von 5,75% zahlen und 2030 fällig werden, während die Terminkreditfazilitäten Zinsen basierend auf SOFR mit einem Aufschlag von 2,75% tragen werden. PJT Partners agiert als Finanzberater für Carnival & plc.
Positive
  • Successful pricing of €500 million 5.75% senior unsecured notes offering for refinancing and interest expense reduction
  • Redemption of €500 million 7.625% senior unsecured notes due 2026 to reduce interest expenses
  • Repricing of senior secured term loan B facilities to lower debt and interest costs
  • Expected reduction of over $30 million in net interest expenses for 2024 and over $50 million annually
  • Notes Offering and Repricing Transaction as part of debt reduction and capital structure simplification strategy
  • Expected annual interest rate of 5.75% for the Notes and SOFR-based interest rates for term loan facilities with a 2.75% margin
Negative
  • Notes not registered under the Securities Act or state securities laws for sale in the US
  • Potential risk associated with offering to qualified institutional buyers and non-US investors only

Carnival Corporation's strategic refinancing through a €500 million notes offering and the repricing of existing secured term loan facilities is aimed at optimizing its capital structure by lowering interest expenses. With a rate reduction from 7.625% to 5.75% on the new unsecured notes, the company stands to reduce its annual interest expense significantly. The anticipated saving of over $50 million annually is a substantial improvement to its interest coverage ratio. This maneuver demonstrates a proactive approach to debt management, particularly important for a company in the capital-intensive leisure industry, which is still rebounding from the pandemic-induced downturn.

The transition from a higher-rate unsecured notes due in 2026 to lower-rate notes due in 2030, along with partial prepayment of secured term loans, reflects a shrewd move by Carnival Corporation to capitalize on favorable debt market conditions. The introduction of SOFR-based interest rates with a margin indicates a shift towards more widely accepted benchmarking post-LIBOR. The credit markets view proactive debt restructuring as a positive step, especially when it leads to interest savings and demonstrates improved cash flow management. For investors, these developments could be indicative of the company's commitment to maintaining financial stability and operational flexibility.

Investors should note the unsecured nature of the new notes, which implies they are subordinated to secured debt in the event of insolvency. Despite this, the corporate guarantee by Carnival plc and select subsidiaries provides a layer of assurance. However, the fact that these notes are not registered under the Securities Act signals limited liquidity as they cannot be sold freely in the U.S. without registration or exemption. This could be a double-edged sword, reducing immediate liquidity for investors but also potentially reducing the future debt burden on the company by limiting the note's tradability.

Proceeds from the offering of senior unsecured notes and cash on hand to be used to redeem €500 million 7.625% senior unsecured notes due 2026; cash on hand to repay $800 million of the term loan facilities

MIAMI, April 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK) today announced that Carnival Corporation (the "Company") priced its private offering (the "Notes Offering") of €500 million aggregate principal amount of 5.75% senior unsecured notes due 2030 (the "Notes"). The Company expects to use the net proceeds from the Notes Offering, together with cash on hand, to redeem its €500 million 7.625% senior unsecured notes due 2026 (the "2026 Euro Unsecured Notes"), resulting in a reduction in interest expense on this outstanding debt of nearly 2%.

In addition, the Company has received commitments from lenders to reprice its first-priority senior secured term loan facility maturing in 2028 (the "2028 Secured Term Loan Facility") and its first-priority senior secured term loan facility maturing in 2027 (the "2027 Secured Term Loan Facility" and, such transaction, the "Repricing Transaction"). As part of the Repricing Transaction, the Company expects to make a partial prepayment of $500 million under the 2028 Secured Term Loan Facility and a partial prepayment of $300 million under the 2027 Secured Term Loan Facility.

The Notes Offering, the redemption of the 2026 Euro Unsecured Notes and the Repricing Transaction are a continuation of the Company's ongoing debt and interest expense reduction and capital structure simplification. Together, the reduction in both interest rates and total debt is expected to result in a reduction of net interest expense of over $30 million for the remainder of 2024 and over $50 million on an annualized basis.

The Notes Offering and Repricing Transaction are expected to close on April 25, 2024, subject to customary closing conditions and the execution of definitive documentation. The previously announced redemption of the 2026 Euro Unsecured Notes is expected to occur on April 26, 2024 and is conditioned on the closing of the Notes Offering.

The Notes will pay interest annually on January 15 of each year, beginning on January 15, 2025, at a rate of 5.75% per year. The Notes will be unsecured and will mature on January 15, 2030. The Notes will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed on an unsecured basis, jointly and severally, by Carnival plc and certain of the Company's and Carnival plc's subsidiaries that also guarantee our first-priority secured indebtedness, certain of our other unsecured notes and our convertible notes.

After implementation of the repricing, the 2028 Secured Term Loan Facility will bear interest at a rate per annum equal to SOFR with a 0.75% floor, plus a margin equal to 2.75%. The 2027 Secured Term Loan Facility will bear interest at a rate per annum equal to SOFR with a 0.75% floor, plus a margin equal to 2.75%.

PJT Partners is serving as independent financial advisor to Carnival Corporation & plc.

This press release does not constitute a notice of redemption with respect to the 2026 Euro Unsecured Notes.

The Notes are being offered only to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and outside the United States, only to non-U.S. investors pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act.

The Notes will not be registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state laws.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to purchase the Notes or any other securities and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any state or jurisdiction in which such offering, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About Carnival Corporation & plc

Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest global cruise company, and among the largest leisure travel companies, with a portfolio of world-class cruise lines - AIDA Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises (Australia), P&O Cruises (UK), Princess Cruises, and Seabourn.

Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Carnival Corporation and Carnival plc and their respective subsidiaries are referred to collectively in this press release, as "Carnival Corporation & plc," "our," "us" and "we." Some of the statements, estimates or projections contained in this press release are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions with respect to us, including some statements concerning the financing transactions described herein, future results, operations, outlooks, plans, goals, reputation, cash flows, liquidity and other events which have not yet occurred. These statements are intended to qualify for the safe harbors from liability provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical facts are statements that could be deemed forward-looking. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about our business and the industry in which we operate and the beliefs and assumptions of our management. We have tried, whenever possible, to identify these statements by using words like "will," "may," "could," "should," "would," "believe," "depends," "expect," "goal," "aspiration," "anticipate," "forecast," "project," "future," "intend," "plan," "estimate," "target," "indicate," "outlook," and similar expressions of future intent or the negative of such terms.

Forward-looking statements include those statements that relate to our outlook and financial position including, but not limited to, statements regarding:

•  Pricing

•  Adjusted net income (loss)

•  Booking levels

•  Adjusted EBITDA

•  Occupancy

•  Adjusted earnings per share

•  Interest, tax and fuel expenses

•  Adjusted free cash flow

•  Currency exchange rates

•  Net per diems

•  Goodwill, ship and trademark fair values

•  Net yields

•  Liquidity and credit ratings

•  Adjusted cruise costs per ALBD

•  Investment grade leverage metrics

•  Adjusted cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD

•  Estimates of ship depreciable lives and residual values

•  Adjusted return on invested capital

•  The transactions described herein


Because forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are many factors that could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements. This note contains important cautionary statements of the known factors that we consider could materially affect the accuracy of our forward-looking statements and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial position. Additionally, many of these risks and uncertainties are currently, and in the future may continue to be, amplified by our substantial debt balance incurred during the pause of our guest cruise operations. There may be additional risks that we consider immaterial or which are unknown. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following: 

  • Events and conditions around the world, including geopolitical uncertainty, war and other military actions, inflation, higher fuel prices, higher interest rates and other general concerns impacting the ability or desire of people to travel have led, and may in the future lead, to a decline in demand for cruises as well as negative impacts to our operating costs and profitability.
  • Pandemics have in the past and may in the future have a significant negative impact on our financial condition and operations.
  • Incidents concerning our ships, guests or the cruise industry have in the past and may, in the future, negatively impact the satisfaction of our guests and crew and lead to reputational damage. 
  • Changes in and non-compliance with laws and regulations under which we operate, such as those relating to health, environment, safety and security, data privacy and protection, anti-money laundering, anti-corruption, economic sanctions, trade protection, labor and employment, and tax may be costly and have in the past and may, in the future, lead to litigation, enforcement actions, fines, penalties and reputational damage. 
  • Factors associated with climate change, including evolving and increasing regulations, increasing global concern about climate change and the shift in climate conscious consumerism and stakeholder scrutiny, and increasing frequency and/or severity of adverse weather conditions could adversely affect our business.
  • Inability to meet or achieve our targets, goals, aspirations, initiatives, and our public statements and disclosures regarding them, including those that are related to sustainability matters, may expose us to risks that may adversely impact our business.
  • Breaches in data security and lapses in data privacy as well as disruptions and other damages to our principal offices, information technology operations and system networks and failure to keep pace with developments in technology may adversely impact our business operations, the satisfaction of our guests and crew and may lead to reputational damage. 
  • The loss of key team members, our inability to recruit or retain qualified shoreside and shipboard team members and increased labor costs could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
  • Increases in fuel prices, changes in the types of fuel consumed and availability of fuel supply may adversely impact our scheduled itineraries and costs.
  • We rely on supply chain vendors who are integral to the operations of our businesses. These vendors and service providers may be unable to deliver on their commitments, which could negatively impact our business.
  • Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates may adversely impact our financial results. 
  • Overcapacity and competition in the cruise and land-based vacation industry may negatively impact our cruise sales, pricing and destination options.
  • Inability to implement our shipbuilding programs and ship repairs, maintenance and refurbishments may adversely impact our business operations and the satisfaction of our guests. 
  • We require a significant amount of cash to service our debt and sustain our operations. Our ability to generate cash depends on many factors, including those beyond our control, and we may not be able to generate cash required to service our debt and sustain our operations.
  • Our substantial debt could adversely affect our financial health and operating flexibility.
  • The risk factors included in Carnival Corporation's and Carnival plc's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on January 26, 2024 and Carnival Corporation's and Carnival plc's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on March 27, 2024.

The ordering of the risk factors set forth above is not intended to reflect our indication of priority or likelihood.

Forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a prediction of actual results. Subject to any continuing obligations under applicable law or any relevant stock exchange rules, we expressly disclaim any obligation to disseminate, after the date of this document, any updates or revisions to any such forward-looking statements to reflect any change in expectations or events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements are based.

Forward-looking and other statements in this document may also address our sustainability progress, plans, and goals (including climate change and environmental-related matters). In addition, historical, current, and forward-looking sustainability- and climate-related statements may be based on standards and tools for measuring progress that are still developing, internal controls and processes that continue to evolve, and assumptions and predictions that are subject to change in the future and may not be generally shared.

SOURCE Carnival Corporation & plc

Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/carnival-corporation--plc-announces-pricing-of-500-million-5-75-senior-unsecured-notes-offering-for-refinancing-and-interest-expense-reduction-and-successful-repricing-of-senior-secured-first-lien-term-loan-b-facilities-for-int-302122179.html

SOURCE Carnival Corporation & plc

FAQ

What is the purpose of the €500 million 5.75% senior unsecured notes offering by Carnival & plc?

The offering is for refinancing and interest expense reduction, as well as the redemption of existing debt.

When are the Notes Offering and Repricing Transaction expected to close?

Both transactions are set to close on April 25, 2024, subject to customary closing conditions.

What is the annual interest rate for the Notes offered by Carnival & plc?

The Notes will pay interest annually at a rate of 5.75%.

Who is serving as the financial advisor to Carnival & plc for these transactions?

PJT Partners is serving as the independent financial advisor.

Are the Notes being offered to the general public in the United States?

No, the Notes are being offered only to qualified institutional buyers and non-US investors.

Carnival Corporation

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About CCL

carnival corporation & plc is a global cruise company and one of the largest vacation companies in the world. our portfolio of leading cruise brands includes carnival cruise lines, holland america line, princess cruises and seabourn in north america; p&o cruises (uk), and cunard in the united kingdom; aida cruises in germany; costa cruises in southern europe; iberocruceros in spain; and p&o cruises (australia) in australia. these brands, which comprise the most recognized cruise brands in north america, the united kingdom, germany and italy, offer a wide range of holiday and vacation products to a customer base that is broadly varied in terms of cultures, languages and leisure-time preferences. we also own a tour company that complements our cruise operations: holland america princess alaska tours in alaska and the canadian yukon. combined, our vacation companies attract 10 million guests annually.