Weatherford Announces $130 Million Credit Facility Increase to $680 Million and Notice to Redeem All of Its 6.50% Senior Notes Due 2028

Rhea-AI Summary

• English
• French
• German
• Italian
• Korean
• Spanish

Weatherford International plc (NASDAQ: WFRD) has increased its Credit Facility by $130 million to $680 million, with additional lenders. The Company also plans to redeem all of its 6.50% Senior Notes due 2028, totaling $81,502,600. The CEO highlighted the progress in fortifying the capital structure, reducing debt by $1 billion in less than three years.

Financial Analyst

Weatherford International's expansion of its credit facility and subsequent redemption of its senior notes due in 2028 is a strategic maneuver aimed at reinforcing the company's balance sheet. Adding new banks increases liquidity and provides more flexibility in operations. It's important to recognize that expanding a credit facility doesn't necessarily mean the company will use all the available credit, but it does indicate a level of confidence from lenders in the company's stability and growth prospects. The redemption of the notes indicates a proactive approach to debt management, potentially reducing future interest expenses and improving the company's debt profile. Retail investors should consider the implications on the company's interest costs and leverage ratios, understanding that while this can signal financial health, it also places importance on how the company plans to utilize the new liquidity to generate growth.

Debt Market Analyst

From a debt market perspective, Weatherford's notice to redeem its outstanding senior notes could be a positive for bondholders, as it reflects the company's ability to repay its obligations ahead of schedule. Early redemption often occurs when a company has access to cheaper sources of capital or when it is looking to improve its debt structure. For investors, this move might suggest a reduced risk profile for the company, as it lowers the overall debt burden. However, it is important to scrutinize the terms of redemption, such as if there's a call premium, which could affect the total cost of redeeming these notes. Additionally, the market should keep an eye on how the expanded credit facility and debt reduction align with Weatherford's long-term financial strategy and operational needs.

HOUSTON, April 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Weatherford International plc (NASDAQ: WFRD) (“Weatherford,” and together with its subsidiaries, the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our”) today announced it has increased its Credit Facility by $130 million to $680 million in aggregate commitments by adding additional lenders to its facility. The facility is now comprised of a $309 million tranche available for performance letters of credit and a $371 million tranche available for revolving loans.

The Company also announced notice to redeem (the “Redemption”) the remaining $81,502,600 aggregate principal amount outstanding of its 6.50% Senior Notes due 2028 (the “2028 Notes”). Weatherford expects to redeem the 2028 Notes before the end of May.

Girish Saligram, President and Chief Executive Officer of Weatherford, commented, "Today's announcements highlight our continued progress in fortifying our capital structure. Adding new banks to our facility enhances our liquidity and flexibility in managing our balance sheet and reaffirms our strong operational and financial performance. The facility expansion and the complete redemption of the 6.50% Senior Notes due in 2028 marks a significant milestone, culminating in a remarkable $1 billion reduction in debt in less than three years."

About Weatherford

Weatherford delivers innovative energy services that integrate proven technologies with advanced digitalization to create sustainable offerings for maximized value and return on investment. Our world-class experts partner with customers to optimize their resources and realize the full potential of their assets. Operators choose us for strategic solutions that add efficiency, flexibility, and responsibility to any energy operation. The Company operates in approximately 75 countries with a global talent network of approximately 18,800 team members representing more than 110 nationalities and 340 operating locations.

Contact:
Mohammed Topiwala
Vice President, Investor Relations and M&A
investor.relations@weatherford.com

For Media:

Kelley Hughes
Sr. Director, Communications & Employment Engagement
media@weatherford.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements concerning, among other things, the Company’s strategy and financing plans and goals, and are also generally identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “outlook,” “budget,” “intend,” “strategy,” “plan,” “guidance,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result” and similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs of Weatherford’s management and are subject to significant risks, assumptions, and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Redemption. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated in our forward-looking statements.

These risks and uncertainties are more fully described in Weatherford’s reports and registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risk factors described in Weatherford’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any of the Company’s forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to correct or update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law, and we caution you not to rely on them unduly.

FAQ

What is the new amount of Weatherford's Credit Facility after the increase?

Weatherford's Credit Facility has been increased by $130 million to $680 million.

How much is the total outstanding principal amount of Weatherford's 6.50% Senior Notes due 2028?

Weatherford's 6.50% Senior Notes due 2028 have an outstanding principal amount of $81,502,600.

When does Weatherford plan to redeem the 6.50% Senior Notes due 2028?

Weatherford expects to redeem the 6.50% Senior Notes due 2028 before the end of May.

What is the total debt reduction achieved by Weatherford in less than three years?

Weatherford has achieved a remarkable $1 billion reduction in debt in less than three years.

Who is the President and CEO of Weatherford?

Girish Saligram is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Weatherford.