In an effort to achieve its targeted total leverage ratio,
Spectrum Brands Holdings Inc
. (
SPB
) recently announced a reduction in its Senior Secured Term Loan by
$100 million. The strategy signifies the company's ability to
generate cash flow, which were utilized to lower debts leading to
reduction of interest expenses.
With the prepayment, the company's term loan will be reduced to
$370 million from the original $750 million. Further, Spectrum
Brands anticipates achieving its targeted total leverage ratio of
about 3.4 times by the end of fiscal 2012.
To finance its merger with Russell Hobbs Inc., the company had
opted for a $750 million Senior Secured Term Loan facility in
fiscal 2010. From fiscal 2011, Spectrum Brands made subsequent
voluntary prepayments to reduce its term loan. In fiscal 2011, the
company made its first payment of $220 million while on August 9,
2012 it repaid $50 million. Moreover, a reduction of $10 million in
term loan will be achieved by the end of fiscal 2012 through
scheduled amortization.
Our Recommendation
Spectrum Brands is focused on strengthening its balance sheet
through refinement of its capital structure while also enhancing
its financial flexibility in order to boost shareholder value. The
company's total debt outstanding as of July 1, 2012 was $1,827.1
million. Spectrum Brands targets free cash flow of at least $200
million by fiscal year-end 2012.
Further, the company is in the midst of a major cost cutting
process while it looks for opportunities to expand its brand
portfolio. The company is also working well with its game changing
Spectrum Value Model to deliver genuine value to customers at lower
prices compared to its peers.
However, intense competition with major players such as
Procter & Gamble Company
(
PG
) and
Energizer Holdings Inc
. (
ENR
) and massive exposure to foreign exchange rates may have an
adverse impact on the company's future operating performance.
Currently, Spectrum Brands holds a Zacks #3 Rank, implying a
short-term Hold rating. Moreover, we maintain a long-term 'Neutral'
recommendation on the stock.
Headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, Spectrum Brands sells
batteries, shaving and grooming products, personal care products,
specialty pet supplies, lawn and garden and home pest control
products, personal insect repellents and portable lighting, through
various trade channels under its renowned brands. The company's
brand portfolio mainly includes Rayovac, Remington, Varta, George
Foreman, Black & Decker, Toastmaster, Farberware, Tetra,
Marineland, Nature's Miracle, Dingo, 8-in-1, Littermaid,
FURminator, Spectracide, Russell Hobbs, Cutter, Repel, Hot Shot,
Black Flag, and TAT brands. With a market capitalization of $2.06
billion, the company has 5,900 full time employees.
ENERGIZER HLDGS (ENR): Free Stock Analysis
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PROCTER & GAMBL (PG): Free Stock Analysis
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SPECTRUM BRANDS (SPB): Free Stock Analysis
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