The Bapcor Ltd (ASX: BAP) share price is down 2.6% after the business made a move to strengthen its financial position.
Bapcor is an auto parts business that operates numerous brands including Burson Auto Parts, Precision Automotive Equipment, BNT (NZ), Midas, ABS, Shock Shop, Battery Town, Autopro, Autobarn, Truckline and WANO.
New debt facilities
Bapcor has refinanced $200 million of debt facilities which were due to be repaid in July 2025. It has increased this debt facility by $100 million to $300 million, with some of it to be repaid in July 2028 and the rest in July 2029.
Bapcor assured the market the refinancing was on “solid terms and pricing”. However, investors don’t seem impressed and are punishing the Bapcor share price.
The auto parts business reported “strong” lender interest, which Bapcor suggested was due to its “attractive market and business profile.” This enabled it to increase its ‘total available’ limits, and a new financier was added to its lending group.
After the completion of this debt refinancing, Bapcor has access to a total $720 million debt facility with ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ), Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC), National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB), SMBC and Metlife.
Bapcor said this transaction “further improves” its “sound financial position” and provides it with more money for ‘general corporation purposes’.
Management commentary
Bapcor interim chief financial officer, George Saoud said:
We are pleased with the outcome of our refinancing.
We appreciate the continued support of our banking partners, and with their support Bapcor has strengthened its financial foundation. The new debt facility has competitive terms and pricing and provides the opportunity for us to prepare for future growth.
George Saoud has been the interim CFO since 14 March 2024 and will become the appointed CFO on 1 July 2024. He was previously the CEO of emerging businesses at Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL), as well as CFO of a few other Australian businesses.
Final thoughts on the Bapcor share price
It’s good to see the business has strengthened its financial position, though more debt isn’t always helpful.
Bapcor is receiving takeover interest, so I’m not sure if this price is a good time to invest. There’s no guarantee a binding offer will be submitted. There are other ASX growth shares with simpler investment outlooks.
