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Long-Term Debt
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Long-Term Debt Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consists of the following (in millions):
 As of December 31,
 20232022
Term Loan B$5,175 $5,190 
Term Loan A1,275 1,250 
3.875% First Lien Senior Notes due 2028
1,550 1,550 
3.50% First Lien Senior Notes due 2029
750 750 
5.75% First Lien Senior Notes due 2025
500 500 
4.375% Second Lien Senior Notes due 2028
750 750 
4.00% Second Lien Senior Notes due 2030
2,900 2,900 
TH Facility and other143 155 
Less: unamortized deferred financing costs and deferred issuance discount(122)(111)
Total debt, net12,921 12,934 
Less: current maturities of debt(67)(95)
Total long-term debt$12,854 $12,839 
Credit Facilities
On September 21, 2023, two of our subsidiaries (the “Borrowers”) entered into a seventh amendment (the “7th Amendment”) to the credit agreement governing our senior secured term loan A facility (the “Term Loan A”), our senior secured term loan B facility (the “Term Loan B” and together with the Term Loan A, the “Term Loan Facilities”) and our senior secured revolving credit facility (including revolving loans, swingline loans and letters of credit) (the “Revolving Credit Facility” and together with the Term Loan Facilities, the “Credit Facilities”). Under the 7th Amendment we (i) amended the existing Revolving Credit Facility to increase the availability from $1,000 million to $1,250 million and extended the maturity of the facility to September 21, 2028 without changing the leverage-based spread to adjusted SOFR (Secured Overnight Financing Rate); (ii) increased the Term Loan A to $1,275 million and extended the maturity of the Term Loan A to September 21, 2028 without changing the leverage-based spread to adjusted SOFR; (iii) increased the Term Loan B to $5,175 million, extended the maturity of the Term Loan B to September 21, 2030, and changed the interest rate applicable to borrowings under our Term Loan B to term SOFR, subject to a floor of 0.00%, plus an applicable margin of 2.25%; and (iv) made certain other changes as set forth therein, including removing the 0.10% adjustment to the term SOFR rate across the facilities and changes to certain covenants to provide increased flexibility. On December 28, 2023, we entered into an eighth amendment (the “8th Amendment” and together with the 7th Amendment, the “2023 Amendments”) to the credit agreement whereby Partnership and its subsidiaries became guarantors, subject to the covenants applicable to the Credit Facilities. The 2023 Amendments made no other material changes to the terms of the credit agreement. In connection with the 7th Amendment, we capitalized approximately $44 million in debt issuance costs and recorded a $16 million loss on early extinguishment of debt that primarily reflects expensing of fees in connection with the 7th Amendment and the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs.
The interest rate applicable to the Term Loan A and Revolving Credit Facility is, at our option, either (a) a base rate, subject to a floor of 1.00%, plus an applicable margin varying from 0.00% to 0.50%, or (b) term SOFR, subject to a floor of 0.00%, plus an applicable margin varying between 0.75% and 1.50%, in each case, determined by reference to a net first lien leverage-based pricing grid. The commitment fee on the unused portion of the Revolving Credit Facility is 0.15%. At December 31, 2023, the interest rate on the Term Loan A was 6.61%. The principal amount of the Term Loan A amortizes in quarterly installments equal to $8 million beginning March 31, 2025 and $16 million beginning March 31, 2027 until maturity, with the balance payable at maturity.
The interest rate applicable to the Term Loan B is, at our option, either (a) a base rate, subject to a floor of 1.00%, plus an applicable margin of 1.25%, or (b) term SOFR, subject to a floor of 0.00%, plus an applicable margin of 2.25%. At December 31, 2023, the interest rate on the Term Loan B was 7.61%. The principal amount of the Term Loan B amortizes in quarterly installments equal to $13 million beginning March 31, 2024 until maturity, with the balance payable at maturity.
Revolving Credit Facility
As of December 31, 2023, we had no amounts outstanding under our Revolving Credit Facility. Funds available under the Revolving Credit Facility may be used to repay other debt, finance debt or share repurchases, to fund acquisitions or capital expenditures and for other general corporate purposes. We have a $125 million letter of credit sublimit as part of the Revolving Credit Facility, which reduces our borrowing availability thereunder by the cumulative amount of outstanding letters of credit. The interest rate applicable to amounts drawn under each letter of credit is 0.75% to 1.50%, depending on our net first lien leverage ratio. As of December 31, 2023, we had $2 million of letters of credit issued against the Revolving Credit Facility, and our borrowing availability was $1,248 million.
Obligations under the Credit Facilities are guaranteed on a senior secured basis, jointly and severally, by the Partnership and substantially all of its Canadian and U.S. subsidiaries, including The TDL Group Corp., Burger King Company LLC, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc., FRG, LLC and substantially all of their respective Canadian and U.S. subsidiaries (the “Credit Guarantors”). Amounts borrowed under the Credit Facilities are secured on a first priority basis by a perfected security interest in substantially all of the present and future property (subject to certain exceptions) of each Borrower and Credit Guarantor.
3.875% First Lien Senior Notes due 2028
On September 24, 2019, the Borrowers entered into an indenture (the “3.875% First Lien Senior Notes Indenture”) in connection with the issuance of $750 million of 3.875% first lien senior notes due January 15, 2028 (the “2019 3.875% Senior Notes”). On July 6, 2021, the Borrowers issued an additional $800 million under the 3.875% First Lien Senior Notes Indenture (the “Additional Notes” and together with the 2019 3.875% Senior Notes, the “3.875% First Lien Senior Notes due 2028”). No principal payments are due until maturity and interest is paid semi-annually. The Additional Notes were priced at 100.250% of their face value. The net proceeds from the offering of the Additional Notes were used to redeem the remaining $775 million principal amount outstanding of 4.25% first lien senior notes, plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon, and pay related redemption premiums, fees and expenses. In connection with the issuance of the Additional Notes, we capitalized approximately $7 million in debt issuance costs. In connection with the redemption of the remaining $775 million principal amount outstanding of the 4.25% first lien senior notes, we recorded a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $11 million that primarily reflects the payment of redemption premiums and the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs.
Obligations under the 3.875% First Lien Senior Notes due 2028 are guaranteed on a senior secured basis, jointly and severally, by the Partnership and substantially all of its Canadian and U.S. subsidiaries, including The TDL Group Corp., Burger King Company LLC, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc., FRG, LLC and substantially all of their respective Canadian and U.S. subsidiaries (the “Note Guarantors”). The 3.875% First Lien Senior Notes due 2028 are first lien senior secured obligations and rank equal in right of payment with all of the existing and future first lien senior debt of the Borrowers and Note Guarantors, including borrowings and guarantees under our Credit Facilities.
The 3.875% First Lien Senior Notes due 2028 may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time at the redemption prices set forth in the 3.875% First Lien Senior Notes Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, at the date of redemption. The 3.875% First Lien Senior Notes Indenture also contains optional redemption provisions related to tender offers, change of control and equity offerings, among others.
3.50% First Lien Senior Notes due 2029
On November 9, 2020, the Borrowers entered into an indenture (the “3.50% First Lien Senior Notes Indenture”) in connection with the issuance of $750 million of 3.50% first lien notes due February 15, 2029 (the “3.50% First Lien Senior Notes due 2029”). No principal payments are due until maturity and interest is paid semi-annually. The proceeds from the offering of the 3.50% First Lien Senior Notes due 2029, together with cash on hand, were used to redeem $725 million of 4.25% first lien senior notes and pay related redemption premiums, fees and expenses.
Obligations under the 3.50% First Lien Senior Notes due 2029 are guaranteed on a senior secured basis, jointly and severally, by the Note Guarantors. The 3.50% First Lien Senior Notes due 2029 are first lien senior secured obligations and rank equal in right of payment with all of the existing and future first lien senior debt of the Borrowers and Note Guarantors, including borrowings and guarantees of the Credit Facilities.
Our 3.50% First Lien Senior Notes due 2029 may be redeemed in whole or in part, on or after February 15, 2024 at the redemption prices set forth in the 3.50% First Lien Senior Notes Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, at the date of redemption. The 3.50% First Lien Senior Notes Indenture also contains optional redemption provisions related to tender offers, change of control and equity offerings, among others.
5.75% First Lien Senior Notes due 2025
On April 7, 2020, the Borrowers entered into an indenture (the “5.75% First Lien Senior Notes Indenture”) in connection with the issuance of $500 million of 5.75% first lien notes due April 15, 2025 (the “5.75% First Lien Senior Notes due 2025”). No principal payments are due until maturity and interest is paid semi-annually. The net proceeds from the offering of the 5.75% First Lien Senior Notes due 2025 were used for general corporate purposes.
Obligations under the 5.75% First Lien Senior Notes due 2025 are guaranteed on a senior secured basis, jointly and severally, by the Note Guarantors. The 5.75% First Lien Senior Notes due 2025 are first lien senior secured obligations and rank equal in right of payment with all of the existing and future first lien senior debt of the Borrowers and Note Guarantors, including borrowings and guarantees of the Credit Facilities.
Our 5.75% First Lien Senior Notes due 2025 may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time at the redemption prices set forth in the 5.75% First Lien Senior Notes Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, at the date of redemption. The 5.75% First Lien Senior Notes Indenture also contains optional redemption provisions related to tender offers, change of control and equity offerings, among others.
4.375% Second Lien Senior Notes due 2028
On November 19, 2019, the Borrowers entered into an indenture (the “4.375% Second Lien Senior Notes Indenture”) in connection with the issuance of $750 million of 4.375% second lien senior notes due January 15, 2028 (the “4.375% Second Lien Senior Notes due 2028”). No principal payments are due until maturity and interest is paid semi-annually.
Obligations under the 4.375% Second Lien Senior Notes due 2028 are guaranteed on a second priority senior secured basis, jointly and severally, by the Note Guarantors. The 4.375% Second Lien Senior Notes due 2028 are second lien senior secured obligations and rank equal in right of payment with all of the existing and future senior debt of the Borrowers and Note Guarantors, including borrowings and guarantees of the Credit Facilities, and effectively subordinated to all of the existing and future first lien senior debt of the Borrowers and Note Guarantors.
Our 4.375% Second Lien Senior Notes due 2028 may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time at the redemption prices set forth in the 4.375% Second Lien Senior Notes Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, at the date of redemption. The 4.375% Second Lien Senior Notes Indenture also contains redemption provisions related to tender offers, change of control and equity offerings, among others.
4.00% Second Lien Senior Notes due 2030
During 2020, the Borrowers entered into an indenture (the “4.00% Second Lien Senior Notes Indenture”) in connection with the issuance of $2,900 million of 4.00% second lien notes due October 15, 2030 (the “4.00% Second Lien Senior Notes due 2030”). No principal payments are due until maturity and interest is paid semi-annually. The proceeds from the offering of the 4.00% Second Lien Senior Notes due 2030 were used to redeem the entire outstanding principal balance of $2,800 million of 5.00% second lien senior notes due October 15, 2025 (the “5.00% Second Lien Senior Notes due 2025”), pay related redemption premiums, fees and expenses.
Obligations under the 4.00% Second Lien Senior Notes due 2030 are guaranteed on a second priority senior secured basis, jointly and severally, by the Note Guarantors. The 4.00% Second Lien Senior Notes due 2030 are second lien senior secured obligations and rank equal in right of payment will all of the existing and future senior debt of the Borrowers and Note Guarantors and effectively subordinated to all of the existing and future first lien senior debt of the Borrowers and Note Guarantors.
Our 4.00% Second Lien Senior Notes due 2030 may be redeemed in whole or in part, on or after October 15, 2025 at the redemption prices set forth in the 4.00% Second Lien Senior Notes Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, at the date of redemption. The 4.00% Second Lien Senior Notes Indenture also contains optional redemption provisions related to tender offers, change of control and equity offerings, among others.
Restrictions and Covenants
Our Credit Facilities, as well as the 3.875% First Lien Senior Notes Indenture, 5.75% First Lien Senior Notes Indenture, 3.50% First Lien Senior Notes Indenture, 4.375% Second Lien Senior Notes Indenture and 4.00% Second Lien Senior Notes Indenture (all together the “Senior Notes Indentures”) contain a number of customary affirmative and negative covenants that, among other things, limit or restrict our ability and the ability of certain of our subsidiaries to: incur additional indebtedness; incur liens; engage in mergers, consolidations, liquidations and dissolutions; sell assets; pay dividends and make other payments in respect of capital stock; make investments, loans and advances; pay or modify the terms of certain indebtedness; and engage in certain transactions with affiliates. In addition, under the Credit Facilities, the Borrowers are not permitted to exceed a first lien senior secured leverage ratio of 6.50 to 1.00 when, as of the end of any fiscal quarter beginning with the first fiscal quarter of 2020, (1) any amounts are outstanding under the Term Loan A and/or (2) the sum of (i) the amount of letters of credit outstanding exceeding $50 million (other than those that are cash collateralized); (ii) outstanding amounts under the Revolving Credit Facility and (iii) outstanding amounts of swing line loans, exceeds 30.0% of the commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility.
The restrictions under the Credit Facilities and the Senior Notes Indentures have resulted in substantially all of our consolidated assets being restricted.
As of December 31, 2023, we were in compliance with applicable financial debt covenants under the Credit Facilities and the Senior Notes Indentures and there were no limitations on our ability to draw on the remaining availability under our Revolving Credit Facility.
TH Facility
One of our subsidiaries entered into a non-revolving delayed drawdown term credit facility in a total aggregate principal amount of C$225 million with a maturity date of October 4, 2025 (the “TH Facility”). The interest rate applicable to the TH Facility is the Canadian Bankers’ Acceptance rate plus an applicable margin equal to 1.40% or the Prime Rate plus an applicable margin equal to 0.40%, at our option. Obligations under the TH Facility are guaranteed by four of our subsidiaries, and amounts borrowed under the TH Facility are secured by certain parcels of real estate. As of December 31, 2023, we had approximately C$182 million outstanding under the TH Facility with a weighted average interest rate of 6.84%.
RE Facility
One of our subsidiaries entered into a non-revolving delayed drawdown term credit facility in a total aggregate principal amount of $50 million with a maturity date of October 12, 2028 (the “RE Facility”). The interest rate applicable to the RE Facility is, at our option, either (i) a base rate, subject to a floor of 0.50%, plus an applicable margin of 0.50% or (ii) Adjusted Term SOFR (Adjusted Term SOFR is calculated as Term SOFR plus a margin based on duration), subject to a floor of 0.00%, plus an applicable margin of 1.50%. Obligations under the RE Facility are guaranteed by four of our subsidiaries, and amounts borrowed under the RE Facility are secured by certain parcels of real estate. As of December 31, 2023, we had approximately $4 million outstanding under the RE Facility with a weighted average interest rate of 6.95%.
Debt Issuance Costs
During 2023 and 2021, we incurred aggregate deferred financing costs of $44 million and $19 million, respectively. We did not incur any significant deferred financing costs during 2022.
Loss on Early Extinguishment of Debt
During 2023, we recorded a $16 million loss on early extinguishment of debt that primarily reflects expensing of fees in connection with the 7th Amendment and the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs. During 2021, we recorded an $11 million loss on early extinguishment of debt that primarily reflects the payment of redemption premiums and the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs in connection with the redemption of the remaining $775 million principal amount outstanding of the 4.25% first lien senior notes.
Maturities
The aggregate maturities of our long-term debt as of December 31, 2023 are as follows (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,Principal Amount
2024$67 
2025706 
202684 
2027115 
20283,505 
Thereafter8,566 
Total$13,043 
Interest Expense, net
Interest expense, net consists of the following (in millions):
202320222021
Debt (a)$576 $493 $461 
Finance lease obligations19 19 20 
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt issuance discount27 28 27 
Interest income(40)(7)(3)
Interest expense, net$582 $533 $505 
(a)Amount includes $61 million, $56 million and $45 million benefit during 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, related to the quarterly net settlements of our cross-currency rate swaps and amortization of the Excluded Component as defined in Note 11, Derivative Instruments.