Conn's Gets Breathing Room On Loans

By Alan Wolf -- TWICE, 3/17/2010

Beaumont, Texas - Credit modifications approved this month by Conn's lenders have spared the 76-store appliance, electronics and furniture chain from potentially defaulting on its loans.

The new agreements replaced the leverage ratio with a covenant based on liabilities to tangible net worth, and lowered the minimum fixed charge coverage ratio requirement for the 12-month periods ended Jan. 31 and April 30, 2010.

However, the amendments also increase the cost of credit for Conn's while reducing the amount and maturity dates of its revolving facility.

The credit line will be reduced from $200 million to $170 million next month, and to $130 million in April 2011, while the maturity date was shortened from September 2012 to August 2011.

The chain's major lenders include Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase and SunTrust.

In a statement, president/CEO Tim Frank said, "We are very pleased that these amendments have been completed and appreciate the support of our long-term financial partners and vendors. We look forward to continuing to work with our financial partners on our capital needs for the future."

Conn's reported a 30 percent decline in net sales, to $171 million, for the three months ending Jan. 31. Earnings for the quarter will be released on March 25.