Vistra Corp

10. DEBT

Amounts in the table below represent the categories of long-term debt obligations, including amounts due currently, incurred by the Company.

(a) Excludes 4.875% Senior Secured Notes due May 2024 and 3.550% Senior Secured Notes due July 2024 as amounts will be refinanced on a long-term basis using net proceeds from the 6.000% Senior Secured Notes due 2034 and 6.875% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2032 (defined below) issued in April 2024.

Maturities

Long-term debt maturities as of March 31, 2024 are as follows:

Credit Facilities

Our credit facilities and related available capacity as of March 31, 2024 are presented below.

Vistra Operations Credit Facilities

As of March 31, 2024, the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities consisted of up to $5.669 billion in senior secured, first-lien revolving credit commitments and outstanding term loans, which consisted of revolving credit commitments of up to $3.175 billion (Revolving Credit Facility), including aggregate revolving letter of credit commitments of $3.105 billion, and term loans of $2.494 billion (Term Loan B-3 Facility). The Revolving Credit Facility is used for general corporate purposes.

Under the Vistra Operations Credit Agreement, (i) the interest applicable to the Revolving Credit Facility is based on the forward-looking term rate based on SOFR (Term SOFR Rate) plus a spread that will range from 1.25% to 2.00% and (ii) the fee on any undrawn amounts with respect to the Revolving Credit Facility will range from 17.5 basis points to 35.0 basis points. Letters of credit issued under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest that ranges from 1.25% to 2.00%. Interest and fees on the Revolving Credit Facility are based on ratings of Vistra Operations' senior secured long-term debt securities. As of March 31, 2024, the applicable interest rate margins for the Revolving Credit Facility and the fee for undrawn amounts relating to such commitments were 1.70% and 26.5 basis points, respectively, and the applicable interest rate margin for the letters of credit issued under the Revolving Credit facility was 1.70%. The Vistra Operations Credit Facilities also provide for certain additional customary fees payable to the agents and lenders, including fronting fees with respect to outstanding letters of credit.

The Term Loan B-3 Facility bears interest based on the applicable Term SOFR Rate, plus a fixed spread of 2.00%, and the weighted average interest rates before taking into consideration interest rate swaps (see Note 11) on outstanding borrowings of $2.494 billion was 7.33% as of March 31, 2024. Cash borrowings under the Term Loan B-3 Facility are subject to required scheduled quarterly payments of $6.25 million. Amounts paid cannot be reborrowed.

Obligations under the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities are secured by liens covering substantially all of Vistra Operations' (and certain of its subsidiaries') consolidated assets, rights and properties, subject to certain exceptions set forth in the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities. The Vistra Operations Credit Agreement includes certain collateral suspension provisions that would take effect upon Vistra Operations achieving unsecured investment grade ratings from two ratings agencies, there being no Term Loans (under and as defined in the Vistra Operations Credit Agreement) then outstanding (or the holders thereof agreeing to release such security interests), and there being no outstanding revolving credit commitments the maturities of which have not been extended to April 29, 2027 (or the holders thereof agreeing to release such security interests), such collateral suspension provisions would continue to be in effect unless and until Vistra Operations no longer holds unsecured investment grade ratings from at least two ratings agencies, at which point collateral reversion provisions would take effect (subject to a 60-day grace period).

The Vistra Operations Credit Facilities also permit certain hedging agreements and cash management agreements to be secured on a pari-passu basis with the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities in the event those hedging agreements and cash management agreements meet certain criteria set forth in the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities.

The Vistra Operations Credit Facilities provide for affirmative and negative covenants applicable to Vistra Operations (and its restricted subsidiaries), including affirmative covenants requiring it to provide financial and other information to the agents under the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities and to not change its lines of business, and negative covenants restricting Vistra Operations' (and its restricted subsidiaries') ability to incur additional indebtedness, make investments, dispose of assets, pay dividends, grant liens or take certain other actions, in each case, except as permitted in the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities. Vistra Operations' ability to borrow under the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities is subject to the satisfaction of certain customary conditions precedent set forth therein.

The Vistra Operations Credit Facilities provide for certain customary events of default, including events of default resulting from non-payment of principal, interest or fees when due, material breaches of representations and warranties, material breaches of covenants in the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities or ancillary loan documents, cross-defaults under other agreements or instruments and the entry of material judgments against Vistra Operations. Solely with respect to the Revolving Credit Facility, and solely during a compliance period (which, in general, is applicable when the aggregate revolving borrowings and issued revolving letters of credit (in excess of $300 million) exceed 30% of the revolving commitments), the agreement includes a covenant that requires the consolidated first lien net leverage ratio, which is based on the ratio of net first lien debt compared to an EBITDA calculation defined under the terms of the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities, not to exceed 4.25 to 1.00 (or, during a collateral suspension period, the consolidated total net leverage ratio, which is based on the ratio of consolidated total debt compared to an EBITDA calculation defined under the terms of the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities, not to exceed 5.50 to 1.00). Upon the existence of an event of default, the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities provide that all principal, interest and other amounts due thereunder will become immediately due and payable, either automatically or at the election of specified lenders.

Vistra Operations Commodity-Linked Revolving Credit Facility

As of March 31, 2024, the Vistra Operations senior secured commodity-linked revolving credit facility (Commodity-Linked Facility) totaled $1.575 billion of aggregate available commitments. We have the flexibility, subject to our ability to obtain additional commitments, to further increase the size of the Commodity-Linked Facility to $3.0 billion. The Commodity-Linked Facility is used to support our hedging strategy. As of March 31, 2024, the borrowing base of $1.137 billion is lower than the facility limit which represents the aggregate commitments of $1.575 billion.

Under the Commodity-Linked Facility, the borrowing base is calculated on a weekly basis based on a set of theoretical transactions which approximate a portion of the hedge portfolio of Vistra Operations and certain of its subsidiaries in certain power markets, with availability thereunder not to exceed the aggregate available commitments nor be less than zero. Vistra Operations may, at its option, borrow an amount up to the borrowing base, as adjusted from time to time, provided that if outstanding borrowings at any time would exceed the borrowing base, Vistra Operations shall make a repayment to reduce outstanding borrowings to be less than or equal to the borrowing base. Vistra Operations intends to use any borrowings provided under the Commodity-Linked Facility to make cash postings as required under various commodity contracts to which Vistra Operations and its subsidiaries are parties as power prices increase from time-to time and for other working capital and general corporate purposes.

Under the Vistra Operations Commodity-Linked Credit Agreement, (i) the interest applicable to the Commodity-Linked Facility is based on the Term SOFR Rate plus a spread that will range from 1.25% to 2.00% and (ii) the fee on any undrawn amounts with respect to the Commodity-Linked Facility will range from 17.5 basis points to 35.0 basis points. Interest and fees on the Commodity-Linked Facility are based on ratings of Vistra Operations' senior secured long-term debt securities. As of March 31, 2024, the applicable interest rate margins for the Commodity-Linked Facility and the fee on any undrawn amounts with respect to the Commodity-Linked Facility were 1.70% and 26.5 basis points, respectively As of March 31, 2024, there were $500 million in outstanding borrowings under the Commodity-Linked Facility and the weighted average interest rate on outstanding borrowings was 7.03%.

The Vistra Operations Commodity-Linked Credit Agreement includes a covenant, solely during a compliance period (which, in general, is applicable when the aggregate revolving borrowings exceeds 30% of the revolving commitments), that requires the consolidated first lien net leverage ratio, which is based on the ratio of net first lien debt compared to an EBITDA calculation defined under the terms of the Commodity-Linked Facility, not to exceed 4.25 to 1.00 (or, during a collateral suspension period, the consolidated total net leverage ratio, which is based on the ratio of consolidated total debt compared to an EBITDA calculation defined under the terms of the Commodity-Linked Facility, not to exceed 5.50 to 1.00).

Vistra Zero Credit Agreement

On March 26, 2024, Vistra Zero entered into the Vistra Zero Credit Agreement. The Vistra Zero Credit Agreement provides for a senior secured term loan (Term Loan B Facility) of up to $700 million, which Vistra Zero borrowed in its entirety on March 26, 2024. Net proceeds of $690 million will be used (i) to pay issuance costs and (ii) for working capital and general corporate purposes. Vistra Zero's obligations under the Vistra Zero Credit Agreement are guaranteed by certain subsidiaries of Vistra Zero, but are otherwise non-recourse to Vistra Operations and its other subsidiaries.

Under the Vistra Zero Credit Agreement, the interest applicable to the Term Loan B Facility is Term SOFR plus 2.75% per annum. The Term Loan B Facility is not subject to a floor or credit spread adjustment but is subject to a 1.0% "soft call" prepayment premium prior to the date that is six months following March 26, 2024. The weighted average interest rates before taking into consideration interest rate swaps on outstanding borrowings of $700 million was 8.08% as of March 31, 2024. Cash borrowings under the Term Loan B Facility are subject to required scheduled quarterly payments of $1.75 million. Amounts paid cannot be reborrowed.

The Vistra Zero Credit Agreement contains customary covenants and warranties which are generally consistent in scope with the Vistra Operations Credit Agreement, except that there is no financial maintenance covenant in the Vistra Zero Credit Agreement.

Vistra Operations Secured Letter of Credit Facilities

In August and September 2020, Vistra entered into uncommitted standby letter of credit facilities that may be renewed annually and that are each secured by a first lien on substantially all of Vistra Operations' (and certain of its subsidiaries') assets (which ranks pari passu with the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities) (each, a Secured LOC Facility and collectively, the Secured LOC Facilities). The Secured LOC Facilities are used for general corporate purposes. In October 2021, September 2022 and October 2022, Vistra entered into additional Secured LOC Facilities which are used for general corporate purposes. As of March 31, 2024, $898 million of letters of credit were outstanding under the Secured LOC Facilities.

Each of the Secured LOC Facilities includes a covenant that requires the consolidated first lien net leverage ratio not to exceed 4.25 to 1.00 (or, for certain facilities that include a collateral suspension mechanism, during a collateral suspension period, the consolidated total net leverage ratio not to exceed 5.50 to 1.00).

Vistra Operations Unsecured Alternative Letter of Credit Facility

In March 2024, we entered into an unsecured alternative letter of credit facility (Alternative LOC Facility) to be used for general corporate purposes. As of March 31, 2024, the total capacity was $125 million and $100 million of letters of credit were outstanding under the Alternative LOC Facility. In April 2024, the capacity of the Alternative LOC Facility was increased to $300 million. The Alternative LOC Facility matures in December 2028. There are no financial maintenance covenants in the Alternative LOC Facility.

Energy Harbor Letter of Credit Facility

Energy Harbor and its subsidiaries were parties to a letter of credit facility that was secured by a first lien on the Energy Harbor assets (Energy Harbor LOC Facility). As of March 31, 2024, $115 million of letters of credit were outstanding under the Energy Harbor LOC Facility. As of April 24, 2024, the Energy Harbor LOC Facility was terminated.

Vistra Operations Senior Secured Notes

In April 2024, Vistra Operations issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of 6.000% senior secured notes due 2034 (6.000% Senior Secured Notes) in an offering to eligible purchasers under Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act. The 6.000% Senior Secured Notes provides for the full and unconditional guarantee by certain of Vistra Operations' current and future subsidiaries that also guarantee the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities, by and among the Issuer, as borrower, Vistra Intermediate Company LLC, the guarantors party thereto, and Citibank, N.A. as administrative and collateral agent. The 6.000% Senior Secured Notes mature in April 15, 2034, with interest payable in cash semiannually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 beginning October 15, 2024. Net proceeds totaling approximately $495 million, together with proceeds from the April 2024 issuance of 6.875% Senior Unsecured Notes discussed below and cash on hand, will be used for general corporate purposes, including to refinance outstanding indebtedness (including the upcoming 2024 senior secured debt maturities). Fees and expenses related to the offering, including commissions and the original issue discount, totaled $5 million and were capitalized as a reduction in the carrying amount of the debt.

In January 2024, Vistra Operations used the net proceeds from the December 2023 issuances of 6.950% senior secured notes due 2033 and 7.750% senior unsecured notes due 2031 discussed below and cash on hand to fund a cash tender offer (Senior Secured Notes Tender Offer) to purchase for cash $759 million aggregate principal amount of certain notes, including $58 million of 4.875% senior secured notes due 2024, $345 million of 3.550% senior secured notes due 2024 and $356 million of the 5.125% senior secured notes due 2025. We recorded an extinguishment gain of $6 million on the transaction in the first quarter of 2024.

Since 2019, Vistra Operations issued and sold $5.65 billion aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes in offerings to eligible purchasers under Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act. The indenture (as may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the Vistra Operations Senior Secured Indenture) governing the 4.875% senior secured notes due 2024, the 3.550% senior secured notes due 2024, the 5.125% senior secured notes due 2025, the 3.700% senior secured notes due 2027, the 4.300% senior secured notes due 2029 and the 6.950% Senior Secured Notes (collectively, as each may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the Senior Secured Notes) provides for the full and unconditional guarantee by certain of Vistra Operations' current and future subsidiaries that also guarantee the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities. The Senior Secured Notes are secured by a first-priority security interest in the same collateral that is pledged for the benefit of the lenders under the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities, which consists of a substantial portion of the property, assets and rights owned by Vistra Operations and certain direct and indirect subsidiaries of Vistra Operations as subsidiary guarantors (collectively, the Guarantor Subsidiaries) as well as the stock of Vistra Operations held by Vistra Intermediate. The collateral securing the Senior Secured Notes will be released if Vistra Operations' senior, unsecured long-term debt securities obtain an investment grade rating from two out of the three rating agencies, subject to reversion if such rating agencies withdraw the investment grade rating of Vistra Operations' senior, unsecured long-term debt securities or downgrade such rating below investment grade. The Vistra Operations Senior Secured Indenture contains certain covenants and restrictions, including, among others, restrictions on the ability of Vistra Operations and its subsidiaries, as applicable, to create certain liens, merge or consolidate with another entity, and sell all or substantially all of their assets.

Energy Harbor Revenue Bonds

Various governmental entities in Ohio and Pennsylvania have previously issued six different tranches of revenue bonds for the benefit of Energy Harbor Generation LLC (EHG) or Energy Harbor Nuclear Generation LLC (EHNG); (collectively, the EH entities), in an aggregate principal amount of $431 million (each such tranche, a revenue bond and collectively, the revenue bonds). Funds from the issuance of the revenue bonds were on-lent by the relevant governmental authority, as lender, to each of EHG or EHNG, as applicable, pursuant to individual loan agreements between the relevant governmental entity and EH entity (each such loan agreement, an on-lending agreement and collectively, the on-lending agreements). Under those on-lending agreements the relevant EH entity is obligated to provide contractual payments to service the principal and interest on the revenue bonds via payments on the loans. The repayment of the loans is not directly secured by the assets of the EH entities; rather such repayment is secured by a pledge of certain mortgage bonds issued by the EH entities to the relevant trustees under the respective revenue bonds. The mortgage bonds are issued by the relevant EH entity pursuant to an open-ended mortgage indenture (the base indenture), and supplemented by supplemental indentures adding the relevant tranche of mortgage bonds backing the related revenue bonds to the base indenture (as so supplemented, the mortgage indentures). The obligations under the mortgage bonds issued pursuant to the mortgage indentures are secured by substantially all assets of the EH entities, including their plants and related real estate. The obligations under mortgage indentures are cross-collateralized to each other, and provide that payments of principal and interest by the relevant EH entity under its on-lending agreement with the governmental authority constitute a dollar-for-dollar credit against the payment obligations of such EH entity under the mortgage indentures, such that the EH entities are never expected to make any payments under the bonds governed by the mortgage indentures. In the event of a default under the on-lending agreements (which are not cross-defaulted to each other), the trustee of the revenue bonds would be able to call the mortgage bonds due and, if unpaid, foreclose on the assets securing the mortgage bonds. The obligations of the EH entities under the on-lending agreements and the related mortgage indentures are guaranteed on an unsecured basis by Energy Harbor. Neither the EH entities nor Energy Harbor provides credit support for any of the debt obligations of Vistra Operations.

Vistra Operations Senior Unsecured Notes

In April 2024, Vistra Operations issued $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 6.875% senior unsecured notes due 2032 (6.875% Senior Unsecured Notes) in an offering to eligible purchasers under Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act. The 6.875% Senior Unsecured Notes provides for the full and unconditional guarantee by certain of Vistra Operations' current and future subsidiaries that also guarantee the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities, by and among the Issuer, as borrower, Vistra Intermediate Company LLC, the guarantors party thereto, and Citibank, N.A. as administrative and collateral agent. The 6.875% Senior Secured Notes mature in April 15, 2032, with interest payable in cash semiannually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 beginning October 15, 2024. Net proceeds totaling approximately $990 million, together with proceeds from the April 2024 issuance of 6.000% Senior Secured Notes discussed above and cash on hand, will be used for general corporate purposes, including to refinance outstanding indebtedness (including the upcoming 2024 senior secured debt maturities). Fees and expenses related to the offering totaled $10 million and were capitalized as a reduction in the carrying amount of the debt.

Since 2018, Vistra Operations has issued and sold $6.30 billion aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes in offerings to eligible purchasers under Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act. The indentures (as may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the Vistra Operations Senior Unsecured Indentures) governing the 5.500% senior unsecured notes due 2026, the 5.625% senior unsecured notes due 2027, the 5.000% senior unsecured notes due 2027, the 4.375% senior unsecured notes due 2029 and the 7.750% Senior Unsecured Notes (collectively, as each may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the Senior Unsecured Notes) provide for the full and unconditional guarantee by the Guarantor Subsidiaries of the punctual payment of the principal and interest on such notes. The Vistra Operations Senior Unsecured Indentures contain certain covenants and restrictions, including, among others, restrictions on the ability of Vistra Operations and its subsidiaries, as applicable, to create certain liens, merge or consolidate with another entity, and sell all or substantially all of their assets.

Debt Repurchase Program

In January 2024, we settled the Senior Secured Notes Tender Offer. In April 2024, the Board authorized the voluntary repayment or repurchase of up to $1.0 billion of outstanding debt, with such authorization expiring on December 31, 2024.