What Is Event of Default?
An event of default is a predefined circumstance that allows a lender to demand full repayment of an outstanding balance before it is due. In many agreements, the lender will include a contract provision covering events of default to protect itself in case it appears that the borrower will n🍌ot be able or does not intend to repay the loan in the future.
An event of default enables the lender to seize any 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:collateral that has been pledged and sell it to recoup the balance of the loan. This often is employed if the 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:default risk is beyond a certain point.
Key Takeaways
- An event of default is a pre-specified condition or threshold that, if met, allows the lender or creditor to demand immediate and full repayment of a debt or obligation.
- An event of default may include delinquent or non-payment of principal or interest due, a breach of a bond covenant, or insolvency, among others.
- Credit default swaps (CDS) contain specific events of default that can trigger one counterparty to the contract to pay the other.
- Events of fault are defined within contracts.
- Creditors will often introduce more restrictive terms when an event of default occurs instead of demanding immediate and full repayment in the event of a default.
Understanding Events Of Default
An "event of default" is a defined term in loan and lease agreements. The following would constitute a default event in a typical credit agreement clause:
- non-payment of any amount of the loan (including interest)
- financial covenant breach
- material representation inaccuracy or warranty breach
- 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:cross-default
- material adverse change (MAC)
- insolvency
The clause can contain more circumstances that would permit the creditor to invoke its rights in the event of default. These events would be custom-tailored for the unique situation of the borro൲wer.
Although a creditor can legally demand immediate repayment in the event of a default, in practice it rarely does. Instead, it usually works with the distressed borrower to rewrite the terms of the loan agreement. If the parties agree, the lender will produce an 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:amendment to the loan agreement that contains tighter terms, and in most cases, raise the interest rate of the l𓆏oan and collect an amen🌳dment fee.
Example of an Event of Default
On January 10, 2018, Sears Holdings Corp. entered into a $100 million t🍎erm loan credit agreement with various lenders. Section 7.01 listed 11 different events of default for the struggling retailer.
Unambiguous terms are customary in a properly-drafted credit agreement; however, the agreement for Sears was exceptionally detailed and restrictive because the lending 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:syndicate took e♔xtra precautions to protect its interests.
Event of Default in Credit Default Swaps
A credit default swap (CDS) is an agreement between parties in which one pays to the other party a premium for a type of credit default insurance, which protects against certain defaults. In essence, the buyer is taking out a form of 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:insurance on t💎he possibility that a debtor will experien𒅌ce an event of default event that would jeopardize its ability to meet its payment obligations.
The Interna𝄹ti🙈onal Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) published a master agreement to govern over-the-counter (OTC) derivative transactions. The contract lists and defines eight standard events of default for which the agreement may be terminated:
- Failure to pay or deliver
- Breach/repudiation of agreement
- Credit support default
- Misrepresentation
- Default under specified transaction
- Cross-default
- 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:Bankruptcy
- Merger without assumption.
How can an event of default be cured?
Agreements typically allow the defaulting party an opportunity to cure or remedy the default within a certain period before negative consequences apply. The grace period could be days, weeks, or longer, and some agreements allow for a maximum number of cures. If the default is not remedi♋ed as specified in the contract, the agreement is terminated and the defaulting party is liable for any amounts due.
What is the difference between default and event of default?
A default is a breach of a contract or agreement. It occurs when one party fails to uphold their contractual duties. An event of default is a specific event or occurrence that allows the non-defaulting party the ability to terminate the contrac💯t or accelerate the debt owed by the defaulting party.
What is a potential event of default?
A pot🌠ential event of default is an event or ocඣcurrence that would become an event of default if not cured within a certain time or under certain conditions.