8-KFinancial EventsExhibits & Filings

AMEREN CORP 8-K Report, Financial Obligation (Oct 23, 2008)

Filed October 23, 2008For Securities:AEE

Summary

Ameren Corporation's subsidiary, Illinois Power Company (AmerenIP), announced the issuance and sale of $400 million in 9.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2018. These notes were issued through a private placement and are secured by AmerenIP's mortgage bonds, offering investors a senior secured debt instrument. The primary purpose of this issuance is to repay AmerenIP's existing short-term debt, including borrowings under its credit facilities and the Ameren utility money pool arrangement. The issuance of these notes by AmerenIP, a significant operating subsidiary, is a notable event for Ameren Corporation. It addresses short-term liabilities by replacing them with longer-term debt, which can provide financial flexibility and potentially improve liquidity ratios. Investors should note the 9.75% coupon rate, the 2018 maturity date, and the secured nature of the notes, indicating a specific level of collateral backing.

Key Highlights

  • 1Illinois Power Company (AmerenIP), a subsidiary of Ameren Corporation, issued $400 million of 9.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2018.
  • 2The notes were issued in a private placement transaction.
  • 3Proceeds from the note issuance will be used to repay AmerenIP's existing short-term debt, including credit facility borrowings and Ameren's utility money pool.
  • 4The notes are secured by AmerenIP's mortgage bonds, providing collateral backing.
  • 5The notes mature on November 15, 2018, with interest payments due semi-annually on May 15 and November 15.
  • 6The indenture contains standard default provisions, including those for payment defaults, covenant breaches, and bankruptcy events.
  • 7AmerenIP has agreed to file registration statements for these notes, with potential for additional interest payments if compliance obligations are not met.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary purpose is to repay AmerenIP's existing short-term debt. This includes borrowings under its credit facilities and its participation in Ameren's utility money pool arrangement. This action is a refinancing of short-term liabilities into longer-term debt.

The filing states that Illinois Power Company (AmerenIP) issued the notes. While AmerenIP is a subsidiary, the filing does not explicitly mention a guarantee from Ameren Corporation. The notes are senior secured notes of AmerenIP, secured by AmerenIP's own mortgage bonds.

The notes are secured by AmerenIP's mortgage bonds. This means that in the event of default, the holders of these senior secured notes have a claim on specific collateral (the mortgage bonds) that is pledged to secure repayment, in addition to the general creditworthiness of AmerenIP.

AmerenIP has agreed to file an exchange offer registration statement or a shelf registration statement. This is a common practice for privately placed debt. If AmerenIP fails to meet its obligations under this agreement, it may be required to pay additional interest on the notes, up to a maximum of 0.50% per year.