8-KMaterial AgreementsFinancial Events

AMERICAN TOWER CORP /MA/ 8-K Report, Material Agreement (Aug 19, 2010)

Filed August 19, 2010For Securities:AMT

Summary

American Tower Corporation (AMT) has filed an 8-K detailing the completion of a registered public offering of $700.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.050% senior unsecured notes due 2020. The net proceeds from this offering, approximately $693.8 million, are earmarked for significant debt reduction. Specifically, $575.0 million will be used to refinance a portion of its revolving credit facility, which was instrumental in financing recent acquisitions, including Essar Telecom Infrastructure Private Limited. The company intends to use the remaining proceeds for general corporate purposes. These notes mature on September 1, 2020, and carry a semi-annual interest payment. The indenture governing these notes includes standard covenants limiting mergers, asset sales, and the incurrence of liens, with specific exceptions tied to the company's Adjusted EBITDA. This issuance represents a strategic move to manage its capital structure following recent expansion activities.

Key Highlights

  • 1Completed a $700.0 million public offering of 5.050% senior unsecured notes due 2020.
  • 2Net proceeds of approximately $693.8 million are expected from the offering.
  • 3Plans to use $575.0 million of proceeds to refinance a portion of its $1.25 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility.
  • 4The credit facility was used to finance recent acquisitions, including Essar Telecom Infrastructure Private Limited.
  • 5Remaining proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes.
  • 6Notes mature on September 1, 2020, with interest payable semi-annually.
  • 7Indenture includes covenants on mergers, asset sales, and liens, with exceptions based on Adjusted EBITDA.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary purpose is to refinance a significant portion of American Tower's existing debt, specifically $575.0 million of borrowings under its senior unsecured revolving credit facility. This facility was utilized to fund recent acquisitions, indicating a move to strengthen the company's capital structure after expansion.

The notes have a principal amount of $700.0 million, mature on September 1, 2020, and bear interest at a fixed rate of 5.050% per annum. Interest payments will be made semi-annually on March 1 and September 1, starting March 1, 2011.

The indenture imposes limitations on the company's ability to merge, consolidate, sell assets, and incur liens. A notable exception allows for liens on assets up to a certain threshold, defined as 3.5x Adjusted EBITDA, providing some flexibility.

The company may be obligated to repurchase all outstanding notes at 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued interest, if a 'Change of Control' event occurs concurrently with a 'Ratings Decline,' as these terms are defined within the indenture.