8-KMaterial AgreementsShareholder MattersCorporate Changes+1

AMERICAN TOWER CORP /MA/ 8-K Report, Material Agreement (Mar 3, 2015)

Filed March 3, 2015For Securities:AMT

Summary

This 8-K filing from American Tower Corporation (AMT) on March 3, 2015, announces the company's entry into material definitive agreements related to significant capital raising activities. Specifically, AMT entered into underwriting agreements to issue and sell both common stock and depositary shares representing interests in mandatory convertible preferred stock. These offerings were conducted through registered public offerings using an existing shelf registration statement, indicating a strategic move to bolster the company's financial resources. The details provided include the size of the offerings, the underwriters involved, and the establishment of a new series of 5.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock. This preferred stock has specific terms regarding dividends, liquidation preferences, and limitations on common stock dividends until preferred dividends are paid. Investors should note these actions as they signal the company's intent to fund growth or other corporate objectives through equity issuance.

Key Highlights

  • 1AMT entered into an underwriting agreement on February 25, 2015, to sell 23,500,000 shares of its common stock.
  • 2An option for underwriters to purchase an additional 2,350,000 shares of common stock was granted to cover over-allotments.
  • 3Concurrently, AMT agreed to issue and sell 12,500,000 depositary shares, each representing a 1/10th interest in 5.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, Series B.
  • 4An option for underwriters to purchase an additional 1,250,000 depositary shares was also granted.
  • 5On March 3, 2015, AMT filed a Certificate of Designations to establish the terms of its 5.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, Series B.
  • 6The Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock has provisions that restrict dividends on common stock if preferred dividends are not paid.
  • 7In liquidation, holders of the Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock have a priority claim on assets after creditors and senior stock, before common stockholders.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary purpose of this filing was to report on American Tower Corporation's entry into material definitive agreements concerning the issuance and sale of its common stock and depositary shares representing mandatory convertible preferred stock. This indicates a significant capital raising event for the company.

While the filing doesn't state the exact amount raised in dollars, it details the number of shares and depositary shares offered. The company agreed to sell 23,500,000 shares of common stock and 12,500,000 depositary shares. The filing also mentions options granted to underwriters for additional shares, suggesting potential for higher capital infusion.

The 5.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, Series B, carries a liquidation preference of $1,000.00 per share, plus accumulated unpaid dividends. A critical feature is that dividends on AMT's common stock are restricted unless all accumulated and unpaid dividends on this preferred stock have been paid or set aside for payment.

The option granted to underwriters to purchase additional shares (2,350,000 common shares and 1,250,000 depositary shares) indicates a mechanism for the underwriters to cover potential over-allotments in the market. For investors, this might suggest strong demand or a way for the company to raise even more capital if the initial offering is oversubscribed.