8-KMaterial AgreementsFinancial EventsOther Events+1

CROWN CASTLE INC. 8-K Report, Material Agreement (Jan 22, 2016)

Filed January 22, 2016For Securities:CCI

Summary

Crown Castle Inc. (CCI) announced on January 22, 2016, the entry into a new $5.5 billion senior unsecured credit facility (New Credit Facility) effective January 21, 2016. This facility includes a $2.5 billion revolving credit facility (Revolver), a $2.0 billion term loan facility (Term Loan), and a $1.0 billion 364-day revolving credit facility (364-Day Facility). The Term Loan and 364-Day Facility were fully drawn upon closing, and a significant portion of the Revolver was also drawn, indicating the company's immediate use of these funds. The primary purpose of the New Credit Facility was to refinance existing indebtedness and provide for general corporate purposes, including potential future acquisitions and investments. The company also retains the option to increase the facility by an additional $2.5 billion, offering significant financial flexibility for future growth opportunities. This refinancing and expanded credit availability are key strategic moves for Crown Castle to manage its capital structure and support its ongoing business operations.

Key Highlights

  • 1Crown Castle International Corp. established a new $5.5 billion senior unsecured credit facility.
  • 2The new facility comprises a $2.5 billion revolving credit facility, a $2.0 billion term loan, and a $1.0 billion 364-day revolving credit facility.
  • 3The Term Loan and 364-Day Facility were fully drawn at closing, with $855 million drawn under the Revolver.
  • 4Proceeds were used to prepay existing indebtedness and for general corporate purposes, including potential future acquisitions.
  • 5The facility allows for an additional $2.5 billion in potential future increases to commitments.
  • 6Borrowings will bear interest based on either a base rate or LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin, which varies with the company's senior unsecured debt rating.
  • 7The new credit facility includes financial covenants, such as leverage ratios and restrictions on various corporate actions.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main purpose of the new credit facility is to refinance Crown Castle's existing indebtedness, pay associated transaction costs, and provide capital for general corporate purposes, which can include future acquisitions and investments.

On January 21, 2016, the Term Loan and 364-Day Facility were fully drawn. As of that date, $855 million of the $2.5 billion Revolver was drawn, leaving approximately $1.6 billion available under the Revolver for future use.

Yes, the New Credit Facility includes provisions allowing Crown Castle to seek commitments for an additional $2.5 billion in term loan or revolving credit facilities, providing significant flexibility for future expansion and capital requirements.

Borrowings will be subject to either a base rate or a LIBOR rate, plus an applicable margin. This margin is determined by Crown Castle's senior unsecured debt rating and ranges from 0.125% to 1.00% for base rate loans and 1.125% to 2.00% for LIBO rate loans.