8-KMaterial AgreementsFinancial EventsOther Events+1

CROWN CASTLE INC. 8-K Report, Material Agreement (Feb 2, 2017)

Filed February 2, 2017For Securities:CCI

Summary

Crown Castle International Corp. (CCI) announced the closing of a registered public offering of $500 million aggregate principal amount of 4.000% Senior Notes due 2027, which occurred on February 2, 2017. The net proceeds from this offering are intended to be used to repay a portion of the outstanding borrowings under the Company's senior unsecured revolving credit facility. This move suggests a strategic effort to refinance existing debt with longer-term, fixed-rate obligations. The senior notes are unsecured and rank equally with existing senior indebtedness but are subordinated to secured debt and structurally subordinated to subsidiary obligations. Key terms include semi-annual interest payments, specific maturity in March 2027, and provisions for redemption at the Company's option with a potential 'make-whole' premium under certain conditions. The indenture also includes covenants restricting liens and mergers, and a provision for noteholders to require repurchase in the event of a Change of Control Triggering Event.

Key Highlights

  • 1Successfully closed a $500 million offering of 4.000% Senior Notes due March 1, 2027.
  • 2Proceeds will be used to reduce outstanding borrowings under the company's senior unsecured revolving credit facility.
  • 3Notes are senior unsecured obligations, ranking equally with existing senior debt and senior to subordinated debt.
  • 4Notes are structurally subordinated to liabilities of Crown Castle's subsidiaries.
  • 5Semi-annual interest payments of 4.000% are due on March 1 and September 1, starting September 1, 2017.
  • 6Company has the option to redeem notes prior to maturity, potentially with a 'make-whole' premium before December 1, 2026.
  • 7Indenture includes covenants related to liens, mergers, and a change of control repurchase option for noteholders.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary purpose of this debt issuance is to use the net proceeds to repay a portion of the outstanding borrowings under Crown Castle's senior unsecured revolving credit facility. This indicates a strategy to refinance short-term debt with longer-term fixed-rate debt.

The 4.000% Senior Notes due 2027 are senior unsecured obligations. They rank equally with all existing and future senior indebtedness, including the company's senior unsecured credit facility. However, they are effectively junior to all secured indebtedness and structurally subordinated to all liabilities and obligations of Crown Castle's subsidiaries.

The notes bear interest at a rate of 4.000% per annum, payable semi-annually on March 1 and September 1, commencing September 1, 2017. The notes mature on March 1, 2027.

Yes, Crown Castle has the option to redeem some or all of the notes at any time prior to their maturity. If redeemed before December 1, 2026, a 'make-whole' premium will apply in addition to the principal and accrued interest. Redemptions on or after December 1, 2026, will be at the principal amount plus accrued interest.