AMC Networks Announces Conditional Full Redemption of 4.75% Senior Notes due 2025

Rhea-AI Summary

AMC Networks Inc. announces the redemption of its 4.75% Senior Notes due 2025, subject to conditions, at a redemption price of 100.000% of the principal amount plus accrued interest. The redemption is contingent on the issuance of at least $700 million senior secured notes by April 24, 2024.

Financial Analyst

AMC Networks' decision to redeem its 4.75% Senior Notes due in 2025 is a strategic financial move that can potentially reduce future interest expenses and improve the company's debt profile. The condition to issue at least $700 million of senior secured notes provides a safety net, ensuring that the company maintains liquidity and does not negatively impact its creditworthiness. This redemption is likely to be viewed positively by investors as it indicates proactive debt management and a focus on optimizing capital structure.

However, it is essential to consider the interest rates of the new senior secured notes compared to the redeemed notes. If the new notes carry a significantly higher interest rate, the benefits of the redemption could be offset by increased interest expenses. Additionally, the use of the phrase 'satisfactory in all respects to the Company in its sole and absolute discretion' suggests that AMC Networks retains flexibility in the terms of the new issuance, which could affect the overall financial impact of the transaction.

Debt Market Analyst

The redemption of the 4.75% Senior Notes and the issuance of new senior secured notes are indicative of AMC Networks' active management of its debt maturity profile. This maneuver allows the company to potentially extend the maturity of its debt, aligning with a strategy to manage refinancing risks. The focus on senior secured notes implies a prioritization of creditor confidence, as these notes would be backed by collateral, offering a higher claim on assets in the event of default.

Investors in the debt market should note the redemption price of 100.000% of the principal amount plus accrued interest, which is a standard call provision for senior notes. The transparency and adherence to the call provision terms can reinforce the company's reputation in the debt market. However, the market's reception of the new issuance will hinge on the interest rate environment at the time of issuance and the perceived credit risk of AMC Networks post-redemption.

Market Research Analyst

The entertainment industry, where AMC Networks operates, is highly competitive and subject to rapid changes in consumer preferences. The company's ability to manage its debt effectively is important for maintaining the financial flexibility needed to adapt to industry dynamics. By redeeming higher-interest notes and potentially securing lower-interest debt, AMC Networks could allocate more resources towards content creation, marketing and technology to stay competitive.

It is important to monitor how this financial restructuring aligns with the company's overall strategic initiatives, such as investments in streaming services and original programming. The long-term impact on the company's stock will depend on how these initiatives translate into revenue growth and profitability, in addition to the immediate effects of the debt restructuring on the balance sheet.

NEW YORK, March 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AMC Networks Inc. (Nasdaq: AMCX) (the “Company”) announced today that it has given notice of its intention to redeem all of its outstanding 4.75% Senior Notes due 2025 (CUSIP Number 00164V AE3) (the “Notes”) on April 24, 2024 (the “Redemption Date”). If the condition to the redemption of the Notes described below is satisfied, the Notes will be redeemed at a redemption price of 100.000% of the principal amount of the Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the Redemption Date (the “Redemption Price”).

The redemption is subject to and conditioned upon the completion by the Company of an issuance of at least $700 million aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes no later than the Redemption Date on terms and conditions satisfactory in all respects to the Company in its sole and absolute discretion.

AMC Networks has instructed U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as the trustee for the Notes (the “Trustee”), to distribute a notice of redemption to all registered holders of the Notes on March 25, 2024. Copies of the notice of redemption and additional information relating to the procedure for the redemption of the Notes may be obtained from U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association by calling 1-(800)-934-6802.

About AMC Networks Inc.

AMC Networks (Nasdaq: AMCX) is home to many of the greatest stories and characters in TV and film and the premier destination for passionate and engaged fan communities around the world. The company creates and curates celebrated series and films across distinct brands and makes them available to audiences everywhere. Its portfolio includes targeted streaming services AMC+, Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now, ALLBLK and HIDIVE; cable networks AMC, BBC AMERICA (operated through a joint venture with BBC Studios, which includes U.S. distribution and sales responsibilities for BBC News), IFC, SundanceTV and WE tv; and film distribution labels IFC Films and RLJE Films. The company also operates AMC Studios, its in-house studio, production and distribution operation behind acclaimed and fan-favorite original franchises including The Walking Dead Universe and the Anne Rice Immortal Universe; and AMC Networks International, its international programming business.

This press release may contain statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements concerning the terms and timing of the redemption of the Notes and the Company’s concurrent offering of senior secured notes. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve risks and uncertainties and that actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including financial community and rating agency perceptions of the Company and its business, operations, financial condition and the industries in which it operates and the factors described in the Company’s filings with the Securities ad Exchange Commission, including the sections titled “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contained therein. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein.

Contacts:

Investor Relations Nicholas Seibert nicholas.seibert@amcnetworks.com		Corporate Communications Georgia Juvelis georgia.juvelis@amcnetworks.com

What is the ticker symbol for AMC Networks Inc.?

The ticker symbol for AMC Networks Inc. is AMCX.

When is the Redemption Date for the 4.75% Senior Notes due 2025?

The Redemption Date for the 4.75% Senior Notes due 2025 is April 24, 2024.

What is the redemption price for the Notes?

The redemption price for the Notes is 100.000% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest.

What is the condition for the redemption of the Notes?

The redemption is subject to the completion of an issuance of at least $700 million aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes by the Redemption Date.

Who is the trustee for the Notes?

U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, is the trustee for the Notes.