FTAI Aviation Announces Early Tender Results for its 9.750% Senior Notes Due 2027

Rhea-AI Summary

FTAI Aviation announced early results of its cash tender offer for up to $300 million of its 9.750% Senior Notes due 2027. As of June 18, 2024, $269.093 million of these notes were validly tendered. The notes were offered at $1,029 per $1,000 principal amount, including a $30 early tender payment. The tender offer is set to expire on July 5, 2024, with an early payment date expected on June 21, 2024. Holders who tendered their notes after the June 18 deadline will receive the tender consideration of $999 per $1,000 principal amount without the early tender payment.

Positive

• FTAI Aviation successfully tendered $269.093 million of its 2027 Notes, close to its $300 million cap.
• The total consideration of $1,029 per $1,000 principal amount includes an early tender payment, incentivizing early participation.

Negative

• Investors who tender after the early deadline will receive a lower payment of $999 per $1,000 principal amount.

Insights

Financial Analyst

FTAI Aviation's early tender results for its 9.750% Senior Notes due 2027 indicate a significant response from note holders, with $269,093,000 of the aggregate principal amount being tendered out of a $400,000,000 outstanding amount. This represents a substantial 67% of the outstanding notes, suggesting a strong willingness among investors to accept the company's offer at the provided consideration.

The early tender offer at $1,029 per $1,000 principal amount, which includes an early tender payment of $30, is a strategic move aimed at reducing future interest payments. Given that the notes carry a high interest rate of 9.750%, the company stands to benefit significantly from decreased interest expenses over the long term. This can improve FTAI's financial health and cash flow, potentially freeing up capital for other growth initiatives.

For investors, this tender offer highlights the company's proactive debt management strategy. In the short term, the successful tendering of a large portion of these high-yield notes can lead to improved credit metrics and potentially lower borrowing costs in the future. However, it's essential to consider that the company is using a significant amount of cash to repurchase these notes, which could affect liquidity. Investors should weigh the immediate reduction in debt against the potential strain on cash reserves.

Overall, this move aligns with industry norms where companies seek to manage high-interest debt, especially in a rising interest rate environment. The tender offer's success also reflects investor confidence in the company's strategy and future prospects.

Market Research Analyst

From a market perspective, the tender offer demonstrates FTAI Aviation's commitment to improving its debt profile. The high participation rate signals strong investor engagement and belief in the company's financial management. This may positively influence the company's stock price as debt reduction typically enhances overall financial stability and can lead to improved market sentiment.

Furthermore, the repurchase of high-yield debt at favorable terms may be seen as a prudent move in the context of the broader aviation and infrastructure sectors, where managing debt effectively is important for sustaining operations and funding growth. By reducing debt, FTAI Aviation positions itself better to navigate potential future economic uncertainties and capitalize on emerging opportunities within its sector.

In the broader landscape, such strategic financial maneuvers can set a precedent for other companies in similar industries facing high interest obligations. It showcases an actionable path to strengthen financial positions, which could be a critical factor for stakeholders monitoring the sector.

Investors should note the balance between the benefits of reduced debt and the immediate liquidity outflow. It's important to stay updated on how the company plans to manage its liquidity post-tender offer and its ensuing financial strategies.

NEW YORK, June 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FTAI Aviation Ltd. (NASDAQ: FTAI), a Cayman Islands exempted company (the “Company” or “FTAI”) announced today the early tender results of the previously announced cash tender offer (the “Tender Offer”) to purchase for cash up to $300,000,000 aggregate principal amount (the “Tender Cap”) of Fortress Transportation and Infrastructure Investors LLC’s (“FTAI LLC”) outstanding 9.750% Senior Notes due 2027 (the “2027 Notes”), on the terms and conditions set forth in FTAI LLC’s Offer to Purchase, dated June 3, 2024, as amended on June 3, 2024 and June 17, 2024 (the “Offer to Purchase”). Capitalized terms used but not defined in this announcement have the meanings given to them in the Offer to Purchase.

According to D.F. King & Co., Inc., the tender and information agent for the Tender Offer, as of 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on June 18, 2024 (the “Extended Early Tender Deadline”), $269,093,000 aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 2027 Notes were validly tendered and not validly withdrawn.

The following table sets forth certain terms of the Tender Offer, including the aggregate principal amount of 2027 Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) as of the Extended Early Tender Deadline.

Series of Notes

CUSIP Number(1)

Aggregate Principal Amount Outstanding Prior to the Tender Offer

Tender Cap

Aggregate Principal Amount Tendered as of the Extended Early Tender Deadline and Accepted for Purchase

Total Consideration(2)

Early Tender Payment(2)

Tender Consideration(2)

9.750% Senior Notes due 2027

34960P AC5 (144A) U3458L AG6 (Reg S)

$400,000,000

$300,000,000

$269,093,000

$1,029.00

$30.00

$999.00

_{⁽¹⁾ CUSIPs are provided for the convenience of Holders. No representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of such numbers.}

_{⁽²⁾ Per $1,000 principal amount of 2027 Notes accepted for purchase. Holders who validly tender and do not validly withdraw their 2027 Notes and whose 2027 Notes are accepted for purchase in the Tender Offer will also be paid accrued and unpaid interest from and including the interest payment date immediately preceding the applicable settlement date to, but not including, the applicable settlement date.}

The withdrawal deadline for the Tender Offer was 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on June 14, 2024 (the “Withdrawal Deadline”). Neither the Withdrawal Deadline nor the Extended Early Tender Deadline have been extended. Accordingly, previously tendered 2027 Notes may not be withdrawn, subject to applicable law. The Tender Offer is scheduled to expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on July 5, 2024 (the “Extended Expiration Time”), unless extended or earlier terminated by FTAI LLC.

The settlement date for 2027 Notes validly tendered as of the Extended Early Tender Deadline and accepted for purchase is expected to occur on June 21, 2024 (the “Early Payment Date”). On the Early Payment Date, FTAI LLC will pay the total consideration of $1,029 per $1,000 principal amount of 2027 Notes accepted for purchase plus accrued and unpaid interest from the last interest payment date to, but not including, the Early Payment Date. Holders validly tendering 2027 Notes after the Extended Early Tender Deadline and on or before the Extended Expiration Time will be eligible to receive only the tender offer consideration, which represents the total consideration less the early tender payment, plus accrued and unpaid interest from and including the interest payment date immediately preceding the settlement date for such 2027 Notes to, but not including, such settlement date. 2027 Notes tendered after the Withdrawal Deadline may not be withdrawn.

The Tender Offer is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions as described in the Offer to Purchase. The complete terms and conditions of the Tender Offer are set forth in the Offer to Purchase and remain unchanged.

FTAI LLC has retained J.P. Morgan Securities LLC to act as dealer manager in connection with the Tender Offer. Questions about the Tender Offer may be directed to J.P. Morgan Securities LLC at (866) 834-4666 (toll-free) or (212) 834-7489 (collect). Copies of the Tender Offer documents and other related documents may be obtained from D.F. King & Co., Inc., the tender and information agent for the Tender Offer, at (212) 269-5550 (banks or brokers) or (toll free) (800) 290-6432 or by email at FTAI@dfking.com.

The Tender Offer is being made solely by means of the Tender Offer documents. Under no circumstances shall this press release constitute an offer to purchase or sell or the solicitation of an offer to purchase or sell the 2027 Notes or any other securities of FTAI LLC or any other person, nor shall there be any offer or sale of any 2027 Notes or other securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. In addition, nothing contained herein constitutes a notice of redemption of the 2027 Notes. No recommendation is made as to whether holders of the 2027 Notes should tender their 2027 Notes.

About FTAI Aviation Ltd.

FTAI owns and maintains commercial jet engines with a focus on CFM56 and V2500 engines. FTAI’s propriety portfolio of products, including The Module Factory and a joint venture to manufacture engine PMA, enables it to provide cost savings and flexibility to our airline, lessor, and maintenance, repair, and operations customer base. Additionally, FTAI owns and leases jet aircraft which often facilitates the acquisition of engines at attractive prices. FTAI invests in aviation assets and aerospace products that generate strong and stable cash flows with the potential for earnings growth and asset appreciation.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, many of which are beyond the Company’s control, and include, but are not limited to, our ability to complete the Tender Offer on the terms contemplated, or at all. The Company can give no assurance that its expectations will be attained and such differences may be material. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements contained in this press release. For a discussion of some of the risks and important factors that could affect such forward-looking statements, see the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, which are available on the Company’s website (www.ftaiaviation.com). In addition, new risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict or assess the impact of every factor that may cause its actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations with regard thereto or change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities.

For further information, please contact:

Alan Andreini
Investor Relations
FTAI Aviation Ltd.
(646) 734-9414

Source: FTAI Aviation Ltd.

FAQ

What are the early tender results for FTAI's 9.750% Senior Notes due 2027?

As of June 18, 2024, $269.093 million in principal amount was tendered in FTAI's cash tender offer for its 9.750% Senior Notes due 2027.

What is the total amount FTAI aims to purchase in its tender offer?

FTAI aims to purchase up to $300 million in aggregate principal amount of its 9.750% Senior Notes due 2027.

When is the expiration date for FTAI's tender offer?

FTAI's tender offer is set to expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on July 5, 2024.

What is the total consideration for notes tendered before the early deadline?

The total consideration for notes tendered before the early deadline is $1,029 per $1,000 principal amount, including a $30 early tender payment.

What is the payment for notes tendered after the early deadline?

Notes tendered after the early deadline will receive $999 per $1,000 principal amount, without the $30 early tender payment.