Long-Term Debt and Finance Lease Obligations

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2023

Long-Term Debt and Finance Lease Obligations

Long-Term Debt and Finance Lease Obligations

8.Long-Term Debt and Finance Lease Obligations

Fair Value of our Long-Term Debt

The following table summarizes the carrying amount and fair value of our debt facilities as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:

		As of December 31,
		2023				2022
	Issuer	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
		(In thousands)
5% Senior Notes due 2023 (1)	DDBS	$	—	$	—	$	1,443,179	$	1,441,635
5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2024 (2)	DDBS		1,982,544		1,872,275		2,000,000		1,870,940
7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2026	DDBS		2,000,000		1,388,060		2,000,000		1,620,280
5 1/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2026	DDBS		2,750,000		2,366,073		2,750,000		2,336,813
7 3/8% Senior Notes due 2028	DDBS		1,000,000		600,160		1,000,000		708,320
5 3/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2028	DDBS		2,500,000		2,013,125		2,500,000		2,013,675
5 1/8% Senior Notes due 2029	DDBS		1,500,000		774,600		1,500,000		976,755
Other notes payable			42,678		42,678		18,329		18,329
Subtotal			11,775,222	$	9,056,971		13,211,508	$	10,986,747
Unamortized deferred financing costs and debt discounts, net			(26,812)				(35,206)
Finance lease obligations (3)			31,104				69,206
Total long-term debt and finance lease obligations (including current portion)		$	11,779,514			$	13,245,508

(1) We had repurchased or redeemed the principal balance of our 5% Senior Notes due 2023 as of March 15, 2023, the instrument’s maturity date.

(2) During the year ended December 31, 2023, we repurchased approximately $17 million of our 5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2024 in open market trades. The remaining balance of approximately $1.983 billion matures on November 15, 2024 and is included in “Current portion of long-term debt and finance lease obligations” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2023.

(3) Disclosure regarding fair value of finance leases is not required.

We estimated the fair value of our publicly traded long-term debt using market prices in less active markets (Level 2).

Unsecured Senior Notes

Our Senior Notes are:

● general unsecured senior obligations of DISH DBS;

● ranked equally in right of payment with all of DISH DBS’ and the guarantors’ existing and future unsecured senior debt; and

● ranked effectively junior to our and the guarantors’ current and future secured senior indebtedness up to the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness.

The indentures related to our Senior Notes contain restrictive covenants that, among other things, impose limitations on the ability of DISH DBS and its restricted subsidiaries to:

● incur additional debt;

● pay dividends or make distributions on DISH DBS’ capital stock or repurchase DISH DBS’ capital stock;

● make certain investments;

● create liens or enter into sale and leaseback transactions;

● enter into transactions with affiliates;

● merge or consolidate with another company; and

● transfer or sell assets.

In the event of a change of control, as defined in the related indentures, we would be required to make an offer to repurchase all or any part of a holder’s Senior Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, to the date of repurchase.

5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2024

On November 20, 2014, we issued $2.0 billion aggregate principal amount of our ten-year 5 7/8% Senior Notes due November 15, 2024. On January 29, 2015, we completed an exchange offer in which we exchanged substantially all of the notes for a like principal amount of notes with identical terms, except that such new notes have been registered under the Securities Act. We did not receive any proceeds in the exchange offer. Interest accrues at an annual rate of 5 7/8% and is payable semi-annually in cash, in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year.

The 5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2024 are redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus a “make-whole” premium, as defined in the related indenture, together with accrued and unpaid interest.

7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2026

On June 13, 2016, we issued $2.0 billion aggregate principal amount of our ten-year 7 3/4% Senior Notes due July 1, 2026. On October 3, 2016, we completed an exchange offer in which we exchanged substantially all of the notes for a like principal amount of notes with identical terms, except that such new notes have been registered under the Securities Act. We did not receive any proceeds in the exchange offer. Interest accrues at an annual rate of 7 3/4% and is payable semi-annually in cash, in arrears on January 1 and July 1 of each year.

The 7 3/4% Senior Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus a “make-whole” premium, as defined in the related indenture, together with accrued and unpaid interest.

7 3/8% Senior Notes due 2028

On July 1, 2020, we issued $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of our 7 3/8% Senior Notes due July 1, 2028. On September 29, 2020, we completed an exchange offer in which we exchanged substantially all of the notes for a like principal amount of notes with identical terms, except that such new notes have been registered under the Securities Act. We did not receive any proceeds in the exchange offer. Interest accrues at an annual rate of 7 3/8% and is payable semi-annually in cash, in arrears on January 1 and July 1 of each year.

The 7 3/8% Senior Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time prior to July 1, 2023 at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus a “make-whole” premium, as defined in the related indenture, together with accrued and unpaid interest.  On or after July 1, 2023, we may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at any time at the redemption prices specified under the related indenture, together with accrued and unpaid interest.  

5 1/8% Senior Notes due 2029

On May 24, 2021, we issued $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of our 5 1/8% Senior Notes due June 1, 2029. On August 30, 2021, we completed an exchange offer in which we exchanged substantially all of the notes for a like principal amount of notes with identical terms, except that such new notes have been registered under the Securities Act. We did not receive any proceeds in the exchange offer. Interest accrues at an annual rate of 5 1/8% and is payable semi-annually in cash, in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year.

The 5 1/8% Senior Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus a “make-whole” premium, as defined in the related indenture, together with accrued and unpaid interest.  Prior to June 1, 2024, we may also redeem up to 35% of the 5 1/8% Senior Notes at a specified premium with the net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings or capital contributions.

Senior Secured Notes

Our Senior Secured Notes are:

● general senior secured obligations of DISH DBS;

● secured by security interests in substantially all existing and future tangible and intangible assets of DISH DBS and its principal operating subsidiaries on a first priority basis, subject to certain exceptions;

● ranked equally in right of payment with all of DISH DBS’ and the guarantors’ existing and future senior debt;

● ranked senior in right of payment and effectively senior to any of DISH DBS’ and the guarantors’ junior lien or unsecured debt to the extent of the value of the pledged collateral that secures the Senior Secured Notes; and

● ranked effectively junior to DISH DBS’ and the guarantors’ obligations that are secured by assets that are not part of the pledged collateral that secures the Senior Secured Notes, to the extent of the value of such assets.

The indenture related to our Senior Secured Notes contain restrictive covenants that, among other things, impose limitations on the ability of DISH DBS and its restricted subsidiaries to:

● incur additional debt;

● pay dividends or make distributions on DISH DBS’ capital stock or repurchase DISH DBS’ capital stock;

● make certain investments;

● create liens or enter into sale and leaseback transactions;

● enter into transactions with affiliates;

● merge or consolidate with another company; and

● transfer or sell assets.

In the event of a change of control, as defined in the related indenture, we would be required to make an offer to repurchase all or any part of a holder’s Senior Secured Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, to the date of repurchase.

The net proceeds from the offering of our Senior Secured Notes were used to make an intercompany loan to DISH Network pursuant to a Loan and Security Agreement dated November 26, 2021 (together with future advances to DISH Network, the “Intercompany Loan”) between us and DISH Network in order to finance the potential purchase of wireless spectrum licenses and for general corporate purposes, including the buildout of wireless infrastructure. We may make additional advances to DISH Network under the Intercompany Loan, and on February 11, 2022, we advanced an additional $1.5 billion to DISH Network under the Intercompany Loan. The Intercompany Loan is secured by (i) the cash proceeds of the loan and (ii) an interest in any wireless spectrum licenses acquired using such proceeds. In certain cases, DISH Network wireless spectrum licenses (valued based upon a third-party valuation) may be substituted for the collateral. The Intercompany Loan is not included as collateral for the Senior Secured Notes, and the Senior Secured Notes are subordinated to our existing and certain future unsecured notes with respect to certain realizations under the Intercompany Loan and any collateral pledged as security for the Intercompany Loan.

The initial cash proceeds of the Intercompany Loan were paid to the FCC by DISH Network in connection with DISH Network’s wholly-owned subsidiary Weminuche L.L.C.’s (“Weminuche”) winning bids in the FCC’s auction for the Flexible-Use Service Licenses in the 3.45–3.55 GHz band (“Auction 110”). As a result, the Intercompany Loan is secured by Weminuche’s interest in the wireless spectrum licenses acquired in Auction 110 with such cash proceeds.

5 1/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2026

On November 26, 2021, we issued $2.750 billion aggregate principal amount of our 5 1/4% Senior Secured Notes due December 1, 2026. Interest accrues at an annual rate of 5 1/4% and is payable semi-annually in cash, in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year, commencing on June 1, 2022.

The 5 1/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 are redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time prior to June 1, 2026 (the “2026 Par Call Date”) at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus a “make-whole” premium, as defined in the related indenture, together with accrued and unpaid interest.  At any time on or after the 2026 Par Call Date, we may redeem the 5 1/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2026, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date. Prior to December 1, 2024, we may also redeem up to 35% of the 5 1/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 at a specified premium with the net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings or capital contributions. At any time and from time to time during the 36-month period following the issue date of the 5 1/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2026, we may redeem up to 10% of the aggregate principal amount during each twelve-month period commencing with the issue date at a redemption price of 103% of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date.

5 3/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2028

On November 26, 2021, we issued $2.5 billion aggregate principal amount of our 5 3/4% Senior Secured Notes due December 1, 2028. Interest accrues at an annual rate of 5 3/4% and is payable semi-annually in cash, in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year, commencing on June 1, 2022.

The 5 3/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 are redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time prior to December 1, 2027 (the “2028 Par Call Date”) at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus a “make-whole” premium, as defined in the related indenture, together with accrued and unpaid interest.  At any time on or after the 2028 Par Call Date, we may redeem the 5 3/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2028, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date. Prior to December 1, 2024, we may also redeem up to 35% of the 5 3/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 at a specified premium with the net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings or capital contributions. At any time and from time to time during the 36-month period following the issue date of the 5 3/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2028, we may redeem up to 10% of the aggregate principal amount during each twelve-month period commencing with the issue date at a redemption price of 103% of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date.

Interest on Long-Term Debt

		Annual
	Semi-Annual	Debt Service
	Payment Dates	Requirements
		(In thousands)
5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2024 (1)	May 15 and November 15	$	117,500
7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2026	January 1 and July 1	$	155,000
5 1/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2026	June 1 and December 1	$	144,375
7 3/8% Senior Notes due 2028	January 1 and July 1	$	73,750
5 3/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2028	June 1 and December 1	$	143,750
5 1/8% Senior Notes due 2029	June 1 and December 1	$	76,875

(1) Our 5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2024 mature on November 15, 2024 and have been reclassified to “Current portion of long-term debt and finance lease obligations” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2023.

Our ability to meet our debt service requirements will depend on, among other factors, the successful execution of our business strategy, which is subject to uncertainties and contingencies beyond our control.

Other Long-Term Debt and Finance Lease Obligations

Other long-term debt and finance lease obligations consisted of the following:

	As of December 31,
	2023		2022
	(In thousands)
Satellites and other finance lease obligations	$	31,104	$	69,206
Notes payable related to satellite vendor financing and other debt payable in installments through 2031 with interest rates ranging from approximately 4.0% to 6.0%		42,678		18,329
Total		73,782		87,535
Less: current portion		(41,432)		(40,922)
Other long-term debt and finance lease obligations, net of current portion	$	32,350	$	46,613

Finance Lease Obligations

Anik F3. Anik F3, an FSS satellite, was launched and commenced commercial operation in April 2007. This satellite was previously accounted for as a finance lease and depreciated over the term of the satellite service agreement. We leased 100% of the Ku-band capacity on Anik F3 for an initial period of 15 years. During April 2022, we extended the Anik F3 lease and as a result it is currently accounted for as an operating lease.

Nimiq 5. On May 19, 2019, DISH Network entered into an agreement pursuant to which, on September 10, 2019, the satellite service agreement for Nimiq 5 was transferred to DISH Network and we began leasing it from an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of DISH Network. Nimiq 5 was launched in September 2009 and commenced commercial operation at the 72.7 degree west longitude orbital location during October 2009. This satellite is accounted for as a finance lease and depreciated over the term of the satellite service agreement which includes options to extend the lease that we are reasonably certain to exercise. We lease 100% of the capacity on Nimiq 5, and this lease expires in September 2024. See Note 17 for further information.

The summary of future maturities of our outstanding long-term debt as of December 31, 2023 is included in the commitments table in Note 12.

Future Liquidity

We have made cash distributions and the Intercompany Loan to partially finance the development of DISH Network’s 5G Network Deployment, including, but not limited to, the purchase of wireless spectrum licenses and the retail wireless business to date, and we may make additional funds available to DISH Network or EchoStar in the form of cash distributions or loans to finance, in whole or in part, DISH Network or EchoStar’s future efforts. These factors, including, but not limited to, debt maturities, continuing investment in our business, financing acquisitions and other strategic transactions, will require us to raise additional capital in the future which may not be available on favorable terms, or at all.