Long-Term Debt

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 consists of the following (in thousands):

	2020		2019
6.0% Senior Notes	$	—	$	650,000
4.625% Senior Notes	750,000		—
Convertible Notes:
3.25% Convertible Notes	402,414		402,500
1.75% Convertible Notes	550,000		550,000
Total Notes	1,702,414		1,602,500
Paycheck Protection Program Loan	910		—
Less: Unamortized discount	(112,798)		(139,981)
Deferred issuance costs	(11,505)		(14,058)
Total long-term debt	$	1,579,021	$	1,448,461
Less: Current portion	(396,801)		(385,532)
Total long-term debt, less current portion	$	1,182,220	$	1,062,929

At December 31, 2020, future principal payments for debt were as follows (in thousands):

Years Ended December 31,
2021	$	402,414
2022	910
2023	—
2024	—
2025	—
Thereafter	1,300,000
	$	1,703,324

Interest expense was $133.8 million, $70.2 million and $63.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

6.0% Senior Notes

On June 27, 2017, J2 Cloud Services, LLC (“J2 Cloud”) and J2 Cloud Co-Obligor, Inc. (the “Co-Issuer” and together with J2 Cloud, the “Issuers”), wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company, completed the issuance and sale of $650 million aggregate principal amount of their 6.0% senior notes due in 2025 (the “6.0% Senior Notes”) in a private placement offering exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933. J2 Cloud received proceeds of $636.5 million, after deducting the initial purchasers’ discounts, commissions and offering expenses. The 6.0% Senior Notes were presented as long-term debt, net of deferred issuance costs, on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2019. The 6.0% Senior Notes bore interest at a rate of 6.0% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year.

On October 7, 2020, the Company redeemed all of its outstanding $650 million 6.0% Senior Notes due in 2025 for $694.6 million, including an early redemption premium of $29.2 million and accrued and unpaid interest of $15.4 million. The Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of $38.0 million which is recorded in interest expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

As of December 31, 2019, the estimated fair value of the 6.0% Senior Notes was approximately $689.8 million, and was based on quoted market prices or dealer quotes for the 6.0% Senior Notes which are Level 1 inputs (see Note 7 - Fair Value Measurements).

The following table provides additional information related to our 6% Senior Notes (in thousands):

	2019
Principal amount of 6% Senior Notes	$	650,000
Less: Unamortized discount	(8,425)
Less: Debt issuance costs	(1,466)
Net carrying amount of 6% Senior Notes	$	640,109

4.625% Senior Notes

On October 7, 2020, J2 Global, Inc. completed the issuance and sale of $750 million aggregate principal amount of its 4.625% senior notes due 2030 (the “4.625% Senior Notes”) in a private placement offering exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933. The Company received proceeds of $742.7 million after deducting the initial purchasers’ discounts, commissions and offering expenses. The 4.625% Senior Notes are presented as long-term debt, net of deferred issuance costs, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2020. The net proceeds were used to redeem all of its outstanding 6.0% Senior Notes due in 2025 and, to the extent any proceeds remain thereafter, for general corporate purposes which may include acquisitions and the repurchase or redemption of other outstanding indebtedness.

The 4.625% Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 4.625% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year, commencing on April 15, 2021. The 4.625% Senior Notes mature on October 15, 2030, and are senior unsecured obligations of the Company which are guaranteed, jointly and severally, on an unsecured basis by certain of the Company’s existing and future domestic direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, the “Guarantors”). If J2 Global, Inc. or any of its restricted subsidiaries acquires or creates a domestic restricted subsidiary, other than an Insignificant Subsidiary (as defined in the indenture pursuant to which the 4.625% Senior Notes were issued (the “Indenture”)), after the issue date, or any Insignificant Subsidiary ceases to fit within the definition of Insignificant Subsidiary, such restricted subsidiary is required to unconditionally guarantee, jointly and severally, on an unsecured basis, the Company’s obligations under the 4.625% Senior Notes.

The Company may redeem some or all of the 4.625% Senior Notes at any time on or after October 15, 2025 at specified redemption prices plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding the redemption date. Before October 15, 2023, and following certain equity offerings, the Company also may redeem up to 40% of the 4.625% Senior Notes at a price equal to 104.625% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding the redemption date. The Company may make such redemption only if, after such redemption, at least 50% of the aggregate principal amount of the 4.625% Senior Notes remains outstanding. In addition, at any time prior to October 15, 2025, the Company may redeem some or all of the 4.625% Senior Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date, plus an applicable “make-whole” premium.

The Indenture contains covenants that restrict the Company’s ability to (i) pay dividends or make distributions on the Company’s common stock or repurchase the Company’s capital stock; (ii) make certain restricted payments; (iii) create liens or enter into sale and leaseback transactions; (iv) enter into transactions with affiliates; (v) merge or consolidate with another company; and (vi) transfer and sell assets. These covenants contain certain exceptions. Restricted payments are applicable only if J2 Global, Inc. and subsidiaries designated as restricted subsidiaries has a net leverage ratio of greater than 3.5 to 1.0. In addition, if such net leverage ratio is in excess of 3.5 to 1.0, the restriction on restricted payments is subject to various exceptions, including the total aggregate amount not to exceed the greater of (A) $250 million and (B) 50.0% of EBITDA for the most recently ended four fiscal quarter period ended immediately prior to such date for which internal financial statements are available. The Company is in compliance with its debt covenants as of December 31, 2020.

As of December 31, 2020, the estimated fair value of the 4.625% Senior Notes was approximately $796.9 million, and was based on recent quoted market prices or dealer quotes for the 4.625% Senior Notes which are Level 1 inputs (see Note 7 - Fair Value Measurements).

The following table provides additional information on our 4.625% Senior Notes (in thousands):

	2020
Principal amount of 4.625% Senior Notes	$	750,000
Less: Unamortized discount	(5,523)
Less: Debt issuance costs	(1,761)
Net carrying amount of 4.625% Senior Notes	$	742,716

3.25% Convertible Notes

On June 10, 2014, J2 Global issued $402.5 million aggregate principal amount of 3.25% convertible senior notes due June 15, 2029 (the “3.25% Convertible Notes”). The 3.25% Convertible Notes bear interest at a rate of 3.25% per annum, payable semiannually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year. Beginning with the six-month interest period commencing on June 15, 2021, the Company must pay contingent interest on the 3.25% Convertible Notes during any six-month interest period if the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of the 3.25% Convertible Notes for each of the five trading days immediately preceding the first day of such interest period equals or exceeds $1,300. Any contingent interest payable on the 3.25% Convertible Notes will be in addition to the regular interest payable on the 3.25% Convertible Notes.

Holders may surrender their 3.25% Convertible Notes for conversion at any time prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the maturity date only if one or more of the following conditions is satisfied: (i) during any calendar quarter commencing after the calendar quarter ending on September 30, 2014 (and only during such calendar quarter), if the closing sale price of J2 Global common stock for at least 20 trading days in the period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the calendar quarter immediately preceding the calendar quarter in which the conversion occurs is more than 130% of the applicable conversion price of the 3.25% Convertible Notes on each such trading day; (ii) during the five consecutive business day period following any ten consecutive trading day period in which the trading price for the 3.25% Convertible Notes for each such trading day was less than 98% of the product of (a) the closing sale price of J2 Global common stock on each such trading day and (b) the applicable conversion rate on each such trading day; (iii) if J2 Global calls any or all of the 3.25% Convertible Notes for redemption, at any time prior to the close of business on the business day prior to the redemption date; (iv) upon the occurrence of specified corporate events; or (v) during either the period beginning on, and including, March 15, 2021 and ending on, but excluding, June 20, 2021 or the period beginning on, and including, March 15, 2029 and ending on, but excluding, the maturity date. J2 Global will settle conversions of 3.25% Convertible Notes by paying or delivering, as the case may be, cash, shares of J2 Global common stock or a combination thereof at J2 Global’s election. The Company currently intends to satisfy its conversion obligation by paying and delivering a combination of cash and shares of the Company’s common stock, where cash will be used to settle each $1,000 of principal and the remainder, if any, will be settled via shares of the Company’s common stock.

During the fourth quarter of 2019, the last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock exceeded 130% of the conversion price for at least 20 trading days in the period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on, and including, the last trading day of the quarter. As a result, the 3.25% Convertible Notes were convertible at the option of the holder during the quarter beginning January 1, 2020 and ending March 31, 2020.

During the fourth quarter of 2020, the last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock exceeded 130% of the conversion price for at least 20 trading days in the period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on, and including, the last trading day of the quarter. As a result, the 3.25% Convertible Notes are convertible at the option of the holder during the quarter beginning January 1, 2021 and ending March 31, 2021. Since the Company currently intends to settle the principal amount in cash, the net carrying amount of the 3.25% Convertible Notes is classified within current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019.

As of December 31, 2020, the conversion rate is 14.7632 shares of J2 Global common stock for each $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes, which represents a conversion price of approximately $67.74 per share of J2 Global common stock. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment for certain events as set forth in the indenture governing the 3.25% Convertible Notes, but will not be adjusted for accrued interest. In addition, following certain corporate events that occur on or prior to June 20, 2021, J2 Global will increase the conversion rate for a holder that elects to convert its Convertible Notes in connection with such a corporate event.

J2 Global may not redeem the 3.25% Convertible Notes prior to June 20, 2021. On or after June 20, 2021, J2 Global may redeem for cash all or part of the 3.25% Convertible Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 3.25% Convertible Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date. No sinking fund is provided for the 3.25% Convertible Notes.

Holders have the right to require J2 Global to repurchase for cash all or part of their 3.25% Convertible Notes on each of June 15, 2021 and June 15, 2024 at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 3.25% Convertible Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the relevant repurchase date. In addition, if a fundamental change, as defined in the indenture governing the 3.25% Convertible Notes, occurs prior to the maturity date, holders may require J2 Global to repurchase for cash all or part of their 3.25% Convertible Notes at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 3.25% Convertible Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date. As a result of the Holders’ repurchase option on June 15, 2021, the net carrying value of the 3.25% Convertible Notes is classified within current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2020.

The 3.25% Convertible Notes are the Company’s general senior unsecured obligations and rank: (i) senior in right of payment to any of the Company’s future indebtedness that is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the 3.25% Convertible Notes; (ii) equal in right of payment to the Company’s existing and future unsecured indebtedness that is not so subordinated; (iii) effectively junior in right of payment to any of the Company’s secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness; and (iv) structurally junior to all existing and future indebtedness (including trade payables) incurred by the Company’s subsidiaries.

Accounting for the 3.25% Convertible Notes

In accordance with ASC 470-20, Debt with Conversion and Other Options, convertible debt that can be settled for cash is required to be separated into the liability and equity component at issuance, with each component assigned a value. The value assigned to the liability component is the estimated fair value, as of the issuance date, of similar debt without the conversion feature. The difference between the cash proceeds and estimated fair value of the liability component, representing the value of the conversion premium assigned to the equity component, is recorded as a debt discount on the issuance date. This debt discount is amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the period from the issuance date through the first stated repurchase date on June 15, 2021.

J2 Global estimated the borrowing rates of similar debt without the conversion feature at origination to be 5.79% for the 3.25% Convertible Notes and determined the debt discount to be $59.0 million. As a result, a conversion premium after tax of $37.7 million was recorded in additional paid-in capital. The aggregate debt discount is amortized as interest expense over the period from the issuance date through the first stated repurchase date on June 15, 2021 which management believes is the expected life of the 3.25% Convertible Notes using an interest rate of 5.81%. As of December 31, 2020, the remaining period over which the unamortized debt discount will be amortized is 0.5 years.

The 3.25% Convertible Notes are carried at face value less any unamortized debt discount and debt issuance costs. The fair value of the 3.25% Convertible Notes at each balance sheet date is determined based on recent quoted market prices or dealer quotes for the 3.25% Convertible Notes, which are Level 1 inputs (see Note 7 - Fair Value Measurements). If such information is not available, the fair value is determined using cash-flow models of the scheduled payments discounted at market interest rates for comparable debt without the conversion feature. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the estimated fair value of the 3.25% Convertible Notes was approximately $593.1 million and $583.6 million, respectively.

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the if-converted value of our 3.25% Convertible Notes exceeded the principal amount by $173.3 million and $154.3 million, respectively.

The following table provides additional information related to our 3.25% Convertible Notes (in thousands):

	2020		2019
Additional paid-in capital	$	37,688	$	37,700
Principal amount of 3.25% Convertible Notes	$	402,414	$	402,500
Less: Unamortized discount of the liability component	(4,644)		(14,363)
Less: Carrying amount of debt issuance costs	(855)		(2,605)
Net carrying amount of 3.25% Convertible Notes	$	396,915	$	385,532

The following table provides the components of interest expense related to our 3.25% Convertible Notes (in thousands):

	2020		2019		2018
Cash interest expense (coupon interest expense)	$	13,080	$	13,081	$	13,081
Non-cash amortization of discount on 3.25% Convertible Notes	9,717		9,171		8,655
Amortization of debt issuance costs	1,749		1,600		1,462
Total interest expense related to 3.25% Convertible Notes	$	24,546	$	23,852	$	23,198

The Company has recorded changes in fair value associated with the contingent interest feature of the 3.25% Convertible Notes in interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018 of zero, $(0.8) million, and zero, respectively (see Note 7 - Fair Value Measurements).

1.75% Convertible Notes

On November 15, 2019, J2 Global issued $550.0 million aggregate principal amount of 1.75% convertible senior notes due November 1, 2026 (the “1.75% Convertible Notes”). J2 Global received proceeds of $537.1 million in cash, net of purchasers’ discounts and commissions and other debt issuance costs. A portion of the net proceeds were used to pay off all amounts outstanding under the MUFG Credit Facility (see Note 12 - Commitments and Contingencies). The 1.75% Convertible Notes bear interest at a rate of 1.75% per annum, payable semiannually in arrears on May 1 and November 1 of each year, beginning on May 1, 2020. The 1.75% Convertible Notes will mature on November 1, 2026, unless earlier converted or repurchased.

Holders may surrender their 1.75% Convertible Notes for conversion at any time prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding July 1, 2026 only under the following circumstances: (i) during any calendar quarter commencing after the calendar quarter ending on March 31, 2020 (and only during such calendar quarter), if the last reported sale price of J2 Global common stock for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during the period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on, and including, the last trading day of the immediately preceding the calendar quarter is greater than 130% of the applicable conversion price of the 1.75% Convertible Notes on each such applicable trading day; (ii) during the five business day period following any 10 consecutive trading day period in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of 1.75% Convertible Notes for each trading day of the measurement period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of J2 Global common stock and the applicable conversion rate on each such trading day; or (iii) upon the occurrence of specified corporate events. On or after July 1, 2026, and prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the maturity date, holders may convert all or any portion of their notes at any time, regardless of the foregoing circumstances. J2 Global will settle conversions of the 1.75% Convertible Notes by paying or delivering, as the case may be, cash, shares of J2 Global common stock or a combination thereof at J2 Global’s election. The Company currently intends to satisfy its conversion obligation by paying and delivering a combination of cash and shares of the Company’s common stock. Holders of the notes will have the right to require the Company to repurchase for cash all or any portion of their notes upon the occurrence of certain corporate events, subject to certain conditions. As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the market trigger conditions did not meet the conversion requirements of the 1.75% Convertible Notes and, accordingly, the 1.75% Convertible Notes are classified as long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

As of December 31, 2020, the initial conversion rate is 7.9864 shares of J2 Global common stock for each $1,000 principal amount of 1.75% Convertible Notes, which represents a conversion price of approximately $125.21 per share of J2 Global common stock. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment for certain events as set forth in the indenture governing the

1.75% Convertible Notes, but will not be adjusted for accrued interest. In addition, upon the occurrence of a “Make-Whole Fundamental Change” (as defined in the 1.75% Convertible Note Indenture), J2 Global will increase the conversion rate for a holder that elects to convert its 1.75% Convertible Notes in connection with such a corporate event in certain circumstances.

J2 Global may not redeem the 1.75% Convertible Notes prior to November 1, 2026, and no sinking fund is provided for the 1.75% Convertible Notes.

The 1.75% Convertible Notes are the Company’s general senior unsecured obligations and rank: (i) senior in right of payment to any of the Company’s indebtedness that is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the 1.75% Convertible Notes; (ii) equal in right of payment to the Company’s existing and future indebtedness that is not so subordinated, including its existing 3.25% Convertible Notes due 2029; (iii) effectively junior to any of the Company’s secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness; and (iv) structurally junior to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities incurred by the Company’s subsidiaries, including the former 6.0% Senior Notes due 2025.

Accounting for the 1.75% Convertible Notes

In accordance with ASC 470-20, Debt with Conversion and Other Options, convertible debt that can be settled for cash is required to be separated into the liability and equity component at issuance, with each component assigned a value. The value assigned to the liability component is the effective fair value, as of the issuance date, of similar debt without the conversion feature. The difference between the cash proceeds and estimated fair value of the liability component, representing the value of the conversion premium assigned to the equity component, is recorded as a debt discount on the issuance date. This debt discount is amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the period from the issuance date through the maturity date of November 1, 2026.

J2 Global estimated the borrowing rates of similar debt without the conversion feature at origination to be 5.5% for the 1.75% Convertible Notes and determined the debt discount to be $118.9 million. As a result, a conversion premium after tax of $88.1 million (net of $2.8 million of the deferred issuance costs) are recorded in additional paid-in capital. The aggregate debt discount is amortized as interest expense over the period from the issuance date through the maturity date of November 1, 2026, which management believes is the expected life of the 1.75% Convertible Notes using an interest rate of 5.5%. As of December 31, 2020, the remaining period over which the unamortized debt discount will be amortized is 5.8 years.

In connection with the issuance of the 1.75% Convertible Notes, the Company incurred $12.9 million of deferred issuance costs, which primarily consisted of the underwriters’ discount, legal and other professional service fees. Of the total deferred issuance costs incurred, $10.1 million of such deferred issuance costs were attributable to the liability component and are recorded within other assets and are being amortized to interest expense through the maturity date. The unamortized balance, as of December 31, 2020, was $8.9 million. The remaining $2.8 million of the deferred issuance costs were netted with the equity component in additional paid-in capital at the issuance date

The 1.75% Convertible Notes are carried at face value less any unamortized debt discount and issuance costs. The fair value of the 1.75% Convertible Notes at each balance sheet date is determined based on recent quoted market prices or dealer quotes for the 1.75% Convertible Notes, which are Level 1 inputs (see Note 7 - Fair Value Measurements). If such information is not available, the fair value is determined using cash-flow models of the scheduled payments discounted at market interest rates for comparable debt without the conversion feature. As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the estimated fair value of the 1.75% Convertible Notes was approximately $569.7 million and $559.6 million, respectively.

The following table provides additional information related to our 1.75% Convertible Notes (in thousands):

	2020		2019
Additional paid-in capital	$	88,138	$	88,138
Principal amount of 1.75% Convertible Notes	$	550,000	$	550,000
Less: Unamortized discount of the liability component	(102,631)		(117,193)
Less: Carrying amount of debt issuance costs	(8,889)		(9,987)
Net carrying amount of 1.75% Convertible Notes	$	438,480	$	422,820

The following table provides the components of interest expense related to our 1.75% Convertible Notes (in thousands):

	2020		2019
Cash interest expense (coupon interest expense)	$	9,653	$	1,174
Non-cash amortization of discount on 1.75% Convertible Notes	14,563		1,718
Amortization of debt issuance costs	1,098		122
Total interest expense related to 1.75% Convertible Notes	$	25,314	$	3,014

MUFG Credit Facility

On October 7, 2020, the Company terminated the Credit Agreement (see Note 12 - Commitments and Contingencies). During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company drew down $185.0 million and repaid $185.0 million under its MUFG Credit Facility. The Company had capitalized the total of $0.4 million in debt issuance costs, which were being amortized to interest expense over the life of the MUFG Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2019, these debt issuance costs, net of amortization, were $0.3 million. The related interest expense was zero and $3.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Paycheck Protection Program Loan

Through the acquisition of The Aberdeen Group, LLC and The Big Willow, Inc., the Company acquired $0.9 million of outstanding debt originating from the Paycheck Protection Program (see Note 4 - Business Combinations). As of December 31, 2020, the outstanding balance approximated fair value.