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

9.     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				December 31, 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
2 3/8% Convertible Notes due 2024 (2)	DISH		951,168		944,034		1,000,000		906,970
5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2024 (3)	DDBS		1,982,544		1,872,275		2,000,000		1,870,940
0% Convertible Notes due 2025 (4)	DISH		1,957,197		1,228,141		2,000,000		1,287,540
7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2026	DDBS		2,000,000		1,388,060		2,000,000		1,620,280
3 3/8% Convertible Notes due 2026 (5)	DISH		2,908,801		1,570,753		3,000,000		1,894,230
5 1/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2026	DDBS		2,750,000		2,366,073		2,750,000		2,336,813
11 3/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2027 (6)	DISH		3,500,000		3,668,980		2,000,000		2,071,240
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			113,564		113,564		138,303		138,303
Subtotal			21,163,274	$	16,539,765		21,331,482	$	17,266,700
Unamortized deferred financing costs and other debt discounts, net			(67,215)				(105,697)
Finance lease obligations (7)			123,658				123,353
Total long-term debt and finance lease obligations (including current portion)		$	21,219,717			$	21,349,138

(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 $49 million of our 2 3/8% Convertible Notes due 2024 in open market trades. The remaining balance of approximately $951 million matured and was redeemed on March 15, 2024.

(3) 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.

(4) During the year ended December 31, 2023, we repurchased approximately $43 million of our 0% Convertible Notes due 2025 in open market trades. The remaining balance of approximately $1.957 billion matures on December 15, 2025.

(5) During the year ended December 31, 2023, we repurchased approximately $91 million of our 3 3/8% Convertible Notes due 2026 in open market trades. The remaining balance of approximately $2.909 billion matures on August 15, 2026.

(6) On January 26, 2023, we issued an additional $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of our 11 3/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2027.

(7) 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).

DISH DBS Unsecured Senior Notes

Our Senior Notes are:

● general unsecured senior obligations of DISH DBS Corporation (“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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

Convertible Notes

Merger with EchoStar

In connection with the completion of the Merger, on December 31, 2023, at the Effective Time, the right of the holders of the Convertible Notes that were outstanding as of the completion of the Merger to convert each $1,000 principal amount of such Convertible Notes into shares of DISH Class A Common Stock was changed into a right to convert such principal amount of Convertible Notes into the number of shares of EchoStar Class A Common Stock that a holder of a number of shares of DISH Class A Common Stock equal to the applicable initial conversion rate (as defined in the applicable Indenture) would have been entitled to receive upon the completion of the Merger. Upon the completion of the Merger, each then-outstanding share of DISH Class A Common Stock was converted into the right to receive 0.350877 shares of EchoStar Common Stock, resulting in an adjusted initial conversion rate of 4.2677 for the 2 3/8% Convertible Notes due 2024, 8.5657 for the 0% Convertible Notes due 2025 and 5.3835 for the 3 3/8% Convertible Notes due 2026 for each $1,000 principal amount.

As a result of the merger with EchoStar, we have reassessed the classification of the conversion features on all of our convertible debt, the note hedge and warrant transactions associated with the convertible notes due 2026. Historically we concluded that these financial instruments were not derivatives. However, as a result in the change of equity issuer (from us to our parent EchoStar) we concluded that the financial instruments are no longer indexed to their own equity and now require derivative accounting. Due to the conversion ratio associated with the merger, the strike prices on all associated financial instruments are significantly out of the money and have nominal value. We will reassess the value of these derivatives on a quarterly basis and record the change in fair value through “Other, net” within “Other Income (Expense)” included on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

All amounts below represent the adjusted conversion rate.

2 3/8% Convertible Notes due 2024

On March 17, 2017, we issued $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of the Convertible Notes due March 15, 2024 in a private placement. Interest accrues at an annual rate of 2 3/8% and is payable semi-annually in cash, in arrears on March 15 and September 15 of each year.

The Convertible Notes due 2024 are:

● our general unsecured obligations;

● ranked senior in right of payment to any future indebtedness that is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Convertible Notes due 2024;

● ranked equally in right of payment with all of our existing and future unsecured senior indebtedness;

● ranked effectively junior to any of our existing and future secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness;

● ranked structurally junior to all indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries; and

● not guaranteed by our subsidiaries.

0% Convertible Notes due 2025

On December 21, 2020, we issued $2.0 billion aggregate principal amount of the Convertible Notes due December 15, 2025 in a private placement. These notes will not bear interest, and the principal amount of the Notes will not accrete.

The Convertible Notes due 2025 are:

● our general unsecured obligations;

● ranked senior in right of payment to any future indebtedness that is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Convertible Notes due 2025;

● ranked equally in right of payment with all of our existing and future unsecured senior indebtedness;

● ranked effectively junior to any of our existing and future secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness;

● ranked structurally junior to all indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries; and

● not guaranteed by our subsidiaries.

We may not redeem the Convertible Notes due 2025 prior to the maturity date. If a “fundamental change” (as defined in the related indenture) occurs prior to the maturity date of the Convertible Notes due 2025, holders may require us to repurchase for cash all or part of their Convertible Notes due 2025 at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of such Convertible Notes due 2025, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the fundamental change repurchase date.

The indenture related to the Convertible Notes due 2025 does not contain any financial covenants and does not restrict us from paying dividends, issuing or repurchasing our other securities, issuing new debt (including secured debt) or repaying or repurchasing our debt.

Subject to the terms of the related indenture, the Convertible Notes due 2025 may be converted at an initial conversion rate of 8.566 shares of EchoStar’s Class A common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the Convertible Notes due 2025 (equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $116.74 per share of EchoStar’s Class A common stock) (the “Initial Conversion Rate”), at any time on or after July 15, 2025 through the second scheduled trading day preceding the maturity date. Holders of the Convertible Notes due 2025 will also have the right to convert the Convertible Notes due 2025 at the Initial Conversion Rate prior to July 15, 2025, but only upon the occurrence of specified events described in the related indenture. The conversion rate is subject to anti-dilution adjustments if certain events occur. Upon any conversion, EchoStar will settle its conversion obligation in cash, shares of EchoStar’s Class A common stock or a combination of cash and shares of EchoStar’s Class A common stock, at its election.

3 3/8% Convertible Notes due 2026

On August 8, 2016, we issued $3.0 billion aggregate principal amount of the Convertible Notes due August 15, 2026 in a private offering. Interest accrues at an annual rate of 3 3/8% and is payable semi-annually in cash, in arrears on February 15 and August 15 of each year.

The Convertible Notes due 2026 are:

● our general unsecured obligations;

● ranked senior in right of payment to any future indebtedness that is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Convertible Notes due 2026;

● ranked equally in right of payment with all of our existing and future unsecured senior indebtedness;

● ranked effectively junior to any of our existing and future secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness;

● ranked structurally junior to all indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries; and

● not guaranteed by our subsidiaries.

We may not redeem the Convertible Notes due 2026 prior to the maturity date. If a “fundamental change” (as defined in the related indenture) occurs prior to the maturity date of the Convertible Notes due 2026, holders may require us to repurchase for cash all or part of their Convertible Notes due 2026 at a specified make-whole price equal to 100% of the principal amount of such Convertible Notes due 2026, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the fundamental change repurchase date.

The indenture related to the Convertible Notes due 2026 does not contain any financial covenants and does not restrict us from paying dividends, issuing or repurchasing our other securities, issuing new debt (including secured debt) or repaying or repurchasing our debt.

Subject to the terms of the related indenture, the Convertible Notes due 2026 may be converted at an initial conversion rate of 5.383 shares of EchoStar’s Class A common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes due 2026 (equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $185.76 per share of EchoStar’s Class A common stock) (the “Initial Conversion Rate”), at any time on or after March 15, 2026 through the second scheduled trading day preceding the maturity date. Holders of the Convertible Notes due 2026 will also have the right to convert the Convertible Notes due 2026 at the Initial Conversion Rate prior to March 15, 2026, but only upon the occurrence of specified events described in the related indenture. The conversion rate is subject to anti-dilution adjustments if certain events occur. Upon any conversion, EchoStar will settle its conversion obligation in cash, shares of EchoStar’s Class A common stock or a combination of cash and shares of EchoStar’s Class A common stock, at its election.

Convertible Note Hedge and Warrant Transactions

Merger with EchoStar. In connection with the completion of the Merger, on December 31, 2023, we and EchoStar entered into a note hedge amendment letter agreement with each option counterparty pursuant to which, at the Effective Time, our right to purchase shares of DISH Class A Common Stock pursuant to the terms of the applicable convertible note hedge transactions was changed into a right to purchase shares of EchoStar Class A Common Stock.

In addition, in connection with the completion of the Merger, on December 31, 2023, we and EchoStar entered into a warrant amendment letter agreement and warrant guarantee with each option counterparty, pursuant to which, at the Effective Time, each counterparty’s right to purchase shares of DISH Network Class A Common Stock pursuant to the applicable warrant transactions was changed into a right to purchase shares of EchoStar Class A Common Stock, and EchoStar guaranteed all of our obligations under the applicable warrant transactions.

In connection with the offering of the Convertible Notes due 2026, we entered into convertible note hedge transactions with certain option counterparties. The convertible note hedge transactions cover, subject to anti-dilution adjustments substantially similar to those applicable to the Convertible Notes due 2026, the number of shares of our Class A Common Stock underlying the Convertible Notes due 2026, which initially gives us the option to purchase approximately 46 million shares of our Class A Common Stock at a price of approximately $65.18 per share, which in connection with the completion of the Merger converted into approximately 16 million shares of EchoStar Class A Common Stock at a price of approximately $185.76 per share. The total cost of the original convertible note hedge transactions was $635 million. Concurrently with entering into the convertible note hedge transactions, we also entered into warrant transactions with each option counterparty whereby we sold to such option counterparty warrants to purchase, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments, up to the same number of shares of our Class A common stock, which initially gives the option counterparties the option to purchase approximately 46 million shares of our Class A common stock at a price of approximately $86.08 per share, which in connection with the completion of the Merger converted into approximately 16 million shares of EchoStar Class A Common Stock at price ranges of approximately $185.75 to $245.33 per share. We received $376 million in cash proceeds from the original sale of these warrants. In accordance with accounting guidance on hedge and warrant transactions, the net cost incurred in connection with the convertible note hedge and warrant transactions are recorded as a reduction in “Additional paid-in capital” within “Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016.

We will not be required to make any cash payments to each option counterparty or its affiliates upon the exercise of the options that are a part of the convertible note hedge transactions, but will be entitled to receive from them a number of shares of Class A common stock, an amount of cash or a combination thereof. This consideration is generally based on the amount by which the market price per share of Class A common stock, as measured under the terms of the convertible note hedge transactions, is greater than the strike price of the convertible note hedge transactions during the relevant valuation period under the convertible note hedge transactions. Additionally, if the market price per share of Class A common stock, as measured under the terms of the warrant transactions, exceeds the strike price of the warrants during the measurement period at the maturity of the warrants, we will owe each option counterparty a number of shares of Class A common stock in an amount based on the excess of such market price per share of Class A common stock over the strike price of the warrants. However, as specified under the terms of the warrant transactions, we may elect to settle the warrants in cash.

DISH DBS Senior Secured Notes

Our DISH DBS Senior Secured Notes are:

● general senior secured obligations of DISH DBS Corporation (“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 DISH DBS 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.

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.

Intercompany Loan

The net proceeds from the offering of our 5 1/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 and our 5 3/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 (the “Senior Notes”) issued on November 26, 2021 were used by DISH DBS to make an intercompany loan to DISH Network pursuant to a Loan and Security Agreement dated November 26, 2021 (together with potential future advances to DISH Network, the “Intercompany Loan”) between DISH DBS and DISH Network in order to finance the purchase of wireless spectrum licenses and for general corporate purposes, including our 5G Network Deployment. The Intercompany Loan will mature in two tranches, with the first tranche maturing on December 1, 2026 (the “2026 Tranche”) and the second tranche maturing on December 1, 2028 (the “2028 Tranche”). DISH DBS may make additional advances to DISH Network under the Intercompany Loan, and on February 11, 2022, DISH DBS advanced an additional $1.5 billion to DISH Network under the Intercompany Loan 2026 Tranche. Interest accrues and is payable semiannually, and interest payments with respect to the Intercompany Loan are, at our option, payable in kind for the first two years. In the third year, a minimum of 50% of each interest payment due with respect to each tranche of the Intercompany Loan must be paid in cash. Thereafter, interest payments must be paid in cash. Interest will accrue: (a) when paid in cash, at a fixed rate of 0.25% per annum in excess of the interest rate applicable to, in the case of the 2026 Tranche, the 5 1/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2026, and in the case of the 2028 Tranche, the 5 3/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 (each, the “Cash Accrual Rate” with respect to the applicable tranche); and (b) when paid in kind, at a rate of 0.75% per annum in excess of the Cash Accrual Rate for the applicable tranche. As of December 31, 2023, the total Intercompany Loan amount outstanding plus interest paid in kind was $7.496 billion. As of December 31, 2023, interest payments for the Intercompany Loan paid in cash totaled $105 million. In January 2024, the 2026 Tranche of $4.7 billion was assigned to EchoStar Intercompany Receivable Company L.L.C., our parent, EchoStar’s, direct wholly-owned subsidiary, such that amounts owed in respect of the 2026 Tranche will now be paid by DISH Network to EchoStar Intercompany Receivable L.L.C. See Note 18 for further information.

The cash proceeds of the Intercompany Loan of $6.750 billion were paid to the FCC in connection with Weminuche’s winning bids in 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 up to the total loan amount outstanding including interest paid in kind.

The remaining balance of our winning bids of approximately $455 million was paid from cash and marketable investment securities balances at that time, for a total of approximately $7.205 billion. Under certain circumstances, 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 DISH DBS’s 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.

DISH Network Senior Secured Notes

Our DISH Network Senior Secured Notes are:

● senior unsecured obligations and guaranteed by certain restricted subsidiaries on a senior secured basis and certain other material subsidiaries;

● secured on a first priority basis by security interests, in favor of the secured parties, in the collateral, which consists primarily of interests in wireless spectrum licenses within the 600 MHz band (“the Spectrum Collateral”) owned by one of the secured guarantors and any additional subsidiaries of ours that may be added as guarantors from time to time and equity interests in the Spectrum Collateral guarantor(s) and DISH DBS;

● ranked equally in right of payment with all of our and the guarantor’s existing and future senior indebtedness;

● ranked senior in right of payment to any of our and the guarantors’ subordinated indebtedness and effectively senior to any of the Secured Guarantors unsecured indebtedness and indebtedness secured by junior liens on the collateral to the extent of the value of the collateral and effectively junior to all the existing and future obligations of any of our subsidiaries that are not Guarantors.

● ranked effectively junior to our obligations and the obligations of the guarantors that are secured by assets that do not constitute collateral to the extent of the value of such assets;

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

● incur additional debt;

● pay dividends or make distributions on our capital stock or repurchase our capital stock;

● make certain investments of Spectrum Collateral;

● 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 DISH Network 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.

11 3/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2027

On November 15, 2022 and January 26, 2023, we issued $2.0 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively, aggregate principal amount of our 11 3/4% Senior Secured Notes due November 15, 2027. Interest accrues at an annual rate of 11 3/4% and is payable semi-annually in cash, in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year, commencing on May 15, 2023.

The 11 3/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2027 are redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time prior to May 15, 2025 at a redemption price equal to 100% of their 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 May 15, 2025, we may redeem the 11 3/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2027, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, at the redemption prices specified in the related indenture, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date. Prior to May 15, 2025, we may also redeem up to 40% of the 11 3/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2027 at a redemption price equal to 111.750% of the aggregate principal amount of the 11 3/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2027 redeemed, together with accrued and unpaid interest to such redemption date, with the net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings or capital contributions.

Pursuant to the related indenture, we are required to obtain an initial appraisal of the Spectrum Collateral by an independent appraiser (the “Initial Appraisal”) within 120 days following the issue date of the 11 3/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2027. As of January 17, 2023, the Initial Appraisal certified we had satisfied the requirements under the loan-to-value ratio (as defined in the Indenture). Based on the independent appraisal, the loan-to-value ratio was not greater than 0.35 to 1.00 and the fair market value of the Spectrum Collateral was $10.04 billion. We will also be required to obtain a second appraisal of the Spectrum Collateral (a “Second Appraisal”) within 120 days of the date if wireless spectrum licenses that form part of the Spectrum Collateral accounting for more than 10% of the aggregate MHz-POPs of all such licenses constituting the Spectrum Collateral are forfeited to the Federal Communications Commission as a result of our failure to meet its buildout milestones with respect to such forfeited licenses. If we fail to deliver the Initial Appraisal or a Second Appraisal, as applicable, within 120 days following the issue date of the 11 3/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2027 or the date of forfeiture, respectively, then we will be required to redeem all of the 11 3/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2027 at a redemption price equal to 102% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date.

If the loan-to-value ratio with respect to the Spectrum Collateral as of the date of the Initial Appraisal or the Second Appraisal, as applicable, is greater than 0.35 to 1.00, then within 60 days following the date of the delivery of the Initial Appraisal, or within 90 days following the date of the delivery of the Second Appraisal, as applicable, we will be required to add additional Spectrum Collateral guarantors and/or pledge (or cause to be pledged) cash or interests in additional wireless spectrum licenses as Spectrum Collateral to comply with the required loan-to-value ratio of 0.35 to 1.00. If we fail to add such additional Spectrum Collateral and/or pledge (or cause to be pledged) cash or interests in additional wireless spectrum licenses, we will be required to redeem an amount of 11 3/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2027 such that immediately after giving effect to such redemption, the loan-to-value ratio shall not be greater than 0.35 to 1.00 at a redemption price equal to 102% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date.

Interest on Long-Term Debt

			Annual
		Semi-Annual	Debt Service
	Issuer	Payment Dates	Requirements
			(In thousands)
2 3/8% Convertible Notes due 2024 (1)	DISH	March 15 and September 15	$	23,750
5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2024 (2)	DDBS	May 15 and November 15	$	117,500
7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2026	DDBS	January 1 and July 1	$	155,000
3 3/8% Convertible Notes due 2026	DISH	February 15 and August 15	$	101,250
5 1/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2026	DDBS	June 1 and December 1	$	144,375
11 3/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2027	DISH	May 15 and November 15	$	411,250
7 3/8% Senior Notes due 2028	DDBS	January 1 and July 1	$	73,750
5 3/4% Senior Secured Notes due 2028	DDBS	June 1 and December 1	$	143,750
5 1/8% Senior Notes due 2029	DDBS	June 1 and December 1	$	76,875

(1) Our 2 3/8% Convertible Notes due 2024 matured and were redeemed on March 15, 2024.

(2) 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.

Materially all of our interest expense is being capitalized, including the interest expense associated with the amortization of the debt discounts on our Convertible Notes. See Note 2 for further information.

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	$	123,658	$	123,353
Notes payable related to satellite vendor financing and other debt payable in installments through 2032 with interest rates ranging from approximately 0% to 11.4%		113,564		138,303
Total		237,222		261,656
Less: current portion		(107,717)		(104,011)
Other long-term debt and finance lease obligations, net of current portion	$	129,505	$	157,645

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, we entered into an agreement pursuant to which, on September 10, 2019, the satellite service agreement for Nimiq 5 was transferred to us. 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. We lease 100% of the capacity on Nimiq 5, and this lease expires in September 2024.

Ciel II. Ciel II, a Canadian DBS satellite, was launched in December 2008 and commenced commercial operation in February 2009. This satellite was previously accounted for as a finance lease and depreciated over the term of the satellite service agreement, however, as a result of an amendment, which was effective during the first quarter 2019, Ciel II is now accounted for as an operating lease. We lease 100% of the capacity on Ciel II. The initial ten-year term expired in January 2019 and as a result of an amendment, we renewed this lease through July 2023. As of July 2023, we no longer lease the Ciel II satellite.

Dell Finance Lease. On July 17, 2020, we entered into a master agreement with Dell to lease certain components of our 5G Network Deployment infrastructure, including certain equipment.

The summary of future maturities of our outstanding long-term debt as of December 31, 2023 is included in the commitments table in Note 13.