AAM Fuels Future Growth with Successful Upsized Note Offerings

American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. (AAM) (NYSE: AXL) has announced a significant stride in its financial strategy, successfully pricing and upsizing its previously announced offerings of senior notes. This strategic maneuver is set to inject substantial capital, reinforcing the company's financial foundation and paving the way for future growth initiatives.

The Detroit-based global automotive supplier has upsized its senior secured notes offering from an initial $400 million to an impressive $500 million aggregate principal amount.

These notes, maturing in 2029, were priced at par. Concurrently, AAM's senior unsecured notes offering also saw an upsizing, increasing from $350 million to $450 million in aggregate principal amount, with a maturity date in 2032, also priced at par.

Cumulatively, these two offerings now represent an aggregate principal amount of $950 million, a considerable increase from the initially planned $750 million.

This strong market reception underscores investor confidence in AAM's operational strength and long-term prospects within the evolving automotive sector.

The net proceeds generated from these robust offerings, coupled with available cash on hand, are earmarked for a crucial financial restructuring.

AAM intends to utilize these funds to repay a significant portion of its existing indebtedness. This includes amounts outstanding under its revolving credit facility, its term loan, the full redemption of its 6.250% Senior Secured Notes due 2022, and the full redemption of its 6.500% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2025.

This proactive approach to debt management is expected to optimize AAM's capital structure, enhance financial flexibility, and potentially reduce interest expenses over time.

The remaining proceeds will be allocated for general corporate purposes, allowing AAM to invest in key areas such as innovation, operational improvements, and strategic expansion.

The closing of both offerings is anticipated to occur around September 14, 2021, subject to customary closing conditions.

It is important to note that these notes were offered and sold in a private placement, exclusively to qualified institutional buyers in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to certain non-U.S. persons outside the United States pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act.

This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities.

The notes have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws, and thus may not be offered or sold in the United States without registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements.