Shares of telecom and satellite TV provider EchoStar (SATS 9.29%) plunged another 11.3% on Tuesday. The decline followed a 12.1% decline last Friday, followed by another single-digit decline yesterday.
Last week's decline came after the company announced it would not be making another interest payment on its debt, which is secured by a telecommunications spectrum that is currently a point of controversy. Then today, the company announced it would also not make a second interest payment that was due -- but this time, part of the debt in question was unsecured, raising even more questions.
No investor likes to hear about missed interest payments, which is likely why the stock fell yet again.
EchoStar vs. SpaceX and the FCC
On May 9, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) sent a letter to EchoStar saying that some of its spectrum is now under review. EchoStar bought this wireless spectrum years ago, with an agreement that it would use the spectrum to build out a 5G network across the U.S. to add competition in the wireless telecom market.
Image source: Getty Images.
EchoStar thus far hasn't gotten the network up and running in the time it was supposed to, but was granted an extension last year under the prior administration. However, the new FCC director is now saying that extension is being reviewed. Elon Musk's SpaceX also submitted a complaint, as it would like to use the spectrum itself.
In the meantime, it appears EchoStar is refusing to pay interest on its secured debt until that review is complete. On Friday, the company said it was skipping a $326 million interest payment. Then Tuesday, the company said it would be skipping another $183 million payment due today.
Interestingly, a portion of the interest today was on unsecured notes, which means the interest payments weren't necessarily tied to assets such as the spectrum or physical assets. This means the company isn't just withholding payments tied to the specific spectrum in question, but that it's not making interest payments in general.
That's a more worrying sign, which suggests EchoStar's current business model could become stressed if the government decides to seize the spectrum. The company claims it has been building out a 5G network as it tries to grow its Boost Mobile wireless business, since its satellite pay-TV business is in decline.
A long 30 days await EchoStar investors
As of now, the company isn't technically in default, as all the notes have a 30-day grace period for EchoStar to actually make the payment. The company appears to think the matter with the FCC will be resolved within that time frame; however, that's also out of the company's control.
If the FCC grants an extension, it could lead to upside in the stock, due to a relief rally. Still, given the uncertainty around that decision, as well as EchoStar's declining overall business, this is a situation I'd stay away from until there's more clarity.
