Uniti receives final regulatory approval for Windstream merger

Published 24/07/2025, 23:34
Uniti receives final regulatory approval for Windstream merger

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Uniti Group Inc. (NASDAQ:UNIT) announced Thursday it has received the final regulatory approval needed from the California Public Utilities Commission to complete its previously announced merger with an affiliate of Windstream. The company, currently valued at $1.42 billion, has seen its stock surge 18.69% in the past week, reflecting investor optimism about the deal. InvestingPro analysis reveals 15+ additional insights about Uniti’s financial health and market position.

The transaction, which has already secured all other necessary state and federal regulatory approvals as well as stockholder approval on April 2, is expected to close after market hours on or around August 1, 2025. The company maintains a substantial dividend yield of 10.38% and is expected to report its next quarterly earnings on August 5, 2025.

"We are thrilled to be crossing the finish line on our transformational merger with Windstream," said Kenny Gunderman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Uniti.

Under the terms of the agreement, an affiliate of Windstream will merge with and into Uniti, with Uniti surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of Windstream Parent, Inc., which will be renamed Uniti Group Inc. The combined company’s common stock is expected to continue trading on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol "UNIT" beginning around August 4.

The company also announced it has received a favorable private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service regarding certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of a post-closing restructuring, which is expected to result in a tax basis step-up for certain company assets.

The merger is expected to be a taxable transaction for Uniti stockholders.

As of March 31, 2025, Uniti owns approximately 147,000 fiber route miles and 8.8 million fiber strand miles throughout the United States.

This article is based on information contained in a company press release.

In other recent news, Uniti Group reported in-line revenue and EBITDA for the first quarter of 2025, reaffirming all major guidance metrics. Despite these solid results, TD Cowen reiterated its Buy rating with a $9.00 price target, highlighting Uniti as a top investment idea in the sector. Citi analysts have reinstated a Neutral rating with a $5.30 price target, noting the expected merger with Windstream, anticipated to complete in the second half of 2025. This merger is seen as a strategic move to enhance Uniti’s investment capabilities and potentially improve value over time, although free cash flow is not expected until 2030.

Additionally, Uniti Group announced a $600 million senior notes offering, aimed at partially redeeming $500 million of existing 10.50% senior notes due in 2028. This financial maneuver is contingent upon securing at least $550 million in debt financing. In corporate governance developments, Uniti’s shareholders recently elected all five director nominees during the company’s annual meeting. These recent developments reflect Uniti’s ongoing strategic efforts and financial maneuvers in the communications infrastructure sector.

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