CHTR 9.30.14 - 10Q
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
______________
FORM 10-Q
______________
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| | |
(Mark One) |
x | | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
| | |
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2014 |
or |
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o | | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the Transition Period From to
Commission File Number: 001-33664
Charter Communications, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
|
| | |
Delaware | | 43-1857213 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | | (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
| | |
400 Atlantic Street Stamford, Connecticut 06901 | | (203) 905-7801 |
(Address of principal executive offices including zip code) | | (Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrants have submitted electronically and posted on their corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrants were required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “accelerated filer,” “large accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer x Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer o Smaller reporting company o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o No x
APPLICABLE ONLY TO REGISTRANTS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY
PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PRECEDING FIVE YEARS:
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Section 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court. Yes x No o
Number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding as of September 30, 2014: 109,268,321
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
This quarterly report on Form 10-Q is for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. The United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") allows us to "incorporate by reference" information that we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you directly to those documents. In this quarterly report, "we," "us" and "our" refer to Charter Communications, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:
This quarterly report includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), regarding, among other things, our plans, strategies and prospects, both business and financial including, without limitation, the forward-looking statements set forth in the “Results of Operations” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” sections under Part I, Item 2. “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this quarterly report. Although we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that we will achieve or realize these plans, intentions or expectations. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions including, without limitation, the factors described under “Risk Factors” under Part II, Item 1A and the factors described under “Risk Factors” under Part I, Item 1A of our most recent Form 10-K filed with the SEC. Many of the forward-looking statements contained in this quarterly report may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “should,” “planned,” “will,” “may,” “intend,” “estimated,” “aim,” “on track,” “target,” “opportunity,” “tentative,” “positioning,” “designed,” “create,” “predict,” “project,” “seek,” “would,” “could,” “continue,” “ongoing,” “upside,” “increases” and “potential,” among others. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements we make in this quarterly report are set forth in this quarterly report, in our annual report on Form 10-K, and in other reports or documents that we file from time to time with the SEC, and include, but are not limited to:
Risks Related to Comcast Corporation ("Comcast") Transactions
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• | the ultimate outcome of the proposed transactions between us and Comcast including the possibility that such transactions may not occur if closing conditions are not satisfied; |
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• | if any such transaction were to occur, the ultimate outcome and results of integrating operations and application of our operating strategies to the acquired assets and the ultimate ability to realize synergies at the levels currently expected as well as potential programming dis-synergies; |
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• | the impact of the proposed transaction on our stock price and future operating results, including due to transaction and integration costs, increased interest expense, business disruption, and diversion of management time and attention; |
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• | the reduction in our current stockholders’ percentage ownership and voting interest as a result of the proposed transaction; |
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• | the increase in indebtedness as a result of the proposed transactions, which will increase interest expense and may decrease our operating flexibility; |
Risks Related to Our Business
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• | our ability to sustain and grow revenues and cash flow from operations by offering video, Internet, voice, advertising and other services to residential and commercial customers, to adequately meet the customer experience demands in our markets and to maintain and grow our customer base, particularly in the face of increasingly aggressive competition, the need for innovation and the related capital expenditures and the difficult economic conditions in the United States; |
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• | the impact of competition from other market participants, including but not limited to incumbent telephone companies, direct broadcast satellite operators, wireless broadband and telephone providers, digital subscriber line (“DSL”) providers, and video provided over the Internet; |
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• | general business conditions, economic uncertainty or downturn, high unemployment levels and the level of activity in the housing sector; |
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• | our ability to obtain programming at reasonable prices or to raise prices to offset, in whole or in part, the effects of higher programming costs (including retransmission consents); |
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• | the development and deployment of new products and technologies including in connection with our plan to make our systems all-digital in 2014; |
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• | the effects of governmental regulation on our business or potential business combination transactions; |
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• | the availability and access, in general, of funds to meet our debt obligations prior to or when they become due and to fund our operations and necessary capital expenditures, either through (i) cash on hand, (ii) free cash flow, or (iii) access to the capital or credit markets; and |
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• | our ability to comply with all covenants in our indentures and credit facilities, any violation of which, if not cured in a timely manner, could trigger a default of our other obligations under cross-default provisions. |
All forward-looking statements attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. We are under no duty or obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this quarterly report.
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements.
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(dollars in millions, except share data) |
| | | | | | | |
| September 30, 2014 | | December 31, 2013 |
| (unaudited) | | |
ASSETS | | | |
CURRENT ASSETS: | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 10 |
| | $ | 21 |
|
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of | | | |
$20 and $19, respectively | 270 |
| | 234 |
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 90 |
| | 67 |
|
Total current assets | 370 |
| | 322 |
|
| | | |
RESTRICTED CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | 3,513 |
| | — |
|
| | | |
INVESTMENT IN CABLE PROPERTIES: | | | |
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated | | | |
depreciation of $5,968 and $4,787, respectively | 8,305 |
| | 7,981 |
|
Franchises | 6,009 |
| | 6,009 |
|
Customer relationships, net | 1,175 |
| | 1,389 |
|
Goodwill | 1,170 |
| | 1,177 |
|
Total investment in cable properties, net | 16,659 |
| | 16,556 |
|
| | | |
OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS | 408 |
| | 417 |
|
| | | |
Total assets | $ | 20,950 |
| | $ | 17,295 |
|
| | | |
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | | |
CURRENT LIABILITIES: | | | |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | 1,586 |
| | $ | 1,467 |
|
Total current liabilities | 1,586 |
| | 1,467 |
|
| | | |
LONG-TERM DEBT | 17,595 |
| | 14,181 |
|
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES | 1,610 |
| | 1,431 |
|
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES | 62 |
| | 65 |
|
| | | |
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY: | | | |
Class A common stock; $.001 par value; 900 million shares authorized; | | | |
109,390,963 and 106,144,075 shares issued, respectively | — |
| | — |
|
Class B common stock; $.001 par value; 25 million shares authorized; | | | |
no shares issued and outstanding | — |
| | — |
|
Preferred stock; $.001 par value; 250 million shares authorized; | | | |
no shares issued and outstanding | — |
| | — |
|
Additional paid-in capital | 1,843 |
| | 1,760 |
|
Accumulated deficit | (1,703 | ) | | (1,568 | ) |
Treasury stock at cost; 122,642 and 0 shares, respectively | (18 | ) | | — |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (25 | ) | | (41 | ) |
Total shareholders’ equity | 97 |
| | 151 |
|
| | | |
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | $ | 20,950 |
| | $ | 17,295 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
1
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(dollars in millions, except per share and share data)
Unaudited
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended September 30, | | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| 2014 | | 2013 | | 2014 | | 2013 |
| | | | | | | |
REVENUES | $ | 2,287 |
| | $ | 2,118 |
| | $ | 6,748 |
| | $ | 6,007 |
|
| | | | | | | |
COSTS AND EXPENSES: | | | | | | | |
Operating costs and expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization) | 1,518 |
| | 1,397 |
| | 4,444 |
| | 3,950 |
|
Depreciation and amortization | 535 |
| | 493 |
| | 1,568 |
| | 1,354 |
|
Other operating expenses, net | 16 |
| | 19 |
| | 42 |
| | 38 |
|
| | | | | | | |
| 2,069 |
| | 1,909 |
| | 6,054 |
| | 5,342 |
|
| | | | | | | |
Income from operations | 218 |
| | 209 |
| | 694 |
| | 665 |
|
| | | | | | | |
OTHER EXPENSES: | | | | | | | |
Interest expense, net | (217 | ) | | (214 | ) | | (638 | ) | | (635 | ) |
Loss on extinguishment of debt | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (123 | ) |
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net | 5 |
| | (8 | ) | | (3 | ) | | 9 |
|
| | | | | | | |
| (212 | ) | | (222 | ) | | (641 | ) | | (749 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
Income (loss) before income taxes | 6 |
| | (13 | ) | | 53 |
| | (84 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
Income tax expense | (59 | ) | | (57 | ) | | (188 | ) | | (124 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
Net loss | $ | (53 | ) | | $ | (70 | ) | | $ | (135 | ) | | $ | (208 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
LOSS PER COMMON SHARE, BASIC AND DILUTED | $ | (0.49 | ) | | $ | (0.68 | ) | | $ | (1.26 | ) | | $ | (2.05 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted | 108,792,605 |
| | 102,924,443 |
| | 107,744,534 |
| | 101,293,696 |
|
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(dollars in millions)
Unaudited
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended September 30, | | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| 2014 | | 2013 | | 2014 | | 2013 |
| | | | | | | |
Net loss | $ | (53 | ) | | $ | (70 | ) | | $ | (135 | ) | | $ | (208 | ) |
Net impact of interest rate derivative instruments, net of tax | 5 |
| | 8 |
| | 16 |
| | 27 |
|
| | | | | | | |
Comprehensive loss | $ | (48 | ) | | $ | (62 | ) | | $ | (119 | ) | | $ | (181 | ) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
2
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(dollars in millions)
Unaudited
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| | 2014 | | 2013 |
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | | | | |
Net loss | | $ | (135 | ) | | $ | (208 | ) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows from operating activities: | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization | | 1,568 |
| | 1,354 |
|
Noncash interest expense | | 29 |
| | 33 |
|
Loss on extinguishment of debt | | — |
| | 123 |
|
(Gain) loss on derivative instruments, net | | 3 |
| | (9 | ) |
Deferred income taxes | | 177 |
| | 112 |
|
Other, net | | 43 |
| | 69 |
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions: | | | | |
Accounts receivable | | (36 | ) | | 10 |
|
Prepaid expenses and other assets | | (21 | ) | | (13 | ) |
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other | | 101 |
| | 92 |
|
Net cash flows from operating activities | | 1,729 |
| | 1,563 |
|
| | | | |
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | | | | |
Purchases of property, plant and equipment | | (1,678 | ) | | (1,259 | ) |
Change in accrued expenses related to capital expenditures | | 31 |
| | 21 |
|
Purchases of cable systems, net | | — |
| | (673 | ) |
Restricted cash in escrow - CCO Safari, LLC | | (3,513 | ) | | — |
|
Other, net | | (5 | ) | | (15 | ) |
Net cash flows from investing activities | | (5,165 | ) | | (1,926 | ) |
| | | | |
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | | | | |
Borrowings of long-term debt | | 4,914 |
| | 6,569 |
|
Repayments of long-term debt | | (1,514 | ) | | (6,177 | ) |
Payments for debt issuance costs | | (4 | ) | | (50 | ) |
Purchase of treasury stock | | (18 | ) | | (11 | ) |
Proceeds from exercise of options and warrants | | 43 |
| | 67 |
|
Other, net | | 4 |
| | (1 | ) |
Net cash flows from financing activities | | 3,425 |
| | 397 |
|
| | | | |
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | | (11 | ) | | 34 |
|
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period | | 21 |
| | 7 |
|
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period | | $ | 10 |
| | $ | 41 |
|
| | | | |
CASH PAID FOR INTEREST | | $ | 624 |
| | $ | 584 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts and where indicated)
1. Organization and Basis of Presentation
Organization
Charter Communications, Inc. (“Charter”) is a holding company whose principal asset is a 100% common equity interest in Charter Communications Holding Company, LLC (“Charter Holdco”). Charter owns cable systems through its subsidiaries, which are collectively, with Charter, referred to herein as the “Company.” All significant intercompany accounts and transactions among consolidated entities have been eliminated.
The Company is a cable operator providing services in the United States. The Company offers to residential and commercial customers traditional cable video programming, Internet services, and voice services, as well as advanced video services such as OnDemand™, high definition television, and digital video recorder (“DVR”) service. The Company sells its cable video programming, Internet, voice, and advanced video services primarily on a subscription basis. The Company also sells local advertising on cable networks and on the Internet and provides fiber connectivity to cellular towers.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures typically included in Charter's Annual Report on Form 10-K have been condensed or omitted for this quarterly report. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and are subject to review by regulatory authorities. However, in the opinion of management, such financial statements include all adjustments, which consist of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the periods presented. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Areas involving significant judgments and estimates include capitalization of labor and overhead costs; depreciation and amortization costs; impairments of and acquisition accounting for property, plant and equipment, intangibles and goodwill; income taxes; contingencies and programming expense. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Certain prior period amounts, primarily merger and acquisition costs, have been reclassified to conform with the 2014 presentation.
2. Acquisitions and Dispositions
Acquisition of Bresnan
On July 1, 2013, Charter and Charter Communications Operating, LLC ("Charter Operating") acquired Bresnan Broadband Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Bresnan”) from a wholly owned subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation, for $1.625 billion in cash, as well as a working capital adjustment and a reduction for certain funded indebtedness of Bresnan. Bresnan managed cable operating systems in Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and Utah. Charter funded the purchase of Bresnan with a $1.5 billion term loan and borrowings under the Charter Operating revolving credit facility.
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts and where indicated)
The following unaudited pro forma financial information of Charter is based on the historical consolidated financial statements of Charter and the historical consolidated financial statements of Bresnan and is intended to provide information about how the acquisition of Bresnan and related financing may have affected Charter's historical consolidated financial statements if they had closed as of January 1, 2012. The pro forma financial information below is based on available information and assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable. The pro forma financial information is for illustrative and informational purposes only and is not intended to represent or be indicative of what Charter's financial condition or results of operations would have been had the transactions described above occurred on the date indicated. The pro forma financial information also should not be considered representative of Charter's future financial condition or results of operations.
|
| | | |
| Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 |
Revenues | $ | 6,271 |
|
Net loss | $ | (233 | ) |
Loss per common share, basic and diluted | $ | (2.30 | ) |
Transactions with Comcast
On April 25, 2014, the Company entered into a binding definitive agreement (the “Agreement”) with Comcast Corporation (“Comcast”), which contemplates the following transactions: (1) an asset purchase, (2) an asset exchange and (3) a contribution and spin-off transaction (collectively, the “Transactions”) as described in more detail below. The Transactions are expected to be consummated substantially contemporaneously with each other and will be consummated as promptly as practicable following the merger of a subsidiary of Comcast with Time Warner Cable Inc. (“TWC”) as previously announced by Comcast and TWC. The completion of the Transactions will result in Charter acquiring approximately a net 1.4 million existing TWC residential and commercial video customers.
Asset Purchase
At closing, the Company will acquire from Comcast systems currently owned by TWC serving approximately 1.5 million video customers and all other assets and liabilities primarily related to such systems for cash consideration. The Company will pay to Comcast the tax benefit of the step-up it receives in the tax basis of the assets. Such tax benefit to Charter will be paid as realized by the Company over an eight-year period, and an additional payment will be made at the end of such eight-year period in the amount of any remaining tax benefit (on a present value basis) not previously realized by Charter.
Asset Exchange
At closing, the Company and Comcast will exchange certain systems serving approximately 1.5 million TWC video customers and approximately 1.6 million Charter video customers and all other assets and liabilities primarily related to such systems. Most tax gains associated with the asset exchange are expected to be offset by Charter’s existing net operating losses.
Financing
The consideration for the assets acquired and transaction expenses will be financed with new indebtedness of Charter and is currently estimated at approximately $8.0 billion principal amount. Charter has received commitments from a number of leading Wall Street investment banks to provide incremental senior secured term loan facilities totaling up to $8.4 billion and a senior secured incremental revolving facility equal to $500 million under the Charter Operating credit facility. Pursuant to that commitment, Charter has fully drawn on $3.5 billion term loan G commitments and $1.0 billion has been committed, but not issued, in additional Charter Operating term loans. In October 2014, the Company's subsidiary, CCOH Safari, LLC, announced an offering of $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 5.50% senior notes due 2022 and $2.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 5.75% senior notes due 2024 (collectively, the "Notes"). The Company expects to close that offering in November 2014 and the net proceeds will be used to fund a portion of the purchase of certain assets pursuant to the Transactions. The Company will reduce the commitments by the amount of the Notes at the closing of the offering. See Note 17.
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts and where indicated)
Contribution and Spin-Off Transaction
CCH I, LLC (“CCH I”), a current indirect subsidiary of Charter, will be reorganized to be a direct subsidiary of Charter. CCH I will then form a new subsidiary that will merge with Charter, through a tax-free reorganization and become the new holding company (“New Charter”) that will own 100% of Charter and indirectly Charter Holdco. New Charter will then acquire an approximate 33% stake in a new publicly-traded cable provider to be spun-off by Comcast serving approximately 2.5 million existing Comcast video customers. The cable systems will be contributed to Midwest Cable, Inc., which upon consummation of the Transactions, is expected to change its name to GreatLand Connections Inc. (“GreatLand Connections”). New Charter will acquire its interest in GreatLand Connections by issuing New Charter stock to Comcast shareholders (including former TWC shareholders) as a result of a merger of a wholly owned subsidiary of New Charter with and into GreatLand Connections. Comcast shareholders, including the former TWC shareholders, are expected to own approximately 67% of GreatLand Connections, while New Charter is expected to directly own approximately 33% of GreatLand Connections. GreatLand Connections expects to incur leverage of approximately 5 times its estimated pro forma EBITDA (as such term is defined by GreatLand Connections’ financing sources for purposes of the financing) to fund a distribution to Comcast and issue notes to Comcast prior to the spin-off. Additionally, the Company will provide services to GreatLand Connections, and the Company will be reimbursed the actual economic costs of such services, in addition to a fee of 4.25% of GreatLand Connections' gross revenues.
The asset purchase, asset exchange and the acquisition of interests in GreatLand Connections will be valued at a 7.125 multiple of 2014 EBITDA (as defined by the parties), subject to certain post-closing adjustments.
3. Franchises, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, indefinite lived and finite-lived intangible assets are presented in the following table:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | September 30, 2014 | | December 31, 2013 |
| | Gross Carrying Amount | | Accumulated Amortization | | Net Carrying Amount | | Gross Carrying Amount | | Accumulated Amortization | | Net Carrying Amount |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Indefinite-lived intangible assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Franchises | | $ | 6,009 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 6,009 |
| | $ | 6,009 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 6,009 |
|
Goodwill | | 1,170 |
| | — |
| | 1,170 |
| | 1,177 |
| | — |
| | 1,177 |
|
Trademarks | | 158 |
| | — |
| | 158 |
| | 158 |
| | — |
| | 158 |
|
Other intangible assets | | 4 |
| | — |
| | 4 |
| | 4 |
| | — |
| | 4 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | $ | 7,341 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 7,341 |
| | $ | 7,348 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 7,348 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Finite-lived intangible assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Customer relationships | | $ | 2,617 |
| | $ | 1,442 |
| | $ | 1,175 |
| | $ | 2,617 |
| | $ | 1,228 |
| | $ | 1,389 |
|
Other intangible assets | | 141 |
| | 57 |
| | 84 |
| | 130 |
| | 44 |
| | 86 |
|
| | $ | 2,758 |
| | $ | 1,499 |
| | $ | 1,259 |
| | $ | 2,747 |
| | $ | 1,272 |
| | $ | 1,475 |
|
Amortization expense related to customer relationships and other intangible assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $75 million and $227 million, respectively. Amortization expense related to customer relationships and other intangible assets for the three and nine months ended and September 30, 2013 was $82 million and $219 million, respectively.
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts and where indicated)
The Company expects amortization expense on its finite-lived intangible assets will be as follows.
|
| | | | |
Three months ended December 31, 2014 | | $ | 72 |
|
2015 | | 266 |
|
2016 | | 232 |
|
2017 | | 199 |
|
2018 | | 164 |
|
Thereafter | | 326 |
|
| | |
| | $ | 1,259 |
|
Actual amortization expense in future periods will differ from these estimates as a result of new intangible asset acquisitions or divestitures, changes in useful lives, impairments and other relevant factors.
4. Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consist of the following as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | September 30, 2014 | | December 31, 2013 |
| | | | |
Accounts payable – trade | | $ | 105 |
| | $ | 91 |
|
Accrued capital expenditures | | 266 |
| | 235 |
|
Deferred revenue | | 84 |
| | 90 |
|
Accrued liabilities: | | | | |
Interest | | 175 |
| | 195 |
|
Programming costs | | 424 |
| | 379 |
|
Franchise related fees | | 59 |
| | 62 |
|
Compensation | | 177 |
| | 156 |
|
Other | | 296 |
| | 259 |
|
| | | | |
| | $ | 1,586 |
| | $ | 1,467 |
|
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts and where indicated)
5. Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consists of the following as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| September 30, 2014 | | December 31, 2013 |
| Principal Amount | | Accreted Value | | Principal Amount | | Accreted Value |
CCO Holdings, LLC: | | | | | | | |
7.250% senior notes due October 30, 2017 | $ | 1,000 |
| | $ | 1,000 |
| | $ | 1,000 |
| | $ | 1,000 |
|
7.000% senior notes due January 15, 2019 | 1,400 |
| | 1,394 |
| | 1,400 |
| | 1,393 |
|
8.125% senior notes due April 30, 2020 | 700 |
| | 700 |
| | 700 |
| | 700 |
|
7.375% senior notes due June 1, 2020 | 750 |
| | 750 |
| | 750 |
| | 750 |
|
5.250% senior notes due March 15, 2021 | 500 |
| | 500 |
| | 500 |
| | 500 |
|
6.500% senior notes due April 30, 2021 | 1,500 |
| | 1,500 |
| | 1,500 |
| | 1,500 |
|
6.625% senior notes due January 31, 2022 | 750 |
| | 747 |
| | 750 |
| | 747 |
|
5.250% senior notes due September 30, 2022 | 1,250 |
| | 1,240 |
| | 1,250 |
| | 1,239 |
|
5.125% senior notes due February 15, 2023 | 1,000 |
| | 1,000 |
| | 1,000 |
| | 1,000 |
|
5.750% senior notes due September 1, 2023 | 500 |
| | 500 |
| | 500 |
| | 500 |
|
5.750% senior notes due January 15, 2024 | 1,000 |
| | 1,000 |
| | 1,000 |
| | 1,000 |
|
Credit facility due September 6, 2014 | — |
| | — |
| | 350 |
| | 342 |
|
Charter Communications Operating, LLC: | | | | | | | |
Credit facilities | 3,817 |
| | 3,781 |
| | 3,548 |
| | 3,510 |
|
CCO Safari, LLC (an Unrestricted Subsidiary) | | | | | | | |
Credit facility due September 12, 2021 | 3,500 |
| | 3,483 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Long-Term Debt | $ | 17,667 |
| | $ | 17,595 |
| | $ | 14,248 |
| | $ | 14,181 |
|
The accreted values presented above represent the principal amount of the debt less the original issue discount at the time of sale, plus the accretion to the balance sheet date. However, the amount that is currently payable if the debt becomes immediately due is equal to the principal amount of the debt. The Company has availability under its credit facilities of approximately $774 million as of September 30, 2014 and as such, debt maturing in the next twelve months is classified as long-term.
In March 2013, CCO Holdings, LLC ("CCO Holdings") and CCO Holdings Capital Corp. closed on transactions in which they issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of 5.250% senior notes due 2021 and $500 million aggregate principal amount of 5.750% senior notes due 2023. The proceeds were used for repaying amounts outstanding under the Charter Operating term loan C facility. The Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $42 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 related to these transactions.
In April 2013, Charter Operating entered into an amendment to its credit agreement extending the maturity of its term loan A and revolver one year to 2018, decreasing the applicable LIBOR margin for the term loan A and revolver to 2%, decreasing the undrawn commitment fee on the revolver to 0.30% and increasing the revolver capacity to $1.3 billion. The Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 related to these transactions.
In May 2013, Charter Operating entered into a new term loan F facility pursuant to the terms of the Charter Operating credit agreement providing for a $1.2 billion term loan maturing in 2021. Pricing on the new term loan F was set at LIBOR plus 2.25% with a LIBOR floor of 0.75%, and issued at a price of 99.75% of the aggregate principal amount. The Company used the proceeds to repay Charter Operating's existing term loan C due 2016 and term loan D due 2019. The Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $14 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 related to these transactions.
In May 2013, CCO Holdings and CCO Holdings Capital Corp. closed on transactions in which they issued $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 5.750% senior notes due 2024. Concurrently with the pricing of the 5.750% senior notes, a tender offer was launched to purchase any and all of the CCO Holdings 7.875% senior notes due 2018. The Company used the proceeds from the
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts and where indicated)
issuance to purchase the notes tendered in the tender offer. Any notes not tendered were subsequently called in June 2013. The Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $65 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 related to these transactions.
In September 2014, Charter Operating entered into a new term loan G facility pursuant to the terms of the Charter Operating credit agreement providing for a $3.5 billion term loan maturing in 2021. Pricing on the term loan G was set at LIBOR plus 3.50% with a LIBOR floor of 0.75% and issued at a price of 99.50% of the aggregate principal amount. The term loan G forms a portion of the incremental facilities commitments as announced by the Company in July 2014 that will be used to fund the purchase of certain assets pursuant to the Transactions. Charter Operating assigned all of its obligations with respect to the term loan G and transferred all of the proceeds from the term loan G to a newly-created subsidiary, CCO Safari, LLC (“CCO Safari”), which is considered a Non-Recourse Subsidiary under Charter Operating’s Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated April 11, 2012 (the “Credit Agreement”), and CCO Safari placed the funds in escrow pending the closing of the Transactions, at which time, subject to certain conditions, Charter Operating will re-assume the obligations in respect of the term loan G under the Credit Agreement. Such amounts, along with required original issuance discount and one months interest, were placed in escrow and classified as noncurrent restricted cash and cash equivalents in the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2014. To the extent the Transactions do not close, such amounts placed in escrow must be used to settle amounts outstanding under the term loan G. See Note 2.
6. Common Stock
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company withheld 7,206 and 122,642, respectively, shares of its common stock in payment of $1 million and $18 million, respectively, income tax withholding owed by employees upon vesting of restricted shares. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company withheld 7,245 and 113,345, respectively, shares of its common stock in payment of $1 million and $11 million, respectively, income tax withholding owed by employees upon vesting of restricted shares. In December 2013, Charter's board of directors approved the retirement of the then currently held treasury stock and those shares were retired as of December 31, 2013. The Company accounts for treasury stock using the cost method and includes treasury stock as a component of total shareholders' equity.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company issued approximately 579,776 and 2.6 million shares, respectively and during each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company issued approximately 2.6 million shares of Charter Class A common stock as a result of exercises by holders who received warrants pursuant to the Joint Plan of Reorganization (the "Plan") upon the Company's emergence from bankruptcy.
7. Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
The Company uses interest rate derivative instruments to manage its interest costs and reduce the Company’s exposure to increases in floating interest rates. The Company manages its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates by maintaining a mix of fixed and variable rate debt. Using interest rate derivative instruments, the Company agrees to exchange, at specified intervals through 2017, the difference between fixed and variable interest amounts calculated by reference to agreed-upon notional principal amounts.
The Company does not hold or issue derivative instruments for speculative trading purposes. The Company, until de-designating in the three months ended March 31, 2013, had certain interest rate derivative instruments that were designated as cash flow hedging instruments for GAAP purposes. Such instruments effectively converted variable interest payments on certain debt instruments into fixed payments. For qualifying hedges, realized derivative gains and losses offset related results on hedged items in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. The Company formally documented, designated and assessed the effectiveness of transactions that received hedge accounting.
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts and where indicated)
The effect of interest rate derivatives on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets is presented in the table below:
|
| | | | | | | |
| September 30, 2014 | | December 31, 2013 |
| | | |
Accrued interest | $ | 4 |
| | $ | 8 |
|
Other long-term liabilities | $ | 13 |
| | $ | 22 |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | $ | (25 | ) | | $ | (41 | ) |
Changes in the fair value of interest rate derivative instruments that were designated as hedging instruments of the variability of cash flows associated with floating-rate debt obligations, and that met effectiveness criteria were reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss. The amounts were subsequently reclassified as an increase or decrease to interest expense in the same periods in which the related interest on the floating-rate debt obligations affected earnings (losses).
Due to repayment of variable rate credit facility debt without a LIBOR floor, certain interest rate derivative instruments were de-designated as cash flow hedges during the three months ended March 31, 2013, as they no longer met the criteria for cash flow hedging specified by GAAP. In addition, on March 31, 2013, the remaining interest rate derivative instruments that continued to be highly effective cash flow hedges for GAAP purposes were electively de-designated. On the date of de-designation, the Company completed a final measurement test for each interest rate derivative instrument to determine any ineffectiveness and such amount was reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of operations. While these interest rate derivative instruments are no longer designated as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes, management continues to believe such instruments are closely correlated with the respective debt, thus managing associated risk. Interest rate derivative instruments not designated as hedges are marked to fair value, with the impact recorded as a gain or loss on derivative instruments, net in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of operations. The balance that remains in accumulated other comprehensive loss for these interest rate derivative instruments will be amortized over the respective lives of the contracts and recorded as a loss within gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of operations. The estimated net amount of existing losses that are reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of September 30, 2014 that is expected to be reclassified into earnings within the next twelve months is approximately $10 million.
The effects of interest rate derivative instruments on the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations is presented in the table below.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended September 30, | | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| 2014 | | 2013 | | 2014 | | 2013 |
| | | | | | | |
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net: | | | | | | | |
Change in fair value of interest rate derivative instruments not designated as cash flow hedges | $ | 10 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 13 |
| | $ | 29 |
|
Loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings as a result of cash flow hedge discontinuance | (5 | ) | | (8 | ) | | (16 | ) | | (20 | ) |
| $ | 5 |
| | $ | (8 | ) | | $ | (3 | ) | | $ | 9 |
|
| | | | | | | |
Interest expense: | | | | | | | |
Loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into interest expense | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | (10 | ) |
As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had $1.4 billion and $2.2 billion, respectively, in notional amounts of interest rate derivative instruments outstanding. As of September 30, 2014, this includes $150 million in delayed start interest rate derivative instruments that become effective in March 2015. In any future quarter in which a portion of these delayed start interest rate derivative instruments first becomes effective, an equal or greater notional amount of the currently effective interest
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts and where indicated)
rate derivative instruments are scheduled to mature. Therefore, the $1.3 billion notional amount of currently effective interest rate derivative instruments will gradually step down over time as current interest rate derivative instruments mature and an equal or lesser amount of delayed start interest rate derivative instruments become effective.
The notional amounts of interest rate instruments do not represent amounts exchanged by the parties and, thus, are not a measure of exposure to credit loss. The amounts exchanged were determined by reference to the notional amount and the other terms of the contracts.
8. Fair Value Measurements
The accounting guidance establishes a three-level hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements, based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date, as follows:
| |
• | Level 1 – inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. |
| |
• | Level 2 – inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. |
| |
• | Level 3 – inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement. |
Financial Assets and Liabilities
The Company has estimated the fair value of its financial instruments as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 using available market information or other appropriate valuation methodologies. Considerable judgment, however, is required in interpreting market data to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company would realize in a current market exchange.
The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, payables and other current assets and liabilities approximate fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments.
The Company's restricted cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2014 are primarily invested 57% and 43% in money market funds and 90-day or less commercial paper, respectively. The money market funds are valued at the closing price reported by the fund sponsor from an actively traded exchange and classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. The commercial paper is valued at cost plus the accretion of the discount on a yield to maturity basis, which approximates fair value and classified within Level 2.
The estimated fair value of the Company’s debt at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is based on quoted market prices and is classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy.
A summary of the carrying value and fair value of the Company’s debt at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | September 30, 2014 | | December 31, 2013 |
| | Carrying Value | | Fair Value | | Carrying Value | | Fair Value |
Debt | | | | | | | | |
CCO Holdings senior notes | | $ | 10,331 |
| | $ | 10,559 |
| | $ | 10,329 |
| | $ | 10,384 |
|
Credit facilities | | $ | 7,264 |
| | $ | 7,211 |
| | $ | 3,852 |
| | $ | 3,848 |
|
The fair value of interest rate derivative instruments were $17 million and $30 million and classified as liabilities as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, using a present value calculation based on an implied forward LIBOR curve (adjusted for Charter Operating’s or counterparties’ credit risk) and were classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. The weighted
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts and where indicated)
average pay rate for the Company’s currently effective interest rate derivative instruments was 1.87% and 2.17% at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively (exclusive of applicable spreads).
Nonfinancial Assets and Liabilities
The Company’s nonfinancial assets such as franchises, property, plant, and equipment, and other intangible assets are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis; however they are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances, such as when there is evidence that an impairment may exist. No impairments were recorded during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
9. Operating Costs and Expenses
Operating costs and expenses consist of the following for the years presented:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended September 30, | | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| 2014 | | 2013 | | 2014 | | 2013 |
Programming | $ | 621 |
| | $ | 554 |
| | $ | 1,834 |
| | $ | 1,585 |
|
Franchise, regulatory and connectivity | 105 |
| | 104 |
| | 319 |
| | 296 |
|
Costs to service customers | 429 |
| | 412 |
| | 1,250 |
| | 1,164 |
|
Marketing | 136 |
| | 131 |
| | 404 |
| | 359 |
|
Other | 227 |
| | 196 |
| | 637 |
| | 546 |
|
| | | | | | | |
| $ | 1,518 |
| | $ | 1,397 |
| | $ | 4,444 |
| | $ | 3,950 |
|
Programming costs consist primarily of costs paid to programmers for basic, premium, digital, OnDemand, and pay-per-view programming. Franchise, regulatory and connectivity costs represent payments to franchise and regulatory authorities and costs directly related to providing Internet and voice services. Costs to service customers include residential and commercial costs related to field operations, network operations and customer care including internal and third party labor for installations, service and repairs, maintenance, billing and collection, occupancy and vehicle costs. Marketing costs represents the costs of marketing to our current and potential commercial and residential customers including labor costs. Other includes bad debt expense, corporate overhead, commercial and advertising sales expenses, property tax and insurance and stock compensation expense, among others.
10. Other Operating Expenses, Net
Other operating expenses, net consist of the following for the years presented:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended September 30, | | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| 2014 | | 2013 | | 2014 | | 2013 |
| | | | | | | |
Merger and acquisition costs | $ | 12 |
| | $ | 11 |
| | $ | 29 |
| | $ | 14 |
|
Special charges, net | 3 |
| | 3 |
| | 10 |
| | 18 |
|
Loss on sale of assets, net | $ | 1 |
| | $ | 5 |
| | $ | 3 |
| | $ | 6 |
|
| | | | | | | |
| $ | 16 |
| | $ | 19 |
| | $ | 42 |
| | $ | 38 |
|
Merger and acquisition costs
Merger and acquisition costs represents costs incurred in connection with merger and acquisition transactions, such as advisory, legal and accounting fees, among others.
Special charges, net
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts and where indicated)
Special charges, net for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 primarily include severance charges and net amounts of litigation settlements.
Loss on sale of assets, net
Loss on sale of assets, net represents the net gain or loss recognized on the sales and disposals of fixed assets and cable systems.
11. Income Taxes
All of Charter’s operations are held through Charter Holdco and its direct and indirect subsidiaries. Charter Holdco and the majority of its subsidiaries are generally limited liability companies that are not subject to income tax. However, certain of these limited liability companies are subject to state income tax. In addition, the indirect subsidiaries that are corporations are subject to federal and state income tax. All of the remaining taxable income, gains, losses, deductions and credits of Charter Holdco are passed through to Charter and its direct subsidiaries.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company recorded $59 million and $188 million of income tax expense, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company recorded $57 million and $124 million of income tax expense, respectively. Income tax expense is recognized primarily through increases in deferred tax liabilities related to our investment in Charter Holdco, as well as through current federal and state income tax expense and increases in the deferred tax liabilities of certain of our indirect corporate subsidiaries. The nine months ended September 30, 2013 included a step-up in basis of indefinite-lived assets for tax, but not GAAP purposes, resulting from the effects of partnership gains related to financing transactions (see Note 5), which decreased the Company's net deferred tax liability related to indefinite-lived assets resulting in a benefit of $67 million.
The tax provision in future periods will vary based on various factors including changes in the Company's deferred tax liabilities attributable to indefinite-lived intangibles, as well as future operating results, however the Company does not anticipate having large reductions in tax expense such as those recognized in 2013 unless it enters into similar future financing or restructuring activities. The ultimate impact on the tax provision of such future financing and restructuring activities, if any, will be dependent on the underlying facts and circumstances at the time.
As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had net deferred income tax liabilities of approximately $1.6 billion and $1.4 billion, respectively. Net current deferred tax assets of $19 million and $16 million as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets of the Company. Net deferred tax liabilities included approximately $226 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, relating to certain indirect subsidiaries of Charter Holdco that file separate federal or state income tax returns. The remainder of the Company's net deferred tax liability arose from Charter's investment in Charter Holdco, and was largely attributable to the characterization of franchises for financial reporting purposes as indefinite-lived.
In determining the Company’s tax provision for financial reporting purposes, the Company considers the need for and establishes a reserve for uncertain tax positions unless such positions are determined to be “more likely than not” of being sustained upon examination, based on their technical merits. There is considerable judgment involved in making such a determination. As of September 30, 2014, the Company believes it is appropriate that no reserve has been recorded.
On May 1, 2013, Liberty Media Corporation (“Liberty Media”) completed its purchase of a 27% beneficial interest in Charter (see Note 12). Upon closing, Charter experienced a second “ownership change” as defined in Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code resulting in a second set of limitations on Charter’s use of its existing federal and state tax loss carryforwards. The first ownership change limitations that applied as a result of our emergence from bankruptcy in 2009 will also continue to apply.
No tax years for Charter or Charter Holdco, for income tax purposes, are currently under examination by the IRS. Tax years ending 2011 through 2013 remain subject to examination and assessment. Years prior to 2011 remain open solely for purposes of examination of Charter’s loss and credit carryforwards.
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts and where indicated)
12. Related Party Transactions
On May 1, 2013, Liberty Media completed its purchase from investment funds managed by, or affiliated with, Apollo Global Management, LLC, Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. and Crestview Partners of approximately 26.9 million shares and warrants to purchase approximately 1.1 million shares in Charter for approximately $2.6 billion (the "Liberty Media Transaction"), which represented as of May 1, 2013, an approximate 27% beneficial ownership in Charter and a price per share of $95.50.
In connection with the Liberty Media Transaction, Charter entered into a stockholders agreement with Liberty Media that, among other things, provided Liberty Media with the right to designate four directors for appointment to Charter's board of directors. Liberty Media designated John Malone, Chairman of Liberty Media, Gregory Maffei, president and chief executive officer of Liberty Media, Balan Nair, executive vice president and chief technology officer of Liberty Global plc, and Michael Huseby, chief executive officer of Barnes & Noble, Inc. Charter’s board of directors appointed these directors effective upon the resignations of Stan Parker, Darren Glatt, Bruce Karsh and Edgar Lee in connection with the closing of the Liberty Media Transaction on May 1, 2013. Subject to Liberty Media’s continued ownership level in Charter, the stockholders agreement also provides that Liberty Media can designate up to four directors as nominees for election to Charter’s board of directors at least through Charter’s 2015 annual meeting of stockholders, and that up to one of these individuals may serve on each of the Audit Committee, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and Compensation and Benefits Committee of Charter’s board of directors. Consistent with these provisions, the board appointed Dr. Malone to serve on the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, Mr. Maffei to serve on the Finance Committee and the Compensation and Benefits Committee and Mr. Huseby to serve on the Audit Committee.
In addition, Liberty Media agreed to not increase its beneficial ownership in Charter above 35% until January 2016, at which point such limit increases to 39.99%. Liberty Media is also, subject to certain exceptions, subject to certain customary standstill provisions that prohibit Liberty Media from, among other things, engaging in proxy or consent solicitations relating to the election of directors. The standstill limitations apply through the 2015 shareholder meeting and continue to apply as long as Liberty Media's designees are nominated to the Charter board, unless the agreement is earlier terminated. Charter approved Liberty Media as an interested stockholder under the business combination provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law.
Effective September 29, 2014, Charter, Liberty Media and Liberty Broadband Corporation (“Liberty Broadband”) entered into an amendment to the stockholders agreement. The amendment was entered into in connection with the proposed contribution by Liberty Media of all Charter voting securities beneficially owned by Liberty Media, together with certain other assets, to Liberty Broadband as part of a spin-off transaction (the “Broadband Spin-Off”) expected to be completed in November 2014 and also in connection with the consummation of the previously announced reorganization of Charter in connection with the Transactions (the “Reorganization”). Immediately prior to the Broadband Spin-Off (and subject to its consummation), Liberty Media will assign all of its rights, liabilities and obligations under the stockholders agreement to Liberty Broadband, Liberty Broadband will assume all of Liberty Media’s liabilities and obligations under the stockholders agreement, and Liberty Broadband will be substituted in place of Liberty Media as the Investor under the stockholders agreement. The amendment also provides that, effective upon the consummation of the Reorganization, Charter will assign all of its rights, liabilities and obligations under the stockholders agreement to New Charter and New Charter will assume all of Charter’s liabilities and obligations under the stockholders agreement.
The Company is aware that Dr. Malone may be deemed to have a 36.0% voting interest in Liberty Interactive Corp. (“Liberty Interactive”) and is Chairman of the board of directors, an executive officer position, of Liberty Interactive. Liberty Interactive owns 37.6% of the common stock of HSN, Inc. (“HSN”) and has the right to elect 20% of the board members of HSN. Liberty Interactive wholly owns QVC, Inc (“QVC”). The Company has programming relationships with HSN and QVC which pre-date the Liberty Media Transaction. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company received payments in aggregate of approximately $3 million and $9 million, respectively, and for the three and six months ended September 30, 2013, the Company received payments in aggregate of approximately $3 million and $6 million, respectively, from HSN and QVC as part of channel carriage fees and revenue sharing arrangements for home shopping sales made to customers in the Company's footprint.
Dr. Malone also serves on the board of directors of Discovery Communications, Inc., (“Discovery”) and the Company is aware that Dr. Malone owns 4.5% in the aggregate of the common stock of Discovery and has a 28.9% voting interest in Discovery for the election of directors. In addition, Dr. Malone owns 10.1% in the aggregate of the common stock of Starz and has 45.5% of the voting power. Mr. Maffei is a non-executive Chairman of the board of Starz. The Company purchases programming from both Discovery and Starz pursuant to agreements entered into prior to the Liberty Media Transaction and Dr. Malone and Mr.
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts and where indicated)
Maffei joining Charter's board of directors. Based on publicly available information, the Company does not believe that either Discovery or Starz would currently be considered related parties. The amounts paid in aggregate to Discovery and Starz represent less than 3% of total operating costs and expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and three and six months ended September 30, 2013.
13. Contingencies
The Montana Department of Revenue ("Montana DOR") generally assesses property taxes on cable companies at 3% and on telephone companies at 6%. Historically, Bresnan's cable and telephone operations have been taxed separately by the Montana DOR. In 2010, the Montana DOR assessed Bresnan as a single telephone business and retroactively assessed it as such for 2007 through 2009. Bresnan filed a declaratory judgment action against the Montana DOR in Montana State Court challenging its property tax classifications for 2007 through 2010. Under Montana law, a taxpayer must first pay a current assessment of disputed property tax in order to challenge such assessment. In accordance with that law, Bresnan paid the disputed 2010, 2011 and 2012 property tax assessments of approximately $5 million, $11 million and $9 million, respectively, under protest. No payments for additional tax for 2007 through 2009 were made at that time. On September 26, 2011, the Montana State Court granted Bresnan's summary judgment motion seeking to vacate the Montana DOR's retroactive tax assessments for the years 2007, 2008 and 2009. The Montana DOR's assessment for 2010 was the subject of a trial, which took place the week of October 24, 2011. On July 6, 2012, the Montana State Court entered judgment in favor of Bresnan, ruling that the Montana's DOR 2010 assessment was invalid and contrary to law, vacating the 2010 assessment, and directing that the Montana DOR refund the amounts paid by Bresnan under protest, plus interest and certain costs. The Montana DOR filed a notice of appeal to the Montana Supreme Court on September 20, 2012. On December 2, 2013, the Montana Supreme Court reversed the trial court’s decision and remanded the matter to the trial court. Charter filed a petition for rehearing which was denied on January 7, 2014. Charter then filed pleadings with the trial court to renew challenges to the Montana DOR’s assessments that had been mooted by the Montana State Court’s prior ruling. With respect to the Montana Supreme Court ruling, Charter filed a petition for writ of certiorari to the United States Supreme Court on June 6, 2014. On June 19, 2014, the parties settled this dispute. As a result of the settlement, Charter dismissed the petition for writ of certiorari. For tax years 2007 through 2009, Charter reduced Bresnan acquisition liabilities by approximately $8 million with the offset to goodwill, and operating expenses were reduced by approximately $3 million for post-acquisition tax years.
The Company is a defendant, co-defendant or plaintiff seeking declaratory judgments in several lawsuits involving alleged infringement of various patents relating to various aspects of its businesses. Other industry participants are also defendants or plaintiffs seeking declaratory judgments in certain of these cases. In the event that a court ultimately determines that the Company infringes on any intellectual property rights, the Company may be subject to substantial damages and/or an injunction that could require the Company or its vendors to modify certain products and services the Company offers to its subscribers, as well as negotiate royalty or license agreements with respect to the patents at issue. While the Company believes the lawsuits are without merit and intends to defend the actions vigorously, no assurance can be given that any adverse outcome would not be material to the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity. The Company cannot predict the outcome of any such claims nor can it reasonably estimate a range of possible loss.
The Company is party to lawsuits and claims that arise in the ordinary course of conducting its business, including lawsuits claiming violation of wage and hour laws. The ultimate outcome of these other legal matters pending against the Company cannot be predicted, and although such lawsuits and claims are not expected individually to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity, such lawsuits could have, in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. Whether or not the Company ultimately prevails in any particular lawsuit or claim, litigation can be time consuming and costly and injure the Company's reputation.
14. Stock Compensation Plans
Charter’s 2009 Stock Incentive Plan provides for grants of nonqualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, dividend equivalent rights, performance units and performance shares, share awards, phantom stock, restricted stock units and restricted stock. Directors, officers and other employees of the Company and its subsidiaries, as well as others performing consulting services for the Company, are eligible for grants under the 2009 Stock Incentive Plan.
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts and where indicated)
The Company granted the following equity awards for the years presented.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended September 30, | | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| 2014 | | 2013 | | 2014 | | 2013 |
| | | | | | | |
Stock options | 11,100 |
| | 71,600 |
| | 1,228,500 |
| | 225,200 |
|
Restricted stock | — |
| | — |
| | 9,100 |
| | 12,700 |
|
Restricted stock units | 2,300 |
| | 19,200 |
| | 152,700 |
| | 59,000 |
|
Stock options granted prior to 2014 generally vest annually over three or four years from either the grant date or delayed vesting commencement dates. Stock options generally expire ten years from the grant date. Restricted stock vests annually over a one to four-year period beginning from the date of grant. Certain stock options and restricted stock vest based on achievement of stock price hurdles. Restricted stock units have no voting rights, and restricted stock units granted prior to 2014 vest ratably over three or four years from either the grant date or delayed vesting commencement dates. Stock options and restricted stock units granted in 2014 cliff vest over three years. As of September 30, 2014, total unrecognized compensation remaining to be recognized in future periods totaled $74 million for stock options, $11 million for restricted stock and $29 million for restricted stock units and the weighted average period over which they are expected to be recognized is 2 years for stock options, 1 year for restricted stock and 2 years for restricted stock units.
The Company recorded $14 million and $41 million of stock compensation expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, and $11 million and $37 million of stock compensation expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, which is included in operating costs and expenses.
15. Consolidating Schedules
The CCO Holdings notes and the CCO Holdings credit facility are obligations of CCO Holdings. However, the CCO Holdings notes are also jointly, severally, fully and unconditionally guaranteed on an unsecured senior basis by Charter. The Charter Operating and Restricted Subsidiaries column is presented as a requirement pursuant to the terms of the Charter Operating credit agreement. The Unrestricted Subsidiary - CCO Safari column is a Non-Recourse Subsidiary under the Charter Operating credit agreement. In September 2014, Charter Operating entered into a term loan G facility and assigned all of its obligations with respect to the term loan G and transferred all of the proceeds from the term loan G to CCO Safari. See Note 5.
The accompanying condensed consolidating financial information has been prepared and presented pursuant to SEC Regulation S-X Rule 3-10, Financial Statements of Guarantors and Affiliates Whose Securities Collateralize an Issue Registered or Being Registered. This information is not intended to present the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the individual companies or groups of companies in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Condensed consolidating financial statements as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 follow.
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts and where indicated)
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Charter Communications, Inc. |
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet |
As of September 30, 2014 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Charter | | Intermediate Holding Companies | | CCO Holdings | | Charter Operating and Restricted Subsidiaries | | Unrestricted Subsidiary - CCO Safari | | Eliminations | | Charter Consolidated |
ASSETS | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CURRENT ASSETS: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 3 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 7 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 10 |
|
Accounts receivable, net | 3 |
| | 5 |
| | — |
| | 262 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 270 |
|
Receivables from related party | 52 |
| | 205 |
| | 8 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (265 | ) | | — |
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 18 |
| | 13 |
| | — |
| | 59 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 90 |
|
Total current assets | 76 |
| | 223 |
| | 8 |
| | 328 |
| | — |
| | (265 | ) | | 370 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
RESTRICTED CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 3,513 |
| | — |
| | 3,513 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
INVESTMENT IN CABLE PROPERTIES: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Property, plant and equipment, net | — |
| | 29 |
| | — |
| | 8,276 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 8,305 |
|
Franchises | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 6,009 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 6,009 |
|
Customer relationships, net | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 1,175 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 1,175 |
|
Goodwill | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 1,170 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 1,170 |
|
Total investment in cable properties, net | — |
| | 29 |
| | — |
| | 16,630 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 16,659 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CC VIII PREFERRED INTEREST | — |
| | 424 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (424 | ) | | — |
|
INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES | 1,413 |
| | 401 |
| | 10,307 |
| | 23 |
| | — |
| | (12,144 | ) | | — |
|
LOANS RECEIVABLE – RELATED PARTY | — |
| | 326 |
| | 472 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (798 | ) | | — |
|
OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS | — |
| | 164 |
| | 108 |
| | 132 |
| | 4 |
| | — |
| | 408 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total assets | $ | 1,489 |
| | $ | 1,567 |
| | $ | 10,895 |
| | $ | 17,113 |
| | $ | 3,517 |
| | $ | (13,631 | ) | | $ | 20,950 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’/MEMBER’S EQUITY | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CURRENT LIABILITIES: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | 9 |
| | $ | 140 |
| | $ | 163 |
| | $ | 1,263 |
| | $ | 11 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 1,586 |
|
Payables to related party | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 265 |
| | — |
| | (265 | ) | | — |
|
Total current liabilities | 9 |
| | 140 |
| | 163 |
| | 1,528 |
| | 11 |
| | (265 | ) | | 1,586 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
LONG-TERM DEBT | — |
| | — |
| | 10,331 |
| | 3,781 |
| | 3,483 |
| | — |
| | 17,595 |
|
LOANS PAYABLE – RELATED PARTY | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 798 |
| | — |
| | (798 | ) | | — |
|
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES | 1,383 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 227 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 1,610 |
|
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES | — |
| | 14 |
| | — |
| | 48 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 62 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shareholders’/Member’s equity | 97 |
| | 1,413 |
| | 401 |
| | 10,307 |
| | 23 |
| | (12,144 | ) | | 97 |
|
Noncontrolling interest | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 424 |
| | — |
| | (424 | ) | | — |
|
Total shareholders’/member’s equity | 97 |
| | 1,413 |
| | 401 |
| | 10,731 |
| | 23 |
| | (12,568 | ) | | 97 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total liabilities and shareholders’/member’s equity | $ | 1,489 |
| | $ | 1,567 |
| | $ | 10,895 |
| | $ | 17,113 |
| | $ | 3,517 |
| | $ | (13,631 | ) | | $ | 20,950 |
|
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts and where indicated)
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Charter Communications, Inc. |
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet |
As of December 31, 2013 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Charter | | Intermediate Holding Companies | | CCO Holdings | | Charter Operating and Restricted Subsidiaries | | Unrestricted Subsidiary - CCO Safari | | Eliminations | | Charter Consolidated |
ASSETS | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CURRENT ASSETS: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | — |
| | $ | 5 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 16 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 21 |
|
Accounts receivable, net | 4 |
| | 4 |
| | — |
| | 226 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 234 |
|
Receivables from related party | 54 |
| | 170 |
| | 11 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (235 | ) | | — |
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 14 |
| | 10 |
| | — |
| | 43 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 67 |
|
Total current assets | 72 |
| | 189 |
| | 11 |
| | 285 |
| | — |
| | (235 | ) | | 322 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
INVESTMENT IN CABLE PROPERTIES: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Property, plant and equipment, net | — |
| | 30 |
| | — |
| | 7,951 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 7,981 |
|
Franchises | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 6,009 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 6,009 |
|
Customer relationships, net | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 1,389 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 1,389 |
|
Goodwill | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 1,177 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 1,177 |
|
Total investment in cable properties, net | — |
| | 30 |
| | — |
| | 16,526 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 16,556 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CC VIII PREFERRED INTEREST | — |
| | 392 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (392 | ) | | — |
|
INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES | 1,295 |
| | 325 |
| | 10,592 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (12,212 | ) | | — |
|
LOANS RECEIVABLE – RELATED PARTY | — |
| | 318 |
| | 461 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (779 | ) | | — |
|
OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS | — |
| | 160 |
| | 119 |
| | 138 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 417 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total assets | $ | 1,367 |
| | $ | 1,414 |
| | $ | 11,183 |
| | $ | 16,949 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | (13,618 | ) | | $ | 17,295 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’/MEMBER’S EQUITY | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CURRENT LIABILITIES: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | 12 |
| | $ | 113 |
| | $ | 187 |
| | $ | 1,155 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 1,467 |
|
Payables to related party | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 235 |
| | — |
| | (235 | ) | | — |
|
Total current liabilities | 12 |
| | 113 |
| | 187 |
| | 1,390 |
| | — |
| | (235 | ) | | 1,467 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
LONG-TERM DEBT | — |
| | — |
| | 10,671 |
| | 3,510 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 14,181 |
|
LOANS PAYABLE – RELATED PARTY | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 779 |
| | — |
| | (779 | ) | | — |
|
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES | 1,204 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 227 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 1,431 |
|
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES | — |
| | 6 |
| | — |
| | 59 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 65 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shareholders’/Member’s equity | 151 |
| | 1,295 |
| | 325 |
| | 10,592 |
| | — |
| | (12,212 | ) | | 151 |
|
Noncontrolling interest | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 392 |
| | — |
| | (392 | ) | | — |
|
Total shareholders’/member’s equity | 151 |
| | 1,295 |
| | 325 |
| | 10,984 |
| | — |
| | (12,604 | ) | | 151 |
|
|