UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

   
(Mark One)
[X]
þ
 QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2004March 31, 2005

or

   
[  ]
o
 TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period fromto ________to _________

   
Commission file number: 333-77499
 333-77499-01

Charter Communications Holdings, LLC


Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation*
Corporation *

(Exact name of registrants as specified in their charters)
   
Delaware 43-1843179
   
Delaware 43-1843177

 
 
 
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

12405 Powerscourt Drive
St. Louis, Missouri 63131


(Address of principal executive offices including zip code)

(314) 965-0555


(Registrants’ telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants (1) have 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 registrants were required to file reports), and (2) have been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES [X]þ NO [  ]o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants are accelerated filers (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES [  ]o NO [X]þ

Number of shares of common stock of Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation outstanding as of November 12, 2004:May 11, 2005: 100


* Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction H(1)(a) and (b) to Form 10-Q and is therefore filing with the reduced disclosure format.



 


Charter Communications Holdings, LLC
Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Period ended September 30, 2004March 31, 2005

Table of Contents

     
  Page
    
  4 
Financial Statements - Charter Communications Holdings, LLC and Subsidiaries
    
  5 
  6 
  7 
  8 
  2427
 
  5044
 
  5044
 
    
  5246
 
  5649
 
  5750
 
  5851 
 Letter Rere Unaudited Interim Financial Statements
 CertificationCertificate of Chief Executive OfficerInterim CEO Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/Rule 15d-14(a)
Certificate of Interim CFO Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/Rule 15d-14(a)
 Certification of Interim Co-Chief Financial OfficerPursuant to Section 906 (Interim CEO)
 Certification of Interim Co-Chief Financial Officer
Certification of Chief Executive Officer
Certification of Interim Co-Chief Financial Officer
Certification of Interim Co-Chief Financial OfficerPursuant to Section 906 (Interim CFO)

This quarterly report on Form 10-Q is for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004.March 31, 2005. The 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. Information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this quarterly report. In addition, information that we file with the SEC in the future will automatically update and supersede information contained in this quarterly report. In this quarterly report, “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Charter Communications Holdings, LLC 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 “Certain Trends and Uncertainties” under Part I, Item 2. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this quarterly report. 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” 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 and in other reports or documents that we file from time to time with the SEC, and include, but are not limited to:

  the availability of funds to meet interest payment obligations under our and our parent companies abilitycompany’s debt and to payfund our operations and necessary capital expenditures, either through cash flows from operating activities, further borrowings or refinance debt as it becomes due;other sources;
 
  our ability to sustain and grow revenues and cash flows from operating activities by offering video, high-speed data, telephony and other services and to maintain a stable customer base, particularly in the face of increasingly aggressive competition from other service providers;
 
the availability of funds to meet interest payment obligations under our and our parent company’s debt and to fund our operations and necessary capital expenditures, either through cash flows from operating activities, further borrowings or other sources;
  our ability to comply with all covenants in our and our parent company’s indentures and credit facilities, any violation of which would result in a violation of the applicable facility or indenture and could trigger a default of other obligations under cross-default provisions;
 
  any adverse consequences arising out of our and our parent company’s restatements of the respective 2000, 2001 and 2002 financial statements;ability to pay or refinance debt as it becomes due;
 
  the results of the pending grand jury investigation by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri, and the ability to reachreaching (and then implementing) a final approved settlement with respect to the putative class action, the unconsolidated state action, and derivative shareholders litigation against Charter Communications, Inc., our indirect parent, on the terms of the memorandastipulations of understanding described herein;settlement;
 
  our ability to obtain programming at reasonable prices or to pass programming cost increases on to our customers;
 
  general business conditions, economic uncertainty or slowdown; and
 
  the effects of governmental regulation, including but not limited to local franchise taxing authorities, on our business.

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.

3


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION.

Item 1. Financial Statements.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Member
Charter Communications Holdings, LLC:

We have reviewed the accompanying interim condensed consolidated balance sheet of Charter Communications Holdings, LLC and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005, and the related condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, and the related condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine-monththree-month periods ended September 30, 2004March 31, 2005 and 2003.2004. These interim condensed consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

We conducted our reviewreviews in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our review,reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements referred to above for them to be in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We have previously audited, in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of December 31, 2003,2004, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in member’s equity (deficit), and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated March 1, 2004,2005, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2003,2004, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

As discussed in Note 3 to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements, effective September 30, 2004, the Company adopted Topic D-108,Use of the Residual Method to Value Acquired Assets Other than Goodwill.

As discussed in Note 14 to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements, effective January 1, 2003, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123,Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,as amended by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148,Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosure — an amendment of FASB Statement No. 123.

/s/ KPMG LLP

St. Louis, Missouri
November 4, 2004May 2, 2005

4


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
             
 September 30, December 31, March 31, December 31, 
 2004
 2003
 2005 2004 
 (Unaudited)   (Unaudited) 
ASSETS
  
CURRENT ASSETS:  
Cash and cash equivalents $91 $85  $27 $546 
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $16 and $17, respectively 184 189 
Receivables from related party  56 
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $12 and $15, respectively 137 186 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 20 21  21 20 
 
 
 
 
      
Total current assets 295 351  185 752 
 
 
 
 
      
 
INVESTMENT IN CABLE PROPERTIES:  
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $4,778 and $3,834, respectively 6,230 6,808 
Franchises, net of accumulated amortization of $3,300 and $3,445, respectively 9,885 13,680 
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $5,656 and $5,142, respectively 6,075 6,110 
Franchises 9,846 9,878 
 
 
 
 
      
Total investment in cable properties, net 16,115 20,488  15,921 15,988 
 
 
 
 
      
 
OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS 370 309  334 344 
     
 
 
 
 
  
Total assets $16,780 $21,148  $16,440 $17,084 
 
 
 
 
      
LIABILITIES AND MEMBER’S EQUITY (DEFICIT)
 
 
LIABILITIES AND MEMBER’S DEFICIT
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses $1,206 $1,179  $1,145 $1,112 
Payables to related party 35   148 19 
 
 
 
 
      
Total current liabilities 1,241 1,179  1,293 1,131 
 
 
 
 
      
LONG-TERM DEBT 17,740 17,873  17,972 18,474 
 
 
 
 
      
LOANS PAYABLE - RELATED PARTY 39 37 
LOANS PAYABLE – RELATED PARTY 161 29 
 
 
 
 
      
DEFERRED MANAGEMENT FEES - RELATED PARTY 14 14 
DEFERRED MANAGEMENT FEES – RELATED PARTY 14 14 
 
 
 
 
      
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES 515 687  453 493 
 
 
 
 
      
MINORITY INTEREST 650 719  659 656 
 
 
 
 
      
MEMBER’S EQUITY (DEFICIT): 
Member’s equity (deficit)  (3,393) 696 
 
MEMBER’S DEFICIT: 
Member’s deficit  (4,106)  (3,698)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (26)  (57)  (6)  (15)
 
 
 
 
      
Total member’s equity (deficit)  (3,419) 639 
 
 
 
 
  
Total liabilities and member’s equity $16,780 $21,148 
Total member’s deficit  (4,112)  (3,713)
 
 
 
 
      
 
Total liabilities and member’s deficit $16,440 $17,084 
     

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

5


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
Unaudited
                   
 Three Months Ended September 30,
 Nine Months Ended September 30,
 Three Months Ended March 31, 
 2004
 2003
 2004
 2003
 2005 2004 
REVENUES $1,248 $1,207 $3,701 $3,602  $1,271 $1,214 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
COSTS AND EXPENSES:  
Operating (excluding depreciation and amortization) 525 484 1,552 1,457  559 512 
Selling, general and administrative 252 235 735 702  237 239 
Depreciation and amortization 371 352 1,105 1,095  381 370 
Impairment of franchises 2,433  2,433  
Asset impairment charges 31  
(Gain) loss on sale of assets, net  10  (104) 23  4  (106)
Option compensation expense, net 8 1 34 1  4 14 
Special charges, net 3 8 100 18  4 10 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
 3,592 1,090 5,855 3,296  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  1,220 1,039 
Income (loss) from operations  (2,344) 117  (2,154) 306 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSE: 
Income from operations 51 175 
     
 
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES: 
Interest expense, net  (413)  (368)  (1,193)  (1,103)  (424)  (381)
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments and hedging activities, net  (8) 31 48 35  27  (7)
Loss on extinguishment of debt    (21)  
Gain on debt exchange, net  187  187 
Gain on extinguishment of debt 6  
Other, net   (2)   (3) 1  (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
  (421)  (152)  (1,166)  (884) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   (390)  (389)
Loss before minority interest, income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change  (2,765)  (35)  (3,320)  (578)
     
 
Loss before minority interest and income taxes  (339)  (214)
 
MINORITY INTEREST 34  (4) 25  (11)  (3)  (3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
Loss before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change  (2,731)  (39)  (3,295)  (589)
INCOME TAX BENEFIT (EXPENSE) 45  (1) 41  (3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Loss before cumulative effect of accounting change  (2,686)  (40)  (3,254)  (592)
CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE, NET OF TAX  (840)   (840)  
Loss before income taxes  (342)  (217)
 
INCOME TAX EXPENSE  (6)  (1)
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Net loss $(3,526) $(40) $(4,094) $(592) $(348) $(218)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

6


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
Unaudited
              
 Nine Months Ended September 30,
 Three Months Ended March 31, 
 2004
 2003
 2005 2004 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:  
Net loss $(4,094) $(592) $(348) $(218)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows from operating activities:  
Minority interest  (25) 11  3 3 
Depreciation and amortization 1,105 1,095  381 370 
Impairment of franchises 2,433  
Asset impairment charges 31  
Option compensation expense, net 25   4 10 
Special charges, net 85  
Noncash interest expense 232 313  65 92 
Gain on derivative instruments and hedging activities, net  (48)  (35)
(Gain) loss on derivative instruments and hedging activities, net  (27) 7 
(Gain) loss on sale of assets, net  (104) 23  4  (106)
Loss on extinguishment of debt 18  
Gain on debt exchange, net   (187)
Gain on extinguishment of debt  (11)  
Deferred income taxes  (41) 3  5  
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net 840  
Other, net  (1) 1   (1) 2 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from dispositions:  
Accounts receivable 2 66  42 22 
Prepaid expenses and other assets  (3) 6   (2)  (10)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other  (18)  (50) 10  (55)
Receivables from and payables to related party, including deferred management fees  (53)  (64)  (14)  (46)
 
 
 
 
      
 
Net cash flows from operating activities 353 590  142 71 
     
 
 
 
 
  
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:  
Purchases of property, plant and equipment  (616)  (481)  (211)  (187)
Change in accrued expenses related to capital expenditures  (11)  (102) 16  (7)
Proceeds from sale of assets 727   6 725 
Purchases of investments  (14)  (6)  (1)  
Other, net  (2)  (3)
     
 
 
 
 
  
Net cash flows from investing activities 84  (592)  (190) 531 
 
 
 
 
      
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:  
Borrowings of long-term debt 2,873 452  200 165 
Borrowings from related parties 139  
Repayments of long-term debt  (4,707)  (646)  (740)  (779)
Proceeds from issuance of debt 1,500 30 
Repayments to related parties  (7)  
Payments for debt issuance costs  (97)  (30)  (3)  (1)
Repayments to related parties   (36)
Distribution   (26)
Distributions  (60)  
     
 
 
 
 
  
Net cash flows from financing activities  (431)  (256)  (471)  (615)
 
 
 
 
      
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 6  (258)
 
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS  (519)  (13)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period 85 310  546 85 
 
 
 
 
      
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period $91 $52  $27 $72 
 
 
 
 
      
 
CASH PAID FOR INTEREST $809 $710  $243 $227 
 
 
 
 
      
 
NONCASH TRANSACTIONS:  
Issuance of debt by CCH II, LLC $ $1,572 
Issuance of debt by Charter Communications Operating, LLC $271 $ 
 
 
 
 
      
Retirement of debt $ $1,257 
Retirement of Charter Communications Holdings, LLC debt $(284) $ 
 
 
 
 
      
CCH II, LLC notes distributed to retire parent company debt $ $521 
Transfer of property, plant and equipment from parent company $139 $ 
 
 
 
 
      

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

7


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions)

1. Organization and Basis of Presentation

Charter Communications Holdings, LLC (“Charter Holdings”) is a holding company whose primary assets at September 30, 2004March 31, 2005 are equity interests in its operating subsidiaries. Charter Holdings is a subsidiary of Charter Communications Holding Company, LLC (“Charter Holdco”), which is a subsidiary of Charter Communications, Inc. (“Charter”). The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Charter Holdings and all of its direct and indirect subsidiaries. Charter Holdings and itswholly owned subsidiaries arewhere the underlying operations reside, collectively referred to herein as the “Company.” All significant intercompany accounts and transactions among consolidated entities have been eliminated. The Company is a broadband communications company operating in the United States. The Company offers its customers traditional cable video programming (analog and digital video) as well as high-speed data services and, in some areas, advanced broadband services such as high definition television, video on demand telephony and interactive television.telephony. The Company sells its cable video programming, high-speed data and advanced broadband services on a subscription basis. The Company also sells local advertising on satellite-delivered networks.

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures typically included in the Company’sCharter Holdings’ 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 accounting principles generally accepted in the United States 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 property, plant and equipment, franchises and goodwill; income taxes;taxes and contingencies. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications

Certain 20032004 amounts have been reclassified to conform with the 20042005 presentation.

2. Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company incurred net lossesloss of $3.5 billion and $4.1 billion for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004, respectively, and $40$348 million and $592$218 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003,March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The Company’s net cash flows from operating activities were $353$142 million and $590$71 million for the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

The Company has a significant level of debt. The Company’s long-term financing as of March 31, 2005 consists of $5.1 billion of credit facility debt and 2003, respectively.$12.9 billion accreted value of high-yield notes. For the remainder of 2005, $23 million of the Company’s debt matures, and in 2006, an additional $30 million of the Company’s debt matures. In 2007 and beyond, significant additional amounts will become due under the Company’s remaining long-term debt obligations.

The Company has historically required significant cash to fund debt service costs, capital expenditures and debt service costs.ongoing operations. Historically, the Company has funded these requirements through cash flows from operating activities, borrowings under its credit facilities, equity contributions from Charter Holdco, sales of assets, issuances of debt securities and from cash on hand. TheHowever, the mix of funding sources changes from period to period, but forperiod. For the ninethree months ended September 30, 2004, approximately 47%March 31, 2005, the Company generated $142 million of the Company’s funding requirements were met fromnet cash flows from operating activities, after paying cash interest of $243 million. In addition, the Company used approximately $211 million for purchases of property, plant and 53% from proceeds from the sale of systems. This gives effect to the use of proceeds from the sale of systems, described below, to repay long-term debt. For the nine months ended September 30, 2004,equipment. Finally, the Company had net cash flows used in financing activities of $431 million, reflecting a net repayment of $334 million of debt. Additionally, the Company increased cash on hand by $6 million to $91 million.

8


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions)

The Company has a significant level$471 million, which included, among other things, approximately $628 million in repayment of debt. The Company’s long-term financing as of September 30, 2004 consists of $5.4 billion of credit facility debt and $12.3 billion principal amount of high-yield notes. In the fourth quarter of 2004, $7.5 million of the Company’s debt will mature and an additional $30 million will mature in each of 2005 and 2006, respectively. In addition, the credit facilities of our subsidiary, Charter Communications Operating, LLC (“Charter Operating”), require the CC V Holdings, LLC notes to be redeemed within 45 days after the Charter Holdings leverage ratio, discussed below, is determined to be below 8.75 to 1.0. In 2007 and beyond, significant additional amounts will become dueborrowings under the Company’s remaining long-term debt obligations. Asrevolving credit facility through a series of transactions in February 2005. This repayment was the principal amounts owing under the Company’s various debt obligations become due, meeting the Company’s liquidity needs in 2007 and beyond will dependprimary reason cash on its abilityhand decreased by $519 million to access additional sources of capital.$27 million at March 31, 2005.

The Company’s ability to operate depends upon, among other things, its continued access to capital, including credit under the Charter Operating credit facilities. The Company expects that cash on hand, cash flows from operating activities and the amounts available under its credit facilities will be adequate to meet its and Charter’s cash needs in 2004. 2005. Cash flows from operating activities and amounts available under the Company’s credit facilities may not be sufficient to fund the Company’s operations and satisfy its and Charter’s principal repayment obligations that come due in 2006 and, the Company believes, will not be sufficient to fund its operations and satisfy such repayment obligations thereafter.

It is likely that Charter and the Company will require additional funding to repay debt maturing after 2006. The Company has been advised that Charter is working with its financial advisors to address such funding requirements. However, there can be no assurance that such funding will be available to the Company. Although Mr. Allen and his affiliates have purchased equity from Charter and Charter Holdco in the past, Mr. Allen and his affiliates are not obligated to purchase equity from, contribute to or loan funds to Charter, Charter Holdco or the Company in the future.

Credit Facilities and Covenants

The Company’s borrowing availabilityability to operate depends upon, among other things, its continued access to capital, including credit under the Charter Communications Operating, LLC (“Charter Operating”) credit facilities. These credit facilities, totaled $957 million as of September 30, 2004, none of which was restricted due to covenants.

The Charter Operating credit facilities are subject toalong with the Company’s indentures, contain certain restrictive covenants, some of which require the Company to achievemaintain specified operating results. Thefinancial ratios and meet financial tests and to provide audited financial statements with an unqualified opinion from the Company’s independent auditors. As of March 31, 2005, the Company was in compliance with the covenants under its indentures and credit facilities and the Company expects to maintainremain in compliance with those covenants for the next twelve months. As of March 31, 2005, the Company had borrowing availability under the credit facilities of $1.2 billion, none of which was restricted due to covenants. Continued access to the Company’s credit facilities is subject to the Company remaining in compliance with the covenants of these credit facilities, including covenants in 2004.tied to the Company’s operating performance. If the Company’s operating performance results in non-compliance with these covenants, or if any of certain other events of non-compliance under these credit facilities or indentures governing the Company’s debt occurs, funding under the credit facilities may not be available and defaults on some or potentially all of the Company’s debt obligations could occur. An event of default under the covenants governing any of the Company’s debt instruments could result in the acceleration of its payment obligations under that debt and, under certain circumstances, in cross-defaults under its other debt obligations, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

The Charter Operating credit facilities required the Company to redeem the CC V Holdings, LLC notes as a result of the Charter Holdings leverage ratio becoming less than 8.75 to 1.0. In satisfaction of this requirement, in March 2005, CC V Holdings, LLC redeemed all of its outstanding notes, at 103.958% of principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption. The total cost of the redemption including accrued and unpaid interest was approximately $122 million. The Company funded the redemption with borrowings under the Charter Operating credit facilities.

Parent Company Debt Obligations

Any financial or liquidity problems of Charterthe Company’s parent companies could cause serious disruption to the Company’s business and have a material adverse effect on itsthe Company’s business and results of operations.

Charter’s ability to make interest payments on its convertible senior notes, and, in 20052006 and 2006,2009, to repay the outstanding principal of its convertible senior notes of $122 million and $863 million, respectively, will depend on its ability to raise additional capital and/or on receipt of payments or distributions from Charter Holdco or its subsidiaries, including Charter Holdings, CCH II, LLC (“CCH II”), CCO Holdings, LLC (“CCO Holdings”) and

9


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions)

Charter Operating. The indentures governing the CCH II notes, CCO Holdings notes, and Charter Operating notes, however, restrict these entities and theirDistributions by Charter’s subsidiaries from making distributions to theira parent companiescompany (including Charter and Charter Holdco) for payment of principal on Charter’s convertible senior notes, in each casehowever, are restricted by the indentures governing the Charter Holdings notes, CCH II notes, CCO Holdings notes, and Charter Operating notes, unless under their respective indentures there is no default under the applicable indenture and a specified leverage ratio test is met.met at the time of such event. During the three months ended March 31, 2005, Charter Holdings distributed $60 million to Charter Holdco. As of March 31, 2005, Charter Holdco was owed $161 million in intercompany loans from its subsidiaries, which amount was available to pay interest and principal on Charter’s convertible senior notes. In addition, eachCharter has $145 million of CCH II, CCOgovernmental securities pledged as security for the first six interest payments on Charter’s 5.875% convertible senior notes.

Charter was required to register for resale by April 21, 2005 its 5.875% convertible senior notes due 2009, issued in November 2004. Since these convertible notes were not registered by that date, Charter is incurring liquidated damages, at a rate from 0.25% per annum of the accreted principal amount of the convertible notes. The rate will increase to 0.50% from and after July 20, 2005 if the notes have not been registered by that date. The liquidated damages will be payable by Charter in cash so long as the convertible notes remain unregistered, but not to exceed a maximum period of two years from the original issuance date. In addition, Charter was required to register by April 1, 2005 150 million shares of its Class A common stock that Charter expects to lend to Citigroup Global Markets Limited pursuant to a share lending agreement. Because this registration statement was not declared effective by such date, Charter is incurring liquidated damages from April 2, 2005 until the effective date of the registration statement. These liquidated damages can be paid in cash or additional principal on a monthly basis. These liquidated damages accrue as incurred at a rate of 0.25% per month of the accreted principal amount of the convertible notes for the first 60 days of the default and 0.50% per month of the accreted principal amount of the convertible notes thereafter (or 0.375% and 0.75% per month respectively, if in lieu of paying such liquidated damages in cash, Charter elects to pay such damages by adding to the outstanding principal amount of the notes). In April 2005, the first liquidated damage payment was made in cash. Such amounts will accrue so long as the convertible notes remain unregistered, but not to exceed a maximum period of two years from the original issuance date.

Specific Limitations at Charter Holdings and Charter Operating must independently assess whether such payments or distributions are advisable. CCH II, CCO Holdings and Charter Operating currently meet the applicable leverage ratio test under each of their respective indentures, and therefore are not currently prohibited from making any such distributions to their respective direct parent.

The indentures governing the Charter Holdings notes permit Charter Holdings to make distributions to Charter Holdco for payment of interest or principal on Charter’sthe convertible senior notes, only if, after giving effect to the distribution, Charter Holdings couldcan incur additional debt under athe leverage ratio test of 8.75 to 1.0, there is no default under Charter Holdings’ indentures and the other specified tests are met. For the quarter ended September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005, there werewas no defaultsdefault under the Charter HoldingsHoldings’ indentures and the other specified tests were met. However, Charter Holdings continueddid not to meet the leverage ratio test of 8.75 to 1.0 at September 30, 2004.based on March 31, 2005 financial results. As a result, distributions from Charter Holdings to Charter or Charter Holdco have beenare currently restricted and will continue to be restricted until that test is met.

During this restriction period, the indentures governing the Charter Holdings notes permit Charter Holdings and its subsidiaries to make specified investments in Charter Holdco or Charter, up to an amount determined by a formula, as long as there is no default under the indentures.

3. Sale of Assets

As of September 30, 2004, Charter Holdco had $31 million in cash on hand and was owed $39 million in intercompany loans from its subsidiaries, which were available to Charter Holdco to pay interest on Charter’s convertible senior notes, which is expected to beMarch 31, 2005, the Company has concluded that two pending cable asset sales, representing approximately $21 million28,000 customers, are probable of closing within the next twelve months thus meeting the criteria for assets held for sale under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 144,Accounting for the remainderImpairment or Disposal of 2004.

Currently, Charter does not expect that cash flows from operating activities and amounts available under its credit facilities will be sufficientLong-Lived Assets. As such the assets were written down to fund its operations and permit Charterfair value less estimated costs to satisfy its principal repayment obligations that come duesell resulting in 2005 and thereafter. In the event that Charter is not able to demonstrate that it has access to liquidity in an

9


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions)

amount sufficient to fund its business and to make principal repayment obligations that come due in 2005 and thereafter, Charter and its subsidiaries’ ability to receive an unqualified opinion from an independent registered public accounting firm may be adversely affected. The failure of Charter Operating to receive an unqualified opinion would constitute a default under Charter Operating’s credit facilities. An event of default under the covenants governing any of the Company’s debt instruments could resultasset impairment charges in the accelerationfirst quarter of its payment obligations under that debt and, under certain circumstances,2005 of approximately $31 million. At March 31, 2005 assets held for sale included in cross-defaults under its other debt obligations, which would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.investment in cable properties are approximately $33 million.

As a result of the foregoing, it is likely that Charter or Charter Holdco will require additional funding to repay debt maturing in 2005 and 2006. The Company understands that Charter is working with its financial advisors to address such funding requirements. However, there can be no assurance that such funding will be available to Charter. Although Mr. Allen and his affiliates have purchased equity from Charter and its subsidiaries in the past, Mr. Allen and his affiliates are not obligated to purchase equity from, contribute to or loan funds to Charter or its subsidiaries in the future.

OnIn March 1, 2004, the Company closed the sale of certain cable systems in Florida, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware and West Virginia to Atlantic Broadband Finance, LLC. The Company closed on the sale of an additional cable system in New York to Atlantic Broadband Finance, LLC in April 2004. These transactions resulted in a $105$104 million

10


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions)

pretax gain recorded as a gain on sale of assets in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations. Subject to post-closing contractual adjustments, the Company expects the total net proceeds from the sale of all of these systems to bewere approximately $733 million, of which $5 million is currently held in an indemnity escrow account (with the unused portion thereof to be released by March 1, 2005).million. The proceeds received to date have beenwere used to repay a portion of amounts outstanding under the Company’s credit facilities.

3.4. Franchises and Goodwill

On January 1, 2002,Franchise rights represent the Company adopted Statementvalue attributed to agreements with local authorities that allow access to homes in cable service areas acquired through the purchase of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”)cable systems. Management estimates the fair value of franchise rights at the date of acquisition and determines if the franchise has a finite life or an indefinite-life as defined by SFAS No. 142, which eliminates the amortization of indefinite-lived intangible assets. Accordingly, beginning January 1, 2002, all franchisesGoodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Franchises that qualify for indefinite-life treatment under SFAS No. 142 are no longer amortized against earnings but instead are tested for impairment annually based on valuations, or more frequently as warranted by events or changes in circumstances. Based on the guidance prescribed in Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 02-7,Unit of Accounting for Testing of Impairment of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets,franchisesFranchises are aggregated into essentially inseparable asset groups to conduct the valuations. The asset groups generally represent geographic clustering of the Company’s cable systems into groups by which such systems are managed. Management believes such grouping represents the highest and best use of those assets.

The Company’s valuations, which are based on the present value of projected after tax cash flows, result in a value of property, plant and equipment, franchises, customer relationships and total entity value. The value of goodwill is the difference between the total entity value and amounts assigned to the other assets.

Franchises, for valuation purposes, are defined as the future economic benefits of the right to solicit and service potential customers (customer marketing rights), and the right to deploy and market new services such as interactivity and telephony to the potential customers (service marketing rights). Fair value is determined based on estimated discounted future cash flows using assumptions that are consistent with internal forecasts. The Company has historically followed a residual method of valuing its franchise assets, which hadafter-tax cash flow is calculated as the effect of including goodwill withafter-tax cash flow generated by the franchise assets.

In September 2004,potential customers obtained and the SEC staff issued Topic D-108,Usenew services added to those customers in future periods. The sum of the Residual Method to Value Acquired Assets Other than Goodwill, which requirespresent value of the direct methodfranchises’ after-tax cash flow in years 1 through 10 and the continuing value of separately valuing all intangible assets and does not permit goodwill to be included in franchise assets. On September 30, 2004, the Company adopted Topic D-108 which resulted inafter-tax cash flow beyond year 10 yields the Company recording a cumulative effectfair value of accounting change of $840 million (approximately $875 million before tax effects of $16 million and minority interest effects of $19 million) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004.franchise.

The Company performed an impairment assessment during the third quarter 2004 using an independent third-party appraiser and followingfollows the guidance of EITF Issue 02-17,Recognition of Customer Relationship Intangible Assets Acquired in a Business Combination,,in valuing customer relationships. Customer relationships, for valuation purposes, represent the value of the business relationship with existing customers and Topic D-108. The use of lower projected growth rates and the resulting revised estimates ofare calculated by projecting future after-tax cash flows infrom these customers including the Company’s valuation, primarilyright to deploy and market additional services such as interactivity and telephony to these customers. The present value of these after-tax cash flows yield the fair value of the customer relationships. Substantially all acquisitions occurred prior to January 1, 2002. The Company did not record any value associated with the customer relationship intangibles related to those acquisitions. For acquisitions subsequent to January 1, 2002 the Company did assign a result of increased competition, ledvalue to the recognition of a $2.4 billion impairment charge for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004.customer relationship intangible, which is amortized over its estimated useful life.

1011


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions)

The independent third-party appraisers’ valuation as of September 30, 2004 yielded a total enterprise value of approximately $19.3 billion, which included approximately $2.0 billion assigned to customer relationships and approximately $0.9 billion assigned to goodwill. At October 1, 2003, the independent third-party appraisers’ valuation yielded an enterprise value of approximately $24.7 billion, which included approximately $3.2 billion assigned to customer relationships and approximately $1.1 billion assigned to goodwill. The valuation completed at October 1, 2003 resulted in no impairment. SFAS No. 142 does not permit the recognition of intangible assets not previously recognized.

As of September 30, 2004March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2003,2004, indefinite-lived and finite-lived intangible assets are presented in the following table:

                                             
 September 30, 2004
 December 31, 2003
 March 31, 2005 December 31, 2004 
 Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net 
 Carrying Accumulated Carrying Carrying Accumulated Carrying Carrying Accumulated Carrying Carrying Accumulated Carrying 
 Amount
 Amortization
 Amount
 Amount
 Amortization
 Amount
 Amount Amortization Amount Amount Amortization Amount 
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
  
Franchises with indefinite lives $13,129 $3,287 $9,842 $17,018 $3,412 $13,606  $9,814 $ $9,814 $9,845 $ $9,845 
Goodwill 52  52 52  52  52  52 52  52 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
              
 $13,181 $3,287 $9,894 $17,070 $3,412 $13,658  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  $9,866 $ $9,866 $9,897 $ $9,897 
             
Finite-lived intangible assets:
  
Franchises with finite lives $56 $13 $43 $107 $33 $74  $37 $5 $32 $37 $4 $33 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
              

For the nine months ended September 30, 2004, the net carrying amount of indefinite-lived intangible assets was reduced by $484Franchises with indefinite lives decreased $31 million as a result of the sale ofasset impairment charges recorded related to two pending cable systems to Atlantic Broadband Finance, LLC discussed inasset sales (see Note 2. Additionally, in the first quarter of 2004, approximately $29 million of franchises that were previously classified as finite-lived were reclassified to indefinite-lived, based on the Company’s renewal of these franchise assets in 2003.3). Franchise amortization expense for each of the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2005 and 2004 was $1 million, and $3 million, respectively, and franchise amortization expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 was $2 million and $6 million, respectively, which represents the amortization relating to franchises that did not qualify for indefinite-life treatment under SFAS No. 142, including costs associated with franchise renewals. The Company expects that amortization expense on franchise assets will be approximately $4$3 million annually for each of the next five years. Actual amortization expense in future periods could differ from these estimates as a result of new intangible asset acquisitions or divestitures, changes in useful lives and other relevant factors.

11


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions)

4.5. Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses

Accounts payable and accrued expenses consist of the following as of September 30, 2004March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2003:2004:

         
  September 30, December 31,
  2004
 2003
Accounts payable — trade $74  $150 
Accrued capital expenditures  82   93 
Accrued expenses:        
Interest  428   270 
Programming costs  303   319 
Franchise-related fees  55   70 
State sales tax  45   61 
Other  219   216 
   
 
   
 
 
  $1,206  $1,179 
   
 
   
 
 

5. Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following as of September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003:

                 
  September 30, 2004
 December 31, 2003
  Face Value
 Accreted Value
 Face Value
 Accreted Value
Long-Term Debt
                
Charter Holdings:                
March 1999                
8.250% senior notes due 2007 $451  $451  $451  $450 
8.625% senior notes due 2009  1,244   1,242   1,244   1,242 
9.920% senior discount notes due 2011  1,108   1,108   1,108   1,082 
January 2000                
10.000% senior notes due 2009  640   640   640   640 
10.250% senior notes due 2010  318   318   318   318 
11.750% senior discount notes due 2010  450   435   450   400 
January 2001                
10.750% senior notes due 2009  874   874   874   873 
11.125% senior notes due 2011  500   500   500   500 
13.500% senior discount notes due 2011  675   571   675   517 
May 2001                
9.625% senior notes due 2009 (includes January 2002 additional notes issue)  640   638   640   638 
10.000% senior notes due 2011 (includes January 2002 additional notes issue)  710   708   710   708 
11.750% senior discount notes due 2011  939   780   939   717 
January 2002                
12.125% senior discount notes due 2012  330   252   330   231 
CCH II:                
10.250% senior notes due 2010  1,601   1,601   1,601   1,601 
CCO Holdings:                
         
  March 31,  December 31, 
  2005  2004 
Accounts payable — trade $72  $140 
Accrued capital expenditures  76   60 
Accrued expenses:        
Interest  429   310 
Programming costs  284   278 
Franchise-related fees  42   67 
State sales tax  43   47 
Other  199   210 
       
         
  $1,145  $1,112 
       

12


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions)

6. Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following as of March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004:

                 
83/4% senior notes due 2013  500   500   500   500 
Charter Operating:                
8.000% senior second lien notes due 2012  1,100   1,100       
8.375% senior second lien notes due 2014  400   400       
Renaissance:                
10.00% senior discount notes due 2008  114   116   114   116 
CC V Holdings:                
11.875% senior discount notes due 2008  113   113   113   113 
Credit Facilities
                
Charter Operating  5,393   5,393   4,459   4,459 
CC VI Operating        868   868 
Falcon Cable        856   856 
CC VIII Operating        1,044   1,044 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
  $18,100  $17,740  $18,434  $17,873 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
                 
  March 31, 2005  December 31, 2004 
      Accreted  Face  Accreted 
  Face Value  Value  Value  Value 
Long-Term Debt
                
Charter Holdings:                
8.250% senior notes due 2007  167   167   451   451 
8.625% senior notes due 2009  1,244   1,243   1,244   1,243 
9.920% senior discount notes due 2011  1,108   1,108   1,108   1,108 
10.000% senior notes due 2009  640   640   640   640 
10.250% senior notes due 2010  318   318   318   318 
11.750% senior discount notes due 2010  450   450   450   448 
10.750% senior notes due 2009  874   874   874   874 
11.125% senior notes due 2011  500   500   500   500 
13.500% senior discount notes due 2011  675   608   675   589 
9.625% senior notes due 2009  640   638   640   638 
10.000% senior notes due 2011  710   708   710   708 
11.750% senior discount notes due 2011  939   825   939   803 
12.125% senior discount notes due 2012  330   267   330   259 
CCH II, LLC:                
10.250% senior notes due 2010  1,601   1,601   1,601   1,601 
CCO Holdings, LLC:                
8 3/4% senior notes due 2013  500   500   500   500 
Senior floating rate notes due 2010  550   550   550   550 
Charter Operating:                
8% senior second lien notes due 2012  1,100   1,100   1,100   1,100 
8 3/8% senior second lien notes due 2014  671   671   400   400 
Renaissance Media Group LLC:                
10.000% senior discount notes due 2008  114   116   114   116 
CC V Holdings:                
11.875% senior discount notes due 2008        113   113 
Credit Facilities
                
Charter Operating  5,088   5,088   5,515   5,515 
             
  $18,219  $17,972  $18,772  $18,474 
             

The accreted values presented above represent the face value of the notes less the original issue discount at the time of sale plus the accretion to the balance sheet date.

In April 2004,March 2005, the Company’s indirect subsidiaries,subsidiary, Charter Operating, andconsummated exchange transactions with a small number of institutional holders of Charter CommunicationsHoldings 8.25% senior notes due 2007 pursuant to which Charter Operating Capital Corp., sold $1.5 billionissued, in a private placement, approximately $271 million principal amount of new notes with terms identical to Charter Operating’s 8.375% senior second lien notes due 2014 in exchange for approximately $284 million of the Charter Holdings 8.25% senior notes due 2007. The Charter Holdings notes received in the exchange were thereafter distributed to Charter Holdings and cancelled. The exchanges resulted in a private transaction. Additionally, Charter Operating amendednet gain on extinguishment of debt of approximately $11 million.

In March 2005, the Company’s subsidiary, CC V Holdings, LLC, redeemed all of its 11.875% notes due 2008, at 103.958% of principal amount, plus accrued and restated its $5.1 billion credit facilities, among other things,unpaid interest to defer maturitiesthe date of redemption. The total cost of

13


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions)

redemption was approximately $122 million and increase availability under those facilities to approximately $6.5 billion, consisting of a $1.5 billion six-year revolving credit facility, a $2.0 billion six-year term loan facility and a $3.0 billion seven-year term loan facility. Charter Operating used the additionalwas funded through borrowings under the amendedCharter Operating credit facilities. The redemption resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $5 million. Following such redemption, CC V Holdings, LLC and restated credit facilities, together with proceeds from the sale ofits subsidiaries (other than non-guarantor subsidiaries) guaranteed the Charter Operating senior second lien notes to refinance the credit facilities and granted a lien on all of its subsidiaries,their assets as to which a lien can be perfected under the Uniform Commercial Code by the filing of a financing statement.

7. Minority Interest

Minority interest on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets represents preferred membership interests in CC VI Operating Company,VIII, LLC (“CC VI Operating”VIII”), Falcon Cable Communications, LLC (“Falcon Cable”), andan indirect subsidiary of Charter Holdco. As more fully described in Note 17, this preferred interest arises from the approximately $630 million of preferred membership units issued by CC VIII Operating, LLC (“in connection with an acquisition in February 2000 and continues to be the subject of a dispute between Charter and Mr. Allen. Generally, operating earnings or losses are allocated to the minority owner based on its ownership percentage, thereby increasing or decreasing the Company’s net loss, respectively. To the extent they relate to CC VIII, Operating”), allthe allocations of earnings or losses are subject to adjustment based on the ultimate resolution of this disputed ownership. Due to the uncertainties related to the ultimate resolution, effective January 1, 2005, the Company ceased recognizing minority interest in concurrent transactions. In addition, Charter Operating was substitutedearnings or losses of CC VIII for financial reporting purposes until such time as the lender in placeresolution of the banks under those subsidiaries’ credit facilities.matter is determinable or other events occur. For the three months ended March 31, 2005, the Company’s results include income of $9 million attributable to CC VIII.

6.8. Comprehensive Loss

Certain marketable equity securities are classified as available-for-sale and reported at market value with unrealized gains and losses recorded as accumulated other comprehensive loss on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Additionally, the Company reports changes in the fair value of interest rate agreements designated as hedging the variability of cash flows associated with floating-rate debt obligations, that meet the effectiveness criteria of SFAS No. 133,Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, in accumulated other comprehensive loss. Comprehensive loss for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2005 and 2004 was $3.5 billion and $4.1 billion, respectively. Comprehensive loss for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2003 was $19$339 million and $562$216 million, respectively.

7.9. Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

The Company uses interest rate risk management derivative instruments, such as interest rate swap agreements and interest rate collar agreements (collectively referred to herein as interest rate agreements) to manage its interest costs. The Company’s policy is to manage interest costs using a mix of fixed and variable rate debt. Using interest rate swap agreements, the Company has agreed to exchange, at specified intervals through 2007, the difference between fixed and variable interest amounts calculated by reference to an agreed-upon notional principal amount. Interest rate collar agreements are used to limit the Company’s exposure to and benefits from interest rate fluctuations on variable rate debt to within a certain range of rates.

The Company does not hold or issue derivative instruments for trading purposes. The Company does, however, have certain interest rate derivative instruments that have been designated as cash flow hedging instruments. Such instruments are those that effectively convert variable interest payments on certain debt instruments into fixed payments. For qualifying hedges, SFAS No. 133 allows derivative gains and losses to offset related results on

13


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions)

hedged items in the consolidated statement of operations. The Company has formally documented, designated and assessed the effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting. For the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2005 and 2004, and 2003, net gain (loss) on derivative instruments and hedging activities includes gains of $1 million and $0, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, includes gainslosses of $3 million and $8$1 million, respectively, which represent cash flow hedge ineffectiveness on interest rate hedge agreements arising from differences between the critical terms of the agreements and the related hedged obligations. Changes in the fair value of interest rate agreements designated as hedging instruments of the variability of cash flows associated with floating-rate debt obligations that meet the effectiveness criteria of SFAS No. 133 are reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss. For the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2005 and 2004, a gain of $2$9 million and $31 million, respectively, and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, a gain of $21 million and $30$2 million, respectively, related to derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, was recorded in accumulated other

14


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions)

comprehensive loss. The amounts are subsequently reclassified into interest expense as a yield adjustment in the same period in which the related interest on the floating-rate debt obligations affects earnings (losses).

Certain interest rate derivative instruments are not designated as hedges as they do not meet the effectiveness criteria specified by SFAS No. 133. However, management believes 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 gain (loss) on derivative instruments and hedging activities in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations. For the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2005 and 2004, and 2003, net gain (loss) on derivative instruments and hedging activities includes gains of $26 million and losses of $9 million and gains of $31 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, includes gains of $45 million and $27$6 million, respectively, for interest rate derivative instruments not designated as hedges.

As of September 30, 2004March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2003,2004, the Company had outstanding $2.7$2.2 billion and $3.0$2.7 billion and $20 million and $520$20 million, respectively, in notional amounts of interest rate swaps and collars, respectively. 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 are determined by reference to the notional amount and the other terms of the contracts.

8.10. Revenues

Revenues consist of the following for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004March 31, 2005 and 2003:2004:

                     
 Three Months Nine Months Three Months 
 Ended September 30,
 Ended September 30,
 Ended March 31, 
 2004
 2003
 2004
 2003
 2005 2004 
Video $839 $866 $2,534 $2,607  $842 $849 
High-speed data 189 145 538 403  215 168 
Advertising sales 73 64 205 188  64 59 
Commercial 61 52 175 149  65 56 
Other 86 80 249 255  85 82 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
 $1,248 $1,207 $3,701 $3,602  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  $1,271 $1,214 
     

14


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions)

9.11. Operating Expenses

Operating expenses consist of the following for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004March 31, 2005 and 2003:2004:

                      
 Three Months Nine Months Three Months 
 Ended September 30,
 Ended September 30,
 Ended March 31, 
 2004
 2003
 2004
 2003
 2005 2004 
Programming $328 $307 $991 $934  $358 $334 
Advertising sales 24 21 72 65  25 23 
Service 173 156 489 458  176 155 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
 $525 $484 $1,552 $1,457  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  $559 $512 
     

10. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses consist of the following for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003:

                 
  Three Months Nine Months
  Ended September 30,
 Ended September 30,
  2004
 2003
 2004
 2003
General and administrative $220  $204  $636  $622 
Marketing  32   31   99   80 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
  $252  $235  $735  $702 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Components of selling expense are included in general and administrative and marketing expense.

11. Special Charges

In the fourth quarter of 2002, the Company recorded a special charge of $31 million associated with the Company’s workforce reduction and the consolidation of its operations from three divisions and ten regions into five operating divisions, elimination of redundant practices and streamlining its management structure. During the year ended December 31, 2003, additional severance-related costs of $26 million were incurred and recorded as a special charge. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004, an additional 300 and 450 employees, respectively, were identified for termination, and severance costs of $6 million and $9 million, respectively, were recorded in special charges. Severance payments are made over a period of up to two years with approximately $3 million and $14 million paid during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004, respectively, and $43 million paid during the year ended December 31, 2003. As of September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, a liability of approximately $9 million and $14 million, respectively, is recorded on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets related to the reorganization activities discussed above. For the nine months ended September 30, 2004, special charges also includes approximately $85 million, representing the aggregate value of the Charter Class A common stock and warrants to purchase Charter Class A common stock contemplated to be issued as part of a settlement of consolidated federal and state class actions and federal derivative action lawsuits and approximately $9 million of litigation costs related to the tentative settlement of a national class action suit, all of which are subject to final documentation and court approval (see note 13). For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004, the severance costs were offset by $3 million received from a third party in settlement of a dispute.

15


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions)

During12. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses consist of the following for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003,March 31, 2005 and 2004:

         
  Three Months 
  Ended March 31, 
  2005  2004 
General and administrative $202  $208 
Marketing  35   31 
       
         
  $237  $239 
       

Components of selling expense are included in general and administrative and marketing expense.

13. Special Charges

The Company has recorded special charges as a result of reducing its workforce, consolidating administrative offices and management realignment in 2004 and 2005. The activity associated with this initiative is summarized in the Company recorded severance costs of $8 million and $23 million, respectively, in special charges. table below.

         
  Three Months 
  Ended March 31, 
  2005  2004 
Balance at January 1, $6  $14 
 
Special Charges  4   1 
Payments  (4)  (8)
       
         
Balance at March 31, $6  $7 
       

For the ninethree months ended September 30, 2003, the severanceMarch 31, 2004, special charges also include approximately $9 million, which represents litigation costs were offset by a $5 million settlement from the Internet service provider Excite@Home related to the conversiontentative settlement of approximately 145,000 high-speed data customersa national class action suit, subject to our Charter High Speed service in 2001.final documentation and court approval (see Note 15).

12.14. Income Taxes

The Company is a single member limited liability company not subject to income tax. The Company holds all operations through indirect subsidiaries. The majority of these indirect subsidiaries are limited liability companies that are not subject to income tax. However, certain of the Company’s indirect subsidiaries are corporations that are subject to income tax.

As of September 30, 2004March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2003,2004, the Company had net deferred income tax liabilities of approximately $204$213 million and $267$208 million, respectively. The net deferred income tax liabilities relate to certain of the Company’s indirect subsidiaries, which file separate income tax returns.

During the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2005 and 2004, the Company recorded $61$6 million and $57 million of income tax benefit, respectively. The Company recorded the portion of the income tax benefit associated with the adoption of Topic D-108 as a $16 million reduction of the cumulative effect of accounting change on the accompanying statement of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004. The income tax benefits were realized as a result of decreases in the deferred tax liabilities of certain of the Company’s indirect corporate subsidiaries. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, the Company recorded $1 million and $3 million of income tax expense, respectively. The income tax expense is recognized through current federal and state income

16


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions)

tax expense as well as increases into the deferred tax liabilities of certain of the Company’s indirect corporate subsidiaries.

Charter Holdco is currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service for the tax years ending December 31, 1999, 2000, 2002 and 1999.2003. The results of the Company (excluding the indirect corporate subsidiaries) for these years are subject to this examination. Management does not expect the results of this examination to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial positioncondition or results of operations.

13.15. Contingencies

As previously reported in the Company’s 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K and 2004 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004, fourteenFourteen putative federal class action lawsuits (the “Federal‘‘Federal Class Actions”Actions’’) were filed against Charter and certain of its former and present officers and directors in various jurisdictions allegedly on behalf of all purchasers of Charter’s securities during the period from either November 8 or November 9, 1999 through July 17 or July 18, 2002. Unspecified damages were sought by the plaintiffs. In general, the lawsuits alleged that Charter utilized misleading accounting practices and failed to disclose these accounting practices and/or issued false and misleading financial statements and press releases concerning Charter’s operations and prospects. The Federal Class Actions were specifically and individually identified in public filings made by Charter prior to the date of this quarterly report.

In October 2002, Charter filed a motion with the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (the “Panel”) to transfer the Federal Class Actions to the Eastern District of Missouri. On March 12, 2003, the Panel transferred the six Federal Class Actions not filed in the Eastern District of Missouri to that district for coordinated or consolidated pretrial proceedings with the eight Federal Class Actions already pending there. The Panel’s transfer order assigned the Federal Class Actions to Judge Charles A. Shaw. By virtue of a prior court order, StoneRidge Investment Partners LLC became lead plaintiff upon entry of the Panel’s transfer order. StoneRidge subsequently filed a Consolidated Amended Complaint. The Court subsequently consolidated the Federal Class Actions into a single action (the “Consolidated Federal Class Action”) for pretrial purposes. On June 19, 2003, following a status and scheduling conference with the parties, the Court issued a Case Management Order setting forth a schedule for the pretrial phase of the Consolidated Federal Class Action. Motions to dismiss the Consolidated Amended Complaint were filed. On February 10, 2004, in response to a joint motion made by StoneRidge and defendants Charter, Vogel and Allen, the court entered an order providing, among other things, that: (1) the parties who filed such motion engage in a mediation within ninety (90) days; and (2) all proceedings in the Consolidated Federal Class Actions were stayed until May 10, 2004. On May 11, 2004, the Court extended the stay in the Consolidated Federal Class Action for an additional sixty (60) days. On July 12, 2004, the parties submitted a joint motion to again extend the stay, this time until September 10, 2004. The Court granted that extension on July 20, 2004. On August 5, 2004, Stoneridge, Charter and the individual defendants who were the subject of the suit entered into a Memorandum of Understanding setting forth agreements in principle to settle the Consolidated Federal Class Action. These parties subsequently entered into Stipulations of Settlement dated as of January 24, 2005 (described more fully below) which incorporate the terms of the August 5, 2004 Memorandum of Understanding.

On September 12, 2002, a shareholders derivative suit (the “State Derivative Action”) was filed in the Circuit Court of the City of St. Louis, State of Missouri (the “Missouri State Court”) against Charter and its then current directors, as well as its former auditors. A substantively identical derivative action was later filed and consolidated into the State Derivative Action. The plaintiffs allege that the individual defendants breached their fiduciary duties by failing to establish and maintain adequate internal controls and procedures. AnUnspecified damages, allegedly on Charter’s behalf, were sought by the plaintiffs.

On March 12, 2004, an action substantively identical to the State Derivative Action was filed in March 2004. Thethe Missouri State Derivative Actions were specifically and individually identified in public filings made by Charter prior to the date of this quarterly report.

Separately, on February 12, 2003, a shareholders derivative suit (the “Federal Derivative Action”) was filedCourt, against Charter and certain of its then current and former directors, as well as its former auditors. The plaintiffs in that case alleged that the United States Districtindividual defendants breached their fiduciary duties by failing to establish and maintain adequate internal controls and procedures. Unspecified damages, allegedly on Charter’s behalf, were sought by plaintiffs. On July 14, 2004, the Court forconsolidated this case with the Eastern District of Missouri. TheState Derivative Action.

1617


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions)

Separately, on February 12, 2003, a shareholders derivative suit (the ‘‘Federal Derivative Action’’) was filed against Charter and its then current directors in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. The plaintiff in that suit alleged that the individual defendants breached their fiduciary duties and grossly mismanaged Charter by failing to establish and maintain adequate internal controls and procedures. The Federal Derivative Action was identified in public filings madeUnspecified damages, allegedly on Charter’s behalf, were sought by the plaintiffs.

As noted above, Charter prior toand the dateindividual defendants entered into a Memorandum of this quarterly report.

OnUnderstanding on August 5, 2004 Charter entered into Memoranda of Understanding setting forth agreements in principle regarding settlement of the Consolidated Federal Class Actions,Action, the State Derivative Action(s) and the Federal Derivative Action (the “Actions”). InCharter and various other defendants in those actions subsequently entered into Stipulations of Settlement dated as of January 24, 2005, setting forth a settlement of the Actions in a manner consistent with the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding. The Stipulations of Settlement, along with various supporting documentation, were filed with the Court on February 2, 2005. The Stipulations of Settlement provide that, in exchange for a release of all claims by plaintiffs against Charter and its former and present officers and directors named in the Actions, Charter willwould pay to the plaintiffs a combination of cash and equity collectively valued at $144 million, which willwould include the fees and expenses of plaintiffs’ counsel. Of this amount, $64 million willwould be paid in cash (by Charter’s insurance carriers) and the balance willwould be paid in shares of Charter Class A common stock having an aggregate value of $40 million and ten-year warrants to purchase shares of Charter Class A common stock having an aggregate warrant value of $40 million.million, with such values in each case being determined pursuant to formulas set forth in the Stipulations of Settlement. The warrants would have an exercise price equal to 150% of the fair market value (as defined) of Charter Class A common stock as of the date of the entry of the order of final judgment approving the settlement. In addition, Charter expects towould issue additional shares of its Class A common stock to its insurance carrier having an aggregate value of $5 million. Under this formula, Charter expects (based on recent trading prices of Charter’s Class A common stock) that the number of shares issued will be determined based on a per share value equal to the average closing price over the thirty calendar day period immediately preceding the final valuation date (which is the later of the date on which a final judgment is entered or the date of entry of an order approving the award of fees and costs to the class action plaintiffs’ counsel). Warrants are expected to become exercisable approximately one year from the date of the final judgment and will have an exercise price equal to 150% of the volume weighted average price of Charter’s Class A common stock over the thirty day period immediately preceding the final valuation date. The warrants will be valued based on a Black Scholes valuation method. Accordingly, any further declines in Charter’s stock price prior to the final valuation date could result in more shares and warrants being issued to the plaintiffs in the settlement. In the event that the valuation formula in the Stipulations provides for a per share value of less than $2.25, Charter may elect to terminate the settlement. As a result, in the second quarter of 2004, the Company recorded a $149 million litigation liability within other long-term liabilities and a $64 million insurance receivable as part of other non-current assets on its consolidated balance sheet and an $85 million special charge on its consolidated statement of operations (see note 11).operations. Additionally, as part of the settlements, Charter will also commit to a variety of corporate governance changes, internal practices and public disclosures, some of which have already been undertaken and none of which are inconsistent with measures Charter is taking in connection with the recent conclusion of the SEC investigation described below. Documents related to the settlement of the Actions have now been executed and filed. On February 15, 2005, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri gave preliminary approval to the settlement of the Actions. The settlement of each of the lawsuits isremains conditioned upon, among other things, the parties’ approval and execution of definitive settlement agreements with respect to the matters described above,final judicial approval of the settlements by the Court following notice to the class, and dismissal, with prejudice, of the consolidated derivative actions now pending in Missouri State Court, which are related to the Federal Derivative Action.Actions. The hearing to consider final approval of the settlement is scheduled for May 23, 2005.

In August 2002, Charter became aware of a grand jury investigation being conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri into certain of its accounting and reporting practices, focusing on how Charter reported customer numbers, and its reporting of amounts received from digital set-top terminal suppliers for advertising. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has publicly stated that Charter is not a target of the investigation. Charter haswas also been advised by the U.S. Attorney’s officeOffice that no current officer or member of its board of directors including its Chief Executive Officer, is a target of the investigation. On July 24, 2003, a federal grand jury charged four former officers of Charter with conspiracy and mail and wire fraud, alleging improper accounting and reporting practices focusing on revenue from digital set-topset-

18


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions)

top terminal suppliers and inflated customer account numbers. On July 25, 2003, oneEach of the indicted former officers who was indicted entered apled guilty plea.to single conspiracy counts related to the original mail and wire fraud charges and were sentenced on April 22, 2005. Charter has advised the Company that it is fully cooperatingcooperated with the investigation.investigation, and following the sentencings, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri announced that its investigation was concluded and that no further indictments would issue.

On November 4, 2002, Charter received an informal, non-public inquiry from the staff of the SEC. The SEC issued a formal order of investigation dated January 23, 2003, and subsequently served document and testimony subpoenas on Charter and a number of its former employees. The investigation and subpoenas generally concerned Charter’s prior reports with respect to its determination of the number of customers, and various of its accounting policies and practices including its capitalization of certain expenses and dealings with certain vendors, including programmers and digital set-top terminal suppliers. On July 27, 2004, the SEC and Charter reached a final agreement to settle the investigation. In the Settlement Agreement and Cease and Desist Order, Charter agreed to entry of an administrative order prohibiting any future violations of United States securities laws and requiring certain other remedial internal practices and public disclosures. Charter neither admitted nor denied any wrongdoing, and the SEC assessed no fine against Charter.

Charter is generally required to indemnify each of the named individual defendants in connection with the matters described above pursuant to the terms of its bylaws and (where applicable) such individual defendants’ employment agreements. In accordance with these documents, in connection with the pending grand jury investigation, the now settlednow-settled SEC investigation and the above describedabove-described lawsuits, some of Charter’s current and former directors and current and former officers have been advanced certain costs and expenses incurred in connection with their defense.

17


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars On February 22, 2005, Charter filed suit against four of its former officers who were indicted in millions)
the course of the grand jury investigation. These suits seek to recover the legal fees and other related expenses advanced to these individuals by Charter for the grand jury investigation, SEC investigation and class action and related lawsuits.

In October 2001, two customers, Nikki Nicholls and Geraldine M. Barber, filed a class action suit against Charter Holdco in South Carolina Court of Common Pleas (the “South‘‘South Carolina Class Action”Action’’), purportedly on behalf of a class of Charter Holdco’s customers, alleging that Charter Holdco improperly charged them a wire maintenance fee without request or permission. They also claimed that Charter Holdco improperly required them to rent analog and/or digital set-top terminals even though their television sets were ''cable‘‘cable ready.’’ A substantively identical case was filed in the Superior Court of Athens Clarke County, Georgia by Emma S. Tobar on March 26, 2002 (the “Georgia Class Action”), alleging a nationwide class for these claims. TheCharter Holdco removed the South Carolina Class Action to the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina in November 2001, and moved to dismiss the suit in December 2001. The federal judge remanded the case to the South Carolina Court of Common Pleas in August 2002 without ruling on the motion to dismiss. The plaintiffs subsequently moved for a default judgment, arguing that upon return to state court, Charter Holdco should have, but did not, file a new motion to dismiss. The state court judge granted the plaintiff’s motion over Charter Holdco’s objection in September 2002. Charter Holdco immediately appealed that decision to the South Carolina Court of Appeals and the Georgia Class Action were identifiedSouth Carolina Supreme Court, but those courts ruled that until a final judgment was entered against Charter Holdco, they lacked jurisdiction to hear the appeal.

In January 2003, the Court of Common Pleas granted the plaintiffs’ motion for class certification. In October and November 2003, Charter Holdco filed motions (a) asking that court to set aside the default judgment, and (b) seeking dismissal of plaintiffs’ suit for failure to state a claim. In January 2004, the Court of Common Pleas granted in public filings made bypart and denied in part Charter priorHoldco’s motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim. It also took under advisement Charter Holdco’s motion to set aside the date of this quarterly report.

default judgment. In April 2004, the parties to both the Georgia and South Carolina Class Actions participated in a mediation. The mediator made a proposal to the parties to settle the lawsuits. In May 2004, the parties accepted the mediator’s proposal and reached a tentative settlement, subject to final documentation and court approval. As a result of the tentative settlement, the Company recorded a special charge of $9 million in its consolidated statement of operations in the first quarter of 2004 (see note 11)Note 13). On July 8, 2004, the Superior Court of Athens Clarke County, Georgia granted a motion to amend the Tobar complaint to add Nicholls, Barber and April Jones as plaintiffs in the Georgia Class Action and to add any potential

19


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions)

class members in South Carolina. The court also granted preliminary approval of the proposed settlement on that date. A hearing to consider final approval of the settlement is scheduled to occur on November 10, 2004. On August 2, 2004, the parties submitted a joint request to the South Carolina Court of Common Pleas to stay the South Carolina Class Action pending final approval of the settlement and on August 17, 2004, that court granted the parties’ request. On November 10, 2004, the court granted final approval of the settlement, rejecting positions advanced by two objectors to the settlement. On December 13, 2004 the court entered a written order formally approving that settlement. On January 11, 2005, certain class members appealed the order entered by the Georgia court. Those objectors voluntarily dismissed their appeal with prejudice on February 8, 2005. On February 9, 2005, the South Carolina Court of Common Pleas entered a court order of dismissal for the South Carolina Class Action. Additionally, one of the objectors to this settlement recently filed a similar, but not identical, lawsuit.

In addition to the matters set forth above, Charter is also party to other lawsuits and claims that arose in the ordinary course of conducting its business. In the opinion of management, after taking into account recorded liabilities, the outcome of these other lawsuits and claims are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations or its liquidity.

14.16. Stock Compensation Plans

ThePrior to January 1, 2003, the Company has historically accounted for stock-based compensation in accordance with Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25,Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related interpretations, as permitted by SFAS No. 123,Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. On January 1, 2003, the Company adopted the fair value measurement provisions of SFAS No. 123 using the prospective method, under which the Company recognizes compensation expense of a stock-based award to an employee over the vesting period based on the fair value of the award on the grant date consistent with the method described in Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 28,Accounting for Stock Appreciation Rights and Other Variable Stock Option or Award Plans. Adoption of these provisions resulted in utilizing a preferable accounting method as the condensed consolidated financial statements will present the estimated fair value of stock-based compensation in expense consistently with other forms of compensation and other expense associated with goods and services received for equity instruments. In accordance with SFAS No. 148,Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation Transition and Disclosure,the fair value method is being applied only to awards granted or modified after January 1, 2003, whereas awards granted prior to such date will continue to be accounted for under APB No. 25, unless they are modified or settled in cash. The ongoing effect on consolidated results of operations or financial condition will depend on future stock-based compensation awards granted by Charter.

18


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions)

SFAS No. 123 requires pro forma disclosure of the impact on earnings as if the compensation expense for these plans had been determined using the fair value method. The following table presents the Company’s net loss as reported and the pro forma amountsamount that would have been reported using the fair value method under SFAS No. 123 for the periods presented:

         
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended        
 September 30,
 September 30,
 Three Months Ended March 31, 
 2004
 2003
 2004
 2003
 2005 2004 
Net loss $(3,526) $(40) $(4,094) $(592) $(348) $(218)
Add back stock-based compensation expense related to stock options included in reported net loss 8 1 34 1  4 14 
Less employee stock-based compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all employee stock option awards  (6)  (3)  (37)  (11)  (4)  (12)
Effects of unvested options in stock option exchange   48    48 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
Pro forma $(3,524) $(42) $(4,049) $(602) $(348) $(168)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      

In January 2004, Charter began an option exchange program in which the employees of Charter andCompany offered its subsidiaries were offeredemployees the right to exchange all stock options (vested and unvested) under the 1999 Charter Communications Option Plan and 2001 Stock Incentive Plan that had an exercise price over $10 per share for shares of restricted Charter Class A common stock or, in some instances, cash. Based on a sliding exchange ratio, which varied depending on the exercise price

20


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions)

of an employee’s outstanding options, if an employee would have received more than 400 shares of restricted stock in exchange for tendered options, Charter issued to that employee shares of restricted stock in the exchange. If, based on the exchange ratios, an employee would have received 400 or fewer shares of restricted stock in exchange for tendered options, Charter instead paid the employee cash in an amount equal to the number of shares the employee would have received multiplied by $5.00. The offer applied to options (vested and unvested) to purchase a total of 22,929,573 shares of Charter Class A common stock, or approximately 48% of Charter’s 47,882,365 total options (vested and unvested) issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2003. Participation by employees was voluntary. Those members of Charter’s board of directors who were not also employees of the Company were not eligible to participate in the exchange offer.

In the closing of the exchange offer on February 20, 2004, Charter accepted for cancellation eligible options to purchase approximately 18,137,664 shares of Charter Class A common stock. In exchange, Charter granted 1,966,686 shares of restricted stock, including 460,777 performance shares to eligible employees of the rank of senior vice president and above, and paid a total cash amount of approximately $4 million (which amount includes applicable withholding taxes) to those employees who received cash rather than shares of restricted stock. The restricted stock was granted on February 25, 2004. Employees tendered approximately 79% of the options exchangeable under the program.

The cost to the Company of the stock option exchange program was approximately $12$10 million, with a 2004 cash compensation expense of approximately $4 million and a non-cash compensation expense of approximately $8$6 million to be expensed ratably over the three-year vesting period of the restricted stock issued in the exchange.

In January 2004, the Compensation Committee of the board of directors of Charter approved Charter’s Long-Term Incentive Program (“LTIP”), which is a program administered under the 2001 Stock Incentive Plan. EmployeesUnder the LTIP, employees of Charter and its subsidiaries whose pay classifications exceed a certain level are eligible to receive stock options, and more senior level employees are eligible to receive stock options and performance shares. Under the LTIP, theThe stock options vest 25% on each of the first four anniversaries of the date of grant. The performance units vest on the third anniversary of the grant date and shares of Charter Class A common stock are issued, conditional upon Charter’s performance against financial performance targets established by Charter’s management and approved by its board of directors asdirectors. Charter granted 6.9 million shares in January 2004 under this program and the Company recognized expense of $3 million in the first quarter of 2004. However, in the fourth quarter of 2004, the Company reversed the $8 million of expense recorded in the first three quarters of 2004 based on the Company’s assessment of the timeprobability of achieving the financial performance measures established by Charter and required to be met for the performance shares to vest. In March 2005, Charter granted 2.5 million performance shares and 5.3 million options under the LTIP. The impact of such grants were de minimis to the Company’s results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2005.

17. Related Party Transactions

The following sets forth certain transactions in which the Company and the directors, executive officers and affiliates of the award.

19


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions)

15. Related PartiesCompany are involved. Unless otherwise disclosed, management believes that each of the transactions described below was on terms no less favorable to the Company than could have been obtained from independent third parties.

CC VIII, LLC.VIII.As part of the acquisition of the cable systems owned by Bresnan Communications Company Limited Partnership in February 2000, CC VIII, LLC (“CC VIII”), Charter Holdings’ indirect limited liability company subsidiary, issued, after adjustments, 24,273,943 Class A preferred membership units (collectively, the ''CC“CC VIII interest’’interest”) with a value and an initial capital account of approximately $630 million to certain sellers affiliated with AT&T Broadband, subsequently owned by Comcast Corporation (the ''Comcast sellers’’“Comcast sellers”). While held by the Comcast sellers, the CC VIII interest was entitled to a 2% priority return on its initial capital account and such priority return was entitled to preferential distributions from available cash and upon liquidation of CC VIII. While held by the Comcast sellers, the CC VIII interest generally did not share in the profits and losses of CC VIII. Mr. Allen granted the Comcast sellers the right to sell to him the CC VIII interest for approximately $630 million plus 4.5% interest

21


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions)

annually from February 2000 (the ''Comcast“Comcast put right’’right”). In April 2002, the Comcast sellers exercised the Comcast put right in full, and this transaction was consummated on June 6, 2003. Accordingly, Mr. Allen has become the holder of the CC VIII interest, indirectly through an affiliate. Consequently, subject to the matters referenced in the next paragraph, Mr. Allen generally thereafter will be allocated his pro rata share (based on number of membership interests outstanding) of profits or losses of CC VIII. In the event of a liquidation of CC VIII, Mr. Allen would be entitled to a priority distribution with respect to the 2% priority return (which will continue to accrete). Any remaining distributions in liquidation would be distributed to CC V Holdings, LLC and Mr. Allen in proportion to CC V Holdings, LLC’s capital account and Mr. Allen’s capital account (which will equal the initial capital account of the Comcast sellers of approximately $630 million, increased or decreased by Mr. Allen’s pro rata share of CC VIII’s profits or losses (as computed for capital account purposes) after June 6, 2003). The limited liability company agreement of CC VIII does not provide for a mandatory redemption of the CC VIII interest. The CC VIII interest is recorded as minority interest in the consolidated balance sheets.

An issue has arisen as to whether the documentation for the Bresnan transaction was correct and complete with regard to the ultimate ownership of the CC VIII interest following consummation of the Comcast put right. Specifically, under the terms of the Bresnan transaction documents that were entered into in June 1999, the Comcast sellers originally would have received, after adjustments, 24,273,943 Charter Holdco membership units, but due to an FCC regulatory issue raised by the Comcast sellers shortly before closing, the Bresnan transaction was modified to provide that the Comcast sellers instead would receive the preferred equity interests in CC VIII represented by the CC VIII interest. As part of the last-minute changes to the Bresnan transaction documents, a draft amended version of the Charter Holdco limited liability company agreement was prepared, and contract provisions were drafted for that agreement that would have required an automatic exchange of the CC VIII interest for 24,273,943 Charter Holdco membership units if the Comcast sellers exercised the Comcast put right and sold the CC VIII interest to Mr. Allen or his affiliates. However, the provisions that would have required this automatic exchange did not appear in the final version of the Charter Holdco limited liability company agreement that was delivered and executed at the closing of the Bresnan transaction. The law firm that prepared the documents for the Bresnan transaction brought this matter to the attention of Charter and representatives of Mr. Allen in 2002.

Thereafter, the board of directors of Charter formed a Special Committee (currently comprised of Messrs. Merritt, Tory and Wangberg) to investigate the matter and take any other appropriate action on behalf of Charter with respect to this matter. After conducting an investigation of the relevant facts and circumstances, the Special Committee determined that a ''scrivener’s error’’“scrivener’s error” had occurred in February 2000 in connection with the preparation of the last-minute revisions to the Bresnan transaction documents and that, as a result, Charter should seek the reformation of the Charter Holdco limited liability company agreement, or alternative relief, in order to restore and ensure the obligation that the CC VIII interest be automatically exchanged for Charter Holdco units. The Special Committee further determined that, as part of such contract reformation or alternative relief, Mr. Allen should be required to contribute the CC VIII interest to Charter Holdco in exchange for 24,273,943 Charter Holdco membership units. The Special Committee also recommended to the board of directors of Charter that, to the extent the contract reformation is achieved, the board of directors should consider whether the CC VIII interest should ultimately be

20


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions)

held by Charter Holdco or Charter Holdings or another entity owned directly or indirectly by them.

Mr. Allen disagrees with the Special Committee’s determinations described above and has so notified the Special Committee. Mr. Allen contends that the transaction is accurately reflected in the transaction documentation and contemporaneous and subsequent company public disclosures.

The parties engaged in a process of non-binding mediation to seek to resolve this matter, without success. The Special Committee is evaluating what further actions or processes it may undertake to resolve this dispute. To accommodate further deliberation, each party has agreed to refrain from initiating legal proceedings over this matter until it has given at least ten days’ prior notice to the other. In addition, the Special Committee and Mr. Allen have determined to utilize the Delaware Court of Chancery’s program for mediation of complex business disputes in an effort to resolve the CC VIII interest dispute. If the Special Committee and Mr. Allen are unable to reach a resolution through that mediation process or to agree on an alternative dispute resolution process, the Special Committee intends to seek resolution of this dispute through judicial proceedings in an action that would be commenced, after appropriate notice, in the Delaware Court of Chancery against Mr. Allen and his affiliates seeking

22


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions)

contract reformation, declaratory relief as to the respective rights of the parties regarding this dispute and alternative forms of legal and equitable relief. The ultimate resolution and financial impact of the dispute are not determinable at this time.

TechTV, Inc.TechTV, Inc. (“TechTV”) operated a cable television network that offered programming mostly related to technology. Pursuant to an affiliation agreement that originated in 1998 and that terminates in 2008, TechTV has provided the Company with programming for distribution via itsCharter’s cable systems. The affiliation agreement provides, among other things, that TechTV must offer Charter certain terms and conditions that are no less favorable in the affiliation agreement than are given to any other distributor that serves the same number of or fewer TechTV viewing customers. Additionally, pursuant to the affiliation agreement, the Company was entitled to incentive payments for channel launches through December 31, 2003.

In March 2004, Charter Holdco entered into agreements with Vulcan Programming and TechTV, which provide for (i) Charter Holdco and TechTV to amend the affiliation agreement which, among other things, revises the description of the TechTV network content, provides for Charter Holdco to waive certain claims against TechTV relating to alleged breaches of the affiliation agreement and provides for TechTV to make payment of outstanding launch receivables due to Charter Holdco under the affiliation agreement, (ii) Vulcan Programming to pay approximately $10 million and purchase over a 24-month period, at fair market rates, $2 million of advertising time across various cable networks on Charter cable systems in consideration of the agreements, obligations, releases and waivers under the agreements and in settlement of the aforementioned claims and (iii) TechTV to be a provider of content relating to technology and video gaming for Charter’s interactive television platforms through December 31, 2006 (exclusive for the first year). TheFor each of the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, the Company recognized approximately $5$0.3 million, of the Vulcan Programming payment as an offset to programming expense duringand paid approximately $0.5 million and $0.2 million, respectively, to Tech TV under the nine months ended September 30, 2004 with the remaining $5 million to be recognized over the term of theaffiliation agreement.

The Company believes that Vulcan Programming, which is 100% owned by Mr. Allen, owned an approximate 98% equity interest in TechTV at the time of the transaction.Vulcan Programming sold TechTV to an unrelated third party in May 2004. Until September 2003, Mr. Savoy, a former Charter director, was the president and director of Vulcan Programming and was a director of TechTV. Mr. Wangberg, one of Charter’s directors, was the chairman, chief executive officer and a director of TechTV. Mr. Wangberg resigned as the chief executive officer of TechTV in July 2002. He remained a director of TechTV along with Mr. Allen until Vulcan Programming sold TechTV to an unrelated third party in May 2004.TechTV.

Digeo, Inc.In March 2001, a subsidiary of Charter Holdings, Charter Communications Ventures, LLC (“Charter Ventures”), and Vulcan Ventures Incorporated formed DBroadband Holdings, LLC for the sole purpose of purchasing equity interests in Digeo, Inc. (“Digeo”), an entity controlled by Paul Allen. In connection with the execution of the broadband carriage agreement, DBroadband Holdings, LLC purchased an equity interest in Digeo funded by contributions from Vulcan Ventures Incorporated. The equity interest is subject to a priority return of capital to Vulcan Ventures up to the amount contributed by Vulcan Ventures on Charter Ventures’ behalf. After Vulcan Ventures recovers its amount contributed and any cumulative loss allocations, Charter Ventures has a 100% profit interest in DBroadband Holdings, LLC. Charter Ventures is not required to make any capital contributions, including capital calls, to Digeo. DBroadband Holdings, LLC is therefore not included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Pursuant to an amended version of this arrangement, in 2003, Vulcan Ventures contributed a total of $29 million to Digeo, $7 million of which was contributed on Charter Ventures’ behalf, subject to Vulcan Ventures’ aforementioned priority return. Since the formation of DBroadband Holdings, LLC, Vulcan Ventures has contributed approximately $56 million on Charter Ventures’ behalf.

On March 2, 2001, Charter Ventures entered into a broadband carriage agreement with Digeo Interactive, LLC (“Digeo Interactive”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Digeo. The carriage agreement provided that Digeo Interactive would provide to Charter a “portal” product, which would function as the television-based Internet portal (the initial point of entry to the Internet) for Charter’s customers who received Internet access from Charter. The agreement

23


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions)

term was for 25 years and Charter agreed to use the Digeo portal exclusively for six years. Before the portal product was delivered to Charter, Digeo terminated development of the portal product.

On September 27, 2001, Charter and Digeo Interactive amended the broadband carriage agreement. According to the amendment, Digeo Interactive would provide to Charter the content for enhanced “Wink” interactive television services, known as Charter Interactive Channels (“i-channels”). In order to provide the i-channels, Digeo Interactive sublicensed certain Wink technologies to Charter. Charter is entitled to share in the revenues generated by the i-channels. Currently, the Company’s digital video customers who receive i-channels receive the service at no additional charge.

On September 28, 2002, Charter entered into a second amendment to its broadband carriage agreement with Digeo Interactive. This amendment superseded the amendment of September 27, 2001. It provided for the development by Digeo Interactive of future features to be included in the Basic i-TV service to be provided by Digeo and for Digeo’s development of an interactive “toolkit” to enable Charter to develop interactive local content. Furthermore, Charter could request that Digeo Interactive manage local content for a fee. The amendment provided for Charter to pay for development of the Basic i-TV service as well as license fees for customers who would receive the service, and for Charter and Digeo to split certain revenues earned from the service. The Company paid Digeo Interactive approximately $2 million and $0.7 million for customized development of the i-channels and the local content tool kit for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. This amendment expired pursuant to its terms on December 31, 2003. Digeo Interactive is continuing to provide the Basic i-TV service on a month-to-month basis.

On June 30, 2003, Charter Holdco entered into an agreement with Motorola, Inc. for the purchase of 100,000 digital video recorder (“DVR”) units. The software for these DVR units is being supplied by Digeo Interactive, LLC (“Digeo Interactive”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Digeo, Inc. (“Digeo”), under a license agreement entered into in April 2004. Under the license agreement Digeo Interactive granted to Charter Holdco the right to use Digeo’s proprietary software for the number of DVR units that Charter deploysdeployed from a maximum of 10

21


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions)

headends through year-end 2004. This maximum number of headends was increased from 10 to 15 pursuant to a letter agreement executed on June 11, 2004 and the date for entering into license agreements for units deployed was extended to June 30, 2005. The number of headends was increased again from 15 to 20 pursuant to a second letter agreement dated August 4, 2004.2004, from 20 to 30 pursuant to a letter agreement dated September 28, 2004 and from 30 to 50 headends by a letter agreement in February 2005. The license granted for each unit deployed under the agreement is valid for five years. In addition, Charter will pay certain other fees including a per-headend license fee and maintenance fees. TotalMaximum license and maintenance fees during the term of the agreement are expected to be approximately $3$7 million. The agreement provides that Charter is entitled to receive contract terms, considered on the whole, and license fees, considered apart from other contract terms, no less favorable than those accorded to any other Digeo customer. The Company paid approximately $0.9 million in license and maintenance fees for the three months ended March 31, 2005.

In April 2004, the Company launched DVR service utilizingusing units containing the Digeo proprietary software in itsCharter’s Rochester, Minnesota market.market using a broadband media center that is an integrated set-top terminal with a cable converter, DVR hard drive and connectivity to other consumer electronics devices (such as stereos, MP3 players, and digital cameras).

In May 2004, Charter Holdco entered into a binding term sheet with Digeo Interactive for the development, testing and purchase of 70,000 Digeo PowerKey DVR units. The term sheet providesprovided that the parties willwould proceed in good faith to negotiate, prior to year-end 2004, definitive agreements for the development, testing and purchase of the DVR units and that the parties willwould enter into a license agreement for Digeo’s proprietary software on terms substantially similar to the terms of the license agreement described above. In November 2004, Charter Holdco and Digeo Interactive executed the license agreement and in December 2004, the parties executed the purchase agreement, each on terms substantially similar to the binding term sheet. Product development and testing are continuing. Total purchase price and license and maintenance fees during the term of the definitive agreements are expected to be approximately $40$41 million. The term sheet and any definitive agreements will beare terminable at no penalty to Charter in certain circumstances.

Charter and Digeo entered into a letter agreement effective September 28, 2004 amending the April 2004 license agreement to reduce certain fees payable to Digeo by Charter and to increase the maximum number of headends24


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in which Charter has the right to deploy the DVR units from a maximum of 20 by year end 2004, to a maximum of 30 by June 30, 2005.millions)

The Company believes that Vulcan Ventures, an entity controlled by Mr. Allen, owns an approximate 60%51% equity interest in Digeo, Inc. Messrs., on a fully-converted basis. Mr. Allen and Vogel are directorsis a director of Digeo.Digeo, and Mr. Vogel ownswas a director of Digeo in 2004. During 2004, Mr. Vogel held options to purchase 10,000 shares of Digeo common stock.

Oxygen Media LLC.Oxygen Media LLC (“Oxygen”) provides programming content aimed at the female audience for distribution over cable systems and satellite. On July 22, 2002, Charter Holdco entered into a carriage agreement with Oxygen, whereby the Company agreed to carry programming content from Oxygen. Under the carriage agreement, the Company currently makes Oxygen programming available to approximately 5 million of its video customers. The term of the carriage agreement was retroactive to February 1, 2000, the date of launch of Oxygen programming by the Company, and runs for a period of five years from that date. For the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2005 and 2004, and 2003, the Company paid Oxygen approximately $10$3 million and $6$4 million, respectively, for programming content. In addition, Oxygen pays the Company marketing support fees for customers launched after the first year of the term of the carriage agreement up to a total of $4 million. The Company recorded approximately $1$0.1 million and $696$0.4 million related to these launch incentives as a reduction of programming expense for each of the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2005 and 2004, and 2003, respectively.

Concurrently with the execution of the carriage agreement, Charter Holdco entered into an equity issuance agreement pursuant to which Oxygen’s parent company, Oxygen Media Corporation (“Oxygen Media”), granted a subsidiary of Charter Holdco a warrant to purchase 2.4 million shares of Oxygen Media common stock for an exercise price of $22.00 per share. In February 2005, this warrant expired unexercised. Charter Holdco was also to receive unregistered shares of Oxygen Media common stock with a guaranteed fair market value on the date of issuance of $34 million, on or prior to February 2, 2005, with the exact date to be determined by Oxygen Media.Media, but this commitment was later revised as discussed below.

The Company recognizesrecognized the guaranteed value of the investment over the life of the carriage agreement as a reduction of programming expense. For the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2005 and 2004, and 2003, the Company recorded approximately $10$1 million and $6$4 million, respectively, as a reduction of programming expense. The carrying value of the Company’s investment in Oxygen was approximately $29$33 million and $19$32 million as of September 30, 2004March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2003,2004, respectively.

22


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions)

In August 2004, Charter Holdco and Oxygen entered into agreements that amendamended and renewrenewed the carriage agreement. The amendment to the carriage agreement (a) revises the number of the Company’s customers to which Oxygen programming must be carried and for which the Company must pay, (b) releases Charter Holdco from any claims related to the failure to achieve distribution benchmarks under the carriage agreement, (c) requires Oxygen to make payment on outstanding receivables for marketing support fees due to the Company under the affiliationcarriage agreement; and (d) requires that Oxygen provide its programming content to the Company on economic terms no less favorable than Oxygen provides to any other cable or satellite operator having fewer subscribers than the Company. The renewal of the carriage agreement (a) extends the period that the Company will carry Oxygen programming to itsthe Company’s customers through January 31, 2008, and (b) requires license fees to be paid based on customers receiving Oxygen programming, rather than for specific customer benchmarks.

In August 2004, Charter Holdco and Oxygen also amended the equity issuance agreement to provide for the issuance of 1 million shares of Oxygen Preferred Stock with a liquidation preference of $33.10 per share plus accrued dividends to Charter Holdco on February 1, 2005 in place of the $34 million of unregistered shares of Oxygen Media common stock. Oxygen Media delivered these shares in March 2005. The preferred stock is convertible into common stock after December 31, 2007 at a conversion ratio per share of preferred stock, the numerator of which is the liquidation preference and the denominator of which is the fair market value per share of Oxygen Media common stock on the conversion date.

As of September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005, through Vulcan Programming, Mr. Allen owned an approximate 31% interest in Oxygen assuming no exercises of outstanding warrants or conversion or exchange of convertible or exchangeable securities.

25


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions)

Ms. Jo Allen Patton is a director and the President of Vulcan Programming. Mr. Lance Conn is a Vice President of Vulcan Programming. Marc Nathanson has an indirect beneficial interest of less than 1% in Oxygen.

2326


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

General

Charter Communications Holdings, LLC (“Charter Holdings”) is a holding company whose principal assets as of September 30, 2004March 31, 2005 are equity interests in its operating subsidiaries. Charter Holdings is a subsidiary of Charter Communications Holding Company, LLC (“Charter Holdco”), which is a subsidiary of Charter Communications, Inc. (“Charter”). “We,” “us” and “our” refer to Charter Holdings and its subsidiaries. We are a broadband communications company operating in the United States. We offer our customers traditional cable video programming (analog and digital video) as well as high-speed data services and in some areas advanced broadband services such as high definition television, video on demand, telephony and interactive television. We sell our cable video programming, high-speed data and advanced broadband services on a subscription basis.

The following table summarizes our customer statistics for analog and digital video, residential high-speed data and residential telephony as of September 30, 2004March 31, 2005 and 2003:2004:

                
 Approximate as of
 Approximate as of 
 September 30, September 30, March 31, March 31, 
 2004 (a)
 2003 (a)
 2005 (a) 2004 (a) 
Cable Video Services:
  
Analog Video:
  
Residential (non-bulk) analog video customers (b) 5,825,000 6,240,000  5,732,600 5,953,200 
Multi-dwelling (bulk) and commercial unit customers (c) 249,600 258,100  252,200 238,800 
 
 
 
 
      
Analog video customers (b)(c) 6,074,600 6,498,100  5,984,800 6,192,000 
 
 
 
 
      
 
Digital Video:
  
Digital video customers (d) 2,688,900 2,664,800  2,694,600 2,657,400 
Digital percentage of analog video customers (b)(c)(d)(e)  44%  41%
 
Non-Video Cable Services:
  
Residential high-speed data customers (f) 1,819,900 1,489,700 
Dial-up customers 7,300 10,900 
Residential high-speed data customers (e) 1,978,400 1,653,000 
Telephony customers (g)(f) 40,200 24,100  55,300 26,300 

Pro forma for the sale of systems to Atlantic Broadband Finance, LLC in March and April 2004 and to WaveDivision Holdings, LLC in October 2003, as if all of these sales had occurred as of January 1, 2003, analog video customers, digital video customers and residential high-speed data customers would have been 6,239,000, 2,570,300 and 1,441,500, respectively, as of September 30, 2003.


(a) “Customers” include all persons our corporate billing records show as receiving service (regardless of their payment status), except for complimentary accounts (such as our employees). Further, “customers” include persons receiving service under promotional programs that offered up to two months of service for free, some of whom had not requested to be disconnected, but had not become paying customers as of September 30, 2004.March 31, 2005. If such persons do not become paying customers, we do not believe this would have a material impact on our consolidated financial condition or consolidated results of operations. In addition, at September 30,March 31, 2005 and 2004, and 2003, “customers” include approximately 46,00043,100 and 64,60053,100 persons whose accounts were over 60 days past due in payment, approximately 5,5007,000 and 7,1005,800 persons whose accounts were over 90 days past due in payment, and approximately 2,0003,600 and 2,3002,200 of which were over 120 days past due in payment, respectively.
 
(b) “Residential (non-bulk) analog video customers” include all residential customers who receive video services, except for complimentary accounts (such as our employees).

24


(c) Included within “video customers” are those in commercial and multi-dwelling structures, which are calculated on an equivalent bulk unit (“EBU”) basis. EBU is calculated for a system by dividing the bulk price charged to accounts in an area by the most prevalent price charged to non-bulk residential customers in that market for the comparable tier of service. The EBU method of estimating analog video customers is consistent with the methodology used in determining costs paid to programmers and has been consistently applied year over year. As we increase our effective analog video prices to residential customers without a corresponding increase in the prices charged to commercial service or multi-dwelling customers, our EBU count will decline even if there is no real loss in commercial service or multi-dwelling customers.

27


(d) “Digital video customers” include all households that have one or more digital set-top terminals. Included in “digital video customers” on September 30,March 31, 2005 and 2004 and 2003 are approximately 10,70010,000 and 12,60012,000 customers, respectively, that receive digital video service directly through satellite transmission.
 
(e)Represents the number of digital video customers as a percentage of analog video customers.
(f) All of these customers also receive video service and are included in the video statistics above. However, the video statistics do not include approximately 205,500229,400 and 75,200142,700 of these customers at September 30,March 31, 2005 and 2004, and 2003, respectively, who were residential high-speed data only customers.
 
(g)(f) “Telephony customers” include all households receiving telephone service.

Overview of Operations

We have a history of net losses. Further, we expect to continue to report net losses for the foreseeable future. Our net losses are principally attributable to insufficient revenue to cover the combination of operating costs and interest costs we incur because of our high level of debt, depreciation expenses that we incur resulting from the capital investments we have made and continue to make in our business, and amortization and impairment of our franchise intangibles. We expect that these expenses (other than amortization and asset impairment of franchises)charges) will remain significant, and we therefore expect to continue to report net losses for the foreseeable future.

For the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2005 and 2004, our lossincome from operations, which includes depreciation and amortization expense and asset impairment of franchisescharges but excludes interest expense, was $2.3 billion and $2.2 billion, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, our income from operations was $117$51 million and $306$175 million, respectively. We had negative operating margins of 188%4% and 58%14% for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, we had operating margins of 10% and 8%, respectively. The decrease in income from operations and operating margins from 20032004 to 20042005 was principally due to the impairmentone-time gain as a result of franchises of $2.4 billion recorded in the third quarter of 2004. The nine months ended September 30, 2004 includes a gain on the sale of certain cable systems in Florida, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware and West Virginia to Atlantic Broadband Finance, LLC which is offset by an increaseof approximately $108 million, recognized in option compensation expense and special charges when compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2003. Operating margins for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2004 compared toand asset impairment charges of $31 million recognized in the three months ended September 30, 2003 were also negatively impacted by increases in programming and service costs.March 31, 2005.

Since our inception, and currently,Historically, our ability to conductfund operations and investing activities has been and continues to be dependentdepended on our continued access to capital, including credit under our credit facilities. We expect we will continue to borrow under our credit facilities from time to time to fund cash needs. The occurrence of an event of default under our credit facilities could result in borrowings from these credit facilities being unavailable to us and could, in the event of a payment default or acceleration, also trigger events of default under the indentures governing our outstanding public notes and would have a material adverse effect on us. Approximately $7.5$23 million of our debt matures during the remainder of 2004,2005, which we expect to fund through borrowings under our revolving credit facilities.facility. See “— Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

25

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates


CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

Impairment of franchises and goodwill.We have recorded a significant amount of cost related to the franchises under which we are granted the right to operate our cable distribution network throughout our service areas. The net carrying value of franchises as of September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003 was approximately $9.9 billion (representing 59% of total assets) and $13.7 billion (representing 65% of total assets), respectively. In addition, we recorded approximately $52 million of goodwill as a result of the acquisition of High Speed Access in February 2002.

We adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142 on January 1, 2002. SFAS No. 142 requires that franchise intangible assets that meet specified indefinite-life criteria no longer be amortized against earnings, but instead must be tested for impairment annually, or more frequently as warranted by events or changes in circumstances. In determining whether our franchises have an indefinite-life, we considered the exclusivity of the franchise, the expected costs of franchise renewals, and the technological state of the associated cable systems with a view to whether or not we are in compliance with any technology upgrading requirements. We concluded that as of September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003 more than 99% of our franchises qualify for indefinite-life treatment under SFAS No. 142, and that less than one percent of our franchises do not qualify for indefinite-life treatment due to technological or operational factors that limit their lives. Costs of finite-lived franchises, along with costs associated with franchise renewals, will be amortized on a straight-line basis over 10 years, which represents management’s best estimate of the average remaining useful lives of such franchises. Franchise amortization expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004 was $1 million and $3 million, respectively, and franchise amortization expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 was $2 million and $6 million, respectively, which represents the amortization relating to franchises that did not qualify for indefinite-life treatment under SFAS No. 142, including costs associated with franchise renewals. We expect that amortization expense on franchise assets will be approximately $4 million annually for each of the next five years. Actual amortization expense in future periods could differ from these estimates as a result of new intangible asset acquisitions or divestitures, changes in useful lives and other relevant factors.

Under SFAS No. 142, if an asset is determined to be impaired, it is required to be written down to its estimated fair market value. We determine fair market value based on estimated discounted future cash flows, using reasonable and appropriate assumptions that are consistent with internal forecasts. Our assumptions include these and other factors: penetration rates for analog and digital video and high-speed data, revenue growth rates, expected operating margins and capital expenditures. Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate future cash flows, and such estimates include inherent uncertainties, including those relating to the timing and amount of future cash flows and the discount rate used in the calculation. We utilize an independent third-party appraiser with expertise in the cable industry to assist in the determination of the fair value of intangible assets.

Based on the guidance prescribed in Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 02-7,Unit of Accounting for Testing of Impairment of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets,franchises are aggregated into essentially inseparable asset groups to conduct the valuations. The asset groups generally represent geographic clustering of our cable systems into groups by which such systems are managed. Management believes such grouping represents the highest and best use of those assets. Fair value is determined based on estimated discounted future cash flows using assumptions that are consistent with internal forecasts. We have historically followed a residual method of valuing our franchise assets, which had the effect of including goodwill with the franchise assets.

In September 2004, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) staff issued Topic D-108,Use of the Residual Method to Value Acquired Assets Other than Goodwill, which requires the direct method of separately valuing all intangible assets and does not permit goodwill to be included in franchise assets. On September 30, 2004, the Company adopted Topic D-108 which resulted in our recording a cumulative effect of accounting change of $840 million (approximately $875 million before tax effects of $16 million and minority interest effects of $19 million) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004.

We performed an impairment assessment during the third quarter 2004 using an independent third-party appraiser and following the guidance of EITF Issue 02-17,Recognition of Customer Relationship Intangible Assets Acquired in a Business Combination, and Topic D-108. The use of lower projected growth rates and the resulting revised

26


estimates of future cash flows in our valuation, primarily as a result of increased competition, led to the recognition of a $2.4 billion impairment charge for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004.

The independent third-party appraisers’ valuation as of September 30, 2004 yielded a total enterprise value of approximately $19.3 billion, which included approximately $2.0 billion assigned to customer relationships and approximately $0.9 billion assigned to goodwill. At October 1, 2003, the independent third-party appraisers’ valuation yielded an enterprise value of approximately $24.7 billion, which included approximately $3.2 billion assigned to customer relationships and approximately $1.1 billion assigned to goodwill. The valuation completed at October 1, 2003 resulted in no impairment. SFAS No. 142 does not permit the recognition of intangible assets not previously recognized.

The valuations involve numerous assumptions as noted above. While the economic conditions at the time of each valuation indicated that the combination of assumptions utilized in the appraisals was reasonable, as market conditions change so will the assumptions with a resulting impact on the valuation.

We have certain other critical accounting policies which have not changed significantly from those disclosed in our 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K. For a discussion of thoseour critical accounting policies and the means by which we develop estimates therefor, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our 20032004 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

2728


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three Months Ended September 30, 2004March 31, 2005 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004

The following table sets forth the percentages of revenues that items in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations constituted for the periods presented (dollars in millions):

                             
 Three Months Ended September 30,
 Three Months Ended March 31, 
 2004
 2003
 2005 2004 
Revenues $1,248  100% $1,207  100% $1,271  100% $1,214  100%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
          
 
Costs and expenses:  
Operating (excluding depreciation and amortization) 525  42% 484  40% 559  44% 512  42%
Selling, general and administrative 252  20% 235  19% 237  19% 239  20%
Depreciation and amortization 371  30% 352  29% 381  30% 370  31%
Impairment of franchises 2,433  195%   
Loss on sale of assets, net   10  1%
Asset impairment charges 31  3%   
(Gain) loss on sale of assets, net 4   (106)  (9)%
Option compensation expense, net 8  1% 1   4  14  1%
Special charges, net 3  8  1% 4  10  1%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
          
 3,592  288% 1,090  90% 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  1,220  96% 1,039  86%
Income (loss) from operations  (2,344)  (188)% 117  10%
         
 
Income from operations 51  4% 175  14%
     
 
 
 
 
  
Interest expense, net  (413)  (368)   (424)  (381) 
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments and hedging activities, net  (8) 31  27  (7) 
Gain on debt exchange, net  187 
Gain on extinguishment of debt 6  
Other, net   (2)  1  (1) 
 
 
 
 
      
  (421)  (152)  
 
 
 
 
   (390)  (389) 
Loss before minority interest, income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change  (2,765)  (35) 
     
Loss before minority interest and income taxes  (339)  (214) 
 
Minority interest 34  (4)   (3)  (3) 
 
 
 
 
      
Loss before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change  (2,731)  (39) 
Income tax benefit (expense) 45  (1) 
 
 
 
 
  
Loss before cumulative effect of accounting change  (2,686)  (40) 
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax  (840)  
Loss before income taxes  (342)  (217) 
 
Income tax expense  (6)  (1) 
     
 
 
 
 
  
Net loss $(3,526) $(40)  $(348) $(218) 
 
 
 
 
      

Revenues. Revenues increased by $41$57 million, or 3%5%, from $1.21$1.2 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 to $1.25$1.3 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2004.March 31, 2005. This increase is principally the result of an increase of 330,200325,400 and 24,10037,200 high-speed data and digital video customers, respectively, as well as price increases for video and high-speed data services, and is offset partially by a decrease of 423,500207,200 analog video customers. Included in the reduction in analog video customers and reducing the increase in digital video and high-speed data customers are 259,100 analog video customers, 94,500 digital video customers and 48,200 high-speed data customers sold in theThe cable system sales to Atlantic Broadband Finance, LLC, which closed in March and April 2004 and to WaveDivision Holdings, LLC which closed in October 2003 (collectively referred(referred to herein as the “Systems“System Sales”). The Systems Sales contributed $48 million of revenue for reduced the three months ended September 30, 2003.increase in revenues by $29 million. Our goal is to increase revenues by stabilizingimproving customer service which we believe will stabilize our analog video customer base, implementing price increases on certain services and packages and increasing revenues from incrementalthe number of customers who purchase high-speed data services, digital video and

28


advanced products and services such as telephony using voice-over-Internet protocol (“VOIP”), telephony, video on demand (“VOD”), high definition television and digital video recorder service providedservice.

Average monthly revenue per analog video customer increased to our customers.$70.75 for the three months ended March 31, 2005 from $65.31 for the three months ended March 31, 2004 primarily as a result of incremental revenues from advanced services and price increases. Average monthly revenue per analog video customer represents total annual revenue, divided by twelve, divided by the average number of analog video customers during the respective period.

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Revenues by service offering were as follows (dollars in millions):

                                             
 Three Months Ended September 30,
 Three Months Ended March 31, 
 2004
 2003
 2004 over 2003
 2005 2004 2005 over 2004 
 % of % of     % of % of     
 Revenues
 Revenues
 Revenues
 Revenues
 Change
 % Change
 Revenues Revenues Revenues Revenues Change % Change 
Video $839  67% $866  72% $(27)  (3)% $842  66% $849  70% $(7)  (1)%
High-speed data 189  15% 145  12% 44  30% 215  17% 168  14% 47  28%
Advertising sales 73  6% 64  5% 9  14% 64  5% 59  5% 5  8%
Commercial 61  5% 52  4% 9  17% 65  5% 56  4% 9  16%
Other 86  7% 80  7% 6  8% 85  7% 82  7% 3  4%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            
 $1,248  100% $1,207  100% $41  3% 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  $1,271  100% $1,214  100% $57  5%
           

Video revenues consist primarily of revenues from analog and digital video services provided to our non-commercial customers. Video revenues decreased by $27$7 million, or 3%1%, from $866$849 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 to $839$842 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004.March 31, 2005. Approximately $35$21 million of the decrease was the result of the SystemsSystem Sales while the offsetting increaseand approximately an additional $24 million related to a decline in analog video customers. The decreases were offset by increases of approximately $8$33 million was primarily the result ofresulting from price increases and incremental video revenues from existing customers and approximately $5 million resulting from an increase in digital video customers, partially offset by a decline in analog video customers.

Revenues from high-speed data services provided to our non-commercial customers increased $44$47 million, or 30%28%, from $145$168 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 to $189$215 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004.March 31, 2005. Approximately 86%$35 million of the increase related to the increase in the average number of customers receiving high-speed data services, whereas approximately 14%$15 million related to the increase in average price of the service. We were also able to offer this service to more of our customers, as the estimated percentage of homes passed that could receive high-speed data service increased from 85% as of September 30, 2003 to 88% as of September 30, 2004 as a result of our system upgrades. The increase in high-speed data revenues was reduced by approximately $4$3 million as a result of the Systems Sales.

Advertising sales revenues consist primarily of revenues from commercial advertising customers, programmers and other vendors. Advertising sales increased $9$5 million, or 14%8%, from $59 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004 to $64 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003 to $73 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005, primarily as a result of an increase in nationalnew advertising campaignssales customers and election related advertising.in advertising rates. The increase was offset by a decrease of $1 million as a result of the System Sales. For each of the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2005 and 2004, and 2003, we received $3 million in advertising revenuesales revenues from vendors.

Commercial revenues consist primarily of revenues from cable video and high-speed data services to our commercial customers. Commercial revenues increased $9 million, or 17%16%, from $52$56 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 to $61$65 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005, primarily as a result of an increase in commercial high-speed data revenues. The increase was reduced by approximately $4$2 million as a result of the Systems Sales.

Other revenues consist of revenues from franchise fees, telephony revenue, equipment rental, customer installations, home shopping, dial-up Internet service, late payment fees, wire maintenance fees and other miscellaneous revenues. Other revenues increased $6$3 million, or 8%4%, from $80$82 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 to $86$85 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004.March 31, 2005. The increase was primarily the result of an increase in home shoppinginstallation revenue, telephony revenue and infomercial revenuefranchise fees and was partially offset by approximately $3$2 million as a result of the Systems Sales.Sales and decreases in home shopping revenue.

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Operating Expenses.Operating expenses increased $41$47 million, or 8%9%, from $484$512 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 to $525$559 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004.March 31, 2005. The increase in

29


operating expenses was reduced by approximately $18$12 million as a result of the System Sales. Programming costs included in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations were $328$358 million and $307$334 million, representing 9%29% and 28%32% of total costs and expenses for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2005 and 2004, and 2003, respectively. Key expense components as a percentage of revenues were as follows (dollars in millions):

                                        
 Three Months Ended September 30,
 Three Months Ended March 31, 
 2004
 2003
 2004 over 2003
 2005 2004 2005 over 2004 
 % of % of     % of % of % 
 Expenses
 Revenues
 Expenses
 Revenues
 Change
 % Change
 Expenses Revenues Expenses Revenues Change Change 
Programming $328  26% $307  25% $21  7% $358  28% $334  27% $24  7%
Advertising sales 24  2% 21  2% 3  14% 25  2% 23  2% 2  9%
Service 173  14% 156  13% 17  11% 176  14% 155  13% 21  14%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            
 $525  42% $484  40% $41  8% 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  $559  44% $512  42% $47  9%
           

Programming costs consist primarily of costs paid to programmers for analog, premium, digital channels, VOD and pay-per-view programming. The increase in programming costs of $21$24 million, or 7%, for the three months ended September 30, 2004March 31, 2005 over the three months ended September 30, 2003,March 31, 2004, was a result of price increases, particularly in sports programming, an increased number of channels carried on our systems, and an increase in digital video customers, partially offset by a decrease in analog video customers. Additionally, the increase in programming costs was reduced by $13$9 million as a result of the Systems Sales. Programming costs were offset by the amortization of payments received from programmers in support of launches of new channels of $15$9 million and $16$14 million for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2005 and 2004, and 2003, respectively.

Our cable programming costs have increased in every year we have operated in excess of customary inflationaryU.S. inflation and cost-of-living type increases, and we expect them to continue to increase because of a variety of factors, including inflationary or negotiated annual increases, additional programming being provided to customers as a result of system rebuilds that increase channel capacity,and increased costs to producepurchase programming. In 2005, we expect programming costs to increase at a higher rate than in 2004. These costs will be determined in part on the outcome of programming negotiations in 2005 and will likely be subject to offsetting events or purchase programming, increased costs for previously discounted programming and inflationary or negotiated annual increases.otherwise affected by factors similar to the ones mentioned in the preceding paragraph. Our increasing programming costs will result in declining operating margins for our video services to the extent we are unable to pass on cost increases to our customers. We expect to partially offset any resulting margin compression from our traditional video services with revenue from advanced video services, increased high-speed data revenues, advertising revenues and commercial service revenues.

Advertising sales expenses consist of costs related to traditional advertising services provided to advertising customers, including salaries, benefits and commissions. Advertising sales expenses increased $3$2 million, or 14%9%, primarily as a result of increased salary, benefit and commission costs. Service costs consist primarily of service personnel salaries and benefits, franchise fees, system utilities, Internet service provider fees, maintenance and pole rent expense. The increase in service costs of $17$21 million, or 11%14%, resulted primarily from additional activity associated with ongoingincreased labor costs to support our infrastructure, maintenance.increased equipment maintenance and higher fuel prices. The increase in service costs was reduced by $3 million as a result of the System Sales.

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Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.Selling, general and administrative expenses increaseddecreased by $17$2 million, or 7%1%, from $235$239 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 to $252$237 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004. The increaseMarch 31, 2005. Included in the decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses was reduced by $6$4 million as a result of the System Sales. Key components of expense as a percentage of revenues were as follows (dollars in millions):

                                           
 Three Months Ended September 30,
 Three Months Ended March 31, 
 2004
 2003
 2004 over 2003
 2005 2004 2005 over 2004 
 % of % of     % of % of     
 Expenses
 Revenues
 Expenses
 Revenues
 Change
 % Change
 Expenses Revenues Expenses Revenues Change % Change 
General and administrative $220  18% $204  17% $16  8% $202  16% $208  17% $(6)  (3)%
Marketing 32  2% 31  2% 1  3% 35  3% 31  3% 4  13%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            
 $252  20% $235  19% $17  7% 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  $237  19% $239  20% $(2)  (1)%
           

General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries and benefits, rent expense, billing costs, call center costs, internal network costs, bad debt expense and property taxes. The increasedecrease in general and administrative expenses of $16$6 million, or 8%3%, resulted primarily from the System Sales of $4 million, decreases in bad debt expense of $5 million, property taxes of $6 million and salaries and benefits of $4 million offset by increases in costs associated with our commercial business of $7 million, third party call center costs of $2$3 million and bad debt expenseprofessional fees of $1$6 million.

Marketing expenses increased $1$4 million, or 3%13%, as a result of an increased investment in targeted marketing and branding campaigns.

Depreciation and Amortization.Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $19$11 million, or 5%3%, from $352$370 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 to $371$381 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004.March 31, 2005. The increase in depreciation related to an increase in capital expenditures, which was offset by lower depreciation as the result of the Systems Sales.

Asset Impairment of Franchises.Charges.We performed anAsset impairment assessment during the third quarter of 2004 using an independent third-party appraiser. The use of lower projected growth rates and the resulting revised estimates of future cash flows in our valuation, primarily as a result of increased competition, led to the recognition of a $2.4 billion impairment chargecharges for the three months ended September 30, 2004.March 31, 2005 represent the write-down of assets related to two pending cable asset sales to fair value less costs to sell. See Note 3 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

(Gain) Loss on Sale of Assets, Net.LossThe loss on sale of assets of $10$4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003 primarilyMarch 31, 2005 represents the loss recognized on the disposition of fixed assets.plant and equipment. Gain on sale of assets of $106 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004 primarily represents the pretax gain realized on the sale of cable systems to Atlantic Broadband Finance, LLC which closed in March 2004.

Option Compensation Expense, Net. Option compensation expense of $8 million and $1$4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively,March 31, 2005 primarily represents options expensed in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123,Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.

Special Charges, Net.Special charges Option compensation expense of $3$14 million for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2004 represents $6 million of severance and related costs of our workforce reduction offset by $3 million received from a third party in settlement of a dispute. Special charges of $8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003 represents severance and related costs of our workforce reduction. We expect to continue to record additional special charges in 2004 related to the reorganization of our operations.

Interest Expense, Net. Net interest expense increased by $45 million, or 12%, from $368 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003 to $413 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004. The increase in net interest expense was a result of an increase in our average borrowing rate from 8.10% in the third quarter of 2003 to 8.97% in the third quarter of 2004.

Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, Net.Net gain on derivative instruments and hedging activities decreased $39 million from a gain of $31 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003 to a loss of $8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004. The decrease is primarily the result of losses

31


on interest rate agreements that do not qualify for hedge accounting under SFAS No. 133, which decreased from a gain of $31 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003 to a loss of $9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004.

Gain on Debt Exchange, Net.Net gain on debt exchange of $187 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003 represents the gain realized on the purchase of an aggregate of $1.3 billion principal amount of Charter Holdings’ senior notes and senior discount notes in consideration for an aggregate of $1.1 billion principal amount of 10.25% notes due 2010 issued by CCH II, LLC (“CCH II”). The gain is net of the write-off of deferred financing costs associated with the retired debt of $18 million.

Other, Net.Net other expense of $2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003 primarily represents losses on equity investments.

Minority Interest.Minority interest represents the 2% accretion of the preferred membership interests in our indirect subsidiary, CC VIII, LLC, and since June 6, 2003, the pro rata share of the profits and losses of CC VIII, LLC allocated to Mr. Allen.

Income Tax Benefit (Expense).Income tax benefit of $45 million and income tax expense of $1 million was recognized for the three months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

The income tax benefit recognized in the three months ended September 30, 2004 was directly related to the impairment of franchises as discussed above. We do not expect to recognize a similar benefit associated with the impairment of franchises in future periods. However, the actual tax provision calculations in future periods will be the result of current and future temporary difference as well as future operating results. The income tax expense recognized in the three months ended September 30, 2003 represents increases in the deferred tax liabilities and current federal and state income tax expenses of certain of our indirect corporate subsidiaries.

Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change, Net of Tax.Cumulative effect of accounting change of $840 million (net of minority interest effects of $19 million and tax effects of $16 million) in 2004 represents the impairment charge recorded as a result of our adoption of Topic D-108.

Net Loss. Net loss increased by $3.5 billion, from $40 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003 to $3.5 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2004 as a result of the factors described above.

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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003

The following table sets forth the percentages of revenues that items in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations constituted for the periods presented (dollars in millions):

                 
  Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2004
 2003
Revenues $3,701   100% $3,602   100%
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Costs and expenses:                
Operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)  1,552   42%  1,457   41%
Selling, general and administrative  735   20%  702   19%
Depreciation and amortization  1,105   30%  1,095   30%
Impairment of franchises  2,433   66%      
(Gain) loss on sale of assets, net  (104)  (3)%  23   1%
Option compensation expense, net  34   1%  1    
Special charges, net  100   2%  18   1%
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
   5,855   158%  3,296   92%
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Income (loss) from operations  (2,154)  (58)%  306   8%
   
 
       
 
     
Interest expense, net  (1,193)      (1,103)    
Gain on derivative instruments and hedging activities, net  48       35     
Loss on extinguishment of debt  (21)           
Gain on debt exchange, net         187     
Other, net         (3)    
   
 
       
 
     
   (1,166)      (884)    
   
 
       
 
     
Loss before minority interest, income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change  (3,320)      (578)    
Minority interest  25       (11)    
   
 
       
 
     
Loss before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change  (3,295)      (589)    
Income tax benefit (expense)  41       (3)    
   
 
       
 
     
Loss before cumulative effect of accounting change  (3,254)      (592)    
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax  (840)           
   
 
       
 
     
Net loss $(4,094)     $(592)    
   
 
       
 
     

Revenues.Revenues increased by $99 million, or 3%, from $3.6 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 to $3.7 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. This increase is principally the result of an increase of 330,200 and 24,100 high-speed data and digital video customers, respectively, as well as price increases for video and high-speed data services, and is offset partially by a decrease of 423,500 analog video customers. Included in the reduction in analog video customers and reducing the increase in digital video and high-speed data customers are 259,100 analog video customers, 94,500 digital video customers and 48,200 high-speed data customers related to the Systems Sales. The Systems Sales reduced the increase in revenues by $116 million. Our goal is to increase revenues by stabilizing our analog video customer base, implementing price increases on certain services and packages and increasing revenues from incremental high-speed data services, digital video and advanced products and services such as telephony using VOIP, VOD, high definition television and digital video recorder service provided to our customers.

33


Revenues by service offering were as follows (dollars in millions):

                         
  Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2004
 2003
 2004 over 2003
      % of     % of    
  Revenues
 Revenues
 Revenues
 Revenues
 Change
 % Change
Video $2,534   68% $2,607   73% $(73)  (3)%
High-speed data  538   14%  403   11%  135   33%
Advertising sales  205   6%  188   5%  17   9%
Commercial  175   5%  149   4%  26   17%
Other  249   7%  255   7%  (6)  (2)%
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
     
  $3,701   100% $3,602   100% $99   3%
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
     

Video revenues consist primarily of revenues from analog and digital video services provided to our non-commercial customers. Video revenues decreased by $73 million, or 3%, from $2.6 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 to $2.5 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. Approximately $84 million of the decrease was the result of the Systems Sales, while the offsetting increase of approximately $11 million was primarily the result of price increases and an increase in digital video customers, partially offset by a decline in analog video customers.

Revenues from high-speed data services provided to our non-commercial customers increased $135 million, or 33%, from $403 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 to $538 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. Approximately 88% of the increase related to the increase in the average number of customers receiving high-speed data services, whereas approximately 12% related to the increase in average price of the service. We were also able to offer this service to more of our customers, as the estimated percentage of homes passed that could receive high-speed data service increased from 85% as of September 30, 2003 to 88% as of September 30, 2004 as a result of our system upgrades. The increase in high-speed data revenues was reduced by approximately $9 million as a result of the Systems Sales.

Advertising sales revenues consist primarily of revenues from commercial advertising customers, programmers and other vendors. Advertising sales increased $17 million, or 9%, from $188 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 to $205 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, primarily as a result of an increase in national advertising campaigns and election related advertising. The increase in advertising sales was reduced by approximately $5 million as a result of the Systems Sales. For the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, we received $9 million and $10 million, respectively, in advertising revenue from vendors.

Commercial revenues consist primarily of revenues from cable video and high-speed data services to our commercial customers. Commercial revenues increased $26 million, or 17%, from $149 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 to $175 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, primarily as a result of an increase in commercial high-speed data revenues. The increase was reduced by approximately $10 million as a result of the Systems Sales.

Other revenues consist of revenues from franchise fees, telephony revenue, equipment rental, customer installations, home shopping, dial-up Internet service, late payment fees, wire maintenance fees and other miscellaneous revenues. Other revenues decreased $6 million, or 2%, from $255 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 to $249 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. Approximately $8 million of the decrease was the result of the Systems Sales, while the offsetting increase was primarily the result of an increase in home shopping and infomercial revenue.

Operating Expenses.Operating expenses increased $95 million, or 7%, from $1.5 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 to $1.6 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. The increase in operating expenses was reduced by approximately $42 million as a result of the System Sales. Programming costs included in

34


the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations were $991 million and $934 million, representing 17% and 28% of total costs and expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Key expense components as a percentage of revenues were as follows (dollars in millions):

                         
  Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2004
 2003
 2004 over 2003
      % of     % of    
  Expenses
 Revenues
 Expenses
 Revenues
 Change
 % Change
Programming $991   27% $934   26% $57   6%
Advertising sales  72   2%  65   2%  7   11%
Service  489   13%  458   13%  31   7%
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
     
  $1,552   42% $1,457   41% $95   7%
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
     

Programming costs consist primarily of costs paid to programmers for analog, premium and digital channels and pay-per-view programming. The increase in programming costs of $57 million, or 6%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 over the nine months ended September 30, 2003 was a result of price increases, particularly in sports programming, an increased number of channels carried on our systems and an increase in digital video customers, partially offset by decreases in analog video customers. Additionally, the increase in programming costs was reduced by $30 million as a result of the Systems Sales. Programming costs were offset by the amortization of payments received from programmers in support of launches of new channels of $43 million and $47 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Programming costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 also include a $5 million reduction related to the settlement of a dispute with TechTV, Inc. See note 15 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Our cable programming costs have increased in every year we have operated in excess of customary inflationary and cost-of-living type increases, and we expect them to continue to increase because of a variety of factors, including additional programming being provided to customers as a result of system rebuilds that increase channel capacity, increased costs to produce or purchase programming, increased costs for previously discounted programming and inflationary or negotiated annual increases. Our increasing programming costs will result in declining operating margins for our video services to the extent we are unable to pass on cost increases to our customers. We expect to partially offset any resulting margin compression from our traditional video services with revenue from advanced video services, increased high-speed data revenues, advertising revenues and commercial service revenues.

Advertising sales expenses consist of costs related to traditional advertising services provided to advertising customers, including salaries, benefits and commissions. Advertising sales expenses increased $7 million, or 11%, primarily due to increased salary, benefit and commission costs. Service costs consist primarily of service personnel salaries and benefits, franchise fees, system utilities, Internet service provider fees, maintenance and pole rent expense. The increase in service costs of $31 million, or 7%, resulted primarily from additional activity associated with ongoing infrastructure maintenance.

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Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $33 million, or 5%, from $702 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 to $735 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was reduced by $16 million as a result of the System Sales. Key components of expense as a percentage of revenues were as follows (dollars in millions):

                         
  Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2004
 2003
 2004 over 2003
      % of     % of    
  Expenses
 Revenues
 Expenses
 Revenues
 Change
 % Change
General and administrative $636   17% $622   17% $14   2%
Marketing  99   3%  80   2%  19   24%
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
     
  $735   20% $702   19% $33   5%
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
     

General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries and benefits, rent expense, billing costs, call center costs, internal network costs, bad debt expense and property taxes. The increase in general and administrative expenses of $14 million, or 2%, resulted primarily from increases in costs associated with our commercial business of $16 million, bad debt expense of $11 million, franchise taxes of $4 million and third party call center costs of $12 million. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in salaries and benefits of $19 million and property taxes of $14 million.

Marketing expenses increased $19 million, or 24%, as a result of an increased investment in marketing and branding campaigns.

Depreciation and Amortization.Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $10 million, or 1%, from $1.10 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 to $1.11 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. The increase in depreciation related to an increase in capital expenditures, which was offset by lower depreciation as the result of the Systems Sales.

Impairment of Franchises.We performed an impairment assessment during the third quarter of 2004 using an independent third-party appraiser. The use of lower projected growth rates and the resulting revised estimates of future cash flows in our valuation, primarily as a result of increased competition, led to the recognition of a $2.4 billion impairment charge for the nine months ended September 30, 2004.

(Gain) Loss on Sale of Assets, Net.Gain on sale of assets of $104 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 primarily represents the pretax gain realized on the sale of systems to Atlantic Broadband Finance, LLC which closed in March and April 2004. Loss on sale of assets of $23 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 primarily represents the loss recognized on the disposition of fixed assets.

Option Compensation Expense, Net. Option compensation expense of $34 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 primarily representsincludes the expense of approximately $9$6 million related to a stock option exchange program, under which our employees were offered the right to exchange all stock options (vested and unvested) issued under the 1999 Charter Communications Option Plan and 2001 Stock Incentive Plan that had an exercise price over $10 per share for shares of restricted Charter Class A common stock or, in some instances, cash. The exchange offer closed in February 2004. Additionally, during the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2004, we recognized approximately $8$3 million related to the options granted under the Charter Long-Term Incentive Program and approximately $17$5 million related to options granted following the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123,Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. Option compensation expense of $1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 primarily represents optionsand expensed in accordance with SFAS No. 123,Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.123.

Special Charges, Net.Special charges of $100$4 million for the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2005 represents $4 million of severance and related costs of our management realignment. Special charges of $10 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004 represents approximately $85 million of the aggregate value of the Charter Class A common stock and warrants to purchase

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Charter Class A common stock contemplated to be issued as part of a settlement of the consolidated federal class actions, state derivative actions and federal derivative action lawsuits, approximately $9 million of litigation costs related to the tentative settlement of athe South Carolina national class action suit all of which settlements are subject to final documentation and court approval and approximately $9$1 million of severance and related costs of our workforce reduction. Special charges for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 were offset by $3 million received from a third party in settlement of a dispute. Special charges of $18 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 represents approximately $23 million of severance and related costs of our workforce reduction partially offset by a $5 million credit from a settlement from the Internet service provider Excite@Home related to the conversion of about 145,000 high-speed data customers to our Charter Pipeline service in 2001. We expect to continue to record additional special charges in 2004 related to the continued reorganization of our operations.

Interest Expense, Net. Net interest expense increased by $90$43 million, or 8%11%, from $1.1 billion$381 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 to $1.2 billion$424 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2004.March 31, 2005. The increase in net interest expense was a result of an increase in our average borrowing rate from 8.14%8.3% in the nine months ended September 30, 2003first quarter of 2004 to 8.73%

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9.0% in the nine months ended September 30, 2004.first quarter of 2005 coupled with an increase of $616 million in average debt outstanding from $17.6 billion for the first quarter of 2004 compared to $18.2 billion for the first quarter of 2005.

Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, Net.Net gain on derivative instruments and hedging activities increased $13$34 million from $35a loss of $7 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 to $48a gain of $27 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2004.March 31, 2005. The increase is primarily the result of an increase in gains on interest rate agreements that do not qualify for hedge accounting under SFAS No. 133,Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,which increased from a gainloss of $27$6 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 to a gain of $45$26 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2004. This was coupled with a decrease in gains on interest rate agreements, as a result of hedge ineffectiveness on designated hedges, which decreased from $8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 to $3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004.March 31, 2005.

LossGain on Extinguishment of Debt.LossGain on extinguishment of debt of $21$6 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2004March 31, 2005 represents the write-off of deferred financing fees and third party costsapproximately $11 million related to the issuance of Charter Communications Operating, LLC (“Charter Operating”) refinancing in April 2004.

Gain on Debt Exchange, Net.Net gain on debt exchange of $187 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 represents the gain realized on the purchase of an aggregate of $1.3 billion principal amount of Charter Holdings’ senior notes and senior discount notes in considerationexchange for an aggregateCharter Holdings notes offset by approximately $5 million of $1.1 billion principal amountlosses related to the redemption of 10.25%our subsidiary’s, CC V Holdings, LLC, 11.875% notes due 2010 issued by CCH II. The gain is net of2008. See Note 6 to the write-off of deferred financing costs associated with the retired debt of $18 million.condensed consolidated financial statements.

Other, Net.Net other income of $1 million and net other expense of $3$1 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, primarily represents gains and losses on equity investments.

Minority Interest.Minority interest represents the 2% accretion of the preferred membership interests in our indirect subsidiary, CC VIII, LLC, and since June 6, 2003,in the first quarter of 2004, the pro rata share of the profits and losses of CC VIII, LLC. Effective January 1, 2005, the Company ceased recognizing minority interest in earnings or losses of CC VIII for financial reporting purposes until the dispute between the Company and Mr. Allen regarding the preferred membership interests in CC VIII is resolved. See Note 7 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Income Tax Benefit (Expense).Expense.Income tax benefitexpense of $41$6 million and income tax expense of $3$1 million was recognized for the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2005 and 2004, and 2003, respectively.

The income Income tax benefit recognized in the nine months ended September 30, 2004 was directly related to the impairment of franchises as discussed above. We do not expect to recognize a similar benefit associated with the impairment of franchises in future periods. However, the actual tax provision calculations in future periods will be the result of current and future temporary difference as well as future operating results. The income tax expense recognized in the nine months ended September 30, 2003 represents increases in the deferred tax liabilities and current federal and state income tax expenses of certain of our indirect corporate subsidiaries.

Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change, Net of Tax.Cumulative effect of accounting change of $840 million (net of minority interest effects of $19 million and tax effects of $16 million) in 2004 represents the impairment charge recorded as a result of our adoption of Topic D-108.

Net Loss. Net loss increased by $3.5 billion,$130 million, or 60%, from $592$218 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 to $4.1 billion$348 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2004March 31, 2005 as a result of the factors described above.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources



Introduction



This section contains a discussion of our liquidity and capital resources, including a discussion of our cash position, sources and uses of cash, access to credit facilities and other financing sources, historical financing activities, cash needs, capital expenditures and outstanding debt.

Overview

We have a significant level of debt. For the remainder of 2005, $23 million of our debt matures, and in 2006, an additional $30 million matures. In 2007 and beyond, significant additional amounts will become due under our remaining long-term debt obligations.

Our business requires significant cash to fund capital expenditures, debt service costs, capital expenditures and ongoing operations. We have historically funded our operating activities, capital requirements and debt service costs, operating activities and capital requirements through cash flows from operating activities, borrowings under our credit facilities, equity contributions from Charter Holdco, sales of assets, issuances of debt securities and cash on hand. TheHowever, the mix of funding sources changes from period to period, but forperiod. For the ninethree months ended September 30, 2004, approximately 47%March 31, 2005, we generated $142 million of our funding requirements were met fromnet cash flows from operating activities after paying cash interest of $243 million. In addition, we used approximately $211 million for purchases of property, plant and 53% from proceeds from the sale of systems. This gives effect to the use of proceeds from the sale of systems, described below, to repay long-term debt. For the nine months ended September 30, 2004,equipment. Finally, we had net cash flows used in financing activities were $431of $471 million, reflecting a netwhich included, among other things, approximately $628 million in repayment of $334 millionborrowings under the Charter Operating revolving credit facility through a series of debt. Additionally, we increasedtransactions in February 2005. This repayment was the primary reason cash on hand decreased by $6$519 million to $91 million.$27 million at March 31, 2005. We expect that our mix of sources of funds will continue to change in the future based on overall needs relative to our cash flow and on the availability of

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funds under our credit facilities, our access to the debt markets, the timing of possible asset sales and our ability to generate cash flows from operating activities.

We havedo not presently consider future asset sales as a significant levelsource of debt. Inliquidity. However, we continue to explore asset dispositions as one of several possible actions that we could take in the fourth quarter of 2004, $7.5 million offuture to improve our debt will mature and an additional $30 million of our debt will mature in each of 2005 and 2006. In addition, the Charter Operating credit facilities require the CC V Holdings, LLC notes to be redeemed within 45 days after the Charter Holdings leverage ratio discussed below is determined to be below 8.75 to 1.0. In 2007 and beyond, significant additional amounts will become due under our remaining long-term debt obligations. As the principal amounts owing under our various debt obligations become due, meeting our liquidity needs in 2007 and beyond will depend on our ability to access additional sources of capital.liquidity.

Our ability to operate depends upon, among other things, our continued access to capital, including credit under the Charter Operating credit facilities. We expect that cash on hand, cash flows from operating activities and the amounts available under our credit facilities will be adequate to meet our and Charter’s cash needs in 2004. 2005. Cash flows from operating activities and amounts available under our credit facilities may not be sufficient to permit us to fund our operations and satisfy our and Charter’s principal repayment obligations that come due in 2006 and, we believe, such amounts will not be sufficient to fund our operations and satisfy such repayment obligations thereafter.

It is likely that Charter and we will require additional funding to repay debt maturing after 2006. We have been advised that Charter is working with its financial advisors to address such funding requirements. However, there can be no assurance that such funding will be available to us. Although Mr. Allen and his affiliates have purchased equity from Charter and Charter Holdco in the past, Mr. Allen and his affiliates are not obligated to purchase equity from, contribute to or loan funds to Charter, Charter Holdco or us in the future.

Credit Facilities and Covenants

Our borrowing availabilityability to operate depends upon, among other things, our continued access to capital, including credit under the credit facilities totaled $957 million as of September 30, 2004, none of which was restricted due to covenants. See “— Certain Trends and Uncertainties — Restrictive Covenants.”

The Charter Operating credit facilities. These credit facilities, are subject toalong with our indentures, contain certain restrictive covenants, some of which require us to achievemaintain specified operating results.financial ratios and meet financial tests and to provide audited financial statements with an unqualified opinion from our independent auditors. As of September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005, we were and, as of the date of this report, we are in compliance with the covenants under our indentures and credit facilities and our indentures, and we expect to remain in compliance with those covenants throughout 2004.for the next twelve months. As of March 31, 2005, we had borrowing availability under our credit facilities of $1.2 billion, none of which was restricted due to covenants. Continued access to our credit facilities is subject to our remaining in compliance with the covenants of these credit facilities, including covenants tied to our operating performance. If our operating performance results in non-compliance with these covenants, or if any of certain other events of non-compliance under these credit facilities or indentures governing our debt occurs, funding under the credit facilities may not be available and defaults on some or potentially all of our debt obligations could occur. An event of default under the covenants governing any of our debt instruments could result in the acceleration of our payment obligations under that debt and, under certain circumstances, in cross-defaults under our other debt obligations, which could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.

The Charter Operating credit facilities required us to redeem the CC V Holdings, LLC notes as a result of the Charter Holdings leverage ratio becoming less than 8.75 to 1.0. In satisfaction of this requirement, in March 2005, CC V Holdings, LLC redeemed all of its outstanding notes, at 103.958% of principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption. The total cost of the redemption including accrued and unpaid interest was approximately $122 million and was funded with borrowings under the Charter Operating credit facilities.

Parent Company Debt Obligations

Any financial or liquidity problems of Charterour parent companies could cause serious disruption to our business and have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Charter’s ability to make interest payments on its convertible senior notes, and, in 20052006 and 2006,2009, to repay the outstanding principal of its convertible senior notes of $122 million and $863 million, respectively, will depend on its ability to raise additional capital and/or on receipt of payments or distributions from Charter Holdco or its subsidiaries, including Charter Holdings, CCH II, LLC (“CCH II”), CCO Holdings, LLC (“CCO Holdings”) and Charter Operating. The indentures governing the CCH II notes, CCO Holdings notes, and Charter Operating notes, however, restrict these entities and theirDistributions by Charter’s subsidiaries from making distributions to theira parent companiescompany (including Charter and Charter Holdco) for payment of principal on Charter’s convertible senior notes, in each casehowever, are restricted by the indentures governing the Charter Holdings notes, CCH II notes, CCO Holdings notes, and Charter Operating notes, unless under their respective indentures there is no default under the applicable indenture and a specified leverage ratio test is met.met at the time of such event. During the three months ended March 31, 2005, Charter Holdings distributed $60 million to Charter Holdco. As of March 31, 2005, Charter Holdco was owed $161 million in intercompany loans from its subsidiaries, which were available to pay interest and principal on Charter’s convertible senior notes. In addition, eachCharter has $145 million of CCH II, CCO Holdings and Charter Operating must independently assess whether such payments or distributions are advisable. CCH II, CCO Holdings and Charter Operating currently meet the applicable

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leverage ratio test under eachgovernmental securities pledged as security for the first six interest payments on Charter’s 5.875% convertible senior notes.

Charter was required to register for resale by April 21, 2005 its 5.875% convertible senior notes due 2009, issued in November 2004. Since these convertible notes were not registered by that date, Charter is incurring liquidated damages, at a rate from 0.25% per annum of their respective indentures,the accreted principal amount of the convertible notes. The rate will increase to 0.50% from and therefore areafter July 20, 2005 if the notes have not currently prohibitedbeen registered by that date. The liquidated damages will be payable by Charter in cash so long as the convertible notes remain unregistered, but not to exceed a maximum period of two years from making anythe original issuance date. In addition, Charter was required to register by April 1, 2005 150 million shares of its Class A common stock that Charter expects to lend to Citigroup Global Markets Limited pursuant to a share lending agreement. Because this registration statement was not declared effective by such distributionsdate, Charter is incurring liquidated damages from April 2, 2005 until the effective date of the registration statement. These liquidated damages can be paid in cash or additional principal on a monthly basis. These liquidated damages accrue as incurred at a rate of 0.25% per month of the accreted principal amount of the convertible notes for the first 60 days of the default and 0.50% per month of the accreted principal amount of the convertible notes thereafter (or 0.375% and 0.75% per month respectively, if in lieu of paying such liquidated damages in cash, Charter elects to their respective direct parent.pay such damages by adding to the outstanding principal amount of the notes). In April 2005, the first liquidated damage payment was made in cash. Such amounts will accrue so long as the convertible notes remain unregistered, but not to exceed a maximum period of two years from the original issuance date.

Specific Limitations at Charter Holdings

The indentures governing the Charter Holdings notes permit Charter Holdings to make distributions to Charter Holdco for payment of interest or principal on Charter’sthe convertible senior notes, only if, after giving effect to the distribution, Charter Holdings couldcan incur additional debt under athe leverage ratio test of 8.75 to 1.0, there is no default under Charter Holdings’ indentures and other specified tests are met. For the quarter ended September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005, there werewas no defaultsdefault under the Charter HoldingsHoldings’ indentures and the other specified tests were met. However, Charter Holdings continueddid not to meet the leverage ratio test of 8.75 to 1.0 at September 30, 2004.based on March 31, 2005 financial results. As a result, distributions from Charter Holdings to Charter or Charter Holdco have beenare currently restricted and will continue to be restricted until that test is met.

During this restriction period, the indentures governing the Charter Holdings notes permit Charter Holdings and its subsidiaries to make specified investments in Charter Holdco or Charter, up to an amount determined by a formula, as long as there is no default under the indentures.

Charter does not expect that cash flows from operating activities and amounts available under its credit facilities will be sufficient to fund its operations and permit Charter to satisfy its principal repayment obligations that come due in 2005 and thereafter. In the event that Charter is not able to demonstrate that it has access to liquidity in an amount sufficient to fund its business and to make principal repayment obligations that come due in 2005 and thereafter, Charter and its subsidiaries’ ability to receive an unqualified opinion from an independent registered public accounting firm may be adversely affected. The failure of Charter Operating to receive an unqualified opinion would constitute a default under Charter Operating’s credit facilities. An event of default under the covenants governing any of our debt instruments could result in the acceleration of our payment obligations under that debt and, under certain circumstances, in cross-defaults under our other debt obligations, which would have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

As a result of the foregoing, it is likely that Charter or Charter Holdco will require additional funding to repay debt maturing in 2005 and 2006. We understand that Charter is working with its financial advisors to address such funding requirements. However, there can be no assurance that such funding will be available to Charter. Although Mr. Allen and his affiliates have purchased equity from Charter and its subsidiaries in the past, Mr. Allen and his affiliates are not obligated to purchase equity from, contribute to or loan funds to Charter or its subsidiaries in the future.

It is likely that ourOur significant amount of debt willcould negatively affect our ability to access additional capital in the future. No assurances can be given that we will not experience liquidity problems because of adverse market conditions, increased competition or other unfavorable events or if we do not obtain sufficient additional financing on a timely basis as our debt becomes due.due or because of adverse market conditions, increased competition or other unfavorable events. If, at any time, additional capital or borrowing capacity is required beyond amounts internally generated or available through existingunder our credit facilities or through additional debt or equity financings, we would consider:

  issuing debt or equity at the Charter or Charter Holdco level, the proceeds of which could be loaned or contributed to us;
 
•  issuing debt securities that may have structural or other priority over our existing notes;
  further reducing our expenses and capital expenditures, which would likelymay impair our ability to increase revenue;
 
  selling assets;
issuing debt securities that may have structural or other priorities over our existing notes; or
 
  requesting waivers or amendments with respect to our credit facilities, the availability and terms of which would be subject to market conditions.

If the above strategies are not successful, ultimately, we could be forced to restructure our obligations or seek protection under the bankruptcy laws. In addition, if we need to raise additional capital through the issuance of equity or find it necessary to engage in a recapitalization or other similar transaction, our noteholders might not receive all principal and interest payments to which they are contractually entitled.

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contractually entitled.Sale of Assets

OnIn March 1, 2004, we closed the sale of certain cable systems in Florida, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware and West Virginia to Atlantic Broadband Finance, LLC. We closed on the sale of an additional cable system in New York to Atlantic Broadband Finance, LLC in April 2004. Subject to post closingpost-closing contractual adjustments, we expect the total net proceeds from the sale of all of these systems to bewere approximately $733 million, of which $5 million is currently held in an indemnity escrow account (with the unused portion thereof to be released by March 1, 2005).million. The proceeds received to date have beenwere used to repay a portion of our revolving credit facilities.

Long-Term Debt

As of September 30, 2004March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2003,2004, long-term debt totaled approximately $17.7$18.0 billion and $17.9$18.5 billion, respectively. This debt was comprised of approximately $5.4$5.1 billion and $7.2$5.5 billion of credit facility debt and $12.3$12.9 billion and $10.6$13.0 billion principal amountaccreted value of high-yield notes, at September 30, 2004respectively. As of March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2003, respectively. As of September 30, 2004, and December 31, 2003, the weighted average interest rate on the credit facility debt was approximately 6.6%7.0% and 5.4%6.8%, respectively, and the weighted average interest rate on the high-yield notes was approximately 10.3%9.9% and 9.9%, respectively, resulting in a blended weighted average interest rate of 9.0%9.1% and 8.3%9.0%, respectively. Approximately 85%The interest rate on approximately 81% and 82% of the total principal amount of our debt was effectively fixed, including the effects of our interest rate hedge agreements as of September 30, 2004 compared to approximately 79% atMarch 31, 2005 and December 31, 2003.2004, respectively.

April 2004Issuance of Charter Operating Notes.Notes in Exchange for Charter Holdings Notes

In April 2004, Charter Holdings’ indirect subsidiaries,March 2005, Charter Operating, and Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., jointly issued $1.1 billionconsummated exchange transactions with a small number of 8% senior second lien notes due 2012 and $400 million of 8 3/8% senior second lien notes due 2014, for total gross proceeds of $1.5 billion. These notes are structurally senior to the notesinstitutional holders of Charter Charter Holdings CCH II and CCO Holdings and rank equally with all other current or future unsubordinated obligations of Charter Operating. The8.25% Senior Notes due 2007 pursuant to which Charter Operating notes are structurally subordinated to all obligations of Charter Operating’s subsidiaries, including Charter Operating’s credit facilities described below.

At any time prior to April 30, 2007, the issuers of the 8% senior second lien notes may redeem, onissued, in a pro rata basis, up to 35% of the total originalprivate placement, approximately $271 million principal amount of these notes with proceeds from public equity sales at a redemption price equal to 108%its 8.375% Senior Second Lien Notes due 2014 in exchange for approximately $284 million of the Charter Holdings 8.25% Senior Notes due 2007. The Charter Holdings notes received in the exchange were thereafter distributed to Charter Holdings and cancelled.

CC V Holdings, LLC Notes

In March 2005, CC V Holdings, LLC redeemed all of its 11.875% notes due 2008, at 103.958% of principal amount, thereof, plus any accrued and unpaid interest. Interest oninterest to the $1.1 billion 8% senior second lien notes accrues at 8% per yeardate of redemption. The total cost of redemption was approximately $122 million and is payable semi-annually in arrears on each April 30was funded through borrowings under our credit facilities. Following such redemption, CC V Holdings, LLC and October 30, commencing on October 30, 2004.

At any time prior to April 30, 2007, the issuers of the 8 3/8% senior second lien notes may redeem, on a pro rata basis, up to 35% of the total original principal amount of these notes with proceeds from public equity sales at a redemption price equal to 108.375% of the principal amount thereof, plus any accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, Charter Operating may redeem all or any portion of these notes on or after April 30, 2009, at an initial purchase price equal to 104.188% of the outstanding principal amount redeemed, declining ratably to 100% for redemptions on or after April 30, 2012, plus any accrued and unpaid interest. Interest on the $400 million 8 3/8% senior second lien notes accrues at 8 3/8% per year and is payable semi-annually in arrears on each April 30 and October 30, commencing on October 30, 2004.

In the event of specified change of control events, Charter Operating must offer to purchase the outstanding Charter Operating senior second lien notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the total principal amount of the notes, plus any accrued and unpaid interest.

Until the guarantee and pledge date (as defined in the indenture governing the Charter Operating notes, generally the fifth business day after the Charter Holdings leverage ratio is certified to be below 8.75 to 1.0), the Charter Operating notes are secured by a second-priority lien on substantially all of Charter Operating’s assets that secure the obligations of Charter Operating underits subsidiaries (other than non-guarantor subsidiaries) guaranteed the Charter Operating credit facilities and specified related obligations. The collateral consists of substantially all of Charter Operating’s direct assets in which security interests may be perfected under the Uniform Commercial Code by filinggranted a financing statement (including capital stock and intercompany obligations).

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On and after the guarantee and pledge date, the collateral for the Charter Operating notes will consist of all of Charter Operating’s and its subsidiaries’ assets that secure the obligations of Charter Operating or any subsidiary of Charter Operating with respect to the Charter Operating credit facility and the related obligations or certain other indebtednesslien on such date. It is currently contemplated that, as of the guarantee and pledge date, such collateral will consist of the capital stock of Charter Operating held by CCO Holdings, all of the intercompany obligations owing to CCO Holdings by Charter Operating or any subsidiary of Charter Operating, and substantially all of Charter Operating’s and the guarantors’ assets (other than the assets of CCO Holdings) in which security interests may be perfected under the Uniform Commercial Code by filing a financing statement (including capital stock and intercompany obligations).

In addition, within a time frame specified under the Charter Operating credit facilities, Charter Operating will be required to redeem or cause to be redeemed in full the notes outstanding under the CC V Holdings, LLC indenture. In addition, when Charter Operating or its subsidiaries exercise any option to redeem in full the notes outstanding under the Renaissance Media Group, LLC (“Renaissance”) or CC V Holdings, LLC indentures, then, provided that the leverage ratio test remains satisfied, the Renaissance or CC V Holdings, LLC entities will be required to guarantee the Charter Operating credit facilities and the related obligations and to secure those guarantees with first-priority liens, and to guarantee the notes and to secure the Charter Operating senior second lien notes with second-priority liens, on substantially all of their assets inas to which security interests may be perfected under the Uniform Commercial Code by filing a financing statement (including capital stock and intercompany obligations).

Charter Operating Credit Facilities.In April 2004, the Charter Operating credit facilities were amended and restated concurrently with the sale of $1.5 billion senior second lien notes described above, among other things, to defer maturities and increase availability under these facilities and to enable Charter Operating to acquire the interests of the lenders under the CC VI Operating Company, LLC (“CC VI Operating”), CC VIII Operating, LLC (“CC VIII Operating”) and the Falcon Cable Communications, LLC (“Falcon Cable”) credit facilities. The Charter Operating credit facilities increased the availability from $5.1 billion to $6.5 billion and provide for two term facilities, one with a total principal amount of $2.0 billion, of which 12.5% matures in 2007, 30% matures in 2008, 37.5% matures in 2009 and 20% matures in 2010 (Term A); and one with a total principal amount of $3.0 billion, which is repayable in 27 equal quarterly installments aggregating in each loan year to approximately $30 million, with the remaining balance due at final maturity in 2011 (Term B). The amended and restated Charter Operating credit facilities also provide for a revolving credit facility, in a total amount of $1.5 billion, with a maturity date in 2010. Amounts under the amended and restated Charter Operating credit facilities bear interest, at Charter Operating’s election, at a base rate or the Eurodollar rate, as defined, plus a margin for Eurodollar loans of up to 3.00% for the Term A and revolving credit facilities and up to 3.25% for the Term B credit facility, and for base rate loans, up to 2.00% for the Term A facility and revolving credit facilities and up to 2.25% for the Term B credit facility. A quarterly commitment fee of up to 0.75% is payable on the unused balance of the revolving credit facility.

Obligations under the amended commitment amount of $6.5 billion are secured by a lien on all assets of Charter Operating, to the extent such lien can be perfected under the Uniform Commercial Code by the filing of a financing statement, which assets include capital stock owned by Charter Operating and intercompany obligations owing to it, including from its subsidiaries, CC VI Operating, CC VIII Operating and Falcon Cable.statement.

Obligations arising under the original commitment amount of $5.1 billion continue to be guaranteed by CCO Holdings and by Charter Operating’s subsidiaries, other than the non-guarantor subsidiaries (defined below). The “non-guarantor subsidiaries,” generally include CCO NR Holdings, LLC and subsidiaries contributed to CCO NR Holdings, LLC by Charter Holdings in the organizational restructuring that occurred in June 2003, including CC VI Operating, CC VIII Operating, Falcon Cable, and their respective subsidiaries. Obligations arising under the original commitment amount of $5.1 billion continue to be secured by a pledge of the equity interests owned by the subsidiary guarantors and intercompany obligations owing to the subsidiary guarantors, as well as a pledge of CCO Holdings’ equity interests in Charter Operating and its subsidiaries, and intercompany obligations owing to CCO Holdings by Charter Operating and its subsidiaries and intercompany obligations owing to the subsidiary guarantors.

At such time as Charter Holdings’ leverage ratio is determined to be below 8.75 to 1.0: (i) the guarantors’ guarantees will be amended to increase the amount guaranteed to include all of the obligations arising under the amended commitment amount of $6.5 billion; (ii) most of the non-guarantor subsidiaries will become additional subsidiary

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guarantors of the amended commitment amount of $6.5 billion; and (iii) such guarantees will be secured by a lien on all assets of the subsidiary guarantors to the extent such lien can be perfected under the Uniform Commercial Code by filing a financing statement; provided that the guarantee and pledge of such interests is not otherwise restricted by certain of Charter Holdings’ subsidiaries’ indentures.

The Charter Operating credit facilities permit Charter Operating and its subsidiaries to make distributions to pay interest on the Charter Operating senior second lien notes, the CCO Holdings senior notes, the CCH II senior notes, the Charter Holdings senior notes and Charter’s convertible senior notes, provided that, among other things, no default has occurred and is continuing under the amended and restated Charter Operating credit facilities. Conditions to future borrowings include the absence of a default or an event of default under the amended and restated Charter Operating credit facilities and the continued accuracy in all material respects of the representations and warranties, including the absence since December 31, 2003 of any event, development or circumstance that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse affect on our business.

The events of default under the Charter Operating credit facilities include those customary for financings of this type, as well as events of default for, among other things: (i) the failure to pay or the occurrence of events that result in the acceleration of other indebtedness owing by certain of CCO Holdings’ direct and indirect parent companies in amounts in excess of $200 million in aggregate principal amount, (ii) Paul Allen and/or certain of his family members and/or their exclusively owned entities ceasing to have power, directly or indirectly, to vote at least 35% of the ordinary voting power of Charter Operating, and (iii) certain of Charter Operating’s direct or indirect parent companies having indebtedness in excess of $500 million aggregate principal amount which remains undefeased three months prior to the final maturity of such indebtedness.

Charter Operating used the additional borrowings under the credit facilities, together with proceeds from the sale of the Charter Operating senior second lien notes to refinance the credit facilities of its subsidiaries, CC VI Operating, Falcon Cable, and CC VIII Operating, all in concurrent transactions. In addition, Charter Operating was substituted as the lender in place of the banks under those subsidiaries’ credit facilities.

As noted above, our access to capital from our credit facilities is contingent on compliance with a number of restrictive covenants, including covenants tied to our operating performance. We may not be able to comply with all of these restrictive covenants. If there is an event of default under our credit facilities, such as the failure to maintain the applicable required financial ratios, we would be unable to borrow under these credit facilities, which could materially adversely impact our ability to operate our business and to make payments under our debt instruments. In addition, an event of default under certain of our debt obligations, if not waived, may result in the acceleration of those debt obligations, which could in turn result in the acceleration of other debt obligations, and could result in the exercise of remedies by our creditors and could force us to seek the protection of the bankruptcy laws.

Our significant amount of debt and the interest charges incurred to service debt may adversely affect our ability to obtain financing in the future and react to changes in our business. We may need additional capital if we do not achieve our projected revenues, or if our operating expenses increase. If we are not able to obtain such capital from increases in our cash flows from operating activities, additional borrowings or other sources, we may not be able to fund customer demand for digital video, high-speed data or telephony services, offer certain services in certain of our markets or compete effectively. Consequently, our financial condition and results of operations could suffer materially. See the section entitled “Liquidity and Capital Resources” of “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in our 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a description of certain terms, restrictions and covenants in our subsidiaries’ notes other than the Charter Operating notes issued in April 2004.

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Historical Operating, Financing and Investing Activities

We held $91$27 million in cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2004March 31, 2005 compared to $85$546 million as of December 31, 2003.2004. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents reflects the repayment of approximately $628 million of borrowings under our revolving credit facilities through a series of transactions in February 2005.

Operating Activities.Net cash provided by operating activities decreased $237increased $71 million, or 40%100%, from $590$71 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 to $353$142 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2004.March 31, 2005. For the ninethree months ended September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005, net cash provided by operating activities decreasedincreased primarily as a result of changes in operating assets and liabilities that used $30provided $125 million more cash during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2004March 31, 2005 than the corresponding period in 2003 and2004 offset by an increase in cash interest expense of $171$70 million over the corresponding prior period. The change in operating assets and liabilities is primarily the result of the benefit in the nine months ended September 30, 2003 from collection of receivables from programmers related to network launches, while accounts receivable remained essentially flat in the nine months ended September 30, 2004.

Investing Activities.Net cash used by investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2005 was $190 million and net cash provided by investing activities for the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2004 was $84 million and net cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 was $592$531 million. Investing activities provided $676used $721 million more cash during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2004March 31, 2005 than the corresponding period in 20032004 primarily as a result of proceeds from the sale of certain cable systems to Atlantic Broadband Finance, LLC.LLC in 2004 offset by increased cash used for capital expenditures in 2005.

Financing Activities.Net cash used in financing activities decreased $144 million from $615 million for the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2004 and 2003 was $431to $471 million and $256 million, respectively.for the three months ended March 31, 2005. The increasedecrease in cash

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used during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005 as compared to the corresponding period in 2003,2004, was primarily the result of an increase in net repayments of long-term debt.borrowings from related parties.

Capital Expenditures

We have significant ongoing capital expenditure requirements. Capital expenditures were $616$211 million and $481$187 million for the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. In addition, Charter Holdco transferred $139 million of property, plant and 2003, respectively. The majorityequipment to us. Capital expenditures increased as a result of theincreased spending on support capital expenditures for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 related to our investment in service improvements and scalable infrastructure related to telephony services and digital simulcast offset by a decrease in the purchase of customer premise equipment costs.equipment. See the table below for more details.



Upgrading our cable systems has enabled us to offer digital television, high-speed data services, VOD, interactive services, additional channels and tiers, and expanded pay-per-view options to a larger customer base. Our capital expenditures are funded primarily from cash flows from operating activities, the issuance of debt equity contributions from Charter Holdco and borrowings under credit facilities. In addition, during the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2005 and 2004, and 2003, our liabilities related to capital expenditures decreased $11increased $16 million and $102decreased $7 million, respectively.

During 2004,2005, we expect capital expenditures to spend a totalbe approximately $1 billion. The increase in capital expenditures for 2005 compared to 2004 is the result of $850 million to $950 million on capital expenditures.expected increases in telephony services and deployment of advanced digital boxes. We expect that the nature of these expenditures will continue to shift from upgrade/rebuild costs tobe composed primarily of purchases of customer premise equipment and for scalable infrastructure costs. We expect to fund capital expenditures for 20042005 primarily from cash flows from operating activities and borrowings under our credit facilities.



We have adopted capital expenditure disclosure guidance, which was developed by eleven publicly traded cable system operators, including Charter, with the support of the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (“NCTA”). The new disclosure is intended to provide more consistency in the reporting of operating statistics in capital expenditures and customers among peer companies in the cable industry. These disclosure guidelines are not required disclosure under GAAP, nor do they impact our accounting for capital expenditures under GAAP.

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The following table presents our major capital expenditures categories in accordance with NCTA disclosure guidelines for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2005 and 2004 and 2003 (dollars in millions):

            
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended        
 September 30,
 September 30,
 Three Months Ended March 31, 
 2004
 2003
 2004
 2003
 2005 2004 
Customer premise equipment (a) $127 $118 $344 $253  $86 $112 
Scalable infrastructure (b) 21 15 54 35  42 19 
Line extensions (c) 34 38 94 69  29 25 
Upgrade/Rebuild (d) 10 33 28 76  10 12 
Support capital (e) 44 23 96 48  44 19 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
 
Total capital expenditures (f) $236 $227 $616 $481  $211 $187 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      


(a) Customer premise equipment includes costs incurred at the customer residence to secure new customers, revenue units and additional bandwidth revenues. It also includes customer installation costs in accordance with SFAS 51 and customer premise equipment (e.g., set-top terminals and cable modems, etc.).
 
(b) Scalable infrastructure includes costs, not related to customer premise equipment or our network, to secure growth of new customers, revenue units and additional bandwidth revenues or provide service enhancements (e.g., headend equipment).
 
(c) Line extensions include network costs associated with entering new service areas (e.g., fiber/coaxial cable, amplifiers, electronic equipment, make-ready and design engineering).
 
(d) Upgrade/rebuild includes costs to modify or replace existing fiber/coaxial cable networks, including betterments.
 
(e) Support capital includes costs associated with the replacement or enhancement of non-network assets due to technological and physical obsolescence (e.g., non-network equipment, land, buildings and vehicles).
 
(f) Represents all capital expenditures made during the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2005 and 2004, and 2003, respectively.

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Certain Trends and Uncertainties

The following discussion highlights a number of trends and uncertainties, in addition to those discussed elsewhere in this quarterly report and in the “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” section of Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our 20032004 Annual Report on Form 10-K, that could materially impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Substantial Leverage.We have a significant amount of debt. As of September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005, our total debt was approximately $17.7$18.0 billion. InFor the fourth quarterremainder of 2004, $7.52005, $23 million of our debt will mature. Anmatures and in 2006, an additional $30 million of our debt will mature in each of 2005 and 2006.matures. In 2007 and beyond, significant additional amounts will become due under our remaining obligations. We believe that as a result of our significant levels of debt and operating performance, our access to the debt markets could be limited when substantial amounts of our current indebtedness become due. If our business does not generate sufficient cash flow from operating activities, and sufficient funds are not available to us from borrowings under our credit facilities or from other sources, we may not be able to repay our debt, grow our business, respond to competitive challenges, or to fund our other liquidity and capital needs.needs, grow our business or respond to competitive challenges. Further, if we are unable to repay or refinance thatour debt, as it becomes due, we could be forced to restructure our obligations or seek protection under the bankruptcy laws. If we were to engage in a recapitalization or other similar transaction, our noteholders might not receive all principal and interest payments to which they are contractually entitled on a timely basis or at all. For more information, see the section above entitled “-“— Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

Restrictive Covenants.Our credit facilities and the indentures governing our publicly held notesother debt contain a number of significant covenants that could adversely impact our business. In particular,ability to operate our credit facilitiesbusiness, and indenturestherefore could adversely affect our results of operations. These covenants restrict our and our subsidiaries’ ability to:

pay dividends or make other distributions;

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 make certain investments or acquisitions;
enter into related party transactions;
dispose of assets or merge;
  incur additional debt;
 
issue equity;
  repurchase or redeem equity interests and debt;
 
•  issue equity;
•  make certain investments or acquisitions;
•  pay dividends or make other distributions;
•  dispose of assets or merge;
•  enter into related party transactions;
  grant liens; and
 
  pledge assets.

Furthermore, our credit facilities require us to, among other things, maintain specified financial ratios, meet specified financial tests and provide audited financial statements with an unqualified opinion from anour independent registered public accounting firm.auditors. Our ability to comply with these provisions may be affected by events beyond our control.

The breach of any of these covenants willor obligations in the foregoing indentures or credit facilities, not otherwise waived or amended, could result in a default under the applicable debt agreement or instrument and could trigger acceleration of the related debt, under the applicable agreement, andwhich in certain casesturn could trigger defaults under other agreements governing our long-term indebtedness. In addition, the secured lenders under the Charter Operating credit facilities and the Charter Operating senior second-lien notes could foreclose on their collateral, which includes equity interests in our subsidiaries, and exercise other rights of secured creditors. Any default under thethose credit facilities, the indentures governing our notes or indentures applicable to usour subsidiaries’ debt could adversely affect our growth, our financial condition and our results of operations and theour ability to make payments on our publicly held notes and thosethe credit facilities and other debt of our subsidiaries, and our credit facilities.subsidiaries. For more information, see the section above entitled “-“— Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

Liquidity.Our business requires significant cash to fund capital expenditures, debt service costs, capital expenditures and ongoing operations. Our ongoing operations will depend on our ability to generate cash and to secure financing in the future. We have historically funded liquidity and capital requirements through cash flows from operating activities, borrowings under our credit facilities, issuances of debt securities, loans or equity contributions from Charter Holdco issuances of debt securities and cash on hand. Currently, we do not expect that cash flows from operating activities and amounts available under our credit facilities will be sufficient to permit us to satisfy our principal repayment obligations.

Our ability to operate depends upon, among other things, our continued access to capital, including credit under ourthe Charter Operating credit facilities. Our access to those funds isThese credit facilities are subject to our satisfactioncertain restrictive covenants, some of the covenants in those credit facilitieswhich require us to maintain specified financial ratios and the indentures governing our debt. In the event that we are not able to demonstrate that we have access to liquidity in an amount sufficient to fund our businessmeet financial tests and to make principal repayment obligations, we and our subsidiaries’ ability to receiveprovide audited financial statements

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with an unqualified opinion from anour independent registered public accounting firmauditors. As of March 31, 2005, we were in compliance with the covenants under our indentures and credit facilities, and we expect to remain in compliance with those covenants for the next twelve months. If our operating performance results in non-compliance with these covenants, or if any of certain other events of non-compliance under these credit facilities or indentures governing our debt occurs, funding under the credit facilities may not be adversely affected. The failureavailable and defaults on some or potentially all of Charter Operating to receive an unqualified opinion would constitute a default under Charter Operating’s credit facilities.our debt obligations could occur. An event of default under the credit facilities or indentures, if not waived, could result in the acceleration of those debt obligations and, consequently, other debt obligations. Such acceleration could result in exercise of remedies by our creditors and could force us to seek the protection of the bankruptcy laws, which could materially adversely impact our ability to operate our business and to make payments under our debt instruments. As of March 31, 2005, we had borrowing availability under our credit facilities of $1.2 billion, none of which was restricted due to covenants

If, at any time, additional capital or capacity is required beyond amounts internally generated or available through existingunder our credit facilities or through additional debt or equity financings, we would consider:

  issuing debt or equity at the Charter or Charter Holdco level, the proceeds of which could be loaned or contributed to us;
 
•  issuing debt securities that may have structural or other priority over our existing notes;
  further reducing our expenses and capital expenditures, which would likelymay impair our ability to increase revenue;
 
  selling assets;
issuing debt securities which may have structural or other priorities over our existing notes; or
 
  requesting waivers or amendments with respect to our credit facilities, the availability and terms of which would be subject to market conditions.

If the above strategies were not successful, we could be forced to restructure our obligations or seek protection under the bankruptcy laws. If we were to find it necessary to engage in a recapitalization or other similar transaction, our noteholders might not receive all or any principal and interest payments to which they are contractually entitled on a timely basis.entitled. For more information, see the section above entitled “-“— Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

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Charter Liquidity Concerns.Concerns.Charter has a significant amount of debt.debt and may incur additional debt in the future. At September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005, Charter had approximately $744$122 million and $863 million aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes outstanding, which mature in 20052006 and 2006. 2009, respectively. Charter will need to raise additional capital or receive distributions or payments from us in order to satisfy its debt obligations.

Charter’s ability to make interest payments on its convertible senior notes, is dependentand, in 2006 and 2009, to repay the outstanding principal of its convertible senior notes of $122 million and $863 million, respectively, will depend on its ability to obtainraise additional financing andcapital and/or on us makingreceipt of payments or distributions loans, or payments tofrom Charter Holdco or its subsidiaries, including Charter Holdings, CCH II, CCO Holdings and Charter Operating. Distributions by Charter’s subsidiaries to a parent company (including Charter and Charter Holdco) for payment of principal on Charter Holdco paying or distributing such funds to Charter.

TheCharter’s convertible senior notes, however, are restricted by the indentures governing the Charter Holdings notes, CCH II notes, CCO Holdings notes, and Charter Operating notes, restrict those notes issuers from making distributions tounless under their parent companies (including Charter and Charter Holdco) for payment of principal on parent company notes, in each case unlessrespective indentures there is no default under those indentures and a specified leverage ratio test is met at the time of such event. During the three months ended March 31, 2005, Charter Holdings distributed $60 million to Charter Holdco. As of March 31, 2005, Charter Holdco was owed $161 million in intercompany loans from its subsidiaries, which were available to pay interest and principal on Charter’s convertible senior notes. In addition, Charter has $145 million of governmental securities pledged as security for the first six interest payments on Charter’s 5.875% convertible senior notes.

Charter was required to register for resale by April 21, 2005 its 5.875% convertible senior notes due 2009, issued in November 2004. Since these convertible notes were not registered by that date, Charter is incurring liquidated damages, at a rate from 0.25% per annum of the accreted principal amount of the convertible notes. The rate will increase to 0.50% from and after July 20, 2005 if the notes have not been registered by that date. The liquidated damages will be payable by Charter in cash so long as the convertible notes remain unregistered, but not to exceed a maximum period of two years from the original issuance date. In addition, Charter was required to register by April 1, 2005 150 million shares of its Class A common stock that Charter expects to lend to Citigroup Global Markets Limited pursuant to a share lending agreement. Because this registration statement was not declared effective by such date, Charter is incurring liquidated damages from April 2, 2005 until the effective date of the registration statement. These liquidated damages can be met.paid in cash or additional principal on a monthly basis. These

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liquidated damages accrue as incurred at a rate of 0.25% per month of the accreted principal amount of the convertible notes for the first 60 days of the default and 0.50% per month of the accreted principal amount of the convertible notes thereafter (or 0.375% and 0.75% per month respectively, if in lieu of paying such liquidated damages in cash, Charter elects to pay such damages by adding to the outstanding principal amount of the notes). In addition, eachApril 2005, the first liquidated damage payment was made in cash. Such amounts will accrue so long as the convertible notes remain unregistered, but not to exceed a maximum period of CCH II, CCO Holdings and Charter Operating must independently assess whether such payments or distributions are advisable. CCH II, CCO Holdings and Charter Operating currently meettwo years from the applicable leverage ratio test under each of their respective indentures, and therefore are not currently prohibited from making any such distributions to their respective direct parent.original issuance date.

The indentures governing the Charter Holdings notes permit Charter Holdings to make distributions to Charter Holdco for payment of interest or principal on Charter’sthe convertible senior notes, only if, after giving effect to the distribution, Charter Holdings couldcan incur additional debt under athe leverage ratio test of 8.75 to 1.0, there is no default under Charter Holdings’ indentures and other specified tests are met. For the quarter ended September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005, there werewas no defaultsdefault under the Charter HoldingsHoldings’ indentures and other specified tests were met. However, Charter Holdings continueddid not to meet the leverage ratio test at September 30, 2004.of 8.75 to 1.0 based on March 31, 2005 financial results. As a result, distributions from Charter Holdings to Charter Holdco or Charter again have beenHoldco are currently restricted and will continue to be restricted until that test is met.

During this restriction period, the indentures governing the Charter currently has sufficient assets to pay interest due onHoldings notes permit Charter Holdings and its outstanding convertible senior notes during 2004. However, Charter’s abilitysubsidiaries to make interest payments,specified investments in Charter Holdco or principal payments at maturity in 2005 and 2006, on its outstanding convertible senior notesCharter, up to an amount determined by a formula, as long as there is contingent upon it obtaining additional debt and/or equity financing or receiving distributions or other payments from its subsidiaries. no default under the indentures.

Because Charter is our manager, any financial or liquidity problems of Charter could cause serious disruption to our business and have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. Any such event could adversely impact our own credit rating, and our relations with customers and suppliers, which could in turn further impair our ability to obtain financing and operate our business. Further, to the extent that any such event results in a change of control of Charter (whether through a bankruptcy, receivership or other reorganization of Charter and/or Charter Holdco, or otherwise), it could result in an event of default under our credit facilities and would require a change of control repurchase offer under our outstanding notes.

Charter does not expect that cash flows from operating activities and amounts available under its credit facilities will be sufficient to fund its operations and permit Charter to satisfy its principal repayment obligations that come due in 2005 and thereafter. In the event that Charter is not able to demonstrate that it has access to liquidity in an amount sufficient to fund its business and to make principal repayment obligations that come due in 2005 and thereafter, Charter and its subsidiaries’ ability to receive an unqualified opinion from an independent registered public accounting firm may be adversely affected. The failure of Charter Operating to receive an unqualified opinion would constitute a default under Charter Operating’s credit facilities. An event of default under the covenants governing any of the Company’s debt instruments could result in the acceleration of its payment obligations under that debt and, under certain circumstances, in cross-defaults under its other debt obligations, which would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations. See “- Liquidity” and “- Long-Term Indebtedness — Change of Control Payments.”

Acceleration of Indebtedness of Our Indebtedness.Subsidiaries.In the event of a default under our credit facilities or notes, our creditors could elect to declare all amounts borrowed, together with accrued and unpaid interest and other fees, to be due and payable. In such event, our credit facilities and indentures would not permit Charter Holdings’ subsidiaries to distribute funds to Charter Holdings to pay interest or principal on its notes. If the amounts outstanding under such credit facilities or notes are accelerated, all of the debt and liabilities of Charter Holdings’ subsidiaries would be payable from the subsidiaries’ assets, of Charter Holdings’ subsidiaries, prior to any distribution of Charter Holdings’the subsidiaries’ assets to pay the interest and principal amounts on Charter Holdings’ notes. In addition, the lenders under our credit facilities could foreclose on their collateral, which includes equity interests in Charter Holdings’ subsidiaries, and they could exercise other rights

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of secured creditors. In any such case, we might not be able to repay or make any payments on Charter Holdings’our notes. Additionally, an acceleration or payment default under our credit facilities would cause a cross-default in the indentures governing our notes.the Charter Holdings notes, CCH II notes, CCO Holdings notes and Charter Operating notes and would trigger the cross-default provision of the Charter Operating credit agreement. Any default under any of our credit facilities or notes might adversely affect the holders of our notes and our growth, financial condition and results of operations and could force us to examine all options, including seeking the protection of the bankruptcy laws.

Charter Holdings’ Notes are Structurally Subordinated to all Liabilities of Charter Holdings’its Subsidiaries.The borrowers and guarantors under the Charter Operating credit facilities and senior second liensecond-lien notes are Charter Holdings’ indirect subsidiaries of Charter Holdings.subsidiaries. A number of Charter Holdings’ subsidiaries are also obligors under other debt instruments, including CCH II, CCO Holdings and Charter Operating, which are co-issuerseach a co-issuer of senior notes and/or senior discount notes. As of September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005, our total debt was approximately $17.7$18.0 billion, of which $9.2$9.6 billion would have beenwas structurally senior to the Charter Holdings’Holdings notes. In a liquidation, the lenders under our credit facilities and the holders of the other debt instruments and all other creditors of Charter Holdings’ subsidiaries would have the right to be paid before holders of Charter Holdings’ notes.

The Charter Operating credit facilities and the indentures governing the senior notes, from anysenior discount notes and senior second-lien notes issued by subsidiaries of Charter Holdings contain restrictive covenants that limit the ability of such subsidiaries to make distributions or other payments to Charter Holdings to enable Charter Holdings to make payments on its subsidiaries’ assets.

Ifnotes. In addition, if Charter Holdings caused a subsidiary to make a distribution to enable Charter Holdingsit to make payments in respect ofon its notes, and such transfer were deemed a fraudulent transfer or an unlawful distribution, the

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holders of Charter Holdings’ notes could be required to return the payment to (or for the benefit of) the creditors of Charter Holdings’its subsidiaries. In the event of the bankruptcy, liquidation or dissolution of a subsidiary, following payment by such subsidiary of its liabilities, such subsidiary may not have sufficient assets remaining to make any payments to Charter Holdings as an equity holder or otherwise and may be restricted by bankruptcy and insolvency laws from making any such payments. The foregoing contractual and legal restrictions could limit ourCharter Holdings’ ability to make payments of principal and/or interest to the holders of Charter Holdings’its notes.

Securities Litigation and Government Investigations.A number of putative federal class action lawsuits have beenwere filed against Charter and certain of its former and present officers and directors alleging violations of securities laws, which have been consolidated for pretrial purposes. In addition, a number of othershareholder derivative lawsuits have been filed against Charter in the same and other jurisdictions. A shareholders derivative suit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri against Charter and certain of its directors and officers.then current directors. Also, three shareholders derivative suits were filed in Missouri state court against Charter, its then current directors and its former independent auditor, whichauditor. These state court actions have been consolidated. The federal shareholders derivative suit and the consolidated derivative suit each allegealleged that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties. In addition,

Charter has recently entered into MemorandaStipulations of UnderstandingSettlement setting forth proposed terms of settlement for the above describedabove-described class actions and derivative suits. SettlementThe settlement of those actions under the termseach of the memorandalawsuits remains conditioned upon, among other things, final judicial approval of the settlements following notice to the class, and dismissal with prejudice of the consolidated derivative actions now pending in Missouri state court, which are related to the Federal Derivative Action. Additionally, a portion of the settlement is subject to be paid in shares of Charter’s Class A common stock with a numbervalue of conditions,$45 million (including shares issuable to insurance carriers) and there can therefore be no assurance thatwarrants to purchase Charter’s Class A common stock valued at $40 million, with such values in each case determined by formulas set forth in the actionsStipulations of Settlement. If the price of Charter’s common stock declines, additional shares will be settledrequired in order to fulfill this commitment. Charter has the right but not the obligation to terminate the settlements if the value of its common stock (under the above-described formula) is less than $2.25. On May 9, 2005, the last reported sale price of Charter’s Class A common stock on those terms or at all.the Nasdaq National Market was $1.16 per share. The hearing to consider final approval of the settlement is scheduled for May 23, 2005. See “Part II, Item 1. Legal Proceedings.”

In August 2002, Charter became aware of a grand jury investigation being conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri into certain of ourits accounting and reporting practices focusing on how it reported customer numbers, and its reporting of amounts received from digital set-top terminal suppliers for advertising. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has publicly stated that Charter is not a target of the investigation. Charter haswas also been advised by the U.S. Attorney’s Office that no current officer or member of its board of directors including its Chief Executive Officer, is a target of the investigation. On July 24, 2003, a federal grand jury charged four former officers of Charter with conspiracy and mail and wire fraud, alleging improper accounting and reporting practices focusing on revenue from digital set-top terminal suppliers and inflated customer account numbers. On July 25, 2003, oneEach of the indicted former officers who was indicted entered apled guilty plea.to single conspiracy counts related to the original mail and wire fraud charges and were sentenced on April 22, 2005. Charter has advised us that it is fully cooperatingcooperated with the investigation.investigation, and following the sentencings, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri announced that its investigation was concluded and that no further indictments would issue.

On November 4, 2002, Charter received an informal, non-public inquiry from the staff of the SEC. The SEC issued a formal order of investigation dated January 23, 2003, and subsequently served document and testimony subpoenas on Charter and a number of its former employees. The investigation and subpoenas generally concerned Charter’s prior reports with respect to its determination of the number of customers and various of its accounting policies and practices including its capitalization of certain expenses and dealings with certain vendors, including programmers and digital set-top terminal suppliers. On July 27, 2004, the SEC and Charter reached a final agreement to settle the investigation. In the Settlement Agreement and Cease and Desist Order, Charter agreed to entry of an administrative

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order prohibiting any future violations of United States securities laws and requiring certain other remedial internal practices and public disclosures. Charter neither admitted nor denied any wrongdoing, and the SEC assessed no fine against Charter.

Moreover, due to the inherent uncertainties of litigation, and investigations, and due to the remaining conditions to the finalization of our anticipated settlements, Charter cannot predict with certainty the ultimate outcome of these proceedings. An unfavorable outcome in the lawsuits or the government investigation described above could result in substantial potential liabilities and have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations or our liquidity. Further, these proceedings, and Charter’sour actions in response to these proceedings, could result in substantial additional defense

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costs and the diversion of management’s attention, and could adversely affect our ability to execute our business and financial strategies.

Competition.The industry in which we operate is highly competitive, and has beenbecome more so in recent years. In some instances, we compete against companies with fewer regulatory burdens, easier access to financing, greater personnel resources, greater brand name recognition and long-established relationships with regulatory authorities and customers. Increasing consolidation in the cable industry and the repeal of certain ownership rules may provide additional benefits to certain of our competitors, either through access to financing, resources or efficiencies of scale.

Our principal competitor for video services throughout our territory is direct broadcast satellite television services, also known as DBS. Competition from DBS, including intensive marketing efforts, aggressive pricing, and the ability of DBS to provide certain services that we are in the process of developing, has had an adverse impact on our ability to retain customers. DBS has grown rapidly over the last several years and continues to do so. The cable industry, including Charter, has lost a significant number of subscribers to DBS competition, and we face serious challenges in this area onin the future. We believe that competition from DBS service providers may present greater challenges in areas of lower population density, and that our systems service a going forward basis.higher concentration of such areas than those of other major cable service providers.

Local telephone companies and electric utilities can offer video and other services in competition with Charter,us, and they increasingly may do so in the future. Certain telephone companies have begun more extensive deployment of fiber in their networks that will enable them to begin providing video services, as well as telephony and high-bandwidth Internet access services, to residential and business customers. Some of these telephone companies have obtained, and are now seeking, franchises that are less burdensome than existing Charter franchises. The subscription television industry also faces competition from free broadcast television and from other communications and entertainment media. Further loss of customers to DBS or other alternative video and data services could have a material negative impact on the value of our business and its performance.

With respect to our Internet access services, we face competition, including intensive marketing efforts and aggressive pricing, from telephone companies and other providers of “dial-up” and digital subscriber line technology, also known as DSL. Further loss of customersDSL service is competitive with highspeed data service over cable systems. Telephone companies (which already have telephone lines into the household, an existing customer base and other operational functions in place) and other companies offer DSL service. In addition, DBS providers have entered into joint marketing arrangements with Internet access providers to DBS or other alternativeoffer bundled video and dataInternet service, which competes with our ability to provide bundled services to our customers.

In order to attract new customers, from time to time we make promotional offers, including offers of temporarily reduced-price or free service. These promotional programs result in significant advertising, programming and marketing effortsoperating expenses, and also require us to make capital expenditures to acquire additional digital set-top terminals. Customers who subscribe to our services as a result of these offerings may not remain customers for any significant period of time following the end of the promotional period. A failure to retain existing customers and combat that losscustomers added through promotional offerings or to collect the amounts they owe us could have a material negative impactan adverse effect on the value of our business and its performance.financial results.

Mergers, joint ventures and alliances among franchised, wireless or private cable operators, satellite television providers, local exchange carriers and others, and the repeal of certain ownership rules may provide additional benefits to some of our competitors, either through access to financing, resources or efficiencies of scale, or the ability to provide multiple services in direct competition with us.

Long-Term Indebtedness — Change of Control Payments.We and our parent companies may not have the ability to raise the funds necessary to fulfill our obligations under Charter’s convertible senior notes, our and our parent companies’ senior and senior discount notes and our credit facilities following a change of control. Under the indentures governing the Charter convertible seniorour parent companies’ notes, upon the occurrence of specified change of control events, including certain specified dispositions of Charter’s stock by Mr. Allen, Chartereach such issuer is required to offer to repurchase all of theits outstanding Charter convertible senior notes. However, Charterour parent companies may not have sufficient funds at the time of the change of control event to make the required repurchase of the Charter convertible seniorapplicable notes and its subsidiariesall of the notes issuers are limited in their ability to make distributions or other payments to Chartertheir respective parent companies to fund any required repurchase. In addition, a change of control under our credit facilities and indentures governing their and our notes would require the

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repayment of borrowings under those credit facilities and indentures. TheseBecause such credit facilities and notes are obligations of Charter Holdings’ subsidiaries, the credit facilities and the notes would have to be repaid by Charter Holdings’ subsidiaries before their assets could be available to Charter Holdings or its parent companies to repurchase the Charter convertible senior notes or to us to repay our high-yield notes or debt under our credit facilities. Charter’sHoldings’ and its parents’ notes. Any failure to make or complete a change of control offer would place itthe applicable issuer or borrower in default under theits notes. The failure of Charter convertible senior notes. Any failure by usHoldings’ subsidiaries to make a change of control offer or repay the amounts outstanding under ourtheir credit facilities would place usthem in default ofunder these agreements and could result in a default under the indentures governing thesethe Charter Holdings and its parent companies’ notes. See “-“— Certain Trends and

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Uncertainties — Liquidity.”

Variable Interest Rates.At September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005, excluding the effects of hedging, approximately 30%31% of our debt bears interest at variable rates that are linked to short-term interest rates. In addition, a significant portion of our existing debt, assumed debt or debt we might arrange in the future will bear interest at variable rates. If interest rates rise, our costs relative to those obligations will also rise. As of September 30, 2004March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2003,2004, the weighted average interest rate on the credit facility debt was approximately 6.6%7.0% and 5.4%6.8%, respectively, whileand the weighted average interest rate on the high-yield notes was approximately 10.3%9.9% and 9.9%, respectively, resulting in a blended weighted average interest rate of 9.0%9.1% and 8.3%9.0%, respectively. Approximately 85%The interest rate on approximately 81% and 82% of the total principal amount of our debt was effectively fixed, including the effects of our interest rate hedge agreements as of September 30, 2004 compared to approximately 79% atMarch 31, 2005 and December 31, 2003.

Streamlining of Operations.In the past, we experienced rapid growth from acquisitions of a number of smaller cable operators and the rapid rebuild and rollout of advanced services. Our future success will depend in part on our ability to standardize and streamline our operations. The failure to implement a consistent corporate culture and management, operating or financial systems or procedures necessary to standardize and streamline our operations and effectively operate our enterprise could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, Charter’s ability to properly manage our operations will be impacted by Charter’s ability to attract, retain and incentivize experienced, qualified, professional management.2004, respectively.

Services.We expect that a substantial portion of our near-term growth will be achieved through revenues from high-speed data services, digital video, bundled service packages, and to a lesser extent various commercial services that take advantage of cable’s broadband capacity. The technology involved in our product and service offerings generally requires that we have permission to use intellectual property and that such property not infringe on rights claimed by others. We may not be able to offer these advanced services successfully to our customers or provide adequate customer service and these advanced services may not generate adequate revenues. Also, if the vendors we use for these services are not financially viable over time, we may experience disruption of service and incur costs to find alternative vendors. In addition, ifthe technology involved in our product and service offerings generally requires that we have permission to use intellectual property and that such property not infringe on rights claimed by others. If it is determined that the product or service being utilized infringes on the rights of others, we may be sued or be precluded from using the technology.

Increasing Programming Costs.Programming has been, and is expected to continue to be, our largest operating expense item. In recent years, the cable industry has experienced a rapid escalation in the cost of programming, particularly sports programming. This escalation mayWe expect programming costs to continue to increase because of a variety of factors, including inflationary or negotiated annual increases, additional programming being provided to customers and we may not be ableincreased costs to pass programming cost increases on to our customers.purchase programming. The inability to fully pass these programming cost increases on to our customers would have an adverse impact on our cash flow and operating margins. As measured by programming costs, and excluding premium services (substantially all of which were renegotiated and renewed in 2003), as of September 30, 2004,March 31, 2005 approximately 33%10% of our current programming contracts havewere expired, orand approximately another 34% are scheduled to expire byat or before the end of 2004, and approximately another 12%2005. There can be no assurance that these agreements will be renewed on favorable or comparable terms. To the extent that we are scheduledunable to expire by the endreach agreement with certain programmers on terms that we believe are reasonable we may be forced to remove such programming channels from our line-up, which could result in a further loss of 2005.customers.

Notes Price Volatility.The market price of our publicly traded notes has been and is likely to continue to be highly volatile. We expect that the price of our securities may fluctuate in response to various factors, including the factors described throughoutin this section and various other factors, which may be beyond our control. These factors beyond our control could include: financial forecasts by securities analysts; new conditions or trends in the cable or telecommunications industry; general economic and market conditions and specifically, conditions related to the cable or telecommunications industry; any further downgrade ofchange in our debt ratings; announcement of the development of improved or competitive technologies; the use of new products or promotions by us or our competitors; changes in accounting rules;rules or interpretations; and new regulatory legislation adopted in the United States.

In addition, the securities market in general, and the market for cable television securities in particular, have experienced significant price fluctuations. Volatility in the market price for companies may often be unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. These broad market and industry factors may seriously harm the market price of our notes, regardless of our operating performance. In the past, securities litigation has often commenced following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, and several purported class action lawsuits were filed against Charter in 2001 and 2002, following a decline in its stock price.

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Economic Slowdown; Global Conflict.It is difficult to assess the impact that the general economic slowdown and global conflict will have on future operations. However, the economic slowdown has resulted and could continue to result in reduced spending by customers and advertisers, which could reduce our revenues, and also could affect our ability to collect accounts receivable and maintain customers. Reductions in operating revenues would likely negatively affect our ability to make expected capital expenditures and could also result in our inability to meet our obligations under our financing agreements. These developments could also have a negative impact on our financing and variable interest rate agreements through disruptions in the market or negative market conditions.

Regulation and Legislation.Cable system operations are extensively regulated at the federal, state, and local level, including rate regulation of basic service and equipment and municipal approval of franchise agreements and their terms, such as franchise requirements to upgrade cable plant and meet specified customer service standards. Additional legislation and regulation is always possible. For example, there hasThere have been considerable legislative interest recently in requiringrecent calls to impose indecency restrictions on cable operators to offer historically bundled programming services on an á la carte basis.networks.

Cable operators also face significant regulation of their channel carriage. They currently can be required to devote substantial capacity to the carriage of programming that they would not carry voluntarily, including certain local broadcast signals, local public, educational and government access programming, and unaffiliated commercial leased access programming. This carriage burden could increase in the future, particularly if the FCCcable systems were to require cable systemsrequired to carry both the analog and digital versions of local broadcast signals (dual carriage) or to carry multiple channels added byprogram streams included with a single digital broadcasters. Thebroadcast transmission (multicast carriage). Additional government mandated broadcast carriage obligations could disrupt existing programming commitments, interfere with our preferred use of limited channel capacity and limit our ability to offer services that would maximize customer appeal and revenue potential. Although the FCC is currently conductingissued a proceeding in which it is considering these channel usage possibilities.decision on February 10, 2005, confirming an earlier ruling against mandating either dual carriage or multicast carriage, that decision has been appealed. In addition, theCongress could legislate additional carriage of new high definition broadcast and satellite programming services over the next few years may consume significant amounts of system capacity without contributing to proportionate increases in system revenue.obligations.

There is also uncertainty whether local franchising authorities, state regulators, the FCC, or the U.S. Congress will impose obligations on cable operators to provide unaffiliated Internet service providers with regulated access to cable plant. If they were to do so, and the obligations were found to be lawful, it could complicate our operations in general, and our Internet operations in particular, from a technical and marketing standpoint. These open access obligations could adversely impact our profitability and discourage system upgrades and the introduction of new products and services. The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit recentlylast year vacated in part an FCC ruling defining cable modem service as an “information service” and remanded for further proceedings. The Ninth Circuit held that cable modem service is not “cable service” but is part “telecommunications service” and part “information service.” The decision has been appealed to the United States Supreme Court. However, if it is not reversed, the decision may lead to our having to contribute additional funds to the federal government’s universal service fund, to comply with open access requirements, and to subject our high-speed data operations generally to other common carrier regulations. As we offer other advanced services over our cable system, we are likely to face additional calls for regulation of our capacity and operation. These regulations, if adopted, could adversely affect our operations.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

No material changes in reported market risks have occurred since the filing of our June 30,December 31, 2004 Form 10-Q.10-K.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

As of the end of the period covered by this report, management, including our Interim Chief Executive Officer and Interim Co-ChiefChief Financial Officers,Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures with respect to the information generated for use in this quarterly report. The evaluation was based in part upon reports and affidavits provided by a number of executives. Based upon, and as of the date of that evaluation, our Interim Chief Executive Officer and Interim Co-ChiefChief Financial OfficersOfficer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurances that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms.

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There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2004March 31, 2005 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, our management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance of achieving the desired control objectives and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Based upon the above evaluation, our management believes that its controls provide such reasonable assurances.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION.

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

Securities class actionsClass Actions and derivative suitsDerivative Suits

Fourteen putative federal class action lawsuits (the “Federal Class Actions”) were filed against Charter and certain of its former and present officers and directors in various jurisdictions allegedly on behalf of all purchasers of Charter’s securities during the period from either November 8 or November 9, 1999 through July 17 or July 18, 2002. Unspecified damages were sought by the plaintiffs. In general, the lawsuits alleged that Charter utilized misleading accounting practices and failed to disclose these accounting practices and/or issued false and misleading financial statements and press releases concerning Charter’s operations and prospects. The Federal Class Actions were specifically and individually identified in public filings made by Charter prior to the date of this quarterly report.

In October 2002, Charter filed a motion with the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (the “Panel”) to transfer the Federal Class Actions to the Eastern District of Missouri. On March 12, 2003, the Panel transferred the six Federal Class Actions not filed in the Eastern District of Missouri to that district for coordinated or consolidated pretrial proceedings with the eight Federal Class Actions already pending there. The Panel’s transfer order assigned the Federal Class Actions to Judge Charles A. Shaw. By virtue of a prior court order, StoneRidge Investment Partners LLC became lead plaintiff upon entry of the Panel’s transfer order. StoneRidge subsequently filed a Consolidated Amended Complaint. The Court subsequently consolidated the Federal Class Actions into a single action (the “Consolidated Federal Class Action”) for pretrial purposes. On June 19, 2003, following a status and scheduling conference with the parties, the Court issued a Case Management Order setting forth a schedule for the pretrial phase of the Consolidated Federal Class Action. Motions to dismiss the Consolidated Amended Complaint were filed. On February 10, 2004, in response to a joint motion made by StoneRidge and Defendantsdefendants Charter, Vogel and Allen, the Courtcourt entered an order providing, among other things, that: (1) the parties who filed such motion engage in a mediation within ninety (90) days; and (2) all proceedings in the Consolidated Federal Class Actions were stayed until May 10, 2004. On May 11, 2004, the Court extended the stay in the Consolidated Federal Class Action for an additional sixty (60) days. On July 12, 2004, the parties submitted a joint motion to again extend the stay, this time until September 10, 2004. The Court granted that extension on July 20, 2004. On August 5, 2004, Stoneridge, Charter and the individual defendants who were the subject of the suit entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (described more fully below) setting forth agreements in principle to settle the Consolidated Federal Class Action. These parties subsequently entered into Stipulations of Settlement dated as of January 24, 2005 (described more fully below) which incorporate the terms of the August 5, 2004 Memorandum of Understanding.

The Consolidated Federal Class Action is entitled:

In re Charter Communications, Inc. Securities Litigation, MDL Docket No. 1506 (All Cases), StoneRidge Investments Partners, LLC, Individually and On Behalf of All Others Similarly Situated, v. Charter Communications, Inc., Paul Allen, Jerald L. Kent, Carl E. Vogel, Kent Kalkwarf, David G. Barford, Paul E. Martin, David L. McCall, Bill Shreffler, Chris Fenger, James H. Smith, III, Scientific-Atlanta, Inc., Motorola, Inc. and Arthur Andersen, LLP, Consolidated Case No. 4:02-CV-1186-CAS.
•  In re Charter Communications, Inc. Securities Litigation, MDL Docket No. 1506 (All Cases), StoneRidge Investments Partners, LLC, Individually and On Behalf of All Others Similarly Situated, v. Charter Communications, Inc., Paul Allen, Jerald L. Kent, Carl E. Vogel, Kent Kalkwarf, David G. Barford, Paul E. Martin, David L. McCall, Bill Shreffler, Chris Fenger, James H. Smith, III, Scientific-Atlanta, Inc., Motorola, Inc. and Arthur Andersen, LLP, Consolidated Case No. 4:02-CV-1186-CAS.

On September 12, 2002, a shareholders derivative suit (the “State Derivative Action”) was filed in the Circuit Court of the City of St. Louis, State of Missouri (the “Missouri State Court”), against Charter and its then current directors, as well as its former auditors. A substantively identical derivative action was later filed and consolidated into the State Derivative Action. The plaintiffs allege that the individual defendants breached their fiduciary duties by failing to establish and maintain adequate internal controls and procedures. Unspecified damages, allegedly on Charter’s behalf, arewere sought by the plaintiffs.

The consolidated State Derivative Action is entitled:

Kenneth Stacey, Derivatively on behalf of Nominal Defendant Charter Communications, Inc., v. Ronald L. Nelson, Paul G. Allen, Marc B. Nathanson, Nancy B. Peretsman, William Savoy, John H. Tory, Carl E. Vogel, Larry W. Wangberg, Arthur Andersen, LLP and Charter Communications, Inc.

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•  Kenneth Stacey, Derivatively on behalf of Nominal Defendant Charter Communications, Inc., v. Ronald L. Nelson, Paul G. Allen, Marc B. Nathanson, Nancy B. Peretsman, William Savoy, John H. Tory, Carl E. Vogel, Larry W. Wangberg, and Charter Communications, Inc.

On March 12, 2004, an action substantively identical to the State Derivative Action was filed in the Missouri State Court, against Charter and certain of its current and former directors, as well as its former auditors. The plaintiffs in

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that case alleged that the individual defendants breached their fiduciary duties by failing to establish and maintain adequate internal controls and procedures. Unspecified damages, allegedly on Charter’s behalf, were sought by plaintiffs. On July 14, 2004, the Court consolidated this case with the State Derivative Action.

This action is entitled:

Thomas Schimmel, Derivatively on behalf on Nominal Defendant Charter Communications, Inc., v. Ronald L. Nelson, Paul G. Allen, Marc B. Nathanson, Nancy B. Peretsman, William D. Savoy, John H. Tory, Carl E. Vogel, Larry W. Wangberg, and Arthur Andersen, LLP, and Charter Communications, Inc.
•  Thomas Schimmel, Derivatively on behalf on Nominal Defendant Charter Communications, Inc., v. Ronald L. Nelson, Paul G. Allen, Marc B. Nathanson, Nancy B. Peretsman, William D. Savoy, John H. Tory, Carl E. Vogel, Larry W. Wangberg, and Arthur Andersen, LLP, and Charter Communications, Inc.

Separately, on February 12, 2003, a shareholders derivative suit (the “Federal Derivative Action”), was filed against Charter and its then current directors in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. The plaintiff in that suit alleged that the individual defendants breached their fiduciary duties and grossly mismanaged Charter by failing to establish and maintain adequate internal controls and procedures. Unspecified damages, allegedly on Charter’s behalf, were sought by the plaintiffs.

The Federal Derivative Action is entitled:

•  Arthur Cohn, Derivatively on behalf of Nominal Defendant Charter Communications, Inc., v. Ronald L. Nelson, Paul G. Allen, Marc B. Nathanson, Nancy B. Peretsman, William Savoy, John H. Tory, Carl E. Vogel, Larry W. Wangberg, and Charter Communications, Inc.

As noted above, Charter and the individual defendants entered into a Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of Nominal Defendant Charter Communications, Inc., v. Ronald L. Nelson, Paul G. Allen, Marc B. Nathanson, Nancy B. Peretsman, William Savoy, John H. Tory, Carl E. Vogel, Larry W. Wangberg, and Charter Communications, Inc.

On August 5, 2004 Charter entered into Memoranda of Understanding setting forth agreements in principle regarding settlement of the Consolidated Federal Class Action, the State Derivative Action(s) and the Federal Derivative Action (the “Actions”). InCharter and various other defendants in those actions subsequently entered into Stipulations of Settlement dated as of January 24, 2005, setting forth a settlement of the Actions in a manner consistent with the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding. The Stipulations of Settlement, along with various supporting documentation, were filed with the Court on February 2, 2005. The Stipulations of Settlement provide that, in exchange for a release of all claims by plaintiffs against Charter and its former and present officers and directors named in the Actions, Charter willwould pay to the plaintiffs a combination of cash and equity collectively valued at $144 million, which willwould include the fees and expenses of plaintiffs’ counsel. Of this amount, $64 million willwould be paid in cash (by Charter’s insurance carriers) and the balance willwould be paid in shares of Charter Class A common stock having an aggregate value of $40 million and ten-year warrants to purchase shares of Charter Class A common stock having an aggregate warrant value of $40 million.million, with such values in each case being determined pursuant to formulas set forth in the Stipulations of Settlement. The warrants would have an exercise price equal to 150% of the fair market value (as defined) of Charter Class A common stock as of the date of the entry of the order of final judgment approving the settlement. In addition, Charter expects towould issue additional shares of its Class A common stock to its insurance carrier having an aggregate value of $5 million. Under this formula, Charter expects (based on recent trading prices of our Class A common stock) that the number of shares issued will be determined based on a per share value equal to the average closing price over the thirty calendar day period immediately preceding the final valuation date (which is the later of the date on which a final judgment is entered or the date of entry of an order approving the award of fees and costs to the class action plaintiffs’ counsel). Warrants are expected to become exercisable approximately one year from the date of the final judgment and will have an exercise price equal to 150% of the volume weighted average price of Charter’s Class A common stock over the thirty day period immediately preceding the final valuation date. The warrants will be valued based on a Black Scholes valuation method. Accordingly, any further declines in Charter’s stock price prior to the final valuation date could result in more shares and warrants being issued to the plaintiffs in the settlement. In the event that the valuation formula in the Stipulations provides for a per share value of less than $2.25, Charter may elect to terminate the settlement. As a result, in the second quarter of 2004, the Company recorded a $149 million litigation liability within other long-term liabilities and a $64 million insurance receivable as part of other non-current assets on its consolidated balance sheet and an $85 million special charge on its consolidated statement of operations. Additionally, as part of the settlements, Charter will also commit to a variety of corporate governance changes, internal practices and public disclosures, some of which have already been undertaken and none of which are inconsistent with measures Charter is taking in connection with the recent conclusion of the SEC investigation described below. Documents related to the settlement of the Actions have now been executed and filed. On February 15, 2005, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri gave preliminary approval to the settlement of the Actions. The settlementse ttlement of each of the lawsuits isremains conditioned upon, among other things, the parties’ approval and execution of definitive settlement agreements with respect to the matters described above,final judicial approval of the settlements by the Court following notice to the class, and

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dismissal with prejudice of the consolidated derivative actions now pending in Missouri State Court, which are related to the Federal Derivative Action.

In additionActions. The hearing to the Federal Class Actions, the State Derivative Action, the new Missouri State Court derivative action and the Federal Derivative Action, six putative class action lawsuits were filed against Charter and certain of its then current directors and officers in the Court of Chanceryconsider final approval of the State of Delaware (the “Delaware Class Actions”). The lawsuits were filed after the filing of a Schedule 13D amendment by Mr. Allen indicating that he was exploring a number of possible alternatives with respect to restructuring or expanding his ownership interest in Charter. Charter believes that the plaintiffs speculated that Mr. Allen might have been contemplating an unfair bidsettlement is scheduled for shares of Charter or some other sort of going private transaction on unfair terms and generally alleged that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties by participating in or acquiescing to such a transaction. The lawsuits, which are substantively identical, were brought on behalf of Charter’s securities holders as of July 29, 2002, and sought unspecified damages and possible injunctive relief. However, Charter has informed us that no such transaction by Mr. Allen has been presented. On April 30, 2004, orders of dismissal without prejudice were entered in each of the

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Delaware Class Actions.

The Delaware Class Actions consist of:

Eleanor Leonard, v. Paul G. Allen, Larry W. Wangberg, John H. Tory, Carl E. Vogel, Marc B. Nathanson, Nancy B. Peretsman, Ronald L. Nelson, William Savoy, and Charter Communications, Inc., filed on August 12, 2002;
Helene Giarraputo, on behalf of herself and all others similarly situated, v. Paul G. Allen, Carl E. Vogel, Marc B. Nathanson, Ronald L. Nelson, Nancy B. Peretsman, William Savoy, John H. Tory, Larry W. Wangberg, and Charter Communications, Inc., filed on August 13, 2002;
Ronald D. Wells, Whitney Counsil and Manny Varghese, on behalf of themselves and all others similarly situated, v. Charter Communications, Inc., Ronald L. Nelson, Paul G. Allen, Marc B. Nathanson, Nancy B. Peretsman, William Savoy, John H. Tory, Carl E. Vogel, Larry W. Wangberg, filed on August 13, 2002;
Gilbert Herman, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, v. Paul G. Allen, Larry W. Wangberg, John H. Tory, Carl E. Vogel, Marc B. Nathanson, Nancy B. Peretsman, Ronald L. Nelson, William Savoy, and Charter Communications, Inc., filed on August 14, 2002;
Stephen Noteboom, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, v. Paul G. Allen, Larry W. Wangberg, John H. Tory, Carl E. Vogel, Marc B. Nathanson, Nancy B. Peretsman, Ronald L. Nelson, William Savoy, and Charter Communications, Inc., filed on August 16, 2002; and
John Fillmore on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, v. Paul G. Allen, Larry W. Wangberg, John H. Tory, Carl E. Vogel, Marc B. Nathanson, Nancy B. Peretsman, Ronald L. Nelson, William Savoy, and Charter Communications, Inc., filed on October 18, 2002.
May 23, 2005.

Government investigationsInvestigations

In August 2002, Charter became aware of a grand jury investigation being conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri into certain of its accounting and reporting practices, focusing on how Charter reported customer numbers, and its reporting of amounts received from digital set-top terminal suppliers for advertising. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has publicly stated that Charter is not a target of the investigation. Charter haswas also been advised by the U.S.U. S. Attorney’s officeOffice that no current officer or member of its board of directors including its Chief Executive Officer, is a target of the investigation. On July 24, 2003, a federal grand jury charged four former officers of Charter with conspiracy and mail and wire fraud, alleging improper accounting and reporting practices focusing on revenue from digital set-top terminal suppliers and inflated customer account numbers. On July 25, 2003, oneEach of the indicted former officers who was indicted entered apled guilty plea.to single conspiracy counts related to the original mail and wire fraud charges and were sentenced on April 22, 2005. Charter has advised us that it is fully cooperatingcooperated with the investigation.investigation, and following the sentencings, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri announced that its investigation was concluded and that no further indictments would issue.

On November 4, 2002, Charter received an informal, non-public inquiry from the staff of the SEC. The SEC issued a formal order of investigation dated January 23, 2003, and subsequently served document and testimony subpoenas on Charter and a number of its former employees. The investigation and subpoenas generally concerned Charter’s prior reports with respect to its determination of the number of customers, and various of its accounting policies and practices including its capitalization of certain expenses and dealings with certain vendors, including programmers and digital set-top terminal suppliers. On July 27, 2004, the SEC and Charter reached a final agreement to settle the investigation. In the Settlement Agreement and Cease and Desist Order, Charter agreed to entry of an administrative order prohibiting any future violations of United States securities laws and requiring certain other remedial internal practices and public disclosures. Charter neither admitted nor denied any wrongdoing, and the SEC assessed no fine against Charter.

Indemnification

Charter is generally required to indemnify under certain conditions each of the named individual defendants in connection with the matters

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described above pursuant to the terms of its bylaws and (where applicable) such individual defendants’ employment agreements. In accordance with these documents, in connection with the pending grand jury investigation, the now settlednow-settled SEC investigation and the above describedabove-described lawsuits, some of Charter’s current and former directors and current and former officers have been advanced certain costs and expenses incurred in connection with their defense. On February 22, 2005, Charter filed suit against four of its former officers who were indicted in the course of the grand jury investigation. These suits seek to recover the legal fees and other related expenses advanced to these individuals by Charter for the grand jury investigation, SEC investigation and class action and related lawsuits.

Other litigationLitigation

In October 2001, two customers, Nikki Nicholls and Geraldine M. Barber, filed a class action suit against Charter Holdco in South Carolina Court of Common Pleas (the ''South“South Carolina Class Action’’Action”), purportedly on behalf of a class of Charter Holdco’s customers, alleging that Charter Holdco improperly charged them a wire maintenance fee without request or permission. They also claimed that Charter Holdco improperly required them to rent analog and/or digital set-top terminals even though their television sets were “cable ready.” A substantively identical case was filed in the Superior Court of Athens — Clarke County, Georgia by Emma S. Tobar on March 26, 2002 (the “Georgia Class Action”), alleging a nationwide class for these claims. Charter Holdco removed the South Carolina Class Action to the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina in November 2001, and moved to dismiss the suit in December 2001. The federal judge remanded the case to the South Carolina Court of Common Pleas in August 2002 without ruling on the motion to dismiss. The plaintiffs subsequently moved for a default judgment, arguing that upon return to state court, Charter Holdco should have, but did not, file a new motion to dismiss. The state court judge granted the plaintiff’s motion over Charter Holdco’s objection in September 2002. Charter Holdco immediately appealed that decision to the South Carolina Court of Appeals and the South Carolina

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Supreme Court, but those courts ruled that until a final judgment was entered against Charter Holdco, they lacked jurisdiction to hear the appeal.

In January 2003, the Court of Common Pleas granted the plaintiffs’ motion for class certification. In October and November 2003, Charter Holdco filed motions (a) asking that court to set aside the default judgment, and (b) seeking dismissal of plaintiffs’ suit for failure to state a claim. In January 2004, the Court of Common Pleas granted in part and denied in part Charter Holdco’s motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim. It also took under advisement Charter Holdco’s motion to set aside the default judgment. In April 2004, the parties to both the Georgia and South Carolina Class Actions participated in a mediation. The mediator made a proposal to the parties to settle the lawsuits. In May 2004, the parties accepted the mediator’s proposal and reached a tentative settlement, subject to final documentation and court approval. As a result of the tentative settlement, we recorded a special charge of $9 million in our consolidated statement of operations in the first quarter of 2004. On July 8, 2004, the Superior Court of Athens — Clarke County, Georgia granted a motion to amend the Tobar complaint to add Nicholls, Barber and April Jones as plaintiffs in the Georgia Class Action and to add any potential class members in South Carolina. The court also granted preliminary approval of the proposed settlement on that date. A hearing to consider final approval of the settlement is scheduled to occur on November 10, 2004. On August 2, 2004, the parties submitted a joint request to the South Carolina Court of Common Pleas to stay the South Carolina Class Action pending final approval of the settlement and on August 17, 2004, that court granted the parties’ request. On November 10, 2004, the court granted final approval of the settlement, rejecting positions advanced by two objectors to the settlement. On December 13, 2004 the court entered a written order formally approving that settlement. On January 11, 2005, certain class members appealed the order entered by the Georgia court. Those objectors voluntarily dismissed their appeal with prejudice on February 8, 2005. On February 9, 2005, the South Carolina Court of Common Pleas entered a court order of dismissal for the South Carolina Class Action. Additionally, one of the objectors to this settlement recently filed a similar, but not identical, lawsuit.

The South Carolina Class Action was entitled:

Nikki Nicholls and Geraldine M. Barber, on behalf of themselves and all others similarly situated v. Charter Communications Holding Company, LLC and City of Spartanburg filed on October 29, 2001.
•  Nikki Nicholls and Geraldine M. Barber, on behalf of themselves and all others similarly situated v. Charter Communications Holding Company, LLC and City of Spartanburg filed on October 29, 2001.

The Georgia Class Action is nowwas entitled:

Emma S. Tobar, Nikki Nicholls, Geraldine M. Barber and April Jones, on behalf of themselves and all others similarly situated v. Charter Communications Holding Company, LLC, et al, originally filed on March 26, 2002.
•  Emma S. Tobar, Nikki Nicholls, Geraldine M. Barber and April Jones, on behalf of themselves and all others similarly situated v. Charter Communications Holding Company, LLC, et al, originally filed on March 26, 2002.

Outcome

In addition to the matters set forth above, Charter is also party to other lawsuits and claims that arose in the ordinary course of conducting its business. In the opinion of management, after taking into account recorded liabilities, the outcome of these other lawsuits and claims are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated

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financial condition, results of operations or our liquidity.

Item 6. Exhibits.

The index to the exhibits begins on page 5851 of this quarterly report.

5649


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Charter Communications Holdings, LLC and Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation have duly caused this quarterly report to be signed on their behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

       
  CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC
  Registrant
  By:CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC., Sole MangerManager
       
Dated: November 12, 2004May 11, 2005 By:/s/ Derek Chang

Name:Derek Chang
Title:Executive Vice President of Finance and Strategy and Interim Co-Chief Financial Officer (Co-Principal Financial Officer)
  By: /s/ Paul E. Martin
    
 
   Name: Paul E. Martin
   Title: Interim Co-ChiefChief Financial Officer,
Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller
     (Co-PrincipalPrincipal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
       
  CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS CAPITAL CORPORATION
  Registrant
       
Dated: November 12, 2004By:/s/ Derek Chang

Name:Derek Chang
Title:Executive Vice President of Finance and Strategy and Interim Co-Chief Financial Officer (Co-Principal Financial Officer)
  
Dated: May 11, 2005  By: /s/ Paul E. Martin
    
 
   Name: Paul E. Martin
   Title: Interim Co-ChiefChief Financial Officer,
Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller
     (Co-PrincipalPrincipal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

5750


EXHIBIT INDEX

   
Exhibit  
Number
 Description of Document
10.1 Separation Agreement and Release for Margaret A. Bellville dated as
3.1Certificate of September 16, 2004 (IncorporatedFormation of Charter Communications Holdings, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13.3 to Amendment No. 2 to the registration statement on Form S-4 of Charter Communications Inc.’s quarterly report on Form 10-QHoldings, LLC and Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation filed on November 4, 2004)June 22, 1999 (File No. 333-77499)).
   
15.13.2Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Charter Communications Holdings, LLC, dated as of October 30, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the annual report on Form 10-K of Charter Communications Holdings, LLC and Charter Communications Holding Capital Corporation on March 29, 2002 (File No. 333-77499)).
3.3Certificate of Incorporation of Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Amendment No. 2 to the registration statement on Form S-4 of Charter Communications Holdings, LLC and Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation filed on June 22, 1999 (File No. 333-77499)).
3.4(a)By-laws of Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to Amendment No. 2 to the registration statement on Form S-4 of Charter Communications Holdings, LLC and Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation filed on June 22, 1999 (File No. 333-77499)).
3.4(b)Amendment to By-Laws of Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation, dated as of October 30, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4(b) to the annual report on Form 10-K of Charter Communications Holdings, LLC and Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation on March 29, 2002 (File No. 333-77499)).
4.1Indenture relating to the 8.250% Senior Notes due 2007, dated as of March 17, 1999, between Charter Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation and Harris Trust and Savings Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1(a) to Amendment No. 2 to the registration statement on Form S-4 of Charter Communications Holdings, LLC and Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation filed on June 22, 1999 (File No. 333-77499)).
4.2Indenture relating to the 8.625% Senior Notes due 2009, dated as of March 17, 1999, among Charter Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation and Harris Trust and Savings Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2(a) to Amendment No. 2 to the registration statement on Form S-4 of Charter Communications Holdings, LLC and Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation filed on June 22, 1999 (File No. 333-77499)).
4.3Indenture relating to the 9.920% Senior Discount Notes due 2011, dated as of March 17, 1999, among Charter Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation and Harris Trust and Savings Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3(a) to Amendment No. 2 to the registration statement on Form S-4 of Charter Communications Holdings, LLC and Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation filed on June 22, 1999 (File No. 333-77499)).
4.4Indenture relating to the 10.00% Senior Notes due 2009, dated as of January 12, 2000, between Charter Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation and Harris Trust and Savings Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1(a) to the registration statement on Form S-4 of Charter Communications Holdings, LLC and Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation filed on January 25, 2000 (File No. 333-95351)).
4.5Indenture relating to the 10.25% Senior Notes due 2010, dated as of January 12, 2000, among Charter Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation and Harris Trust and Savings Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2(a) to the registration statement on Form S-4 of Charter Communications Holdings, LLC and Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation filed on January 25, 2000 (File No. 333-95351)).
4.6Indenture relating to the 11.75% Senior Discount Notes due 2010, dated as of January 12, 2000, among Charter Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation and Harris Trust and Savings Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3(a) to the registration statement on Form S-4 of Charter Communications Holdings, LLC and Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation filed on January 25, 2000 (File No. 333-95351)).
4.7Indenture dated as of January 10, 2001 between Charter Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation and BNY Midwest Trust Company as Trustee governing 103/4% senior notes due 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2(a) to the registration statement on Form S-4 of Charter Communications Holdings, LLC and Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation filed on February 2, 2001 (File No. 333-54902)).
4.8Indenture dated as of January 10, 2001 between Charter Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation and BNY Midwest Trust Company as Trustee governing 111/8% senior notes due 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2(b) to the registration statement on Form S-4 of Charter Communications Holdings, LLC and Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation filed on February 2, 2001 (File No. 333-54902)).
4.9Indenture dated as of January 10, 2001 between Charter Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation and BNY Midwest Trust Company as Trustee governing 131/2% senior discount notes due 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2(c) to the registration statement on Form S-4 of Charter Communications Holdings, LLC and Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation filed on February 2, 2001 (File No. 333-54902)).
4.10(a)Indenture dated as of May 15, 2001 between Charter Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation and BNY Midwest Trust Company as Trustee governing 9.625% Senior Notes due 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2(a) to the current report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on June 1, 2001 (File No. 000-27927)).
4.10(b)First Supplemental Indenture dated as of January 14, 2002 between Charter Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation and BNY Midwest Trust Company as Trustee governing 9.625% Senior Notes due 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2(a) to the current report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on January 15, 2002 (File No. 000-27927)).
4.10(c)Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 25, 2002 between Charter Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation and BNY Midwest Trust Company as Trustee governing 9.625% Senior Notes due 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on August 6, 2002 (File No. 000-27927)).
4.11(a)Indenture dated as of May 15, 2001 between Charter Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation and BNY Midwest Trust Company as Trustee governing 10.000% Senior Notes due 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3(a) to the current report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on June 1, 2001 (File No. 000-27927)).
4.11(b)First Supplemental Indenture dated as of January 14, 2002 between Charter Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation and BNY Midwest Trust Company as Trustee governing 10.000% Senior Notes due 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3(a) to the current report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on January 15, 2002 (File No. 000-27927)).
4.11(c)Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 25, 2002 between Charter Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation and BNY Midwest Trust Company as Trustee governing 10.000% Senior Notes due 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on August 6, 2002 (File No. 000-27927)).
4.12Indenture dated as of May 15, 2001 between Charter Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation and BNY Midwest Trust Company as Trustee governing 11.750% Senior Discount Notes due 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4(a) to the current report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on June 1, 2001 (File No. 000-27927)).
4.13(a)Indenture dated as of January 14, 2002 between Charter Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation and BNY Midwest Trust Company as Trustee governing 12.125% Senior Discount Notes due 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4(a) to the current report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on January 15, 2002 (File No. 000-27927)).
4.13(b)First Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 25, 2002 between Charter Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation and BNY Midwest Trust Company as Trustee governing 12.125% Senior Discount Notes due 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on August 6, 2002 (File No. 000-27927)).
10.1Stipulation of Settlement, dated as of January 24, 2005, regarding settlement of Consolidated Federal Class Action entitled In Re Charter Communications, Inc. Securities Litigation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.48 to the annual report on Form 10-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on March 3, 2005 (File No. 000-27927)).
10.2Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release, dated as of February 1, 2005, by and among Charter Communications, Inc. and certain other insureds, on the one hand, and Certain Underwriters at Lloyd’s of London and certain subscribers, on the other hand. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.49 to the annual report on Form 10-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on March 3, 2005 (File No. 000-27927)).
10.3Stipulation of Settlement, dated as of January 24, 2005, regarding settlement of Federal Derivative Action, Arthur J. Cohn v. Ronald L. Nelson et al and Charter Communications, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.50 to the annual report on Form 10-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on March 3, 2005 (File No. 000-27927)).
10.4+Description of Long-Term Incentive Program to the Charter Communications, Inc. 2001 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18(g) to the annual report on Form 10-K filed by Charter Communications Holdings, LLC on March 31, 2005 (File No. 000-27927)).
10.5+Amendment to Employment Offer Letter, dated January 27, 2005, by and between Charter Communications, Inc. and Derek Chang (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the current report on Form 8-K of Charter Communications, Inc. filed January 28, 2005 (File No. 000-27927)).
10.6+Executive Services Agreement, dated as of January 17, 2005, between Charter Communications, Inc. and Robert P. May (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the current report on Form 8-K of Charter Communications, Inc. filed on January 21, 2005 (File No. 000-27927)).
10.7+Separation Agreement and Release for Steven A. Schumm, dated as of February 8, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the current report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on February 11, 2005 (File No. 000-27927)).
10.8+Separation Agreement and Release for Carl E. Vogel, dated as of February 17, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the current report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on February 22, 2005 (File No. 000-27927)).
10.9+Separation Agreement and Release for Thomas A. Cullen, dated as of March 15, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the current report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on March 17, 2005 (File No. 000-27927)).
10.10+Description of Charter Communications, Inc. 2005 Executive Bonus Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.51 to the annual report on Form 10-K filed by Charter Communications,

51


Exhibit
NumberDescription of Document
Inc. on March 3, 2005 (File No. 000-27927)).
10.11+Employment Agreement, dated as of April 1, 2005, by and between Michael J. Lovett and Charter Communications, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on May 3, 2005 (File No. 000-27927)).
15.1* Letter re Unaudited Interim Financial Statements.
   
31.131.1* Certificate of Interim Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/Rule 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
   
31.231.2* Certificate of Interim Co-ChiefChief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/Rule 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
   
31.3Certificate of Interim Co-Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/Rule 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
32.1Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Chief Executive Officer).
32.232.1* Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Interim Co-Chief FinancialChief Executive Officer).
   
32.332.2* Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Interim Co-ChiefChief Financial Officer).


*Document attached
+Management compensatory plan or arrangement

5852