UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C.  20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
ý          QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 20172018
OR
o             TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from            to
 
Commission File Number 001-34176
ASCENT CAPITAL GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
State of Delaware 26-2735737
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)  
5251 DTC Parkway, Suite 1000  
Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (303) 628-5600

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes ý  No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes ý  No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company, as defined" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer o
 
Accelerated filer x
Non-accelerated filer o
 
Smaller reporting company o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) 
Emerging growth company o
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes o No ý

The number of outstanding shares of Ascent Capital Group, Inc.’s common stock as of July 26, 20172018 was:

Series A common stock 11,973,63012,049,171 shares; and
Series B common stock 381,528 shares.


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
  Page
   
PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
   
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
   
   
   
   

   
   
 


Item 1.1.Financial Statements (unaudited).
ASCENT CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
Amounts in thousands, except share amounts
(unaudited)
June 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
June 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
Assets      
Current assets: 
  
 
  
Cash and cash equivalents$31,559
 $12,319
$4,185
 10,465
Restricted cash104
 
Marketable securities, at fair value80,484
 77,825
105,515
 105,958
Trade receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,625 in 2017 and $3,043 in 201612,831
 13,869
Trade receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,390 in 2018 and $4,162 in 201712,456
 12,645
Prepaid and other current assets10,890
 10,347
23,185
 11,175
Assets held for sale
 10,673
Total current assets135,764
 125,033
145,445
 140,243
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $33,330 in 2017 and $29,071 in 201629,046
 28,331
Subscriber accounts, net of accumulated amortization of $1,326,947 in 2017 and $1,212,468 in 20161,359,721
 1,386,760
Dealer network and other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $37,891 in 2017 and $32,976 in 201611,909
 16,824
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $43,309 in 2018 and $37,915 in 201736,603
 32,823
Subscriber accounts and deferred contract acquisition costs, net of accumulated amortization of $1,519,406 in 2018 and $1,439,164 in 20171,222,485
 1,302,028
Dealer network and other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $47,288 in 2018 and $42,806 in 20171,213
 6,994
Goodwill563,549
 563,549
349,149
 563,549
Other assets7,253
 11,935
31,707
 9,348
Total assets$2,107,242
 $2,132,432
$1,786,602
 2,054,985
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity 
  
Liabilities and Stockholders’ (Deficit) Equity 
  
Current liabilities: 
  
 
  
Accounts payable$10,182
 $11,516
$12,779
 11,092
Accrued payroll and related liabilities4,741
 5,067
5,231
 3,953
Other accrued liabilities60,707
 34,970
56,829
 52,329
Deferred revenue15,306
 15,147
12,965
 13,871
Holdback liability11,204
 13,916
9,740
 9,309
Current portion of long-term debt11,000
 11,000
11,000
 11,000
Liabilities of discontinued operations
 3,500
Total current liabilities113,140
 95,116
108,544
 101,554
Non-current liabilities: 
  
 
  
Long-term debt1,772,848
 1,754,233
1,793,364
 1,778,044
Long-term holdback liability2,251
 2,645
2,031
 2,658
Derivative financial instruments15,624
 16,948
3,313
 13,491
Deferred income tax liability, net19,894
 17,769
14,635
 13,311
Other liabilities7,221
 7,076
3,116
 3,255
Total liabilities1,930,978
 1,893,787
1,925,003
 1,912,313
Commitments and contingencies

 



 

Stockholders’ equity: 
  
Stockholders’ (deficit) equity: 
  
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 5,000,000 shares; no shares issued
 

 
Series A common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 45,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 11,973,728 and 11,969,152 shares at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively120
 120
Series B common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 5,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 381,528 and 381,859 shares at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively4
 4
Series A common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 45,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 12,032,370 and 11,999,630 shares at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively120
 120
Series B common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 5,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 381,528 shares at both June 30, 2018 and December 31, 20174
 4
Series C common stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 45,000,000 shares; no shares issued
 

 
Additional paid-in capital1,420,502
 1,417,505
1,424,724
 1,423,899
Accumulated deficit(1,231,938) (1,169,559)(1,575,648) (1,277,118)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net(12,424) (9,425)
Total stockholders’ equity176,264
 238,645
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$2,107,242
 $2,132,432
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net12,399
 (4,233)
Total stockholders’ (deficit) equity(138,401) 142,672
Total liabilities and stockholders’ (deficit) equity$1,786,602
 2,054,985
 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

ASCENT CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts
(unaudited) 
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017 2018 2017
Net revenue$140,498
 143,656
 $281,698
 286,924
$135,013
 140,498
 $268,766
 281,698
Operating expenses: 
  
     
  
    
Cost of services29,617
 27,637
 59,586
 57,112
33,047
 29,617
 65,748
 59,586
Selling, general and administrative, including stock-based compensation64,771
 32,133
 101,016
 64,251
Selling, general and administrative, including stock-based and long-term incentive compensation34,387
 64,771
 71,793
 101,016
Radio conversion costs77
 7,596
 309
 16,675

 77
 
 309
Amortization of subscriber accounts, dealer network and other intangible assets59,965
 61,937
 119,512
 123,259
Amortization of subscriber accounts, deferred contract acquisition costs and other intangible assets53,891
 59,965
 108,302
 119,512
Depreciation2,132
 2,114
 4,259
 4,177
2,871
 2,132
 5,492
 4,259
Loss on goodwill impairment214,400
 
 214,400
 
Gain on disposal of operating assets(14,579) 
 (21,217) 

 (14,579) 
 (21,217)
141,983
 131,417
 263,465
 265,474
338,596
 141,983
 465,735
 263,465
Operating income (loss)(1,485) 12,239
 18,233
 21,450
(203,583) (1,485) (196,969) 18,233
Other income (expense), net: 
  
    
Other expense (income), net: 
  
    
Interest income563
 588
 958
 1,045
(774) (563) (1,255) (958)
Interest expense(38,165) (31,587) (75,651) (63,011)40,422
 38,165
 79,074
 75,651
Other income, net222
 (1,677) 464
 (1,319)(211) (222) (2,276) (464)
(37,380) (32,676) (74,229) (63,285)39,437
 37,380
 75,543
 74,229
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes(38,865) (20,437) (55,996) (41,835)(243,020) (38,865) (272,512) (55,996)
Income tax expense from continuing operations(4,661) (1,765) (6,475) (3,587)1,347
 4,661
 2,693
 6,475
Net loss from continuing operations(43,526) (22,202) (62,471) (45,422)(244,367) (43,526) (275,205) (62,471)
Discontinued operations: 
  
     
  
    
Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax of $0
 
 92
 

 
 
 92
Net loss(43,526) (22,202) (62,379) (45,422)(244,367) (43,526) (275,205) (62,379)
Other comprehensive income (loss): 
  
     
  
    
Foreign currency translation adjustments584
 (354) 642
 (556)
 584
 
 642
Unrealized holding gain on marketable securities, net536
 2,959
 1,087
 2,863
Unrealized loss on derivative contracts, net(5,777) (4,697) (4,728) (16,542)
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax(4,657) (2,092) (2,999) (14,235)
Unrealized holding gain (loss) on marketable securities, net(823) 536
 (3,900) 1,087
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative contracts, net5,521
 (5,777) 19,927
 (4,728)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax4,698
 (4,657) 16,027
 (2,999)
Comprehensive loss$(48,183) (24,294) $(65,378) $(59,657)$(239,669) (48,183) $(259,178) (65,378)
              
Basic and diluted income (loss) per share: 
  
     
  
    
Continuing operations$(3.58) (1.80) $(5.14) (3.66)$(19.82) (3.58) $(22.35) (5.14)
Discontinued operations
 
 0.01
 

 
 
 0.01
Net loss$(3.58) (1.80) $(5.13) (3.66)$(19.82) (3.58) $(22.35) (5.13)
 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

ASCENT CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Amounts in thousands
(unaudited)
Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
2017 20162018 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:      
Net loss$(62,379) (45,422)$(275,205) (62,379)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities: 
  
 
  
Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax(92) 

 (92)
Amortization of subscriber accounts, dealer network and other intangible assets119,512
 123,259
Amortization of subscriber accounts, deferred contract acquisition costs and other intangible assets108,302
 119,512
Depreciation4,259
 4,177
5,492
 4,259
Stock-based compensation3,575
 3,445
Stock-based and long-term incentive compensation945
 3,575
Deferred income tax expense2,104
 2,105
1,324
 2,104
Gain on disposal of operating assets(21,217) 

 (21,217)
Legal settlement reserve28,000
 

 28,000
Amortization of debt discount and deferred debt costs5,415
 5,315
5,994
 5,415
Bad debt expense4,987
 5,083
5,623
 4,987
Loss on goodwill impairment214,400
 
Other non-cash activity, net3,542
 3,465
(805) 3,542
Changes in assets and liabilities: 
  
 
  
Trade receivables(3,949) (5,395)(5,434) (3,949)
Prepaid expenses and other assets(1,192) 2,197
(2,001) (1,192)
Subscriber accounts - deferred contract costs(1,547) (1,294)
Subscriber accounts - deferred contract acquisition costs(2,586) (1,547)
Payables and other liabilities(8,143) (5,567)7,623
 (8,143)
Operating activities from discontinued operations, net(3,408) 

 (3,408)
Net cash provided by operating activities69,467
 91,368
63,672
 69,467
Cash flows from investing activities: 
  
 
  
Capital expenditures(5,752) (3,100)(8,928) (5,752)
Cost of subscriber accounts acquired(88,287) (106,805)(69,695) (88,287)
Purchases of marketable securities(2,626) (5,036)(39,022) (2,626)
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities1,057
 11,950
37,841
 1,057
Decrease in restricted cash
 55
Proceeds from the disposal of operating assets32,612
 

 32,612
Net cash used in investing activities(62,996) (102,936)(79,804) (62,996)
Cash flows from financing activities: 
  
 
  
Proceeds from long-term debt95,550
 88,200
105,300
 95,550
Payments on long-term debt(82,350) (69,700)(95,200) (82,350)
Value of shares withheld for share-based compensation(431) (229)(144) (431)
Purchases and retirement of common stock
 (7,140)
Net cash provided by financing activities12,769
 11,131
9,956
 12,769
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents19,240
 (437)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period12,319
 5,577
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$31,559
 5,140
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash(6,176) 19,240
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period10,465
 12,319
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period$4,289
 31,559
Supplemental cash flow information: 
  
 
  
State taxes paid, net$3,105
 2,758
$2,710
 3,105
Interest paid70,226
 57,043
72,899
 70,226
Accrued capital expenditures493
 585
616
 493

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

ASCENT CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ EquityDeficit
Amounts in thousands
(unaudited)
 


        Additional Paid-in Capital   Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Total Stockholders' Equity        Additional Paid-in Capital   Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Total Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity
Preferred Stock Common Stock Accumulated Deficit Preferred Stock Common Stock Accumulated Deficit 
 Series A Series B Series C Additional Paid-in CapitalAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Series A Series B Series C Additional Paid-in CapitalAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Balance at December 31, 2016$
 120
 4
 
 1,417,505
 (1,169,559)(9,425)238,645
Balance at December 31, 2017$
 120
 4
 
 1,423,899
 (1,277,118)(4,233)142,672
Impact of adoption of Topic 606
 
 
 
 
 (22,720) 
 (22,720)
Impact of adoption of ASU 2017-12
 
 
 
 
 (605) 605
 
Adjusted balance at January 1, 2018
 120
 4
 
 1,423,899
 (1,300,443) (3,628) 119,952
Net loss
 
 
 
 
 (62,379) 
 (62,379)
 
 
 
 
 (275,205) 
 (275,205)
Other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 
 (2,999) (2,999)
 
 
 
 
 
 16,027
 16,027
Stock-based compensation
 
 
 
 3,428
 
 
 3,428

 
 
 
 969
 
 
 969
Value of shares withheld for minimum tax liability
 
 
 
 (431) 
 
 (431)
 
 
 
 (144) 
 
 (144)
Balance at June 30, 2017$
 120
 4
 
 1,420,502
 (1,231,938) (12,424) 176,264
Balance at June 30, 2018$
 120
 4
 
 1,424,724
 (1,575,648) 12,399
 (138,401)
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

ASCENT CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(1)    Basis of Presentation
 
The accompanying Ascent Capital Group, Inc. ("Ascent Capital" or the "Company") condensed consolidated financial statements represent the financial position and results of operations of Ascent Capital and its consolidated subsidiaries.  Monitronics International, Inc. ("MONI"and its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, "Brinks Home SecurityTM") is, are the primary, wholly owned operating subsidiarysubsidiaries of the Company.  MONI,Brinks Home Security provides residential customers and its wholly owned subsidiary LiveWatch Security, LLC ("LiveWatch"), monitor signals arising from burglaries, fires, medical alertscommercial client accounts with monitored home and other events throughbusiness security systems, installed at subscribers' premises, as well as providing for interactive and home automation services.services, in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.  Brinks Home Security customers are obtained through its direct-to-consumer sales channel or its Authorized Dealer network, which provides product and installation services, as well as support to customers. Its direct-to-consumer channel offers both Do-It-Yourself ("DIY") and professional installation security solutions.

The rollout of the Brinks Home Security brand in the second quarter of 2018 included the integration of our business model under a single brand. As part of the integration, we reorganized our business from two reportable segments, "MONI" and "LiveWatch," to one reportable segment, Brinks Home Security. Following the integration, the Company's chief operating decision maker reviews internal financial information on a consolidated Brinks Home Security basis, which excludes corporate Ascent Capital activities and consolidation eliminations not associated with the operation of Brinks Home Security. Total assets related to corporate Ascent Capital activities are $107,885,000 and $113,698,000 as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Net gain (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes related to corporate Ascent Capital activities was $(2,575,000) and $(7,206,000) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, as compared to $9,543,000 and $11,559,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017.

The unaudited interim financial information of the Company has been prepared in accordance with Article 10 of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the "SEC") Regulation S-X. Accordingly, it does not include all of the information required by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("U.S. GAAP") for complete financial statements. The Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2017,2018, and for the three and six months ended June 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, include Ascent Capital and all of its direct and indirect subsidiaries. The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited but, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of the results for such periods. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Ascent Capital Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016,2017, filed with the SEC on March 8, 2017 (the "2016 Form 10-K").
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenue and expenses for each reporting period.  The significant estimates made in preparation of the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements primarily relate to valuation of goodwill, other intangible assets, long-lived assets, deferred tax assets, derivative financial instruments, and the amount of the allowance for doubtful accounts. These estimates are based on management’s best estimates and judgment. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors and adjusts them when facts and circumstances change. As the effects of future events cannot be determined with any certainty, actual results could differ from the estimates upon which the carrying values were based.

(2)    Recent Accounting Pronouncements5, 2018.

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issuedThe Company adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)("ASU 2014-09" ("Topic 606"). Under using the update, revenue will be recognized based on a five-step model. The core principle of the model is that revenue will be recognized when the transfer of promised goods or services to customers is made in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In the third quarter of 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of the standard to annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. In March and April 2016, the FASB issued amendments to provide clarification on assessment of collectability criteria, presentation of sales taxes and measurement of non-cash consideration. In addition, the amendment provided clarification and included simplification to transaction guidance on contract modifications and completed contracts at transaction. In December 2016, the FASB issued amendments to provide clarification on codification and guidance application. The standard allows the option of either a full retrospective adoption, meaning the standard is applied to all periods presented, or modified retrospective adoption, meaningapproach on January 1, 2018, at which time it became effective for the Company. The Company recognized the cumulative effect of initially applying the new revenue standard is applied onlyas an adjustment to the most current period.opening balance of retained earnings.

The Company currently plansadopted ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to adopt Accounting for Hedging Activities ("ASU 2014-09 using2017-12") which amends the full retrospective approach. However,hedge accounting rules to align risk management activities and financial reporting by simplifying the application of hedge accounting guidance. The guidance expands the ability to hedge nonfinancial and financial risk components and eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness. Additionally, certain hedge effectiveness assessment requirements may be accomplished qualitatively instead of quantitatively. The Company early adopted ASU 2017-12 effective January 1, 2018, and as such, an opening equity adjustment of $605,000 was recognized that reduced Accumulated deficit, offset by a final decision regardinggain in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). This adjustment primarily relates to the adoption method has not been made at this time. The Company's final determination will depend on the significancederecognition of the impact of the new standardcumulative ineffectiveness recorded on the Company's financial results.

The Company is continuing its evaluation of the impact of ASU 2014-09 on the accounting policies, processes, and system requirements. The Company has assigned internal resources in additioninterest rate swap derivative instruments, as well as adjustments to the engagement of a third party service provider to assist in the evaluation. While the Company is in the process of assessing revenue recognition and cost deferral policies across each type of its contracts, thecumulative dedesignation adjustments. The Company does not know or cannot reasonably estimate theexpect this adoption to have a material impact of the adoption ASU 2014-09 on its financial position, results of operations andor cash flows.flows on an ongoing basis.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) ("ASU 2016-02"). ASU 2016-02 requires the lessee to recognize assets and liabilities for leases with lease terms of more than twelve months. For leases with a term of twelve months

or less, the Company is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. Further, ASU 2016-02 requires a finance lease to be recognized as both an interest expense and an amortization of the associated expense. Operating leases generally recognize the associated expense on a straight line basis. ASU 2016-02 requires the Company to adopt the standard using a modified retrospective approach and becomes effective on January 1, 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that ASU 2016-02 will have on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In January 2017, the FASB issuedearly adopted ASU 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment ("ASU 2017-04"). Currently, the fair value of the reporting unit is compared with the carrying value of the reporting unit (identified as "Step 1"). If the fair value of the reporting unit is lower than its carrying amount, then the implied fair value of goodwill is calculated. If the implied fair value of goodwill is lower than the carrying value of goodwill, an impairment is recognized (identified as "Step 2"). ASU 2017-04 eliminates Step 2 from the impairment test; therefore, a goodwill impairment will be recognized as the difference of the fair value and the carrying value.


The comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect during those periods. See note 3, Revenue Recognition and note 5, Goodwill, in the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenue and expenses for each reporting period.  The significant estimates made in preparation of the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements primarily relate to valuation of subscriber accounts, valuation of deferred tax assets and valuation of goodwill. These estimates are based on management’s best estimates and judgment. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors and adjusts them when facts and circumstances change. As the effects of future events cannot be determined with any certainty, actual results could differ from the estimates upon which the carrying values were based.

(2)    Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued ASU 2017-042016-02, Leases (Topic 842) ("ASU 2016-02"). ASU 2016-02 requires the lessee to recognize assets and liabilities for leases with lease terms of more than twelve months. For leases with a term of twelve months or less, the Company is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. Further, ASU 2016-02 requires a finance lease to be recognized as both an interest expense and an amortization of the associated asset. Operating leases generally recognize the associated expense on a straight line basis. ASU 2016-02 requires the Company to adopt the standard using a modified retrospective approach and becomes effective on January 1, 2020 with early adoption permitted.2019. The Company is currently evaluating when to adopt the standard.

In May 2017, the FASB issuedimpact that ASU 2017-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting ("ASU 2017-09"). ASU 2017-09 requires modification accounting in Topic 718 to be applied to a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award unless the fair value, vesting conditions and classification of the modified award are the same immediately before and after the modification of the award. ASU 2017-09 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and requires a prospective approach. Early adoption is permitted. The Company plans to adopt the standard when it becomes effective. The adoption is not expected to2016-02 will have a material impact on the Company'sits financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

(3)    Revenue Recognition

Topic 606 amends and supersedes FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 605, Revenue Recognition ("Topic 605"). The core principle of Topic 606 is that revenue will be recognized when the transfer of promised goods or services to customers is made in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.

Accounting Policy for Periods Commencing January 1, 2018

Brinks Home Security offers its subscribers professional alarm monitoring services, as well as interactive and home automation services, through equipment at the subscriber's site that communicates with Brinks Home Security’s central monitoring station and interfaces with other equipment at the site and third party technology companies for interactive and home automation services. These services are typically provided under alarm monitoring agreements (“AMAs”) between Brinks Home Security and the subscriber. The equipment at the site is either obtained independently from Brinks Home Security’s network of third party Authorized Dealers or directly from Brinks Home Security via its direct-to-consumer sales channel. Brinks Home Security also offers equipment sales and installation services and, to its existing subscribers, maintenance services on existing alarm equipment. Brinks Home Security also collects fees for contract monitoring, which are services provided to other security alarm companies for monitoring their accounts on a wholesale basis and other fees from subscribers for late fee or insufficient fund charges.

Revenue under subscriber AMAs is allocated to alarm monitoring revenue and, if applicable, product and installation revenue based on the stand alone selling prices (“SSP”) of each performance obligation as a percentage of the total SSP of all performance obligations. Allocated alarm monitoring revenue is recognized as the monthly service is provided. Allocated product and installation revenue is recognized when the product sale is complete or shipped and the installation service is provided, typically at inception of the AMA. Product and installation revenue is not applicable to AMA's acquired from Authorized Dealers in their initial term. Any cash not received from the subscriber at the time of product sale and installation is recognized as a contract asset at inception of the AMA and is subsequently amortized over the subscriber contract term as a reduction of the amounts billed for professional alarm monitoring, interactive and home automation services. If a subscriber cancels the AMA within the negotiated term, any existing contract asset is determined to be impaired and is immediately expensed in full to Selling, general and administrative expense on the condensed consolidated statement of operations.

Maintenance services are billed and recognized as revenue when the services are completed in the home and agreed to by the subscriber under the subscriber AMA. Contract monitoring fees are recognized as alarm monitoring revenue as the monitoring service is provided. Other fees are recognized as other revenue when billed to the subscriber which coincides with the timing of when the services are provided.


Disaggregation of Revenue

Revenue is disaggregated by source of revenue as follows (in thousands):
 Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
Alarm monitoring revenue$124,844
 136,453
 $249,685
 273,343
Product and installation revenue9,477
 3,136
 17,624
 6,430
Other revenue692
 909
 1,457
 1,925
Total Net revenue$135,013
 140,498
 $268,766
 281,698

Contract Balances

The following table provides information about receivables, contract assets and contract liabilities from contracts with customers (in thousands):
 June 30, 2018 At adoption
Trade receivables, net$12,456
 12,645
Contract assets, net - current portion (a)13,528
 14,197
Contract assets, net - long-term portion (b)12,908
 10,377
Deferred revenue12,965
 12,892
(a)Amount is included in Prepaid and other current assets in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.
(b)Amount is included in Other assets in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Changes in Accounting Policies

The Company adopted Topic 606, effective January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective transition method. Under the modified retrospective transition method, the Company evaluated active AMAs on the adoption date as if each AMA had been accounted for under Topic 606 from its inception. Some revenue related to AMAs originated through Brinks Home Security's direct-to-consumer channel or through extensions that would have been recognized in future periods under Topic 605 were recast under Topic 606 as if revenue had been accelerated and recognized in prior periods, as it was allocated to product and installation performance obligations. A contract asset was recorded as of the adoption date for any cash that has yet to be collected on the accelerated revenue. As this transition method requires that the Company not adjust historical reported revenue amounts, the accelerated revenue that would have been recognized under this method prior to the adoption date was recorded as an adjustment to opening retained earnings and, thus, will not be recognized as revenue in future periods as previously required under Topic 605. Therefore, the comparative information has not been adjusted and continues to be reported under Topic 605.

Under Topic 605, revenue provided under the AMA was recognized as the services were provided, based on the recurring monthly revenue amount billed for each month under contract. Product, installation and service revenue generally was recognized as billed and incurred. Under Topic 606, the Company concluded that certain product and installation services sold or provided to our customers at AMA inception are capable of being distinct and are distinct within the context of the contract. As such, when Brinks Home Security initiates an AMA with a customer directly and provides equipment and installation services, each component is considered a performance obligation that must have revenue allocated accordingly. The allocation is based on the SSP of each performance obligation as a percentage of the total SSP of all performance obligations multiplied by the total consideration, or cash, expected to be received over the contract term. These AMAs may relate to new customers originated by Brinks Home Security through its direct-to-consumer channel or existing customers who agree to new contract terms through customer service offerings. For AMAs with multiple performance obligations, management notes that a certain amount of the revenue billed on a recurring monthly basis is recognized earlier under Topic 606 than it was recognized under Topic 605, as a portion of that revenue is allocated to the equipment sale and installation, which is satisfied upon delivery of the product and performance of the installation services at AMA inception.

Revenue on AMAs originated through the Authorized Dealer program are not impacted by Topic 606 in their initial term, as the customer contracts for the equipment sale and installation separately with the Authorized Dealer prior to Brinks Home Security

purchasing the AMA from the Authorized Dealer. Revenue on these customers is recognized as the service is provided based on the recurring monthly revenue amount billed for each month of the AMA. Maintenance service revenue for repair of existing alarm equipment at the subscribers' premises will continue to be billed and recognized based on their SSP at the time Brinks Home Security performs the services.

Topic 606 also requires the deferral of incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer. Certain direct and incremental costs were capitalized under Topic 605, including on new AMAs obtained in connection with a subscriber move (“Moves Costs”). Under Topic 606, Moves Costs are expensed as incurred to accompany the allocated revenue recognized upon product and installation performance obligations recognized at the AMA inception. There are no other significant changes in contract costs that are capitalized or the period over which they are expensed.

Impacts on Financial Statements

The significant effects of adopting Topic 606 are changes to Prepaid and other current assets, Subscriber accounts, net, Other assets, net, Net revenue, Cost of services, Selling, general and administrative and Amortization of subscriber accounts for the period beginning January 1, 2018 for AMAs initiated by Brinks Home Security with the customer directly with multiple performance obligations, as a portion of that revenue is allocated to the equipment sale and installation, which is satisfied upon delivery of the product and performance of the installation services at AMA inception.

The following tables summarize the impacts of adopting Topic 606 on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements as of and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 (in thousands):


i. Condensed consolidated balance sheets
 Impact of changes in accounting policies
 
As reported
June 30, 2018
 Adjustments Balances without adoption of Topic 606
Assets     
Current assets:     
Cash and cash equivalents$4,185
 
 4,185
Restricted cash104
 
 104
Marketable securities, at fair value105,515
 
 105,515
Trade receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts12,456
 
 12,456
Prepaid and other current assets23,185
 (13,528) 9,657
Total current assets145,445
 (13,528) 131,917
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation36,603
 
 36,603
Subscriber accounts and deferred contract acquisition costs, net of accumulated amortization1,222,485
 47,452
 1,269,937
Dealer network and other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization1,213
 
 1,213
Goodwill349,149
 
 349,149
Other assets, net31,707
 (12,908) 18,799
Total assets$1,786,602
 21,016
 1,807,618
Liabilities and Stockholders’ (Deficit) Equity 
    
Current liabilities:     
Accounts payable$12,779
 
 12,779
Accrued payroll and related liabilities5,231
 
 5,231
Other accrued liabilities56,829
 
 56,829
Deferred revenue12,965
 1,302
 14,267
Holdback liability9,740
 
 9,740
Current portion of long-term debt11,000
 
 11,000
Total current liabilities108,544
 1,302
 109,846
Non-current liabilities: 
    
Long-term debt1,793,364
 
 1,793,364
Long-term holdback liability2,031
 
 2,031
Derivative financial instruments3,313
 
 3,313
Deferred income tax liability, net14,635
 
 14,635
Other liabilities3,116
 
 3,116
Total liabilities1,925,003
 1,302
 1,926,305
Commitments and contingencies

 
 
Stockholders’ (deficit) equity:     
Preferred stock
 
 
Series A common stock120
 
 120
Series B common stock4
 
 4
Series C common stock
 
 
Additional paid-in capital1,424,724
 
 1,424,724
Accumulated deficit(1,575,648) 19,714
 (1,555,934)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net12,399
 
 12,399
Total stockholders’ (deficit) equity(138,401) 19,714
 (118,687)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ (deficit) equity$1,786,602
 21,016
 1,807,618


ii. Condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss)
 Impact of changes in accounting policies
 
As reported
three months ended
June 30, 2018
 Adjustments Balances without adoption of Topic 606
Net revenue$135,013
 (2,445) 132,568
Operating expenses:     
Cost of services33,047
 (1,596) 31,451
Selling, general and administrative, including stock-based and long-term incentive compensation34,387
 (30) 34,357
Amortization of subscriber accounts, deferred contract acquisition costs and other intangible assets53,891
 1,880
 55,771
Depreciation2,871
 
 2,871
Loss on goodwill impairment214,400
 
 214,400
 338,596
 254
 338,850
Operating loss(203,583) (2,699) (206,282)
Other expense (income), net: 
    
Interest income(774) 
 (774)
Interest expense40,422
 
 40,422
Other income, net(211) 
 (211)
 39,437
 
 39,437
Loss before income taxes(243,020) (2,699) (245,719)
Income tax expense1,347
 
 1,347
Net loss(244,367) (2,699) (247,066)
Other comprehensive income (loss): 
    
Unrealized holding loss on marketable securities, net(823) 
 (823)
Unrealized gain on derivative contracts, net5,521
 
 5,521
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax4,698
 
 4,698
Comprehensive loss$(239,669) (2,699) (242,368)


 Impact of changes in accounting policies
 
As reported
six months ended
June 30, 2018
 Adjustments Balances without adoption of Topic 606
Net revenue$268,766
 (2,770) 265,996
Operating expenses: 
    
Cost of services65,748
 (3,518) 62,230
Selling, general and administrative, including stock-based and long-term incentive compensation71,793
 (9) 71,784
Amortization of subscriber accounts, deferred contract acquisition costs and other intangible assets108,302
 3,763
 112,065
Depreciation5,492
 
 5,492
Loss on goodwill impairment214,400
 
 214,400
 465,735
 236
 465,971
Operating loss(196,969) (3,006) (199,975)
Other expense (income), net: 
    
Interest income(1,255) 
 (1,255)
Interest expense79,074
 
 79,074
Other income, net(2,276) 
 (2,276)
 75,543
 
 75,543
Loss before income taxes(272,512) (3,006) (275,518)
Income tax expense2,693
 
 2,693
Net loss(275,205) (3,006) (278,211)
Other comprehensive income (loss): 
    
Unrealized holding loss on marketable securities, net(3,900) 
 (3,900)
Unrealized gain on derivative contracts, net19,927
 
 19,927
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax16,027
 
 16,027
Comprehensive loss$(259,178) (3,006) (262,184)


iii. Condensed consolidated statements of cash flows
 Impact of changes in accounting policies
 
As reported
six months ended
June 30, 2018
 Adjustments Balances without adoption of Topic 606
Cash flows from operating activities:     
Net loss$(275,205) (3,006) (278,211)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities: 
    
Amortization of subscriber accounts, deferred contract acquisition costs and other intangible assets108,302
 3,763
 112,065
Depreciation5,492
 
 5,492
Stock-based and long-term incentive compensation945
 
 945
Deferred income tax expense1,324
 
 1,324
Amortization of debt discount and deferred debt costs5,994
 
 5,994
Bad debt expense5,623
 
 5,623
Goodwill impairment214,400
 
 214,400
Other non-cash activity, net(805) 
 (805)
Changes in assets and liabilities: 
    
Trade receivables(5,434) 
 (5,434)
Prepaid expenses and other assets(2,001) 3,164
 1,163
Subscriber accounts - deferred contract acquisition costs(2,586) 89
 (2,497)
Payables and other liabilities7,623
 (783) 6,840
Net cash provided by operating activities63,672
 3,227
 66,899
Cash flows from investing activities: 
    
Capital expenditures(8,928) 
 (8,928)
Cost of subscriber accounts acquired(69,695) (3,227) (72,922)
Purchases of marketable securities(39,022) 
 (39,022)
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities37,841
 
 37,841
Net cash used in investing activities(79,804) (3,227) (83,031)
Cash flows from financing activities: 
    
Proceeds from long-term debt105,300
 
 105,300
Payments on long-term debt(95,200) 
 (95,200)
Value of shares withheld for share-based compensation(144) 
 (144)
Net cash provided by financing activities9,956
 
 9,956
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash(6,176) 
 (6,176)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period10,465
 
 10,465
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period$4,289
 
 4,289



(4)    Investments in Marketable Securities
 
Ascent Capital owns marketable securities primarily consisting of diversified corporate bond funds. The following table presents a summary of amounts recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheets (amounts in thousands):
 As of June 30, 2017 As of June 30, 2018
 Cost Basis (b) Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Total Cost Basis Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Total
Equity securities $3,704
 $
 $(131) $3,573
Mutual funds (a) 74,621
 2,290
 
 76,911
 $106,190
 
 (675) 105,515
Ending balance $78,325
 $2,290
 $(131) $80,484
 $106,190
 
 (675) 105,515
                
 As of December 31, 2016 As of December 31, 2017
 Cost Basis (b) Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Total Cost Basis Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Total
Equity securities $3,767
 $
 $(396) $3,371
 $3,432
 2,039
 
 5,471
Mutual funds (a) 72,986
 1,483
 (15) 74,454
 98,628
 1,859
 
 100,487
Ending balance $76,753
 $1,483
 $(411) $77,825
 $102,060
 3,898
 
 105,958
 
(a)Primarily consists of corporate bond funds.
(b)When an other-than-temporary impairment occurs, the Company reduces the cost basis of the marketable security involved. In the second quarter of 2016, the Company recognized non-cash charges for an other-than-temporary impairment of $1,068,000 on its mutual funds and $836,000 on its equity securities for a total other-than-temporary impairment loss on marketable securities of $1,904,000. The mutual fund impairments were attributable to a low interest rate environment and widening credit spreads. The equity security impairment was primarily attributable to foreign exchange losses based on weakening of the trading currency of the underlying investment.


The following table provides the realized and unrealized investment gains and losses andrecognized in the total proceeds received from the salecondensed consolidated statements of marketable securitiesoperations (amounts in thousands):
 Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
Gross realized gains$
 158
 $6
 244
Gross realized losses$3
 210
 $3
 210
Total proceeds$60
 7,547
 $1,057
 11,950

(4)    Assets Held for Sale

In the first and second quarters of 2017, the Company completed the sale of assets held for sale with a net book value of $11,395,000 for a gain of approximately $21,217,000.
 Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
Net gains and (losses) recognized during the period on trading securities$(612) (3) $(1,624) 3
Less: Net gains and (losses) recognized during the period on trading securities sold during the period(1,329) (3) (303) 3
Unrealized gains and (losses) recognized during the reporting period on trading securities still held at the reporting date$717
 
 $(1,321) 

(5)    Goodwill

The following table provides the activity and balances of goodwill by reporting unit (amounts in thousands):
  MONI LiveWatch 
Brinks Home
Security
 Total
Balance at 12/31/2017 $527,502
 $36,047
 $
 $563,549
Goodwill impairment (214,400) 
 
 (214,400)
Reporting unit reallocation (313,102) (36,047) 349,149
 
Balance at 6/30/2018 $
 $
 $349,149
 $349,149
The Company accounts for its goodwill pursuant to the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other ("FASB ASC Topic 350"). In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 350, goodwill is not amortized, but rather tested for impairment annually, or earlier if an event occurs, or circumstances change, that indicate the fair value of a reporting unit may be below its carrying amount.

As of May 31, 2018, the Company determined that a triggering event had occurred due to a sustained decrease in the Company's share price. In response to the triggering event, the Company performed a quantitative impairment test for both the MONI and LiveWatch reporting units. Fair value was determined using a combination of the income-based approach (using a discount rate of 8.50%) and market-based approach for the MONI reporting unit and an income-based approach (using a discount rate of 8.50%) for the LiveWatch reporting unit. Based on the analysis, the fair value of the LiveWatch reporting unit substantially exceeded its carrying value, while the carrying amount for the MONI reporting unit exceeded its estimated fair value, which indicated an impairment at the MONI reporting unit.

The Company early adopted ASU 2017-04, which eliminated Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test, and as such, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value. Applying

this methodology, we recorded an impairment charge of $214,400,000 for the MONI reporting unit during the three months ended June 30, 2018. Factors leading to the impairment are primarily the experience of overall lower account acquisition in recent periods. Using this information, we adjusted the growth outlook for the MONI reporting unit, which resulted in reductions in future cash flows and a lower fair value calculation under the income-based approach. Additionally, decreases in observable market share prices for comparable companies in the quarter reduced the fair value calculated under the market-based approach.

In early June 2018, the reportable segments known as MONI and LiveWatch were combined and presented as Brinks Home Security. Refer to Note 1, Basis of Presentation, for further discussion on the change in reportable segments. As a result of the change in reportable segments, goodwill assigned to these former reporting units of $313,102,000 and $36,047,000, for MONI and LiveWatch, respectively, have been reallocated and combined as of June 30, 2018 under the Brinks Home Security reporting unit.

(6)    Other Accrued Liabilities
 
Other accrued liabilities consisted of the following (amounts in thousands):
June 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
June 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
Interest payable$15,410
 $15,675
$15,697
 $15,927
Income taxes payable4,338
 2,989
1,601
 2,950
Legal accrual, including settlement reserve28,484
(a)476
LiveWatch acquisition retention bonus
 4,990
Derivative financial instruments2,634
 
Legal settlement reserve (a)23,000
 23,000
Other9,841
 10,840
16,531
 10,452
Total Other accrued liabilities$60,707
 $34,970
$56,829
 $52,329
 
(a)        Amount includes $28,000,000 related to a legal settlement reserve. See note 11,12, Commitments, Contingencies and Other Liabilities, for further information.

(6)(7)    Long-Term Debt
 
Long-term debt consisted of the following (amounts in thousands):
 June 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
Ascent Capital 4.00% Convertible Senior Notes due July 15, 2020 with an effective rate of 8.3%$80,371
 $78,279
MONI 9.125% Senior Notes due April 1, 2020 with an effective rate of 9.4%579,188
 578,254
MONI term loan, matures September 30, 2022, LIBOR plus 5.50%, subject to a LIBOR floor of 1.00% with an effective rate of 7.0%1,062,822
 1,066,130
MONI $295 million revolving credit facility, matures September 30, 2021, LIBOR plus 4.00%, subject to a LIBOR floor of 1.00% with an effective rate of 6.4%61,467
 42,570
 1,783,848
 1,765,233
Less current portion of long-term debt(11,000) (11,000)
Long-term debt$1,772,848
 $1,754,233
 June 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
Ascent Capital 4.00% Convertible Senior Notes due July 15, 2020 with an effective rate of 9.0%$85,019
 $82,614
Brinks Home Security 9.125% Senior Notes due April 1, 2020 with an effective rate of 9.5%580,392
 580,159
Brinks Home Security term loan, matures September 30, 2022, LIBOR plus 5.50%, subject to a LIBOR floor of 1.00%, with an effective rate of 8.0%1,056,465
 1,059,598
Brinks Home Security $295 million revolving credit facility, matures September 30, 2021, LIBOR plus 4.00%, subject to a LIBOR floor of 1.00%, with an effective rate of 5.7%82,488
 66,673
 1,804,364
 1,789,044
Less current portion of long-term debt(11,000) (11,000)
Long-term debt$1,793,364
 $1,778,044

Ascent Capital Convertible Senior Notes
 
The Ascent Capital convertible senior notes total $96,775,000 in aggregate principal amount, mature on July 15, 2020 and bear interest at 4.00% per annum (the "Convertible Notes"). Interest on the Convertible Notes is payable semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 of each year. The Convertible Notes are convertible, under certain circumstances, into cash, shares of Ascent Capital's Series A common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Series A Common Stock"), or any combination thereof at Ascent Capital’s election.

Holders of the Convertible Notes ("Noteholders") have the right, at their option, to convert all or any portion of such Convertible Notes, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, at an initial conversion rate of 9.7272 shares of Series A Common Stock per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes (subject to adjustment in certain situations), which represents an initial conversion price per share of Series A Common Stock of approximately $102.804 (the "Conversion Price").  Ascent Capital is entitled to settle any such conversion by delivery of cash, shares of Series A Common Stock or any

combination thereof at Ascent Capital's election. In addition, Noteholders have the right to submit Convertible Notes for conversion, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, in the event of certain corporate transactions.

In the event of a fundamental change (as such term is defined in the indenture governing the Convertible Notes) at any time prior to the maturity date, each Noteholder shall have the right, at such Noteholder’s option, to require Ascent Capital to repurchase for cash any or all of such Noteholder’s Convertible Notes on the repurchase date specified by Ascent Capital at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest, including unpaid additional interest, if any, unless the repurchase date occurs after an interest record date and on or prior to the related interest payment date, as specified in the indenture.

The Convertible Notes are within the scope of FASB ASC Subtopic 470-20, Debt with Conversion and Other Options, and as such are required to be separated into a liability and equity component. The carrying amount of the liability component is calculated by measuring the fair value of a similar liability (including any embedded features other than the conversion option) that does not have an associated conversion option. The carrying amount of the equity component is determined by deducting the fair value of the liability component from the initial proceeds ascribed to the Convertible Notes as a whole. The excess of the principal amount of the liability component over its carrying amount, treated as a debt discount, is amortized to interest cost over the expected life of a similar liability that does not have an associated conversion option using the effective interest method. The equity component is not remeasured as long as it continues to meet the conditions for equity classification as prescribed in FASB ASC Subtopic 815-40, Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity

The Convertible Notes are presented on the consolidated balance sheet as follows (amounts in thousands):
As of
June 30,
2017
 As of
December 31,
2016
As of
June 30,
2018
 As of
December 31,
2017
Principal$96,775
 $96,775
$96,775
 $96,775
Unamortized discount(15,364) (17,324)(11,011) (13,263)
Deferred debt costs(1,040) (1,172)(745) (898)
Carrying value$80,371
 $78,279
$85,019
 $82,614
 
The Company is using an effective interest rate of 14.0% to calculate the accretion of the debt discount, which is being recorded as interest expense over the expected remaining term to maturity of the Convertible Notes.  The Company recognized contractual interest expense of $968,000 and $1,936,000 for both of the three and six months ended June 30, 20172018 and 2016.2017. The Company amortized $1,065,000$1,224,000 and $2,092,000$2,405,000 of the Convertible Notes debt discount and deferred debt costs into interest expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017,2018, compared to $927,000$1,065,000 and $1,821,000$2,092,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016.2017.
 
Hedging Transactions Relating to the Offering of the Convertible Notes
 
In connection with the issuance of the Convertible Notes, Ascent Capital entered into separate privately negotiated purchased call options (the "Bond Hedge Transactions").  The Bond Hedge Transactions require the counterparties to offset Series A Common Stock deliverable or cash payments made by Ascent Capital upon conversion of the Convertible Notes in the event that the volume-weighted average price of Series A Common Stock on each trading day of the relevant valuation period is greater than the strike price of $102.804, which corresponds to the Conversion Price of the Convertible Notes.  The Bond Hedge Transactions cover, subject to anti-dilution adjustments, approximately 1,007,000 shares of Series A Common Stock, which is equivalent to the number of shares initially issuable upon conversion of the Convertible Notes, and are expected to reduce the potential dilution with respect to the Series A Common Stock, and/or offset potential cash payments Ascent Capital is required to make in excess of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes upon conversion.

Concurrently with the Bond Hedge Transactions, Ascent Capital also entered into separate privately negotiated warrant transactions with each of the call option counterparties (the "Warrant Transactions").  The warrants are European options, and are exercisable in tranches on consecutive trading days starting after the maturity of the Convertible Notes.  The warrants cover

the same initial number of shares of Series A Common Stock, subject to anti-dilution adjustments, as the Bond Hedge Transactions.  The Warrant Transactions require Ascent Capital to deliver Series A Common Stock or make cash payments to the counterparties on each expiration date with a value equal to the number of warrants exercisable on that date times the excess of the volume-weighted average price of the Series A Common Stock over the strike price of $118.62, which effectively reflects a 50% conversion premium on the Convertible Notes.  As such, the Warrant Transactions may have a dilutive effect

with respect to the Series A Common Stock to the extent the Warrant Transactions are settled with shares of Series A Common Stock. Ascent Capital may elect to settle its delivery obligation under the Warrant Transactions in cash.

The Bond Hedge Transactions and Warrant Transactions are separate transactions entered into by Ascent Capital, are not part of the terms of the Convertible Notes and will not affect the Noteholders’ rights under the Convertible Notes.  The Noteholders will not have any rights with respect to the Bond Hedge Transactions or the Warrant Transactions.

Brinks Home Security Senior Notes

The Brinks Home Security senior notes total $585,000,000 in principal, mature on April 1, 2020 and bear interest at 9.125% per annum (the "Senior Notes").  Interest payments are due semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year. The Senior Notes are guaranteed by all of MONI’sBrinks Home Security’s existing domestic subsidiaries.  Ascent Capital has not guaranteed any of MONI'sBrinks Home Security's obligations under the Senior Notes. As of June 30, 2017,2018, the Senior Notes had deferred financing costs and unamortized premium, net of accumulated amortization of $5,812,000.$4,608,000.

Brinks Home Security Credit Facility

On September 30, 2016, MONIBrinks Home Security entered into an amendment ("Amendment No. 6") with the lenders of its existing senior secured credit agreement dated March 23, 2012, and as amended and restated on April 9, 2015, February 17, 2015, August 16, 2013, March 25, 2013, and November 7, 2012 (the "Existing Credit Agreement"). Amendment No. 6 provided for, among other things, the issuance of a $1,100,000,000 senior secured term loan at a 1.5% discount and a new $295,000,000 super priority revolver (the Existing Credit Agreement together with Amendment No. 6, the "Credit Facility").

As of June 30, 2017,2018, the Credit Facility term loan has a principal amount of $1,091,750,000,$1,080,750,000, maturing on September 30, 2022. The term loan requires quarterly interest payments and quarterly principal payments of $2,750,000. The term loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 5.5%, subject to a LIBOR floor of 1.0%. The Credit Facility revolver has a principal amount outstanding of $63,500,000$84,100,000 as of June 30, 20172018 and matures on September 30, 2021. The Credit Facility revolver bears interest at LIBOR plus 4.0%, subject to a LIBOR floor of 1.0%. There is a commitment fee of 0.5% on unused portions of the Credit Facility Revolver.revolver. As of June 30, 2017, $231,500,0002018, $210,900,000 is available for borrowing under the Credit Facility revolver.revolver subject to certain financial covenants.

The maturity date for both the term loan and the revolving credit facility under the Credit Facility are subject to a springing maturity 181 days prior to the scheduled maturity date of the Senior Notes, or October 3, 2019 (the "Springing Maturity") if Brinks Home Security is unable to refinance the Senior Notes by that date. In addition, if Brinks Home Security is unable to repay or refinance the Senior Notes prior to the filing with the SEC of their Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, they may be subject to a going concern qualification in connection with their audit, which would be an event of default under the Credit Facility. At any time after the occurrence of an event of default under the Credit Facility, the lenders may, among other options, declare any amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility immediately due and payable and terminate any commitment to make further loans under the Credit Facility. In addition,Also, failure to comply with restrictions contained in the Senior Notes could lead to an event of default under the Credit Facility.

The Credit Facility is secured by a pledge of all of the outstanding stock of MONIBrinks Home Security and all of its existing subsidiaries and is guaranteed by all of MONI'sBrinks Home Security's existing domestic subsidiaries.  Ascent Capital has not guaranteed any of MONI'sBrinks Home Security's obligations under the Credit Facility.
 
As of June 30, 2017, MONI2018, Brinks Home Security has deferred financing costs and unamortized discounts, net of accumulated amortization, of $30,961,000$25,897,000 related to the Credit Facility.
 
In order to reduce the financial risk related to changes in interest rates associated with the floating rate term loan under the Credit Facility term loan, MONIBrinks Home Security has entered into interest rate swap agreements with terms similar to the Credit Facility term loan (all outstanding interest rate swap agreements are collectively referred to as the “Swaps”). The Swaps have been designated as effective hedges of the Company’s variable rate debt and qualify for hedge accounting.  As a result of these interest rate swaps, MONI's currentBrinks Home Security's effective weighted average interest rate (excluding the impacts of non-cash amortization of deferred debt costs and discounts) on the borrowings under the Credit Facility term loan is 7.18%.was 7.98% as of June 30, 2018. See note 7,8, Derivatives, for further disclosures related to these derivative instruments. 
 
The terms of the Convertible Notes, the Senior Notes and the Credit Facility provide for certain financial and nonfinancial covenants.  As of June 30, 2017,2018, the Company was in compliance with all required covenants under these financing arrangements.


As of June 30, 2017,2018, principal payments scheduled to be made on the Company’s debt obligations, assuming no Springing Maturity of the Credit Facility, are as follows (amounts in thousands):
Remainder of 2017$5,500
201811,000
Remainder of 2018$5,500
201911,000
11,000
2020692,775
692,775
202174,500
95,100
20221,042,250
1,042,250
2023
Thereafter

Total principal payments$1,837,025
1,846,625
Less:



Unamortized deferred debt costs, discounts and premium, net53,177
42,261
Total debt on condensed consolidated balance sheet$1,783,848
$1,804,364

(7)(8)    Derivatives
Interest Rate Risk

MONIBrinks Home Security utilizes interest rate swap agreementsSwaps to reduce the interest rate risk inherent in MONI'sBrinks Home Security's variable rate Credit Facility term loan. The valuation of these instruments is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatility. The Company incorporates credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements. See note 8,9, Fair Value Measurements, for additional information about the credit valuation adjustments.

All of the Swaps are designated and qualify as cash flow hedging instruments, with the effective portion of the Swaps' change in fair value recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).  Changes in the fair value of the Swaps recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are reclassified to Interest expense when the hedged interest payments on the underlying debt are recognized.  Amounts in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) expected to be recognized as a reduction of Interest expense in the coming 12 months total approximately $474,000.

As of June 30, 2017,2018, the Swaps’ outstanding notional balances, effective dates, maturity dates and interest rates paid and received are noted below:
Notional Effective Date Maturity Date 
Fixed
Rate Paid
 Variable Rate Received
$521,125,000
 March 28, 2013 March 23, 2018 1.884% 3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor (a)
138,112,500
 March 28, 2013 March 23, 2018 1.384% 3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor (a)
107,977,387
 September 30, 2013 March 23, 2018 1.959% 3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor
107,977,387
 September 30, 2013 March 23, 2018 1.850% 3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor
191,475,002
 March 23, 2018 April 9, 2022 3.110% 3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor (a)
250,000,000
 March 23, 2018 April 9, 2022 3.110% 3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor (a)
50,000,000
 March 23, 2018 April 9, 2022 2.504% 3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor
377,000,000
 March 23, 2018 September 30, 2022 1.833% 3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor
Notional Effective Date Maturity Date Fixed Rate Paid Variable Rate Received
$190,490,554
 March 23, 2018 April 9, 2022 3.110% 3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor (a)
248,750,000
 March 23, 2018 April 9, 2022 3.110% 3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor (a)
49,750,000
 March 23, 2018 April 9, 2022 2.504% 3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor
375,115,000
 March 23, 2018 September 30, 2022 1.833% 3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor
 
(a) 
On March 25, 2013 and September 30, 2016, MONIBrinks Home Security negotiated amendments to the terms of these interest rate swap agreements (the "Existing Swap Agreements," as amended, the "Amended Swaps").  The Amended Swaps are held with the same counterparties as the Existing Swap Agreements.  Upon entering into the Amended Swaps, MONIBrinks Home Security simultaneously dedesignated the Existing Swap Agreements and redesignated the Amended Swaps as cash flow hedges for the underlying change in the swap terms.  The amounts previously recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive lossincome (loss) relating to the dedesignation are recognized in Interest expense over the remaining life of the Amended Swaps.

All of the Swaps are designated and qualify as cash flow hedging instruments, with the effective portion of the Swaps' change in fair value recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss.  Any ineffective portions of the Swaps' change in fair value are recognized in current earnings in Interest expense.  Changes in the fair value of the Swaps recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss are reclassified to Interest expense when the hedged interest payments on the underlying debt are recognized.  Amounts in Accumulated other comprehensive loss expected to be recognized in Interest expense in the coming 12 months total approximately $5,216,000.

The impact of the derivatives designated as cash flow hedges on the condensed consolidated financial statements is depicted below (amounts in thousands):
 Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
Effective portion of loss recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss$(7,243) (6,506) $(7,976) (20,163)
Effective portion of loss reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss into Net loss (a)$(1,466) (1,809) $(3,248) (3,621)
Ineffective portion of amount of loss recognized into Net loss (a)$(110) (19) $(92) (77)
 Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
Effective portion of gain (loss) recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)$5,096
 (7,243) $18,764
 (7,976)
Effective portion of loss reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into Net loss (a)$(425) (1,466) $(1,163) (3,248)
Ineffective portion of amount of loss recognized into Net loss (a)$
 (110) $
 (92)
 
(a)        Amounts are included in Interest expense in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

Foreign Exchange Risk

Ascent Capital entered into a foreign currency forward exchange contract to hedge British Pound exposure associated with Upon the saleadoption of a property in the United Kingdom. This foreign currency forward exchange contract maturedASU 2017-12 on June 30, 2017. The notional amount of the foreign exchange contract was £13,500,000. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, Ascent Capital recognized a loss on this instrument of approximately $596,000 and $1,150,000, respectively. The loss on this instrumentJanuary 1, 2018, ineffectiveness is recognized in Selling, general and administrative, including stock-based compensation expense on the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).no longer measured or recognized.

(8)(9)    Fair Value Measurements
 
According to the FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement, fair value is defined as the amount that would be received for selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants and requires that assets and liabilities carried at fair value are classified and disclosed in the following three categories:
 
Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active or inactive markets and valuations derived from models where all significant inputs are observable in active markets.
Level 3 - Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs are unobservable in any market.

The following summarizes the fair value level of assets and liabilities that are measured on a recurring basis at June 30, 20172018 and December 31, 20162017 (amounts in thousands): 

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 TotalLevel 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
June 30, 2017 
  
  
  
June 30, 2018 
  
  
  
Investments in marketable securities (a)80,484
 
 
 80,484
$105,515
 
 
 105,515
Interest rate swap agreement - assets (b)
 5,006
 
 5,006
Interest rate swap agreements - assets (b)
 16,166
 
 16,166
Interest rate swap agreements - liabilities (b)
 (18,258) 
 (18,258)
 (3,313) 
 (3,313)
Total$80,484
 (13,252) 
 $67,232
$105,515
 12,853
 
 118,368
December 31, 2016 
  
  
  
December 31, 2017 
  
  
  
Investments in marketable securities (a)77,825
 
 
 77,825
$105,958
 
 
 105,958
Interest rate swap agreement - assets (b)
 8,521
 
 8,521
Interest rate swap agreements - assets (b)
 7,058
 
 7,058
Interest rate swap agreements - liabilities (b)
 (16,948) 
 (16,948)
 (13,817) 
 (13,817)
Total$77,825
 (8,427) 
 $69,398
$105,958
 (6,759) 
 99,199
 
(a)Level 1 investments primarily consist of diversified corporate bond funds.
(b)Interest rate swap agreementSwap asset values are included in non-current Other assets and interest rate swap agreementSwap liability values are included in current Other accrued liabilities or non-current Derivative financial instruments on the condensed consolidated balance sheets depending on the maturity date of the swap.sheets.
 
The Company has determined that the significant inputs used to value the Swaps fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.  As a result, the Company has determined that its derivative valuations are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Carrying values and fair values of financial instruments that are not carried at fair value are as follows (amounts in thousands):
June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
Long term debt, including current portion: 
  
 
  
Carrying value$1,783,848
 $1,765,233
$1,804,364
 1,789,044
Fair value (a)1,795,785
 1,770,694
1,542,944
 1,709,342
 
(a) 
The fair value is based on market quotations from third party financial institutions and is classified as Level 2 in the hierarchy.
 
Ascent Capital’s other financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable are carried at cost, which approximates their fair value because of their short-term maturity.

(9)
(10)    Stockholders’ Equity
 
Common Stock
 
The following table presents the activity in the Series A Common Stock and Ascent Capital's Series B common stock,Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Series B Common Stock"), for the six months ended June 30, 2017:2018:
 
Series A
Common Stock
 
Series B
Common Stock
Outstanding balance at December 31, 201611,969,152
 381,859
Conversion from Series B to Series A Shares331
 (331)
Issuance of stock awards33,806
 
Restricted stock forfeitures and tax withholding(29,561) 
Outstanding balance at June 30, 201711,973,728
 381,528
 
Series A
Common Stock
 
Series B
Common Stock
Balance at December 31, 201711,999,630
 381,528
Issuance of stock awards64,189
 
Restricted stock canceled for tax withholding(31,449) 
Balance at June 30, 201812,032,370
 381,528
 






Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
The following table provides a summary of the changes in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the period presented (amounts in thousands):
 
Foreign
currency
translation
adjustments
 
Unrealized
 holding
 gains
 and losses on
marketable
securities, net (a)
 
Unrealized
 gains and
losses on
 derivative
instruments,
net (b)
 
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss
As of December 31, 2016$(1,540) 1,072
 (8,957) $(9,425)
Gain (loss) through Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income tax of $0642
 1,090
 (7,976) (6,244)
Reclassifications of loss (gain) into Net loss, net of income tax of $0
 (3) 3,248
 3,245
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)642
 1,087
 (4,728) (2,999)
As of June 30, 2017$(898) 2,159
 (13,685) $(12,424)
 
Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
 
Unrealized
 Holding
 Gains and 
Losses on
Marketable
Securities, net
 
Unrealized
 Gains and
Losses on
 Derivative
Instruments, net (a)
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Balance at December 31, 2017$(758) 3,900
 (7,375) (4,233)
Impact of adoption of ASU 2017-12
 
 605
 605
Adjusted balance at January 1, 2018(758) 3,900
 (6,770) (3,628)
Gain (loss) through Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax of $0
 (1,625) 18,764
 17,139
Reclassifications of loss (gain) into Net loss, net of income tax of $0
 (2,275) 1,163
 (1,112)
Net current period Other comprehensive income (loss)
 (3,900) 19,927
 16,027
Balance at June 30, 2018$(758) 
 13,157
 12,399
 
(a)
(a)
Amounts reclassified into net loss are included in Other income, net on the condensed consolidated statement of operations.  See note 3, Investments in Marketable Securities, for further information.
(b)Amounts reclassified into net loss are included in Interest expense on the condensed consolidated statement of operations.  See note 7,8, Derivatives, for further information.


(10)(11)    Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share—Series A and Series B
 
Basic earnings (loss) per common share ("EPS") is computed by dividing net earningsincome (loss) by the weighted average number of shares of Series A Common Stock and Series B Common Stock outstanding for the period.  Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net earningsincome (loss) by the sum of the weighted average number of shares of Series A Common Stock and Series B Common Stock outstanding and the effect of dilutive securities, such asincluding the Company's outstanding stock options, unvested restricted stock and restricted stock units.
 Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
Weighted average Series A and Series B shares — basic and diluted12,168,582
 12,364,767
 12,151,417
 12,407,830

For all periods presented, diluted EPS is computed the same as basic EPS because the Company recorded a loss from continuing operations, which would make potentially dilutive securities anti-dilutive. ForDiluted shares outstanding excluded an aggregate of 624,024 unvested restricted shares and performance units for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. Diluted shares outstanding excluded an aggregate of 344,037 unvested restricted shares and performance units for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 diluted shares outstanding excluded the effect of 344,037 potentially dilutive unvested restricted stock awards and performance stock units because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.  For the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, diluted shares outstanding excluded the effect of 435,347 potentially dilutive stock options and unvested restricted stock awards because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.
 Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
Weighted average number of shares of Series A and Series B Common Stock12,327,387
 12,168,582
 12,313,233
 12,151,417

(11)(12)    Commitments, Contingencies and Other Liabilities
 
MONIBrinks Home Security was named as a defendant in multiple putative class actions consolidated in U.S. District Court (Northern District of West Virginia) on behalf of purported class(es) of persons who claim to have received telemarketing calls in violation of various state and federal laws. The actions were brought by plaintiffs seeking monetary damages on behalf of all plaintiffs who received telemarketing calls made by a MonitronicsBrinks Home Security Authorized Dealer, or any Authorized Dealer’s lead generator or sub-dealer. DuringIn the three months ended June 30,second quarter of 2017, MONIBrinks Home Security and the plaintiffs agreed to settle this litigation and MONI has set up a legal reserve for $28,000,000. MONI$28,000,000 ("the Settlement Amount"). Brinks Home Security is actively seeking to recover $28,000,000the Settlement Amount under its insurance policies in connection with the settlement.policies. The settlement agreement remains subject to court approval and the court’s entry of a final order dismissing the actions. In the third quarter of 2017, Brinks Home Security paid $5,000,000 of the Settlement Amount pursuant to the settlement agreement with the plaintiffs.

In addition to the above, the Company is also involved in litigation and similar claims incidental to the conduct of its business, including from time to time, contractual disputes, claims related to alleged security system failures and claims related to alleged violations of the U.S. Telephone Consumer Protection Act. Matters that are probable of unfavorable outcome to the Company and which can be reasonably estimated are accrued. Such accruals are based on information known about the matters, management's estimate of the outcomes of such matters and experience in contesting, litigating and settling similar matters. In

management's opinion, none of the pending actions are likely to have a material adverse impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations. The Company accrues and expenses legal fees related to loss contingency matters as incurred.

(12)    Reportable Business Segments

Description of Segments

The Company operates through two reportable business segments according to the nature and economic characteristics of its services as well as the manner in which the information issued internally by the Company's key decision maker, who is the Company's Chief Executive Officer. The Company's business segments are as follows:

MONI

The MONI segment is engaged in the business of providing security alarm monitoring services: monitoring signals arising from burglaries, fires, medical alerts and other events through security systems at subscribers' premises, as well as providing customer service and technical support. MONI primarily outsources the sales, installation and most of its field service functions to its dealers.

LiveWatch

LiveWatch is a Do-It-Yourself home security provider offering professionally monitored security services through a direct-to-consumer sales channel. LiveWatch offers a differentiated go-to-market strategy through direct response TV, internet and radio advertising. When a customer initiates the process to obtain monitoring services, LiveWatch pre-configures the alarm monitoring system based on customer specifications. LiveWatch then packages and ships the equipment directly to the customer. The customer self-installs the equipment on-site and activates the monitoring service over the phone.

Other Activities

Other Activities primarily consists of Ascent Capital's corporate costs, including administrative and other activities not associated with the operation of the reportable segments, and eliminations.


As they arise, transactions between segments are recorded on an arm's length basis using relevant market prices. The following table sets forth selected data from the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations for the periods indicated (amounts in thousands):
  MONI LiveWatch Other Consolidated
  Three Months Ended June 30, 2017
Net revenue $133,536
 $6,962
 $
 $140,498
Depreciation and amortization $60,975
 $1,115
 $7
 $62,097
Net income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes $(43,480) $(4,845) $9,460
 $(38,865)
         
  Three Months Ended June 30, 2016
Net revenue $138,174
 $5,482
 $
 $143,656
Depreciation and amortization $62,877
 $1,085
 $89
 $64,051
Net loss from continuing operations before income taxes $(9,703) $(5,063) $(5,671) $(20,437)
         
  Six Months Ended June 30, 2017
Net revenue $267,944
 $13,754
 $
 $281,698
Depreciation and amortization $121,483
 $2,274
 $14
 $123,771
Net income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes $(56,779) $(10,775) $11,558
 $(55,996)
         
  Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
Net revenue $276,270
 $10,654
 $
 $286,924
Depreciation and amortization $125,029
 $2,230
 $177
 $127,436
Net loss from continuing operations before income taxes $(22,854) $(10,332) $(8,649) $(41,835)

The following table sets forth selected data from the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets for the periods indicated (amounts in thousands):
  MONI LiveWatch Other Consolidated
  Balance at June 30, 2017
Subscriber accounts, net of amortization $1,338,117
 $21,604
 $
 $1,359,721
Goodwill $527,502
 $36,047
 $
 $563,549
Total assets $2,038,719
 $63,719
 $4,804
 $2,107,242
         
  Balance at December 31, 2016
Subscriber accounts, net of amortization $1,364,804
 $21,956
 $
 $1,386,760
Goodwill $527,502
 $36,047
 $
 $563,549
Total assets $2,062,838
 $63,916
 $5,678
 $2,132,432


Item 2.2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.Operations
 
Certain statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding our business, marketing and operating strategies, integration of acquired assets and businesses, new service offerings, the availability of debt refinancing, financial prospects and anticipated sources and uses of capital. Where, in any forward-looking statement, we express an expectation or belief as to future results or events, such expectation or belief is expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that the expectation or belief will result or be achieved or accomplished. The following include some but not all of the factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated:
 
general business conditions and industry trends;
macroeconomic conditions and their effect on the general economy and on the U.S. housing market, in particular single family homes, which represent MONI'sBrinks Home Security's largest demographic;
uncertainties in the development of our business strategies, including MONI's increased direct marketing effortsthe rebranding to Brinks Home Security and market acceptance of new products and services;
the competitive environment in which we operate,Brinks Home Security operates, in particular, increasing competition in the alarm monitoring industry from larger existing competitors and new market entrants, including technology, telecommunications and cable companies;
the development of new services or service innovations by competitors;
MONI'sBrinks Home Security's ability to acquire and integrate additional accounts, including competition for dealers with other alarm monitoring companies which could cause an increase in expected subscriber acquisition costs;
integration of acquired assets and businesses;
the regulatory environment in which we operate, including the multiplicity of jurisdictions, state and federal consumer protection laws and licensing requirements to which MONIBrinks Home Security and/or its dealers isare subject and the risk of new regulations, such as the increasing adoption of "false alarm" ordinances;
technological changes which could result in the obsolescence of currently utilized technology andwith the need for significant upgrade expenditures, including the phase-out of 2G networks by cellular carriers;expenditures;
the trend away from the use of public switched telephone network lines and the resultant increase in servicing costs associated with alternative methods of communication;
the operating performance of MONI'sBrinks Home Security's network, including the potential for service disruptions at both the main monitoring facility and back-up monitoring facility due to acts of nature or technology deficiencies;deficiencies, and the potential of security breaches related to network or customer information;
the outcome of any pending, threatened, or future litigation, including potential liability for failure to respond adequately to alarm activations;
the ability to continue to obtain insurance coverage sufficient to hedge our risk exposures, including as a result of acts of third parties and/or alleged regulatory violations;
changes in the nature of strategic relationships with original equipment manufacturers, dealers and other MONIBrinks Home Security business partners;
the reliability and creditworthiness of MONI'sBrinks Home Security's independent alarm systems dealers and subscribers;
changes in MONI'sBrinks Home Security's expected rate of subscriber attrition;
the availability and terms of capital, including the ability of MONIBrinks Home Security to refinance its existing debt or obtain future financing to grow its business;
MONI'sBrinks Home Security's high degree of leverage and the restrictive covenants governing its indebtedness; and
availability of qualified personnel.

For additional risk factors, please see Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20162017 (the "2016"2017 Form 10-K"). and Part II, Item 1A, Risk Factors in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2018 and this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.  These forward-looking statements and such risks, uncertainties and other factors speak only as of the date of this Quarterly Report, and we expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein, to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto, or any other change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.
 
The following discussion and analysis provides information concerning our results of operations and financial condition.  This discussion should be read in conjunction with our accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere herein and the 20162017 Form 10-K.


Overview
 
Ascent Capital Group, Inc. ("Ascent Capital" or the "Company") is a holding company and its assets primarily consist of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Monitronics International, Inc ("MONI"). MONI,Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary LiveWatchoperating subsidiaries (collectively, "Brinks Home Security"). Brinks Home Security LLC ("LiveWatch"), monitor signals arising from burglaries, fires, medical alertsprovides residential customers and other events throughcommercial client accounts with monitored home and business security systems, installed at subscribers' premises, as well as providing for interactive and home automation services.services, in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Brinks Home Security customers are obtained through its direct-to-consumer sales channel or its Authorized Dealer network, which provides product and installation services, as well as support to customers. Its direct-to-consumer channel offers both Do-It-Yourself ("DIY") and professional installation security solutions.

The rollout of the Brinks Home Security brand in the second quarter of 2018 included the integration of our business model under a single brand. As part of the integration, we reorganized our business from two reportable segments, "MONI" and "LiveWatch," to one reportable segment, Brinks Home Security. Following the integration, the Company's chief operating decision maker reviews internal financial information on a consolidated basis. The change in reportable segments had no impact on our previously reported historical condensed consolidated financial statements.

Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) ("Topic 606") using the modified retrospective approach, which means the standard is applied to only the current period. Any significant impact as a result of this adoption is discussed in the results of operations detail below. See note 3, Revenue Recognition, in the notes to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion.

The Company early adopted ASU 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment ("ASU 2017-04") which requires a goodwill impairment to be recognized as the difference of the fair value and the carrying value. See note 5, Goodwill, in the notes to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion.

The Company also adopted ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities ("ASU 2017-12") which simplifies the application of hedge accounting guidance. The standard was early adopted effective January 1, 2018, and an opening equity adjustment of $605,000 was recognized that reduced Accumulated deficit, offset by a gain in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). There was no material impact as a result of this adoption to the results of operations detail below. See note 1, Basis of Presentation, in the notes to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion.

Attrition
 
Account cancellation, otherwise referred to as subscriber attrition, has a direct impact on the number of subscribers that MONIBrinks Home Security services and on its financial results, including revenues, operating income and cash flow.  A portion of the subscriber base can be expected to cancel its service every year. Subscribers may choose not to renew or to terminate their contract for a variety of reasons, including relocation, cost, and switching to a competitor's service.service and limited use by the subscriber and thus low perceived value.  The largest categories of canceled accounts relate to subscriber relocation or the inability to contact the subscriber.  MONIBrinks Home Security defines its attrition rate as the number of canceled accounts in a given period divided by the weighted average of number of subscribers for that period.  MONIBrinks Home Security considers an account canceled if payment from the subscriber is deemed uncollectible or if the subscriber cancels for various reasons.  If a subscriber relocates but continues its service, this is not a cancellation.  If the subscriber relocates, discontinues its service and a new subscriber takes over the original subscriber's service continuing the revenue stream, this is also not a cancellation.  MONIBrinks Home Security adjusts the number of canceled accounts by excluding those that are contractually guaranteed by its dealers.  The typical dealer contract provides that if a subscriber cancels in the first year of its contract, the dealer must either replace the canceled account with a new one or refund to MONIBrinks Home Security the cost paid to acquire the contract. To help ensure the dealer’sdealer's obligation to MONI, MONIBrinks Home Security, Brinks Home Security typically maintains a dealer funded holdback reserve ranging from 5-8% of subscriber accounts in the guarantee period.  In some cases, the amount of the holdback liability is less than actual attrition experience.


The table below presents subscriber data for the twelve months ended June 30, 20172018 and 2016:2017:
 Twelve Months Ended
June 30,
  Twelve Months Ended
June 30,
 2017 2016  2018 2017
Beginning balance of accounts 1,074,922
 1,092,083
  1,020,923
 1,074,922
Accounts acquired 114,955
 148,620
  98,561
 114,955
Accounts canceled(b) (154,969) (150,703)  (158,233) (161,622)
Canceled accounts guaranteed by dealer and other adjustments (a) (b) (13,985)
(15,078)  (5,398)
(7,332)
Ending balance of accounts 1,020,923
 1,074,922
  955,853
 1,020,923
Monthly weighted average accounts 1,047,754
 1,085,600
  980,008
 1,047,754
Attrition rate - Unit(b) 14.8% 13.9%  16.1% 15.4%
Attrition rate - RMR (c) 13.4% 12.5% 
Attrition rate - RMR (b) (c) 13.6% 14.0%
 
(a)Includes canceled accounts that are contractually guaranteed to be refunded from holdback.
(b)Includes an estimated 6,653 and 7,200 accounts included in our Radio Conversion Program that primarilyAccounts canceled in excess of their expected attrition for the twelve months ending June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.were recast to include an estimated 6,653 accounts included in Brinks Home Security's Radio Conversion Program that canceled in excess of their expected attrition.
(c)The recurring monthly revenue ("RMR") of canceled accounts follows the same definition as subscriber unit attrition as noted above. RMR attrition is defined as the RMR of canceled accounts in a given period, adjusted for the impact of price increases or decreases in that period, divided by the weighted average of RMR for that period.
 
The unit attrition rate for the twelve months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 was 16.1% and 2016 was 14.8% and 13.9%15.4%, respectively. Contributing to the increase in the unit attrition rate was the relative proportion of the number of subscriber accounts with 5-year contracts reaching the end of their initialnew customers under contract termor in the dealer guarantee period in the twelve months ended June 30, 2018, as well as MONI's more aggressive price increase strategy. Overall attrition reflectscompared to the impact of the Pinnacle Security bulk buys, where MONI purchased approximately 113,000 accounts from Pinnacle Security in 2012 and 2013, which are now experiencing normal end-of-term attrition.prior year period. The unitRMR attrition rate without the Pinnacle Security accounts (core attrition) for the twelve months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 was 13.6% and 2016 was 14.1% and 13.2%14.0%, respectively. The decrease in the RMR attrition rate for the twelve months ended June 30, 2018 was due to Brinks Home Security's more aggressive price increase strategy. There was also a modest increase to attrition attributed to subscriber losses related to the impacts of Hurricane Maria on Brinks Home Security's Puerto Rico customer base. See Impact from Natural Disasters below for further information.

MONIBrinks Home Security analyzes its attrition by classifying accounts into annual pools based on the year of acquisition.  MONIBrinks Home Security then tracks the number of accounts that cancel as a percentage of the initial number of accounts acquired for each pool for each year subsequent to its acquisition.  Based on the average cancellation rate across the pools, MONI'sBrinks Home Security's attrition rate is very low within the initial 12 month period after considering the accounts which were replaced or refunded by the dealers at no additional cost to MONI.Brinks Home Security. Over the next few years of the subscriber account life, the number of subscribers that cancel as a percentage of the

initial number of subscribers in that pool gradually increases and historically has peaked following the end of the initial contract term, which is typically three to five years. The peak following the end of the initial contract term is primarily a result of subscribers that moved, no longer had need for the service or switched to a competitor.  Subsequent to the peak following the end of the initial contract term, the number of subscribers that cancel as a percentage of the initial number of subscribers in that pool declines.

Accounts Acquired
 
During the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, Brinks Home Security acquired 37,383 and 2016, MONI acquired 26,782 and 37,284 subscriber accounts, respectively.respectively, through its dealer and direct sales channels. During the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, Brinks Home Security acquired 58,930 and 2016, MONI56,158 subscriber accounts, respectively, through its dealer and direct sales channels. Accounts acquired 56,158for the three and 66,495 subscribersix months ended June 30, 2018 reflect bulk buys of approximately 10,600 and 10,900 accounts, respectively. Accounts acquired for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 reflect bulk buys of approximately 450 and 3,450 accounts, respectively. AccountsThe increase in accounts acquired for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 reflectis due to bulk buys of approximately 6,300 and 6,700 accounts.year over year growth in the direct-to-consumer sales channel. The increase was partially offset by year over year decline in accounts acquired from the dealer channel.

RMR acquired during the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 was $1,759,000 and 2016 was $1,304,000, and $1,734,000, respectively. RMR acquired during the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 was $2,745,000 and 2016$2,740,000, respectively.


Strategic Initiatives

Given the recent decreases in the generation of new subscriber accounts in Brinks Home Security's dealer channel and trends in subscriber attrition, it has implemented several initiatives related to account growth, creation costs, attrition and margin improvements.

Account Growth

Brinks Home Security believes that generating account growth at a reasonable cost is essential to scaling its business and generating shareholder value. In recent years, acquisition of new subscriber accounts through its dealer channel has declined due to the attrition of large dealers, efforts to acquire new accounts from dealers at lower purchases prices, changes in consumer buying behavior and increased competition from technology, telecommunications and cable companies in the market. Brinks Home Security currently has several initiatives in place to improve account growth, which include:

Enhancing its brand recognition with consumers, which was $2,740,000recently bolstered by the rebranding to Brinks Home Security,
Recruiting high quality dealers into the Brinks Home Security Authorized Dealer Program,
Assisting new and $3,058,000,existing dealers with training and marketing initiatives to increase productivity,
Acquiring bulk accounts to supplement account generation,
Offering third party equipment financing to consumers which is expected to assist in driving account growth at lower creation costs, and
Growing the direct-to-consumer sales channel under the Brinks Home Security brand.

Creation Costs

Brinks Home Security also considers the management of creation costs to be a key driver in improving its financial results, as lower creation costs would improve its profitability and cash flows. The initiatives related to managing creation costs include:

Growing the direct-to-consumer sales channel with expected lower creation cost multiples, and
Negotiating lower subscriber account purchase price multiples in its dealer channel.

In addition, Brinks Home Security expects that new customers who subscribe to its services through its partnership with Nest will also contribute to lower creation cost multiples as it is expected that Nest equipment will be purchased up front by the consumer as opposed to subsidized by Brinks Home Security.

Attrition

Brinks Home Security has also experienced higher subscriber attrition rates in the past few years. While there are a number of factors impacting its attrition rate, Brinks Home Security expects subscriber cancellations relating to a number of subscriber accounts that were acquired in bulk purchases during 2012 and 2013 from Pinnacle Security to decrease in the future.

Notwithstanding the anticipated decrease in future cancellations for these specific subscriber accounts, Brinks Home Security has continued to develop its efforts to manage subscriber attrition, which it believes will help drive increases in its subscriber base and shareholder value. Brinks Home Security currently has several initiatives in place to reduce subscriber attrition, which include:

Maintaining high customer service levels,
Using predictive modeling to identify subscribers with a higher risk of cancellation and engaging with these subscribers to obtain contract extensions on terms favorable to Brinks Home Security, and
Implementing effective pricing strategies.

Margin Improvement

Brinks Home Security has also adopted initiatives to reduce expenses and improve its financial results, which include:

Reducing its operating costs by right sizing the cost structure to the business and leveraging its scale,
Implementing more sophisticated purchasing techniques, and
Increasing use of automation.


While the uncertainties related to the successful implementation of the foregoing initiatives could impact Brinks Home Security's ability to achieve net profitability and positive cash flows in the near term, Brinks Home Security believes it will position itself to improve its operating performance, increase cash flows and create shareholder value over the long-term.

Impact from Natural Disasters

Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, made landfall in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico, respectively, in the third quarter of 2017. Brinks Home Security had approximately 38,000, 55,000 and 36,000 subscribers in areas impacted by Harvey, Irma and Maria, respectively. In the fourth quarter of 2017, Brinks Home Security recognized $2,000,000 in revenue credits or refunds to subscribers due to service interruptions or other customer service incentives to retain subscribers impacted from these natural disasters. A vast majority of these credits were issued to subscribers in Puerto Rico, where damage from the hurricanes had been the most severe and widespread.

In the first half of 2018, Brinks Home Security recognized $1,250,000 in hurricane related revenue credits, substantially all due to continued customer service retention efforts on Puerto Rico subscribers. There continues to be a modest increase to last twelve months' attrition related to these events. As recovery from Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico is still ongoing, Brinks Home Security may continue to experience increased revenue credits or refunds, field service costs and higher attrition in future periods. However, the extent to which we may experience these impacts cannot currently be estimated. We will continue to assess the impact of these events.

Adjusted EBITDA
 
We evaluate the performance of our operations based on financial measures such as revenue and "Adjusted EBITDA." Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) before interest expense, interest income, income taxes, depreciation, amortization (including the amortization of subscriber accounts, dealer network and other intangible assets), restructuring charges, stock-based and long-term incentive compensation, and other non-cash or non-recurring charges.  Ascent Capital believes that Adjusted EBITDA is an important indicator of the operational strength and performance of its business, including the business' ability to fund its ongoing acquisition of subscriber accounts, its capital expenditures and to service its debt.  In addition, this measure is used by management to evaluate operating results and perform analytical comparisons and identify strategies to improve performance.  Adjusted EBITDA is also a measure that is customarily used by financial analysts to evaluate the financial performance of companies in the security alarm monitoring industry and is one of the financial measures, subject to certain adjustments, by which MONI'sBrinks Home Security's covenants are calculated under the agreements governing theirits debt obligations.  Adjusted EBITDA does not represent cash flow from operations as defined by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP"), should not be construed as an alternative to net income or loss and is indicative neither of our results of operations nor of cash flows available to fund all of our cash needs.  It is, however, a measurement that Ascent Capital believes is useful to investors in analyzing its operating performance.  Accordingly, Adjusted EBITDA should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, net income, cash flow provided by operating activities and other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.  Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure.  As companies often define non-GAAP financial measures differently, Adjusted EBITDA as calculated by Ascent Capital should not be compared to any similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

Pre-SAC Adjusted EBITDA

In addition to MONI's dealer sales channel, MONI and LiveWatch also generate leads and acquire accounts through their direct-to-consumer sales channels.  As such, certain expenditures and related revenue associated with subscriber acquisition (subscriber acquisition costs, or "SAC") are recognized as incurred. This is in contrast to the dealer sales channel, which capitalizes payments to dealers to acquire accounts. "Pre-SAC Adjusted EBITDA" is a measure that eliminates the impact of generating leads and acquiring accounts through the direct-to-consumer sales channels that is recognized in operating income. Pre-SAC Adjusted EBITDA is defined as total Adjusted EBITDA excluding SAC related to internally generated subscriber leads and accounts through the direct-to-consumer sales channels, as well as any related revenue. We believe Pre-SAC Adjusted EBITDA is a meaningful measure of the Company's financial performance in servicing its customer base. Pre-SAC Adjusted EBITDA should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, net income, cash flow provided by operating activities and other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. Pre-SAC Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. As companies often define non-GAAP financial measures differently, Pre-SAC Adjusted EBITDA as calculated by the Company should not be compared to any similarly titled measures reported by other companies.


Results of Operations
 
The following table sets forth selected data from the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the periods indicated (dollar amounts in thousands).
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017 2018 2017
Net revenue$140,498
 143,656
 $281,698
 286,924
$135,013
 140,498
 $268,766
 281,698
Cost of services29,617
 27,637
 59,586
 57,112
33,047
 29,617
 65,748
 59,586
Selling, general, and administrative64,771
 32,133
 101,016
 64,251
Amortization of subscriber accounts, dealer network and other intangible assets59,965
 61,937
 119,512
 123,259
Selling, general and administrative, including stock-based and long-term incentive compensation34,387
 64,771
 71,793
 101,016
Amortization of subscriber accounts, deferred contract acquisition costs and other intangible assets53,891
 59,965
 108,302
 119,512
Interest expense(38,165) (31,587) (75,651) (63,011)40,422
 38,165
 79,074
 75,651
Income tax expense from continuing operations(4,661) (1,765) (6,475) (3,587)1,347
 4,661
 2,693
 6,475
Net loss from continuing operations(43,526) (22,202) (62,471) (45,422)(244,367) (43,526) (275,205) (62,471)
Net loss(43,526) (22,202) (62,379) (45,422)(244,367) (43,526) (275,205) (62,379)
              
Adjusted EBITDA (a)
 
  
     
  
    
MONI business Adjusted EBITDA$80,654
 88,639
 $162,876
 175,659
Brinks Home Security business Adjusted EBITDA
$72,159
 80,654
 $142,198
 162,876
Corporate Adjusted EBITDA(2,918) (1,620) (5,140) (3,594)(2,759) (2,918) (3,929) (5,140)
Total Adjusted EBITDA$77,736
 87,019
 $157,736
 172,065
$69,400
 77,736
 $138,269
 157,736
Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of Net revenue 
  
     
  
    
MONI business57.4 %
61.7 % 57.8 % 61.2 %
Brinks Home Security business
53.4 %
57.4 % 52.9 % 57.8 %
Corporate(2.1)% (1.1)% (1.8)% (1.3)%(2.0)% (2.1)% (1.5)% (1.8)%
              
Pre-SAC Adjusted EBITDA (b)
       
MONI business Pre-SAC Adjusted EBITDA$88,853
 94,177
 $178,716
 186,268
Corporate Pre-SAC Adjusted EBITDA(2,918) (1,620) (5,140) (3,594)
Total Pre-SAC Adjusted EBITDA$85,935
 92,557
 $173,576
 182,674
Pre-SAC Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of Pre-SAC net revenue (c)
       
MONI business63.8 % 66.1 % 64.0 % 65.5 %
Corporate(2.1)% (1.1)% (1.8)% (1.3)%
Expensed Subscriber acquisition costs, net       
Gross subscriber acquisition costs$13,135
 9,450
 $24,825
 18,483
Revenue associated with subscriber acquisition costs(1,255) (1,251) (2,767) (2,643)
Expensed Subscriber acquisition costs, net$11,880
 8,199
 $22,058
 15,840

(a) 
See reconciliation of netNet loss from continuing operations to Adjusted EBITDA below.
(b)See reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Pre-SAC Adjusted EBITDA below.
(c)Presented below is the reconciliation of Net revenue to Pre-SAC net revenue (amounts in thousands):
 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
Net revenue, as reported$140,498
 143,656
 $281,698
 286,924
Revenue associated with subscriber acquisition cost(1,251) (1,257) (2,643) (2,552)
Pre-SAC net revenue$139,247
 142,399
 $279,055
 284,372

Net revenue.  Net revenue decreased $3,158,000,$5,485,000, or 2.2%3.9%, and $5,226,000,$12,932,000, or 1.8%4.6%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017,2018, respectively, as compared to the corresponding prior year periods. The decrease in net revenue is attributable to the lower average number of subscribers in 2017.2018. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in average RMR per subscriber due to certain price increases enacted during the past twelve months and an increase in average RMR per new subscriber acquired.months. Average RMR per subscriber increased from $42.70 as of June 30, 2016 to $43.84 as of June 30, 2017.2017 to $45.01 as of June 30, 2018. In addition, the Company realized a $2,445,000 and $2,770,000 increase in revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, from the favorable impact of the new revenue recognition guidance, Topic 606, adopted effective January 1, 2018.

Cost of services.  Cost of services increased $1,980,000,$3,430,000, or 7.2%11.6%, and $2,474,000,$6,162,000, or 4.3%10.3%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017,2018, respectively, as compared to the corresponding prior year periods. The increase is primarily

attributable due to increasedexpensing certain direct and incremental field service costs dueon new contracts obtained in connection with a subscriber move ("Moves Costs") of $2,232,000 and $4,637,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively. Upon adoption of Topic 606, all Moves Costs are expensed, whereas prior to a higher volume of retention jobs being completedadoption, certain Moves Costs were capitalized on the balance sheet. Moves Costs capitalized as Subscriber accounts, net for the three and an increase in expensedsix months ended June 30, 2017 were $3,594,000 and $7,483,000, respectively. Furthermore, subscriber acquisition costs, attributable to MONI, as a result of the initiation of MONI's direct installation sales channel. Subscriber acquisition costswhich include expensed MONIequipment and LiveWatch equipment costs and MONI labor costs associated with the creation of new subscribers, ofincreased to $4,320,000 and $7,930,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, as compared to $2,803,000 and $5,467,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively, as comparedattributable to $2,081,000increased production volume in the Company's direct sales channel. These increases were offset by reduced salary and $4,333,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively.wage expense due to lower headcount. Cost of services as a percent of net revenue increased from 19.2%21.1% and 19.9%21.2% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016,2017, respectively, to 21.1%24.5% for both the three and six months ended June 30, 2017,2018, respectively.

 
Selling, general and administrative. Selling, general and administrative costs ("SG&A") increased $32,638,000,decreased $30,384,000, or 101.6%46.9%, and $36,765,000,$29,223,000, or 57.2%28.9%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017,2018, respectively, as compared to the corresponding prior year periods. The increase for both the three and six monthsdecrease is primarily attributable to athe $28,000,000 legal settlement reserve recognized in the second quarter of 2017 in relation to class action litigation of alleged violation of telemarketing laws. Also contributingFurthermore, there were decreases in consulting fees related to company cost reduction initiatives, stock-based compensation expense and LiveWatch acquisition contingent bonus charges for the change are increasedthree and six months ended June 30, 2018, due to recent settlements or renegotiations of certain key agreements governing these costs. The decrease was offset by increases in direct marketing and other SG&A subscriber acquisition costs (marketing and sales costs related toassociated with the creation of new subscribers) and consulting fees related to future cost reduction initiatives at MONI.subscribers. Subscriber acquisition costs in SG&A increased to $8,815,000 and $16,895,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, as compared to $6,647,000 and $13,016,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively, as compared to $4,714,000 and $8,828,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively, primarily as a result of increased direct-to-consumer sales activities at MONI. Additionally, in the first quarter of 2017, Ascent Capital entered into a foreign currency forward exchange contract to hedge British Pound exposure associated with the sale of a property in the United Kingdom. Included in SG&A is a realized loss of $596,000 and $1,150,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively, on the maturity and settlement of this contract.respectively. SG&A as a percent of net revenue increaseddecreased from 22.4% for both the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 to 46.1% and 35.9% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively, to 25.5% and 26.7% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively.

Amortization of subscriber accounts, dealer networkdeferred contract acquisition costs and other intangible assets.  Amortization of subscriber accounts, dealer networkdeferred contract acquisition costs and other intangible assets decreased $1,972,000$6,074,000 and $3,747,000,$11,210,000, or 3.2%10.1% and 3.0%9.4%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017,2018, respectively, as compared to the corresponding prior year periods.  The decrease is related to a lower number of subscriber accounts purchased in the last twelve months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the prior corresponding period as well as the timing of amortization of subscriber accounts acquired prior to the second quarter of 2016,2017, which have a lower rate of amortization in 20172018 based on the applicable double declining balance amortization method. Additionally, as discussed above, Moves Costs are expensed under Topic 606, whereas prior to adoption, these Moves Costs were capitalized on the balance sheet and amortized. This change resulted in a $1,880,000 and $3,763,000 decrease in amortization expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively. The decrease is partially offset by increased amortization related to accounts acquired subsequent to June 30, 2016.2017.
 
Interest expense.  Interest expense increased $6,578,000$2,257,000 and $12,640,000,$3,423,000, or 5.9% and 4.5%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017,2018, respectively, as compared to the corresponding prior year periods. The increase in interest expense is attributable to increases in the Company's consolidatedrevolving credit facility activity, higher interest rates from increasing LIBOR rates and increased amortization of debt balancediscount and higher applicable margins on Credit Facility borrowings as a result ofdeferred debt costs under the September 2016 Credit Facility refinancing.effective interest rate method.
 
Income tax expense from continuing operations.  The Company had pre-tax loss from continuing operations of $243,020,000 and $272,512,000 and income tax expense of $1,347,000 and $2,693,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively.  The Company had pre-tax loss from continuing operations of $38,865,000 and $55,996,000 and income tax expense of $4,661,000 and $6,475,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively. The Company had pre-tax loss from continuing operations of $20,437,000 and $41,835,000 and income tax expense of $1,765,000 and $3,587,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively. Income tax expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 is attributable to United Kingdom estimated corporation tax primarily related to the gain on sale of property in the second quarter of 2017, MONI'sBrinks Home Security's state tax expense and the deferred tax impact from amortization of deductible goodwill related to MONI's recentBrinks Home Security's business acquisitions.  Income tax expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 is attributable to MONI's state tax expense and the deferred tax impact from amortization of deductible goodwill related to MONI's recent business acquisitions. 

Net loss from continuing operations. The Company had net loss from continuing operations of $244,367,000 and $275,205,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, as compared to $43,526,000 and $62,471,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively, as compared to $22,202,000 and $45,422,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively. The increase in net loss is primarily drivenattributable to the $214,400,000 goodwill impairment recognized in the second quarter of 2018, reductions in net revenue and the gains on sale of Ascent Capital properties recognized in 2017 offset by the $28,000,000 legal settlement reserve recognized in the second quarter of 2017 as well as increases in other operating costs and decreases in revenue as discussed above. These changes were offset by a reduction in Radio conversion costs, as MONI has substantially completed its radio conversion program in 2016, and $14,579,000 and $21,217,000 of gains on disposal of assets held for sale recognized during the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively.


Adjusted EBITDA and Pre-SAC Adjusted EBITDA. The following table provides a reconciliation of netNet loss from continuing operations to total Adjusted EBITDA to Pre-SAC Adjusted EBITDA for the periods indicated (amounts in thousands):
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017 2018 2017
Net loss from continuing operations(43,526) (22,202) (62,471) (45,422)$(244,367) (43,526) $(275,205) (62,471)
Amortization of subscriber accounts, dealer network and other intangible assets59,965
 61,937
 119,512
 123,259
Amortization of subscriber accounts, deferred contract acquisition costs and other intangible assets53,891
 59,965
 108,302
 119,512
Depreciation2,132
 2,114
 4,259
 4,177
2,871
 2,132
 5,492
 4,259
Stock-based compensation1,999
 1,750
 3,575
 3,445
685
 1,999
 970
 3,575
Radio conversion costs77
 7,596
 309
 16,675

 77
 
 309
Legal settlement reserve
 28,000
 
 28,000
Severance expense (a)
 
 2,955
 27
LiveWatch acquisition contingent bonus charges62
 387
 124
 1,355
Rebranding marketing program33
 64
 880
 237
2,403
 33
 3,295
 880
LiveWatch acquisition contingent bonus charges387
 1,092
 1,355
 1,992
Integration / implementation of company initiatives1,389
 
 2,030
 

 1,389
 
 2,030
Severance expense (a)
 
 27
 245
Gain on revaluation of acquisition dealer liabilities
 (404) 
 (404)
Impairment of capitalized software
 
 713
 

 
 
 713
Gain on revaluation of acquisition dealer liabilities(404) 
 (404) 
Gain on disposal of operating assets(14,579) 
 (21,217) 

 (14,579) 
 (21,217)
Legal settlement reserve28,000
 
 28,000
 
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on marketable securities
 1,904
 
 1,904
Loss on goodwill impairment214,400
 
 214,400
 
Interest income(563) (588) (958) (1,045)(774) (563) (1,255) (958)
Interest expense38,165
 31,587
 75,651
 63,011
40,422
 38,165
 79,074
 75,651
Unrealized (gain) loss on marketable securities, net(1,540) 
 (2,576) 
Income tax expense from continuing operations4,661
 1,765
 6,475
 3,587
1,347
 4,661
 2,693
 6,475
Adjusted EBITDA77,736
 87,019
 157,736
 172,065
$69,400
 77,736
 $138,269
 157,736
Gross subscriber acquisition costs (b)9,450
 6,795
 18,483
 13,161
Revenue associated with subscriber acquisition costs (b)(1,251) (1,257) (2,643) (2,552)
Pre-SAC Adjusted EBITDA$85,935
 92,557
 173,576
 182,674
 
(a) Severance expense related to a 2016 reduction in headcount event and transitioning executive leadership at MONI.
(b)Gross subscriber acquisition costsAscent Capital in 2018 and Revenue associated with subscriber acquisition costs for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 has been restated to include $974,000 and $1,341,000 of costs, respectively, and $207,000 and $377,000 of revenue, respectively, related to MONI's direct-to-consumer sales channel activities for the period.Brinks Home Security in 2017.

Adjusted EBITDA decreased $9,283,000,$8,336,000, or 10.7%, and $14,329,000,$19,467,000, or 8.3%12.3%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017,2018, respectively, as compared to the corresponding prior year periods.  The decrease is primarily the result of lower revenues, as discussed above,the expensing of subscriber moves in 2018 and an increase in subscriber acquisition costs net of related revenue, which is primarily associated with an increase in MONI's direct-to-consumer sales activities. Subscriber acquisition costs, net of related revenue, increased from $5,538,000as discussed above.

Brinks Home Security's consolidated Adjusted EBITDA was $72,159,000 and $10,609,000$142,198,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016,2018, respectively, as compared to $80,654,000 and $162,876,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively.

Expensed Subscriber acquisition costs, net.  Subscriber acquisition costs, net increased to $11,880,000 and $22,058,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, as compared to $8,199,000 and $15,840,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively.

Pre-SAC Adjusted EBITDA decreased $6,622,000, or 7.2%, and $9,098,000, or 5.0%, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively, as compared to the corresponding prior year periods which The increase in subscriber acquisition costs, net is primarily attributable to lower Pre-SAC revenues and increased field service retention costs as discussed above.increase in volume of direct sales subscriber acquisitions year over year.

MONI's consolidated Adjusted EBITDA was $80,654,000 and $162,876,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively, as compared to $88,639,000 and $175,659,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively. MONI's consolidated Pre-SAC Adjusted EBITDA was $88,853,000 and $178,716,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively, as compared to $94,177,000 and $186,268,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively.


Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
At June 30, 2017,2018, we had $31,559,000$4,185,000 of cash and cash equivalents and $80,484,000$105,515,000 of marketable securities on a consolidated basis.  We may use a portion of these assets to decrease debt obligations, fund stock repurchases, or fund potential strategic acquisitions or investment opportunities.
 
Additionally, our other source of funds is our cash flows from operating activities which are primarily generated from the operations of MONI.Brinks Home Security.  During the six months ended June 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, our cash flow from operating activities was $69,467,000$63,672,000 and $91,368,000,$69,467,000, respectively.  The primary driver of our cash flow from operating activities is Adjusted EBITDA.  Fluctuations in our Adjusted EBITDA and the components of that measure are discussed in “Results of Operations” above.  In addition, our cash flow from operating activities may be significantly impacted by changes in working capital.
 

During the six months ended June 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, the Company used cash of $88,287,000$69,695,000 and $106,805,000,$88,287,000, respectively, to fund subscriber account acquisitions, net of holdback and guarantee obligations.  In addition, during the six months ended June 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, the Company used cash of $5,752,000$8,928,000 and $3,100,000,$5,752,000, respectively, to fund its capital expenditures.

The existing long-term debt of the Company at June 30, 20172018 includes the aggregate principal balance of $1,837,025,000$1,846,625,000 under its Convertible Notes, Senior Notes, Credit Facility(i) the Ascent Capital convertible senior notes totaling $96,775,000 in aggregate principal amount, maturing on July 15, 2020 and bearing interest at 4.00% per annum (the “Convertible Notes”), (ii) the Brinks Home Security senior notes totaling $585,000,000 in principal, maturing on April 1, 2020 and bearing interest at 9.125% per annum (the “Senior Notes”), and (iii) the $1,100,000,000 senior secured term loan and Credit Facility revolver.$295,000,000 super priority revolver under the sixth amendment to the Brinks Home Security secured credit agreement dated March 23, 2012, as amended (the “Credit Facility”).  The Convertible Notes have an outstanding principal balance of $96,775,000 as of June 30, 2017 and mature July 15, 2020.2018.  The Senior Notes have an outstanding principal balance of $585,000,000 as of June 30, 2017 and mature on April 1, 2020.2018.  The Credit Facility term loan has an outstanding principal balance of $1,091,750,000$1,080,750,000 as of June 30, 20172018 and requires principal payments of $2,750,000 per quarter with the remaining amount becoming due on September 30, 2022. The Credit Facility revolver has an outstanding balance of $63,500,000$84,100,000 as of June 30, 20172018 and becomes due on September 30, 2021. The maturity date for both the term loan and the revolving credit facility under the Credit Facility are subject to a springing maturity 181 days prior to the scheduled maturity date of the Senior Notes, or October 3, 2019 if Brinks Home Security is unable to refinance the Senior Notes by that date. In addition, if Brinks Home Security is unable to repay or refinance the Senior Notes prior to the filing with the SEC of their Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, they may be subject to a going concern qualification in connection with their audit, which would be an event of default under the Credit Facility. At any time after the occurrence of an event of default under the Credit Facility, the lenders may, among other options, declare any amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility immediately due and payable and terminate any commitment to make further loans under the Credit Facility.
 
In considering our liquidity requirements for the remainder of 2017,2018, we evaluated our known future commitments and obligations. We will require the availability of funds to finance the strategy of our primary operating subsidiary, MONI,subsidiaries, Brinks Home Security, which is planned to grow through the acquisition of subscriber accounts. We considered the expected cash flow from MONI,Brinks Home Security, as this business is the driver of our operating cash flows.  In addition, we considered the borrowing capacity of MONI'sBrinks Home Security's Credit Facility revolver, under which MONIBrinks Home Security could borrow an additional $231,500,000$210,900,000 as of June 30, 2017.2018, subject to certain financial covenants. Based on this analysis, we expect that cash on hand, cash flow generated from operations and available borrowings under the MONI'sBrinks Home Security's Credit Facility revolver will provide sufficient liquidity, given our anticipated current and future requirements.

We may seek external equity or debt financing in the event of any new investment opportunities, additional capital expenditures or our operations requiring additional funds, but there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain equity or debt financing on terms that would be acceptable to us or at all.  Our ability to seek additional sources of funding depends on our future financial position and results of operations, which are subject to general conditions in or affecting our industry and our customers and to general economic, political, financial, competitive, legislative and regulatory factors beyond our control.


Item 3.3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk
 
Interest Rate Risk
 
Due to the terms of our debt obligations, weWe have exposure to changes in interest rates related to thesethe terms of our debt obligations.  MONIBrinks Home Security uses derivative financial instruments to manage the exposure related to the movement in interest rates.  The derivatives are designated as hedges and were entered into with the intention of reducing the risk associated with variable interest rates on the debt obligations.  We do not use derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.
 
Tabular Presentation of Interest Rate Risk
 
The table below provides information about our outstanding debt obligations and derivative financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates. Interest rate swaps are presented at their fair value amount and by maturity date as of June 30, 2017.2018.  Debt amounts represent principal payments by maturity date as of June 30, 2017.2018, assuming no springing maturity of both the term loan and the revolving credit facility under the Credit Facility.
 
Year of Maturity 
Fixed Rate
Derivative
Instruments, net (a)
 
Variable Rate
Debt
 
Fixed Rate
Debt
 Total 
Fixed Rate
Derivative
Instruments, net (a)
 
Variable Rate
Debt
 
Fixed Rate
Debt
 Total
 (Amounts in thousands) (Amounts in thousands)
Remainder of 2017 $
 $5,500
 $
 $5,500
2018 2,634
 11,000
 
 13,634
Remainder of 2018 $
 $5,500
 $
 $5,500
2019 
 11,000
 
 11,000
 
 11,000
 
 11,000
2020 
 11,000
 681,775
 692,775
 
 11,000
 681,775
 692,775
2021 
 74,500
 
 74,500
 
 95,100
 
 95,100
2022 10,618
 1,042,250
 
 1,052,868
 (12,853) 1,042,250
 
 1,029,397
2023 
 
 
 
Thereafter 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total $13,252
 $1,155,250
 $681,775
 $1,850,277
 $(12,853) $1,164,850
 $681,775
 $1,833,772
 
(a) 
The derivative financial instruments reflected in this column include four interest rate swaps with a maturity date in 2018 and four interest rate swaps with a maturity date in 2022.  As a result of these interest rate swaps, MONI's currentBrinks Home Security's effective weighted average interest rate on the borrowings under the Credit Facility term loans is 7.18%.was 7.98% as of June 30, 2018.  See notes 6, 7, 8 and 89 to our accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report for further information.
 
Item 4.4.  Controls and Procedures
 
In accordance with Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including its chief executive officer and chief financial officer (the "Executives"), of the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based on that evaluation, the Executives concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 20172018 to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in its reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’sSecurities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.
 
There has been no change in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended June 30, 20172018 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal controls over financial reporting.


ASCENT CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1A.Risk Factors

Except as discussed below, there have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in Part I, Item 1A of the 2017 Form 10-K and Part II, Item 1A of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2018.

Brinks Home Security may be unable to obtain future financing on terms acceptable to Brinks Home Security or at all, which may hinder its ability to grow its business or satisfy is obligations.

Brinks Home Security intends to continue to pursue growth through the acquisition of subscriber accounts through its authorized dealer network, its strategic relationships and its direct to consumer channel, among other means. To continue its growth strategy, it intends to make additional drawdowns under the revolving credit portion of its Credit Facility and may seek financing through new credit arrangements or the possible sale of new securities, any of which may lead to higher leverage or result in higher borrowing costs. In addition, any future downgrade in Brinks Home Security's credit rating could also result in higher borrowing costs. An inability to obtain funding through external financing sources on favorable terms or at all is likely to adversely affect Brinks Home Security's ability to continue or accelerate its subscriber account acquisition activities.

Additionally, Brinks Home Security may be unable to refinance its existing indebtedness, which could affect its ability to satisfy its obligations. The maturity date for both the term loan and the revolving credit facility under the Credit Facility are subject to a springing maturity 181 days prior to the scheduled maturity date of the Senior Notes. Accordingly, if Brinks Home Security is unable to repay or refinance the Senior Notes by October 3, 2019, the maturity date for both the term loan and the revolving credit facility would be accelerated. Further, if Brinks Home Security is unable to repay or refinance the Senior Notes prior to the filing with the SEC of its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, Brinks Home Security may be subject to a going concern qualification in connection with its audit, which would be an event of default under the Credit Facility. In either event, Brinks Home Security would be unable to meet its obligations and would need to take other measures to satisfy its creditors, which could result in significant negative and other consequences, as described under "MONI has a substantial amount of indebtedness and the costs of servicing that debt may materially affect its business" in Part I. Item 1A, Risk Factors of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets represent a significant portion of our total assets, and we may be required to recognize additional impairment charges.

As of December 31, 2017, we had goodwill of $563,549,000, which represented 27% of total assets. Goodwill was recorded in connection with the MONI, Security Networks, and LiveWatch acquisitions. The Company accounts for its goodwill pursuant to the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other ("FASB ASC Topic 350"). In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 350, goodwill is tested for impairment annually or when events or changes in circumstances occur that would, more likely than not, reduce the fair value of an asset below its carrying value, resulting in an impairment. Impairments may result from, among other things, deterioration in financial and operational performance, declines in stock price, increased attrition, adverse market conditions, adverse changes in applicable laws and/or regulations, deterioration of general macroeconomic conditions, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, increased competitive markets in which Brinks Home Security operates in, declining financial performance over a sustained period, changes in key personnel and/or strategy, and a variety of other factors.

The amount of any quantified impairment must be expensed immediately as a charge to results of operations. Any future impairment charges relating to goodwill or other intangible assets would have the effect of decreasing our earnings or increasing our losses in such period. At least annually, or as circumstances arise that may trigger an assessment, we will test our goodwill for impairment. The Company typically tests its goodwill for impairment in the fourth quarter of each year and determined to test its goodwill again during the second quarter 2018 in light of its recent stock price performance. During the three months ended June 30, 2018, the Company recorded a non-cash charge of $214,400,000 for the impairment of goodwill at the MONI reporting unit primarily due to lower overall account acquisitions in recent periods. There can be no assurance that our future evaluations of goodwill will not result in our recognition of additional impairment charges, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial statements and results of operations.

Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
 
(c) Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer
 
The Company did not purchase any of its own equity securities during the three months ended June 30, 2018. The following table sets forth information concerning shares withheld in payment of withholding taxes, in each case, during the three months ended June 30, 2017.2018.
Period 
Total number of
shares
purchased
(surrendered) (1)
   
Average price
paid per share
 
Total Number of
Shares (or Units)
Purchased as Part
of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
 
Maximum Number (or
Approximate Dollar
Value) or Shares (or
Units) that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs (1)
  
4/1/2017 - 4/30/2017 49
 (2) $13.99
 
    
5/1/2017 - 5/31/2017 2,505
 (2) 13.45
 
    
6/1/2017 - 6/30/2017 8,461
 (2) 15.18
 
    
Total 11,015
   $14.78
 
    
Period 
Total Number 
of Shares
Purchased
(Surrendered) (1)
   
Average Price
Paid per Share
 
Total Number of
Shares (or Units)
Purchased as Part
of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
 
Maximum Number (or
Approximate Dollar
Value) or Shares (or
Units) that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs (1)
4/1/2018 - 4/30/2018 6,045
 (2) $3.54
 
  
5/1/2018 - 5/31/2018 3,441
 (2) 2.18
 
  
6/1/2018 - 6/30/2018 
   
 
  
Total 9,486
   $3.04
 
  
 
(1)
  On June 16, 2011, the Company announced that it received authorization to implement a share repurchase program, pursuant to which it could purchase up to $25,000,000 of its shares of Series A Common Stock, par value $0.01, from time to time.  On November 14, 2013, November 10, 2014 and September 4, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized, at each date, the repurchase of an incremental $25,000,000 of its Series A Common Stock. As of June 30, 2017,2018, 2,391,604 shares of Series A Common Stock had been purchased, at an average price paid of $40.65 per share, pursuant to these authorizations.  As of June 30, 2017,2018, the remaining availability under the Company's existing share repurchase program will enable the Company to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately $2,771,000 of Series A Common Stock. The Company may also purchase shares of its Series B Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, under the remaining availability of the program.
 
(2)Represents shares withheld in payment of withholding taxes upon vesting of employees' restricted share awards.
 
Item 5.Other Information

General Development of Business

We were incorporated in the state of Delaware on May 29, 2008 and were a wholly-owned subsidiary of Discovery Holding Company ("DHC"), a subsidiary of Discovery Communications, Inc. On September 17, 2008, Ascent Capital was spun off from DHC and became an independent, publicly traded company. The spin-off was intended to qualify as a tax-free transaction.

On February 26, 2018, Monitronics International Inc. ("Monitronics" and, collectively with its subsidiaries, doing business as "Brinks Home SecurityTM") entered into an exclusive, long-term, trademark licensing agreement with The Brink’s Company ("Brink's"), which resulted in a complete rebranding of Monitronics and its subsidiary, LiveWatch Security, LLC ("LiveWatch") as Brinks Home Security (the "Brink's License Agreement"). Under the terms of the Brink's License Agreement, Monitronics has exclusive use of the Brinks and Brinks Home Security trademarks related to the residential smart home and home security categories in the U.S. and Canada for an initial term of seven years, which, subject to certain conditions, may be extended in subsequent renewal periods beyond 20 years pursuant to the agreement’s renewal provisions.

At June 30, 2018, our assets consisted primarily of our primary wholly-owned operating subsidiaries, Brinks Home Security, investments in marketable securities and cash and cash equivalents.

At June 30, 2018, we had investments in marketable securities and cash and cash equivalents, on a consolidated basis, of $105,515,000 and $4,185,000, respectively.

Brinks Home Security provides residential customers and commercial client accounts with monitored home and business security systems, as well as interactive and home automation services, in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.  Brinks Home Security customers are obtained through its direct-to-consumer sales channel (the "Direct to Consumer Channel") and its exclusive authorized dealer network (the "Dealer Channel"), which provides product and installation services, as well as support to customers. Its direct-to-consumer channel offers both Do-It-Yourself ("DIY") and professional installation security solutions.

* * * * *

Financial Information About Reportable Segments

We identify our reportable segments based on financial information reviewed by the Company's chief operating decision maker. Prior to the second quarter of 2018, we reported financial information for our consolidated business segments that represented more than 10% of our consolidated revenue or earnings before income taxes. Based on the foregoing criteria, we had two reportable segments as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, MONI and LiveWatch.

The rollout of the Brinks Home Security brand in the second quarter of 2018 included the integration of our business model under a single brand. As part of the integration, we reorganized our business from two reportable segments, MONI and LiveWatch, to one reportable segment, Brinks Home Security. Following the integration, our chief operating decision maker reviews internal financial information on a Brinks Home Security consolidated basis, which excludes corporate Ascent Capital activities and consolidation eliminations not associated with the operation of Brinks Home Security. Total assets related to corporate Ascent Capital activities are $107,885,000 and $113,698,000 as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Net gain (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes related to corporate Ascent Capital activities was $(2,575,000) and $(7,206,000) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, as compared to $9,543,000 and $11,559,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017.

Narrative Description of Business

Ascent Capital, a Delaware corporation, is a holding company whose principal assets as of June 30, 2018 consisted of our primary wholly-owned operating subsidiaries, Brinks Home Security, investments in marketable securities and cash and cash equivalents.  Our principal executive office is located at 5251 DTC Parkway, Suite 1000, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111, telephone number (303) 628-5600.

Monitronics was incorporated in Texas in 1994 and is headquartered in Farmers Branch, Texas.

Brinks Home Security

Through Brinks Home Security, we are one of the largest security alarm monitoring companies in North America, with customers under contract in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Canada. Brinks Home Security offers:

monitoring services for alarm signals arising from burglaries, fires, medical alerts and other events through security systems at our customers' premises;
a comprehensive platform of home automation services, including, among other things, remote activation and control of security systems, support for video monitoring, flood sensors, automated garage door and door lock capabilities and thermostat integration, with mobile device accessibility provided through our proprietary mobile notification system;
hands‑free two‑way interactive voice communication between our monitoring center and our customers; and
customer service and technical support related to home monitoring systems and home automation services.

The Brinks Home Security business model consists of two principal sales channels consisting of customers sourced through our Dealer Channel and our Direct to Consumer Channel, which sources customers through direct-to-consumer advertising primarily through internet, print and partnership program marketing activities. In May 2018, both the Dealer Channel and Direct to Consumer Channels began to go to market under the Brinks Home Security brand.

Our Dealer Channel, which we consider exclusive based on our right of first refusal with respect to any accounts generated by such dealers, is our largest source of customers representing 62% of gross additional customers in the second quarter of 2018, when excluding bulk account purchases in the period. By outsourcing the low margin, high fixed‑cost elements of Brinks Home Security's business to a large network of dealers, it has significant flexibility in managing our asset‑light cost structure across business cycles. Accordingly, Brinks Home Security is able to allocate capital to growing its revenue‑generating customer base rather than to local offices or depreciating hard assets and, we believe, derive higher cash flow generation.

Our Direct to Consumer Channel is an important addition to our channel diversity. Our Direct to Consumer Channel accounted for 38% of our gross additional customers in the second quarter of 2018, when excluding bulk account purchases in the period. Our Direct to Consumer Channel provides customers with a do-it-yourself (“DIY”) home security product and a professional installation option. Our DIY offering provides an asset-light, geographically unconstrained product. In contrast to our Dealer

Channel with local market presence, our Direct to Consumer Channel generates accounts through leads from direct response marketing. The Direct to Consumer Channel, including DIY, is expected to lower creation costs per account acquired.

Brinks Home Security generates nearly all of its revenue from fees charged to customers (or "subscribers") under alarm monitoring agreements ("AMAs"), which include access to interactive and automation features at a higher fee.  Additional revenue is also generated as our customers bundle other interactive services with their traditional monitoring services. During the three months ended June 30, 2018, 95% of new customers purchased at least one of Brinks Home Security's interactive services alongside traditional security monitoring services. As of June 30, 2018, Brinks Home Security had 955,853 subscribers generating $43,000,000 of Recurring Monthly Revenue ("RMR").

Brinks Home Security generates incremental revenue through product and installation sales or by providing additional services, such as maintenance and wholesale contract monitoring. Contract monitoring includes fees charged to other security alarm companies for monitoring their accounts on a wholesale basis. As of June 30, 2018, Brinks Home Security provided wholesale monitoring services for over 57,000 accounts. The incremental revenue streams do not represent a significant portion of our overall revenue.

Sales and Marketing

In June 2018, management began marketing the Brinks Home Security brand directly to consumers through internet and print national advertising campaigns and partnerships with other subscription- or member-based organizations and businesses. This, coupled with the Authorized Dealer nationwide network, is an effective way for us to market alarm systems.  Locally-based dealers are often an integral part of the communities they serve and understand the local market and how best to satisfy local needs. By combining the dealer’s local presence and reputation with the nationally marketed Brinks Home Security brand, accompanied with its high quality service and support, Brinks Home Security is able to cost-effectively provide local services and take advantage of economies of scale where appropriate. Brinks Home Security also offers a differentiated go-to-market strategy through direct response TV, internet and radio advertising.

Dealer Channel

Brinks Home Security's Dealer Channel consists of over 345 independent dealers who are typically small businesses that sell and install alarm systems.  These dealers generally do not retain the AMAs due to the scale and large upfront investment required to build and efficiently operate monitoring stations and related infrastructure.  These dealers typically sell the AMAs to third parties and outsource the monitoring function for any AMAs they retain. The initial contract term for contracts generated by the dealers are typically three to five years, with automatic renewals annually or on a month-to-month basis depending on state and local regulations. Brinks Home Security has the ability to monitor signals from nearly all types of residential security systems.

Brinks Home Security generally enters into exclusive contracts with dealers that typically have initial terms ranging between two to five years, with renewal terms thereafter. In order to maximize revenue and geographic diversification, Brinks Home Security partners with dealers from throughout the U.S. We believe Brinks Home Security's ability to maximize return on invested capital is largely dependent on the quality of our dealers and the accounts acquired. In addition, rigorous underwriting standards are applied and a detailed review of each AMA to be acquired.

Brinks Home Security generally acquires each new AMA at a cost based on a multiple of the account’s RMR. The dealer contracts generally provide that if an acquired AMA is terminated within the first 12 months, the dealer must replace the AMA or refund the AMA purchase price. To secure the dealer’s obligation, Brinks Home Security typically retains a percentage of the AMA purchase price.

Customer Integration and Marketing

Dealers in our Dealer Channel typically introduce customers to Brinks Home Security when describing its central monitoring station.  Following the acquisition of an AMA from a dealer, the customer is notified that Brinks Home Security is responsible for all their monitoring and customer service needs.  The customer’s awareness and identification of the Brinks Home Security brand as the monitoring service provider is further supported by the distribution of branded materials by the dealer to the customer at the point of sale. Such materials may include the promotional items listed below. All materials provided in the dealer model focus on the Brinks Home Security brand and its role as the single source of support for the customer.


Dealer Network Development

Brinks Home Security remains focused on expanding its network of independent authorized dealers. To do so, it has established a dealer program that provides participating dealers with a variety of support services to assist them as they grow their businesses. Authorized dealers may use the Brinks Home Security brand name in their sales and marketing activities and on the products they sell and install. Authorized dealers benefit from their affiliation with Brinks Home Security and its national reputation for high customer satisfaction, as well as the support they receive from Brinks Home Security. Authorized dealers also have the opportunity to obtain discounts on alarm systems and other equipment purchased by such dealers from original equipment manufacturers.  Brinks Home Security also makes available sales, business and technical training, sales literature, co-branded marketing materials, sales leads and management support to its authorized dealers.  In most cases, these services and cost savings would not be available to security alarm dealers on an individual basis.

Currently, Brinks Home Security employs sales representatives to promote its authorized dealer program, find account acquisition opportunities and sell its monitoring services. Brinks Home Security targets independent alarm dealers across the U.S. that can benefit from its dealer program services and can generate high quality monitoring customers for the company. Brinks Home Security uses a variety of marketing techniques to promote the dealer program and related services. These activities include direct mail, trade magazine advertising, trade shows, internet web site marketing, publicity and telemarketing.

Dealer Marketing Support

Brinks Home Security offers its authorized dealers an extensive marketing support program that is focused on developing professionally designed sales and marketing materials that will help dealers market alarm systems and monitoring services with maximum effectiveness. Materials offered to authorized dealers include:

sales brochures and flyers;
yard signs;
window decals;
customer forms and agreements;
sales presentation binders;
door hangers;
vehicle graphics;
trade show booths; and
clothing bearing the Brinks Home Security brand name.

These materials are made available to dealers at prices that our management believes would not be available to dealers on an individual basis.

Sales materials used by authorized dealers promote both the Brinks Home Security brand and the dealer's status as a Brinks Home Security authorized dealer. Dealers often sell and install alarm systems which display the Brinks Home Security logo and telephone number, which further strengthens consumer recognition of their status as Brinks Home Security authorized dealers. Management believes that the dealers' use of the Brinks Home Security brand to promote their affiliation with one of the nation’s largest alarm monitoring companies boosts the dealers’ credibility and reputation in their local markets and also assists in supporting their sales success.

Negotiated Account Acquisitions

In addition to the development of Brinks Home Security's dealer network, it periodically acquire alarm monitoring accounts from other alarm companies in bulk on a negotiated basis. Our management has extensive experience in identifying potential opportunities, negotiating account acquisitions and performing thorough due diligence, which helps facilitate execution of new acquisitions in a timely manner.

Customer Operations

Once a customer has contracted for services through the Dealer Channel, Brinks Home Security provides monitoring services as well as billing and 24-hour telephone support through its central monitoring station, located in Farmers Branch, Texas.  This facility is Underwriters Laboratories ("UL") listed.  To obtain and maintain a UL listing, an alarm monitoring center must be located in a building meeting UL’s structural requirements, have back-up and uninterruptable power supplies, have secure telephone lines and maintain redundant computer systems.  UL conducts periodic reviews of alarm monitoring centers to ensure compliance with their requirements.  Brinks Home Security's central monitoring station has also received the Monitoring

Association’s prestigious Five Diamond certification. Five Diamond certification is achieved by having all alarm monitoring operators complete special industry training and pass an exam.

Brinks Home Security also has a back-up facility in Dallas, Texas that is capable of supporting monitoring and certain customer service operations in the event of a disruption at its primary monitoring and customer care center.

Brinks Home Security's telephone systems utilize high-capacity, high-quality, digital circuits backed up by conventional telephone lines. When an alarm signal is received at the monitoring facility, it is routed to an operator. At the same time, information concerning the subscriber whose alarm has been activated and the nature and location of the alarm signal is delivered to the operator’s computer terminal. The operator is then responsible for following standard procedures to contact the subscriber or take other appropriate action, including, if the situation requires, contacting local emergency service providers.  Brinks Home Security never dispatches its own personnel to the subscriber’s premises in response to an alarm event.  If a subscriber lives in an area where the emergency service provider will not respond without verification of an actual emergency, Brinks Home Security will contract with an independent third party responder if available in that area.

Security system interactive and home automation services are contracted with and provided by various third party technology companies to the subscriber.

Brinks Home Security seeks to increase subscriber satisfaction and retention by carefully managing customer and technical service. The customer service center handles all general inquiries from all subscribers, including those related to subscriber information changes, basic alarm troubleshooting, alarm verification, technical service requests and requests to enhance existing services. Brinks Home Security has a proprietary centralized information system that enables it to satisfy over 90% of subscriber technical inquiries over the telephone, without dispatching a service technician. If the customer requires field service, Brinks Home Security relies on its nationwide network of independent service dealers and over 85 employee field service technicians to provide such service.  Brinks Home Security closely monitors service dealer performance with customer satisfaction forms, follow-up quality assurance calls and other performance metrics.  In 2017, Brinks Home Security dispatched approximately 295 independent service dealers around the country to handle its field service.

DIY and Customer Operations

Brinks Home Security is also a leading DIY home security provider offering professionally monitored security services through the Direct to Consumer Channel. This DIY business is an asset-light business and geographically unconstrained. Brinks Home Security obtains subscribers through e-commerce online sales and through a trained inside sales phone operation and typically offers substantial equipment subsidies to initiate, renew or upgrade AMAs. The initial contract term for DIY AMAs is typically one to three years, with automatic renewal on a month-to-month basis.

When a customer initiates and completes the sales process to obtain alarm monitoring services, including signing an AMA, Brinks Home Security pre-configures the alarm monitoring system based on the customer’s specifications, then packages and ships the equipment directly to the customer. The customer self-installs the equipment on-site and activates the monitoring service over the phone. Technical support for installation is provided via telephone or online assistance via the Brinks Home Security website. Monitoring services are provided through a third party central monitoring station. Security system, interactive and home automation services are contracted with and provided to the subscriber by various third party technology companies. Brinks Home Security customer care centers handle general inquiries from the DIY subscribers as well as engage in retention activities.

Customers

We believe Brinks Home Security's subscriber acquisition process, which includes both clearly defined customer account standards and a comprehensive due diligence process focusing on both the dealers and the AMAs to be acquired, contributes significantly to the high quality of Brinks Home Security's subscriber base. For each of the last five calendar years, the average credit score associated with AMAs that were acquired was 715 or higher on the FICO scale.

Approximately 94% of Brinks Home Security's subscribers are residential homeowners and the remainder are small commercial accounts. We believe that by focusing on residential homeowners, rather than renters, it can reduce attrition, because homeowners relocate less frequently than renters.





Intellectual Property

Pursuant to the terms of the Brink's License Agreement, Monitronics has exclusive use of the Brinks and Brinks Home Security trademarks related to the residential smart home and home security categories in the U.S. and Canada. Brinks Home Security also owns certain proprietary software applications that are used to provide services to our dealers and subscribers, including various trademarks, patents and patents pending related to our "ASAPer" system, which causes a predetermined group of recipients to receive a text message automatically once an alarm is triggered. Other than as mentioned above, we and our subsidiaries do not hold any patents or other intellectual property rights on our proprietary software applications.

Strategy

Corporate Strategy

Ascent Capital actively seeks opportunities to leverage Brinks Home Security's strong operating platform and capital position through strategic acquisitions and investments in the security alarm monitoring industry as well as other life safety industries.

We continually evaluate acquisition and investment opportunities that we believe offer the opportunity for attractive returns on equity. In evaluating potential acquisition and investment candidates we consider various factors, including among other things:

opportunities that strategically align with our existing operations;
financial characteristics, including recurring revenue streams and free cash flow;
growth potential;
potential return on investment incorporating appropriate financial leverage, including the target’s existing indebtedness and opportunities to restructure some or all of that indebtedness;
risk profile of business; and
the presence of a strong management team.

We consider acquisitions and investments utilizing cash, leverage and, potentially, Ascent Capital stock. In addition to acquisitions, we consider majority ownership positions, minority equity investments and, in appropriate circumstances, senior debt investments that we believe provide either a path to full ownership or control, the possibility for high returns on investment, or significant strategic benefits.

Our acquisition and investment strategy entails risk. While our preference is to build our presence in the security alarm monitoring industry through acquisitions, we will also consider potential acquisitions in other life safety industries, which could result in further changes in our operations from those historically conducted by us.

Brinks Home Security Strategy

Brinks Home Security's goal is to maximize return on invested capital, which it believes can be achieved by pursuing the following strategies:

Capitalize on Limited Market Penetration

Brinks Home Security seeks to capitalize on what it views as the current limited market penetration in security services and grow its existing customer base through the following initiatives:

continue to develop its leading dealer position in the market to drive acquisitions of high quality AMAs;
leverage its Direct to Consumer business to competitively secure new customers without significantly altering its existing asset‑light business model;
increase home integration, automation and ancillary product offerings; and
continue to monitor potential accretive merger and acquisition opportunities and further industry contraction.

Proactively Manage Customer Attrition

Customer attrition has historically been reasonably predictable and Brinks Home Security regularly identifies and monitors the principal drivers thereof, including its customers’ credit scores, which Brinks Home Security believes are the strongest predictors of retention. Brinks Home Security seeks to maximize customer retention by consistently offering high quality automated home monitoring services and increasing the average life of acquired AMAs through the following initiatives:


maintain the high quality of Brinks Home Security's customer base by continuing to implement its highly disciplined AMA acquisition program;
continue to motivate Brinks Home Security's dealers to obtain only high‑quality accounts through incentives built into purchase multiples and by having a performance guarantee on substantially all dealer originated accounts;
prioritize the inclusion of interactive and home automation services in the AMAs that Brinks Home Security purchases, which we believe increases customer retention;
proactively identifying customers “at‑risk” for attrition through new technology initiatives;
improve customer care and first call resolution;
continue to implement initiatives to reduce core attrition, which include more effective initial on-boarding of customers, conducting customer surveys at key touchpoints and competitive retention offers for departing customers; and
utilize available customer data to actively identify customers who are relocating and target retention of such customers.

Maximize Economics of Business Model

Due to the scalability of Brinks Home Security's operations and the low fixed and variable costs inherent in its cost structure, we believe we will continue to experience high Adjusted EBITDA margins as costs are spread over increased recurring revenue streams. In addition, Brinks Home Security optimizes the rate of return on investment by managing subscriber acquisition costs, or the costs of acquiring an account (“Subscriber Acquisition Costs”). Subscriber Acquisition Costs, whether capitalized or expensed, include the costs related to the Direct to Consumer Channel and the costs to acquire alarm monitoring contracts from authorized dealers and certain sales and marketing costs. Brinks Home Security consistently offers what it views as competitive rates for account acquisition. We believe our cash flows may also benefit from continued efforts to decrease Brinks Home Security’s cost to serve by investing in customer service automation, targeting cost saving initiatives and integrating the operations of our subsidiaries. 

Grow Dealer Channel

Brinks Home Security plans to expand AMA acquisitions by targeting new dealers from whom it expects to generate high quality customers. We believe that by providing dealers with a full range of services designed to assist them in all aspects of their business, including sales leads, sales training, technical training, comprehensive on‑line account access, detailed weekly account summaries, sales support materials and discounts on security system hardware purchased through our strategic alliances with security system manufacturers, Brinks Home Security is able to attract and partner with dealers that will succeed in its existing dealer network.

Industry; Competition

The security alarm industry is highly competitive and fragmented. Brinks Home Security's competitors include two other major security alarm companies with nationwide coverage, numerous smaller providers with regional or local coverage and certain large multi-service organizations in the telecommunications or cable businesses. Brinks Home Security's significant competitors for obtaining subscriber AMA's are:

ADT, Inc. ("ADT");
Vivint, Inc.;
Guardian Protection Services;
Vector Security, Inc.;
Comcast Corporation; and
SimpliSafe, Inc.

Competition in the security alarm industry is based primarily on reputation for quality of service, market visibility, services offered, price and the ability to identify and obtain customer accounts. Competition for customers has also increased in recent years with the emergence of DIY home security providers and other technology companies expanding into the security alarm industry. We believe Brinks Home Security competes effectively with other national, regional and local alarm monitoring companies, including cable and telecommunications companies, due to its reputation for reliable monitoring, customer and technical services, the quality of its services, and its relatively lower cost structure. We believe the dynamics of the security alarm industry favor larger alarm monitoring companies, such as Brinks Home Security, with a nationwide focus that have greater resources and benefit from economies of scale in technology, advertising and other expenditures.


Some of these security alarm companies have also adopted, in whole or in part, a dealer program similar to Brinks Home Security's.  In these instances, Brinks Home Security must also compete with these programs in recruiting dealers.  We believe Brinks Home Security competes effectively with other dealer programs due to the quality of its dealer support services and its competitive acquisition terms.  Brinks Home Security’s significant competitors for recruiting dealers are:

ADT;
Central Security Group, Inc.;
Guardian Protection Services, Inc.; and
Vector Security, Inc.

Seasonality

Brinks Home Security's operations are subject to a certain level of seasonality.  Since more household moves take place during the second and third calendar quarters of each year, Brinks Home Security's disconnect rate and expenses related to retaining customers are typically higher in those calendar quarters than in the first and fourth quarters.  There is also a slight seasonal effect resulting in higher new customer volume and related cash expenditures incurred in investment in new subscribers in the second and third quarters.

Regulatory Matters

Brinks Home Security's operations are subject to a variety of laws, regulations and licensing requirements of federal, state and local authorities including federal and state customer protection laws. In certain jurisdictions, Brinks Home Security is required to obtain licenses or permits to comply with standards governing employee selection and training and to meet certain standards in the conduct of its business.  The security industry is also subject to requirements imposed by various insurance, approval, listing and standards organizations. Depending upon the type of subscriber served, the type of security service provided and the requirements of the applicable local governmental jurisdiction, adherence to the requirements and standards of such organizations is mandatory in some instances and voluntary in others.

Although local governments routinely respond to panic and smoke/fire alarms, there are an increasing number of local governmental authorities that have adopted or are considering various measures aimed at reducing the number of false burglar alarms. Such measures include:

subjecting alarm monitoring companies to fines or penalties for false alarms;
imposing fines on alarm subscribers for false alarms;
imposing limitations on the number of times the police will respond to false alarms at a particular location;
requiring additional verification of intrusion alarms by calling two different phone numbers prior to dispatch ("Enhanced Call Verification"); and
requiring visual verification of an actual emergency at the premise before the police will respond to an alarm signal.

Enhanced Call Verification has been implemented as standard policy by our company.

Security alarm systems monitored by Brinks Home Security utilize telephone lines, internet connections, cellular networks and radio frequencies to transmit alarm signals. The cost of telephone lines, and the type of equipment which may be used in telephone line transmission, are currently regulated by both federal and state governments. The operation and utilization of cellular and radio frequencies are regulated by the Federal Communications Commission and state public utility commissions.

Employees

At June 30, 2018, Ascent Capital, together with its subsidiaries, had over 1,280 full-time employees and over 60 part-time employees, all of which are located in the U.S.

Financial Information About Geographic Areas

Brinks Home Security provides monitoring services for subscribers located in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Canada.

Available Information


All of our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including our Form 10-Ks, Form 10-Qs and Form 8-Ks, as well as amendments to such filings are available on our Internet website free of charge generally within 24 hours after we file such material with the SEC. Our website address is www.ascentcapitalgroupinc.com.

Our corporate governance guidelines, code of business conduct and ethics, compensation committee charter, nominating and corporate governance committee charter, and audit committee charter are available on our website. In addition, we will provide a copy of any of these documents, free of charge, to any shareholder who calls or submits a request in writing to Investor Relations, Ascent Capital Group, Inc., 5251 DTC Parkway, Suite 1000, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111, telephone no. (303) 628-5600.

The information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference herein.

Item 6Exhibits
 
Listed below are the exhibits which are included as a part of this Report (according to the number assigned to them in Item 601 of Regulation S-K):
10.1 
10.2
10.3
31.1 
31.2 
32 
101.INS XBRL Instance Document. *
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. *
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. *
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. *
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document. *
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. *

 
*Filed herewith.
**Furnished herewith.





SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
    ASCENT CAPITAL GROUP, INC.
     
     
Date:August 9, 20173, 2018 By:/s/ William R. FitzgeraldE. Niles
    William R. FitzgeraldE. Niles
    Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, General Counsel and PresidentSecretary
     
     
Date:August 9, 20173, 2018 By:/s/ Michael R. MeyersFred A. Graffam
    Michael R. MeyersFred A. Graffam
    
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)


EXHIBIT INDEX
42
10.1Amended and Restated Ascent Capital Group, Inc. 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Annex A to the Registrant's Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A (File No. 001-34176) as filed April 10, 2017).
31.1Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification. *
31.2Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification. *
32Section 1350 Certification. **
101.INSXBRL Instance Document. *
101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. *
101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. *
101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. *
101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document. *
101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. *
*Filed herewith.
**Furnished herewith.



28