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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 March 31,September 30, 2018
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," 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 April 25,October 19, 2018 was:

Series A common stock 12,017,14912,068,496 shares; and Series B common stock 381,528 shares.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
  Page
   
PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
   
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 

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Item 1.  Financial Statements (unaudited)
ASCENT CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
Amounts in thousands, except share amounts
(unaudited)
March 31,
2018
 December 31,
2017
September 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
Assets      
Current assets: 
  
 
  
Cash and cash equivalents$30,087
 10,465
$137,561
 10,465
Restricted cash93
 
133
 
Marketable securities, at fair value107,450
 105,958

 105,958
Trade receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,632 in 2018 and $4,162 in 201712,300
 12,645
Trade receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,630 in 2018 and $4,162 in 201713,162
 12,645
Prepaid and other current assets23,498
 11,175
25,883
 11,175
Total current assets173,428
 140,243
176,739
 140,243
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $40,537 in 2018 and $37,915 in 201734,070
 32,823
Subscriber accounts and deferred contract acquisition costs, net of accumulated amortization of $1,468,359 in 2018 and $1,439,164 in 20171,224,937
 1,302,028
Dealer network and other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $45,859 in 2018 and $42,806 in 20173,941
 6,994
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $46,195 in 2018 and $37,915 in 201736,568
 32,823
Subscriber accounts and deferred contract acquisition costs, net of accumulated amortization of $1,570,729 in 2018 and $1,439,164 in 20171,215,831
 1,302,028
Dealer network and other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $48,500 in 2018 and $42,806 in 2017
 6,994
Goodwill563,549
 563,549
349,149
 563,549
Other assets27,633
 9,348
36,819
 9,348
Total assets$2,027,558
 2,054,985
$1,815,106
 2,054,985
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity 
  
Liabilities and Stockholders’ (Deficit) Equity 
  
Current liabilities: 
  
 
  
Accounts payable$12,910
 11,092
$11,661
 11,092
Accrued payroll and related liabilities6,145
 3,953
6,513
 3,953
Other accrued liabilities66,584
 52,329
46,840
 52,329
Deferred revenue13,477
 13,871
12,069
 13,871
Holdback liability7,601
 9,309
10,766
 9,309
Current portion of long-term debt11,000
 11,000
11,000
 11,000
Total current liabilities117,717
 101,554
98,849
 101,554
Non-current liabilities: 
  
 
  
Long-term debt1,783,253
 1,778,044
1,869,502
 1,778,044
Long-term holdback liability2,191
 2,658
2,031
 2,658
Derivative financial instruments6,553
 13,491
1,139
 13,491
Deferred income tax liability, net13,973
 13,311
15,298
 13,311
Other liabilities3,259
 3,255
2,858
 3,255
Total liabilities1,926,946
 1,912,313
1,989,677
 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 12,002,103 and 11,999,630 shares at March 31, 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 March 31, 2018 and December 31, 20174
 4
Series A common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 45,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 12,052,703 and 11,999,630 shares at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively121
 120
Series B common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 5,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 381,528 shares at both September 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 capital1,424,068
 1,423,899
1,425,379
 1,423,899
Accumulated deficit(1,331,281) (1,277,118)(1,615,743) (1,277,118)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net7,701
 (4,233)15,668
 (4,233)
Total stockholders’ equity100,612
 142,672
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$2,027,558
 2,054,985
Total stockholders’ (deficit) equity(174,571) 142,672
Total liabilities and stockholders’ (deficit) equity$1,815,106
 2,054,985
 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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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 
 March 31,
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
Net revenue$133,753
 141,200
$137,156
 138,211
 $405,922
 419,909
Operating expenses:    
  
    
Cost of services32,701
 29,969
35,059
 30,213
 100,807
 89,799
Selling, general and administrative, including stock-based and long-term incentive compensation37,406
 36,245
38,199
 35,793
 109,992
 136,809
Radio conversion costs
 232

 74
 
 383
Amortization of subscriber accounts, deferred contract acquisition costs and other intangible assets54,411
 59,547
52,671
 59,384
 160,973
 178,896
Depreciation2,621
 2,127
2,886
 2,176
 8,378
 6,435
Loss on goodwill impairment
 
 214,400
 
Gain on disposal of operating assets
 (6,638)
 
 
 (21,217)
127,139
 121,482
128,815
 127,640
 594,550
 391,105
Operating income6,614
 19,718
Operating income (loss)8,341
 10,571
 (188,628) 28,804
Other expense (income), net:    
  
    
Interest income(481) (395)(624) (617) (1,879) (1,575)
Interest expense38,652
 37,486
40,943
 38,360
 120,017
 114,011
Other income, net(2,065) (242)
Refinancing expense6,731
 
 6,731
 
Other expense (income), net40
 222
 (2,236) (242)
36,106
 36,849
47,090
 37,965
 122,633
 112,194
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes(29,492) (17,131)(38,749) (27,394) (311,261) (83,390)
Income tax expense from continuing operations1,346
 1,814
1,346
 1,766
 4,039
 8,241
Net loss from continuing operations(30,838) (18,945)(40,095) (29,160) (315,300) (91,631)
Discontinued operations:    
  
    
Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax of $0
 92

 
 
 92
Net loss(30,838) (18,853)(40,095) (29,160) (315,300) (91,539)
Other comprehensive income (loss):    
  
    
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 58

 (16) 
 626
Unrealized holding gain (loss) on marketable securities, net(3,077) 551

 279
 (3,900) 1,366
Unrealized gain on derivative contracts, net14,406
 1,049
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax11,329
 1,658
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative contracts, net3,269
 227
 23,196
 (4,501)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax3,269
 490
 19,296
 (2,509)
Comprehensive loss$(19,509) (17,195)$(36,826) (28,670) $(296,004) (94,048)
          
Basic and diluted income (loss) per share:    
  
    
Continuing operations$(2.51) (1.56)$(3.24) (2.39) $(25.57) (7.53)
Discontinued operations
 0.01

 
 
 0.01
Net loss$(2.51) (1.55)$(3.24) (2.39) $(25.57) (7.52)
 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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ASCENT CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Amounts in thousands
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
2018 20172018 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:      
Net loss$(30,838) (18,853)$(315,300) (91,539)
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, deferred contract acquisition costs and other intangible assets54,411
 59,547
160,973
 178,896
Depreciation2,621
 2,127
8,378
 6,435
Stock-based and long-term incentive compensation226
 1,576
1,600
 5,968
Deferred income tax expense662
 1,052
1,987
 3,158
Gain on disposal of operating assets
 (6,638)
 (21,217)
Legal settlement reserve
 23,000
Refinancing expense6,731
 
Amortization of debt discount and deferred debt costs2,959
 2,673
9,108
 8,227
Bad debt expense3,017
 2,557
8,511
 7,888
Loss on goodwill impairment214,400
 
Other non-cash activity, net41
 1,872
(186) 4,887
Changes in assets and liabilities: 
  
 
  
Trade receivables(2,672) (1,659)(9,028) (7,225)
Prepaid expenses and other assets851
 1,506
(8,359) (3,535)
Contract asset, net(70) 
Subscriber accounts - deferred contract acquisition costs(898) (754)(4,529) (2,299)
Payables and other liabilities17,644
 4,491
(4,752) 4,770
Operating activities from discontinued operations, net
 (3,408)
 (3,408)
Net cash provided by operating activities47,954
 45,997
69,534
 113,914
Cash flows from investing activities: 
  
 
  
Capital expenditures(3,310) (1,693)(11,513) (9,999)
Cost of subscriber accounts acquired(24,560) (46,708)(111,531) (119,081)
Purchases of marketable securities(7,998) (2,627)(39,022) (22,633)
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities5,495
 997
143,316
 1,108
Proceeds from the disposal of operating assets
 12,090

 32,612
Increase in restricted cash(93) 
Net cash used in investing activities(30,466) (37,941)(18,750) (117,993)
Cash flows from financing activities: 
  
 
  
Proceeds from long-term debt50,000
 64,750
218,950
 159,850
Payments on long-term debt(47,750) (42,600)(136,600) (132,500)
Payments of financing costs(5,734) 
Value of shares withheld for share-based compensation(116) (268)(171) (670)
Net cash provided by financing activities2,134
 21,882
76,445
 26,680
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents19,622
 29,938
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period10,465
 12,319
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$30,087
 42,257
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash127,229
 22,601
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period10,465
 12,319
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period$137,694
 34,920
Supplemental cash flow information: 
  
 
  
State taxes paid, net$
 3
$2,710
 3,107
Interest paid22,920
 22,643
98,260
 93,753
Accrued capital expenditures830
 780
882
 386
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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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, 2017$
 120
 4
 
 1,423,899
 (1,277,118)(4,233)142,672
$
 120
 4
 
 1,423,899
 (1,277,118)(4,233)142,672
Impact of adoption of Topic 606
 
 
 
 
 (22,720)
(22,720)
 
 
 
 
 (22,720)
(22,720)
Impact of adoption of ASU 2017-12
 
 
 
 
 (605) 605
 

 
 
 
 
 (605) 605
 
Adjusted balance at January 1, 2018
 120
 4
 
 1,423,899
 (1,300,443) (3,628) 119,952
$
 120
 4
 
 1,423,899
 (1,300,443) (3,628) 119,952
Net loss
 
 
 
 
 (30,838) 
 (30,838)
 
 
 
 
 (30,838) 
 (30,838)
Other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 
 11,329
 11,329

 
 
 
 
 
 11,329
 11,329
Stock-based compensation
 
 
 
 285
 
 
 285

 
 
 
 285
 
 
 285
Value of shares withheld for minimum tax liability
 
 
 
 (116) 
 
 (116)
 
 
 
 (116) 
 
 (116)
Balance at March 31, 2018$
 120
 4
 
 1,424,068
 (1,331,281) 7,701
 100,612
$
 120
 4
 
 1,424,068
 (1,331,281) 7,701
 100,612
Net loss
 
 
 
 
 (244,367) 
 (244,367)
Other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 
 4,698
 4,698
Stock-based compensation
 
 
 
 684
 
 
 684
Value of shares withheld for minimum tax liability
 
 
 
 (28) 
 
 (28)
Balance at June 30, 2018$
 120
 4
 
 1,424,724
 (1,575,648) 12,399
 (138,401)
Net loss
 
 
 
 
 (40,095) 
 (40,095)
Other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 
 3,269
 3,269
Stock-based compensation
 1
 
 
 682
 
 
 683
Value of shares withheld for minimum tax liability
 
 
 
 (27) 
 
 (27)
Balance at September 30, 2018$
 121
 4
 
 1,425,379
 (1,615,743) 15,668
 (174,571)
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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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.  MONIBrinks Home Security provides residential customers and commercial client accounts with monitored home and business security systems, as well as interactive and home automation services.  MONI is supported by a network of independent Authorized Dealers providing products and support to customersservices, in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.  MONI’s wholly owned subsidiary, LiveWatch Security LLC (“LiveWatch”) is a Do-It-Yourself home security firm, offering professionally monitored security services through a direct-to-consumer sales channel.

On February 26, 2018, MONI entered into an exclusive, long-term, trademark licensing agreement with The Brink’s Company ("Brink's"), which will result in a complete rebranding of MONI and LiveWatch as Brinks Home SecurityTM. Under the terms of the agreement, MONI will have exclusive use of the BRINKS and Brinks Home Security trademarks relatedcustomers 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 the residential smart homecustomers. Its direct-to-consumer channel offers both Do-It-Yourself ("DIY") and homeprofessional installation security categories in the U.S. and Canada. Effective April 1, 2018, MONI will pay Brink’s customary licensing fees and minimum and growth-based royalties that will increase over time assolutions.

The rollout of the Brinks Home Security brand is reintroduced. The agreement provides for an initial term of seven years and, subject to certain conditions, allows for subsequent renewal periods whereby MONI can extend the agreement beyond 20 years. The Company is currently completing rebranding tasks, as well as integration tasks, such that the MONI and LiveWatch sales channels will be combined under the Brinks Home Security brand. The brand rollout is expected to occur in the second quarter of 2018.2018 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 $110,937,000 and $113,698,000 as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Net gain (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes related to corporate Ascent Capital activities was $(6,026,000) and $(13,232,000) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to $(3,628,000) and $7,932,000 for the three and nine months ended September 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 ("GAAP") for complete financial statements. The Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as of March 31,September 30, 2018, and for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and 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, 2017, filed with the SEC on March 5, 2018.

The Company adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) ("Topic 606") using the modified retrospective approach 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 as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings.

The Company also adopted ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities ("ASU 2017-12") which simplifiesamends the hedge accounting rules to align risk management activities and financial reporting by simplifying the application of hedge accounting guidance. The standard wasguidance 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 the Company recognizedas such, an opening equity adjustment to reduceof $605,000 was recognized that reduced Accumulated deficit, offset by a gain in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). This adjustment primarily relates to the derecognition of the cumulative ineffectiveness recorded on the Company's interest rate swap derivative instruments, as well as adjustments to cumulative dedesignation adjustments. The Company does not expect this adoption to have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows on an ongoing basis.

The Company early adopted ASU 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment ("ASU 2017-04"). Prior to the adoption of ASU 2017-04, the fair value of the reporting unit was compared with the carrying value of the reporting unit (identified as "Step 1"). If the fair value of the reporting unit was lower than its carrying amount, then the implied fair value of goodwill was calculated. If the implied fair value of goodwill was lower than the carrying value of goodwill, an impairment was recognized (identified as "Step 2"). ASU 2017-04 eliminated Step 2 from the impairment test; therefore, a goodwill impairment is recognized as the difference of the fair value and the carrying value of the reporting unit.


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The comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect during those periods. See note 2, Recent Accounting Pronouncements4, Revenue Recognition, and note 3, Revenue Recognition6, 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)    Going Concern

Brinks Home Security has substantial indebtedness, including $585,000,000 principal of senior notes at September 30, 2018, maturing on April 1, 2020 (the "Senior Notes"), and an existing credit facility with a term loan in principal of $1,078,000,000 as of September 30, 2018, maturing September 30, 2022, and a revolving credit facility with an outstanding balance of $159,100,000 as of September 30, 2018, maturing September 30, 2021 (the term loan and the revolver, together, the "Credit Facility"). The maturity date for each of the term loan and the revolving credit facility under the Credit Facility is 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 refinance the Senior Notes, or demonstrate the ability to meet its financial covenants for a period of twelve months after the issuance date, 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 external audit report, 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. These matters raise substantial doubt regarding the Company's ability to continue as a going concern within one year from the date these financial statements are issued.

The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. As a result, the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2018 have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business.

On September 24, 2018, Ascent Capital and Brinks Home Security entered into a Transaction Support Agreement (which was amended and restated pursuant to the Amended and Restated Transaction Support Agreement, entered into on October 30, 2018 (the "Amended and Restated Support Agreement")) with certain holders collectively owning or controlling not less than $380 million aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes, representing approximately 65% of the Senior Notes (collectively, the "Consenting Noteholders"). The Amended and Restated Support Agreement incrementally included a group of lenders for the Credit Facility term loan holding over 50% of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Credit Facility term loan (collectively, the "Credit Facility Lenders"). The Consenting Noteholders and Credit Facility Lenders have committed to support and fully participate in proposed agreed upon transactions that would result in the refinancing of the Senior Notes, if consummated. See Note 14, Subsequent Events, for further information. While management continues to negotiate refinancing terms with its debt holders, as of the issuance date of these financial statements, Brinks Home Security has not refinanced the Senior Notes and there can be no assurances that the negotiations management is pursuing will result in the consummation of transactions that would refinance the Senior Notes.

(3)    Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (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 asset. Operating leases generally recognize the associated expense on a straight line basis. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. ASU 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases, clarifies certain aspects of ASU 2016-12 and the two updates will be adopted concurrently. ASU 2016-02 requires leases to be recognized and measured at the Company to adoptbeginning of the standardearliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach upon adoption. However, ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements provides an alternative transition method by which leases are recognized at the date

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of adoption and becomes effective on January 1, 2019.a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings is recognized in the period of adoption. The Company plans to adopt using this alternative and is currently evaluating the impact that ASU 2016-02these standards will have on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In January 2017, the FASB issued 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. ASU 2017-04 becomes effective on January 1, 2020 with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating when to adopt the standard.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12 to amend the 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. ASU 2017-12 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted. 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 gain in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). This adjustment primarily relates to the derecognition of the cumulative ineffectiveness recorded on the Company's interest rate swap derivative instruments, as well as adjustments to cumulative dedesignation adjustments. The Company does not expect this adoption to have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows on an ongoing basis.

(3)(4)    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

The CompanyBrinks 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 the Company’sBrinks 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 the CompanyBrinks Home Security and the subscriber. The equipment at the site is either obtained independently from the Company’sBrinks Home Security’s network of third party Authorized Dealers or directly from the Company,Brinks Home Security via its direct-to-consumer sales channel. The CompanyBrinks Home Security also offers equipment sales and installation services and, to its existing subscribers, maintenance services on existing alarm equipment. The CompanyBrinks 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 
 March 31,
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
Alarm monitoring revenue$124,840
 136,891
$125,004
 134,317
 $374,689
 407,660
Product and installation revenue8,147
 3,294
11,360
 2,899
 28,984
 9,328
Other revenue766
 1,015
792
 995
 2,249
 2,921
Total Net revenue$133,753
 141,200
$137,156
 138,211
 $405,922
 419,909

Contract Balances

The following table provides information about receivables, contract assets and contract liabilities from contracts with customers (in thousands):

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March 31, 2018 At adoptionSeptember 30, 2018 At adoption
Trade receivables, net$12,300
 12,645
$13,162
 12,645
Contract assets, net - current portion (a)13,543
 14,197
13,836
 14,197
Contract assets, net - long-term portion (b)11,101
 10,377
16,621
 10,377
Deferred revenue13,477
 12,892
12,069
 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 ourBrinks 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 will bewas 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 the CompanyBrinks 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 the CompanyBrinks 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 the CompanyBrinks 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 the CompanyBrinks 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 the CompanyBrinks Home Security with the customer directly with multiple

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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 nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 (in thousands):


i. Condensed consolidated balance sheets
Impact of changes in accounting policiesImpact of changes in accounting policies
As reported
March 31, 2018
 Adjustments Balances without adoption of Topic 606
As reported
September 30, 2018
 Adjustments Balances without adoption of Topic 606
Assets          
Current assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents$30,087
 
 30,087
$137,561
 
 137,561
Restricted cash93
 
 93
133
 
 133
Marketable securities, at fair value107,450
 
 107,450

 
 
Trade receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts12,300
 
 12,300
13,162
 
 13,162
Prepaid and other current assets23,498
 (13,543) 9,955
25,883
 (13,836) 12,047
Total current assets173,428
 (13,543) 159,885
176,739
 (13,836) 162,903
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation34,070
 
 34,070
36,568
 
 36,568
Subscriber accounts and deferred contract acquisition costs, net of accumulated amortization1,224,937
 48,249
 1,273,186
1,215,831
 47,095
 1,262,926
Dealer network and other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization3,941
 
 3,941

 
 
Goodwill563,549
 
 563,549
349,149
 
 349,149
Other assets, net27,633
 (11,101) 16,532
36,819
 (16,621) 20,198
Total assets$2,027,558
 23,605
 2,051,163
$1,815,106
 16,638
 1,831,744
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity 
    
Liabilities and Stockholders’ (Deficit) Equity 
    
Current liabilities:          
Accounts payable$12,910
 
 12,910
$11,661
 
 11,661
Accrued payroll and related liabilities6,145
 
 6,145
6,513
 
 6,513
Other accrued liabilities66,584
 
 66,584
46,840
 
 46,840
Deferred revenue13,477
 1,192
 14,669
12,069
 1,133
 13,202
Holdback liability7,601
 
 7,601
10,766
 
 10,766
Current portion of long-term debt11,000
 
 11,000
11,000
 
 11,000
Total current liabilities117,717
 1,192
 118,909
98,849
 1,133
 99,982
Non-current liabilities: 
     
    
Long-term debt1,783,253
 
 1,783,253
1,869,502
 
 1,869,502
Long-term holdback liability2,191
 
 2,191
2,031
 
 2,031
Derivative financial instruments6,553
 
 6,553
1,139
 
 1,139
Deferred income tax liability, net13,973
 
 13,973
15,298
 
 15,298
Other liabilities3,259
 
 3,259
2,858
 
 2,858
Total liabilities1,926,946
 1,192
 1,928,138
1,989,677
 1,133
 1,990,810
Commitments and contingencies

 
 


 
 
Stockholders’ equity:     
Stockholders’ (deficit) equity:     
Preferred stock
 
 

 
 
Series A common stock120
 
 120
121
 
 121
Series B common stock4
 
 4
4
 
 4
Series C common stock
 
 

 
 
Additional paid-in capital1,424,068
 
 1,424,068
1,425,379
 
 1,425,379
Accumulated deficit(1,331,281) 22,413
 (1,308,868)(1,615,743) 15,505
 (1,600,238)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net7,701
 
 7,701
15,668
 
 15,668
Total stockholders’ equity100,612
 22,413
 123,025
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$2,027,558
 23,605
 2,051,163
Total stockholders’ (deficit) equity(174,571) 15,505
 (159,066)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ (deficit) equity$1,815,106
 16,638
 1,831,744


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ii. Condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss)
Impact of changes in accounting policiesImpact of changes in accounting policies
As reported three months ended
March 31, 2018
 Adjustments Balances without adoption of Topic 606
As reported
three months ended
September 30, 2018
 Adjustments Balances without adoption of Topic 606
Net revenue$133,753
 (325) 133,428
$137,156
 (4,216) 132,940
Operating expenses: 
         
Cost of services32,701
 (1,922) 30,779
35,059
 (1,774) 33,285
Selling, general and administrative, including stock-based and long-term incentive compensation37,406
 21
 37,427
38,199
 (103) 38,096
Amortization of subscriber accounts, deferred contract acquisition costs and other intangible assets54,411
 1,883
 56,294
52,671
 1,870
 54,541
Depreciation2,621
 
 2,621
2,886
 
 2,886
Loss on goodwill impairment
 
 
127,139
 (18) 127,121
128,815
 (7) 128,808
Operating income6,614
 (307) 6,307
Operating loss8,341
 (4,209) 4,132
Other expense (income), net: 
     
    
Interest income(481) 
 (481)(624) 
 (624)
Interest expense38,652
 
 38,652
40,943
 
 40,943
Other income, net(2,065) 
 (2,065)
Refinancing expense6,731
 
 6,731
Other expense, net40
 
 40
36,106
 
 36,106
47,090
 
 47,090
Loss before income taxes(29,492) (307) (29,799)(38,749) (4,209) (42,958)
Income tax expense1,346
 
 1,346
1,346
 
 1,346
Net loss(30,838) (307) (31,145)(40,095) (4,209) (44,304)
Other comprehensive income (loss): 
     
    
Unrealized holding loss on marketable securities, net(3,077) 
 (3,077)
 
 
Unrealized gain on derivative contracts, net14,406
 
 14,406
3,269
 
 3,269
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax11,329
 
 11,329
3,269
 
 3,269
Comprehensive loss$(19,509) (307) (19,816)$(36,826) (4,209) (41,035)


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 Impact of changes in accounting policies
 
As reported
nine months ended
September 30, 2018
 Adjustments Balances without adoption of Topic 606
Net revenue$405,922
 (6,986) 398,936
Operating expenses: 
    
Cost of services100,807
 (5,292) 95,515
Selling, general and administrative, including stock-based and long-term incentive compensation109,992
 (112) 109,880
Amortization of subscriber accounts, deferred contract acquisition costs and other intangible assets160,973
 5,633
 166,606
Depreciation8,378
 
 8,378
Loss on goodwill impairment214,400
 
 214,400
 594,550
 229
 594,779
Operating loss(188,628) (7,215) (195,843)
Other expense (income), net: 
    
Interest income(1,879) 
 (1,879)
Interest expense120,017
 
 120,017
Refinancing expense6,731
 
 6,731
Other income, net(2,236) 
 (2,236)
 122,633
 
 122,633
Loss before income taxes(311,261) (7,215) (318,476)
Income tax expense4,039
 
 4,039
Net loss(315,300) (7,215) (322,515)
Other comprehensive income (loss): 
    
Unrealized holding loss on marketable securities, net(3,900) 
 (3,900)
Unrealized gain on derivative contracts, net23,196
 
 23,196
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax19,296
 
 19,296
Comprehensive loss$(296,004) (7,215) (303,219)


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iii. Condensed consolidated statements of cash flows
Impact of changes in accounting policiesImpact of changes in accounting policies
As reported three months ended
March 31, 2018
 Adjustments Balances without adoption of Topic 606
As reported
nine months ended
September 30, 2018
 Adjustments Balances without adoption of Topic 606
Cash flows from operating activities:          
Net loss$(30,838) (307) (31,145)$(315,300) (7,215) (322,515)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities: 
     
    
Amortization of subscriber accounts, deferred contract acquisition costs and other intangible assets54,411
 1,883
 56,294
160,973
 5,633
 166,606
Depreciation2,621
 
 2,621
8,378
 
 8,378
Stock-based and long-term incentive compensation226
 
 226
1,600
 
 1,600
Deferred income tax expense662
 
 662
1,987
 
 1,987
Refinancing expense6,731
 
 6,731
Amortization of debt discount and deferred debt costs2,959
 
 2,959
9,108
 
 9,108
Bad debt expense3,017
 
 3,017
8,511
 
 8,511
Goodwill impairment214,400
 
 214,400
Other non-cash activity, net41
 
 41
(186) 
 (186)
Changes in assets and liabilities: 
     
    
Trade receivables(2,672) 
 (2,672)(9,028) 
 (9,028)
Prepaid expenses and other assets851
 
 851
(8,359) 7,016
 (1,343)
Contract asset, net(70) 70
 
Subscriber accounts - deferred contract acquisition costs(898) 63
 (835)(4,529) 89
 (4,440)
Payables and other liabilities17,644
 388
 18,032
(4,752) (825) (5,577)
Net cash provided by operating activities47,954
 2,097
 50,051
69,534
 4,698
 74,232
Cash flows from investing activities: 
     
    
Capital expenditures(3,310) 
 (3,310)(11,513) 
 (11,513)
Cost of subscriber accounts acquired(24,560) (2,097) (26,657)(111,531) (4,698) (116,229)
Purchases of marketable securities(7,998) 
 (7,998)(39,022) 
 (39,022)
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities5,495
 
 5,495
143,316
 
 143,316
Increase in restricted cash(93) 
 (93)
Net cash used in investing activities(30,466) (2,097) (32,563)(18,750) (4,698) (23,448)
Cash flows from financing activities: 
     
    
Proceeds from long-term debt50,000
 
 50,000
218,950
 
 218,950
Payments on long-term debt(47,750) 
 (47,750)(136,600) 
 (136,600)
Payments of financing costs(5,734) 
 (5,734)
Value of shares withheld for share-based compensation(116) 
 (116)(171) 
 (171)
Net cash provided by financing activities2,134
 
 2,134
76,445
 
 76,445
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents19,622
 
 19,622
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period10,465
 
 10,465
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$30,087
 
 30,087
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash127,229
 
 127,229
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period10,465
 
 10,465
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period$137,694
 
 137,694


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(4)(5)    Investments in Marketable Securities
 
In the third quarter of 2018, Ascent Capital ownsdivested of all marketable securities, which primarily consistingconsisted 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 March 31, 2018 As of September 30, 2018
 Cost Basis (b) Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Total Cost Basis Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Total
Mutual funds (a) $106,627
 823
 
 107,450
 $
 
 
 
Ending balance $106,627
 823
 
 107,450
 $
 
 
 
                
 As of December 31, 2017 As of December 31, 2017
 Cost Basis (b) Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Total Cost Basis Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Total
Equity securities $3,432
 2,039
 
 5,471
 $3,432
 2,039
 
 5,471
Mutual funds (a) 98,628
 1,859
 
 100,487
 98,628
 1,859
 
 100,487
Ending balance $102,060
 3,898
 
 105,958
 $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 third quarter of 2017, the Company recognized a non-cash charge for an other-than-temporary impairment of $220,000 on its equity securities. The equity security impairment was primarily attributable to foreign exchange losses based on weakening of the trading currency of the underlying investment. The equity securities were sold in the first quarter of 2018 for a realized gain of $2,063,000 due to a third party completing the acquisition of the underlying investee.

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 
 March 31,
 2018 2017
Gross realized gains$2,063
 6
Gross realized losses$
 
Total proceeds$5,495
 997
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
Net gains and (losses) recognized during the period on trading securities$(40) (2) $2,234
 1
Less: Net gains and (losses) recognized during the period on trading securities sold during the period(40) (2) 2,234
 1
Unrealized gains and (losses) recognized during the reporting period on trading securities still held at the reporting date$
 
 $
 

(5)(6)    Goodwill

The following table provides the activity and balances of goodwill by reporting unit (amounts in thousands):
  MONI LiveWatch Total
Balance at 12/31/2017 $527,502
 $36,047
 $563,549
Period activity 
 
 
Balance at 3/31/2018 $527,502
 $36,047
 $563,549
  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 9/30/2018 $
 $
 $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.

In the first quarterAs 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 noting thatfor 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, for each ofwhich indicated an impairment at the Company'sMONI reporting units exceeded the carrying amount of the underlying assets. Thus no impairment was indicated.unit.


(6)
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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 this 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.

(7)    Other Accrued Liabilities
 
Other accrued liabilities consisted of the following (amounts in thousands):
March 31,
2018
 December 31,
2017
September 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
Interest payable$28,287
 $15,927
$28,403
 $15,927
Income taxes payable3,598
 2,950
2,289
 2,950
Legal settlement reserve (a)23,000
 23,000

 23,000
Other11,699
 10,452
16,148
 10,452
Total Other accrued liabilities$66,584
 $52,329
$46,840
 $52,329
 
(a)        See note 12,13, Commitments, Contingencies and Other Liabilities, for further information.

(7)(8)    Long-Term Debt
 
Long-term debt consisted of the following (amounts in thousands):
 March 31,
2018
 December 31,
2017
Ascent Capital 4.00% Convertible Senior Notes due July 15, 2020 with an effective rate of 8.9%$83,795
 $82,614
MONI 9.125% Senior Notes due April 1, 2020 with an effective rate of 9.5%580,658
 580,159
MONI term loan, matures September 30, 2022, LIBOR plus 5.50%, subject to a LIBOR floor of 1.00%, with an effective rate of 7.7%1,058,020
 1,059,598
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 6.0%71,780
 66,673
 1,794,253
 1,789,044
Less current portion of long-term debt(11,000) (11,000)
Long-term debt$1,783,253
 $1,778,044
 September 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
Ascent Capital 4.00% Convertible Senior Notes due July 15, 2020 with an effective rate of 9.1%$86,285
 $82,614
Brinks Home Security 9.125% Senior Notes due April 1, 2020 with an effective rate of 9.5%581,686
 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 8.2%1,054,933
 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 3.5%157,598
 66,673
 1,880,502
 1,789,044
Less current portion of long-term debt(11,000) (11,000)
Long-term debt$1,869,502
 $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. TheOn August 30, 2018, Ascent Capital entered into a Supplemental Indenture in which the Company surrendered its right to elect to deliver shares of common stock or a combination of cash and shares of common stock upon conversion of the Convertible Notes are convertible, under(the "Convertible Notes Supplemental Indenture"). Following the execution of the Supplemental Indenture, the Company may satisfy its conversion obligation solely in cash.

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.

Holdersholders 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

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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 meetUpon the execution of the Convertible Notes Supplemental Indenture, the conversion option no longer meets the conditions for equity classification as prescribed in FASB ASC Subtopic 815-40, Contracts in an Entity’s Own EquityAs such, the conversion option is bifurcated as a separate derivative and recorded as a liability. Given the significant variance in the Conversion Price and the current market price per share of the Series A Common Stock, the conversion option derivative liability is immaterial.

The Convertible Notes are presented on the consolidated balance sheet as follows (amounts in thousands):
As of
March 31,
2018
 As of
December 31,
2017
As of
September 30,
2018
 As of
December 31,
2017
Principal$96,775
 $96,775
$96,775
 $96,775
Unamortized discount(12,157) (13,263)(9,825) (13,263)
Deferred debt costs(823) (898)(665) (898)
Carrying value$83,795
 $82,614
$86,285
 $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$967,000 and $2,903,000 for both of the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017. The Company amortized $1,181,000$1,266,000 and $3,671,000 of the Convertible Notes debt discount and deferred debt costs into interest expense for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, compared to $1,027,000$1,102,000 and $3,194,000 for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 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

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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.

MONIBrinks Home Security Senior Notes

The MONI senior notesBrinks 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").annum.  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 March 31,September 30, 2018, the Senior Notes had deferred financing costs and unamortized premium, net of accumulated amortization of $4,342,000.$3,314,000.


MONIBrinks 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").

On March 29,September 27, 2018, MONIBrinks Home Security borrowed an incremental $26,691,000 on its Credit Facility revolver to fund its April 2,October 1, 2018 interest payment due under the Senior Notes.

As of March 31,September 30, 2018, the Credit Facility term loan has a principal amount of $1,083,500,000,$1,078,000,000, 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 $73,500,000$159,100,000 as of March 31,September 30, 2018 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. As of March 31,September 30, 2018, $221,500,000$135,900,000 is available for borrowing under the Credit Facility revolver subject to certain financial covenants.

The maturity date for botheach of the term loan and the revolving credit facility under the Credit Facility areis 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 MONIBrinks Home Security is unable to refinance the Senior Notes by that date. In addition, atif Brinks Home Security is unable to refinance the Senior Notes, or demonstrate the ability to meet its financial covenants for a period of twelve months after the issuance date, 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 external audit report, 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. 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 March 31,September 30, 2018, MONIBrinks Home Security has deferred financing costs and unamortized discounts, net of accumulated amortization, of $27,200,000$24,569,000 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

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interest rate swaps, MONI'sBrinks 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 was 7.98%7.99% as of March 31,September 30, 2018. See note 8,9, 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 March 31,September 30, 2018, the Company was in compliance with all required covenants under these financing arrangements.

As of March 31,September 30, 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 2018$8,250
$2,750
201911,000
11,000
2020692,775
692,775
202184,500
170,100
20221,042,250
1,042,250
2023

Thereafter

Total principal payments1,838,775
1,918,875
Less:



Unamortized deferred debt costs, discounts and premium, net44,522
38,373
Total debt on condensed consolidated balance sheet$1,794,253
$1,880,502

(8)(9)    Derivatives

MONIBrinks Home Security utilizes Swaps 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 9,10, 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 $1,114,000.$1,810,000.

As of March 31,September 30, 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
$190,982,778
 March 23, 2018 April 9, 2022 3.110% 3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor (a)
249,375,000
 March 23, 2018 April 9, 2022 3.110% 3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor (a)
49,875,000
 March 23, 2018 April 9, 2022 2.504% 3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor
376,057,500
 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
$189,998,331
 March 23, 2018 April 9, 2022 3.110% 3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor (a)
248,125,000
 March 23, 2018 April 9, 2022 3.110% 3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor (a)
49,625,000
 March 23, 2018 April 9, 2022 2.504% 3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor
374,172,500
 March 23, 2018 September 30, 2022 1.833% 3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor
 
(a) 
On 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

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Amended Swaps as cash flow hedges for the underlying change in the swap terms.  The amounts previously recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) relating to the dedesignation are recognized in Interest expense over the remaining life of the Amended Swaps.


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 
 March 31,
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
Effective portion of gain (loss) recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)$13,668
 (733)$3,165
 (914) $21,929
 (8,890)
Effective portion of loss reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into Net loss (a)$(738) (1,782)$(104) (1,141) $(1,267) (4,389)
Ineffective portion of amount of loss recognized into Net loss (a)$
 18
$
 (65) $
 (157)
 
(a)        Amounts are included in Interest expense in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Upon the adoption of ASU 2017-12 on January 1, 2018, ineffectiveness is no longer measured or recognized.

(9)(10)    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 March 31,September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (amounts in thousands): 
 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
March 31, 2018 
  
  
  
Investments in marketable securities (a)$107,450
 
 
 107,450
Interest rate swap agreements - assets (b)
 13,833
 
 13,833
Interest rate swap agreements - liabilities (b)
 (6,553) 
 (6,553)
Total$107,450
 7,280
 
 114,730
December 31, 2017 
  
  
  
Investments in marketable securities (a)$105,958
 
 
 105,958
Interest rate swap agreements - assets (b)
 7,058
 
 7,058
Interest rate swap agreements - liabilities (b)
 (13,817) 
 (13,817)
Total$105,958
 (6,759) 
 99,199
 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
September 30, 2018 
  
  
  
Interest rate swap agreements - assets (a)$
 17,564
 
 17,564
Interest rate swap agreements - liabilities (a)
 (1,139) 
 (1,139)
Total$
 16,425
 
 16,425
December 31, 2017 
  
  
  
Investments in marketable securities (b)$105,958
 
 
 105,958
Interest rate swap agreements - assets (a)
 7,058
 
 7,058
Interest rate swap agreements - liabilities (a)
 (13,817) 
 (13,817)
Total$105,958
 (6,759) 
 99,199
 
(a)Level 1 investments primarily consist of diversified corporate bond funds.
(b)Swap asset values are included in non-current Other assets and Swap liability values are included in non-current Derivative financial instruments on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
(b)Level 1 investments primarily consist of diversified corporate bond funds.
 
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.

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Carrying values and fair values of financial instruments that are not carried at fair value are as follows (amounts in thousands):
March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
Long term debt, including current portion: 
  
 
  
Carrying value$1,794,253
 1,789,044
$1,880,502
 1,789,044
Fair value (a)1,642,644
 1,709,342
1,707,626
 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.


(10)(11)    Stockholders’ Equity
 
Common Stock
 
The following table presents the activity in Series A Common Stock and Ascent Capital's Series B Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Series B Common Stock"), for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018:
Series A
Common Stock
 
Series B
Common Stock
Series A
Common Stock
 
Series B
Common Stock
Balance at December 31, 201711,999,630
 381,528
11,999,630
 381,528
Issuance of stock awards13,153
 
13,153
 
Restricted stock canceled for tax withholding(10,680) 
(10,680) 
Balance at March 31, 201812,002,103
 381,528
12,002,103
 381,528
Issuance of stock awards51,036
 
Restricted stock canceled for tax withholding(20,769) 
Balance at June 30, 201812,032,370
 381,528
Issuance of stock awards29,591
 
Restricted stock canceled for tax withholding(9,258) 
Balance at September 30, 201812,052,703
 381,528
 

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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
Income (Loss)
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$(758) 3,900
 (7,375) (4,233)$(758) 3,900
 (7,375) (4,233)
Impact of adoption of ASU 2017-12
 
 605
 605

 
 605
 605
Adjusted balance at January 1, 2018(758) 3,900
 (6,770) (3,628)$(758) 3,900
 (6,770) (3,628)
Gain (loss) through Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax of $0
 (1,014) 13,668
 12,654

 (1,014) 13,668
 12,654
Reclassifications of loss (gain) into Net loss, net of income tax of $0
 (2,063) 738
 (1,325)
 (2,063) 738
 (1,325)
Net current period Other comprehensive income (loss)
 (3,077) 14,406
 11,329
Net period Other comprehensive income (loss)
 (3,077) 14,406
 11,329
Balance at March 31, 2018$(758) 823
 7,636
 7,701
$(758) 823
 7,636
 7,701
Gain (loss) through Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax of $0
 (611) 5,096
 4,485
Reclassifications of loss (gain) into Net loss, net of income tax of $0
 (212) 425
 213
Net period Other comprehensive income (loss)
 (823) 5,521
 4,698
Balance at June 30, 2018$(758) 
 13,157
 12,399
Gain through Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax of $0
 
 3,165
 3,165
Reclassifications of loss into Net loss, net of income tax of $0
 
 104
 104
Net period Other comprehensive income
 
 3,269
 3,269
Balance at September 30, 2018$(758) 
 16,426
 15,668
 
(a)
Amounts reclassified into net loss are included in Other income, net on the condensed consolidated statement of operations.  See note 4, 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 8,9, Derivatives, for further information.

(11)
(12)    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 income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares of Series A and Series B Common Stock outstanding for the period.  Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the sum of the weighted average number of shares of Series A and Series B Common Stock outstanding and the effect of dilutive securities, including the Company's outstanding stock options, unvested restricted stock and restricted stock units.

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. Diluted shares outstanding excluded an aggregate of 193,239 stock options,581,891 unvested restricted shares and performance units for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. Diluted shares outstanding excluded an aggregate of 384,606 stock options,247,148 unvested restricted shares and performance units for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2017 because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.
 Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 2018 2017
Weighted average number of shares of Series A and Series B Common Stock12,298,922
 12,134,061
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
Weighted average number of shares of Series A and Series B Common Stock12,361,495
 12,207,649
 12,329,497
 12,170,367


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(12)

(13)    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. In the second quarter of 2017, MONIBrinks Home Security and the plaintiffs agreed to settle this litigation for $28,000,000 ("the Settlement Amount"). MONI is actively seeking to recover the Settlement Amount under its insurance 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, MONIBrinks Home Security paid $5,000,000 of the Settlement Amount pursuant to the settlement agreement with the plaintiffs. In the third quarter of 2018, Brinks Home Security paid the remaining $23,000,000 of the Settlement Amount. Brinks Home Security is actively seeking to recover the Settlement Amount under its insurance policies held with multiple carriers.  On November 1, 2018, Brinks Home Security settled its claim against one such carrier in which the carrier agreed to pay Brinks Home Security $9,750,000 in the fourth quarter of 2018.  This amount will be recognized in the consolidated statement of operations at such time.  Brinks Home Security continues to seek to recover additional funds under its insurance policies from the remaining carriers.

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.

(13)    Reportable Business SegmentsOther Legal Proceedings

DescriptionOn August 27, 2018, holders purporting to own approximately 68% of Segmentsthe Convertible Notes filed a complaint in the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware against Ascent Capital and each of its directors and executive officers.

On September 5, 2018, holders purporting to own approximately 69% of the Convertible Notes filed an amended complaint in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware against Ascent Capital and each of its directors and executive officers, and a motion for a preliminary injunction seeking to prevent Ascent Capital from consummating the exchange offer related to the Senior Notes of Brinks Home Security announced by Ascent Capital and Brinks Home Security on August 30, 2018.

On October 1, 2018, holders purporting to own approximately 78% of the Convertible Notes filed a second amended complaint in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware against Ascent Capital and each of its directors and executive officers, and an amended motion for a preliminary injunction seeking to prevent Ascent Capital from consummating the transactions announced by Ascent Capital and Brinks Home Security on September 25, 2018.

On October 22, 2018, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware entered a Third Scheduling Order Governing Plaintiffs’ Motion for Preliminary Injunction (“the Scheduling Order”). The Scheduling Order provides, among other things, that the preliminary injunction hearing will be held on December 5, 2018.

On November 2, 2018, holders purporting to own approximately 53% of the Convertible Notes (the “Plaintiffs”) filed a third amended complaint (the “Third Amended Complaint”) in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware against Ascent Capital and each of its directors and executive officers. The Third Amended Complaint alleges that Ascent Capital’s participation in the transactions announced by Ascent Capital and Brinks Home Security on October 30, 2018 (the “October 30th Transactions”) would be detrimental to Ascent Capital and, if consummated, would result in Ascent Capital becoming insolvent. The Third Amended Complaint further alleges that the October 30th Transactions would (i) result in a breach of Ascent Capital’s directors’ fiduciary duties to Ascent Capital and (ii) constitute a constructive or intentional fraudulent transfer by using assets of Ascent Capital necessary for the repayment of the Notes for other purposes. The Third Amended Complaint seeks (i) injunctive relief to prevent Ascent Capital from engaging in the October 30th Transactions, which would allegedly dissipate Ascent Capital’s assets, and (ii) a declaratory judgment that approval of the October 30th Transactions constitutes a breach of fiduciary duty by Ascent Capital’s directors and that consummation of the October 30th Transactions would constitute a fraudulent transfer by Ascent Capital. Also on November 2, 2018, the Plaintiffs filed an amended motion for a preliminary injunction seeking to prevent Ascent Capital from consummating the October 30th Transactions.

The Company operates through two reportable business segments accordingThird Amended Complaint could be amended, or similar claims could be brought, challenging the October 30th Transactions, and we cannot assure you that such claims will be unsuccessful, will not require us to pay damages (including costs and expenses of the action) or will not have a material effect on any such October 30th Transactions. Ascent Capital

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believes that the claims in the Third Amended Complaint are meritless, and Ascent Capital intends to vigorously defend against this action.

(14)    Subsequent Events

On October 30, 2018, Ascent Capital and Brinks Home Security entered into the Amended and Restated Support Agreement. Under the agreement, Brinks Home Security will commence an Exchange Offer for its Senior Notes (the "Exchange Offer") and commence a consent solicitation for certain proposed amendments to its Credit Facility (the "Bank Amendments"), both described in the Amended and Restated Support Agreement. Ascent Capital will contribute $75 million in cash to Brinks Home Security under the terms of the Amended and Restated Support Agreement.

Pursuant to the natureBank Amendments, the interest rate per annum payable in respect of the Credit Facility term loan shall be increased by 100 basis points and economic characteristicsthe interest rate per annum payable in respect of the Credit Facility revolver shall be increased by 75 basis points. In addition, Brinks Home Security would seek to amend certain restrictive covenants in the Credit Facility as described in the Amended and Restated Support Agreement, including the ability for Brinks Home Security to issue second lien notes. Additionally, the total availability under the Credit Facility revolver would be permanently decreased from $295 million to $250 million.

Pursuant to the Exchange Offer, Brinks Home Security would make an offer to eligible holders of its services as well asSenior Notes to exchange them for new Second Lien Notes due 2023 (the "Second Lien Notes") and solicit the mannerconsent of such holders to eliminate or waive all or substantially all restrictive covenants and events of default in which the information issued internally byindenture governing the Company's key decision maker, who isSenior Notes. The interest payable in respect of the Company's Chief Executive Officer. The Company's business segments are as follows:new Second Lien Notes will be paid 5.5% per annum in cash and 6.5% per annum in kind.

MONIIf the Bank Amendments are not completed by a certain date, Brinks Home Security will commence an alternative exchange offer of new unsecured notes and cash in exchange for the existing Senior Notes.

The MONI segment is engagedAscent Capital, Brinks Home Security, the Consenting Noteholders and the Credit Facility Lenders all have certain termination rights as defined in the business of providing security alarm monitoring services: monitoring signals arising from burglaries, fires, medical alertsAmended 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.Restated Support Agreement.

LiveWatch
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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 March 31, 2018
Net revenue $125,773
 $7,980
 $
 $133,753
Depreciation and amortization $55,236
 $1,790
 $6
 $57,032
Net loss from continuing operations before income taxes $(17,629) $(7,232) $(4,631) $(29,492)
         
  Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
Net revenue $134,408
 $6,792
 $
 $141,200
Depreciation and amortization $60,508
 $1,159
 $7
 $61,674
Net loss from continuing operations before income taxes $(13,299) $(5,930) $2,098
 $(17,131)

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 March 31, 2018
Subscriber accounts and deferred contract acquisition costs, net of amortization $1,203,996
 $20,941
 $
 $1,224,937
Goodwill $527,502
 $36,047
 $
 $563,549
Total assets $1,980,081
 $62,453
 $(14,976) $2,027,558
         
  Balance at December 31, 2017
Subscriber accounts and deferred contract acquisition costs, net of amortization $1,280,813
 $21,215
 $
 $1,302,028
Goodwill $527,502
 $36,047
 $
 $563,549
Total assets $1,996,240
 $63,233
 $(4,488) $2,054,985


Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of 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 businesses, new service offerings, the availability of debt refinancing, the consummation of proposed debt refinancing transactions, 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 the rebranding to BRINKSBrinks Home Security and partnership with Nest, and market acceptance of new products and services;
the competitive environment in which MONIBrinks 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 are 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 with the need for significant upgrade 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, 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, such as Nest;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, 2017 (the "2017 Form 10-K") and Part II, Item 1A, Risk Factors in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.10-Q and in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2018 and June 30, 2018.  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 2017 Form 10-K.


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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"and its operating subsidiaries (collectively, "Brinks Home Security"). MONIBrinks Home Security provides residential customers and commercial client accounts with monitored home and business security systems, as well as interactive and home automation services.  MONI is supported by a network of independent Authorized Dealers providing products and support to customersservices, in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. MONI’s wholly owned subsidiary, LiveWatch Security LLC (“LiveWatch”) is a Do-It-Yourself home security firm, offering professionally monitored security services through a direct-to-consumer sales channel.

On February 26, 2018, MONI entered into an exclusive, long-term, trademark licensing agreement with The Brink’s Company ("Brink's"), which will result in a complete rebranding of MONI and LiveWatch as Brinks Home SecurityTM. Under the terms of the agreement, MONI will have exclusive use of the BRINKS and Brinks Home Security trademarks related to the residential smart homecustomers are obtained through its direct-to-consumer sales channel or its Authorized Dealer network, which provides product and home security categories in the U.S. and Canada. The Company is currently completing rebranding tasks,installation services, as well as integration tasks, such that the MONIsupport to customers. Its direct-to-consumer channel offers both Do-It-Yourself ("DIY") and LiveWatch sales channels will be combined underprofessional installation security solutions.

The rollout of the Brinks Home Security brand. The new brand rollout is expected to occur in the second quarter of 2018.2018 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.

In the first quarter ofEffective 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 3,4, 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 of the reporting unit. See note 6, 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 2, Recent Accounting Pronouncements1, 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, switching to a competitor's 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'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.


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The table below presents subscriber data for the twelve months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017:
 Twelve Months Ended
March 31,
 Twelve Months Ended
September 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
Beginning balance of accounts 1,036,794
 1,080,726
 998,087
 1,059,634
Accounts acquired 87,957
 125,457
 110,358
 103,650
Accounts canceled (b) (159,845) (162,086) (161,657) (157,896)
Canceled accounts guaranteed by dealer and other adjustments (a) (b) (6,187)
(7,303) (4,631)
(7,301)
Ending balance of accounts 958,719
 1,036,794
 942,157
 998,087
Monthly weighted average accounts 998,137
 1,059,526
 965,026
 1,033,150
Attrition rate - Unit (b) 16.0% 15.3% 16.8% 15.3%
Attrition rate - RMR (b) (c) 13.9% 13.4% 14.1% 13.9%
 
(a)Includes canceled accounts that are contractually guaranteed to be refunded from holdback.
(b)Accounts canceled for the twelve months ending March 31,September 30, 2017 were recast to include an estimated 9,5224,945 accounts included in MONI'sBrinks 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 March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017 was 16.0%16.8% and 15.3%, respectively. Contributing to the increase in the unit attrition rates were the number of subscriber accounts with 5-year contracts reaching the end of their initial contract term in the period, the relative proportion of the number of newrate was fewer customers under contract or in the dealer guarantee period in the twelve months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the prior period, and MONI'sincreased competition from new market entrants. The RMR attrition rate for the twelve months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 was 14.1% and 13.9%, respectively. The relatively smaller increase in the RMR attrition rate for the twelve months ended September 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 MONI'sBrinks 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.  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 March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017, MONIBrinks Home Security acquired 21,54733,065 and 29,37621,268 subscriber accounts, respectively, through its dealer and directdirect-to-consumer sales channels. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, Brinks Home Security acquired 91,995 and 77,423 subscriber accounts, respectively, through its dealer and direct-to-consumer sales channels. Accounts acquired for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 reflect bulk buys of approximately 6,700 and 17,600 accounts, respectively. There were no bulk buys during the three months ended September 30, 2017. Accounts acquired for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 reflect bulk buys of approximately 300 and 3,0003,500 accounts, respectively. The decreaseincrease in accounts acquired excluding bulk buys, for the three months is due to lower productionbulk buys and year over year growth in the dealer and direct-to-consumer sales channels. The increase in accounts acquired for the nine months is due to bulk buys and year over year growth in the direct-to-consumer sales channel which was partially offset by year over year decline in accounts acquired from the dealer channel.  Contributing to the lower production was the fact that MONI discontinued its relationship with its largest dealer, at the time, in the third quarter of 2017 in connection with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act ("TCPA") settlement.  The decrease was partially offset by year over year growth in the direct to consumer sales channels.

RMR acquired during the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017 was $987,000$1,589,000 and $1,437,000,$1,028,000, respectively. RMR acquired during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 was $4,335,000 and $3,768,000, respectively.


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Strategic Initiatives

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

Account Growth

MONIBrinks 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. The CompanyBrinks Home Security currently has several initiatives in place to improve account growth, which include:

Enhancing ourits brand recognition with consumers, which was recently bolstered by the signing of the Brink's licensing agreement,rebranding to Brinks Home Security,
Recruiting high quality dealers into the MONIBrinks Home Security Authorized Dealer Program,
Assisting new and 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 MONI Directdirect-to-consumer sales and LiveWatch DIY sales channelschannel under the BRINKSBrinks Home Security brand.

Although MONI has seen some increases in new subscriber accounts from its internal sales channel, such increases have not been able to offset the declines in the dealer channel. MONI has increased the efforts of its internal sales channels to increase account growth by developing relationships with third parties, such as Nest, to bring in new leads and account growth opportunities.

Creation Costs

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

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

In addition, MONIBrinks 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 MONI.Brinks Home Security.

Attrition

MONIBrinks 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, MONIBrinks 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 as well as the cancellations by subscribers following AT&T's decision to take its 2G cellular networks offline, to decrease in the future.

Notwithstanding the anticipated decrease in future cancellations for these specific subscriber accounts, MONIBrinks 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. MONIBrinks 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 the Company,Brinks Home Security, and
Implementing effective pricing strategies.


Margin Improvement

MONIBrinks 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.


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While the uncertainties related to the successful implementation of the foregoing initiatives could impact MONI'sBrinks Home Security's ability to achieve net profitability and positive cash flows in the near term, MONIBrinks 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. MONI 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, MONI recognized approximately $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 quarter of 2018, MONI recognized approximately $900,000 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, MONI 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 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 its 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.


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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 
 March 31,
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
Net revenue$133,753
 141,200
$137,156
 138,211
 $405,922
 419,909
Cost of services32,701
 29,969
35,059
 30,213
 100,807
 89,799
Selling, general and administrative, including stock-based and long-term incentive compensation37,406
 36,245
38,199
 35,793
 109,992
 136,809
Amortization of subscriber accounts, deferred contract acquisition costs and other intangible assets54,411
 59,547
52,671
 59,384
 160,973
 178,896
Interest expense38,652
 37,486
40,943
 38,360
 120,017
 114,011
Income tax expense from continuing operations1,346
 1,814
1,346
 1,766
 4,039
 8,241
Net loss from continuing operations(30,838) (18,945)(40,095) (29,160) (315,300) (91,631)
Net loss(30,838) (18,853)(40,095) (29,160) (315,300) (91,539)
          
Adjusted EBITDA (a)
    
  
    
MONI business Adjusted EBITDA$70,039
 82,222
Brinks Home Security business Adjusted EBITDA
$71,282
 76,910
 $213,480
 239,786
Corporate Adjusted EBITDA(1,170) (2,222)(4,339) (1,239) (8,268) (6,379)
Total Adjusted EBITDA$68,869
 80,000
$66,943
 75,671
 $205,212
 233,407
Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of Net revenue    
  
    
MONI business52.4 % 58.2 %
Brinks Home Security business
52.0 %
55.6 % 52.6 % 57.1 %
Corporate(0.9)% (1.6)%(3.2)% (0.9)% (2.0)% (1.5)%
          
Expensed Subscriber acquisition costs, net          
Gross subscriber acquisition costs$11,690
 9,033
$14,098
 11,275
 $38,923
 29,758
Revenue associated with subscriber acquisition costs(1,512) (1,392)(722) (1,051) (3,489) (3,694)
Expensed Subscriber acquisition costs, net$10,178
 7,641
$13,376
 10,224
 $35,434
 26,064

(a) 
See reconciliation of Net loss from continuing operations to Adjusted EBITDA below.

Net revenue.  Net revenue decreased $7,447,000,$1,055,000, or 5.3%0.8%, and $13,987,000, or 3.3%, for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, respectively, as compared to the corresponding prior year period.periods. The decrease in net revenue is attributable to the lower average number of subscribers in the first quarter of 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. Average RMR per subscriber increased from $43.63$43.79 as of March 31,September 30, 2017 to $44.76$45.12 as of March 31,September 30, 2018. In addition, the Company recognized $4,216,000 and $6,986,000 increases in revenue for the three and nine months ended September 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 $2,732,000,$4,846,000, or 9.1%16.0%, and $11,008,000, or 12.3%, for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, respectively, as compared to the corresponding prior year period.periods. The increase for the three months ended March 31, 2018 is primarily due to expensing certain direct and incremental field service costs on new AMAscontracts obtained in connection with a subscriber move ("Moves Costs") of $2,405,000$2,437,000 and $7,074,000 for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2018.September 30, 2018, respectively. Upon adoption of the new revenue recognition guidance, Topic 606, all Moves Costs are expensed, whereas prior to adoption, certain Moves Costs were capitalized on the balance sheet. For comparative purposes, Moves Costs capitalized as Subscriber accounts, net for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2017 were $3,889,000.$4,278,000 and $11,761,000, respectively. Furthermore, subscriber acquisition costs, which include expensed equipment and labor costs associated with the creation of new subscribers, for MONI and LiveWatch, increased to $3,610,000$4,591,000 and $12,521,000 for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, respectively, as compared to $2,664,000$3,307,000 and $8,774,000 for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2017, respectively. The increase is attributable to increased production volume in the Company's direct sales channels. These increases were offset by reduced salary and wage expense due to lower headcount.channel. Cost of services as a percent of net revenue increased from 21.2%21.9% and 21.4% for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2017, respectively, to 24.4%25.6% and 24.8% for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2018.September 30, 2018, respectively.

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Selling, general and administrative. Selling, general and administrative costs ("SG&A") increased $1,161,000,$2,406,000, or 3.2%6.7%, for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, as compared to the corresponding prior year period. The increase is primarily attributable to $2,955,000 of severance and related costs in conjunction with transitioning executive leadershiprebranding expense at Brinks Home Security, increased professional legal fees incurred at Ascent Capital and subscriber acquisition costs in SG&A associated with the creation of new subscribers. Subscriber acquisition costs in SG&A increased to $9,507,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to $7,968,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2017. These increases were offset by reduced stock-based compensation expense and severance expense. SG&A as a percent of net revenue increased from 25.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 to 27.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2018.

SG&A decreased $26,817,000, or 19.6%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the corresponding prior year period. The decrease is primarily attributable to the $28,000,000 legal settlement recognized in the second quarter of 2017 in relation to class action litigation of alleged violation of telemarketing laws. Additionally, there were decreases in stock-based compensation expense and consulting fees related to company cost reduction initiatives. These decreases were offset by increases in direct marketing and other SG&A subscriber acquisition costs associated with the creation of new su

bscribers.subscribers. Subscriber acquisition costs in SG&A increased to $8,080,000$26,402,000 for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 as compared to $6,369,000$20,984,000 for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2017. TheseOther increases were offset by decreases in stock-based compensationSG&A contributing to the overall change period over period included increased professional legal fees at Ascent Capital, Brinks Home Security rebranding expense and LiveWatch acquisition contingent bonus charges for the three months ended March 31, 2018, dueseverance expense related to recent settlements or renegotiations of certain key agreements governing these costs. Furthermore, there was $713,000 and $641,000 of software impairment charges and consulting fees on integration / implementation of company initiatives, respectively, that were recognized in the three months ended March 31, 2017 with no corresponding costs being incurred in the three months ended March 31, 2018.transitioning Ascent Capital executive leadership. SG&A as a percent of net revenue increaseddecreased from 25.7%32.6% for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2017 to 28.0%27.1% for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018.

Amortization of subscriber accounts, deferred contract acquisition costs and other intangible assets.  Amortization of subscriber accounts, deferred contract acquisition costs and other intangible assets decreased $5,136,000,$6,713,000 and $17,923,000, or 8.6%11.3% and 10.0%, for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, respectively, as compared to the corresponding prior year period.periods.  The decrease is related to a lower number of subscriber accounts purchased in the last twelve months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 compared to the prior corresponding period as well as the timing of amortization of subscriber accounts acquired prior to the firstthird quarter of 2017, which have a lower rate of amortization in 2018 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 $1,883,000$1,870,000 and $5,633,000 decrease in amortization expense.expense for the three and nine months ended September��30, 2018, respectively. The decrease is partially offset by increased amortization related to accounts acquired subsequent to March 31,September 30, 2017.
 
Interest expense.  Interest expense increased $1,166,000,$2,583,000 and $6,006,000, or 3.1%6.7% and 5.3%, for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, respectively, as compared to the corresponding prior year period.periods. The increase in interest expense is attributable to increases in the Company's revolving credit facility activity, higher interest rates from increasing LIBOR rates and increased amortization of debt discount and deferred debt costs under the effective interest rate method.
 
Income tax expense from continuing operations.  The Company had pre-tax loss from continuing operations of $29,492,000$38,749,000 and $311,261,000 and income tax expense from continuing operations of $1,346,000 and $4,039,000 for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2018.September 30, 2018, respectively.  The Company had pre-tax loss from continuing operations of $17,131,000$27,394,000 and $83,390,000 and income tax expense from continuing operations of $1,814,000$1,766,000 and $8,241,000 for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2017.September 30, 2017, respectively. Income tax expense for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017 is attributable to MONI'sBrinks Home Security's state tax expense and the deferred tax impact from amortization of deductible goodwill related to MONI'sBrinks Home Security's business acquisitions. The decrease in income tax expense is primarily attributable to the impact of the decrease in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% as a result of new tax reform legislation enacted in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Net loss from continuing operations. The Company had net loss from continuing operations of $30,838,000$40,095,000 for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, as compared to $18,945,000$29,160,000 for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2017. The changeincrease in net loss is primarily attributable to the reduction$6,731,000 refinancing expense incurred in Netthe third quarter of 2018 related to the Senior Notes. The remaining increase is driven by decreases in operating income (which is discussed above) and increases in interest expense.

The Company had net loss from continuing operations of $315,300,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to $91,631,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increase in net loss is primarily attributable 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 discussed above.

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Adjusted EBITDA. The following table provides a reconciliation of Net loss from continuing operations to total Adjusted EBITDA for the periods indicated (amounts in thousands):
Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
Net loss from continuing operations$(30,838) (18,945)$(40,095) (29,160) $(315,300) (91,631)
Amortization of subscriber accounts, deferred contract acquisition costs and other intangible assets54,411
 59,547
52,671
 59,384
 160,973
 178,896
Depreciation2,621
 2,127
2,886
 2,176
 8,378
 6,435
Stock-based compensation285
 1,576
682
 2,393
 1,652
 5,968
Radio conversion costs
 232

 74
 
 383
Legal settlement reserve
 
 
 28,000
Severance expense (a)2,955
 27

 1,248
 2,955
 1,275
LiveWatch acquisition contingent bonus charges62
 968
63
 391
 187
 1,746
Rebranding marketing program892
 847
3,060
 
 6,355
 880
Integration / implementation of company initiatives
 641
195
 390
 195
 2,420
Gain on revaluation of acquisition dealer liabilities(240) (954) (240) (1,358)
Impairment of capitalized software
 713

 
 
 713
Gain on disposal of operating assets
 (6,638)
 
 
 (21,217)
Loss on goodwill impairment
 
 214,400
 
Interest income(481) (395)(624) (617) (1,879) (1,575)
Interest expense38,652
 37,486
40,943
 38,360
 120,017
 114,011
Reversal of other-than-temporary impairment losses on sale of marketable securities(1,036) 
Refinancing expense6,731
 
 6,731
 
Unrealized (gain) loss on marketable securities, net(675) 220
 (3,251) 220
Income tax expense from continuing operations1,346
 1,814
1,346
 1,766
 4,039
 8,241
Adjusted EBITDA$68,869
 80,000
$66,943
 75,671
 $205,212
 233,407
 
(a) Severance expense related to transitioning executive leadership at Ascent Capital in 2018 and MONIa reduction in headcount event and transitioning executive leadership at Brinks Home Security in 2017.

Adjusted EBITDA decreased $11,131,000,$8,728,000, or 13.9%11.5%, and $28,195,000, or 12.1%, for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, respectively, as compared to the corresponding prior year period.periods.  The decrease is primarily the result of lower revenues, the expensing of subscriber moves in 2018, and an increase in subscriber acquisition costs and Ascent Capital professional legal fees as discussed above.

MONI'sBrinks Home Security's consolidated Adjusted EBITDA was $70,039,000$71,282,000 and $213,480,000 for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, respectively, as compared $82,222,000to $76,910,000 and $239,786,000 for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2017.September 30, 2017, respectively.

Expensed Subscriber acquisition costs, net.  Subscriber acquisition costs, net increased to $10,178,000$13,376,000 and $35,434,000 for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, respectively, as compared to $7,641,000$10,224,000 and $26,064,000 for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2017.September 30, 2017, respectively. The increase in subscriber acquisition costs, net is primarily attributable to increase in volume of direct sales subscriber acquisitions year over year.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
At March 31,September 30, 2018, we had $30,087,000$137,561,000 of cash and cash equivalents and $107,450,000 of marketable securities on a consolidated basis.equivalents. 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 threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017, our cash flow from operating activities was $47,954,000$69,534,000 and $45,997,000,$113,914,000, respectively.  The primary driverdrivers of our cash flow from operating activities is Adjusted EBITDA.  Fluctuationsare the fluctuations in our Adjusted EBITDArevenues and the components of that measure areoperating expenses as discussed in “Results of Operations” above.  In addition, our cash flow from operating activities may be significantly impacted by changes in working capital.
 

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During the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company used cash of $24,560,000$111,531,000 and $46,708,000,$119,081,000, respectively, to fund subscriber account acquisitions, net of holdback and guarantee obligations.  In addition, during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company used cash of $3,310,000$11,513,000 and $1,693,000,$9,999,000, respectively, to fund its capital expenditures.

On March 29,September 27, 2018, MONIBrinks Home Security borrowed an incremental $26,691,000 on the revolver under theits Credit Facility revolver (as defined below) to fund its April 2,October 1, 2018 interest payment due under the Senior Notes (as defined below).Notes.

The existing long-term debt of the Company at March 31,September 30, 2018 includes the aggregate principal balance of $1,838,775,000$1,918,875,000 under (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 MONIBrinks 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 $295,000,000 super priority revolver under the sixth amendment to the MONIBrinks 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 March 31,September 30, 2018.  The Senior Notes have an outstanding principal balance of $585,000,000 as of March 31,September 30, 2018.  The Credit Facility term loan has an outstanding principal balance of $1,083,500,000$1,078,000,000 as of March 31,September 30, 2018 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 $73,500,000$159,100,000 as of March 31,September 30, 2018 and becomes due on September 30, 2021. The maturity date for botheach of the term loan and the revolving credit facility under the Credit Facility areis subject to a springing maturity 181 days prior to the scheduled maturity date of the Senior Notes. Accordingly,Notes, or October 3, 2019, if MONIBrinks Home Security is unable to refinance the Senior Notes by October 3, 2019, boththat date. In addition, if Brinks Home Security is unable to refinance the term loan andSenior Notes, or demonstrate the revolving credit facilityability to meet its financial covenants for a period of twelve months after the issuance date, 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 external audit report, which would becomebe 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.payable and terminate any commitment to make further loans under the Credit Facility.
 
In considering our liquidity requirements for the remainder of 2018,next twelve months, we evaluated our known future commitments and obligations. WeOn September 24, 2018, Ascent Capital and Brinks Home Security entered into a Transaction Support Agreement (which was amended and restated pursuant to the Amended and Restated Transaction Support Agreement, entered into on October 30, 2018 (the "Amended and Restated Support Agreement")) with certain holders collectively owning or controlling not less than $380 million aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes, representing approximately 65% of the Senior Notes (collectively, the "Consenting Noteholders"). The Amended and Restated Support Agreement incrementally included a group of lenders for the Credit Facility term loan holding over 50% of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Credit Facility term loan (collectively, the "Credit Facility Lenders"). The Consenting Noteholders and Credit Facility Lenders have committed to support and fully participate in proposed agreed upon transactions that would result in the refinancing of the Senior Notes, if consummated. While management continues to negotiate refinancing terms with its debt holders, as of the issuance date of these financial statements, Brinks Home Security has not refinanced the Senior Notes and there can be no assurances that the negotiations management is pursuing will result in the consummation of transactions that would refinance the Senior Notes.

Excluding consideration of a springing maturity event or going concern qualification, we will require the availability of funds to finance the strategy of our primary operating subsidiary, MONI,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 current borrowing capacity of MONI'sBrinks Home Security's Credit Facility revolver, under which MONIBrinks Home Security could borrow an additional $221,500,000$135,900,000 as of March 31,September 30, 2018, subject to certain financial covenants. Based on this analysis, weWe expect that cash on hand, cash flow generated from operations and available borrowings under MONI'sBrinks Home Security's Credit Facility revolver will provide sufficient liquidity givento finance the strategy of our anticipated current and future requirements.primary operating subsidiary, Brinks Home Security.

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.


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Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk
 
Interest Rate Risk
 
We have exposure to changes in interest rates related to the 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 March 31,September 30, 2018.  Debt amounts represent principal payments by maturity date as of March 31,September 30, 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 2018 $
 $8,250
 $
 $8,250
 $
 $2,750
 $
 $2,750
2019 
 11,000
 
 11,000
 
 11,000
 
 11,000
2020 
 11,000
 681,775
 692,775
 
 11,000
 681,775
 692,775
2021 
 84,500
 
 84,500
 
 170,100
 
 170,100
2022 (7,280) 1,042,250
 
 1,034,970
 (16,425) 1,042,250
 
 1,025,825
2023 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thereafter 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total $(7,280) $1,157,000
 $681,775
 $1,831,495
 $(16,425) $1,237,100
 $681,775
 $1,902,450
 
(a) 
The derivative financial instruments reflected in this column include four interest rate swaps with a maturity date in 2022.  As a result of these interest rate swaps, MONI'sBrinks Home Security's effective weighted average interest rate on the borrowings under the Credit Facility term loans was 7.98%7.99% as of March 31,September 30, 2018.  See notes 7, 8, 9 and 910 to our accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report for further information.
 
Item 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 March 31,September 30, 2018 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 Securities 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 March 31,September 30, 2018 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal controls over financial reporting.


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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.Legal Proceedings

On August 27, 2018, holders purporting to own approximately 68% of the Convertible Notes filed a complaint in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware against Ascent Capital and each of its directors and executive officers.

On September 5, 2018, holders purporting to own approximately 69% of the Convertible Notes filed an amended complaint in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware against Ascent Capital and each of its directors and executive officers, and a motion for a preliminary injunction seeking to prevent Ascent Capital from consummating the exchange offer related to the Senior Notes of Brinks Home Security announced by Ascent Capital and Brinks Home Security on August 30, 2018.

On October 1, 2018, holders purporting to own approximately 78% of the Convertible Notes filed a second amended complaint in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware against Ascent Capital and each of its directors and executive officers, and an amended motion for a preliminary injunction seeking to prevent Ascent Capital from consummating the transactions announced by Ascent Capital and Brinks Home Security on September 25, 2018.

On October 22, 2018, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware entered a Third Scheduling Order Governing Plaintiffs’ Motion for Preliminary Injunction (“the Scheduling Order”). The Scheduling Order provides, among other things, that the preliminary injunction hearing will be held on December 5, 2018.

On November 2, 2018, holders purporting to own approximately 53% of the Convertible Notes (the “Plaintiffs”) filed a third amended complaint (the “Third Amended Complaint”) in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware against Ascent Capital and each of its directors and executive officers. The Third Amended Complaint alleges that Ascent Capital’s participation in the transactions announced by Ascent Capital and Brinks Home Security on October 30, 2018 (the “October 30th Transactions”) would be detrimental to Ascent Capital and, if consummated, would result in Ascent Capital becoming insolvent. The Third Amended Complaint further alleges that the October 30th Transactions would (i) result in a breach of Ascent Capital’s directors’ fiduciary duties to Ascent Capital and (ii) constitute a constructive or intentional fraudulent transfer by using assets of Ascent Capital necessary for the repayment of the Notes for other purposes. The Third Amended Complaint seeks (i) injunctive relief to prevent Ascent Capital from engaging in the October 30th Transactions, which would allegedly dissipate Ascent Capital’s assets, and (ii) a declaratory judgment that approval of the October 30th Transactions constitutes a breach of fiduciary duty by Ascent Capital’s directors and that consummation of the October 30th Transactions would constitute a fraudulent transfer by Ascent Capital. Also on November 2, 2018, the Plaintiffs filed an amended motion for a preliminary injunction seeking to prevent Ascent Capital from consummating the October 30th Transactions.

The Third Amended Complaint could be amended, or similar claims could be brought, challenging the October 30th Transactions, and we cannot assure you that such claims will be unsuccessful or will not have a material effect on any such October 30th Transactions. Ascent Capital believes that the claims in the Third Amended Complaint are meritless, and Ascent Capital intends to vigorously defend against this action.

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.10-K and Part II, Item 1A of our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2018 and June 30, 2018.

MONI’s business operatesIf the value of our Series A Common Stock falls below the minimum share price and market value thresholds in a regulated industry.

MONI’s business, operations and dealers are subject to various U.S. federal, state and local consumer protection laws, licensing regulation and other laws and regulations, and, to a lesser extent, similar Canadian laws and regulations. While there are no U.S. federal laws that directly regulate the security alarm monitoring industry, MONI’s advertising and sales practices and that of its dealer network are subject to regulation by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (the “FTC”) in addition to state consumer protection laws. The FTC and the Federal Communications Commission have issued regulations that place restrictions on, among other things, unsolicited automated telephone calls to residential and wireless telephone subscribers by means of automatic telephone dialing systems and the use of prerecorded or artificial voice messages. If MONI (through its direct marketing efforts) or MONI’s dealers were to take actions in violation of these regulations, such as telemarketing to individuals on the “Do Not Call” registry, itNasdaq’s continued listing requirements for 30 consecutive trading days, our Series A Common Stock could be subject to fines, penalties, private actions, investigations or enforcement actions by government regulators. MONI hasdelisting, which could have an adverse impact on the trading volume, liquidity and market price of our common stock and could lead to a default under the indenture for the Convertible Notes and the Credit Facility.

Our Series A Common Stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market. As a Nasdaq listed company, we are required to satisfy Nasdaq’s continued listing requirements, which require, among other things, that the share price of our Series A Common Stock is at least $1.00 per share and the market value of our publicly held shares is at least $15 million. From time to time this year, we have not been named, and may be namedin compliance with those requirements. If, in the future, such non-compliance were to continue for 30 consecutive trading days, our Series A Common Stock would be subject to delisting from Nasdaq.

If our Series A Common Stock ceases to be listed on Nasdaq or another U.S. national securities exchange, this would constitute a “fundamental change,” as defined in the indenture governing our Convertible Notes. As a defendant in litigation arising from alleged violationsresult, each noteholder would 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 TCPA. While MONI endeavors to comply with the TCPA, no assurance can be given that MONI will not be exposed to liability as a result of its or its dealers’ direct marketing efforts or debt collections. For example, MONI recognized a legal settlement reserve in the second quarter of 2017 related to a class action lawsuit based on alleged TCPA violations. In addition, although MONI has taken steps to insulate itself from any such wrongful conduct by its dealers, and to require its dealers to comply with these laws and regulations, no assurance can be given that it will not be exposed to liability as result of its dealers’ conduct. If MONI or any such dealers do not comply with applicable laws, MONI may be exposed to increased liability and penalties, and there can be no assurance, in the event of such liability, that MONI would be adequately covered, if at all, by its insurance policies. Further, to the extent that any changes in law or regulation further restrict the lead generation activity of MONI or its dealers, these restrictions could result in a material reduction in subscriber acquisition opportunities, reducing the growth prospects of its business and adversely affecting its financial condition and future cash flows. In addition, most states in which MONI operates have licensing laws directed specifically toward the monitored security services industry. MONI’s business relies heavily upon wireline and cellular telephone service to communicate signals. Wireline and cellular telephone companies are currently regulated by both federal and state governments. Changes in laws or regulations could require MONI to change the way it operates, which could increase costs or otherwise disrupt operations. In addition, failure to comply with any such applicable laws or regulations could result in substantial fines or revocation of its operating permits and licenses, including in geographic areas where its services have substantial penetration, which could adversely affect its business and financial condition. Further, if these laws and regulations were to change or MONI failed to comply with such laws and regulations as they exist today or in the future, its business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.principal

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amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest. We may not have sufficient funds or be able to obtain financing if we are required to repurchase the Convertible Notes, which could cause us to default under the indenture. A default under the indenture would also cause an event of default under the Credit Facility.

In addition, a delisting of our Series A Common Stock from Nasdaq would negatively impact us because it could, among other things: (i) reduce the liquidity and market price of our common stock; (ii) reduce the amount of news and analyst coverage for our company; (iii) reduce the number of investors willing to hold or acquire our common stock, which could negatively impact our ability to raise equity financing; (iv) limit our ability to use a registration statement to offer and sell freely tradable securities, thereby preventing us from accessing the public capital markets; (v) impair our ability to provide liquid equity incentives to our employees; and (vi) have negative reputational impact for us with our customers, suppliers, employees and other persons with whom we transact from time to time.

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 March 31,September 30, 2018. The following table sets forth information concerning shares withheld in payment of withholding taxes, in each case, during the three months ended March 31,September 30, 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)
1/1/2018 - 1/31/2018 8,621
 (2) $11.85
 
  
2/1/2018 - 2/28/2018 2,059
 (2) 6.76
 
  
3/1/2018 - 3/31/2018 
   
 
  
Total 10,680
   $10.87
 
  
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)
7/1/2018 - 7/31/2018 6,790
 (2) $3.08
 
  
8/1/2018 - 8/31/2018 2,468
 (2) 2.32
 
  
9/1/2018 - 9/30/2018 
   
 
  
Total 9,258
   $2.88
 
  
 
(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, 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 March 31,September 30, 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 March 31,September 30, 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, under the remaining availability of the program.
 
(2)Represents shares withheld in payment of withholding taxes upon vesting of employees' restricted share awards.
 

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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):
4.1
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.





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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:May 10,November 5, 2018 By:/s/ William E. Niles
    William E. Niles
    Chief Executive Officer, General Counsel and Secretary
     
     
Date:May 10,November 5, 2018 By:/s/ Fred A. Graffam
    Fred A. Graffam
    Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
    (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)


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