Exhibit 99.2
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Audited Financial Statements | | |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | | F-2 |
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2005 and 2004 | | F-3 |
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 | | F-4 |
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit) for the Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 | | F-5 |
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 | | F-6 |
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | | F-7 |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors
Charter Communications, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Charter Communications, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity (deficit), and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2005. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Charter Communications, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2005, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
As discussed in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements, effective September 30, 2004, the Company adopted EITF Topic D-108, Use of the Residual Method to Value Acquired Assets Other than Goodwill.
As discussed in Note 21 to the consolidated financial statements, effective January 1, 2003, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, as amended by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 123.
/s/ KPMG LLP
St. Louis, Missouri
February 27, 2006, except as to Note 4,
which is as of August 8, 2006
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(dollars in millions, except share data)
| | December 31, | |
| | 2005 | | 2004 | |
| | | | | |
ASSETS | | | | | |
| | | | | |
CURRENT ASSETS: | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 21 | | $ | 650 | |
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of | | | | | | | |
$17 and $15, respectively | | | 214 | | | 190 | |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | | | 92 | | | 82 | |
Total current assets | | | 327 | | | 922 | |
| | | | | | | |
INVESTMENT IN CABLE PROPERTIES: | | | | | | | |
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated | | | | | | | |
depreciation of $6,749 and $5,311, respectively | | | 5,840 | | | 6,289 | |
Franchises, net | | | 9,826 | | | 9,878 | |
Total investment in cable properties, net | | | 15,666 | | | 16,167 | |
| | | | | | | |
OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS | | | 438 | | | 584 | |
| | | | | | | |
Total assets | | $ | 16,431 | | $ | 17,673 | |
| | | | | | | |
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
CURRENT LIABILITIES: | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | | $ | 1,191 | | $ | 1,217 | |
Total current liabilities | | | 1,191 | | | 1,217 | |
| | | | | | | |
LONG-TERM DEBT | | | 19,388 | | | 19,464 | |
NOTE PAYABLE - RELATED PARTY | | | 49 | | | -- | |
DEFERRED MANAGEMENT FEES - RELATED PARTY | | | 14 | | | 14 | |
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES | | | 517 | | | 681 | |
MINORITY INTEREST | | | 188 | | | 648 | |
PREFERRED STOCK - REDEEMABLE; $.001 par value; 1 million | | | | | | | |
shares authorized; 36,713 and 545,259 shares issued and outstanding, respectively | | | 4 | | | 55 | |
| | | | | | | |
SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT: | | | | | | | |
Class A Common stock; $.001 par value; 1.75 billion shares authorized; | | | | | | | |
416,204,671 and 305,203,770 shares issued and outstanding, respectively | | | -- | | | -- | |
Class B Common stock; $.001 par value; 750 million | | | | | | | |
shares authorized; 50,000 shares issued and outstanding | | | -- | | | -- | |
Preferred stock; $.001 par value; 250 million shares | | | | | | | |
authorized; no non-redeemable shares issued and outstanding | | | -- | | | -- | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 5,241 | | | 4,794 | |
Accumulated deficit | | | (10,166 | ) | | (9,196 | ) |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | | | 5 | | | (4 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
Total shareholders’ deficit | | | (4,920 | ) | | (4,406 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
Total liabilities and shareholders’ deficit | | $ | 16,431 | | $ | 17,673 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(dollars in millions, except per share and share data)
| | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | 2005 | | 2004 | | 2003 | |
| | | | | | | |
REVENUES | | $ | 5,033 | | $ | 4,760 | | $ | 4,616 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
COSTS AND EXPENSES: | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating (excluding depreciation and amortization) | | | 2,203 | | | 1,994 | | | 1,873 | |
Selling, general and administrative | | | 998 | | | 934 | | | 905 | |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 1,443 | | | 1,433 | | | 1,396 | |
Impairment of franchises | | | -- | | | 2,297 | | | -- | |
Asset impairment charges | | | 39 | | | -- | | | -- | |
(Gain) loss on sale of assets, net | | | 6 | | | (86 | ) | | 5 | |
Option compensation expense, net | | | 14 | | | 31 | | | 4 | |
Hurricane asset retirement loss | | | 19 | | | -- | | | -- | |
Special charges, net | | | 7 | | | 104 | | | 21 | |
Unfavorable contracts and other settlements | | | -- | | | (5 | ) | | (72 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 4,729 | | | 6,702 | | | 4,132 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations | | | 304 | | | (1,942 | ) | | 484 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES: | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest expense, net | | | (1,789 | ) | | (1,670 | ) | | (1,557 | ) |
Gain on derivative instruments and hedging activities, net | | | 50 | | | 69 | | | 65 | |
Loss on debt to equity conversions | | | -- | | | (23 | ) | | -- | |
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt and preferred stock | | | 521 | | | (31 | ) | | 267 | |
Other, net | | | 22 | | | 3 | | | (16 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | (1,196 | ) | | (1,652 | ) | | (1,241 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Loss from continuing operations before minority interest, income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change | | | (892 | ) | | (3,594 | ) | | (757 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
MINORITY INTEREST | | | 1 | | | 19 | | | 394 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change | | | (891 | ) | | (3,575 | ) | | (363 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
INCOME TAX BENEFIT (EXPENSE) | | | (112 | ) | | 134 | | | 122 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Loss from continuing operations before cumulative effect of accounting change | | | (1,003 | ) | | (3,441 | ) | | (241 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
INCOME (LOSS) FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF TAX | | | 36 | | | (135 | ) | | 3 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Loss before cumulative effect of accounting change | | | (967 | ) | | (3,576 | ) | | (238 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE, NET OF TAX | | | -- | | | (765 | ) | | -- | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss | | | (967 | ) | | (4,341 | ) | | (238 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends on preferred stock - redeemable | | | (3 | ) | | (4 | ) | | (4 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss applicable to common stock | | $ | (970 | ) | $ | (4,345 | ) | $ | (242 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
LOSS PER COMMON SHARE, BASIC AND DILUTED: | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss from continuing operations before cumulative effect of accounting change | | $ | (3.24 | ) | $ | (11.47 | ) | $ | (0.83 | ) |
Net loss | | $ | (3.13 | ) | $ | (14.47 | ) | $ | (0.82 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted | | | 310,159,047 | | | 300,291,877 | | | 294,597,519 | |
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
(dollars in millions)
| | | | | | | | | | Accumulated | | Total | |
| | Class A | | Class B | | Additional | | | | Other | | Shareholders' | |
| | Common | | Common | | Paid-In | | Accumulated | | Comprehensive | | Equity | |
| | Stock | | Stock | | Capital | | Deficit | | Income (Loss) | | (Deficit) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
BALANCE, December 31, 2002 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Changes in fair value of interest | | $ | -- | | $ | -- | | $ | 4,697 | | $ | (4,609 | ) | $ | (47 | ) | $ | 41 | |
rate agreements | | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | | | 23 | | | 23 | |
Option compensation expense, net | | | -- | | | -- | | | 2 | | | -- | | | -- | | | 2 | |
Issuance of common stock related to | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
acquisitions | | | -- | | | -- | | | 2 | | | -- | | | -- | | | 2 | |
Loss on issuance of equity by subsidiary | | | -- | | | -- | | | (1 | ) | | -- | | | -- | | | (1 | ) |
Dividends on preferred stock - redeemable | | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | | | (4 | ) | | -- | | | (4 | ) |
Net loss | | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | | | (238 | ) | | -- | | | (238 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
BALANCE, December 31, 2003 | | | -- | | | -- | | | 4,700 | | | (4,851 | ) | | (24 | ) | | (175 | ) |
Changes in fair value of interest rate | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
agreements | | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | | | 20 | | | 20 | |
Option compensation expense, net | | | -- | | | -- | | | 27 | | | -- | | | -- | | | 27 | |
Issuance of common stock in exchange for | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
convertible notes | | | -- | | | -- | | | 67 | | | -- | | | -- | | | 67 | |
Dividends on preferred stock - redeemable | | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | | | (4 | ) | | -- | | | (4 | ) |
Net loss | | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | | | (4,341 | ) | | -- | | | (4,341 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
BALANCE, December 31, 2004 | | | -- | | | -- | | | 4,794 | | | (9,196 | ) | | (4 | ) | | (4,406 | ) |
Changes in fair value of interest rate | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
agreements and other | | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | | | 9 | | | 9 | |
Option compensation expense, net | | | -- | | | -- | | | 14 | | | -- | | | -- | | | 14 | |
Issuance of shares in Securities Class | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Action settlement | | | -- | | | -- | | | 15 | | | -- | | | -- | | | 15 | |
CC VIII settlement - exchange of interests | | | -- | | | -- | | | 418 | | | -- | | | -- | | | 418 | |
Dividends on preferred stock - redeemable | | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | | | (3 | ) | | -- | | | (3 | ) |
Net loss | | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | | | (967 | ) | | -- | | | (967 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
BALANCE, December 31, 2005 | | $ | -- | | $ | -- | | $ | 5,241 | | $ | (10,166 | ) | $ | 5 | | $ | (4,920 | ) |
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(dollars in millions)
| | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | 2005 | | 2004 | | 2003 | |
| | | | | | | |
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss | | $ | (967 | ) | $ | (4,341 | ) | $ | (238 | ) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows from operating activities: | | | | | | | | | | |
Minority interest | | | (1 | ) | | (19 | ) | | (377 | ) |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 1,499 | | | 1,495 | | | 1,453 | |
Impairment of franchises | | | -- | | | 2,433 | | | -- | |
Asset impairment charges | | | 39 | | | -- | | | -- | |
(Gain) loss on sale of assets, net | | | 6 | | | (86 | ) | | 5 | |
Option compensation expense, net | | | 14 | | | 27 | | | 4 | |
Hurricane asset retirement loss | | | 19 | | | -- | | | -- | |
Special charges, net | | | -- | | | 85 | | | -- | |
Unfavorable contracts and other settlements | | | -- | | | (5 | ) | | (72 | ) |
Noncash interest expense | | | 254 | | | 324 | | | 414 | |
Gain on derivative instruments and hedging activities, net | | | (50 | ) | | (69 | ) | | (65 | ) |
Loss on debt to equity conversions | | | -- | | | 23 | | | -- | |
(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt and preferred stock | | | (527 | ) | | 20 | | | (267 | ) |
Other, net | | | (22 | ) | | (3 | ) | | 3 | |
Deferred income taxes | | | 109 | | | (109 | ) | | (110 | ) |
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax | | | -- | | | 765 | | | -- | |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions and dispositions: | | | | | | | | | | |
Accounts receivable | | | (29 | ) | | (7 | ) | | 70 | |
Prepaid expenses and other assets | | | 97 | | | (2 | ) | | 5 | |
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other | | | (181 | ) | | (59 | ) | | (69 | ) |
Receivables from and payables to related party, including deferred management fees | | | -- | | | -- | | | 9 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net cash flows from operating activities | | | 260 | | | 472 | | | 765 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | | | | | | |
Purchases of property, plant and equipment | | | (1,088 | ) | | (924 | ) | | (854 | ) |
Change in accrued expenses related to capital expenditures | | | 8 | | | (43 | ) | | (33 | ) |
Proceeds from sale of assets | | | 44 | | | 744 | | | 91 | |
Purchases of investments | | | (3 | ) | | (17 | ) | | (11 | ) |
Proceeds from investments | | | 17 | | | -- | | | -- | |
Other, net | | | (3 | ) | | (3 | ) | | (10 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net cash flows from investing activities | | | (1,025 | ) | | (243 | ) | | (817 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | | | | | | |
Borrowings of long-term debt | | | 1,207 | | | 3,148 | | | 738 | |
Repayments of long-term debt | | | (1,239 | ) | | (5,448 | ) | | (1,368 | ) |
Proceeds from issuance of debt | | | 294 | | | 2,882 | | | 529 | |
Payments for debt issuance costs | | | (70 | ) | | (145 | ) | | (41 | ) |
Redemption of preferred stock | | | (56 | ) | | -- | | | -- | |
Purchase of pledge securities | | | -- | | | (143 | ) | | -- | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net cash flows from financing activities | | | 136 | | | 294 | | | (142 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | | | (629 | ) | | 523 | | | (194 | ) |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period | | | 650 | | | 127 | | | 321 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period | | $ | 21 | | $ | 650 | | $ | 127 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
CASH PAID FOR INTEREST | | $ | 1,526 | | $ | 1,302 | | $ | 1,111 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
NONCASH TRANSACTIONS: | | | | | | | | | | |
Issuance of debt by CCH I Holdings, LLC | | $ | 2,423 | | $ | -- | | $ | -- | |
Issuance of debt by CCH I, LLC | | | 3,686 | | | -- | | | -- | |
Issuance of debt by Charter Communications Operating, LLC | | | 333 | | | -- | | | -- | |
Retirement of Charter Communications Holdings, LLC debt | | | (7,000 | ) | | -- | | | 1,257 | |
Issuance of shares in Securities Class Action Settlement | | | 15 | | | -- | | | -- | |
CC VIII Settlement - exchange of interests | | | 418 | | | -- | | | -- | |
Debt exchanged for Charter Class A common stock | | | -- | | | 30 | | | -- | |
Issuance of debt by CCH II, LLC | | | -- | | | -- | | | 1,572 | |
Retirement of Charter Communications, Inc. debt | | | -- | | | -- | | | 609 | |
Issuances of preferred stock - redeemable, as payment for acquisitions | | | -- | | | -- | | | 4 | |
Issuance of equity as partial payments for acquisitions | | | -- | | | -- | | | 2 | |
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003 (dollars in millions, except where indicated)
1. | Organization and Basis of Presentation |
Charter Communications, Inc. (“Charter”) is a holding company whose principal assets at December 31, 2005 are the 48% controlling common equity interest in Charter Communications Holding Company, LLC (“Charter Holdco”) and “mirror” notes which are payable by Charter Holdco to Charter and have the same principal amount and terms as those of Charter’s convertible senior notes. Charter Holdco is the sole owner of CCHC, LLC, which is the sole owner of Charter Communications Holdings, LLC (“Charter Holdings”). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Charter, Charter Holdco, Charter Holdings and all of their wholly owned subsidiaries where the underlying operations reside, which are collectively referred to herein as the “Company.” Charter has 100% voting control over Charter Holdco and had historically consolidated on that basis. Charter continues to consolidate Charter Holdco as a variable interest entity under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation (“FIN”) 46(R) Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities. Charter Holdco’s limited liability company agreement provides that so long as Charter’s Class B common stock retains its special voting rights, Charter will maintain a 100% voting interest in Charter Holdco. Voting control gives Charter full authority and control over the operations of Charter Holdco. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions among consolidated entities have been eliminated. The Company is a broadband communications company operating in the United States. The Company offers its customers traditional cable video programming (analog and digital video) as well as high-speed Internet services and, in some areas, advanced broadband services such as high-definition television, video on demand and telephone. The Company sells its cable video programming, high-speed Internet and advanced broadband services on a subscription basis. The Company also sells local advertising on satellite-delivered networks.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Areas involving significant judgments and estimates include capitalization of labor and overhead costs; depreciation and amortization costs; impairments of property, plant and equipment, franchises and goodwill; income taxes; and contingencies. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the 2005 presentation.
2. | Liquidity and Capital Resources |
The Company incurred net loss applicable to common stock of $970 million, $4.3 billion and $242 million in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The Company’s net cash flows from operating activities were $260 million, $472 million and $765 million for the years ending December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
The Company has a significant level of debt. The Company's long-term financing as of December 31, 2005 consists of $5.7 billion of credit facility debt, $12.8 billion accreted value of high-yield notes and $863 million accreted value of convertible senior notes. In 2006, $50 million of the Company’s debt matures and in 2007, an additional $385 million matures. In 2008 and beyond, significant additional amounts will become due under the Company’s remaining long-term debt obligations.
Recent Financing Transactions
On January 30, 2006, CCH II, LLC (“CCH II”) and CCH II Capital Corp. issued $450 million in debt securities, the proceeds of which were provided, directly or indirectly, to Charter Communications Operating, LLC (“Charter Operating”), which used such funds to reduce borrowings, but not commitments, under the revolving portion of its credit facilities.
In October 2005, CCO Holdings, LLC ("CCO Holdings") and CCO Holdings Capital Corp., as guarantor thereunder, entered into a senior bridge loan agreement (the "Bridge Loan") with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Credit Suisse, Cayman Islands Branch and Deutsche Bank AG Cayman Islands Branch (the "Lenders") whereby the Lenders committed to make loans to CCO Holdings in an aggregate amount of $600 million. Upon the issuance of
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
$450 million of CCH II notes discussed above, the commitment under the Bridge Loan was reduced to $435 million. CCO Holdings may draw upon the facility between January 2, 2006 and September 29, 2006 and the loans will mature on the sixth anniversary of the first borrowing under the Bridge Loan.
In September 2005, Charter Holdings and its wholly owned subsidiaries, CCH I, LLC ("CCH I") and CCH I Holdings, LLC ("CIH"), completed the exchange of approximately $6.8 billion total principal amount of outstanding debt securities of Charter Holdings in a private placement for new debt securities. Holders of Charter Holdings notes due in 2009 and 2010 exchanged $3.4 billion principal amount of notes for $2.9 billion principal amount of new 11% CCH I notes due 2015. Holders of Charter Holdings notes due 2011 and 2012 exchanged $845 million principal amount of notes for $662 million principal amount of 11% CCH I notes due 2015. In addition, holders of Charter Holdings notes due 2011 and 2012 exchanged $2.5 billion principal amount of notes for $2.5 billion principal amount of various series of new CIH notes. Each series of new CIH notes has the same interest rate and provisions for payment of cash interest as the series of old Charter Holdings notes for which such CIH notes were exchanged. In addition, the maturities for each series were extended three years. See Note 9 for discussion of transaction and related financial statement impact.
The Company requires significant cash to fund debt service costs, capital expenditures and ongoing operations. The Company has historically funded these requirements through cash flows from operating activities, borrowings under its credit facilities, sales of assets, issuances of debt and equity securities and cash on hand. However, the mix of funding sources changes from period to period. For the year ended December 31, 2005, the Company generated $260 million of net cash flows from operating activities after paying cash interest of $1.5 billion. In addition, the Company used $1.1 billion for purchases of property, plant and equipment. Finally, the Company had net cash flows from financing activities of $136 million.
The Company expects that cash on hand, cash flows from operating activities and the amounts available under its credit facilities and Bridge Loan will be adequate to meet its cash needs in 2006. The Company believes that cash flows from operating activities and amounts available under the Company’s credit facilities and Bridge Loan will not be sufficient to fund the Company’s operations and satisfy its interest and debt repayment obligations in 2007 and beyond. The Company is working with its financial advisors to address this funding requirement. However, there can be no assurance that such funding will be available to the Company. In addition, Paul G. Allen, Charter’s Chairman and controlling shareholder, and his affiliates are not obligated to purchase equity from, contribute to or loan funds to the Company.
Debt Covenants
The Company’s ability to operate depends upon, among other things, its continued access to capital, including credit under the Charter Operating credit facilities and Bridge Loan. The Charter Operating credit facilities, along with the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ indentures and Bridge Loan, contain certain restrictive covenants, some of which require the Company to maintain specified financial ratios and meet financial tests and to provide audited financial statements with an unqualified opinion from the Company’s independent auditors. As of December 31, 2005, the Company is in compliance with the covenants under its indentures, Bridge Loan and credit facilities, and the Company expects to remain in compliance with those covenants for the next twelve months. As of December 31, 2005, the Company’s potential availability under its credit facilities totaled approximately $553 million, none of which was limited by covenants. In addition, as of January 2, 2006, the Company has additional borrowing availability of $600 million under the Bridge Loan (which was reduced to $435 million as a result of the issuance of the CCH II notes). Continued access to the Company’s credit facilities and Bridge Loan is subject to the Company remaining in compliance with these covenants, including covenants tied to the Company’s operating performance. If any events of non-compliance occur, funding under the credit facilities and Bridge Loan may not be available and defaults on some or potentially all of the Company’s debt obligations could occur. An event of default under any of the Company’s debt instruments could result in the acceleration of its payment obligations under that debt and, under certain circumstances, in cross-defaults under its other debt obligations, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition and results of operations.
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
Specific Limitations
Charter’s ability to make interest payments on its convertible senior notes, and, in 2006 and 2009, to repay the outstanding principal of its convertible senior notes of $20 million and $863 million, respectively, will depend on its ability to raise additional capital and/or on receipt of payments or distributions from Charter Holdco and its subsidiaries. During 2005, Charter Holdings distributed $60 million to Charter Holdco. As of December 31, 2005, Charter Holdco was owed $22 million in intercompany loans from its subsidiaries, which were available to pay interest and principal on Charter's convertible senior notes. In addition, Charter has $98 million of governmental securities pledged as security for the next four scheduled semi-annual interest payments on Charter’s 5.875% convertible senior notes.
Distributions by Charter’s subsidiaries to a parent company (including Charter, CCHC and Charter Holdco) for payment of principal on parent company notes are restricted under the indentures governing the CIH notes, CCH I notes, CCH II notes, CCO Holdings notes and Charter Operating notes unless there is no default, each applicable subsidiary’s leverage ratio test is met at the time of such distribution and, in the case of the convertible senior notes, other specified tests are met. For the quarter ended December 31, 2005, there was no default under any of these indentures and each such subsidiary met its applicable leverage ratio tests based on December 31, 2005 financial results. Such distributions would be restricted, however, if any such subsidiary fails to meet these tests. In the past, certain subsidiaries have from time to time failed to meet their leverage ratio test. There can be no assurance that they will satisfy these tests at the time of such distribution. Distributions by Charter Operating and CCO Holdings for payment of principal on parent company notes are further restricted by the covenants in the credit facilities and Bridge Loan, respectively.
Distributions by CIH, CCH I, CCH II, CCO Holdings and Charter Operating to a parent company for payment of parent company interest are permitted if there is no default under the aforementioned indentures. However, distributions for payment of interest on the convertible senior notes are further limited to when each applicable subsidiary’s leverage ratio test is met and other specified tests are met. There can be no assurance that they will satisfy these tests at the time of such distribution.
The indentures governing the Charter Holdings notes permit Charter Holdings to make distributions to Charter Holdco for payment of interest or principal on the convertible senior notes, only if, after giving effect to the distribution, Charter Holdings can incur additional debt under the leverage ratio of 8.75 to 1.0, there is no default under Charter Holdings’ indentures and other specified tests are met. For the quarter ended December 31, 2005, there was no default under Charter Holdings’ indentures and Charter Holdings met its leverage ratio test based on December 31, 2005 financial results. Such distributions would be restricted, however, if Charter Holdings fails to meet these tests. In the past, Charter Holdings has from time to time failed to meet this leverage ratio test. There can be no assurance that Charter Holdings will satisfy these tests at the time of such distribution. During periods in which distributions are restricted, the indentures governing the Charter Holdings notes permit Charter Holdings and its subsidiaries to make specified investments (that are not restricted payments) in Charter Holdco or Charter up to an amount determined by a formula, as long as there is no default under the indentures.
3. | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies |
Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. These investments are carried at cost, which approximates market value.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost, including all material, labor and certain indirect costs associated with the construction of cable transmission and distribution facilities. While the Company’s capitalization is based on specific activities, once capitalized, costs are tracked by fixed asset category at the cable system level and not on a specific asset basis. Costs associated with initial customer installations and the additions of network equipment
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
necessary to enable advanced services are capitalized. Costs capitalized as part of initial customer installations include materials, labor, and certain indirect costs. Indirect costs are associated with the activities of the Company’s personnel who assist in connecting and activating the new service and consist of compensation and indirect costs associated with these support functions. Indirect costs primarily include employee benefits and payroll taxes, direct variable costs associated with capitalizable activities, consisting primarily of installation and construction vehicle costs, the cost of dispatch personnel and indirect costs directly attributable to capitalizable activities. The costs of disconnecting service at a customer’s dwelling or reconnecting service to a previously installed dwelling are charged to operating expense in the period incurred. Costs for repairs and maintenance are charged to operating expense as incurred, while plant and equipment replacement and betterments, including replacement of cable drops from the pole to the dwelling, are capitalized.
Depreciation is recorded using the straight-line composite method over management’s estimate of the useful lives of the related assets as follows:
Cable distribution systems | | 7-20 years |
Customer equipment and installations | | 3-5 years |
Vehicles and equipment | | 1-5 years |
Buildings and leasehold improvements | | 5-15 years |
Furniture, fixtures and equipment | | 5 years |
Asset Retirement Obligations
Certain of our franchise agreements and leases contain provisions requiring us to restore facilities or remove equipment in the event that the franchise or lease agreement is not renewed. We expect to continually renew our franchise agreements and have concluded that substantially all of the related franchise rights are indefinite lived intangible assets. Accordingly, the possibility is remote that we would be required to incur significant restoration or removal costs related to these franchise agreements in the foreseeable future. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations, as interpreted by FIN No. 47, Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations - an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143, requires that a liability be recognized for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. We have not recorded an estimate for potential franchise related obligations but would record an estimated liability in the unlikely event a franchise agreement containing such a provision were no longer expected to be renewed. We also expect to renew many of our lease agreements related to the continued operation of our cable business in the franchise areas. For our lease agreements, the liabilities related to the removal provisions, where applicable, have been recorded and are not significant to the financial statements.
Franchises
Franchise rights represent the value attributed to agreements with local authorities that allow access to homes in cable service areas acquired through the purchase of cable systems. Management estimates the fair value of franchise rights at the date of acquisition and determines if the franchise has a finite life or an indefinite-life as defined by SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. All franchises that qualify for indefinite-life treatment under SFAS No. 142 are no longer amortized against earnings but instead are tested for impairment annually as of October 1, or more frequently as warranted by events or changes in circumstances (see Note 7). The Company concluded that 99% of its franchises qualify for indefinite-life treatment; however, certain franchises did not qualify for indefinite-life treatment due to technological or operational factors that limit their lives. These franchise costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over 10 years. Costs incurred in renewing cable franchises are deferred and amortized over 10 years.
Other Noncurrent Assets
Other noncurrent assets primarily include deferred financing costs, governmental securities, investments in equity securities and goodwill. Costs related to borrowings are deferred and amortized to interest expense over the terms of the related borrowings.
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
Investments in equity securities are accounted for at cost, under the equity method of accounting or in accordance with SFAS No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities. Charter recognizes losses for any decline in value considered to be other than temporary. Certain marketable equity securities are classified as available-for-sale and reported at market value with unrealized gains and losses recorded as accumulated other comprehensive income or loss.
The following summarizes investment information as of and for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004:
| | | | Gain (loss) for | |
| | Carrying Value at | | the Years Ended | |
| | December 31, | | December 31, | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2005 | | 2004 | | 2005 | | 2004 | | 2003 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Equity investments, under the cost method | | $ | 61 | | $ | 39 | | $ | -- | | $ | (3 | ) | $ | (2 | ) |
Equity investments, under the equity method | | | 13 | | | 25 | | | 22 | | | 7 | | | (1 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | $ | 74 | | $ | 64 | | $ | 22 | | $ | 4 | | $ | (3 | ) |
The gain on equity investments, under the equity method for the year ended December 31, 2005 primarily represents a gain realized on an exchange of the Company’s interest in an equity investee for an investment in a larger enterprise. Such amounts are included in other, net in the statements of operations.
As required by the indentures to the Company’s 5.875% convertible senior notes issued in November 2004, the Company purchased U.S. government securities valued at approximately $144 million with maturities corresponding to the interest payment dates for the convertible senior notes. These securities were pledged and are held in escrow to provide payment in full for the first six interest payments of the convertible senior notes (see Note 9), two of which were funded in 2005. These securities are accounted for as held-to-maturity securities. At December 31, 2005, the carrying value and fair value of the securities was approximately $98 million and $97 million, respectively, with approximately $50 million recorded in prepaid and other assets and approximately $48 million recorded in other assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.
Valuation of Property, Plant and Equipment
The Company evaluates the recoverability of long-lived assets to be held and used for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable using asset groupings consistent with those used to evaluate franchises. Such events or changes in circumstances could include such factors as impairment of the Company’s indefinite life franchise under SFAS No. 142, changes in technological advances, fluctuations in the fair value of such assets, adverse changes in relationships with local franchise authorities, adverse changes in market conditions or a deterioration of operating results. If a review indicates that the carrying value of such asset is not recoverable from estimated undiscounted cash flows, the carrying value of such asset is reduced to its estimated fair value. While the Company believes that its estimates of future cash flows are reasonable, different assumptions regarding such cash flows could materially affect its evaluations of asset recoverability. No impairments of long-lived assets to be held and used were recorded in 2005, 2004 and 2003, however, approximately $39 million of impairment on assets held for sale was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2005 (see Note 4).
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company accounts for derivative financial instruments in accordance with SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended. For those instruments which qualify as hedging activities, related gains or losses are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. For all other derivative instruments, the related gains or losses are recorded in the income statement. The Company uses interest rate risk
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
management derivative instruments, such as interest rate swap agreements, interest rate cap agreements and interest rate collar agreements (collectively referred to herein as interest rate agreements) as required under the terms of the credit facilities of the Company’s subsidiaries. The Company’s policy is to manage interest costs using a mix of fixed and variable rate debt. Using interest rate swap agreements, the Company agrees to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed and variable interest amounts calculated by reference to an agreed-upon notional principal amount. Interest rate cap agreements are used to lock in a maximum interest rate should variable rates rise, but enable the Company to otherwise pay lower market rates. Interest rate collar agreements are used to limit exposure to and benefits from interest rate fluctuations on variable rate debt to within a certain range of rates. The Company does not hold or issue any derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.
Certain provisions of the Company’s 5.875% convertible senior notes issued in November 2004 were considered embedded derivatives for accounting purposes and were required to be separately accounted for from the convertible senior notes. In accordance with SFAS No. 133, these derivatives are marked to market with gains or losses recorded in interest expense on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. For the year ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, the Company recognized $29 million in gains and $1 million in losses, respectively, related to these derivatives. The gains resulted in a reduction of interest expense while the losses resulted in an increase in interest expense related to these derivatives. At December 31, 2005 and 2004, $1 million and $10 million, respectively, is recorded in accounts payable and accrued expenses relating to the short-term portion of these derivatives and $1 million and $21 million, respectively, is recorded in other long-term liabilities related to the long-term portion.
Revenue Recognition
Revenues from residential and commercial video, high-speed Internet and telephone services are recognized when the related services are provided. Advertising sales are recognized at estimated realizable values in the period that the advertisements are broadcast. Local governmental authorities impose franchise fees on the Company ranging up to a federally mandated maximum of 5% of gross revenues as defined in the franchise agreement. Such fees are collected on a monthly basis from the Company’s customers and are periodically remitted to local franchise authorities. Franchise fees are reported as revenues on a gross basis with a corresponding operating expense.
Programming Costs
The Company has various contracts to obtain analog, digital and premium video programming from program suppliers whose compensation is typically based on a flat fee per customer. The cost of the right to exhibit network programming under such arrangements is recorded in operating expenses in the month the programming is available for exhibition. Programming costs are paid each month based on calculations performed by the Company and are subject to periodic audits performed by the programmers. Certain programming contracts contain launch incentives to be paid by the programmers. The Company receives these payments related to the activation of the programmer’s cable television channel and recognizes the launch incentives on a straight-line basis over the life of the programming agreement as a reduction of programming expense. This offset to programming expense was $40 million, $59 million and $63 million for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Programming costs included in the accompanying statement of operations were $1.4 billion, $1.3 billion and $1.2 billion for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. As of December 31, 2005 and 2004, the deferred amount of launch incentives, included in other long-term liabilities, were $83 million and $105 million, respectively.
Advertising Costs
Advertising costs associated with marketing the Company’s products and services are generally expensed as costs are incurred. Such advertising expense was $94 million, $70 million and $60 million for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company has historically accounted for stock-based compensation in accordance with Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related interpretations, as permitted by SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. On January 1, 2003, the Company adopted the fair value measurement provisions of SFAS No. 123 using the prospective method under which the Company will recognize compensation expense of a stock-based award to an employee over the vesting period based on the fair value of the award on the grant date consistent with the method described in Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 28, Accounting for Stock Appreciation Rights and Other Variable Stock Option or Award Plans. Adoption of these provisions resulted in utilizing a preferable accounting method as the consolidated financial statements will present the estimated fair value of stock-based compensation in expense consistently with other forms of compensation and other expense associated with goods and services received for equity instruments. In accordance with SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure, the fair value method was applied only to awards granted or modified after January 1, 2003, whereas awards granted prior to such date were accounted for under APB No. 25, unless they were modified or settled in cash.
SFAS No. 123 requires pro forma disclosure of the impact on earnings as if the compensation expense for these plans had been determined using the fair value method. The following table presents the Company’s net loss and loss per share as reported and the pro forma amounts that would have been reported using the fair value method under SFAS No. 123 for the years presented:
| Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2005 | | 2004 | | 2003 |
| | | | | | | | |
Net loss applicable to common stock | $ | (970) | | $ | (4,345) | | $ | (242) |
Add back stock-based compensation expense related to stock options included in reported net loss (net of minority interest) | | 14 | | | 31 | | | 2 |
Less employee stock-based compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all employee stock option awards (net of minority interest) | | (14) | | | (33) | | | (14) |
Effects of unvested options in stock option exchange (see Note 21) | | -- | | | 48 | | | -- |
Pro forma | $ | (970) | | $ | (4,299) | | $ | (254) |
| | | | | | | | |
Loss per common shares, basic and diluted: | | | | | | | | |
As reported | $ | (3.13) | | $ | (14.47) | | $ | (0.82) |
| | | | | | | | |
Pro forma | $ | (3.13) | | $ | (14.32) | | $ | (0.86) |
The fair value of each option granted is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The following weighted average assumptions were used for grants during the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively: risk-free interest rates of 4.0%, 3.3%, and 3.0%; expected volatility of 70.9%, 92.4% and 93.6%; and expected lives of 4.5 years, 4.6 years and 4.5 years, respectively. The valuations assume no dividends are paid.
Unfavorable Contracts and Other Settlements
The Company recognized $5 million of benefit for the year ended December 31, 2004 related to changes in estimated legal reserves established as part of previous business combinations, which, based on an evaluation of current facts and circumstances, are no longer required.
The Company recognized $72 million of benefit for the year ended December 31, 2003 as a result of the settlement of estimated liabilities recorded in connection with prior business combinations. The majority of this benefit (approximately $52 million) is due to the renegotiation of a major programming contract, for which a liability had been recorded for the above market portion of the agreement in conjunction with the Falcon acquisition in 1999 and
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
the Bresnan acquisition in 2000. The remaining benefit relates to the reversal of previously recorded liabilities, which are no longer required.
Income Taxes
The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities and expected benefits of utilizing net operating loss carryforwards. The impact on deferred taxes of changes in tax rates and tax law, if any, applied to the years during which temporary differences are expected to be settled, are reflected in the consolidated financial statements in the period of enactment (see Note 24).
Minority Interest
Minority interest on the consolidated balance sheets primarily represents preferred membership interests in an indirect subsidiary of Charter held by Mr. Paul G. Allen. Minority interest totaled $188 million and $648 million as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Reported losses allocated to minority interest on the statement of operations reflect the minority interests in CC VIII and Charter Holdco. Because minority interest in Charter Holdco was substantially eliminated at December 31, 2003, beginning in 2004, Charter began to absorb substantially all future losses before income taxes that otherwise would have been allocated to minority interest (see Note 11).
Loss per Common Share
Basic loss per common share is computed by dividing the net loss applicable to common stock by 310,159,047 shares, 300,291,877 shares and 294,597,519 shares for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, representing the weighted-average common shares outstanding during the respective periods. Diluted loss per common share equals basic loss per common share for the periods presented, as the effect of stock options and other convertible securities are antidilutive because the Company incurred net losses. All membership units of Charter Holdco are exchangeable on a one-for-one basis into common stock of Charter at the option of the holders. As of December 31, 2005, Charter Holdco has 755,386,702 membership units outstanding. Should the holders exchange units for shares, the effect would not be dilutive because the Company incurred net losses.
The 94.9 million shares issued in November 2005 and July 2005 pursuant to the share lending agreement described in Note 14 are required to be returned, in accordance with the contractual arrangement, and are treated in basic and diluted earnings per share as if they were already returned and retired. Consequently, there is no impact of the shares of common stock lent under the share lending agreement in the earnings per share calculation.
Segments
SFAS No. 131, Disclosure about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information, established standards for reporting information about operating segments in annual financial statements and in interim financial reports issued to shareholders. Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated on a regular basis by the chief operating decision maker, or decision making group, in deciding how to allocate resources to an individual segment and in assessing performance of the segment.
The Company’s operations are managed on the basis of geographic divisional operating segments. The Company has evaluated the criteria for aggregation of the geographic operating segments under paragraph 17 of SFAS No. 131 and believes it meets each of the respective criteria set forth. The Company delivers similar products and services within each of its geographic divisional operations. Each geographic and divisional service area utilizes similar means for delivering the programming of the Company’s services; have similarity in the type or class of customer receiving the products and services; distributes the Company’s services over a unified network; and operates within a consistent regulatory environment. In addition, each of the geographic divisional operating
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
segments has similar economic characteristics. In light of the Company’s similar services, means for delivery, similarity in type of customers, the use of a unified network and other considerations across its geographic divisional operating structure, management has determined that the Company has one reportable segment, broadband services.
In 2006, the Company signed a definitive agreement to sell certain cable television systems serving a total of approximately 242,600 analog video customers in West Virginia and Virginia to Cebridge Connections, Inc. for a total of approximately $770 million. During the second quarter of 2006, the Company determined, based on changes in the Company’s organizational and cost structure, that its asset groupings for long lived asset accounting purposes are at the level of their individual market areas, which are at a level below the Company’s geographic clustering. As a result, the Company has determined that the West Virginia and Virginia cable systems comprise operations and cash flows that for financial reporting purposes meet the criteria for discontinued operations. Accordingly, the results of operations for the West Virginia and Virginia cable systems have been presented as discontinued operations, net of tax for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003. Relevant financial information in other footnotes herein have been updated to be consistent with this presentation.
Summarized consolidated financial information for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 for the West Virginia and Virginia cable systems is as follows:
| | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | 2005 | | 2004 | | 2003 | |
| | | | | | | |
Revenues | | $ | 221 | | $ | 217 | | $ | 203 | |
Income (loss) before minority interest, income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change | | $ | 39 | | $ | (104 | ) | $ | 32 | |
Minority interest | | $ | -- | | $ | -- | | $ | (17 | ) |
Income tax benefit (expense) | | $ | (3 | ) | $ | (31 | ) | $ | (12 | ) |
Net income (loss) | | $ | 36 | | $ | (135 | ) | $ | 3 | |
Earnings (loss) per common share, basic and diluted | | $ | 0.12 | | $ | (0.45 | ) | $ | 0.01 | |
In 2005, the Company closed the sale of certain cable systems in Texas, West Virginia and Nebraska, representing a total of approximately 33,000 analog video customers. During the year ended December 31, 2005, those cable systems met the criteria for assets held for sale under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. As such, the assets were written down to fair value less estimated costs to sell resulting in asset impairment charges during the year ended December 31, 2005 of approximately $39 million.
In 2004, the Company closed the sale of certain cable systems in Florida, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New York and West Virginia to Atlantic Broadband Finance, LLC. These transactions resulted in a $106 million gain recorded as a gain on sale of assets in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The total net proceeds from the sale of all of these systems were approximately $735 million. The proceeds were used to repay a portion of amounts outstanding under the Company’s revolving credit facility.
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
5. | Allowance for Doubtful Accounts |
Activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts is summarized as follows for the years presented:
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 |
| | | | | | | | | |
Balance, beginning of year | | $ | 15 | | $ | 17 | | $ | 19 |
Charged to expense | | | 76 | | | 92 | | | 79 |
Uncollected balances written off, net of recoveries | | | (74) | | | (94) | | | (81) |
| | | | | | | | | |
Balance, end of year | | $ | 17 | | $ | 15 | | $ | 17 |
6. | Property, Plant and Equipment |
Property, plant and equipment consists of the following as of December 31, 2005 and 2004:
| | 2005 | | 2004 | |
| | | | | |
Cable distribution systems | | $ | 7,035 | | $ | 6,596 | |
Customer equipment and installations | | | 3,934 | | | 3,500 | |
Vehicles and equipment | | | 473 | | | 433 | |
Buildings and leasehold improvements | | | 584 | | | 578 | |
Furniture, fixtures and equipment | | | 563 | | | 493 | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | 12,589 | | | 11,600 | |
Less: accumulated depreciation | | | (6,749 | ) | | (5,311 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
| | $ | 5,840 | | $ | 6,289 | |
The Company periodically evaluates the estimated useful lives used to depreciate its assets and the estimated amount of assets that will be abandoned or have minimal use in the future. A significant change in assumptions about the extent or timing of future asset retirements, or in the Company’s use of new technology and upgrade programs, could materially affect future depreciation expense.
Depreciation expense for each of the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 was $1.4 billion.
7. | Franchises and Goodwill |
Franchise rights represent the value attributed to agreements with local authorities that allow access to homes in cable service areas acquired through the purchase of cable systems. Management estimates the fair value of franchise rights at the date of acquisition and determines if the franchise has a finite life or an indefinite-life as defined by SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Franchises that qualify for indefinite-life treatment under SFAS No. 142 are tested for impairment annually each October 1 based on valuations, or more frequently as warranted by events or changes in circumstances. Such test resulted in a total franchise impairment of approximately $3.3 billion during the third quarter of 2004. The 2003 and 2005 annual impairment tests resulted in no impairment. Franchises are aggregated into essentially inseparable asset groups to conduct the valuations. The asset groups generally represent geographic clustering of the Company’s cable systems into groups by which such systems are managed. Management believes such grouping represents the highest and best use of those assets.
The Company’s valuations, which are based on the present value of projected after tax cash flows, result in a value of property, plant and equipment, franchises, customer relationships and its total entity value. The value of goodwill is the difference between the total entity value and amounts assigned to the other assets.
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
Franchises, for valuation purposes, are defined as the future economic benefits of the right to solicit and service potential customers (customer marketing rights), and the right to deploy and market new services such as interactivity and telephone to the potential customers (service marketing rights). Fair value is determined based on estimated discounted future cash flows using assumptions consistent with internal forecasts. The franchise after-tax cash flow is calculated as the after-tax cash flow generated by the potential customers obtained and the new services added to those customers in future periods. The sum of the present value of the franchises' after-tax cash flow in years 1 through 10 and the continuing value of the after-tax cash flow beyond year 10 yields the fair value of the franchise.
The Company follows the guidance of Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue 02-17, Recognition of Customer Relationship Intangible Assets Acquired in a Business Combination, in valuing customer relationships. Customer relationships, for valuation purposes, represent the value of the business relationship with existing customers and are calculated by projecting future after-tax cash flows from these customers including the right to deploy and market additional services such as interactivity and telephone to these customers. The present value of these after-tax cash flows yields the fair value of the customer relationships. Substantially all acquisitions occurred prior to January 1, 2002. The Company did not record any value associated with the customer relationship intangibles related to those acquisitions. For acquisitions subsequent to January 1, 2002 the Company did assign a value to the customer relationship intangible, which is amortized over its estimated useful life.
In September 2004, the SEC staff issued EITF Topic D-108 which requires the direct method of separately valuing all intangible assets and does not permit goodwill to be included in franchise assets. The Company adopted Topic D-108 in its impairment assessment as of September 30, 2004 that resulted in a total franchise impairment of approximately $3.3 billion. The Company recorded a cumulative effect of accounting change of $765 million (approximately $875 million before tax effects of $91 million and minority interest effects of $19 million) for the year ended December 31, 2004 representing the portion of the Company's total franchise impairment attributable to no longer including goodwill with franchise assets. The effect of the adoption was to increase net loss and loss per share by $765 million and $2.55, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2004. The remaining $2.4 billion of the total franchise impairment was attributable to the use of lower projected growth rates and the resulting revised estimates of future cash flows in the Company's valuation, and was recorded as impairment of franchises in the Company's accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2004. Sustained analog video customer losses by the Company in the third quarter of 2004 primarily as a result of increased competition from direct broadcast satellite providers and decreased growth rates in the Company's high-speed Internet customers in the third quarter of 2004, in part, as a result of increased competition from digital subscriber line service providers led to the lower projected growth rates and the revised estimates of future cash flows from those used at October 1, 2003.
As of December 31, 2005 and 2004, indefinite-lived and finite-lived intangible assets are presented in the following table:
| | December 31, | |
| | 2005 | | 2004 | |
| | Gross | | | | Net | | Gross | | | | Net | |
| | Carrying | | Accumulated | | Carrying | �� | Carrying | | Accumulated | | Carrying | |
| | Amount | | Amortization | | Amount | | Amount | | Amortization | | Amount | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Indefinite-lived intangible assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Franchises with indefinite lives | | $ | 9,806 | | $ | -- | | $ | 9,806 | | $ | 9,845 | | $ | -- | | $ | 9,845 | |
Goodwill | | | 52 | | | -- | | | 52 | | | 52 | | | -- | | | 52 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | $ | 9,858 | | $ | -- | | $ | 9,858 | | $ | 9,897 | | $ | -- | | $ | 9,897 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Finite-lived intangible assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Franchises with finite lives | | $ | 27 | | $ | 7 | | $ | 20 | | $ | 37 | | $ | 4 | | $ | 33 | |
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
For the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, the net carrying amount of indefinite-lived franchises was reduced by $52 million and $490 million, respectively, related to the sale of cable systems (see Note 4). Additionally, in 2004 and 2005, approximately $37 million and $13 million, respectively, of franchises that were previously classified as finite-lived were reclassified to indefinite-lived, based on the Company’s renewal of these franchise assets in 2004 and 2005. Franchise amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 was $4 million, $3 million and $7 million, respectively, which represents the amortization relating to franchises that did not qualify for indefinite-life treatment under SFAS No. 142, including costs associated with franchise renewals. The Company expects that amortization expense on franchise assets will be approximately $2 million annually for each of the next five years. Actual amortization expense in future periods could differ from these estimates as a result of new intangible asset acquisitions or divestitures, changes in useful lives and other relevant factors.
8. | Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses |
Accounts payable and accrued expenses consist of the following as of December 31, 2005 and 2004:
| 2005 | | 2004 |
| | | | | |
Accounts payable - trade | $ | 114 | | $ | 148 |
Accrued capital expenditures | | 73 | | | 65 |
Accrued expenses: | | | | | |
Interest | | 333 | | | 324 |
Programming costs | | 272 | | | 278 |
Franchise related fees | | 67 | | | 67 |
Compensation | | 90 | | | 66 |
Other | | 242 | | | 269 |
| | | | | |
| $ | 1,191 | | $ | 1,217 |
Long-term debt consists of the following as of December 31, 2005 and 2004:
| 2005 | | 2004 |
| Principal | | Accreted | | Principal | | Accreted |
| Amount | | Value | | Amount | | Value |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Long-Term Debt | | | | | | | | | | | |
Charter Communications, Inc.: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 4.750% convertible senior notes due 2006 | $ | 20 | | $ | 20 | | $ | 156 | | $ | 156 |
| | 5.875% convertible senior notes due 2009 | | 863 | | | 843 | | | 863 | | | 834 |
Charter Holdings: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 8.250% senior notes due 2007 | | 105 | | | 105 | | | 451 | | | 451 |
| | 8.625% senior notes due 2009 | | 292 | | | 292 | | | 1,244 | | | 1,243 |
| | 9.920% senior discount notes due 2011 | | 198 | | | 198 | | | 1,108 | | | 1,108 |
| | 10.000% senior notes due 2009 | | 154 | | | 154 | | | 640 | | | 640 |
| | 10.250% senior notes due 2010 | | 49 | | | 49 | | | 318 | | | 318 |
| | 11.750% senior discount notes due 2010 | | 43 | | | 43 | | | 450 | | | 448 |
| | 10.750% senior notes due 2009 | | 131 | | | 131 | | | 874 | | | 874 |
| | 11.125% senior notes due 2011 | | 217 | | | 217 | | | 500 | | | 500 |
| | 13.500% senior discount notes due 2011 | | 94 | | | 94 | | | 675 | | | 589 |
| | 9.625% senior notes due 2009 | | 107 | | | 107 | | | 640 | | | 638 |
| | 10.000% senior notes due 2011 | | 137 | | | 136 | | | 710 | | | 708 |
| | 11.750% senior discount notes due 2011 | | 125 | | | 120 | | | 939 | | | 803 |
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
| | 12.125% senior discount notes due 2012 | | 113 | | | 100 | | | 330 | | | 259 |
CIH: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 11.125% senior notes due 2014 | | 151 | | | 151 | | | -- | | | -- |
| | 9.920% senior discount notes due 2014 | | 471 | | | 471 | | | -- | | | -- |
| | 10.000% senior notes due 2014 | | 299 | | | 299 | | | -- | | | -- |
| | 11.750% senior discount notes due 2014 | | 815 | | | 781 | | | -- | | | -- |
| | 13.500% senior discount notes due 2014 | | 581 | | | 578 | | | -- | | | -- |
| | 12.125% senior discount notes due 2015 | | 217 | | | 192 | | | -- | | | -- |
CCH I: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 11.000% senior notes due 2015 | | 3,525 | | | 3,683 | | | -- | | | -- |
CCH II: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 10.250% senior notes due 2010 | | 1,601 | | | 1,601 | | | 1,601 | | | 1,601 |
CCO Holdings: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 8 3/4% senior notes due 2013 | | 800 | | | 794 | | | 500 | | | 500 |
| | Senior floating notes due 2010 | | 550 | | | 550 | | | 550 | | | 550 |
Charter Operating: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 8% senior second-lien notes due 2012 | | 1,100 | | | 1,100 | | | 1,100 | | | 1,100 |
| | 8 3/8% senior second-lien notes due 2014 | | 733 | | | 733 | | | 400 | | | 400 |
Renaissance Media Group LLC: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 10.000% senior discount notes due 2008 | | 114 | | | 115 | | | 114 | | | 116 |
CC V Holdings, LLC: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 11.875% senior discount notes due 2008 | | -- | | | -- | | | 113 | | | 113 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Credit Facilities | | | | | | | | | | | |
Charter Operating | | 5,731 | | | 5,731 | | | 5,515 | | | 5,515 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | $ | 19,336 | | $ | 19,388 | | $ | 19,791 | | $ | 19,464 |
The accreted values presented above generally represent the principal amount of the notes less the original issue discount at the time of sale plus the accretion to the balance sheet date except as follows. The accreted value of the CIH notes issued in exchange for Charter Holdings notes and the CCH I notes issued in exchange for the 8.625% Charter Holdings notes due 2009 are recorded at the historical book values of the Charter Holdings notes for financial reporting purposes as opposed to the current accreted value for legal purposes and notes indenture purposes (the amount that is currently payable if the debt becomes immediately due). As of December 31, 2005, the accreted value of the Company’s debt for legal purposes and notes indenture purposes is $18.8 billion.
On January 30, 2006, CCH II and CCH II Capital Corp. issued $450 million in debt securities, the proceeds of which will be provided, directly or indirectly, to Charter Operating, which will use such funds to reduce borrowings, but not commitments, under the revolving portion of its credit facilities.
In October 2005, CCO Holdings and CCO Holdings Capital Corp., as guarantor thereunder, entered into the Bridge Loan with the Lenders whereby the Lenders committed to make loans to CCO Holdings in an aggregate amount of $600 million. Upon the issuance of $450 million of CCH II notes discussed above, the commitment under the bridge loan agreement was reduced to $435 million. CCO Holdings may draw upon the facility between January 2, 2006 and September 29, 2006 and the loans will mature on the sixth anniversary of the first borrowing under the bridge loan. Each loan will accrue interest at a rate equal to an adjusted LIBOR rate plus a spread. The spread will initially be 450 basis points and will increase (a) by an additional 25 basis points at the end of the six-month period following the date of the first borrowing, (b) by an additional 25 basis points at the end of each of the next two subsequent three month periods and (c) by 62.5 basis points at the end of each of the next two subsequent three-month periods. CCO Holdings will be required to prepay loans from the net proceeds from (i) the issuance of equity or incurrence of debt by Charter and its subsidiaries, with certain exceptions, and (ii) certain asset sales (to the extent not used for other purposes permitted under the bridge loan).
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
In August 2005, CCO Holdings issued $300 million in debt securities, the proceeds of which were used for general corporate purposes, including the payment of distributions to its parent companies, including Charter Holdings, to pay interest expense.
Gain on Extinguishment of Debt
In September 2005, Charter Holdings and its wholly owned subsidiaries, CCH I and CIH, completed the exchange of approximately $6.8 billion total principal amount of outstanding debt securities of Charter Holdings in a private placement for new debt securities. Holders of Charter Holdings notes due in 2009 and 2010 exchanged $3.4 billion principal amount of notes for $2.9 billion principal amount of new 11% CCH I senior secured notes due 2015. Holders of Charter Holdings notes due 2011 and 2012 exchanged $845 million principal amount of notes for $662 million principal amount of 11% CCH I notes due 2015. In addition, holders of Charter Holdings notes due 2011 and 2012 exchanged $2.5 billion principal amount of notes for $2.5 billion principal amount of various series of new CIH notes. Each series of new CIH notes has the same interest rate and provisions for payment of cash interest as the series of old Charter Holdings notes for which such CIH notes were exchanged. In addition, the maturities for each series were extended three years. The exchanges resulted in a net gain on extinguishment of debt of approximately $490 million for the year ended December 31, 2005.
In March and June 2005, Charter Operating consummated exchange transactions with a small number of institutional holders of Charter Holdings 8.25% senior notes due 2007 pursuant to which Charter Operating issued, in private placements, approximately $333 million principal amount of new notes with terms identical to Charter Operating's 8.375% senior second lien notes due 2014 in exchange for approximately $346 million of the Charter Holdings 8.25% senior notes due 2007. The exchanges resulted in a net gain on extinguishment of debt of approximately $10 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. The Charter Holdings notes received in the exchange were thereafter distributed to Charter Holdings and cancelled.
During the year ended December 31, 2005, the Company repurchased, in private transactions, from a small number of institutional holders, a total of $136 million principal amount of its 4.75% convertible senior notes due 2006. These transactions resulted in a net gain on extinguishment of debt of approximately $3 million for the year ended December 31, 2005.
In March 2005, Charter’s subsidiary, CC V Holdings, LLC, redeemed all of its 11.875% notes due 2008, at 103.958% of principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption. The total cost of redemption was approximately $122 million and was funded through borrowings under the Charter Operating credit facilities. The redemption resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt for the year ended December 31, 2005 of approximately $5 million. Following such redemption, CC V Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries (other than non-guarantor subsidiaries) guaranteed the Charter Operating credit facilities and granted a lien on all of their assets as to which a lien can be perfected under the Uniform Commercial Code by the filing of a financing statement.
On November 22, 2004, the Company issued $862.5 million original principal amount of 5.875% convertible senior notes due 2009, which are convertible into shares of Charter’s Class A common stock, par value $.001 per share, at a rate of 413.2231 shares per $1,000 principal amount of notes (or approximately $2.42 per share), subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. On December 23, 2004, the Company used a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the notes to redeem all of its outstanding 5.75% convertible senior notes due 2005 (total principal amount of $588 million). The redemption resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $10 million for the year ended December 31, 2004.
In April 2004, Charter’s indirect subsidiaries, Charter Operating and Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., sold $1.5 billion of senior second-lien notes in a private transaction. Additionally, Charter Operating amended and restated its $5.1 billion credit facilities, among other things, to defer maturities and increase availability under those facilities to approximately $6.5 billion, consisting of a $1.5 billion six-year revolving credit facility, a $2.0 billion six-year term loan facility and a $3.0 billion seven-year term loan facility. Charter Operating used the additional borrowings under the amended and restated credit facilities, together with proceeds from the sale of the Charter Operating senior second-lien notes to refinance the credit facilities of its subsidiaries, CC VI
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
Operating Company, LLC (“CC VI Operating”), Falcon Cable Communications, LLC (“Falcon Cable”), and CC VIII Operating, LLC (“CC VIII Operating”), all in concurrent transactions. In addition, Charter Operating was substituted as the lender in place of the banks under those subsidiaries’ credit facilities. These transactions resulted in a net loss on extinguishment of debt of $21 million for the year ended December 31, 2004.
The Company recognized a loss of approximately $23 million recorded as loss on debt to equity conversion on the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2004 from privately negotiated exchanges of a total of $30 million principal amount of Charter’s 5.75% convertible senior notes for shares of Charter Class A common stock. The exchanges resulted in the issuance of more shares in the exchange transaction than would have been issuable under the original terms of the convertible senior notes.
In September 2003, Charter, Charter Holdings and their indirect subsidiary, CCH II purchased, in a non-monetary transaction, a total of approximately $609 million principal amount of Charter’s outstanding convertible senior notes and approximately $1.3 billion principal amount of the senior notes and senior discount notes issued by Charter Holdings from institutional investors in a small number of privately negotiated transactions. As consideration for these securities, CCH II issued approximately $1.6 billion principal amount of 10.25% notes due 2010, and realized approximately $294 million of debt discount. CCH II also issued an additional $30 million principal amount of 10.25% notes for an equivalent amount of cash and used the proceeds for transaction costs and for general corporate purposes. This transaction resulted in a gain on extinguishment of debt of $267 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. See discussion of the CCH II notes below for more details.
4.75% Charter Convertible Notes. In May 2001, Charter issued 4.75% convertible senior notes with a total principal amount at maturity of $633 million. As of December 31, 2005, there was $20 million in total principal amount of these notes outstanding. The 4.75% Charter convertible notes rank equally with any of Charter’s future unsubordinated and unsecured indebtedness, but are structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities of Charter’s subsidiaries.
The 4.75% Charter convertible notes are convertible at the option of the holder into shares of Class A common stock at a conversion rate of 38.0952 shares per $1,000 principal amount of notes, which is equivalent to a price of $26.25 per share, subject to certain adjustments. Specifically, the adjustments include anti-dilutive provisions, which automatically occur based on the occurrence of specified events to provide protection rights to holders of the notes. Additionally, Charter may adjust the conversion ratio under certain circumstances when deemed appropriate. These notes are redeemable at Charter’s option at amounts decreasing from 101.9% to 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest beginning on June 4, 2004, to the date of redemption. Interest is payable semiannually on December 1 and June 1, until maturity on June 1, 2006.
Upon a change of control, subject to certain conditions and restrictions, Charter may be required to repurchase the notes, in whole or in part, at 100% of their principal amount plus accrued interest at the repurchase date.
5.875% Charter Convertible Notes. In November 2004, Charter issued 5.875% convertible senior notes due 2009 with a total original principal amount of $862.5 million. The 5.875% convertible senior notes are unsecured (except with respect to the collateral as described below) and rank equally with our existing and future unsubordinated and unsecured indebtedness (except with respect to the collateral described below), but are structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears. As of December 31, 2005, there was $862.5 million in total principal amount outstanding and $843 million in accreted value outstanding.
The 5.875% convertible senior notes are convertible at any time at the option of the holder into shares of Class A common stock at an initial conversion rate of 413.2231 shares per $1,000 principal amount of notes, which is equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $2.42 per share, subject to certain adjustments. Specifically, the adjustments include anti-dilutive provisions, which cause adjustments to occur automatically based on the occurrence of specified events to provide protection rights to holders of the notes. The conversion rate may also be increased (but not to exceed 462 shares per $1,000 principal amount of notes) upon a specified change of control transaction. Additionally, Charter may elect to increase the conversion rate under certain circumstances when
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
deemed appropriate and subject to applicable limitations of the NASDAQ stock market. Holders who convert their notes prior to November 16, 2007 will receive an early conversion make whole amount in respect of their notes based on a proportional share of the portfolio of pledged securities described below, with specified adjustments.
No holder of notes will be entitled to receive shares of our Class A common stock on conversion to the extent that receipt of the shares would cause the converting holder to become, directly or indirectly, a “beneficial holder” (within the meaning of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder) of more than 4.9% of the outstanding shares of our Class A common stock if such conversion would take place prior to November 16, 2008, or more than 9.9% thereafter.
If a holder tenders a note for conversion, we may direct that holder (unless we have called those notes for redemption) to a financial institution designated by us to conduct a transaction with that institution, on substantially the same terms that the holder would have received on conversion, but if any such financial institution does not accept such notes or does not deliver the required conversion consideration, we remain obligated to convert the notes.
Charter Holdco used a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the notes to purchase a portfolio of U.S. government securities in an amount which we believe will be sufficient to make the first six interest payments on the notes. These government securities were pledged to us as security for a mirror note issued by Charter Holdco to Charter and pledged to the trustee under the indenture governing the notes as security for our obligations thereunder. Such securities are being used to fund the next four interest payments under the notes. The fair value of the pledged securities was $97 million at December 31, 2005.
Upon a change of control and certain other fundamental changes, subject to certain conditions and restrictions, Charter may be required to repurchase the notes, in whole or in part, at 100% of their principal amount plus accrued interest at the repurchase date.
We may redeem the notes in whole or in part for cash at any time at a redemption price equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, deferred interest and liquidated damages, if any, but only if for any 20 trading days in any 30 consecutive trading day period the closing price has exceeded 180% of the conversion price, if such 30 trading day period begins prior to November 16, 2007 or 150% of the conversion price, if such 30 trading period begins thereafter. Holders who convert notes that we have called for redemption shall receive, in addition to the early conversion make whole amount, if applicable, the present value of the interest on the notes converted that would have been payable for the period from the later of November 17, 2007 and the redemption date through the scheduled maturity date for the notes, plus any accrued deferred interest.
March 1999 Charter Holdings Notes. The March 1999 Charter Holdings notes are general unsecured obligations of Charter Holdings and Charter Communications Capital Corporation (“Charter Capital”). The March 1999 8.250% Charter Holdings notes mature on April 1, 2007, and as of December 31, 2005, there was $105 million in total principal amount outstanding. The March 1999 8.625% Charter Holdings notes mature on April 1, 2009 and as of December 31, 2005, there was $292 million in total principal amount outstanding. The March 1999 9.920% Charter Holdings notes mature on April 1, 2011 and as of December 31, 2005, the total principal amount and accreted value outstanding was $198 million. Cash interest on the March 1999 9.920% Charter Holdings notes began to accrue on April 1, 2004.
The March 1999 Charter Holdings notes are senior debt obligations of Charter Holdings and Charter Capital. They rank equally with all other current and future unsubordinated obligations of Charter Holdings and Charter Capital. They are structurally subordinated to the obligations of Charter Holdings' subsidiaries, including the CIH notes, the CCH I notes, the CCH II notes, the CCO Holdings notes, the Renaissance notes, the Charter Operating notes and the Charter Operating credit facilities.
Charter Holdings and Charter Capital will not have the right to redeem the March 1999 8.250% Charter Holdings notes prior to their maturity on April 1, 2007. Charter Holdings and Charter Capital may redeem some or all of the March 1999 8.625% Charter Holdings notes and the March 1999 9.920% Charter Holdings notes at any time, in
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
each case, at a premium. The optional redemption price declines to 100% of the principal amount of March 1999 Charter Holdings notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, for redemption on or after April 1, 2007.
In the event that a specified change of control event occurs, Charter Holdings and Charter Capital must offer to repurchase any then outstanding March 1999 Charter Holdings notes at 101% of their principal amount or accreted value, as applicable, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.
The indentures governing the March 1999 Charter Holdings notes contain restrictive covenants that limit certain transactions or activities by Charter Holdings and its restricted subsidiaries. Substantially all of Charter Holdings' direct and indirect subsidiaries are currently restricted subsidiaries.
January 2000 Charter Holdings Notes. The January 2000 Charter Holdings notes are general unsecured obligations of Charter Holdings and Charter Capital. The January 2000 10.00% Charter Holdings notes mature on April 1, 2009, and as of December 31, 2005, there was $154 million in total principal amount of these notes outstanding. The January 2000 10.25% Charter Holdings notes mature on January 15, 2010 and as of December 31, 2005, there was $49 million in total principal amount of these notes outstanding. The January 2000 11.75% Charter Holdings notes mature on January 15, 2010 and as of December 31, 2005, the total principal amount and accreted value outstanding of these notes was $43 million. Cash interest on the January 2000 11.75% Charter Holdings notes began to accrue on January 15, 2005.
The January 2000 Charter Holdings notes are senior debt obligations of Charter Holdings and Charter Capital. They rank equally with all other current and future unsubordinated obligations of Charter Holdings and Charter Capital. They are structurally subordinated to the obligations of Charter Holdings' subsidiaries, including the CIH notes, the CCH I notes, the CCH II notes, the CCO Holdings notes, the Renaissance notes, the Charter Operating notes and the Charter Operating credit facilities.
Charter Holdings and Charter Capital will not have the right to redeem the January 2000 10.00% Charter Holdings notes prior to their maturity on April 1, 2009. Charter Holdings and Charter Capital may redeem some or all of the January 2000 10.25% Charter Holdings notes and the January 2000 11.75% Charter Holdings notes at any time, in each case, at a premium. The optional redemption price declines to 100% of the principal amount of the January 2000 Charter Holdings notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, for redemption on or after January 15, 2008.
In the event that a specified change of control event occurs, Charter Holdings and Charter Capital must offer to repurchase any then outstanding January 2000 Charter Holdings notes at 101% of their total principal amount or accreted value, as applicable, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.
The indentures governing the January 2000 Charter Holdings notes contain substantially identical events of default, affirmative covenants and negative covenants as those contained in the indentures governing the March 1999 Charter Holdings notes.
January 2001 Charter Holdings Notes. The January 2001 Charter Holdings notes are general unsecured obligations of Charter Holdings and Charter Capital. The January 2001 10.750% Charter Holdings notes mature on October 1, 2009, and as of December 31, 2005, there was $131 million in total principal amount of these notes outstanding. The January 2001 11.125% Charter Holdings notes mature on January 15, 2011 and as of December 31, 2005, there was $217 million in total principal amount outstanding. The January 2001 13.500% Charter Holdings notes mature on January 15, 2011 and as of December 31, 2005 the total principal amount and accreted value outstanding of these notes was $94 million. Cash interest on the January 2001 13.500% Charter Holdings notes began to accrue on January 15, 2006.
The January 2001 Charter Holdings notes are senior debt obligations of Charter Holdings and Charter Capital. They rank equally with all other current and future unsubordinated obligations of Charter Holdings and Charter Capital. They are structurally subordinated to the obligations of Charter Holdings' subsidiaries, including the CIH notes, the
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
CCH I notes, the CCH II notes, the CCO Holdings notes, the Renaissance notes, the Charter Operating notes and the Charter Operating credit facilities.
Charter Holdings and Charter Capital will not have the right to redeem the January 2001 10.750% Charter Holdings notes prior to their maturity date on October 1, 2009. Charter Holdings and Charter Capital may redeem some or all of the January 2001 11.125% Charter Holdings notes and the January 2001 13.500% Charter Holdings notes at any time, in each case, at a premium. The optional redemption price declines to 100% of the principal amount of the January 2001 Charter Holdings notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, for redemption on or after January 15, 2009.
In the event that a specified change of control event occurs, Charter Holdings and Charter Capital must offer to repurchase any then outstanding January 2001 Charter Holdings notes at 101% of their total principal amount or accreted value, as applicable, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.
The indentures governing the January 2001 Charter Holdings notes contain substantially identical events of default, affirmative covenants and negative covenants as those contained in the indentures governing the March 1999 and January 2000 Charter Holdings notes.
May 2001 Charter Holdings Notes. The May 2001 Charter Holdings notes are general unsecured obligations of Charter Holdings and Charter Capital. The May 2001 9.625% Charter Holdings notes mature on November 15, 2009, and as of December 31, 2005, combined with the January 2002 additional bond issue, there was $107 million in total principal amount outstanding. The May 2001 10.000% Charter Holdings notes mature on May 15, 2011 and as of December 31, 2005, combined with the January 2002 additional bond issue, there was $137 million in total principal amount outstanding and the total accreted value of the 10.000% notes was approximately $136 million. The May 2001 11.750% Charter Holdings notes mature on May 15, 2011 and as of December 31, 2005, the total principal amount outstanding was $125 million and the total accreted value of the 11.750% notes was approximately $120 million. Cash interest on the May 2001 11.750% Charter Holdings notes will not accrue prior to May 15, 2006.
The May 2001 Charter Holdings notes are senior debt obligations of Charter Holdings and Charter Capital. They rank equally with all other current and future unsubordinated obligations of Charter Holdings and Charter Capital. They are structurally subordinated to the obligations of Charter Holdings' subsidiaries, including the CIH notes, the CCH I notes, the CCH II notes, the CCO Holdings notes, the Renaissance notes, the Charter Operating notes and the Charter Operating credit facilities.
Charter Holdings and Charter Capital will not have the right to redeem the May 2001 9.625% Charter Holdings notes prior to their maturity on November 15, 2009. On or after May 15, 2006, Charter Holdings and Charter Capital may redeem some or all of the May 2001 10.000% Charter Holdings notes and the May 2001 11.750% Charter Holdings notes at any time, in each case, at a premium. The optional redemption price declines to 100% of the principal amount of the May 2001 Charter Holdings notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, for redemption on or after May 15, 2009.
In the event that a specified change of control event occurs, Charter Holdings and Charter Capital must offer to repurchase any then outstanding May 2001 Charter Holdings notes at 101% of their total principal amount or accreted value, as applicable, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.
The indentures governing the May 2001 Charter Holdings notes contain substantially identical events of default, affirmative covenants and negative covenants as those contained in the indentures governing the March 1999, January 2000 and January 2001 Charter Holdings notes.
January 2002 Charter Holdings Notes. The January 2002 Charter Holdings notes are general unsecured obligations of Charter Holdings and Charter Capital.
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
The January 2002 12.125% senior discount notes mature on January 15, 2012, and as of December 31, 2005, the total principal amount outstanding was $113 million and the total accreted value of these notes was approximately $100 million. Cash interest on the January 2002 12.125% Charter Holdings notes will not accrue prior to January 15, 2007.
The January 2002 Charter Holdings notes are senior debt obligations of Charter Holdings and Charter Capital. They rank equally with the current and future unsecured and unsubordinated debt of Charter Holdings. They are structurally subordinated to the obligations of Charter Holdings' subsidiaries, including the CIH notes, the CCH I notes, the CCH II notes, the CCO Holdings notes, the Renaissance notes, the Charter Operating notes and the Charter Operating credit facilities.
The Charter Holdings 12.125% senior discount notes are redeemable at the option of the issuers at amounts decreasing from 106.063% to 100% of accreted value beginning January 15, 2007.
In the event that a specified change of control event occurs, Charter Holdings and Charter Capital must offer to repurchase any then outstanding January 2002 Charter Holdings notes at 101% of their total principal amount or accreted value, as applicable, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.
The indentures governing the January 2002 Charter Holdings notes contain substantially identical events of default, affirmative covenants and negative covenants as those contained in the indentures governing the March 1999, January 2000, January 2001 and May 2001 Charter Holdings notes.
CCH I Holdings, LLC Notes. In September 2005, CIH and CCH I Holdings Capital Corp. jointly issued $2.5 billion total principal amount of 9.920% to 13.500% senior accreting notes due 2014 and 2015 in exchange for an aggregate amount of $2.4 billion of Charter Holdings notes due 2011 and 2012, spread over six series of notes and with varying interest rates. The notes are guaranteed by Charter Holdings. As of December 31, 2005, there was $2.5 billion in total principal amount and accreted value outstanding and $2.1 billion in accreted value for legal purposes and notes indentures purposes. Interest on the CIH notes is payable semi-annually in arrears as follows:
| | | | Start Date | | |
| | Semi-Annual | | For Interest | | |
| | Interest Payment | | Payment on | | Maturity |
| | Dates | | Discount Notes | | Date |
| | | | | | | | | |
11.125% senior notes due 2014 | | | 1/15 & 7/15 | | | | | | 1/15/14 |
9.920% senior discount notes due 2014 | | | 4/1 & 10/1 | | | | | | 4/1/14 |
10.000% senior notes due 2014 | | | 5/15 & 11/15 | | | | | | 5/15/14 |
11.750% senior discount notes due 2014 | | | 5/15 & 11/15 | | | 11/15/06 | | | 5/15/14 |
13.500% senior discount notes due 2014 | | | 1/15 & 7/15 | | | 7/15/06 | | | 1/15/14 |
12.125% senior discount notes due 2015 | | | 1/15 & 7/15 | | | 7/15/07 | | | 1/15/15 |
The CIH notes are senior debt obligations of CIH and CCH I Holdings Capital Corp. They rank equally with all other current and future unsecured, unsubordinated obligations of CIH and CCH I Holdings Capital Corp. The CIH notes are structurally subordinated to all obligations of subsidiaries of CIH, including the CCH I notes, the CCH II notes, the CCO Holdings notes, the Renaissance notes, the Charter Operating notes and the Charter Operating credit facilities.
The CIH notes may not be redeemed at the option of the issuers until September 30, 2007. On or after such date, the CIH notes may be redeemed at any time, in each case at a premium. The optional redemption price declines to 100% of the respective series’ principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, on or after varying dates in 2009 and 2010.
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
In the event that a specified change of control event happens, CIH and CCH I Holdings Capital Corp. must offer to repurchase any outstanding notes at a price equal to the sum of the accreted value of the notes plus accrued and unpaid interest plus a premium that varies over time.
CCH I, LLC Notes. In September 2005, CCH I and CCH I Capital Corp. jointly issued $3.5 billion total principal amount of 11.000% senior secured notes due October 2015 in exchange for an aggregate amount of $4.2 billion of certain Charter Holdings notes. The notes are guaranteed by Charter Holdings and are secured by a pledge of 100% of the equity interest of CCH I’s wholly owned direct subsidiary, CCH II. Such pledge is subject to significant limitations as described in the related pledge agreement. Interest on the CCH I notes accrues at 11% per annum and is payable semi-annually in arrears on each April 1 and October 1, commencing on April 1, 2006. As of December 31, 2005, there was $3.5 billion in total principal amount outstanding, $3.7 billion in accreted value outstanding and $3.5 billion in accreted value for legal purposes and notes indentures purposes.
The CCH I notes are senior debt obligations of CCH I and CCH I Capital Corp. To the extent of the value of the collateral, they rank senior to all of CCH I’s future unsecured senior indebtedness. The CCH I notes are structurally subordinated to all obligations of subsidiaries of CCH I, including the CCH II notes, CCO Holdings notes, the Renaissance notes, the Charter Operating notes and the Charter Operating credit facilities.
CCH I and CCH I Capital Corp. may, prior to October 1, 2008 in the event of a qualified equity offering providing sufficient proceeds, redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the CCH I notes at a redemption price of 111% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. Aside from this provision, CCH I and CCH I Capital Corp. may not redeem at their option any of the notes prior to October 1, 2010. On or after October 1, 2010, CCH I and CCH I Capital Corp. may redeem, in whole or in part, CCH I notes at anytime, in each case at a premium. The optional redemption price declines to 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, on or after October 1, 2013.
If a change of control occurs, each holder of the CCH I notes will have the right to require the repurchase of all or any part of that holder’s CCH I notes at 101% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest.
CCH II Notes. In September 2003, CCH II and CCH II Capital Corp. jointly issued $1.6 billion total principal amount of 10.25% senior notes due 2010 and in January 2006, they issued an additional $450 million principal amount of these notes. The CCH II notes are general unsecured obligations of CCH II and CCH II Capital Corp. They rank equally with all other current or future unsubordinated obligations of CCH II and CCH II Capital Corp. The CCH II notes are structurally subordinated to all obligations of subsidiaries of CCH II, including the CCO Holdings notes, the Renaissance notes, the Charter Operating notes and the Charter Operating credit facilities.
Interest on the CCH II notes accrues at 10.25% per annum and is payable semi-annually in arrears on each March 15 and September 15.
At any time prior to September 15, 2006, the issuers of the CCH II notes may redeem up to 35% of the total principal amount of the CCH II notes on a pro rata basis at a redemption price equal to 110.25% of the principal amount of CCH II notes redeemed, plus any accrued and unpaid interest.
On or after September 15, 2008, the issuers of the CCH II notes may redeem all or a part of the notes at a redemption price that declines ratably from the initial redemption price of 105.125% to a redemption price on or after September 15, 2009 of 100.0% of the principal amount of the CCH II notes redeemed, plus, in each case, any accrued and unpaid interest.
In the event of specified change of control events, CCH II must offer to purchase the outstanding CCH II notes from the holders at a purchase price equal to 101% of the total principal amount of the notes, plus any accrued and unpaid interest.
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
The indenture governing the CCH II notes contains restrictive covenants that limit certain transactions or activities by CCH II and its restricted subsidiaries. Substantially all of CCH II’s direct and indirect subsidiaries are currently restricted subsidiaries.
CCO Holdings Notes.
8 ¾% Senior Notes due 2013
In November 2003 and August 2005, CCO Holdings and CCO Holdings Capital Corp. jointly issued $500 million and $300 million, respectively, total principal amount of 8¾% senior notes due 2013. The CCO Holdings notes are general unsecured obligations of CCO Holdings and CCO Holdings Capital Corp. They rank equally with all other current or future unsubordinated obligations of CCO Holdings and CCO Holdings Capital Corp. The CCO Holdings notes are structurally subordinated to all obligations of CCO Holdings’ subsidiaries, including the Renaissance notes, the Charter Operating notes and the Charter Operating credit facilities. As of December 31, 2005, there was $800 million in total principal amount outstanding and $794 million in accreted value outstanding.
Interest on the CCO Holdings senior notes accrues at 8¾% per year and is payable semi-annually in arrears on each May 15 and November 15.
At any time prior to November 15, 2006, the issuers of the CCO Holdings senior notes may redeem up to 35% of the total principal amount of the CCO Holdings senior notes to the extent of public equity proceeds they have received on a pro rata basis at a redemption price equal to 108.75% of the principal amount of CCO Holdings senior notes redeemed, plus any accrued and unpaid interest.
On or after November 15, 2008, the issuers of the CCO Holdings senior notes may redeem all or a part of the notes at a redemption price that declines ratably from the initial redemption price of 104.375% to a redemption price on or after November 15, 2011 of 100.0% of the principal amount of the CCO Holdings senior notes redeemed, plus, in each case, any accrued and unpaid interest.
In the event of specified change of control events, CCO Holdings must offer to purchase the outstanding CCO Holdings senior notes from the holders at a purchase price equal to 101% of the total principal amount of the notes, plus any accrued and unpaid interest.
Senior Floating Rate Notes Due 2010
In December 2004, CCO Holdings and CCO Holdings Capital Corp. jointly issued $550 million total principal amount of senior floating rate notes due 2010. The CCO Holdings notes are general unsecured obligations of CCO Holdings and CCO Holdings Capital Corp. They rank equally with all other current or future unsubordinated obligations of CCO Holdings and CCO Holdings Capital Corp. The CCO Holdings notes are structurally subordinated to all obligations of CCO Holdings’ subsidiaries, including the Renaissance notes, the Charter Operating notes and the Charter Operating credit facilities.
Interest on the CCO Holdings senior floating rate notes accrues at the LIBOR rate (4.53% and 2.56% as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively) plus 4.125% annually, from the date interest was most recently paid. Interest is reset and payable quarterly in arrears on each March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15.
At any time prior to December 15, 2006, the issuers of the senior floating rate notes may redeem up to 35% of the notes in an amount not to exceed the amount of proceeds of one or more public equity offerings at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus a premium equal to the interest rate per annum applicable to the notes on the date notice of redemption is given, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date, provided that at least 65% of the original aggregate principal amount of the notes issued remains outstanding after the redemption.
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
The issuers of the senior floating rate notes may redeem the notes in whole or in part at the issuers’ option from December 15, 2006 until December 14, 2007 for 102% of the principal amount, from December 15, 2007 until December 14, 2008 for 101% of the principal amount and from and after December 15, 2008, at par, in each case, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
The indentures governing the CCO Holdings senior notes contain restrictive covenants that limit certain transactions or activities by CCO Holdings and its restricted subsidiaries. Substantially all of CCO Holdings’ direct and indirect subsidiaries are currently restricted subsidiaries.
In the event of specified change of control events, CCO Holdings must offer to purchase the outstanding CCO Holdings senior notes from the holders at a purchase price equal to 101% of the total principal amount of the notes, plus any accrued and unpaid interest.
Charter Operating Notes. On April 27, 2004, Charter Operating and Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp. jointly issued $1.1 billion of 8% senior second-lien notes due 2012 and $400 million of 8 3/8% senior second-lien notes due 2014, for total gross proceeds of $1.5 billion. In March and June 2005, Charter Operating consummated exchange transactions with a small number of institutional holders of Charter Holdings 8.25% senior notes due 2007 pursuant to which Charter Operating issued, in private placement transactions, approximately $333 million principal amount of its 8 3/8% senior second-lien notes due 2014 in exchange for approximately $346 million of the Charter Holdings 8.25% senior notes due 2007. Interest on the Charter Operating notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on each April 30 and October 30.
The Charter Operating notes were sold in a private transaction that was not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933. The Charter Operating notes are not expected to have the benefit of any exchange or other registration rights, except in specified limited circumstances. On the issue date of the Charter Operating notes, because of restrictions contained in the Charter Holdings indentures, there were no Charter Operating note guarantees, even though Charter Operating's immediate parent, CCO Holdings, and certain of the Company’s subsidiaries were obligors and/or guarantors under the Charter Operating credit facilities. Upon the occurrence of the guarantee and pledge date (generally, the fifth business day after the Charter Holdings leverage ratio was certified to be below 8.75 to 1.0), CCO Holdings and those subsidiaries of Charter Operating that were then guarantors of, or otherwise obligors with respect to, indebtedness under the Charter Operating credit facilities and related obligations were required to guarantee the Charter Operating notes. The note guarantee of each such guarantor is:
| · | a senior obligation of such guarantor; |
| · | structurally senior to the outstanding CCO Holdings notes (except in the case of CCO Holdings' note guarantee, which is structurally pari passu with such senior notes), the outstanding CCH II notes, the outstanding CCH I notes, the outstanding CIH notes, the outstanding Charter Holdings notes and the outstanding Charter convertible senior notes (but subject to provisions in the Charter Operating indenture that permit interest and, subject to meeting the 4.25 to 1.0 leverage ratio test, principal payments to be made thereon); and |
| · | senior in right of payment to any future subordinated indebtedness of such guarantor. |
As a result of the above leverage ratio test being met, CCO Holdings and certain of its subsidiaries provided the additional guarantees described above during the first quarter of 2005.
All the subsidiaries of Charter Operating (except CCO NR Sub, LLC, and certain other subsidiaries that are not deemed material and are designated as nonrecourse subsidiaries under the Charter Operating credit facilities) are restricted subsidiaries of Charter Operating under the Charter Operating notes. Unrestricted subsidiaries generally will not be subject to the restrictive covenants in the Charter Operating indenture.
In the event of specified change of control events, Charter Operating must offer to purchase the Charter Operating notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the total principal amount of the Charter Operating notes repurchased plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon.
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
The indenture governing the Charter Operating senior notes contains restrictive covenants that limit certain transactions or activities by Charter Operating and its restricted subsidiaries. Substantially all of Charter Operating’s direct and indirect subsidiaries are currently restricted subsidiaries.
Renaissance Notes. In connection with the acquisition of Renaissance in April 1999, the Company assumed $163 million principal amount at maturity of 10.000% senior discount notes due 2008 of which $49 million was repurchased in May 1999. The Renaissance notes bear interest, payable semi-annually, on April 15 and October 15. The Renaissance notes are due on April 15, 2008. As of December 31, 2005, there was $114 million in total principal amount outstanding and $115 million in accreted value outstanding.
CC V Holdings Notes. These notes were redeemed on March 14, 2005 and are therefore no longer outstanding.
High-Yield Restrictive Covenants; Limitation on Indebtedness. The indentures governing the notes of the Company’s subsidiaries contain certain covenants that restrict the ability of Charter Holdings, Charter Capital, CIH, CIH, Capital Corp., CCH I, CCH I Capital Corp., CCH II, CCH II Capital Corp., CCO Holdings, CCO Holdings Capital Corp., Charter Operating, Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., Renaissance Media Group, and all of their restricted subsidiaries to:
| · | pay dividends on equity or repurchase equity; |
| · | sell all or substantially all of their assets or merge with or into other companies; |
| · | enter into sale-leasebacks; |
| · | in the case of restricted subsidiaries, create or permit to exist dividend or payment restrictions with respect to the bond issuers, guarantee their parent companies debt, or issue specified equity interests; |
| · | engage in certain transactions with affiliates; and |
Charter Operating Credit Facilities
The Charter Operating credit facilities were amended and restated concurrently with the sale of $1.5 billion senior second-lien notes in April 2004, among other things, to defer maturities and increase availability under these facilities and to enable Charter Operating to acquire the interests of the lenders under the CC VI Operating, CC VIII Operating and Falcon credit facilities, thereby consolidating all credit facilities under one amended and restated Charter Operating credit agreement.
The Charter Operating credit facilities provide borrowing availability of up to $6.5 billion as follows:
| (i) | a Term A facility with a total principal amount of $2.0 billion, of which 12.5% matures in 2007, 30% matures in 2008, 37.5% matures in 2009 and 20% matures in 2010; and |
| (ii) | a Term B facility with a total principal amount of $3.0 billion, which shall be repayable in 27 equal quarterly installments aggregating in each loan year to 1% of the original amount of the Term B facility, with the remaining balance due at final maturity in 2011; and |
| · | a revolving credit facility, in a total amount of $1.5 billion, with a maturity date in 2010. |
Amounts outstanding under the Charter Operating credit facilities bear interest, at Charter Operating’s election, at a base rate or the Eurodollar rate (4.06% to 4.50% as of December 31, 2005 and 2.07% to 2.28% as of December 31, 2004), as defined, plus a margin for Eurodollar loans of up to 3.00% for the Term A facility and revolving credit facility, and up to 3.25% for the Term B facility, and for base rate loans of up to 2.00% for the Term A facility and
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
revolving credit facility, and up to 2.25% for the Term B facility. A quarterly commitment fee of up to .75% is payable on the average daily unborrowed balance of the revolving credit facilities.
The obligations of our subsidiaries under the Charter Operating credit facilities (the “Obligations”) are guaranteed by Charter Operating’s immediate parent company, CCO Holdings, and the subsidiaries of Charter Operating, except for immaterial subsidiaries and subsidiaries precluded from guaranteeing by reason of the provisions of other indebtedness to which they are subject (the “non-guarantor subsidiaries,” primarily Renaissance and its subsidiaries). The Obligations are also secured by (i) a lien on all of the assets of Charter Operating and its subsidiaries (other than assets of the non-guarantor subsidiaries), to the extent such lien can be perfected under the Uniform Commercial Code by the filing of a financing statement, and (ii) a pledge by CCO Holdings of the equity interests owned by it in Charter Operating or any of Charter Operating’s subsidiaries, as well as intercompany obligations owing to it by any of such entities.
Upon the Charter Holdings Leverage Ratio (as defined in the indenture governing the Charter Holdings senior notes and senior discount notes) being under 8.75 to 1.0, the Charter Operating credit facilities required that the 11.875% notes due 2008 issued by CC V Holdings, LLC be redeemed. Because such Leverage Ratio was determined to be under 8.75 to 1.0, CC V Holdings, LLC redeemed such notes in March 2005, and CC V Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries (other than non-guarantor subsidiaries) became guarantors of the Obligations and have granted a lien on all of their assets as to which a lien can be perfected under the Uniform Commercial Code by the filing of a financing statement.
As of December 31, 2005, outstanding borrowings under the Charter Operating credit facilities were approximately $5.7 billion and the unused total potential availability was approximately $553 million, none of which was limited by covenant restrictions.
Charter Operating Credit Facilities — Restrictive Covenants
The Charter Operating credit facilities contain representations and warranties, and affirmative and negative covenants customary for financings of this type. The financial covenants measure performance against standards set for leverage, debt service coverage, and interest coverage, tested as of the end of each quarter. The maximum allowable leverage ratio is 4.25 to 1.0 until maturity, tested as of the end of each quarter beginning September 30, 2004. Additionally, the Charter Operating credit facilities contain provisions requiring mandatory loan prepayments under specific circumstances, including when significant amounts of assets are sold and the proceeds are not reinvested in assets useful in the business of the borrower within a specified period, and upon the incurrence of certain indebtedness when the ratio of senior first lien debt to operating cash flow is greater than 2.0 to 1.0.
The Charter Operating credit facilities permit Charter Operating and its subsidiaries to make distributions to pay interest on the Charter Operating senior second-lien notes, the CIH notes, the CCH I notes, the CCH II senior notes, the CCO Holdings senior notes, the Charter convertible senior notes, the CCHC notes and the Charter Holdings senior notes, provided that, among other things, no default has occurred and is continuing under the Charter Operating credit facilities. Conditions to future borrowings include absence of a default or an event of default under the Charter Operating credit facilities and the continued accuracy in all material respects of the representations and warranties, including the absence since December 31, 2003 of any event, development or circumstance that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on our business.
The events of default under the Charter Operating credit facilities include, among other things:
| · | the failure to make payments when due or within the applicable grace period, |
| · | the failure to comply with specified covenants, including but not limited to a covenant to deliver audited financial statements with an unqualified opinion from our independent auditors, |
| · | the failure to pay or the occurrence of events that cause or permit the acceleration of other indebtedness owing by CCO Holdings, Charter Operating or Charter Operating’s subsidiaries in amounts in excess of $50 million in aggregate principal amount, |
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
| · | the failure to pay or the occurrence of events that result in the acceleration of other indebtedness owing by certain of CCO Holdings’ direct and indirect parent companies in amounts in excess of $200 million in aggregate principal amount, |
| · | Paul Allen and/or certain of his family members and/or their exclusively owned entities (collectively, the “Paul Allen Group”) ceasing to have the power, directly or indirectly, to vote at least 35% of the ordinary voting power of Charter Operating, |
| · | the consummation of any transaction resulting in any person or group (other than the Paul Allen Group) having power, directly or indirectly, to vote more than 35% of the ordinary voting power of Charter Operating, unless the Paul Allen Group holds a greater share of ordinary voting power of Charter Operating, |
| · | certain of Charter Operating’s indirect or direct parent companies having indebtedness in excess of $500 million aggregate principal amount which remains undefeased three months prior to the final maturity of such indebtedness, and |
| · | Charter Operating ceasing to be a wholly-owned direct subsidiary of CCO Holdings, except in certain very limited circumstances. |
CCO Holdings Bridge Loan
In October 2005, CCO Holdings and CCO Holdings Capital Corp., as guarantor thereunder, entered into the Bridge Loan) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Credit Suisse, Cayman Islands Branch and Deutsche Bank AG Cayman Islands Branch (the "Lenders") whereby the Lenders committed to make loans to CCO Holdings in an aggregate amount of $600 million. In January 2006, upon the issuance of $450 million of CCH II notes discussed above, the commitment under the bridge loan agreement was reduced to $435 million. CCO Holdings may draw upon the facility between January 2, 2006 and September 29, 2006 and the loans will mature on the sixth anniversary of the first borrowing under the Bridge Loan.
Beginning on the first anniversary of the first date that CCO Holdings borrows under the Bridge Loan and at any time thereafter, any Lender will have the option to receive “exchange notes” (the terms of which are described below, the “Exchange Notes”) in exchange for any loan that has not been repaid by that date. Upon the earlier of (x) the date that at least a majority of all loans that have been outstanding have been exchanged for Exchange Notes and (y) the date that is 18 months after the first date that CCO Holdings borrows under the Bridge Loan, the remainder of loans will be automatically exchanged for Exchange Notes.
As conditions to each draw, (i) there shall be no default under the Bridge Loan, (ii) all the representations and warranties under the bridge loan shall be true and correct in all material respects and (iii) all conditions to borrowing under the Charter Operating credit facilities (with certain exceptions) shall be satisfied.
The aggregate unused commitment will be reduced by 100% of the net proceeds from certain asset sales, to the extent such net proceeds have not been used to prepay loans or Exchange Notes. However, asset sales that generate net proceeds of less than $75 million will not be subject to such commitment reduction obligation, unless the aggregate net proceeds from such asset sales exceed $200 million, in which case the aggregate unused commitment will be reduced by the amount of such excess.
CCO Holdings will be required to prepay loans (and redeem or offer to repurchase Exchange Notes, if issued) from the net proceeds from (i) the issuance of equity or incurrence of debt by Charter and its subsidiaries, with certain exceptions, and (ii) certain asset sales (to the extent not used for purposes permitted under the bridge loan).
The covenants and events of default applicable to CCO Holdings under the Bridge Loan are similar to the covenants and events of default in the indenture for the senior secured notes of CCH I.
The Exchange Notes will mature on the sixth anniversary of the first borrowing under the Bridge Loan. The Exchange Notes will bear interest at a rate equal to the rate that would have been borne by the loans. The same mandatory redemption provisions will apply to the Exchange Notes as applied to the loans, except that CCO
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
Holdings will be required to make an offer to redeem upon the occurrence of a change of control at 101% of principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest.
The Exchange Notes will, if held by a person other than an initial lender or an affiliate thereof, be (a) non-callable for the first three years after the first borrowing date and (b) thereafter, callable at par plus accrued interest plus a premium equal to 50% of the coupon in effect on the first anniversary of the first borrowing date, which premium shall decline to 25% of such coupon in the fourth year and to zero thereafter. Otherwise, the Exchange Notes will be callable at any time at 100% of the amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest.
Based upon outstanding indebtedness as of December 31, 2005, the amortization of term loans, scheduled reductions in available borrowings of the revolving credit facilities, and the maturity dates for all senior and subordinated notes and debentures, total future principal payments on the total borrowings under all debt agreements as of December 31, 2005, are as follows:
Year | | Amount |
| | | |
2006 | | $ | 50 |
2007 | | | 385 |
2008 | | | 744 |
2009 | | | 2,326 |
2010 | | | 3,455 |
Thereafter | | | 12,376 |
| | | |
| | $ | 19,336 |
For the amounts of debt scheduled to mature during 2006, it is management’s intent to fund the repayments from borrowings on the Company’s revolving credit facility. The accompanying consolidated balance sheet reflects this intent by presenting all debt balances as long-term while the table above reflects actual debt maturities as of the stated date.
10. | Note Payable - Related Party |
CCHC, LLC Note
In October 2005, Charter, acting through a Special Committee of Charter’s Board of Directors, and Mr. Allen, settled a dispute that had arisen between the parties with regard to the ownership of CC VIII. As part of that settlement, CCHC issued a subordinated exchangeable note (the “CCHC Note”) to Charter Investment, Inc. (“CII”). The CCHC Note has a 15-year maturity. The CCHC Note has an initial accreted value of $48 million accreting at 14% compounded quarterly, except that from and after February 28, 2009, CCHC may pay any increase in the accreted value of the CCHC Note in cash and the accreted value of the CCHC Note will not increase to the extent such amount is paid in cash. The CCHC Note is exchangeable at CII’s option, at any time, for Charter Holdco Class A Common units at a rate equal to the then accreted value, divided by $2.00 (the “Exchange Rate”). Customary anti-dilution protections have been provided that could cause future changes to the Exchange Rate. Additionally, the Charter Holdco Class A Common units received will be exchangeable by the holder into Charter common stock in accordance with existing agreements between CII, Charter and certain other parties signatory thereto. Beginning February 28, 2009, if the closing price of Charter common stock is at or above the Exchange Rate for a certain period of time as specified in the Exchange Agreement, Charter Holdco may require the exchange of the CCHC Note for Charter Holdco Class A Common units at the Exchange Rate. Additionally, CCHC has the right to redeem the CCHC Note under certain circumstances for cash in an amount equal to the then accreted value, such amount, if redeemed prior to February 28, 2009, would also include a make whole up to the accreted value through February 28, 2009. CCHC must redeem the CCHC Note at its maturity for cash in an amount equal to the initial stated value plus the accreted return through maturity. The accreted value of the CCHC Note as of December 31, 2005 is $49 million.
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
11. | Minority Interest and Equity Interest of Charter Holdco |
Charter is a holding company whose primary assets are a controlling equity interest in Charter Holdco, the indirect owner of the Company’s cable systems, and $863 million and $990 million at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, of mirror notes that are payable by Charter Holdco to Charter and have the same principal amount and terms as those of Charter’s convertible senior notes. Minority interest on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2005 and 2004 primarily represents preferred membership interests in CC VIII, LLC (“CC VIII”), an indirect subsidiary of Charter Holdco, of $188 million and $656 million, respectively. As more fully described in Note 25, this preferred interest arises from the approximately $630 million of preferred membership units issued by CC VIII in connection with an acquisition in February 2000 and was the subject of a dispute between Charter and Mr. Allen, Charter’s Chairman and controlling shareholder that was settled October 31, 2005. In conjunction with the settlement, the Company adjusted minority interest for $467 million, of which $418 million was reclassified from minority interest to equity in the fourth quarter of 2005. Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2005, approximately 5.6% of CC VIII’s income is allocated to minority interest.
Minority interest historically included the portion of Charter Holdco’s member’s equity not owned by Charter. However, members’ deficit of Charter Holdco was $4.8 billion, $4.4 billion and $57 million as of December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively, thus minority interest in Charter Holdco has been eliminated. Minority interest was 52%, 53% and 54% as of December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Reported losses allocated to minority interest on the consolidated statement of operations are limited to the extent of any remaining minority interest on the balance sheet related to Charter Holdco. Additionally, minority interest includes the proportionate share of changes in fair value of interest rate risk derivative agreements. Such amounts are temporary as they are contractually scheduled to reverse over the life of the underlying instrument. Because minority interest in Charter Holdco was substantially eliminated at December 31, 2003, beginning in 2004, the Company began to absorb substantially all losses before income taxes that otherwise would have been allocated to minority interest. This resulted in an additional $454 million and $2.4 billion of net loss for the year ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Subject to any changes in Charter Holdco’s capital structure, future losses will continue to be absorbed by Charter. Changes to minority interest consist of the following for the periods presented:
| | Minority |
| | Interest |
| | |
Balance, December 31, 2002 | $ | 1,050 |
| Minority interest in loss of a subsidiary | | (377) |
| Minority interest in income tax benefit | | (8) |
| Changes in fair value of interest rate agreements | | 25 |
| Other | | (1) |
| | |
Balance, December 31, 2003 | | 689 |
Minority interest in loss of a subsidiary | | (19) |
Minority interest in cumulative effect of accounting change | | (19) |
Reclass of Helicon, LLC interest | | (25) |
Changes in fair value of interest rate agreements | | 22 |
| | |
Balance, December 31, 2004 | | 648 |
Minority interest in loss of subsidiary | | (1) |
CC VIII settlement - exchange of interests | | (467) |
Changes in fair value of interest rate agreements and other | | 8 |
| | |
Balance, December 31, 2005 | $ | 188 |
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
12. | Preferred Stock - Redeemable |
On August 31, 2001, in connection with its acquisition of Cable USA, Inc. and certain cable system assets from affiliates of Cable USA, Inc., the Company issued 505,664 shares of Series A Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock (the “Preferred Stock”) valued at and with a liquidation preference of $51 million. Holders of the Preferred Stock have no voting rights but are entitled to receive cumulative cash dividends at an annual rate of 5.75%, payable quarterly. If for any reason Charter fails to pay the dividends on the Preferred Stock on a timely basis, the dividend rate on each share increases to an annual rate of 7.75% until the payment is made. The Preferred Stock is redeemable by Charter at its option on or after August 31, 2004 and must be redeemed by Charter at any time upon a change of control, or if not previously redeemed or converted, on August 31, 2008. The Preferred Stock is convertible, in whole or in part, at the option of the holders from April 1, 2002 through August 31, 2008, into shares of common stock at an initial conversion rate equal to a conversion price of $24.71 per share of common stock, subject to certain customary adjustments. The redemption price per share of Preferred Stock is the Liquidation Preference of $100, subject to certain customary adjustments. In the first quarter of 2003, the Company issued 39,595 additional shares of preferred stock valued at and with a liquidation preference of $4 million.
In November 2005, Charter repurchased 508,546 shares of its Series A Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $31 million (or $60 per share). The shares had liquidation preference of approximately $51 million and had accrued but unpaid dividends of approximately $3 million resulting in a gain of approximately $23 million recorded in gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt and preferred stock. Following the repurchase, 36,713 shares of preferred stock remained outstanding.
In connection with the repurchase, the holders of Preferred Stock consented to an amendment to the Certificate of Designation governing the Preferred Stock that will eliminate the quarterly dividends on all of the outstanding Preferred Stock and will provide that the liquidation preference for the remaining shares outstanding will be $105.4063 per share, which amount shall accrete from September 30, 2005 at an annual rate of 7.75%, compounded quarterly. Certain holders of Preferred Stock also released Charter from various threatened claims relating to their acquisition and ownership of the Preferred Stock, including threatened claims for breach of contract.
The Company's Class A common stock and Class B common stock are identical except with respect to certain voting, transfer and conversion rights. Holders of Class A common stock are entitled to one vote per share and holder of Class B common stock is entitled to ten votes for each share of Class B common stock held and for each Charter Holdco membership unit held. The Class B common stock is subject to significant transfer restrictions and is convertible on a share for share basis into Class A common stock at the option of the holder. Charter Holdco membership units are exchangeable on a one-for-one basis for shares of Class A common stock.
14. | Share Lending Agreement |
In 2005, Charter issued 94.9 million shares of Class A common stock in a public offering, which was effected pursuant to an effective registration statement that initially covered the issuance and sale of up to 150 million shares of Class A common stock. The shares were issued pursuant to the share lending agreement, pursuant to which Charter had previously agreed to loan up to 150 million shares to Citigroup Global Markets Limited ("CGML"). Because less than the full 150 million shares covered by the share lending agreement were sold in the offering, Charter as of December 31, 2005 was obligated to issue, at CGML’s request, up to an additional 55.1 million loaned shares in subsequent registered public offerings pursuant to the share lending agreement. In February 2006, an additional 22.0 million shares were issued under the share lending agreement.
This offering of Charter’s Class A common stock was conducted to facilitate transactions by which investors in Charter’s 5.875% convertible senior notes due 2009, issued on November 22, 2004, hedged their investments in the convertible senior notes. Charter did not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of this Class A common stock. However, under the share lending agreement, Charter received a loan fee of $.001 for each share that it lends to CGML.
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
The issuance of up to a total of 150 million shares of common stock (of which 94.9 million were issued in 2005) pursuant to a share lending agreement executed by Charter in connection with the issuance of the 5.875% convertible senior notes in November 2004 is essentially analogous to a sale of shares coupled with a forward contract for the reacquisition of the shares at a future date. An instrument that requires physical settlement by repurchase of a fixed number of shares in exchange for cash is considered a forward purchase instrument. While the share lending agreement does not require a cash payment upon return of the shares, physical settlement is required (i.e., the shares borrowed must be returned at the end of the arrangement.) The fair value of the 94.9 million shares lent in 2005 is approximately $116 million as of December 31, 2005. However, the net effect on shareholders’ deficit of the shares lent in July pursuant to the share lending agreement, which includes Charter’s requirement to lend the shares and the counterparties’ requirement to return the shares, is de minimis and represents the cash received upon lending of the shares and is equal to the par value of the common stock to be issued.
Certain marketable equity securities are classified as available-for-sale and reported at market value with unrealized gains and losses recorded as accumulated other comprehensive loss on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Additionally, the Company reports changes in the fair value of interest rate agreements designated as hedging the variability of cash flows associated with floating-rate debt obligations, that meet the effectiveness criteria of SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, in accumulated other comprehensive loss, after giving effect to the minority interest share of such gains and losses. Comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 was $961 million, $4.3 billion and $219 million, respectively.
16. | Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities |
The Company uses interest rate risk management derivative instruments, such as interest rate swap agreements and interest rate collar agreements (collectively referred to herein as interest rate agreements) to manage its interest costs. The Company’s policy is to manage interest costs using a mix of fixed and variable rate debt. Using interest rate swap agreements, the Company has agreed to exchange, at specified intervals through 2007, the difference between fixed and variable interest amounts calculated by reference to an agreed-upon notional principal amount. Interest rate collar agreements are used to limit the Company’s exposure to and benefits from interest rate fluctuations on variable rate debt to within a certain range of rates.
The Company does not hold or issue derivative instruments for trading purposes. The Company does, however, have certain interest rate derivative instruments that have been designated as cash flow hedging instruments. Such instruments effectively convert variable interest payments on certain debt instruments into fixed payments. For qualifying hedges, SFAS No. 133 allows derivative gains and losses to offset related results on hedged items in the consolidated statement of operations. The Company has formally documented, designated and assessed the effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting. For the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, net gain on derivative instruments and hedging activities includes gains of $3 million, $4 million and $8 million, respectively, which represent cash flow hedge ineffectiveness on interest rate hedge agreements arising from differences between the critical terms of the agreements and the related hedged obligations. Changes in the fair value of interest rate agreements designated as hedging instruments of the variability of cash flows associated with floating-rate debt obligations that meet the effectiveness criteria SFAS No. 133 are reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss. For the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, a gain of $16 million, $42 million and $48 million, respectively, related to derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, was recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss and minority interest. The amounts are subsequently reclassified into interest expense as a yield adjustment in the same period in which the related interest on the floating-rate debt obligations affects earnings (losses).
Certain interest rate derivative instruments are not designated as hedges as they do not meet the effectiveness criteria specified by SFAS No. 133. However, management believes such instruments are closely correlated with the respective debt, thus managing associated risk. Interest rate derivative instruments not designated as hedges are
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
marked to fair value, with the impact recorded as gain (loss) on derivative instruments and hedging activities in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. For the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, net gain on derivative instruments and hedging activities includes gains of $47 million, $65 million and $57 million, respectively, for interest rate derivative instruments not designated as hedges.
As of December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, the Company had outstanding $1.8 billion, $2.7 billion and $3.0 billion and $20 million, $20 million and $520 million, respectively, in notional amounts of interest rate swaps and collars, respectively. The notional amounts of interest rate instruments do not represent amounts exchanged by the parties and, thus, are not a measure of exposure to credit loss. The amounts exchanged are determined by reference to the notional amount and the other terms of the contracts.
17. | Fair Value of Financial Instruments |
The Company has estimated the fair value of its financial instruments as of December 31, 2005 and 2004 using available market information or other appropriate valuation methodologies. Considerable judgment, however, is required in interpreting market data to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company would realize in a current market exchange.
The carrying amounts of cash, receivables, payables and other current assets and liabilities approximate fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments. The Company is exposed to market price risk volatility with respect to investments in publicly traded and privately held entities.
The fair value of interest rate agreements represents the estimated amount the Company would receive or pay upon termination of the agreements. Management believes that the sellers of the interest rate agreements will be able to meet their obligations under the agreements. In addition, some of the interest rate agreements are with certain of the participating banks under the Company’s credit facilities, thereby reducing the exposure to credit loss. The Company has policies regarding the financial stability and credit standing of major counterparties. Nonperformance by the counterparties is not anticipated nor would it have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
The estimated fair value of the Company’s notes and interest rate agreements at December 31, 2005 and 2004 are based on quoted market prices, and the fair value of the credit facilities is based on dealer quotations.
A summary of the carrying value and fair value of the Company’s debt and related interest rate agreements at December 31, 2005 and 2004 is as follows:
| | 2005 | | 2004 | |
| | Carrying | | Fair | | Carrying | | Fair | |
| | Value | | Value | | Value | | Value | |
Debt | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Charter convertible notes | | $ | 863 | | $ | 647 | | $ | 990 | | $ | 1,127 | |
Charter Holdings debt | | | 1,746 | | | 1,145 | | | 8,579 | | | 7,669 | |
CIH debt | | | 2,472 | | | 1,469 | | | -- | | | -- | |
CCH I debt | | | 3,683 | | | 2,959 | | | -- | | | -- | |
CCH II debt | | | 1,601 | | | 1,592 | | | 1,601 | | | 1,698 | |
CCO Holdings debt | | | 1,344 | | | 1,299 | | | 1,050 | | | 1,064 | |
Charter Operating debt | | | 1,833 | | | 1,820 | | | 1,500 | | | 1,563 | |
Credit facilities | | | 5,731 | | | 5,719 | | | 5,515 | | | 5,502 | |
Other | | | 115 | | | 114 | | | 229 | | | 236 | |
Interest Rate Agreements | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Assets (Liabilities) | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Swaps | | | (4 | ) | | (4 | ) | | (69 | ) | | (69 | ) |
Collars | | | -- | | | -- | | | (1 | ) | | (1 | ) |
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
The weighted average interest pay rate for the Company’s interest rate swap agreements was 9.51% and 8.07% at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
Revenues consist of the following for the years presented:
| | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | 2005 | | 2004 | | 2003 | |
| | | | | | | |
Video | | $ | 3,248 | | $ | 3,217 | | $ | 3,306 | |
High-speed Internet | | | 875 | | | 712 | | | 535 | |
Telephone | | | 36 | | | 18 | | | 14 | |
Advertising sales | | | 284 | | | 279 | | | 254 | |
Commercial | | | 266 | | | 227 | | | 196 | |
Other | | | 324 | | | 307 | | | 311 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | $ | 5,033 | | $ | 4,760 | | $ | 4,616 | |
Operating expenses consist of the following for the years presented:
| | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | 2005 | | 2004 | | 2003 | |
| | | | | | | |
Programming | | $ | 1,359 | | $ | 1,264 | | $ | 1,195 | |
Service | | | 748 | | | 638 | | | 595 | |
Advertising sales | | | 96 | | | 92 | | | 83 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | $ | 2,203 | | $ | 1,994 | | $ | 1,873 | |
20. | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses |
Selling, general and administrative expenses consist of the following for the years presented:
| | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | 2005 | | 2004 | | 2003 | |
| | | | | | | |
General and administrative | | $ | 856 | | $ | 815 | | $ | 802 | |
Marketing | | | 142 | | | 119 | | | 103 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | $ | 998 | | $ | 934 | | $ | 905 | |
Components of selling expense are included in general and administrative and marketing expense.
21. | Stock Compensation Plans |
The Company grants stock options, restricted stock and other incentive compensation pursuant to the 2001 Stock Incentive Plan of Charter (the “2001 Plan”). Prior to 2001, options were granted under the 1999 Option Plan of Charter Holdco (the “1999 Plan”).
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
The 1999 Plan provided for the grant of options to purchase membership units in Charter Holdco to current and prospective employees and consultants of Charter Holdco and its affiliates and current and prospective non-employee directors of Charter. Options granted generally vest over five years from the grant date, with 25% vesting 15 months after the anniversary of the grant date and ratably thereafter. Options not exercised accumulate and are exercisable, in whole or in part, in any subsequent period, but not later than 10 years from the date of grant. Membership units received upon exercise of the options are automatically exchanged into Class A common stock of Charter on a one-for-one basis.
The 2001 Plan provides for the grant of non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, dividend equivalent rights, performance units and performance shares, share awards, phantom stock and/or shares of restricted stock (not to exceed 20,000,000), as each term is defined in the 2001 Plan. Employees, officers, consultants and directors of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates are eligible to receive grants under the 2001 Plan. Options granted generally vest over four years from the grant date, with 25% vesting on the anniversary of the grant date and ratably thereafter. Generally, options expire 10 years from the grant date.
The 2001 Plan allows for the issuance of up to a total of 90,000,000 shares of Charter Class A common stock (or units convertible into Charter Class A common stock). The total shares available reflect a July 2003 amendment to the 2001 Plan approved by the board of directors and the shareholders of Charter to increase available shares by 30,000,000 shares. In 2001, any shares covered by options that terminated under the 1999 Plan were transferred to the 2001 Plan, and no new options can be granted under the 1999 Plan.
In the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, certain directors were awarded a total of 492,225, 182,932 and 80,603 shares, respectively, of restricted Class A common stock of which 44,121 shares had been cancelled as of December 31, 2005. The shares vest one year from the date of grant. In 2005, 2004 and 2003, in connection with new employment agreements, certain officers were awarded 2,987,500, 50,000 and 50,000 shares, respectively, of restricted Class A common stock of which 68,750 shares had been cancelled as of December 31, 2005. The shares vest annually over a one to three-year period beginning from the date of grant. As of December 31, 2005, deferred compensation remaining to be recognized in future period totaled $2 million.
A summary of the activity for the Company’s stock options, excluding granted shares of restricted Class A common stock, for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, is as follows (amounts in thousands, except per share data):
| | 2005 | | 2004 | | 2003 | |
| | | | Weighted | | | | Weighted | | | | Weighted | |
| | | | Average | | | | Average | | | | Average | |
| | | | Exercise | | | | Exercise | | | | Exercise | |
| | Shares | | Price | | Shares | | Price | | Shares | | Price | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Options outstanding, beginning of period | | | 24,835 | | $ | 6.57 | | | 47,882 | | $ | 12.48 | | | 53,632 | | $ | 14.22 | |
Granted | | | 10,810 | | | 1.36 | | | 9,405 | | | 4.88 | | | 7,983 | | | 3.53 | |
Exercised | | | (17 | ) | | 1.11 | | | (839 | ) | | 2.02 | | | (165 | ) | | 3.96 | |
Cancelled | | | (6,501 | ) | | 7.40 | | | (31,613 | ) | | 15.16 | | | (13,568 | ) | | 14.10 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Options outstanding, end of period | | | 29,127 | | $ | 4.47 | | | 24,835 | | $ | 6.57 | | | 47,882 | | $ | 12.48 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average remaining contractual life | | | 8 years | | | | | | 8 years | | | | | | 8 years | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Options exercisable, end of period | | | 9,999 | | $ | 7.80 | | | 7,731 | | $ | 10.77 | | | 22,861 | | $ | 16.36 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average fair value of options granted | | $ | 0.65 | | | | | $ | 3.71 | | | | | $ | 2.71 | | | | |
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2005:
| | Options Outstanding | | Options Exercisable |
| | | | Weighted- | | | | | | Weighted- | | |
| | | | Average | | Weighted- | | | | Average | | Weighted- |
| | | | Remaining | | Average | | | | Remaining | | Average |
Range of | | Number | | Contractual | | Exercise | | Number | | Contractual | | Exercise |
Exercise Prices | | Outstanding | | Life | | Price | | Exercisable | | Life | | Price |
| | | | | | | | (in thousands) | | | | | | | (in thousands) | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
$ | 1.11 | | — | | $ | 1.60 | | 12,565 | | 9 years | | $ | 1.39 | | 1,297 | | 9 years | | $ | 1.49 |
$ | 2.85 | | — | | $ | 4.56 | | 5,906 | | 7 years | | | 3.40 | | 3,028 | | 7 years | | | 3.33 |
$ | 5.06 | | — | | $ | 5.17 | | 6,970 | | 8 years | | | 5.15 | | 2,187 | | 8 years | | | 5.13 |
$ | 9.13 | | — | | $ | 13.68 | | 1,712 | | 6 years | | | 10.96 | | 1,513 | | 6 years | | | 11.10 |
$ | 13.96 | | — | | $ | 23.09 | | 1,974 | | 4 years | | | 19.24 | | 1,974 | | 4 years | | | 19.24 |
On January 1, 2003, the Company adopted the fair value measurement provisions of SFAS No. 123, under which the Company recognizes compensation expense of a stock-based award to an employee over the vesting period based on the fair value of the award on the grant date. Adoption of these provisions resulted in utilizing a preferable accounting method as the consolidated financial statements present the estimated fair value of stock-based compensation in expense consistently with other forms of compensation and other expense associated with goods and services received for equity instruments. In accordance with SFAS No. 123, the fair value method will be applied only to awards granted or modified after January 1, 2003, whereas awards granted prior to such date will continue to be accounted for under APB No. 25, unless they are modified or settled in cash. The ongoing effect on consolidated results of operations or financial condition will be dependent upon future stock based compensation awards granted. The Company recorded $14 million, $31 million and $4 million of option compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
In January 2004, the Company began an option exchange program in which the Company offered its employees the right to exchange all stock options (vested and unvested) under the 1999 Charter Communications Option Plan and 2001 Stock Incentive Plan that had an exercise price over $10 per share for shares of restricted Charter Class A common stock or, in some instances, cash. Based on a sliding exchange ratio, which varied depending on the exercise price of an employee’s outstanding options, if an employee would have received more than 400 shares of restricted stock in exchange for tendered options, Charter issued that employee shares of restricted stock in the exchange. If, based on the exchange ratios, an employee would have received 400 or fewer shares of restricted stock in exchange for tendered options, Charter instead paid the employee cash in an amount equal to the number of shares the employee would have received multiplied by $5.00. The offer applied to options (vested and unvested) to purchase a total of 22,929,573 shares of Class A common stock, or approximately 48% of the Company's 47,882,365 total options issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2003. Participation by employees was voluntary. Those members of the Company's board of directors who were not also employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries were not eligible to participate in the exchange offer.
In the closing of the exchange offer on February 20, 2004, the Company accepted for cancellation eligible options to purchase approximately 18,137,664 shares of its Class A common stock. In exchange, the Company granted 1,966,686 shares of restricted stock, including 460,777 performance shares to eligible employees of the rank of senior vice president and above, and paid a total cash amount of approximately $4 million (which amount includes applicable withholding taxes) to those employees who received cash rather than shares of restricted stock. The restricted stock was granted on February 25, 2004. Employees tendered approximately 79% of the options eligible to be exchanged under the program.
The cost to the Company of the stock option exchange program was approximately $10 million, with a 2004 cash compensation expense of approximately $4 million and a non-cash compensation expense of approximately $6 million to be expensed ratably over the three-year vesting period of the restricted stock in the exchange.
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
In January 2004, the Compensation Committee of the board of directors of Charter approved Charter's Long-Term Incentive Program (“LTIP”), which is a program administered under the 2001 Stock Incentive Plan. Under the LTIP, employees of Charter and its subsidiaries whose pay classifications exceed a certain level are eligible to receive stock options, and more senior level employees are eligible to receive stock options and performance shares. The stock options vest 25% on each of the first four anniversaries of the date of grant. The performance shares vest on the third anniversary of the grant date and shares of Charter Class A common stock are issued, conditional upon Charter's performance against financial performance measures established by Charter’s management and approved by its board of directors as of the time of the award. Charter granted 3.2 million and 6.9 million shares in 2005 and 2004, respectively, under this program and recognized expense of $1 million and $8 million in the first three quarters of 2005 and 2004, respectively. However, in the fourth quarter of 2005 and 2004, the Company reversed the entire $1 million and $8 million, respectively, of expense based on the Company’s assessment of the probability of achieving the financial performance measures established by Charter and required to be met for the performance shares to vest. In February 2006, the Compensation Committee approved a modification to the financial performance measures required to be met for the performance shares to vest after which management believes that a approximately 2.5 million of the performance shares are likely to vest. As such, expense of approximately $3 million will be amortized over the remaining two year service period.
22. | Hurricane Asset Retirement Loss |
Certain of the Company’s cable systems in Louisiana suffered significant plant damage as a result of hurricanes Katrina and Rita in September 2005. As a result, the Company wrote off $19 million of its plants’ net book value in the third quarter of 2005.
In the fourth quarter of 2002, the Company began a workforce reduction program and consolidation of its operations from three divisions and ten regions into five operating divisions, eliminating redundant practices and streamlining its management structure. The Company has recorded special charges as a result of reducing its workforce, executive severance and consolidating administrative offices in 2003, 2004 and 2005. The activity associated with this initiative is summarized in the table below.
| | Severance/Leases | | Litigation | | Other | | Total Special Charge | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Balance at December 31, 2002 | | $ | 31 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Special Charges | | | 26 | | $ | -- | | $ | (5 | ) | $ | 21 | |
Payments | | | (43 | ) | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at December 31, 2003 | | | 14 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Special Charges | | | 12 | | $ | 92 | | $ | -- | | $ | 104 | |
Payments | | | (20 | ) | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at December 31, 2004 | | | 6 | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Special Charges | | | 6 | | $ | 1 | | $ | -- | | $ | 7 | |
Payments | | | (8 | ) | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at December 31, 2005 | | $ | 4 | | | | | | | | | | |
For the year ended December 31, 2003, the severance and lease costs were offset by a $5 million settlement from the Internet service provider Excite@Home related to the conversion of high-speed Internet customers to Charter Pipeline service in 2001. For the year ended December 31, 2004, special charges include approximately $85 million, as part of a settlement of the consolidated federal class action and federal derivative action lawsuits and
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
approximately $10 million of litigation costs related to the settlement of a 2004 national class action suit (see Note 26). For the year ended December 31, 2004, special charges were offset by $3 million received from a third party in settlement of a legal dispute. For the year ended December 31, 2005, special charges also include approximately $1 million related to various legal settlements.
All operations are held through Charter Holdco and its direct and indirect subsidiaries. Charter Holdco and the majority of its subsidiaries are not subject to income tax. However, certain of these subsidiaries are corporations and are subject to income tax. All of the taxable income, gains, losses, deductions and credits of Charter Holdco are passed through to its members: Charter, Charter Investment, Inc. (“CII”) and Vulcan Cable III Inc. (“Vulcan Cable”). Charter is responsible for its share of taxable income or loss of Charter Holdco allocated to Charter in accordance with the Charter Holdco limited liability company agreement (the “LLC Agreement”) and partnership tax rules and regulations.
The LLC Agreement provides for certain special allocations of net tax profits and net tax losses (such net tax profits and net tax losses being determined under the applicable federal income tax rules for determining capital accounts). Under the LLC Agreement, through the end of 2003, net tax losses of Charter Holdco that would otherwise have been allocated to Charter based generally on its percentage ownership of outstanding common units were allocated instead to membership units held by Vulcan Cable and CII (the “Special Loss Allocations”) to the extent of their respective capital account balances. After 2003, under the LLC Agreement, net tax losses of Charter Holdco are to be allocated to Charter, Vulcan Cable and CII based generally on their respective percentage ownership of outstanding common units to the extent of their respective capital account balances. Allocations of net tax losses in excess of the members’ aggregate capital account balances are allocated under the rules governing Regulatory Allocations, as described below. Subject to the Curative Allocation Provisions described below, the LLC Agreement further provides that, beginning at the time Charter Holdco generates net tax profits, the net tax profits that would otherwise have been allocated to Charter based generally on its percentage ownership of outstanding common membership units will instead generally be allocated to Vulcan Cable and CII (the “Special Profit Allocations”). The Special Profit Allocations to Vulcan Cable and CII will generally continue until the cumulative amount of the Special Profit Allocations offsets the cumulative amount of the Special Loss Allocations. The amount and timing of the Special Profit Allocations are subject to the potential application of, and interaction with, the Curative Allocation Provisions described in the following paragraph. The LLC Agreement generally provides that any additional net tax profits are to be allocated among the members of Charter Holdco based generally on their respective percentage ownership of Charter Holdco common membership units.
Because the respective capital account balance of each of Vulcan Cable and CII was reduced to zero by December 31, 2002, certain net tax losses of Charter Holdco that were to be allocated for 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005, to Vulcan Cable and CII instead have been allocated to Charter (the “Regulatory Allocations”). As a result of the allocation of net tax losses to Charter in 2005, Charter’s capital account balance was reduced to zero during 2005. The LLC Agreement provides that once the capital account balances of all members have been reduced to zero, net tax losses are to be allocated to Charter, Vulcan Cable and CII based generally on their respective percentage ownership of outstanding common units. Such allocations are also considered to be Regulatory Allocations. The LLC Agreement further provides that, to the extent possible, the effect of the Regulatory Allocations is to be offset over time pursuant to certain curative allocation provisions (the “Curative Allocation Provisions”) so that, after certain offsetting adjustments are made, each member's capital account balance is equal to the capital account balance such member would have had if the Regulatory Allocations had not been part of the LLC Agreement. The cumulative amount of the actual tax losses allocated to Charter as a result of the Regulatory Allocations through the year ended December 31, 2005 is approximately $4.1 billion.
As a result of the Special Loss Allocations and the Regulatory Allocations referred to above (and their interaction with the allocations related to assets contributed to Charter Holdco with differences between book and tax basis), the cumulative amount of losses of Charter Holdco allocated to Vulcan Cable and CII is in excess of the amount that would have been allocated to such entities if the losses of Charter Holdco had been allocated among its members in
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
proportion to their respective percentage ownership of Charter Holdco common membership units. The cumulative amount of such excess losses was approximately $977 million through December 31, 2005.
In certain situations, the Special Loss Allocations, Special Profit Allocations, Regulatory Allocations and Curative Allocation Provisions described above could result in Charter paying taxes in an amount that is more or less than if Charter Holdco had allocated net tax profits and net tax losses among its members based generally on the number of common membership units owned by such members. This could occur due to differences in (i) the character of the allocated income (e.g., ordinary versus capital), (ii) the allocated amount and timing of tax depreciation and tax amortization expense due to the application of section 704(c) under the Internal Revenue Code, (iii) the potential interaction between the Special Profit Allocations and the Curative Allocation Provisions, (iv) the amount and timing of alternative minimum taxes paid by Charter, if any, (v) the apportionment of the allocated income or loss among the states in which Charter Holdco does business, and (vi) future federal and state tax laws. Further, in the event of new capital contributions to Charter Holdco, it is possible that the tax effects of the Special Profit Allocations, Special Loss Allocations, Regulatory Allocations and Curative Allocation Provisions will change significantly pursuant to the provisions of the income tax regulations or the terms of a contribution agreement with respect to such contribution. Such change could defer the actual tax benefits to be derived by Charter with respect to the net tax losses allocated to it or accelerate the actual taxable income to Charter with respect to the net tax profits allocated to it. As a result, it is possible under certain circumstances, that Charter could receive future allocations of taxable income in excess of its currently allocated tax deductions and available tax loss carryforwards. The ability to utilize net operating loss carryforwards is potentially subject to certain limitations as discussed below.
In addition, under their exchange agreement with Charter, Vulcan Cable and CII may exchange some or all of their membership units in Charter Holdco for Charter’s Class B common stock, be merged with Charter, or be acquired by Charter in a non-taxable reorganization. If such an exchange were to take place prior to the date that the Special Profit Allocation provisions had fully offset the Special Loss Allocations, Vulcan Cable and CII could elect to cause Charter Holdco to make the remaining Special Profit Allocations to Vulcan Cable and CII immediately prior to the consummation of the exchange. In the event Vulcan Cable and CII choose not to make such election or to the extent such allocations are not possible, Charter would then be allocated tax profits attributable to the membership units received in such exchange pursuant to the Special Profit Allocation provisions. Mr. Allen has generally agreed to reimburse Charter for any incremental income taxes that Charter would owe as a result of such an exchange and any resulting future Special Profit Allocations to Charter. The ability of Charter to utilize net operating loss carryforwards is potentially subject to certain limitations as discussed below. If Charter were to become subject to certain limitations (whether as a result of an exchange described above or otherwise), and as a result were to owe taxes resulting from the Special Profit Allocations, then Mr. Allen may not be obligated to reimburse Charter for such income taxes.
For the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, the Company recorded deferred income tax expense and benefits as shown below. The income tax expense is recognized through increases in deferred tax liabilities related to our investment in Charter Holdco, as well as through current federal and state income tax expense and increases in the deferred tax liabilities of certain of our indirect corporate subsidiaries. The income tax benefits were realized through reductions in the deferred tax liabilities related to Charter’s investment in Charter Holdco, as well as the deferred tax liabilities of certain of Charter’s indirect corporate subsidiaries. In 2003, Charter received tax loss allocations from Charter Holdco. Previously, the tax losses had been allocated to Vulcan Cable and CII in accordance with the Special Loss Allocations provided under the Charter Holdco limited liability company agreement. The Company does not expect to recognize a similar benefit related to its investment in Charter Holdco after 2003 due to limitations on its ability to offset future tax benefits against the remaining deferred tax liabilities. However, the actual tax provision calculation in future periods will be the result of current and future temporary differences, as well as future operating results.
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
Current and deferred income tax benefit (expense) is as follows:
| | December 31, | |
| | 2005 | | 2004 | | 2003 | |
Current expense: | | | | | | | | | | |
Federal income taxes | | $ | (2 | ) | $ | (2 | ) | $ | (1 | ) |
State income taxes | | | (4 | ) | | (4 | ) | | (1 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Current income tax expense | | | (6 | ) | | (6 | ) | | (2 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Deferred benefit (expense): | | | | | | | | | | |
Federal income taxes | | | (95 | ) | | 175 | | | 98 | |
State income taxes | | | (14 | ) | | 25 | | | 14 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Deferred income tax benefit (expense) | | | (109 | ) | | 200 | | | 112 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total income benefit (expense) | | $ | (115 | ) | $ | 194 | | $ | 110 | |
The Company recorded the portion of the income tax benefit associated with the adoption of EITF Topic D-108 as a $91 million reduction of the cumulative effect of accounting change on the accompanying statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2004.
The Company’s effective tax rate differs from that derived by applying the applicable federal income tax rate of 35%, and average state income tax rate of 5% for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 as follows:
| | December 31, | |
| | 2005 | | 2004 | | 2003 | |
| | | | | | | |
Statutory federal income taxes | | $ | 298 | | $ | 1,288 | | $ | 122 | |
State income taxes, net of federal benefit | | | 43 | | | 184 | | | 17 | |
Valuation allowance provided | | | (456 | ) | | (1,278 | ) | | (29 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | (115 | ) | | 194 | | | 110 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Less: cumulative effect of accounting change | | | -- | | | (91 | ) | | -- | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Income tax benefit (expense) | | $ | (115 | ) | $ | 103 | | $ | 110 | |
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
The tax effects of these temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2005 and 2004 which are included in long-term liabilities are presented below.
| | December 31, | |
| | 2005 | | 2004 | |
Deferred tax assets: | | | | | | | |
Net operating loss carryforward | | $ | 4,169 | | $ | 3,833 | |
Other | | | 6 | | | 8 | |
| | | | | | | |
Total gross deferred tax assets | | | 4,175 | | | 3,841 | |
Less: valuation allowance | | | (3,656 | ) | | (3,451 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
Net deferred tax assets | | $ | 519 | | $ | 390 | |
| | | | | | | |
Deferred tax liabilities: | | | | | | | |
Investment in Charter Holdco | | $ | (597 | ) | $ | (365 | ) |
Indirect Corporate Subsidiaries: | | | | | | | |
Property, plant & equipment | | | (41 | ) | | (40 | ) |
Franchises | | | (206 | ) | | (201 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
Gross deferred tax liabilities | | | (844 | ) | | (606 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
Net deferred tax liabilities | | $ | (325 | ) | $ | (216 | ) |
As of December 31, 2005, the Company has deferred tax assets of $4.2 billion, which primarily relate to financial and tax losses allocated to Charter from Charter Holdco. The deferred tax assets include $2.4 billion of tax net operating loss carryforwards (generally expiring in years 2006 through 2025) of Charter and its indirect corporate subsidiaries. Valuation allowances of $3.7 billion exist with respect to these deferred tax assets of which $1.8 billion relate to the tax net operating loss carryforwards.
Realization of any benefit from the Company’s tax net operating losses is dependent on: (1) Charter and its indirect corporate subsidiaries’ ability to generate future taxable income and (2) the absence of certain future “ownership changes” of Charter's common stock. An “ownership change” as defined in the applicable federal income tax rules, would place significant limitations, on an annual basis, on the use of such net operating losses to offset any future taxable income the Company may generate. Such limitations, in conjunction with the net operating loss expiration provisions, could effectively eliminate the Company’s ability to use a substantial portion of its net operating losses to offset any future taxable income. Future transactions and the timing of such transactions could cause an ownership change. Such transactions include additional issuances of common stock by the Company (including but not limited to the issuance of up to a total of 150 million shares of common stock (of which 116.9 million were issued through 2006) under the share lending agreement), the issuance of shares of common stock upon future conversion of Charter’s convertible senior notes and the issuance of common stock in the class action settlement discussed in Note 26, reacquisition of the borrowed shares by Charter, or acquisitions or sales of shares by certain holders of Charter’s shares, including persons who have held, currently hold, or accumulate in the future five percent or more of Charter’s outstanding stock (including upon an exchange by Mr. Allen or his affiliates, directly or indirectly, of membership units of Charter Holdco into CCI common stock). Many of the foregoing transactions are beyond management’s control.
The total valuation allowance for deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2005 and 2004 was $3.7 billion and $3.5 billion, respectively. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. Because of the uncertainties in projecting future taxable income of Charter Holdco, valuation allowances have been established except for deferred benefits available to offset certain deferred tax liabilities.
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
The Company is currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service for the tax years ending December 31, 2002 and 2003. The Company’s results (excluding Charter and its indirect corporate subsidiaries) for these years are subject to this examination. Management does not expect the results of this examination to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
25. | Related Party Transactions |
The following sets forth certain transactions in which the Company and the directors, executive officers and affiliates of the Company are involved. Unless otherwise disclosed, management believes that each of the transactions described below was on terms no less favorable to the Company than could have been obtained from independent third parties.
Charter is a holding company and its principal assets are its equity interest in Charter Holdco and certain mirror notes payable by Charter Holdco to Charter and mirror preferred units held by Charter, which have the same principal amount and terms as those of Charter’s convertible senior notes and Charter’s outstanding preferred stock. In 2004, Charter Holdco paid to Charter $49 million related to interest on the mirror notes, and Charter Holdco paid an additional $4 million related to dividends on the mirror preferred membership units. Further, during 2004 Charter Holdco issued 7,252,818 common membership units to Charter in cancellation of $30 million principal amount of mirror notes so as to mirror the issuance by Charter of Class A common stock in exchange for a like principal amount of its outstanding convertible notes.
Charter is a party to management arrangements with Charter Holdco and certain of its subsidiaries. Under these agreements, Charter provides management services for the cable systems owned or operated by its subsidiaries. The management services include such services as centralized customer billing services, data processing and related support, benefits administration and coordination of insurance coverage and self-insurance programs for medical, dental and workers’ compensation claims. Costs associated with providing these services are billed and charged directly to the Company’s operating subsidiaries and are included within operating costs in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Such costs totaled $205 million, $195 million and $203 million for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. All other costs incurred on the behalf of Charter’s operating subsidiaries are considered a part of the management fee and are recorded as a component of selling, general and administrative expense, in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. For the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, the management fee charged to the Company’s operating subsidiaries approximated the expenses incurred by Charter Holdco and Charter on behalf of the Company’s operating subsidiaries. The credit facilities of the Company’s operating subsidiaries prohibit payments of management fees in excess of 3.5% of revenues until repayment of the outstanding indebtedness. In the event any portion of the management fee due and payable is not paid, it is deferred by Charter and accrued as a liability of such subsidiaries. Any deferred amount of the management fee will bear interest at the rate of 10% per year, compounded annually, from the date it was due and payable until the date it is paid.
Mr. Allen, the controlling shareholder of Charter, and a number of his affiliates have interests in various entities that provide services or programming to Charter’s subsidiaries. Given the diverse nature of Mr. Allen’s investment activities and interests, and to avoid the possibility of future disputes as to potential business, Charter and Charter Holdco, under the terms of their respective organizational documents, may not, and may not allow their subsidiaries to engage in any business transaction outside the cable transmission business except for certain existing approved investments. Should Charter or Charter Holdco or any of their subsidiaries wish to pursue, or allow their subsidiaries to pursue, a business transaction outside of this scope, it must first offer Mr. Allen the opportunity to pursue the particular business transaction. If he decides not to pursue the business transaction and consents to Charter or its subsidiaries engaging in the business transaction, they will be able to do so. The cable transmission business means the business of transmitting video, audio, including telephone, and data over cable systems owned, operated or managed by Charter, Charter Holdco or any of their subsidiaries from time to time.
Mr. Allen or his affiliates own or have owned equity interests or warrants to purchase equity interests in various entities with which the Company does business or which provides it with products, services or programming. Among these entities are TechTV L.L.C. (“TechTV”), Oxygen Media Corporation (“Oxygen Media”), Digeo, Inc.,
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
Click2learn, Inc., Trail Blazer Inc., Action Sports Cable Network (“Action Sports”) and Microsoft Corporation. In May 2004, TechTV was sold to an unrelated third party. Mr. Allen owns 100% of the equity of Vulcan Ventures Incorporated (“Vulcan Ventures”) and Vulcan Inc. and is the president of Vulcan Ventures. Ms. Jo Allen Patton is a director and the President and Chief Executive Officer of Vulcan Inc. and is a director and Vice President of Vulcan Ventures. Mr. Lance Conn is Executive Vice President of Vulcan Inc. and Vulcan Ventures. Mr. Savoy was a vice president and a director of Vulcan Ventures until his resignation in September 2003 and he resigned as a director of Charter in April 2004. The various cable, media, Internet and telephone companies in which Mr. Allen has invested may mutually benefit one another. The Company can give no assurance, nor should you expect, that any of these business relationships will be successful, that the Company will realize any benefits from these relationships or that the Company will enter into any business relationships in the future with Mr. Allen’s affiliated companies.
Mr. Allen and his affiliates have made, and in the future likely will make, numerous investments outside of the Company and its business. The Company cannot assure that, in the event that the Company or any of its subsidiaries enter into transactions in the future with any affiliate of Mr. Allen, such transactions will be on terms as favorable to the Company as terms it might have obtained from an unrelated third party. Also, conflicts could arise with respect to the allocation of corporate opportunities between the Company and Mr. Allen and his affiliates. The Company has not instituted any formal plan or arrangement to address potential conflicts of interest.
The Company received or receives programming for broadcast via its cable systems from TechTV (now G4), Oxygen Media and Trail Blazers Inc. The Company pays a fee for the programming service generally based on the number of customers receiving the service. Such fees for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 were each less than 1% of total operating expenses.
Tech TV. The Company received from TechTV programming for distribution via its cable system pursuant to an affiliation agreement. The affiliation agreement provided, among other things, that TechTV must offer Charter certain terms and conditions that are no less favorable in the affiliation agreement than are given to any other distributor that serves the same number of or fewer TechTV viewing customers. Additionally, pursuant to the affiliation agreement, the Company was entitled to incentive payments for channel launches through December 31, 2003.
In March 2004, Charter Holdco entered into agreements with Vulcan Programming and TechTV, which provide for (i) Charter Holdco and TechTV to amend the affiliation agreement which, among other things, revises the description of the TechTV network content, provides for Charter Holdco to waive certain claims against TechTV relating to alleged breaches of the affiliation agreement and provides for TechTV to make payment of outstanding launch receivables due to Charter Holdco under the affiliation agreement, (ii) Vulcan Programming to pay approximately $10 million and purchase over a 24-month period, at fair market rates, $2 million of advertising time across various cable networks on Charter cable systems in consideration of the agreements, obligations, releases and waivers under the agreements and in settlement of the aforementioned claims and (iii) TechTV to be a provider of content relating to technology and video gaming for Charter's interactive television platforms through December 31, 2006 (exclusive for the first year). For the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, the Company recognized approximately $1 million and $5 million, respectively, of the Vulcan Programming payment as an offset to programming expense.
Oxygen. Oxygen Media LLC ("Oxygen") provides programming content aimed at the female audience for distribution over cable systems and satellite. On July 22, 2002, Charter Holdco entered into a carriage agreement with Oxygen whereby the Company agreed to carry programming content from Oxygen. Under the carriage agreement, the Company currently makes Oxygen programming available to approximately 5 million of its video customers. In August 2004, Charter Holdco and Oxygen entered into agreements that amended and renewed the carriage agreement. The amendment to the carriage agreement (a) revised the number of the Company's customers to which Oxygen programming must be carried and for which the Company must pay, (b) released Charter Holdco from any claims related to the failure to achieve distribution benchmarks under the carriage agreement, (c) required Oxygen to make payment on outstanding receivables for launch incentives due to the Company under the carriage agreement; and (d) requires that Oxygen provide its programming content to the Company on economic terms no less favorable than Oxygen provides to any other cable or satellite operator having fewer subscribers than the
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
Company. The renewal of the carriage agreement (a) extends the period that the Company will carry Oxygen programming to its customers through January 31, 2008, and (b) requires license fees to be paid based on customers receiving Oxygen programming, rather than for specific customer benchmarks. For the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, the Company paid Oxygen approximately $9 million, $13 million and $9 million, respectively. In addition, Oxygen pays the Company launch incentives for customers launched after the first year of the term of the carriage agreement up to a total of $4 million. The Company recorded approximately $0.1 million related to these launch incentives as a reduction of programming expense for the year ended December 31, 2005 and $1 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
In August 2004, Charter Holdco and Oxygen also amended the equity issuance agreement to provide for the issuance of 1 million shares of Oxygen Preferred Stock with a liquidation preference of $33.10 per share plus accrued dividends to Charter Holdco on February 1, 2005 in place of the $34 million of unregistered shares of Oxygen Media common stock required under the original equity issuance agreement. Oxygen Media delivered these shares in March 2005. The preferred stock is convertible into common stock after December 31, 2007 at a conversion ratio, the numerator of which is the liquidation preference and the denominator which is the fair market value per share of Oxygen Media common stock on the conversion date.
The Company recognized the guaranteed value of the investment over the life of the carriage agreement as a reduction of programming expense. For the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, the Company recorded approximately $2 million, $13 million, and $9 million, respectively, as a reduction of programming expense. The carrying value of the Company’s investment in Oxygen was approximately $33 million and $32 million as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
Digeo, Inc. In March 2001, Charter Ventures and Vulcan Ventures Incorporated formed DBroadband Holdings, LLC for the sole purpose of purchasing equity interests in Digeo. In connection with the execution of the broadband carriage agreement, DBroadband Holdings, LLC purchased an equity interest in Digeo funded by contributions from Vulcan Ventures Incorporated. The equity interest is subject to a priority return of capital to Vulcan Ventures up to the amount contributed by Vulcan Ventures on Charter Ventures’ behalf. After Vulcan Ventures recovers its amount contributed and any cumulative loss allocations, Charter Ventures has a 100% profit interest in DBroadband Holdings, LLC. Charter Ventures is not required to make any capital contributions, including capital calls to Digeo. DBroadband Holdings, LLC is therefore not included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Pursuant to an amended version of this arrangement, in 2003, Vulcan Ventures contributed a total of $29 million to Digeo, $7 million of which was contributed on Charter Ventures’ behalf, subject to Vulcan Ventures’ aforementioned priority return. Since the formation of DBroadband Holdings, LLC, Vulcan Ventures has contributed approximately $56 million on Charter Ventures’ behalf.
On September 27, 2001, Charter and Digeo Interactive amended the broadband carriage agreement. According to the amendment, Digeo Interactive would provide to Charter the content for enhanced "Wink" interactive television services, known as Charter Interactive Channels (“i-channels”). In order to provide the i-channels, Digeo Interactive sublicensed certain Wink technologies to Charter. Charter is entitled to share in the revenues generated by the i-channels. Currently, the Company’s digital video customers who receive i-channels receive the service at no additional charge.
On September 28, 2002, Charter entered into a second amendment to its broadband carriage agreement with Digeo Interactive. This amendment superseded the amendment of September 27, 2001. It provided for the development by Digeo Interactive of future features to be included in the Basic i-TV service to be provided by Digeo and for Digeo’s development of an interactive “toolkit” to enable Charter to develop interactive local content. Furthermore, Charter could request that Digeo Interactive manage local content for a fee. The amendment provided for Charter to pay for development of the Basic i-TV service as well as license fees for customers who would receive the service, and for Charter and Digeo to split certain revenues earned from the service. The Company paid Digeo Interactive approximately $3 million, $3 million and $4 million for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively, for customized development of the i-channels and the local content tool kit. This amendment expired pursuant to its terms on December 31, 2003. Digeo Interactive is continuing to provide the Basic i-TV service on a month-to-month basis.
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
On June 30, 2003, Charter Holdco entered into an agreement with Motorola, Inc. for the purchase of 100,000 digital video recorder (“DVR”') units. The software for these DVR units is being supplied by Digeo Interactive, LLC under a license agreement entered into in April 2004. Under the license agreement Digeo Interactive granted to Charter Holdco the right to use Digeo's proprietary software for the number of DVR units that Charter deployed from a maximum of 10 headends through year-end 2004. This maximum number of headends restriction was expanded and eventually eliminated through successive agreement amendments and the date for entering into license agreements for units deployed was extended. The license granted for each unit deployed under the agreement is valid for five years. In addition, Charter will pay certain other fees including a per-headend license fee and maintenance fees. Maximum license and maintenance fees during the term of the agreement are expected to be approximately $7 million. The agreement provides that Charter is entitled to receive contract terms, considered on the whole, and license fees, considered apart from other contract terms, no less favorable than those accorded to any other Digeo customer. Charter paid approximately $1 million in license and maintenance fees in 2005.
In April 2004, the Company launched DVR service using units containing the Digeo software in its Rochester, Minnesota market using a broadband media center that is an integrated set-top terminal with a cable converter, DVR hard drive and connectivity to other consumer electronics devices (such as stereos, MP3 players, and digital cameras).
In May 2004, Charter Holdco entered into a binding term sheet with Digeo Interactive for the development, testing and purchase of 70,000 Digeo PowerKey DVR units. The term sheet provided that the parties would proceed in good faith to negotiate, prior to year-end 2004, definitive agreements for the development, testing and purchase of the DVR units and that the parties would enter into a license agreement for Digeo's proprietary software on terms substantially similar to the terms of the license agreement described above. In November 2004, Charter Holdco and Digeo Interactive executed the license agreement and in December 2004, the parties executed the purchase agreement, each on terms substantially similar to the binding term sheet. Product development and testing has been completed. Total purchase price and license and maintenance fees during the term of the definitive agreements are expected to be approximately $41 million. The definitive agreements are terminable at no penalty to Charter in certain circumstances. Charter paid approximately $10 million and $1 million for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, in capital purchases under this agreement.
CC VIII. As part of the acquisition of the cable systems owned by Bresnan Communications Company Limited Partnership in February 2000, CC VIII, LLC, Charter’s indirect limited liability company subsidiary, issued, after adjustments, 24,273,943 Class A preferred membership units (collectively, the “CC VIII interest”) with a value and an initial capital account of approximately $630 million to certain sellers affiliated with AT&T Broadband, subsequently owned by Comcast Corporation (the “Comcast sellers”). Mr. Allen granted the Comcast sellers the right to sell to him the CC VIII interest for approximately $630 million plus 4.5% interest annually from February 2000 (the “Comcast put right”). In April 2002, the Comcast sellers exercised the Comcast put right in full, and this transaction was consummated on June 6, 2003. Accordingly, Mr. Allen has become the holder of the CC VIII interest, indirectly through an affiliate. In the event of a liquidation of CC VIII, Mr. Allen would be entitled to a priority distribution with respect to a 2% priority return (which will continue to accrete). Any remaining distributions in liquidation would be distributed to CC V Holdings, LLC and Mr. Allen in proportion to CC V Holdings, LLC's capital account and Mr. Allen's capital account (which will equal the initial capital account of the Comcast sellers of approximately $630 million, increased or decreased by Mr. Allen's pro rata share of CC VIII’s profits or losses (as computed for capital account purposes) after June 6, 2003).
An issue arose as to whether the documentation for the Bresnan transaction was correct and complete with regard to the ultimate ownership of the CC VIII interest following consummation of the Comcast put right. Thereafter, the board of directors of Charter formed a Special Committee of independent directors to investigate the matter and take any other appropriate action on behalf of Charter with respect to this matter. After conducting an investigation of the relevant facts and circumstances, the Special Committee determined that a “scrivener’s error” had occurred in February 2000 in connection with the preparation of the last-minute revisions to the Bresnan transaction documents and that, as a result, Charter should seek the reformation of the Charter Holdco limited liability company agreement, or alternative relief, in order to restore and ensure the obligation that the CC VIII interest be automatically
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
exchanged for Charter Holdco units. The Special Committee further determined that, as part of such contract reformation or alternative relief, Mr. Allen should be required to contribute the CC VIII interest to Charter Holdco in exchange for 24,273,943 Charter Holdco membership units. The Special Committee also recommended to the board of directors of Charter that, to the extent the contract reformation is achieved, the board of directors should consider whether the CC VIII interest should ultimately be held by Charter Holdco or Charter Holdings or another entity owned directly or indirectly by them.
Mr. Allen disagreed with the Special Committee’s determinations described above and so notified the Special Committee. Mr. Allen contended that the transaction was accurately reflected in the transaction documentation and contemporaneous and subsequent company public disclosures. The Special Committee and Mr. Allen determined to utilize the Delaware Court of Chancery's program for mediation of complex business disputes in an effort to resolve the CC VIII interest dispute.
As of October 31, 2005, Mr. Allen, the Special Committee, Charter, Charter Holdco and certain of their affiliates, agreed to settle the dispute, and execute certain permanent and irrevocable releases pursuant to the Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release agreement dated October 31, 2005 (the “Settlement”). Pursuant to the Settlement, CII has retained 30% of its CC VIII interest (the “Remaining Interests”). The Remaining Interests are subject to certain drag along, tag along and transfer restrictions as detailed in the revised CC VIII Limited Liability Company Agreement. CII transferred the other 70% of the CC VIII interest directly and indirectly, through Charter Holdco, to a newly formed entity, CCHC (a direct subsidiary of Charter Holdco and the direct parent of Charter Holdings). Of the 70% of the CC VIII preferred interests, 7.4% has been transferred by CII to CCHC for a subordinated exchangeable note with an initial accreted value of $48 million, accreting at 14%, compounded quarterly, with a 15-year maturity (the “Note”). The remaining 62.6% has been transferred by CII to Charter Holdco, in accordance with the terms of the settlement for no additional monetary consideration. Charter Holdco contributed the 62.6% interest to CCHC.
As part of the Settlement, CC VIII issued approximately 49 million additional Class B units to CC V in consideration for prior capital contributions to CC VIII by CC V, with respect to transactions that were unrelated to the dispute in connection with CII’s membership units in CC VIII. As a result, Mr. Allen’s pro rata share of the profits and losses of CC VIII attributable to the Remaining Interests is approximately 5.6%.
The Note is exchangeable, at CII’s option, at any time, for Charter Holdco Class A Common units at a rate equal to the then accreted value, divided by $2.00 (the “Exchange Rate”). Customary anti-dilution protections have been provided that could cause future changes to the Exchange Rate. Additionally, the Charter Holdco Class A Common units received will be exchangeable by the holder into Charter common stock in accordance with existing agreements between CII, Charter and certain other parties signatory thereto. Beginning February 28, 2009, if the closing price of Charter common stock is at or above the Exchange Rate for a certain period of time as specified in the Exchange Agreement, Charter Holdco may require the exchange of the Note for Charter Holdco Class A Common units at the Exchange Rate.
CCHC has the right to redeem the Note under certain circumstances, for cash in an amount equal to the then accreted value, such amount, if redeemed prior to February 28, 2009, would also include a make whole up to the accreted value through February 28, 2009. CCHC must redeem the Note at its maturity for cash in an amount equal to the initial stated value plus the accreted return through maturity.
The Board of Directors has determined that the transferred CC VIII interests remain at CCHC.
Helicon. In 1999, the Company purchased the Helicon cable systems. As part of that purchase, Mr. Allen entered into a put agreement with a certain seller of the Helicon cable systems that received a portion of the purchase price in the form of a preferred membership interest in Charter Helicon, LLC with a redemption price of $25 million plus accrued interest. Under the Helicon put agreement, such holder had the right to sell any or all of the interest to Mr. Allen prior to its mandatory redemption in cash on July 30, 2009. On August 31, 2005, 40% of the preferred membership interest was put to Mr. Allen. The remaining 60% of the preferred interest in Charter Helicon, LLC remained subject to the put to Mr. Allen. Such preferred interest was recorded in other long-term liabilities. On
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
October 6, 2005, Charter Helicon, LLC redeemed all of the preferred membership interest for the redemption price of $25 million plus accrued interest.
Certain related parties, including members of the board of directors and officers, hold interests in the Company’s senior convertible debt and senior notes and discount notes of the Company’s subsidiary of approximately $60 million of face value at December 31, 2005.
26. | Commitments and Contingencies |
Commitments
The following table summarizes the Company’s payment obligations as of December 31, 2005 for its contractual obligations.
| | Total | | 2006 | | 2007 | | 2008 | | 2009 | | 2010 | | Thereafter | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Contractual Obligations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating and Capital Lease Obligations (1) | | $ | 94 | | $ | 20 | | $ | 15 | | $ | 12 | | $ | 10 | | $ | 13 | | $ | 24 | |
Programming Minimum Commitments (2) | | | 1,253 | | | 342 | | | 372 | | | 306 | | | 233 | | | -- | | | -- | |
Other (3) | | | 301 | | | 146 | | | 49 | | | 21 | | | 21 | | | 21 | | | 43 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 1,648 | | $ | 508 | | $ | 436 | | $ | 339 | | $ | 264 | | $ | 34 | | $ | 67 | |
(1) The Company leases certain facilities and equipment under noncancelable operating leases. Leases and rental costs charged to expense for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, were $22 million, $22 million and $29 million, respectively.
(2) The Company pays programming fees under multi-year contracts ranging from three to ten years typically based on a flat fee per customer, which may be fixed for the term or may in some cases, escalate over the term. Programming costs included in the accompanying statement of operations were $1.4 billion, $1.3 billion and $1.2 billion for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Certain of the Company’s programming agreements are based on a flat fee per month or have guaranteed minimum payments. The table sets forth the aggregate guaranteed minimum commitments under the Company’s programming contracts.
(3) “Other” represents other guaranteed minimum commitments, which consist primarily of commitments to the Company’s billing services vendors.
The following items are not included in the contractual obligation table due to various factors discussed below. However, the Company incurs these costs as part of its operations:
| · | The Company also rents utility poles used in its operations. Generally, pole rentals are cancelable on short notice, but the Company anticipates that such rentals will recur. Rent expense incurred for pole rental attachments from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, was $44 million, $42 million and $38 million, respectively. |
| · | The Company pays franchise fees under multi-year franchise agreements based on a percentage of revenues earned from video service per year. The Company also pays other franchise related costs, such as public education grants under multi-year agreements. Franchise fees and other franchise-related costs from continuing operations included in the accompanying statement of operations were $165 million, $159 million and $157 million for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. |
| · | The Company also has $165 million in letters of credit, primarily to its various worker’s compensation, property casualty and general liability carriers as collateral for reimbursement of claims. These letters of credit reduce the amount the Company may borrow under its credit facilities. |
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
Litigation
Securities Class Actions and Derivative Suits
In 2002 and 2003, the Company had a series of lawsuits filed against Charter and certain of its former and present officers and directors (collectively the “Actions”). In general, the lawsuits alleged that Charter utilized misleading accounting practices and failed to disclose these accounting practices and/or issued false and misleading financial statements and press releases concerning Charter’s operations and prospects.
Charter and the individual defendants entered into a Memorandum of Understanding on August 5, 2004 setting forth agreements in principle regarding settlement of the Actions. Charter and various other defendants in those actions subsequently entered into Stipulations of Settlement dated as of January 24, 2005, setting forth a settlement of the Actions in a manner consistent with the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding. On June 30, 2005, the Court issued its final approval of the settlements. At the end of September 2005, after the period for appeals of the settlements expired, Stipulations of Dismissal were filed with the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals resulting in the dismissal of the two appeals with prejudice. Procedurally therefore, the settlements are final.
As amended, the Stipulations of Settlement provided that, in exchange for a release of all claims by plaintiffs against Charter and its former and present officers and directors named in the Actions, Charter would pay to the plaintiffs a combination of cash and equity collectively valued at $144 million, which was to include the fees and expenses of plaintiffs’ counsel. Of this amount, $64 million was to be paid in cash (by Charter’s insurance carriers) and the $80 million balance was to be paid in shares of Charter Class A common stock having an aggregate value of $40 million and ten-year warrants to purchase shares of Charter Class A common stock having an aggregate warrant value of $40 million, with such values in each case being determined pursuant to formulas set forth in the Stipulations of Settlement. However, Charter had the right, in its sole discretion, to substitute cash for some or all of the aforementioned securities on a dollar for dollar basis. Pursuant to that right, Charter elected to fund the $80 million obligation with 13.4 million shares of Charter Class A common stock (having an aggregate value of approximately $15 million pursuant to the formula set forth in the Stipulations of Settlement) with the remaining balance (less an agreed upon $2 million discount in respect of that portion allocable to plaintiffs’ attorneys’ fees) to be paid in cash. In addition, Charter had agreed to issue additional shares of its Class A common stock to its insurance carrier having an aggregate value of $5 million; however, by agreement with its carrier, Charter paid $4.5 million in cash in lieu of issuing such shares. As a result in 2004, the Company recorded a $149 million litigation liability within other long-term liabilities and a $64 million insurance receivable as part of other non-current assets on its consolidated balance sheet and an $85 million special charge on its consolidated statement of operations. Charter delivered the settlement consideration to the claims administrator on July 8, 2005, and it was held in escrow pending resolution of the appeals. Those appeals are now resolved.
In October 2001 and 2002, two class action lawsuits were filed against Charter alleging that Charter Holdco improperly charged them a wire maintenance fee without request or permission. They also claimed that Charter Holdco improperly required them to rent analog and/or digital set-top terminals even though their television sets were “cable ready.” In April 2004, the parties participated in a mediation which resulted in settlement of the lawsuits. As a result of the settlement, we recorded a special charge of $9 million in our consolidated statement of operations in 2004. In December 2004 the court entered a written order formally approving that settlement.
Furthermore, Charter is also party to, other lawsuits and claims that arose in the ordinary course of conducting its business. In the opinion of management, after taking into account recorded liabilities, the outcome of these other lawsuits and claims are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations or its liquidity.
Regulation in the Cable Industry
The operation of a cable system is extensively regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”), some state governments and most local governments. The FCC has the authority to enforce its regulations through
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
the imposition of substantial fines, the issuance of cease and desist orders and/or the imposition of other administrative sanctions, such as the revocation of FCC licenses needed to operate certain transmission facilities used in connection with cable operations. The 1996 Telecom Act altered the regulatory structure governing the nation’s communications providers. It removed barriers to competition in both the cable television market and the local telephone market. Among other things, it reduced the scope of cable rate regulation and encouraged additional competition in the video programming industry by allowing local telephone companies to provide video programming in their own telephone service areas.
Future legislative and regulatory changes could adversely affect the Company’s operations, including, without limitation, additional regulatory requirements the Company may be required to comply with as it offers new services such as telephone.
The Company’s employees may participate in the Charter Communications, Inc. 401(k) Plan. Employees that qualify for participation can contribute up to 50% of their salary, on a pre-tax basis, subject to a maximum contribution limit as determined by the Internal Revenue Service. The Company matches 50% of the first 5% of participant contributions. The Company made contributions to the 401(k) plan totaling $6 million, $7 million and $7 million for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
28. | Recently Issued Accounting Standards |
In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 153, Exchanges of Non-monetary Assets — An Amendment of APB No. 29. This statement eliminates the exception to fair value for exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it with a general exception for exchange transactions that do not have commercial substance — that is, transactions that are not expected to result in significant changes in the cash flows of the reporting entity. We adopted this pronouncement effective April 1, 2005. The exchange transaction discussed in Note 3 was accounted for under this standard.
In December 2004, the FASB issued the revised SFAS No. 123, Share — Based Payment, which addresses the accounting for share-based payment transactions in which a company receives employee services in exchange for (a) equity instruments of that company or (b) liabilities that are based on the fair value of the company’s equity instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of such equity instruments. This statement will be effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2006. Because Charter adopted the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 on January 1, 2003, the Company does not expect this revised standard to have a material impact on its financial statements.
In March 2005, the FASB issued FIN No. 47, Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations. This interpretation clarifies that the term “conditional asset retirement obligation” as used in FASB Statement No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations, refers to a legal obligation to perform an asset retirement activity in which the timing and/or method of settlement are conditional on a future event that may or may not be within the control of the entity. This pronouncement is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2005. The adoption of this interpretation did not have a material impact on our financial statements.
Charter does not believe that any other recently issued, but not yet effective accounting pronouncements, if adopted, would have a material effect on the Company’s accompanying financial statements.
29. | Parent Company Only Financial Statements |
As the result of limitations on, and prohibitions of, distributions, substantially all of the net assets of the consolidated subsidiaries are restricted from distribution to Charter, the parent company. The following condensed parent-only financial statements of Charter account for the investment in Charter Holdco under the equity method of accounting. The financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Company and notes thereto.
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
Charter Communications, Inc. (Parent Company Only)
Condensed Balance Sheet
| | December 31, | |
| | 2005 | | 2004 | |
ASSETS | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | -- | | $ | -- | |
Receivable from related party | | | 9 | | | 20 | |
Notes receivable from Charter Holdco | | | 886 | | | 1,073 | |
| | | | | | | |
Total assets | | $ | 895 | | $ | 1,093 | |
| | | | | | | |
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT | | | | | | | |
Current liabilities | | $ | 20 | | $ | 20 | |
Convertible notes | | | 863 | | | 990 | |
Deferred income taxes | | | 113 | | | 6 | |
Losses in excess of investment | | | 4,814 | | | 4,406 | |
Other long term liabilities | | | 1 | | | 22 | |
Preferred stock — redeemable | | | 4 | | | 55 | |
Shareholders’ deficit | | | (4,920 | ) | | (4,406 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
Total liabilities and shareholders’ deficit | | $ | 895 | | $ | 1,093 | |
Condensed Statement of Operations
| | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | 2005 | | 2004 | | 2003 | |
REVENUES | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest income | | $ | 76 | | $ | 52 | | $ | 69 | |
Management fees | | | 35 | | | 15 | | | 11 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total revenues | | | 111 | | | 67 | | | 80 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
EXPENSES | | | | | | | | | | |
Equity in losses of Charter Holdco | | | (865 | ) | | (4,488 | ) | | (359 | ) |
General and administrative expenses | | | (35 | ) | | (14 | ) | | (11 | ) |
Interest expense | | | (73 | ) | | (49 | ) | | (65 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total expenses | | | (973 | ) | | (4,551 | ) | | (435 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss before income taxes | | | (862 | ) | | (4,484 | ) | | (355 | ) |
Income tax (expense) benefit | | | (105 | ) | | 143 | | | 117 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss | | | (967 | ) | | (4,341 | ) | | (238 | ) |
Dividend on preferred equity | | | (3 | ) | | (4 | ) | | (4 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss after preferred dividends | | $ | (970 | ) | $ | (4,345 | ) | $ | (242 | ) |
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
| | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | 2005 | | 2004 | | 2003 | |
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss after preferred dividends | | $ | (970 | ) | $ | (4,345 | ) | $ | (242 | ) |
Equity in losses of Charter Holdco | | | 865 | | | 4,488 | | | 359 | |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities | | | -- | | | (1 | ) | | (9 | ) |
Deferred income taxes | | | 105 | | | (143 | ) | | (117 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net cash flows from operating activities | | | -- | | | (1 | ) | | (9 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | | | | | | |
Receivables from Charter Holdco | | | -- | | | (863 | ) | | -- | |
Payments from Charter Holdco | | | 132 | | | 588 | | | -- | |
Investment in Charter Holdco | | | -- | | | (2 | ) | | -- | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net cash flows from investing activities | | | 132 | | | (277 | ) | | -- | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES | | | | | | | | | | |
Issuance of convertible notes | | | -- | | | 863 | | | -- | |
Paydown of convertible notes | | | (132 | ) | | (588 | ) | | | |
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock | | | -- | | | 2 | | | -- | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net cash flows from financing activities | | | (132 | ) | | 277 | | | -- | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | | | -- | | | (1 | ) | | (9 | ) |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of year | | | -- | | | 1 | | | 10 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of year | | $ | -- | | $ | -- | | $ | 1 | |
30. | Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data |
The following table presents quarterly data for the periods presented on the consolidated statement of operations:
| | Year Ended December 31, 2005 | |
| | First | | Second | | Third | | Fourth | |
| | Quarter | | Quarter | | Quarter | | Quarter | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Revenues | | $ | 1,215 | | $ | 1,266 | | $ | 1,265 | | $ | 1,287 | |
Operating income from continuing operations | | | 42 | | | 100 | | | 54 | | | 108 | |
Income (loss) from continuing operations before minority interest and income taxes | | | (343 | ) | | (331 | ) | | 99 | | | (317 | ) |
Net income (loss) applicable to common stock | | | (353 | ) | | (356 | ) | | 75 | | | (336 | ) |
Basic income (loss) per common share | | | (1.16 | ) | | (1.18 | ) | | 0.24 | | | (1.06 | ) |
Diluted income (loss) per common share | | | (1.16 | ) | | (1.18 | ) | | 0.09 | | | (1.06 | ) |
Weighted-average shares outstanding, basic | | | 303,308,880 | | | 303,620,347 | | | 316,214,740 | | | 317,272,233 | |
Weighted-average shares outstanding, diluted | | | 303,308,880 | | | 303,620,347 | | | 1,012,591,842 | | | 317,272,233 | |
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)
| | Year Ended December 31, 2004 | |
| | First | | Second | | Third | | Fourth | |
| | Quarter | | Quarter | | Quarter | | Quarter | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Revenues | | $ | 1,161 | | $ | 1,185 | | $ | 1,194 | | $ | 1,220 | |
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations | | | 167 | | | 7 | | | (2,215 | ) | | 99 | |
Loss from continuing operations before minority interest, income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change | | | (243 | ) | | (376 | ) | | (2,645 | ) | | (330 | ) |
Net loss applicable to common stock | | | (294 | ) | | (416 | ) | | (3,295 | ) | | (340 | ) |
Basic and diluted loss per common share | | | (1.00 | ) | | (1.39 | ) | | (10.89 | ) | | (1.12 | ) |
Weighted-average shares outstanding, basic and diluted | | | 295,106,077 | | | 300,522,815 | | | 302,604,978 | | | 302,934,348 | |
In February 2006, the Company signed two separate definitive agreements to sell certain cable television systems serving a total of approximately 316,000 analog video customers in West Virginia, Virginia, Illinois and Kentucky for a total of approximately $896 million. The closings of these transactions are expected to occur in the third quarter of 2006. Under the terms of the Bridge Loan, bridge availability will be reduced by the proceeds of asset sales.