CHTR 3.31.12 - 10Q


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
______________
FORM 10-Q
______________
(Mark One)
x
 
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 
 
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2012
or
 
 
 
o
 
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Transition Period From             to             
Commission File Number: 001-33664
Charter Communications, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
 
43-1857213
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
 
 
 
12405 Powerscourt Drive
St. Louis, Missouri 63131
 
(314) 965-0555
(Address of principal executive offices including zip code)
 
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants have submitted electronically and posted on their corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrants were required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “accelerated filer,” “large accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer x    Accelerated filer o    Non-accelerated filer o    Smaller reporting company o

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

APPLICABLE ONLY TO REGISTRANTS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY
PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PRECEDING FIVE YEARS:

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Section 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court. Yes x No o

Number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding as of March 31, 2012: 100,558,818








CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE PERIOD ENDED
MARCH 31, 2012

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
 
 
 
Page No.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

This quarterly report on Form 10-Q is for the three months ended March 31, 2012. The Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") allows us to "incorporate by reference" information that we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you directly to those documents. In this quarterly report, "we," "us" and "our" refer to Charter Communications, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
 



i



CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:

This quarterly report includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), regarding, among other things, our plans, strategies and prospects, both business and financial including, without limitation, the forward-looking statements set forth in the “Results of Operations” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” sections under Part I, Item 2. “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this quarterly report. Although we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by these forward‑looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that we will achieve or realize these plans, intentions or expectations. Forward‑looking statements are inherently subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions including, without limitation, the factors described under “Risk Factors” under Part II, Item 1A and the factors described under “Risk Factors” under Part I, Item 1A of our most recent Form 10-K filed with the SEC. Many of the forward-looking statements contained in this quarterly report may be identified by the use of forward‑looking words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “should,” “planned,” “will,” “may,” “intend,” “estimated,” “aim,” “on track,” “target,” “opportunity,” “tentative,” “positioning,” “create” and “potential,” among others. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward‑looking statements we make in this quarterly report are set forth in this quarterly report and in other reports or documents that we file from time to time with the SEC, and include, but are not limited to:

our ability to sustain and grow revenues and free cash flow by offering video, Internet, telephone, advertising and other services to residential and commercial customers, to adequately meet the customer experience demands in our markets and to maintain and grow our customer base, particularly in the face of increasingly aggressive competition, the need for innovation and the related capital expenditures and the difficult economic conditions in the United States;

the development and deployment of new products and technologies;

the impact of competition from other market participants, including but not limited to incumbent telephone companies, direct broadcast satellite operators, wireless broadband and telephone providers, and digital subscriber line (“DSL”) providers and competition from video provided over the Internet;

general business conditions, economic uncertainty or downturn, high unemployment levels and the level of activity in the housing sector;

our ability to obtain programming at reasonable prices or to raise prices to offset, in whole or in part, the effects of higher programming costs (including retransmission consents);

the effects of governmental regulation on our business;

the availability and access, in general, of funds to meet our debt obligations, prior to or when they become due, and to fund our operations and necessary capital expenditures, either through (i) cash on hand, (ii) free cash flow, or (iii) access to the capital or credit markets; and

our ability to comply with all covenants in our indentures and credit facilities, any violation of which, if not cured in a timely manner, could trigger a default of our other obligations under cross-default provisions.
 
All forward-looking statements attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. We are under no duty or obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this quarterly report.


ii



PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements.

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(dollars in millions, except share data)
 
March 31,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
 
(unaudited)
 
 
ASSETS
 
 
 
CURRENT ASSETS:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
4

 
$
2

Restricted cash and cash equivalents
27

 
27

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of
 
 
 
$13 and $16, respectively
231

 
272

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
76

 
69

Total current assets
338

 
370

 
 
 
 
INVESTMENT IN CABLE PROPERTIES:
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated
 
 
 
depreciation of $2,682 and $2,364, respectively
6,906

 
6,897

Franchises
5,291

 
5,288

Customer relationships, net
1,634

 
1,704

Goodwill
954

 
954

Total investment in cable properties, net
14,785

 
14,843

 
 
 
 
OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS
396

 
392

 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
15,519

 
$
15,605

 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
 
 
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
1,140

 
1,153

Total current liabilities
1,140

 
1,153

 
 
 
 
LONG-TERM DEBT
12,802

 
12,856

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES
917

 
847

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
334

 
340

 
 
 
 
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
 
 
 
Class A common stock; $.001 par value; 900 million shares authorized;
 
 
 
100,564,176 and 100,570,418 shares issued, respectively

 

Class B common stock; $.001 par value; 25 million shares authorized;
 
 
 
no shares issued and outstanding

 

Preferred stock; $.001 par value; 250 million shares authorized;
 
 
 
no non-redeemable shares issued and outstanding

 

Additional paid-in capital
1,568

 
1,556

Accumulated deficit
(1,178
)
 
(1,082
)
Treasury stock at cost; 5,358 and 0 shares, respectively

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(64
)
 
(65
)
Total shareholders’ equity
326

 
409

 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
15,519

 
$
15,605


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
1




CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(dollars in millions, except per share and share data)
Unaudited

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
 
 
 
REVENUES
$
1,827

 
$
1,770

 
 
 
 
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
 
 
 
Operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)
814

 
768

Selling, general and administrative
372

 
345

Depreciation and amortization
408

 
383

Other operating expenses, net
3

 
5

 
 
 
 
 
1,597

 
1,501

 
 
 
 
Income from operations
230

 
269

 
 
 
 
OTHER EXPENSES:
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
(237
)
 
(233
)
Loss on extinguishment of debt
(15
)
 
(67
)
Other expense, net
(1
)
 

 
 
 
 
 
(253
)
 
(300
)
 
 
 
 
Loss before income taxes
(23
)
 
(31
)
 
 
 
 
Income tax expense
(71
)
 
(79
)
 
 
 
 
Net loss
$
(94
)
 
$
(110
)
 
 
 
 
LOSS PER COMMON SHARE, BASIC AND DILUTED:
$
(0.95
)
 
$
(0.97
)
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted
99,432,960

 
113,224,303

 

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(dollars in millions)
Unaudited
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
 
 
 
Net loss
$
(94
)
 
$
(110
)
Changes in fair value of interest rate swap agreements, net of tax
1

 
11

 
 
 
 
Comprehensive loss
$
(93
)
 
$
(99
)


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
2



CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(dollars in millions)
Unaudited
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2012
 
2011
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
Net loss
 
$
(94
)
 
$
(110
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
408

 
383

Noncash interest expense
 
14

 
12

Loss on extinguishment of debt
 
15

 
67

Deferred income taxes
 
70

 
77

Other, net
 
11

 
7

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions:
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
 
40

 
24

Prepaid expenses and other assets
 
(8
)
 
(9
)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other
 
(2
)
 
(4
)
Net cash flows from operating activities
 
454

 
447

 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
 
(340
)
 
(356
)
Change in accrued expenses related to capital expenditures
 
(12
)
 
(19
)
Other, net
 
(13
)
 
(6
)
Net cash flows from investing activities
 
(365
)
 
(381
)
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
Borrowings of long-term debt
 
1,469

 
1,846

Repayments of long-term debt
 
(1,539
)
 
(1,666
)
Payments for debt issuance costs
 
(10
)
 
(22
)
Purchase of treasury stock
 
(3
)
 
(207
)
Other, net
 
(4
)
 
5

Net cash flows from financing activities
 
(87
)
 
(44
)
 
 
 
 
 
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
2

 
22

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period
 
29

 
32

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period
 
$
31

 
$
54

 
 
 
 
 
CASH PAID FOR INTEREST
 
$
216

 
$
202



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
3


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts and where indicated)



1.    Organization and Basis of Presentation

Organization

Charter Communications, Inc. (“Charter”) is a holding company whose principal asset is a 100% common equity interest in Charter Communications Holding Company, LLC (“Charter Holdco”). Charter owns cable systems through its subsidiaries, which are collectively, with Charter, referred to herein as the “Company.” All significant intercompany accounts and transactions among consolidated entities have been eliminated.

The Company is a cable operator providing services in the United States. The Company offers to residential and commercial customers traditional cable video programming (basic and digital video), Internet services, and telephone services, as well as advanced video services such as Charter OnDemand™, high definition television, and digital video recorder (“DVR”) service. The Company sells its cable video programming, Internet, telephone, and advanced video services primarily on a subscription basis. The Company also sells local advertising on cable networks and on the Internet and provides fiber connectivity to cellular towers.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures typically included in Charter's Annual Report on Form 10-K have been condensed or omitted for this quarterly report. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and are subject to review by regulatory authorities. However, in the opinion of management, such financial statements include all adjustments, which consist of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the periods presented. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Areas involving significant judgments and estimates include capitalization of labor and overhead costs; depreciation and amortization costs; impairments of property, plant and equipment, intangibles and goodwill; income taxes; contingencies and programming expense. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the 2012 presentation.

Restricted cash and cash equivalents on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets consist of amounts held in escrow accounts pending final resolution from the Bankruptcy Court. Restricted cash is included in cash and cash equivalents on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.  See Note 10.




4


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts and where indicated)


2.    Franchises, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, indefinite lived and finite-lived intangible assets are presented in the following table:

 
 
March 31, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
 
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net Carrying Amount
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net Carrying Amount
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Indefinite lived intangible assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Franchises
 
$
5,291

 
$

 
$
5,291

 
$
5,288

 
$

 
$
5,288

Goodwill
 
954

 

 
954

 
954

 

 
954

Trademarks
 
158

 

 
158

 
158

 

 
158

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
6,403

 
$

 
$
6,403

 
$
6,400

 
$

 
$
6,400

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Finite-lived intangible assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Customer relationships
 
$
2,369

 
$
735

 
$
1,634

 
$
2,368

 
$
664

 
$
1,704

Other intangible assets
 
85

 
19

 
66

 
79

 
16

 
63

 
 
$
2,454

 
$
754

 
$
1,700

 
$
2,447

 
$
680

 
$
1,767


Amortization expense related to customer relationships and other intangible assets for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was $74 million and $79 million, respectively. Franchises and customer relationships increased by $3 million and $1 million, respectively, as a result of cable system acquisitions completed during the three months ended March 31, 2012.

The Company expects amortization expense on its finite-lived intangible assets will be as follows.

Nine months ended December 31, 2012
 
$
219

2013
 
266

2014
 
240

2015
 
213

2016
 
187

Thereafter
 
575

 
 
 
 
 
$
1,700


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, impairments and other relevant factors.




5


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts and where indicated)


3.    Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses

Accounts payable and accrued expenses consist of the following as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 
 
March 31, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable – trade
 
$
161

 
$
142

Accrued capital expenditures
 
131

 
143

Accrued expenses:
 
 
 
 
Interest
 
198

 
191

Programming costs
 
320

 
303

Franchise related fees
 
44

 
50

Compensation
 
95

 
123

Other
 
191

 
201

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
1,140

 
$
1,153


4.    Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 
March 31, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
 
Principal Amount
 
Accreted Value
 
Principal Amount
 
Accreted Value
CCH II, LLC:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
13.500% senior notes due November 30, 2016
$
1,146

 
$
1,304

 
$
1,480

 
$
1,692

CCO Holdings, LLC:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7.250% senior notes due October 30, 2017
1,000

 
1,000

 
1,000

 
1,000

7.875% senior notes due April 30, 2018
900

 
900

 
900

 
900

7.000% senior notes due January 15, 2019
1,400

 
1,391

 
1,400

 
1,391

8.125% senior notes due April 30, 2020
700

 
700

 
700

 
700

7.375% senior notes due June 1, 2020
750

 
750

 
750

 
750

6.500% senior notes due April 30, 2021
1,500

 
1,500

 
1,500

 
1,500

6.625% senior notes due January 31, 2022
750

 
746

 

 

Credit facility due September 6, 2014
350

 
329

 
350

 
326

Charter Communications Operating, LLC:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8.000% senior second-lien notes due April 30, 2012
201

 
201

 
500

 
502

10.875% senior second-lien notes due September 15, 2014

 

 
312

 
331

Credit facilities
4,136

 
3,981

 
3,929

 
3,764

Long-Term Debt
$
12,833

 
$
12,802

 
$
12,821

 
$
12,856


The accreted values presented above represent the fair value of the notes as of the date the Company emerged from Bankruptcy (see Note 10) or the principal amount of the notes less the original issue discount at the time of sale, plus the accretion to the balance sheet date. However, the amount that is currently payable if the debt becomes immediately due is equal to the principal amount of the debt. The Company has availability under its credit facilities of approximately $1.1 billion as of March 31, 2012, and as such, debt maturing in the next twelve months is classified as long-term.



6


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts and where indicated)


In January 2011, CCO Holdings, LLC ("CCO Holdings") and CCO Holdings Capital Corp. closed on transactions in which they issued $1.4 billion aggregate principal amount of 7.00% senior notes due 2019. The net proceeds of the issuances were contributed by CCO Holdings to Charter Communications Operating, LLC ("Charter Operating") as a capital contribution and were used to repay indebtedness under the Charter Operating credit facilities. The Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $67 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 related to these transactions.

In January 2012, CCO Holdings and CCO Holdings Capital Corp. closed on transactions in which they issued $750 million aggregate principal amount of 6.625% senior notes due 2022. The notes were issued at a price of 99.5% of the aggregate principal amount. The net proceeds of the notes were used, along with a draw on the $500 million delayed draw portion of the Charter Operating Term Loan A facility, to repurchase $300 million aggregate principal amount of Charter Operating's outstanding 8.00% senior second-lien notes due 2012, $294 million aggregate principal amount of Charter Operating's 10.875% senior second-lien notes due 2014 and $334 million aggregate principal amount of CCH II's 13.50% senior notes due 2016, as well as to repay amounts outstanding under the Company's revolving credit facility. The tender offers closed in January and February 2012 and the Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $15 million on this transaction for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

In March 2012, Charter Operating redeemed the remaining $18 million of 10.875% senior notes due 2014 pursuant to a notice of redemption.

In April 2012, Charter Operating entered into a senior secured term loan D facility pursuant to the terms of the Charter Operating credit agreement providing for $750 million of term loans with a final maturity date of May 15, 2019. Pricing on the new term loan D was set at LIBOR plus 3% with a LIBOR floor of 1%, and issued at a price of 99.5% of the aggregate principal amount. The proceeds were used to refinance Charter Operating's existing term loan B-1 and term loan B-2, both due 2014, with the remaining amount used to pay down a portion of its existing term loan C due 2016. Charter Operating concurrently amended and restated its existing $1.3 billion revolving credit facility with a new $1.15 billion revolving credit facility due 2017 at the interest rate of LIBOR plus 2.25% and amended and restated its existing credit agreement dated March 31, 2010 (the “Existing Credit Agreement”). The amendments to the Existing Credit Agreement included, among other things, certain allowances under the negative covenants, the calculation of certain financial covenants and changes to the related financial definitions, and the thresholds for certain events of default. The Company expects to record a non-cash loss on the refinancing of approximately $60 million during the second quarter of 2012 related to these transactions.

In April 2012, CCO Holdings entered into an amendment to its existing credit agreement dated March 6, 2007 which included, among other things, amendments to the Change of Control definition and certain other provisions and definitions related thereto. The Change of Control definition was amended to conform to the provision contained in Charter Operating's credit agreement so that a Change in Control could now occur upon both the consummation of any transaction resulting in any person or group having power to vote more than 50% of the ordinary voting power and a Ratings Event as defined in the credit agreement. Previously, the percentage of voting power necessary for a Change of Control had been 35%, and the definition of Change of Control did not include a Ratings Event.

5.    Treasury Stock

On March 22, 2011, the Company purchased, in a private transaction, 4.5 million shares of Charter’s Class A common stock from funds advised by Franklin Advisers, Inc.  The price paid was $46.10 per share for a total of $207 million.  The transaction was funded from existing cash on hand and available liquidity.  The shares were reflected on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets as treasury stock until retired in December 2011.

In January 2012, the Company purchased, in a private transaction with a shareholder, 49,332 shares of its common stock at $55.18 for a total of $3 million. These shares were retired in January 2012.

During the three months ended March 31, 2012, the Company withheld 5,358 shares of its common stock in payment of income tax withholding owed by employees upon vesting of restricted shares. The Company accounts for treasury stock using the cost method and includes treasury stock as a component of total shareholders' equity.




7


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts and where indicated)


6.     Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

The Company uses interest rate swap agreements to manage its interest costs and reduce the Company’s exposure to increases in floating interest rates. The Company manages its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates by maintaining a mix of fixed and variable rate debt. Using interest rate swap agreements, including those entered into in April 2012 discussed below, the Company agrees to exchange, at specified intervals through 2017, the difference between fixed and variable interest amounts calculated by reference to agreed-upon notional principal amounts.

The Company does not hold or issue derivative instruments for speculative trading purposes. The Company has 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, realized derivative gains and losses offset related results on hedged items in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company formally documents, designates and assesses the effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting.

The effect of derivative instruments on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets is presented in the table below:

 
March 31, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
Other long-term liabilities:
 
 
 
Fair value of interest rate derivatives designated as hedges
$
64

 
$
65

 
 
 
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
 
 
 
Interest rate derivatives designated as hedges
$
(64
)
 
$
(65
)

Changes in the fair value of interest rate agreements that are designated as hedging instruments of the variability of cash flows associated with floating-rate debt obligations, and that meet effectiveness criteria are reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss. The amounts are subsequently reclassified as an increase or decrease to interest expense in the same periods in which the related interest on the floating-rate debt obligations affected earnings (losses).

The effects of derivative instruments on the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive loss and condensed consolidated statements of operations is presented in the table below.

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive loss:
 
 
 
Gain on interest rate derivatives designated as hedges (effective portion)
$
1

 
$
11

 
 
 
 
Net loss:
 
 
 
Amount of loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into interest expense
$
(8
)
 
$
(10
)

As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had $2.0 billion in notional amounts of interest rate swap agreements outstanding. The notional amounts of interest rate instruments do not represent amounts exchanged by the parties and, thus, are not a measure of exposure to credit loss. The amounts exchanged were determined by reference to the notional amount and the other terms of the contracts.

In April 2012, the Company entered into $1.1 billion in notional amounts of delayed start interest rate swap agreements, extending until 2016 and 2017 a portion of the portfolio that is scheduled to expire in 2013 through 2015.


8


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts and where indicated)



7.    Fair Value Measurements

Financial Assets and Liabilities

The Company has estimated the fair value of its financial instruments as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 using available market information or other appropriate valuation methodologies. Considerable judgment, however, is required in interpreting market data to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company would realize in a current market exchange.

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, payables and other current assets and liabilities approximate fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments.

The estimated fair value of the Company’s debt at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are based on quoted market prices and is classified within Level 1 (defined below) of the valuation hierarchy.

A summary of the carrying value and fair value of the Company’s debt at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 is as follows:

 
 
March 31, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
 
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
Debt
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CCH II debt
 
$
1,304

 
$
1,311

 
$
1,692

 
$
1,713

CCO Holdings debt
 
$
6,987

 
$
7,488

 
$
6,241

 
$
6,630

Charter Operating debt
 
$
201

 
$
202

 
$
833

 
$
847

Credit facilities
 
$
4,310

 
$
4,450

 
$
4,090

 
$
4,193


The interest rate derivatives designated as hedges were valued as $64 million and $65 million liabilities as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, using a present value calculation based on an implied forward LIBOR curve (adjusted for Charter Operating’s or counterparties’ credit risk) and were classified within Level 2 (defined below) of the valuation hierarchy. The weighted average pay rate for the Company’s interest rate swap agreements was 2.25% at both March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 (exclusive of applicable spreads).

The accounting guidance establishes a three-level hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements, based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date, as follows:

Level 1 – inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
Level 2 – inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.
Level 3 – inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

Nonfinancial Assets and Liabilities

The Company’s nonfinancial assets such as franchises, property, plant, and equipment, and other intangible assets are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis; however they are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances, such as when there is evidence that an impairment may exist.  No impairments were recorded in the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.




9


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts and where indicated)


8.     Other Operating Expenses, Net

Other operating expenses, net consist of the following for the years presented:

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
 
 
 
Loss on sale of assets, net
$
1

 
$

Special charges, net
2

 
5

 
 
 
 
 
$
3

 
$
5


Loss on sale of assets, net

Loss on sale of assets represents the loss recognized on the sales of fixed assets and cable systems.

Special charges, net

Special charges, net for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 primarily includes severance charges.

9.    Income Taxes

All of Charter’s operations are held through Charter Holdco and its direct and indirect subsidiaries. Charter Holdco and the majority of its subsidiaries are generally limited liability companies that are not subject to income tax. However, certain of these limited liability companies are subject to state income tax. In addition, the indirect subsidiaries that are corporations are subject to federal and state income tax. All of the remaining taxable income, gains, losses, deductions and credits of Charter Holdco are passed through to Charter.

For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company recorded $71 million and $79 million of income tax expense, respectively. The income tax expense is recognized primarily through increases in deferred tax liabilities related to our investment in Charter Holdco, as well as through current state income tax expense and increases in the deferred tax liabilities of certain of our indirect corporate subsidiaries. The tax provision in future periods will vary based on current and future temporary differences, as well as future operating results.

As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had net deferred income tax liabilities of approximately $894 million and $824 million, respectively. Included in net deferred tax liabilities is net current deferred assets of $23 million as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets of the Company. Net deferred tax liabilities included approximately $221 million at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 relating to certain indirect subsidiaries of Charter Holdco that file separate federal or state income tax returns.  The remainder of the Company's net deferred tax liability arose from Charter's investment in Charter Holdco, and was largely attributable to the characterization of franchises for financial reporting purposes as indefinite-lived.

No tax years for Charter or Charter Holdco are currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service.  Tax years ending 2008 through 2011 remain subject to examination and assessment. Years prior to 2008 remain open solely for purposes of examination of Charter’s loss and credit carryforwards.

10.     Contingencies

On March 27, 2009, Charter filed a Chapter 11 petition in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. On November 17, 2009, the Bankruptcy Court issued its Order and Opinion confirming the Plan over the objections of various objectors. Charter consummated the Plan on November 30, 2009 and reinstated the Charter Operating Credit Agreement and certain other debt of its subsidiaries.


10


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts and where indicated)



Two appeals are pending relating to confirmation of the Plan, the appeals by (i) Law Debenture Trust Company of New York (“Law Debenture Trust”) (as the Trustee with respect to the $479 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.50% convertible senior notes due 2027 issued by Charter which are no longer outstanding following consummation of the Plan); and (ii) R2 Investments, LDC (“R2 Investments”) (a former equity interest holder in Charter). The appeals by Law Debenture Trust and R2 Investments were denied by the District Court for the Southern District of New York in March 2011. Both Law Debenture Trust and R2 Investments have appealed that ruling. The Company cannot predict the ultimate outcome of the appeals nor can it estimate a reasonable range of loss.

The Company is also a defendant or co-defendant in several lawsuits claiming infringement of various patents relating to various aspects of its businesses.  Other industry participants are also defendants in certain of these cases.

In the event that a court ultimately determines that the Company infringes on any intellectual property rights, the Company may be subject to substantial damages and/or an injunction that could require the Company or its vendors to modify certain products and services the Company offers to its subscribers, as well as negotiate royalty or license agreements with respect to the patents at issue.  While the Company believes the lawsuits are without merit and intends to defend the actions vigorously, no assurance can be given that any adverse outcome would not be material to the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity. The Company cannot predict the outcome of any such claims nor can it estimate a reasonable range of loss.

The Company is party to lawsuits and claims that arise in the ordinary course of conducting its business, including lawsuits claiming violation of anti-trust laws and violation of wage and hour laws. The ultimate outcome of these other legal matters pending against the Company cannot be predicted, and although such lawsuits and claims are not expected individually to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity, such lawsuits could have, in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. Whether or not the Company ultimately prevails in any particular lawsuit or claim, litigation can be time consuming and costly and injure the Company's reputation.

11.     Stock Compensation Plans

Charter’s 2009 Stock Incentive Plan provides for grants of nonqualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, dividend equivalent rights, performance units and performance shares, share awards, phantom stock, restricted stock units and restricted stock.  Directors, officers and other employees of the Company and its subsidiaries, as well as others performing consulting services for the Company, are eligible for grants under the 2009 Stock Incentive Plan.
 
During the three months ended March 31, 2011, the Company granted 12,500 shares of restricted stock. Restricted stock vests annually over a one to four-year period beginning from the date of grant. During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company granted 6,000 and 14,300 stock options. Stock options generally vest annually over four years from either the grant date or delayed vesting commencement dates. Stock options generally expire ten years from the grant date. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, the Company granted 15,500 restricted stock units. Restricted stock units have no voting rights and vest ratably over four years from either the grant date or delayed vesting commencement dates. As of March 31, 2012, total unrecognized compensation remaining to be recognized in future periods totaled $39 million for restricted stock, $59 million for stock options and $10 million for restricted stock units and the weighted average period over which it is expected to be recognized is 3 years for restricted stock, stock options and restricted stock units.

The Company recorded $11 million and $7 million of stock compensation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, which is included in selling, general, and administrative expense and other operating expenses, net.

12.     Consolidating Schedules

The CCO Holdings notes and the CCO Holdings credit facility are obligations of CCO Holdings. The CCH II notes are obligations of CCH II. However, these notes of CCO Holdings and CCH II are also jointly, severally, fully and unconditionally guaranteed on an unsecured senior basis by Charter. 

The accompanying condensed consolidating financial information has been prepared and presented pursuant to SEC Regulation S-


11


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts and where indicated)


X Rule 3-10, Financial Statements of Guarantors and Affiliates Whose Securities Collateralize an Issue Registered or Being Registered. This information is not intended to present the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the individual companies or groups of companies in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Condensed consolidating financial statements as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 and for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 follow.


12


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts and where indicated)


Charter Communications, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
As of March 31, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Charter
 
Intermediate Holding Companies
 
CCH II
 
CCO Holdings
 
Charter Operating and Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Charter Consolidated
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CURRENT ASSETS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
2

 
$

 
$

 
$
2

 
$

 
$

 
$
4

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

 
27

 

 
27

Accounts receivable, net

 
4

 

 

 
227

 

 
231

Receivables from related party
65

 
135

 
1

 
2

 

 
(203
)
 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
22

 
9

 

 

 
45

 

 
76

Total current assets
89

 
148

 
1

 
4

 
299

 
(203
)
 
338

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INVESTMENT IN CABLE PROPERTIES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment, net

 
33

 

 

 
6,873

 

 
6,906

Franchises

 

 

 

 
5,291

 

 
5,291

Customer relationships, net

 

 

 

 
1,634

 

 
1,634

Goodwill

 

 

 

 
954

 

 
954

Total investment in cable properties, net

 
33

 

 

 
14,752

 

 
14,785

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CC VIII PREFERRED INTEREST
94

 
219

 

 

 

 
(313
)
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES
1,071

 
555

 
1,611

 
8,638

 

 
(11,875
)
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LOANS RECEIVABLE – RELATED PARTY

 
44

 
265

 
359

 

 
(668
)
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS

 
158

 

 
98

 
140

 

 
396

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
1,254

 
$
1,157

 
$
1,877

 
$
9,099

 
$
15,191

 
$
(13,059
)
 
$
15,519

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’/MEMBER’S EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
$
7

 
$
82

 
$
18

 
$
172

 
$
861

 
$

 
$
1,140

Payables to related party

 

 

 

 
203

 
(203
)
 

Total current liabilities
7

 
82

 
18

 
172

 
1,064

 
(203
)
 
1,140

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LONG-TERM DEBT

 

 
1,304

 
7,316

 
4,182

 

 
12,802

LOANS PAYABLE – RELATED PARTY

 

 

 

 
668

 
(668
)
 

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES
694

 

 

 

 
223

 

 
917

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
227

 
4

 

 

 
103

 

 
334

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholders’/Member’s equity
326

 
1,071

 
555

 
1,611

 
8,638

 
(11,875
)
 
326

Noncontrolling interest

 

 

 

 
313

 
(313
)
 

Total shareholders’/member’s equity
326

 
1,071

 
555

 
1,611

 
8,951

 
(12,188
)
 
326

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’/member’s equity
$
1,254

 
$
1,157

 
$
1,877

 
$
9,099

 
$
15,191

 
$
(13,059
)
 
$
15,519




13


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts and where indicated)


Charter Communications, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
As of December 31, 2011
 
 
Charter
 
Intermediate Holding Companies
 
CCH II
 
CCO Holdings
 
Charter Operating and Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Charter Consolidated
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CURRENT ASSETS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
2

 
$

 
$

 
$
2

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

 
27

 

 
27

Accounts receivable, net

 
4

 

 

 
268

 

 
272

Receivables from related party
58

 
176

 
8

 
7

 

 
(249
)
 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
21

 
21

 

 

 
27

 

 
69

Total current assets
79

 
201

 
8

 
9

 
322

 
(249
)
 
370

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INVESTMENT IN CABLE PROPERTIES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment, net

 
33

 

 

 
6,864

 

 
6,897

Franchises

 

 

 

 
5,288

 

 
5,288

Customer relationships, net

 

 

 

 
1,704

 

 
1,704

Goodwill

 

 

 

 
954

 

 
954

Total investment in cable properties, net

 
33

 

 

 
14,810

 

 
14,843

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CC VIII PREFERRED INTEREST
91

 
213

 

 

 

 
(304
)
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES
1,102

 
592

 
2,094

 
8,623

 

 
(12,411
)
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LOANS RECEIVABLE – RELATED PARTY

 
43

 
256

 
37

 

 
(336
)
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS

 
158

 

 
90

 
144

 

 
392

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
1,272

 
$
1,240

 
$
2,358

 
$
8,759

 
$
15,276

 
$
(13,300
)
 
$
15,605

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’/MEMBER’S EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
$
12

 
$
134

 
$
74

 
$
98

 
$
835

 
$

 
$
1,153

Payables to related party

 

 

 

 
249

 
(249
)
 

Total current liabilities
12

 
134

 
74

 
98

 
1,084

 
(249
)
 
1,153

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LONG-TERM DEBT

 

 
1,692

 
6,567

 
4,597

 

 
12,856

LOANS PAYABLE – RELATED PARTY

 

 

 

 
336

 
(336
)
 

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES
624

 

 

 

 
223

 

 
847

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
227

 
4

 

 

 
109

 

 
340

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholders’/Member’s equity
409

 
1,102

 
592

 
2,094

 
8,623

 
(12,411
)
 
409

Noncontrolling interest

 

 

 

 
304

 
(304
)
 

Total shareholders’/member’s equity
409

 
1,102

 
592

 
2,094

 
8,927

 
(12,715
)
 
409

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’/member’s equity
$
1,272

 
$
1,240

 
$
2,358

 
$
8,759

 
$
15,276

 
$
(13,300
)
 
$
15,605



14


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts and where indicated)



Charter Communications, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the three months ended March 31, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Charter
 
Intermediate Holding Companies
 
CCH II
 
CCO
Holdings
 
Charter Operating and Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Charter Consolidated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REVENUES
$
6

 
$
36

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,827

 
$
(42
)
 
$
1,827

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)

 

 

 

 
814

 

 
814

Selling, general and administrative
6

 
36

 

 

 
372

 
(42
)
 
372

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

 

 
408

 

 
408

Other operating expenses, net

 

 

 

 
3

 

 
3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6

 
36

 

 

 
1,597

 
(42
)
 
1,597

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from operations

 

 

 

 
230

 

 
230

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OTHER INCOME AND (EXPENSES):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net

 

 
(34
)
 
(127
)
 
(76
)
 

 
(237
)
Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

 
(6
)
 

 
(9
)
 

 
(15
)
Other expense, net

 

 

 

 
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
Equity in income (loss) of subsidiaries
(28
)
 
(34
)
 
6

 
133

 

 
(77
)
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(28
)
 
(34
)
 
(34
)
 
6

 
(86
)
 
(77
)
 
(253
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
(28
)
 
(34
)
 
(34
)
 
6

 
144

 
(77
)
 
(23
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INCOME TAX EXPENSE
(69
)
 

 

 

 
(2
)
 

 
(71
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated net income (loss)
(97
)
 
(34
)
 
(34
)
 
6

 
142

 
(77
)
 
(94
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Less: Net (income) loss – noncontrolling interest
3

 
6

 

 

 
(9
)
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
(94
)
 
$
(28
)
 
$
(34
)
 
$
6

 
$
133

 
$
(77
)
 
$
(94
)


15


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts and where indicated)




Charter Communications, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the three months ended March 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Charter
 
Intermediate Holding Companies
 
CCH II
 
CCO
Holdings
 
Charter Operating and Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Charter Consolidated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REVENUES
$
10

 
$
29

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,770

 
$
(39
)
 
$
1,770

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)

 

 

 

 
768

 

 
768

Selling, general and administrative
10

 
29

 

 

 
345

 
(39
)
 
345

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

 

 
383

 

 
383

Other operating expenses, net

 

 

 

 
5

 

 
5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10

 
29

 

 

 
1,501

 
(39
)
 
1,501

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from operations

 

 

 

 
269

 

 
269

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OTHER INCOME AND (EXPENSES):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net

 

 
(48
)
 
(76
)
 
(109
)
 

 
(233
)
Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

 

 

 
(67
)
 

 
(67
)
Equity in income (loss) of subsidiaries
(40
)
 
(47
)
 
1

 
77

 

 
9

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(40
)
 
(47
)
 
(47
)
 
1

 
(176
)
 
9

 
(300
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
(40
)
 
(47
)
 
(47
)
 
1

 
93

 
9

 
(31
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INCOME TAX EXPENSE
(73
)
 

 

 

 
(6
)
 

 
(79
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated net income (loss)
(113
)
 
(47
)
 
(47
)
 
1

 
87

 
9

 
(110
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Less: Net (income) loss – noncontrolling interest
3

 
7

 

 

 
(10
)
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
(110
)
 
$
(40
)
 
$
(47
)
 
$
1

 
$
77

 
$
9

 
$
(110
)





16


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts and where indicated)



Charter Communications, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the three months ended March 31, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Charter
 
Intermediate Holding Companies
 
CCH II
 
CCO
Holdings
 
Charter Operating and Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Charter Consolidated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated net income (loss)
$
(97
)
 
$
(34
)
 
$
(34
)
 
$
6

 
$
142

 
$
(77
)
 
$
(94
)
Changes in fair value of interest rate swap agreements, net of tax

 

 

 

 
1

 

 
1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income (loss)
$
(97
)
 
$
(34
)
 
$
(34
)
 
$
6

 
$
143

 
$
(77
)
 
$
(93
)


Charter Communications, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the three months ended March 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Charter
 
Intermediate Holding Companies
 
CCH II
 
CCO
Holdings
 
Charter Operating and Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Charter Consolidated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated net income (loss)
$
(113
)
 
$
(47
)
 
$
(47
)
 
$
1

 
$
87

 
$
9

 
$
(110
)
Changes in fair value of interest rate swap agreements, net of tax

 

 

 

 
11

 

 
11

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income (loss)
$
(113
)
 
$
(47
)
 
$
(47
)
 
$
1

 
$
98

 
$
9

 
$
(99
)


17


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts and where indicated)


Charter Communications, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the three months ended March 31, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Charter
 
Intermediate Holding Companies
 
CCH II
 
CCO
Holdings
 
Charter Operating and Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Charter Consolidated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated net income (loss)
$
(97
)
 
$
(34
)
 
$
(34
)
 
$
6

 
$
142

 
$
(77
)
 
$
(94
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization

 

 

 

 
408

 

 
408

Noncash interest expense

 

 
(8
)
 
6

 
16

 

 
14

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

 
6

 

 
9

 

 
15

Deferred income taxes
70

 

 

 

 

 

 
70

Equity in (income) losses of subsidiaries
28

 
34

 
(6
)
 
(133
)
 

 
77

 

Other, net
(1
)
 
1

 

 
(1
)
 
12

 

 
11

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions and dispositions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable

 

 

 

 
40

 

 
40

Prepaid expenses and other assets
1

 
11

 

 

 
(20
)
 

 
(8
)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other
(5
)
 
(53
)
 
(56
)
 
73

 
39

 

 
(2
)
Receivables from and payables to related party
4

 
41

 
(2
)
 
(2
)
 
(41
)
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash flows from operating activities

 

 
(100
)
 
(51
)
 
605

 

 
454

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment

 

 

 

 
(340
)
 

 
(340
)
Change in accrued expenses related to capital expenditures

 

 

 

 
(12
)
 

 
(12
)
Contribution to subsidiary

 

 

 
(419
)
 

 
419

 

Distributions from subsidiary
3

 
15

 
489

 
538

 

 
(1,045
)
 

Other, net

 

 

 

 
(13
)
 

 
(13
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash flows from investing activities
3

 
15

 
489

 
119

 
(365
)
 
(626
)
 
(365
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Borrowings of long-term debt

 

 

 
746

 
723

 

 
1,469

Repayments of long-term debt

 

 
(386
)
 

 
(1,153
)
 

 
(1,539
)
Borrowings (payments) loans payable - related parties

 

 

 
(314
)
 
314

 

 

Payment for debt issuance costs

 

 

 
(10
)
 

 

 
(10
)
Purchase of treasury stock
(3
)
 

 

 

 

 

 
(3
)
Contributions from parent

 

 

 

 
419

 
(419
)
 

Distributions to parent

 
(15
)
 
(3
)
 
(489
)
 
(538
)
 
1,045

 

Other, net
2

 

 

 
(1
)
 
(5
)
 

 
(4
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash flows from financing activities
(1
)
 
(15
)
 
(389
)
 
(68
)
 
(240
)
 
626

 
(87
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
2

 

 

 

 

 

 
2

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period

 

 

 
2

 
27

 

 
29

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period
$
2

 
$

 
$

 
$
2

 
$
27

 
$

 
$
31



18


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts and where indicated)


Charter Communications, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the three months ended March 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Charter
 
Intermediate Holding Companies
 
CCH II
 
CCO
Holdings
 
Charter Operating and Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Charter Consolidated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated net income (loss)
$
(113
)
 
$
(47
)
 
$
(47
)
 
$
1

 
$
87

 
$
9

 
$
(110
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization

 

 

 

 
383

 

 
383

Noncash interest expense

 

 
(9
)
 
5

 
16

 

 
12

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

 

 

 
67

 

 
67

Deferred income taxes
73

 

 

 

 
4

 

 
77

Equity in (income) losses of subsidiaries
40

 
47

 
(1
)
 
(77
)
 

 
(9
)
 

Other, net

 

 

 

 
7

 

 
7

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions and dispositions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable

 
1

 

 

 
23

 

 
24

Prepaid expenses and other assets

 
3

 

 

 
(12
)
 

 
(9
)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other

 
(12
)
 
(60
)
 
73

 
(5
)
 

 
(4
)
Receivables from and payables to related party

 
8

 
(2
)
 
(2
)
 
(4
)
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash flows from operating activities

 

 
(119
)
 

 
566

 

 
447

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment

 

 

 

 
(356
)
 

 
(356
)
Change in accrued expenses related to capital expenditures

 

 

 

 
(19
)
 

 
(19
)
Contribution to subsidiary

 

 

 
(1,369
)
 

 
1,369

 

Distributions from subsidiary
206

 
1,030

 
322

 
122

 

 
(1,680
)
 

Other, net

 

 

 

 
(6
)
 

 
(6
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash flows from investing activities
206

 
1,030

 
322

 
(1,247
)
 
(381
)
 
(311
)
 
(381
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Borrowings of long-term debt

 

 

 
1,390

 
456

 

 
1,846

Repayments of long-term debt

 

 

 

 
(1,666
)
 

 
(1,666
)
Borrowings (repayments) loans payable - related parties

 

 

 
202

 
(202
)
 

 

Payment for debt issuance costs

 

 

 
(22
)
 

 

 
(22
)
Purchase of treasury stock
(207
)
 

 

 

 

 

 
(207
)
Contributions from parent

 

 

 

 
1,369

 
(1,369
)
 

Distributions to parent

 
(1,030
)
 
(206
)
 
(322
)
 
(122
)
 
1,680

 

Other, net
2

 

 

 

 
3

 

 
5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash flows from financing activities
(205
)
 
(1,030
)
 
(206
)
 
1,248

 
(162
)
 
311

 
(44
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
1

 

 
(3
)
 
1

 
23

 

 
22

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period

 

 
3

 
1

 
28

 

 
32

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period
$
1

 
$

 
$

 
$
2

 
$
51

 
$

 
$
54





19



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

General

Charter Communications, Inc. (“Charter”) is a holding company whose principal asset is a 100% common equity interest in Charter Communications Holding Company, LLC (“Charter Holdco”). Charter owns cable systems through its subsidiaries.

We are a cable operator providing services in the United States with approximately 5.3 million residential and commercial customers at March 31, 2012. We offer our customers traditional cable video programming (basic and digital video), Internet services, and telephone services, as well as advanced video services such as OnDemandTM (“OnDemand”), high definition ("HD") television and digital video recorder (“DVR”) service. We also sell local advertising on cable networks and provide fiber connectivity to cellular towers.

Overview

We believe that continued competition and the weakened economic conditions in the United States, including the housing market and relatively high unemployment levels, have adversely affected consumer demand for our services, particularly basic video. Our video competitors often offer more channels, including more HD channels, and typically only offer digital services which have a better picture quality compared to our analog product. In the current economic environment and with increased marketing highlighting perceived differences between competitive video products, customers have been more willing to consider our competitors' products especially when those competitors are relatively new entrants and are often offering significant incentives to switch providers. We also believe some customers have chosen to receive video over the Internet rather than through our OnDemand and premium video services, thereby reducing our video revenues. These conditions combined with our disciplined customer acquisition strategy contributed to video revenues declining 2% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the corresponding period in 2011. Total revenue growth was 3% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the corresponding period in 2011 as we continued to grow our commercial, Internet and telephone businesses. However, we believe competition from wireless and economic factors have contributed to an increase in the number of homes that replace their traditional telephone service with wireless service thereby impacting the growth of our telephone business.

Our business plans include goals for increasing the number of customers and revenue.  To reach our goals, we have been working to further improve the quality of the video product we offer today.  We now expect to accelerate these improvements, specifically as we enter the third quarter of 2012.  Charter's goal was 100 HD channels by the end of the year.  We are now on a path to reach 100 HD channels by mid-year.  We also are focused on tactics to achieve higher digital and HD-DVR penetration including increasing the penetration of these services per household we serve.  We believe our current digital offerings and HD-DVR products enable us to provide a compelling digital offer for existing customers and successfully compete for new video relationships.  We continue to simplify our offers and pricing and improve our packaging of products to bring more value to our customers, particularly for securing new customers as we focus on increasing the penetration of our products in our markets.  Despite these plans, we may continue to experience challenges in increasing, or we may continue to lose, customers and our focus on growth will likely result in higher levels of expenditures.  If the economic and competitive conditions discussed above do not improve or our efforts to improve our products and the way we market those products are not ultimately successful in increasing our growth, we believe our business and results of operations will be adversely affected which may contribute to future impairments of our franchises and goodwill.

For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, adjusted earnings (loss) before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”) was $652 million and $663 million, respectively.  See “—Use of Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow” for further information on Adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow.  Adjusted EBITDA decreased as a result of an increase in programming costs, higher expense associated with driving higher growth and investment in the customer experience. For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, our income from operations was $230 million and $269 million, respectively.  The decrease in income from operations for the three months ended March 31, 2012 is primarily due to increases in depreciation and amortization and decreases in Adjusted EBITDA referenced above.



20



The following table summarizes our customer statistics for basic video, digital video, Internet and telephone as of March 31, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands).

 
Approximate as of
 
March 31,
 
2012
(a)
 
2011
(a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Video (b)
4,164

 
 
4,302

 
Internet (c)
3,633

 
 
3,334

 
Phone (d)
1,822

 
 
1,741

 
Residential PSUs (e)
9,619

 
 
9,377

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Video (b)(f)
177

 
 
181

 
Internet (c)
169

 
 
133

 
Phone (d)
85

 
 
64

 
Commercial PSUs (e)
431

 
 
378

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Digital video RGUs (g)
3,473

 
 
3,392

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total RGUs (h)
13,523

 
 
13,147

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential ARPU
 
 
 
 
 
Video (i)
$
72

 
 
$
71

 
Internet (i)
$
42

 
 
$
42

 
Phone (i)
$
40

 
 
$
41

 

After giving effect to acquisitions of cable systems in 2011, residential basic video customers, residential Internet customers and residential telephone customers would have been approximately 4,330,000, 3,353,000 and 1,746,000, respectively, as of March 31, 2011. After giving effect to acquisitions of cable systems in 2011, commercial basic video customers, commercial Internet customers, commercial telephone customers and digital video revenue generating units would have been approximately 181,000, 142,000, 64,000 and 3,401,000, respectively, as of March 31, 2011.

(a)
We calculate the aging of customer accounts based on the monthly billing cycle for each account. On that basis, at March 31, 2012 and 2011, customers include approximately 11,500 and 12,500 customers, respectively, whose accounts were over 60 days past due in payment, approximately 1,500 and 1,700 customers, respectively, whose accounts were over 90 days past due in payment, and approximately 1,300 and 1,100 customers, respectively, whose accounts were over 120 days past due in payment.

(b)
“Video customers” represent those customers who subscribe to our video cable services. Effective January 1, 2012, Charter revised its reporting of customers whereby customers residing in multi-dwelling residential structures are now included in residential customer relationships and PSUs (see footnote (e)) rather than commercial. Further, residential PSUs and customer relationships are no longer calculated on an EBU (see footnote (f)) basis but are based on separate billing relationships. The impact of these changes increased residential customer relationships and PSUs and reduced commercial customer relationships and PSUs, with an overall net decrease to total customer relationships and PSUs. Prior periods were reclassified to conform to the 2012 presentation.

(c)
“Internet customers” represent those customers who subscribe to our Internet service.

(d)
“Telephone customers” represent those customers who subscribe to our telephone service.

(e)
“Primary Service Units” or “PSUs” represent the total of video, Internet and telephone customers.



21



(f)
Included within commercial video customers are those in commercial structures, which are calculated on an equivalent bulk unit (“EBU”) basis. We calculate EBUs by dividing the bulk price charged to accounts in an area by the published rate charged to non-bulk residential customers in that market for the comparable tier of service. This EBU method of estimating basic video customers is consistent with the methodology used in determining costs paid to programmers and is consistent with the methodology used by other multiple system operators (“MSOs”). As we increase our published video rates to residential customers without a corresponding increase in the prices charged to commercial service customers, our EBU count will decline even if there is no real loss in commercial service customers.

(g)
“Digital video RGUs” include all video customers that rent one or more digital set-top boxes or cable cards.

(h)
“Revenue generating units” or “RGUs” represent the total of all basic video, digital video, Internet and telephone customers, not counting additional outlets within one household. For example, a customer who receives two types of service (such as basic video and digital video) would be treated as two RGUs and, if that customer added on Internet service, the customer would be treated as three RGUs. This statistic is computed in accordance with the guidelines of the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (“NCTA”).

(i)
"Average Monthly Revenue Per Customer" or "ARPU" represents quarterly revenue for the service indicated, divided by three, divided by the average number of customers for the service indicated during the respective quarter.

We have a history of net losses.  Our net losses are principally attributable to insufficient revenue to cover the combination of operating expenses, interest expenses that we incur because of our debt, depreciation expenses resulting from the capital investments we have made and continue to make in our cable properties, amortization expenses of customer relationships and non-cash taxes resulting from increases in our deferred tax liabilities.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

For a discussion of our critical accounting policies and the means by which we develop estimates therefore, see "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K.







22



Results of Operations

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

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
$
1,827

 
100
%
 
$
1,770

 
100
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Costs and Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)
814

 
45
%
 
768

 
43
%
Selling, general and administrative
372

 
20
%
 
345

 
20
%
Depreciation and amortization
408

 
22
%
 
383

 
22
%
Other operating expenses, net
3

 
%
 
5

 
%
 
1,597

 
87
%
 
1,501

 
85
%
Income from operations
230

 
13
%
 
269

 
15
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
(237
)
 
 
 
(233
)
 
 
Loss on extinguishment of debt
(15
)
 
 
 
(67
)
 
 
Other expense, net
(1
)
 
 
 

 
 
 
(253
)
 
 
 
(300
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss before income taxes
(23
)
 
 
 
(31
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax expense
(71
)
 
 
 
(79
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss
$
(94
)
 
 
 
$
(110
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LOSS PER COMMON SHARE, BASIC AND DILUTED:
$
(0.95
)
 
 
 
$
(0.97
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted
99,432,960

 
 
 
113,224,303

 
 

Revenues. Total revenue grew $57 million or 3% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011. Revenue growth primarily reflects increases in the number of residential Internet and telephone and commercial business customers, price increases, and incremental video revenues from DVR and HD television services, offset by a decrease in basic video customers. Asset acquisitions increased revenues in 2011 as compared to 2010 by approximately $8 million.



23



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

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012 over 2011
 
Revenues
 
% of Revenues
 
Revenues
 
% of Revenues
 
Change
 
% Change
Video
$
895

 
49
%
 
$
917

 
52
%
 
$
(22
)
 
(2
)%
Internet
452

 
25
%
 
413

 
23
%
 
39

 
9
 %
Telephone
217

 
12
%
 
212

 
12
%
 
5

 
2
 %
Commercial
153

 
8
%
 
127

 
7
%
 
26

 
20
 %
Advertising sales
66

 
4
%
 
62

 
4
%
 
4

 
6
 %
Other
44

 
2
%
 
39

 
2
%
 
5

 
13
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
1,827

 
100
%
 
$
1,770

 
100
%
 
$
57

 
3
 %

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the 2012 presentation, including the reflection of revenues earned from customers residing in multi-dwelling residential structures from commercial revenues to video and Internet revenues. See page 21 for definitions of customers and ARPU discussed below.

Video revenues consist primarily of revenues from basic and digital video services provided to our non-commercial customers, as well as franchise fees, equipment rental and video installation revenue. Video ARPU increased from $71 for the three months ended March 31, 2011 to $72 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 as a result of price increases and incremental revenues from DVR and HD television services and declines in the number of residential basic video customers. Residential basic video customers decreased by 138,000 from March 31, 2011 to March 31, 2012, or 166,000 customers after giving effect to asset acquisitions. Digital video customers increased by 81,000 customers from March 31, 2011 to March 31, 2012, or 72,000 customers after giving effect to asset acquisitions. The decrease in video revenues is attributable to the following (dollars in millions):

 
 
Three months ended
March 31, 2012
compared to
three months ended
March 31, 2011
Increase / (Decrease)
 
 
 
Decrease in basic video customers
 
$
(24
)
Decrease in premium, OnDemand and Pay-Per-View
 
(12
)
Incremental video services and price adjustments
 
4

Increase in digital video customers
 
5

Asset acquisitions
 
5

 
 
 
 
 
$
(22
)



24



Internet ARPU remained constant at $42 during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011. Residential Internet customers grew by 299,000 customers from March 31, 2011 to March 31, 2012, or 280,000 customers after giving effect to asset acquisitions. The increase in Internet revenues from our residential customers is attributable to the following (dollars in millions):

 
 
Three months ended
March 31, 2012
compared to
three months ended
March 31, 2011
Increase / (Decrease)
 
 
 
Increase in residential Internet customers
 
$
30

Service level changes and price adjustments
 
7

Asset acquisitions
 
2

 
 
 
 
 
$
39


Telephone ARPU decreased from $41 for the three months ended March 31, 2011 to $40 for the three months ended March 31, 2012. The decrease is due to increased value based packages and bundling. Residential telephone customers grew by 81,000 customers from March 31, 2011 to March 31, 2012, or 76,000 customers after giving effect to asset acquisitions. The increase in telephone revenues from our residential customers is attributable to the following (dollars in millions):

 
 
Three months ended
March 31, 2012
compared to
three months ended
March 31, 2011
Increase / (Decrease)
 
 
 
Increase in residential telephone customers
 
$
9

Price adjustments and service level changes
 
(5
)
Asset acquisitions
 
1

 
 
 
 
 
$
5


Commercial revenues consist primarily of revenues from services provided to our commercial customers. Increases in commercial revenues were the result of improved sales productivity, line extensions for carrier and small and medium business customers and deployment of DOCSIS 3.0, which enables us to deliver higher speeds and improved reliability to our non-fiber commercial customers. Commercial PSUs increased 53,000 from March 31, 2011 to March 31, 2012, and after giving effect to asset acquisitions, commercial PSUs increased 44,000. The increase in commercial revenues is attributable to the following (dollars in millions):
 
 
Three months ended
March 31, 2012
compared to
three months ended
March 31, 2011
Increase / (Decrease)
 
 
 
Sales to small-to-medium sized business customers
 
$
21

Carrier site customers
 
4

Other
 
1

 
 
 
 
 
$
26




25



Advertising sales revenues consist primarily of revenues from commercial advertising customers, programmers and other vendors. Advertising sales revenues increased for the three months ended March 31, 2012 as a result of an increase in revenue from the political and automotive sectors combined with a $3 million change to account for revenues received from selling advertising for third parties on a gross basis rather than a net basis. For each of the three-month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, we received $10 million in advertising sales revenues from vendors.

Other revenues consist of home shopping, late payment fees, wire maintenance fees and other miscellaneous revenues. The increase during the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011was primarily the result of increases in late payment fees.

Operating expenses. The increase in our operating expenses is attributable to the following (dollars in millions):

 
 
Three months ended
March 31, 2012
compared to
three months ended
March 31, 2011
Increase / (Decrease)
 
 
 
Programming costs
 
$
22

Service labor costs
 
15

Maintenance costs
 
4

Cost of providing Internet and telephone services
 
(4
)
Other, net
 
5

Asset acquisitions
 
4

 
 
 
 
 
$
46


Programming costs were approximately $491 million and $466 million, representing 60% and 61% of total operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Programming costs consist primarily of costs paid to programmers for basic, digital, premium, OnDemand, and pay-per-view programming. The increases in programming costs are primarily a result of annual contractual rate adjustments, including increases in amounts paid for retransmission consents and for new programming, offset in part by customer losses. Programming costs were also offset by the amortization of payments received from programmers of $1 million and $2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. We expect programming expenses to continue to increase due to a variety of factors, including increased demands by owners of some broadcast stations for carriage of other services or payments to those broadcasters for retransmission consent, annual increases imposed by programmers with additional selling power as a result of media consolidation, and additional programming, including new sports services and non-linear programming for on-line and OnDemand programming. We have been unable to fully pass these increases on to our customers nor do we expect to be able to do so in the future without a potential loss of customers.

Service labor increased $15 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 due to a higher number of installations resulting in more reconnect expense along with decreases in productivity related to our investment in the customer experience transformation.


26



Selling, general and administrative expenses. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses is attributable to the following (dollars in millions):
 
 
Three months ended
March 31, 2012
compared to
three months ended
March 31, 2011
Increase / (Decrease)
 
 
 
Marketing costs
 
$
12

Commercial services
 
5

Customer care costs
 
6

Stock compensation
 
5

Bad debt and collection costs
 
(3
)
Asset sales and acquisitions
 
2

 
 
 
 
 
$
27


The increase in marketing costs for the three months ended March 31, 2012 is the result of increased brand and media investment, channel development and increased marketing efforts for commercial.

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $25 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011 primarily representing depreciation on more recent capital expenditures, offset by certain assets becoming fully depreciated.

Other operating expenses, net. The decrease in other operating expenses, net is attributable to the following (dollars in millions):

 
 
Three months ended
March 31, 2012
compared to
three months ended
March 31, 2011
Increase / (Decrease)
 
 
 
Increase in losses on sales of assets
 
$
1

Decrease in special charges, net
 
(3
)
 
 
 
 
 
$
(2
)

The change in special charges in the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the prior period is a result of a decrease in severance charges. For more information, see Note 8 to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements contained in “Item 1. Financial Statements.”

Interest expense, net. Net interest expense increased by $4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011 which was primarily a result of an increase in our weighted average debt outstanding from $12.4 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2011 to $12.9 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2012 offset by a decrease in our average interest rate from 7.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2011 to 6.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

Loss on extinguishment of debt. Loss on extinguishment of debt for the three months ended March 31, 2012 represents the loss recognized on the repayment of certain of Charter Communications Operating, LLC (“Charter Operating”) and CCH II, LLC notes with proceeds from the issuance of $750 million principal amount of CCO Holdings, LLC (“CCO Holdings”) 6.625% senior notes due 2022. Loss on extinguishment of debt for the three months ended March 31, 2011 represents the loss recognized on the repayment of indebtedness under the Charter Operating credit facilities with the proceeds of the issuance of $1.4 billion principal amount of CCO Holdings 7.00% senior notes due 2019. For more information, see Note 4 to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements contained in “Item 1. Financial Statements ”


27




Income tax expense. Income tax expense was recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 through increases in deferred tax liabilities related to our investment in Charter Holdco and certain of our indirect subsidiaries, in addition to current state income tax expense. 

Net loss. Net loss decreased from $110 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 to $94 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 primarily as a result of the factors described above.

Loss per common share. During the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011, net loss per common share decreased by $0.02 as a result of the factors described above offset by a decrease in our weighted average shares outstanding as a result of the repurchase of 14.6 million Charter Class A common shares during the year ended December 31, 2011.

Use of Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow

We use certain measures that are not defined by GAAP to evaluate various aspects of our business. Adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow are non-GAAP financial measures and should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, net loss and net cash flows from operating activities reported in accordance with GAAP. These terms, as defined by us, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. Adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow are reconciled to consolidated net loss and net cash flows from operating activities, respectively, below.

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net loss plus net interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock compensation expense, loss on extinguishment of debt and other operating expenses, such as special charges and loss on sale or retirement of assets. As such, it eliminates the significant non-cash depreciation and amortization expense that results from the capital-intensive nature of our businesses as well as other non-cash or special items, and is unaffected by our capital structure or investment activities. Adjusted EBITDA is used by management and Charter’s board of directors to evaluate the performance of our business. For this reason, it is a significant component of Charter’s annual incentive compensation program. However, this measure is limited in that it does not reflect the periodic costs of certain capitalized tangible and intangible assets used in generating revenues and our cash cost of financing. Management evaluates these costs through other financial measures.

Free cash flow is defined as net cash flows from operating activities, less capital expenditures and changes in accrued expenses related to capital expenditures.

We believe that Adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow provide information useful to investors in assessing our performance and our ability to service our debt, fund operations and make additional investments with internally generated funds. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA generally correlates to the leverage ratio calculation under our credit facilities or outstanding notes to determine compliance with the covenants contained in the facilities and notes (all such documents have been previously filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission). For the purpose of calculating compliance with leverage covenants, we use Adjusted EBITDA, as presented, excluding certain expenses paid by our operating subsidiaries to other Charter entities. Our debt covenants refer to these expenses as management fees, which fees were in the amount of $41 million and $35 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.


28



 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
 
 
 
Net loss
$
(94
)
 
$
(110
)
Plus: Interest expense, net
237

 
233

Income tax expense
71

 
79

Depreciation and amortization
408

 
383

Stock compensation expense
11

 
6

Loss on extinguishment of debt
15

 
67

Other, net
4

 
5

 
 
 
 
Adjusted EBITDA
$
652

 
$
663

 
 
 
 
Net cash flows from operating activities
$
454

 
$
447

Less: Purchases of property, plant and equipment
(340
)
 
(356
)
Change in accrued expenses related to capital expenditures
(12
)
 
(19
)
 
 
 
 
Free cash flow
$
102

 
$
72


Liquidity and Capital Resources

Introduction

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

Recent Events

In April 2012, Charter Operating entered into a senior secured term loan D facility pursuant to the terms of the Charter Operating credit agreement providing for $750 million of term loans with a final maturity date of May 15, 2019. Pricing on the new term loan D was set at LIBOR plus 3% with a LIBOR floor of 1%, and issued at a price of 99.5% of the aggregate principal amount. The proceeds were used to refinance Charter Operating's existing term loan B-1 and term loan B-2, both due 2014, with the remaining amount used to pay down a portion of its existing term loan C due 2016. Charter Operating concurrently amended and restated its existing $1.3 billion revolving credit facility with a new $1.15 billion revolving credit facility due 2017 at the interest rate of LIBOR plus 2.25% and amended and restated its existing credit agreement dated March 31, 2010 (the “Existing Credit Agreement”). The amendments to the Existing Credit Agreement included, among other things, certain allowances under the negative covenants, the calculation of certain financial covenants and changes to the related financial definitions, and the thresholds for certain events of default.

In April 2012, CCO Holdings entered into an amendment to its existing credit agreement dated March 6, 2007 which included, among other things, amendments to the Change of Control definition and certain other provisions and definitions related thereto. The Change of Control definition was amended to conform to the provision contained in Charter Operating's credit agreement so that a Change in Control would now occur upon both the consummation of any transaction resulting in any person or group having power to vote more than 50% of the ordinary voting power and a Ratings Event as defined in the credit agreement. Previously, the percentage of voting power necessary for a Change of Control had been 35%, and the definition of Change of Control did not include a Ratings Event.

On April 30, 2012, $201 million aggregate principal amount of Charter Operating 8.00% senior second-lien notes matured and were paid off.

In April 2012, Charter entered into an employment agreement with John Bickham pursuant to which Mr. Bickham became the Chief Operating Officer of Charter.



29



Overview of Our Contractual Obligations and Liquidity

We have significant amounts of debt.  The accreted value of our debt as of March 31, 2012 was $12.8 billion, consisting of $4.3 billion of credit facility debt and $8.5 billion of high-yield notes. Our business requires significant cash to fund principal and interest payments on our debt.  As of March 31, 2012, $224 million of our long-term debt matures in 2012, $268 million in 2013, $504 million in 2014, $255 million in 2015, $4.1 billion in 2016 and $7.5 billion thereafter. As of December 31, 2011, as shown in our annual report on Form 10-K, we had other contractual obligations, including interest on our debt, totaling $6.2 billion. We also currently expect to incur capital expenditures of approximately $1.4 billion to $1.5 billion in 2012.

Our projected cash needs and projected sources of liquidity depend upon, among other things, our actual results, and the timing and amount of our expenditures. Free cash flow was $102 million and $72 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. We expect to continue to generate free cash flow for 2012. As of March 31, 2012, the amount available under our credit facilities was approximately $1.1 billion. We expect to utilize free cash flow and availability under our credit facilities as well as future refinancing transactions to further extend or reduce the maturities of our principal obligations. The timing and terms of any refinancing transactions will be subject to market conditions. Additionally, we may, from time to time, depending on market conditions and other factors, use cash on hand and the proceeds from securities offerings or other borrowings, to retire our debt through open market purchases, privately negotiated purchases, tender offers, or redemption provisions. We believe we have sufficient liquidity from cash on hand, free cash flow and Charter Operating’s revolving credit facility as well as access to the capital markets to fund our projected operating cash needs.

We continue to evaluate the deployment of our anticipated future free cash flow including to reduce our leverage, to invest in our business growth and other strategic opportunities, including mergers and acquisitions as well as stock repurchases and dividends. As possible acquisitions, swaps or dispositions arise in our industry, we actively review them against our objectives including, among other considerations, improving the operational efficiency and clustering of our business and achieving appropriate return targets, and we may participate to the extent we believe these possibilities present attractive opportunities. However, there can be no assurance that we will actually complete any acquisition, disposition or system swap or that any such transactions will be material to our operations or results.

Free Cash Flow

Free cash flow was $102 million and $72 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The increase in free cash flow is primarily due to changes in operating assets and liabilities, excluding the change in accrued interest, that provided $38 million more cash during the three months ended March 31, 2012 driven by collection of receivables and an increase in accounts payable.

Limitations on Distributions

Distributions by Charter’s subsidiaries to a parent company for payment of principal on parent company notes are restricted under indentures and credit facilities governing our indebtedness, unless there is no default under the applicable indenture and credit facilities, and unless each applicable subsidiary’s leverage ratio test is met at the time of such distribution. As of March 31, 2012, there was no default under any of these indentures or credit facilities and each subsidiary met its applicable leverage ratio tests based on March 31, 2012 financial results. Such distributions would be restricted, however, if any such subsidiary fails to meet these tests at the time of the contemplated distribution. 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 the contemplated distribution. Distributions by Charter Operating for payment of principal on parent company notes are further restricted by the covenants in its credit facilities.

Distributions by 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 and CCO Holdings and Charter Operating credit facilities.

In addition to the limitation on distributions under the various indentures discussed above, distributions by our subsidiaries may be limited by applicable law, including the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, under which our subsidiaries may only make distributions if they have “surplus” as defined in the act.



30



Historical Operating, Investing, and Financing Activities

Cash and Cash Equivalents. We held $31 million and $29 million in cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, including $27 million of restricted cash.

Operating Activities. Net cash provided by operating activities increased $7 million from $447 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 to $454 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, primarily due to changes in operating assets and liabilities, excluding the change in accrued interest and in liabilities related to capital expenditures, that provided $31 million more cash during 2012 driven by collection of receivables and an increase in accounts payable offset by a $14 million increase in cash paid for interest and lower adjusted EBITDA.

Investing Activities. Net cash used in investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was $365 million and $381 million, respectively. The decrease is primarily due to lower capital expenditures.

Financing Activities. Net cash used in financing activities was $87 million and $44 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The increase in cash used was primarily the result of an increase in the amount by which repayments of long term debt exceeded borrowings offset by decreases in purchases of treasury stock.

Capital Expenditures

We have significant ongoing capital expenditure requirements.  Capital expenditures were $340 million and $356 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The decrease was primarily due to timing of infrastructure spend offset by investments in customer premise equipment and installations to support customer growth. See the table below for more details. 

During 2012, we currently expect capital expenditures to be between $1.4 billion and $1.5 billion. The higher anticipated expenditures in 2012 relate to accelerated plans for commercial and residential customer growth, investments in our video product to provide for additional HD channels, and further investments in the customer experience, both in systems and the network. The actual amount of our capital expenditures depends on completion of an ambitious activity plan and will be subject to the growth rates of both our residential and commercial businesses.

Our capital expenditures are funded primarily from free cash flow and borrowings on our credit facility. In addition, our liabilities related to capital expenditures decreased by $12 million and $19 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

The following table presents our major capital expenditures categories in accordance with NCTA disclosure guidelines for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011. The disclosure is intended to provide more consistency in the reporting of capital expenditures among peer companies in the cable industry. These disclosure guidelines are not required disclosures under GAAP, nor do they impact our accounting for capital expenditures under GAAP (dollars in millions):

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2012
 
2011
 
 
 
 
Customer premise equipment (a)
$
173

 
$
157

Scalable infrastructure (b)
79

 
122

Line extensions (c)
26

 
20

Upgrade/rebuild (d)
7

 
5

Support capital (e)
55

 
52

 
 
 
 
Total capital expenditures (f)
$
340

 
$
356


(a)
Customer premise equipment includes costs incurred at the customer residence to secure new customers, revenue units and additional bandwidth revenues. It also includes customer installation costs and customer premise equipment (e.g., set-top boxes and cable modems).
(b)
Scalable infrastructure includes costs not related to customer premise equipment or our network, to secure growth of new customers, revenue units, and additional bandwidth revenues, or provide service enhancements (e.g., headend equipment).


31



(c)
Line extensions include network costs associated with entering new service areas (e.g., fiber/coaxial cable, amplifiers, electronic equipment, make-ready and design engineering).
(d)
Upgrade/rebuild includes costs to modify or replace existing fiber/coaxial cable networks, including betterments.
(e)
Support capital includes costs associated with the replacement or enhancement of non-network assets due to technological and physical obsolescence (e.g., non-network equipment, land, buildings and vehicles).
(f)
Total capital expenditures includes $38 million and $27 million of capital expenditures related to commercial services for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Item 3.     Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

We are exposed to various market risks, including fluctuations in interest rates. We have used interest rate swap agreements to manage our interest costs and reduce our exposure to increases in floating interest rates. We manage our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates by maintaining a mix of fixed and variable rate debt. Using interest rate swap agreements, including those entered into in April 2012 discussed below, we agree to exchange, at specified intervals through 2017, the difference between fixed and variable interest amounts calculated by reference to agreed-upon notional principal amounts.

As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the accreted value of our debt was approximately $12.8 billion and $12.9 billion, respectively.  As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the weighted average interest rate on the credit facility debt, including the effects of our interest rate swap agreements, was approximately 4.1% and 4.3%, respectively, and the weighted average interest rate on the high-yield notes was approximately 8.0% and 8.5%, respectively, resulting in a blended weighted average interest rate of 6.7% and 7.1%, respectively.  The interest rate on approximately 81% and 82% of the total principal amount of our debt was effectively fixed, including the effects of our interest rate swap agreements, as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

We do not hold or issue derivative instruments for speculative trading purposes. We have 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, realized derivative gains and losses offset related results on hedged items in the consolidated statements of operations. We formally document, designate and assess the effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting. For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 there was no cash flow hedge ineffectiveness on interest rate swap agreements.

Changes in the fair value of interest rate agreements that are designated as hedging instruments of the variability of cash flows associated with floating-rate debt obligations, and that meet effectiveness criteria are reported in other comprehensive loss. For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, a gain of $1 million and $11 million, respectively, was recorded in other comprehensive loss. The amounts are subsequently reclassified as an increase or decrease to interest expense in the same periods in which the related interest on the floating-rate debt obligations affects earnings (losses).



32



The table set forth below summarizes the fair values and contract terms of financial instruments subject to interest rate risk maintained by us as of March 31, 2012 (dollars in millions):

 
 
2012
 
2013
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
Thereafter
 
Total
 
Fair Value at March 31, 2012
Debt:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed Rate
 
$
201

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,146

 
$
7,000

 
$
8,347

 
$
9,001

Average Interest Rate
 
8.00
%
 

 

 

 
13.50
%
 
7.16
%
 
8.05
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Variable Rate
 
$
23

 
$
268

 
$
504

 
$
255

 
$
2,911

 
$
525

 
$
4,486

 
$
4,450

Average Interest Rate
 
3.73
%
 
2.63
%
 
3.58
%
 
4.45
%
 
5.46
%
 
5.06
%
 
4.97
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Rate Instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Variable to Fixed Rate
 
$

 
$
900

 
$
800

 
$
300

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,000

 
$
64

Average Pay Rate
 

 
5.21
%
 
5.65
%
 
5.99
%
 

 

 
5.50
%
 
 
Average Receive Rate
 

 
3.85
%
 
4.18
%
 
4.66
%
 

 

 
4.10
%
 
 

At March 31, 2012, we had $2.0 billion in notional amounts of interest rate swaps outstanding. The notional amounts of interest rate instruments do not represent amounts exchanged by the parties and, thus, are not a measure of our exposure to credit loss. The amounts exchanged are determined by reference to the notional amount and the other terms of the contracts. The estimated fair value is determined using a present value calculation based on an implied forward LIBOR curve (adjusted for Charter Operating’s or counterparties’ credit risk). Interest rates on variable debt are estimated using the average implied forward LIBOR for the year of maturity based on the yield curve in effect at March 31, 2012 including applicable bank spread.

In April 2012, we entered into $1.1 billion in notional amounts of delayed start interest rate swap agreements, extending until 2016 and 2017 a portion of the portfolio that is scheduled to expire in 2013 through 2015.

Item 4.     Controls and Procedures.

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

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

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the first quarter of 2012 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.



33



PART II

Item 1.     Legal Proceedings.

We are party to lawsuits and claims that arise in the ordinary course of conducting our business, including lawsuits claiming infringement of various patents relating to various aspects of our businesses and lawsuits claiming violation of anti-trust laws and violation of wage and hour laws.  The ultimate outcome of these other legal matters pending against us or our subsidiaries cannot be predicted, and although such lawsuits and claims are not expected individually to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity, such lawsuits could have in the aggregate a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.  Whether or not we ultimately prevail in any particular lawsuit or claim, litigation can be time consuming and costly and injure our reputation.

Item 1A.     Risk Factors.

Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 includes “Risk Factors” under Item 1A of Part I. There have been no material changes from the risk factors described in our Form 10-K.

Item 2.     Unregistered Sales of Equity Proceeds and Use of Proceeds.

(C) Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer

The following table presents Charter's purchases of equity securities completed during the first quarter of 2012.





Period



(a)
Total Number of Shares Purchased



(b)
Average Price Paid per Share
(c)
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
(d)
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
January 1 - 31, 2012
1,476 (1)
$56.98
N/A
N/A
February 1 - 29, 2012
3,858 (1)
$63.08
N/A
N/A
March 1 - 31, 2012
24 (1)
$63.36
N/A
N/A

(1)
In January, February and March 2012, Charter withheld 1,476, 3,858 and 24 shares of its common stock, respectively, in payment of income tax withholding owed by employees upon vesting of restricted shares and restricted stock units.

Item 6.     Exhibits.

The index to the exhibits begins on page E-1 of this quarterly report.






34



SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Charter Communications, Inc. has duly caused this quarterly report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 

 
 
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.,
 
 
Registrant
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:
 
/s/ Kevin D. Howard
 
 
 
 
Kevin D. Howard
 
 
 
 
Senior Vice President - Finance, Controller and
Date: May 8, 2012
 
 
 
Chief Accounting Officer



S-1




Exhibit Index

Exhibit
 
Description
 
 
 
10.1*
 
Charter Communications, Inc. Executive Bonus Plan
10.2
 
Amendment No. 1, dated as of April 25, 2012, to the Credit Agreement, dated as of March 6, 2007 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time), among CCO Holdings, LLC, as the Borrower, the lenders parties thereto, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as the Administrative Agent, and the other parties thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the current report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on April 30, 2012 (File No. 001-33664)).
10.3
 
Incremental Activation Notice, dated as of April 11, 2012 delivered by Charter Communications Operating, LLC (the “Borrower”), CCO Holdings LLC (“Holdings”), the Subsidiary Guarantors party thereto and each Term D Lender and New Revolving Lender party thereto to Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent (the “Agent”) under that certain credit agreement (as amended, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time), dated as of March 18, 1999 as amended and restated as of March 31, 2010, by and among the Borrower, Holdings, the financial institutions party thereto from time to time and the Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the current report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on April 17, 2012 (File No. 001-33664)).
10.4
 
Restatement Agreement, dated as of April 11, 2012 (the “Restatement Agreement”), to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of March 18, 1999 and amended and restated on March 31, 2010 (as amended and in effect immediately prior to the New Restatement Effective Date (as defined in the Restatement Agreement)) by and among Charter Communications Operating, LLC, CCO Holdings, LLC, the lenders party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the current report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on April 17, 2012 (File No. 001-33664)).
12.1*
 
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
31.1*
 
Certificate of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/Rule 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
31.2*
 
Certificate of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/Rule 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
32.1*
 
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Chief Executive Officer).
32.2*
 
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Chief Financial Officer).
101
 
The following financial information from the Quarterly Report of Charter Communications, Inc. on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2012, filed with the SEC on May 8, 2012, formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language: (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (v) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


_____________
*
Document attached.




E-1