CONNECTIVITY
YOU CAN
COUNT ON.
2021 ANNUAL REPORT
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ACCESS FOR ALL MEANS
OPPORTUNITY
FOR EVERYONE
Charter is driving innovation and growing economies,
in communities large and small, from cities to farmland,
coast to coast. We’re breaking down barriers to
connectivity, helping to close the digital divide,
expanding our network into lower density rural areas and
providing more speed to more homes and businesses
across the country.
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS
1
INVESTING
IN TECHNOLOGY AND
INFRASTRUCTURE.
From 2017-2021 alone, we’ve invested over $40 billion
in infrastructure and technology. Our network, nearly
800,000 miles long, spanning 41 states, delivers 1 Gig
speeds across our entire footprint. And, with our path
to 10G in place, our network is poised to power the
future. Our technology will revolutionize the way
consumers manage their digital lives.
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS
3
SUPERIOR PRODUCTS
EXCEPTIONAL
VALUE
As a leading broadband connectivity company, we provide
our customers with superior products that stay ahead of
technology advances. We stand behind our full-range of
state-of-the art residential, business and enterprise services
with a commitment to quality and innovation to better serve
each and every one of our customers.
SPEED
We’re providing access to more speed in more places
coast to coast. That means 1 Gig speeds across our
entire footprint along with starting speeds at 200
Mbps. Our fiber-powered network is built to combine
Internet and Mobile to provide a better, and seamless,
experience for our customers.
SERVICE
With a U.S.-based workforce, over 93,000 strong,
we work to ensure all of our customers have the
support they need to get the most out of their
Spectrum services including bilingual call centers
and a new Disability Support Team launched in 2021.
SECURITY
Advanced Home WiFi provides more control over
a customer’s wireless network than ever before.
It’s now available to nearly all Spectrum Internet®
customers, delivering security, reliability and the
fastest speeds to every corner of the home.
VALUE
Our strength is founded on saving customers money
while providing faster speeds to meet growing data
consumption demand. We consistently deliver a
better customer experience based on speed, security
and reliability.
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS
5
“
Our network allows us
to deliver a unique fully
converged wireline and mobile
connectivity service package
while saving customers
hundreds, or even thousands,
of dollars per year.”
Thomas M. Rutledge
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
DEAR SHAREHOLDERS:
We continued to execute well in 2021, with strong customer and financial growth.
For the full year 2021, we added 940,000 new customer relationships and over 1.2 million net new Internet
customers. We also grew our mobile lines by 1.2 million in 2021, despite an operating environment that remains
unusual. The market effects of COVID-19 have not yet passed and market churn remains historically low, which has
muted selling and disconnect activity and reduced customer transaction costs.
We generated strong financial growth in 2021, growing full year revenue and Adjusted EBITDA1 by 7.5% and 11.4%,
respectively. And net income attributable to Charter shareholders increased by 44% to $4.7 billion and free cash
flow1 grew by 23% year-over-year to $8.7 billion.
As we look forward to the rest of 2022, we remain focused on several strategic priorities and goals, including,
• Driving customer growth and penetration,
50000
20000
• Developing our products and network,
30000
40000
30000
20000
10000
0
• Expanding and digitizing our customer self-service and self-care capabilities, and
25000
• Executing our rural construction initiative.
15000
20000
Fundamental to our success is the delivery of products and services that are superior to what our competitors
can offer. Delivering more speed to our Internet customers remains a key area of focus. In order to increase the
capacity of our network for next generation products and services, we have developed a multi-faceted approach
10000
to our network evolution. That approach is comprised of a number of technologies that will deliver bi-directional
multi-gigabit Internet speeds with the lowest latency, at the lowest cost and time to deploy. In 2022, we will begin a
15000
5000
10000
5000
number of projects to deploy capacity enhancements in our service areas, which will allow us to comfortably offer
2020
2020
2020
2019
2019
2019
2021
2021
2021
0
0
symmetrical gigabit speeds and multi-gigabit speeds in the downstream.
REVENUE
(IN MILLIONS)
ADJUSTED EBITDA1
(IN MILLIONS)
+7%
+11%
2
8
6
,
1
5
$
,
7
9
0
8
4
$
,
4
6
7
5
4
$
0
3
6
0
2
$
,
,
8
1
5
8
1
$
5
5
8
6
1
$
,
RESIDENTIAL &
SMALL AND MEDIUM
BUSINESS CUSTOMERS
(IN THOUSANDS)
+3%
0
3
1
,
1
3
9
6
0
,
2
3
5
3
2
,
9
2
2019
2020
2021
2019
2020
2021
2019
2020
2021
1 Adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow are non-GAAP measures and are defined and reconciled to the most comparable GAAP measures starting on page
F-49 of this document.
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS
7
Another critical piece of our long-term strategy is treating customer service as a product itself, and giving customers
the flexibility to manage their Spectrum services and interactions with us, whenever and however they want. We
continue to work on improving the quality and efficiency of our interactions with customers by expanding our
customer self-service and self-care capabilities, and digitizing and modernizing our customer, field and network
operations groups.
Our rural construction initiative also remains a key growth priority. Our multiyear, multibillion-dollar construction
project will deliver gigabit high-speed broadband access to more than 1 million unserved rural customer locations
across the country. Through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund or RDOF, we will add over 100,000 miles of new
network infrastructure over the next five years to our approximately 800,000 existing miles. Ultimately, our rural
construction initiative is not only good for the millions of rural consumers that will finally have access to fast and
reliable Internet, but it is also good for Charter and its shareholders. The expansion of our footprint will help us drive
additional customer growth and financial returns.
Finally, we remain focused on driving customer growth, capturing market share and increasing penetration by
offering high-quality products and service at attractive prices.
Our network allows us to deliver a unique fully converged wireline and mobile connectivity service package while
saving customers hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars per year. And our share of household connectivity spend,
including mobile and fixed broadband, is still very low. In fact, we only capture about 27%1 of household spend on
wireline and mobile connectivity within our footprint. There is a large opportunity for us to increase market share by
saving customers money, and through our mobile offering, we are doing that.
So far, we have seen a very strong response to our converged mobile and fixed broadband offering, with 380,000
mobile line net additions in the fourth quarter—our strongest quarter for mobile line net additions yet. In fact, we
ended the year with 3.6 million mobile customers and continue to gain mobile lines at a rapid pace because of the
value in our bundled service offering.
As always, we are highly focused on the execution of our long-term strategic initiatives and goals, and continue to
make investments that will enhance our customer growth and improve long-term financial performance. We remain
very well positioned in the marketplace and our success will drive more EBITDA and free cash flow per customer and
passing, creating value for Charter shareholders.
1 Source: S&P Global / Kagan and Charter estimates.
8
2021 ANNUAL REPORT
In closing, I would like to highlight our recently announced management changes and promotions.
•
On October 19, we announced that John Bickham has been appointed Vice Chairman, ahead of his previously
announced retirement at the end of 2022. I have worked with John for three decades. And at every turn, his
knowledge, leadership and steady hand have not only contributed greatly to the success of the companies we
led, but made a profound impact on the growth of our industry. I am grateful that John will continue to serve
Charter in this new capacity, as a strategic advisor to the executive team.
•
We also recently announced that Chris Winfrey has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer. Over the past
11 years, Chris’ influence on Charter has expanded far beyond that of a typical Chief Financial Officer. He has
been actively involved in our business operations. His deep knowledge of our operations, combined with his
previous operational experience in Europe, will serve us well as Charter’s new Chief Operating Officer.
•
As Chris moves to Chief Operating Officer, we have promoted Jessica Fischer, previously Executive Vice
President of Finance, to Chief Financial Officer. Jessica’s leadership and financial expertise have benefited
Charter for many years, both in her roles at Charter and while a partner at EY, where she was a key advisor
during our 2016 transactions. In her new role, Jessica will have an even greater impact on Charter’s success.
•
Finally, Rich DiGeronimo, our Chief Product and Technology Officer, adds oversight of network and software
operations to his current responsibilities leading the product and technology organization. With expanded
responsibility, Rich will both shape the customer experience and lead our network’s critical evolution into the
10G future, delivering to our customers a superior broadband connectivity experience.
I would like to thank all of our employees for their dedication to our customers and to Charter. The hard work of Charter’s
over 93,000 employees has been remarkable. I would also like to thank all of our investors for their continued support.
Best Regards,
T H E C H A R T E R F O O T P R I N T
Thomas M. Rutledge
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Charter Communications
Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: CHTR) is
a leading broadband connectivity company and cable
operator serving more than 32 million customers in
41 states through its Spectrum brand. Over an advanced
communications network, the company offers a full range
of state-of-the-art residential and business services
including Spectrum Internet®, TV, Mobile and Voice.
For small and medium-sized companies, Spectrum
Business® delivers the same suite of broadband products
and ser vices coupled with special features and
applications to enhance productivity, while for larger
businesses and government entities, Spectrum Enterprise
provides highly customized, fiber-based solutions.
Spectrum Reach® delivers tailored advertising and
production for the modern media landscape. The
company also distributes award-winning news coverage,
sports and high-quality original programming to its
customers through Spectrum Networks and Spectrum
Originals. More information about Charter can be found
at Corporate.Charter.Com.
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS
9
CORPORATE
RESPONSIBILITY
SP EC TRUM COMMUNIT Y IMPAC T
Charter invests in communities where our customers and
employees live and work, helping communities become
more connected, stronger, and better prepared for the
future. We are committed to impacting lives based on
community improvement goals that are realized through
the provision of high-quality and affordable services,
programs focused on strategic philanthropic investments,
in-kind support, and employee engagement.
SPECTRUM COMMUNITY ASSIST
In the fall of 2020, Charter completed its signature philanthropic program, Spectrum
Housing Assist, and met our goal of improving 50,000 homes across the country.
Building on the success of Spectrum Housing Assist, in 2021, Charter launched Spectrum
Community Assist (“SCA”), a $30 million, five-year philanthropic initiative aimed at
improving community centers in rural and urban areas and investing in job training
programs in underserved communities across the company’s 41-state footprint. Charter’s
goal is to improve 100 community centers in both urban and rural communities across the
country, impacting an estimated 50,000 local residents.
Through SCA, Charter partners with national and local nonprofit organizations to
identify and improve community centers in need of support. The company invests in the
centers’ job training efforts with cash grants and in-kind contributions, improving physical
classroom spaces and providing technology to enhance participants’ learning experience,
including laptops and classroom furniture. Additionally, because broadband is a critical component of a community
center’s infrastructure, Charter is providing each community center with our advanced 1 gigabit per second (“Gbps”)
Internet service. Revitalization events with employee and community volunteers are held at each center and include
building refurbishments and repairs.
SPECTRUM COMMUNITY INVESTMENT LOAN FUND
The Spectrum Community Investment Loan Fund (“Loan Fund”), with over $22 million in committed loan
capital, capacity grant donations, and in-kind contributions, invests in businesses in economically-underserved
communities. By offering loans directly to local businesses or through Community Development Financial
Institutions (“CDFIs”), the Loan Fund provides growth capital, creating new jobs and strengthening the economic
infrastructure in both rural and urban areas. Through partnerships with organizations like the National Urban
League, National Action Network, and the National Asian American Coalition, the Loan Fund directly invests in
the communities where Charter’s employees and customers live and work, and issues grants to provide technical
assistance and small business education to local business owners. The Loan Fund has made commitments to
CDFIs in 14 states, covering nearly 85% of the Company’s footprint.
SPECTRUM DIGITAL EDUCATION
Charter funds programs offering broadband education, training, and technology through Spectrum Digital
Education. The nonprofit organizations that receive grants through this program align with the Company’s desire
to educate community members on the benefits of broadband and how to use it to improve their lives.
In 2021, Charter awarded $1 million in grants, increasing the program’s total investment to $7 million in grants plus
in-kind donations—all in support of broadband educations across the Company’s footprint—since the program
launched in 2017.
SPECTRUM EMPLOYEE COMMUNITY GRANTS
Spectrum Employee Community Grants assist nonprofit organizations where our employees volunteer that
provide critical services, such as food pantries, homeless shelters, and job placement programs. Employees who
have volunteered with the nonprofit for at least one year nominate organizations to receive funding, enabling them
to further their missions in local communities.
Since July 2019, Charter has distributed 395 Spectrum Employee Community Grants totaling $1.1 million including
in-kind contributions.
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS
11
OPERATING SUMMARY
Financial Information
For the year ended December 31, (in millions, except ARPU data)
Revenue
Adjusted EBITDA1
Income from operations
Free cash flow1
Net cash flows from operating activities
Capital expenditures
Monthly residential revenue per residential customer
Operating Statistics2
Approximate as of December 31, (in thousands, except penetration data)
Footprint
Estimated passings
Customer Relationships
Residential
Small and Medium Business
Total customer relationships
Total customer relationship penetration of estimated passings
Single Play Penetration
Double Play Penetration
Triple Play Penetration
% Residential non-video customer relationships
Internet
Residential
Small and Medium Business
Total Internet customers
Video
Residential
Small and Medium Business
Total Video customers
Voice
Residential
Small and Medium Business
Total Voice customers
2021
$51,682
$20,630
$10,526
$ 8,684
$16,239
$ 7,635
$113.61
2020
$ 48,097
$ 18,518
$ 8,405
$ 7,070
$ 14,562
$ 7,415
$ 111.15
2021
2020
54,521
53,416
29,926
2,143
32,069
58.8%
46.7%
33.0%
20.4%
49.2%
28,137
1,952
30,089
15,216
617
15,833
8,621
1,282
9,903
29,079
2,051
31,130
58.3%
44.5%
32.7%
22.9%
46.2%
27,023
1,856
28,879
15,639
561
16,200
9,215
1,224
10,439
1 See use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures on page F-49 of this Annual Report.
2 See page 4 of the 10-K section included in this Annual Report. The footnotes contain important disclosures regarding the definitions used for these operating statistics.
12
2021 ANNUAL REPORT
FORM10-K
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
______________
FORM 10-K
______________
(Mark One)
☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021
or
☐ 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
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or
organization)
84-1496755
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
400 Washington Blvd.
Stamford Connecticut
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
06902
(Zip Code)
(203) 905-7801
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A Common Stock $.001 Par Value
CHTR
NASDAQ Global Select Market
Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No x
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 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 “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.:
Large accelerated filer x
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o
Smaller reporting company ☐
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or
revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control
over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its
audit report. ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No x
The aggregate market value of the registrant of outstanding Class A common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant at June 30, 2021 was approximately
$90.2 billion, computed based on the closing sale price as quoted on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on that date. For purposes of this calculation only,
directors, executive officers and the principal controlling shareholders or entities controlled by such controlling shareholders of the registrant are deemed to be
affiliates of the registrant.
There were 172,741,236 shares of Class A common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2021. There was 1 share of Class B common stock outstanding as of
the same date.
Documents Incorporated By Reference
Information required by Part III is incorporated by reference from Registrant’s proxy statement or an amendment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K to be
filed no later than 120 days after the end of the Registrant's fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
FORM 10-K — FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No.
Business
Risk Factors
Unresolved Staff Comments
Properties
Legal Proceedings
Mine Safety Disclosures
Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of
Equity Securities
[Reserved]
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Controls and Procedures
Other Information
Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdiction that Prevent Inspections
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Executive Compensation
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder
Matters
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
Form 10-K Summary
PART I
Item 1
Item 1A
Item 1B
Item 2
Item 3
Item 4
PART II
Item 5
Item 6
Item 7
Item 7A
Item 8
Item 9
Item 9A
Item 9B
Item 9C
PART III
Item 10
Item 11
Item 12
Item 13
Item 14
PART IV
Item 15
Item 16
Signatures
Exhibit Index
1
17
26
26
26
26
27
28
28
43
44
44
44
44
44
45
45
45
45
45
46
46
S-1
E-1
This annual report on Form 10-K is for the year ended December 31, 2021. The United States Securities and Exchange
Commission (“SEC”) allows us to “incorporate by reference” information that we file with the SEC, which means that we can
disclose important information to you by referring you directly to those documents. Information incorporated by reference is
considered to be part of this annual report. In addition, information that we file with the SEC in the future will automatically
update and supersede information contained in this annual report. In this annual report, “Charter,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to
Charter Communications, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
i
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:
This annual 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 Part I. Item 1. under the heading “Business” and in Part II. Item 7. under the heading
“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this annual 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 in Part I. Item 1A.
under “Risk Factors” and in Part II. Item 7. under the heading, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations” in this annual report. Many of the forward-looking statements contained in this annual 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,” “designed,” “create,” “predict,”
“project,” “initiatives,” “seek,” “would,” “could,” “continue,” “ongoing,” “upside,” “increases,” “grow,” “focused on” and
“potential,” among others. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking
statements we make in this annual report are set forth in this annual 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 cash flow from operations by offering Internet, video, voice, mobile,
advertising and other services to residential and commercial customers, to adequately meet the customer experience
demands in our service areas 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;
the impact of competition from other market participants, including but not limited to incumbent telephone companies,
direct broadcast satellite ("DBS") operators, wireless broadband and telephone providers, digital subscriber line (“DSL”)
providers, fiber to the home providers and providers of video content over broadband Internet connections;
general business conditions, unemployment levels and the level of activity in the housing sector and economic uncertainty
or downturn, including the impacts of the Novel Coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic to sales opportunities from
residential move activity, our customers, our vendors and local, state and federal governmental responses to the pandemic;
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 and distribution requirements);
our ability to develop and deploy new products and technologies including consumer services and service platforms;
any events that disrupt our networks, information systems or properties and impair our operating activities or our
reputation;
the effects of governmental regulation on our business including subsidies to consumers, subsidies and incentives for
competitors, costs, disruptions and possible limitations on operating flexibility related to, and our ability to comply with,
regulatory conditions applicable to us;
the ability to hire and retain key personnel;
our ability to procure necessary services and equipment from our vendors in a timely manner and at reasonable costs;
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 annual report.
ii
Item 1. Business.
Introduction
PART I
We are a leading broadband connectivity company and cable operator serving more than 32 million customers in 41 states
through our Spectrum brand. Over an advanced high-capacity, two-way telecommunications network, we offer a full range of
state-of-the-art residential and business services including Spectrum Internet®, TV, Mobile and Voice. For small and medium-
sized companies, Spectrum Business® delivers the same suite of broadband products and services coupled with special features
and applications to enhance productivity, while for larger businesses and government entities, Spectrum Enterprise provides
highly customized, fiber-based solutions. Spectrum Reach® delivers tailored advertising and production for the modern media
landscape. We also distribute award-winning news coverage, sports and high-quality original programming to our customers
through Spectrum Networks and Spectrum Originals.
Our network, which we own and operate, passes over 54 million households and small and medium businesses ("SMBs") across
the United States. Our core strategy is to use our network to deliver high quality products at competitive prices, combined with
outstanding customer service. This strategy, combined with simple, easy to understand pricing and packaging, is central to our
goal of growing our customer base while selling more of our core connectivity services, which include both fixed and mobile
Internet, video and voice services, to each customer. We execute this strategy by managing our operations in a consumer-
friendly, efficient and cost-effective manner. Our operating strategy includes insourcing nearly all of our customer care and
field operations workforces, which results in higher quality customer service. While an insourced operating model can increase
the field operations and customer care costs associated with individual service transactions, the higher quality nature of
insourced labor service transactions significantly reduces the volume of service transactions per customer, more than offsetting
the higher investment made in each insourced service transaction. As we reduce the number of service transactions and
recurring costs per customer relationship, we continue to provide our customers with products and prices that we believe
provide more value than what our competitors offer. The combination of offering high quality, competitively priced products
and outstanding service, allows us to both increase the number of customers we serve over our fully deployed network, and to
increase the number of products we sell to each customer. This combination also reduces the number of service transactions we
perform per relationship, yielding higher customer satisfaction and lower customer churn, resulting in lower costs to acquire
and serve customers and greater profitability.
We have enhanced our service operations to allow our customers to (1) more frequently interact with us through our customer
website and My Spectrum application, online chat and social media, (2) have their services installed at the time and in the
manner of their own choosing, including self-installation, and (3) receive a variety of video packages on an increasing number
of connected devices including those owned by us and those owned by the customer. By offering our customers growing levels
of choices in how they receive and install their services and how they interact with us, we are driving higher overall levels of
customer satisfaction and reducing our operating costs and capital expenditures per customer relationship. Ultimately, our
operating strategy enables us to offer high quality, competitively priced services profitably, while continuing to invest in new
products and services.
The capability and functionality of our network continues to grow in a number of areas, especially with respect to wireless
connectivity. Our Internet service offers consumers the ability to wirelessly connect to our network using WiFi technology. We
estimate that over 400 million devices are wirelessly connected to our network through WiFi. In addition, we extend Internet
connectivity to our customers beyond the home via our Spectrum Mobile™ product through our mobile virtual network
operator (“MVNO”) partnership agreement with Verizon Communications Inc. ("Verizon"). We intend to use Citizens
Broadband Radio Service (“CBRS”) Priority Access Licenses (“PALs”) that we purchased in 2020, along with unlicensed
CBRS spectrum, to build our own fifth generation ("5G") mobile data-only network on our existing infrastructure in targeted
geographies where there is high outdoor cellular traffic volume. This effort, in combination with our expanding WiFi network
and continued 5G enhancements within the MVNO partnership agreement, should position our mobile product for continued
customer experience and cost structure improvements.
Our principal executive offices are located at 400 Washington Blvd., Stamford, Connecticut 06902. Our telephone number is
(203) 905-7801, and we have a website accessible at ir.charter.com. Our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on
Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments thereto, are available on our website free of charge as soon
as reasonably practicable after they have been filed. The information posted on our website is not incorporated into this annual
report.
1
Corporate Entity Structure
The chart below sets forth our entity structure and that of our direct and indirect subsidiaries. The chart does not include all of
our affiliates and subsidiaries and, in some cases, we have combined separate entities for presentation purposes. The equity
ownership percentages shown below are approximations. Indebtedness amounts shown below are principal amounts as of
December 31, 2021. See Note 9 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements contained in “Part II. Item 8. Financial
Statements and Supplementary Data,” which also includes the accreted values of the indebtedness described below.
2
Footprint
We operate in geographically diverse areas which are managed centrally on a consolidated level. The map below highlights our
footprint as of December 31, 2021.
Products and Services
We offer our customers subscription-based Internet services, video services, and mobile and voice services. Our services are
offered to residential and commercial customers on a subscription basis, with prices and related charges based on the types of
service selected, whether the services are sold as a “bundle” or on an individual basis, and based on the equipment necessary to
receive our services. Bundled services are available to substantially all of our passings, and approximately 53% of our
residential customers subscribe to a bundle of services including some combination of our Internet, video and/or voice products.
3
The following table summarizes our customer statistics for Internet, video, voice and mobile as of December 31, 2021 and 2020
(in thousands except per customer data and footnotes).
Approximate as of
December 31,
2021 (a)
2020 (a)
Customer Relationships (b)
Residential
SMB
Total Customer Relationships
Monthly Residential Revenue per Residential Customer (c)
Monthly SMB Revenue per SMB Customer (d)
29,926
2,143
32,069
$
$
113.61 $
165.50 $
Internet
Residential
SMB
Total Internet Customers
Video
Residential
SMB
Total Video Customers
Voice
Residential
SMB
Total Voice Customers
Mobile Lines
Residential
SMB
Total Mobile Lines
Enterprise Primary Service Units ("PSUs") (e)
28,137
1,952
30,089
15,216
617
15,833
8,621
1,282
9,903
3,448
116
3,564
272
29,079
2,051
31,130
111.15
165.60
27,023
1,856
28,879
15,639
561
16,200
9,215
1,224
10,439
2,320
55
2,375
259
(a) We calculate the aging of customer accounts based on the monthly billing cycle for each account. On that basis, as of
December 31, 2021 and 2020, customers include approximately 150,700 and 168,400 customers, respectively, whose
accounts were over 60 days past due, approximately 39,900 and 17,800 customers, respectively, whose accounts were
over 90 days past due, and approximately 43,500 and 11,100 customers, respectively, whose accounts were over 120
days past due. The increase in the past due accounts is predominately due to pre-existing balances for customers
participating in the Emergency Broadband Benefit program through which a customer's monthly payment is subsidized
by the federal government.
(b) Customer relationships include the number of customers that receive one or more levels of service, encompassing
Internet, video and voice services, without regard to which service(s) such customers receive. Customers who reside
in residential multiple dwelling units (“MDUs”) and that are billed under bulk contracts are counted based on the
number of billed units within each bulk MDU. Total customer relationships exclude enterprise and mobile-only
customer relationships.
(c) Monthly residential revenue per residential customer is calculated as total residential annual revenue divided by twelve
divided by average residential customer relationships during the respective year and excludes mobile revenue and
customers.
(d) Monthly SMB revenue per SMB customer is calculated as total SMB annual revenue divided by twelve divided by
average SMB customer relationships during the respective year and excludes mobile revenue and customers.
(e) Enterprise PSUs represent the aggregate number of fiber service offerings counting each separate service offering at
each customer location as an individual PSU.
4
Residential Services
Connectivity Services
We provide our customers with a suite of connectivity services including fixed Internet, WiFi and mobile Internet which when
bundled together provides our customers with a differentiated Internet connectivity experience while saving consumers and
businesses money.
Our standard entry level fixed Internet download speed is at least 200 megabits per second (“Mbps”) in 85% of our footprint
and 100 Mbps across the remainder of our footprint, which among other things, allows several people within a single household
to stream high definition (“HD”) video content while simultaneously using our Internet service for other purposes.
Additionally, leveraging DOCSIS 3.1 technology, we offer Spectrum Internet Gig speed service (Internet speeds up to 1 gigabit
per second ("Gbps")) across our footprint.
We also offer an in-home WiFi product that provides our Internet customers with high performance wireless routers and a
managed WiFi service to maximize their fixed wireless Internet experience. During 2021, we completed our roll out of the
Advanced Home WiFi (“AHW”) service which is now available across nearly all of our residential footprint along with the
deployment of WiFi 6 routers capable of delivering speeds over 1 Gbps. With AHW, customers enjoy a cloud-optimized WiFi
connection and have the ability to view and control their WiFi network through our Spectrum application (“My Spectrum
App”). The service enables parental control schedules to be set for children’s devices or limit access entirely to unknown
devices attempting to access the network. Customers also have the option to add Spectrum WiFi pods to AHW. WiFi pods are
small, discreet and powerful access points that plug into electrical outlets in the home, providing broader and more consistent
WiFi coverage. In 2022, we will begin rolling out Spectrum Security Shield across the residential footprint which protects all
devices in the home using network-based security. This free security suite provides end point protection to computers in the
home, enabling protection against computer viruses, spyware and threats from malicious actors across the Internet.
In 2021, we brought the capabilities of the AHW service to MDUs as Advanced Community WiFi (“ACW”). With ACW,
tenants will receive the same visibility and control over their apartment’s WiFi networks through the My Spectrum App, while
building managers will be able to see and manage the entire building’s network through a purpose-built property service portal.
Our Spectrum Mobile service is offered to customers subscribing to our fixed Internet service, and runs on Verizon’s mobile
network, combined with Spectrum WiFi. We offer nationwide 5G service at no incremental cost to our mobile customers
enabling them to stream content several times faster and reducing latency when connecting to apps or webpages where 5G
coverage exists. In addition, we continue to focus on improving the customer experience and integrating our mobile and fixed
Internet products, providing greater WiFi access, speeds and performance using more than 500,000 of our out of home WiFi
access points across our footprint combined with over 20 million out of home WiFi access points of our industry partners
providing near nationwide coverage.
We provide wireline voice communications services using voice over Internet protocol ("VoIP") technology to transmit digital
voice signals over our network. Our voice services include unlimited local and long distance calling to the United States,
Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico, voicemail, call waiting, caller ID, call forwarding and other features and offers international
calling either by the minute, or through packages of minutes per month. For customers that subscribe to both our voice and
video offerings, caller ID on TV is also available in most areas. In early 2021, we launched Call Guard, a new advanced caller
ID and robocall blocking solution, for our residential and SMB voice customers. Call Guard reduces customer frustration and
improves security by blocking malicious calls while ensuring our customers continue to receive the legitimate automated calls
they need from schools or healthcare providers.
Video Services
We provide our customers with a choice of video programming services on a variety of platforms including through a digital
set-top box or an Internet Protocol ("IP") device. Video customers have access to a variety of programming packages with over
375 channels of in home and approximately 350 channels out of home allowing our customers to access the programming they
want, when they want it, on any device. Our video customers also have access to programmer authenticated applications such as
Fox Now, Showtime and ESPN and direct to consumer applications such as Netflix, YouTube and HBO Max on certain set-top
boxes. Our video service also includes access to an interactive programming guide with parental controls and in virtually all of
our footprint, video on demand (“VOD”) or pay-per-view services. VOD service allows customers to select from
approximately 80,000 titles at any time including original content which is exclusive for a period of time through Spectrum
5
Originals such as Joe Pickett and Temple. VOD programming options may be accessed at no additional cost if the content is
associated with a customer’s linear subscription, or for a fee on a transactional basis. VOD services are also offered on a
subscription basis included in a digital tier premium channel subscription or for a monthly fee. Pay-per-view channels allow
customers to pay on a per-event basis to view a single showing of a one-time special sporting event, music concert, or similar
event on a commercial-free basis. We also offer digital video recorder (“DVR”) service that enables customers to digitally
record programming and to pause and rewind live programming on set-top boxes and cloud DVR service, which allows
customers to schedule, record and watch their favorite programming anytime from connected IP devices as well as
SpectrumTV.com.
Customers are increasingly accessing their subscription video content through our highly rated Spectrum TV® application via
connected IP devices via our IP network. Access to the Spectrum TV application is included in all Spectrum TV video plans
and allows users to stream content across a growing number of platforms as well as accessing their full TV lineup, watching on
demand content and the ability to program their DVR from anywhere. Customers are also able to purchase their video services
within the Spectrum TV application.
Commercial Services
We offer scalable broadband communications solutions for businesses and carrier organizations of all sizes, selling Internet
access, data networking, fiber connectivity to cellular towers and office buildings, video entertainment services and business
telephone services.
Small and Medium Business
Spectrum Business offers Internet, voice and video services to SMBs over our hybrid fiber coaxial network. In addition, we
offer our Spectrum Mobile service to SMB customers. Spectrum Business includes a full range of video programming and
entry-level Internet speeds of 200 Mbps downstream and 10 Mbps upstream in virtually all of our markets. Additionally,
customers can upgrade their Internet speeds by purchasing Internet Ultra (600 Mbps downstream) or Internet Gig. Spectrum
Business also includes a set of business services including static IP and business WiFi, e-mail and security, and multi-line
telephone services with more than 35 business features including web-based service management, that are generally not
available to residential customers. We also offer Wireless Internet Backup to our SMB customers throughout our footprint.
Wireless Internet Backup is designed to enhance and protect Internet service for SMBs in the event of a network disruption.
Enterprise
Spectrum Enterprise offers tailored communications products and managed service solutions to larger businesses and
government entities (local, state and federal), as well as high-capacity last-mile network connectivity services to mobile and
wireline carriers on a wholesale basis. The Spectrum Enterprise product portfolio includes connectivity services such as
Internet Access (fiber, wireless and coax delivered); Wide Area Network ("WAN") solutions (Ethernet, SD-WAN and cloud
connectivity) that privately and securely connect geographically dispersed customer locations and cloud service providers; and
Managed Services which address a wide range of enterprise networking (e.g. routing, WiFi) and security (e.g. firewall, DDoS
protection) challenges. To meet the communications needs of these more sophisticated customers, Spectrum Enterprise also
offers an array of voice trunking services and unified messaging, communications and collaboration solutions. In addition, for
industries such as hospitality, education and healthcare where specialized video solutions are demanded, Spectrum Enterprise
offers a wide range of solutions designed to meet those requirements. Spectrum Enterprise serves businesses nationally by
combining its large serviceable footprint with a robust portfolio of fiber lit buildings and a significant wholesale partner
network. As a result, these customers benefit by obtaining advanced solutions from a single provider who is committed to an
exceptional customer experience and who delivers compelling value by simplifying procurement and offering competitive
pricing potentially reducing their costs.
Advertising Services
Our advertising sales division, Spectrum Reach, offers local, regional and national businesses the opportunity to advertise in
individual and multiple service areas on cable television networks, various streaming services and numerous advanced
advertising platforms. We receive revenues from the sale of local advertising across various platforms for networks such as
TBS, CNN and ESPN and on our Spectrum TV application. We insert local advertising on up to 100 channels in over 90
markets. Our large footprint provides opportunities for advertising customers to address broader regional audiences from a
single provider and thus reach more customers with a single transaction. Our size also provides scale to invest in new
technology to create more targeted and addressable advertising capabilities.
6
Available advertising time is generally sold by our advertising sales force. In some service areas, we have formed advertising
interconnects or entered into representation agreements with other video distributors, including, among others, Verizon, AT&T
Inc. (“AT&T”) and Comcast Corporation, under which we sell advertising on behalf of those operators. In other service areas,
we enter into representation agreements under which another operator in the area will sell advertising on our behalf. These
arrangements enable us and our partners to deliver linear commercials across wider geographic areas, replicating the reach of
local broadcast television stations to the extent possible. In addition, we enter into interconnect agreements from time to time
with other cable operators, which, on behalf of a number of video operators, sells advertising time to national and regional
advertisers in individual or multiple service areas.
Additionally, we sell the advertising inventory of our owned and operated local sports and news channels, of our regional sports
networks that carry Los Angeles Lakers’ basketball games and other sports programming and of SportsNet LA, a regional
sports network that carries Los Angeles Dodgers’ baseball games and other sports programming.
In 2021, we continued to expand our deployment of household addressability ("HHA"), which allows for more precise targeting
within various parts of our footprint. Additionally, in conjunction with other MVPDs, Spectrum Reach enables affiliated cable
networks to deploy HHA on their own inventory in our footprint, charging them an enablement fee. We also continue to further
enhance our Ad Portal, which allows small businesses to purchase local cable advertising and/or creative services via our web
portal with no sales personnel interaction at a price within their budgets. Our fully deployed Audience App, which uses our
proprietary set-top box viewership data (all anonymized and aggregated), allows us to create data-driven linear TV campaigns
for local advertisers. Streaming TV, which is largely comprised of Spectrum TV application impressions, as well as those from
numerous over-the-top streaming content providers, is part of our suite of advanced advertising products available to the
marketplace. Finally, Spectrum Reach is now employing multi-screen deterministic attribution services for television and
streaming services that lets advertisers know the effectiveness of their advertising on Spectrum Reach’s platform.
Other Services
Regional Sports Networks
We have an agreement with the Los Angeles Lakers for rights to distribute all locally available Los Angeles Lakers’ games
through 2033. We broadcast those games on our regional sports network, Spectrum SportsNet. American Media Productions,
LLC ("American Media Productions"), an unaffiliated third party, owns SportsNet LA, a regional sports network carrying the
Los Angeles Dodgers’ baseball games and other sports programming. In accordance with agreements with American Media
Productions, we act as the network’s exclusive affiliate and advertising sales representative and have certain branding and
programming rights with respect to the network. In addition, we provide certain production and technical services to American
Media Productions. The affiliate, advertising, production and programming agreements continue through 2038. We also own
26.8% of Sterling Entertainment Enterprises, LLC (doing business as SportsNet New York), a New York City-based regional
sports network that carries New York Mets’ baseball games as well as other regional sports programming.
News Networks
We manage 34 local news channels, including Spectrum News NY1® and LA1, 24-hour news channels focused on New York
City and Los Angeles, respectively. Our local news channels connect the diverse communities and neighborhoods we serve
providing 24/7 hyperlocal content, focusing on news, programming and storytelling that addresses the deeper needs and
interests of our customers. We also provide the Spectrum News application where customers can read, watch and listen to news
stories by our Spectrum News journalists and local partner publications on their mobile device.
Pricing of Our Products and Services
Our revenues are principally derived from the monthly fees customers pay for the services we provide. We typically charge a
one-time installation fee which is sometimes waived or discounted in certain sales channels during certain promotional periods.
Our Spectrum pricing and packaging ("SPP") generally offers a standardized price for each tier of service, bundle of services,
and add-on service in a service area. We believe SPP:
•
•
•
offers a higher quality and more value-based set of services relative to our competitors, including fast Internet speeds,
hundreds of HD channels and a transparent pricing structure;
offers simplicity for customers to understand our offers, and for our employees in service delivery;
drives our ability to package more services at the time of sale, thus increasing revenue per customer;
7
•
•
drives higher customer satisfaction, lower service calls and churn; and
allows for gradual price increases at the end of promotional periods.
We also have specialized offerings to enhance affordability of our Internet product for qualified low-income households which
include our Spectrum Internet Assist product which offers a 30 Mbps service and a free modem for a low cost. In addition,
some of our customers are eligible for a subsidy through the Federal Communications Commission's ("FCC") Affordable
Connectivity Program which provides eligible low-income households with up to $30 per month towards Internet service.
Our mobile customers can choose one of two simple ways to pay for data. Customers can choose from unlimited or by-the-gig
data usage plans and can easily switch between mobile data plans during the month. All plans include 5G service, free
nationwide talk and text, and simple pricing that includes all taxes and fees. In October 2021, we implemented new multi-line
unlimited data plans at lower prices for customers with two or more lines, at least one of which is an unlimited line. Customers
can also purchase mobile devices and accessory products and have the option to pay for devices under interest-free monthly
installment plans. Our device portfolio includes 5G models from Apple, Google and Samsung and we offer trade-in options
along with a bring-your-own-device (“BYOD”) program which lowers the costs for our customers switching to Spectrum
Mobile from other mobile operators.
Our Network Technology
Our network includes three key components: a national backbone, regional/metro networks and a “last-mile” network. Both
our national backbone and regional/metro network components utilize a redundant IP ring/mesh architecture. The national
backbone component provides connectivity from regional demarcation points to nationally centralized content, connectivity and
services. The regional/metro network components provide connectivity between the regional demarcation points and headends
within a specific geographic area and enable the delivery of content and services between these network components.
Our last-mile network utilizes a hybrid fiber coaxial cable (“HFC”) architecture, which combines the use of fiber optic cable
with coaxial cable. In most systems, we deliver our signals via fiber optic cable from the headend to a group of nodes, and use
coaxial cable to deliver the signal from individual nodes to the homes served by that node. For our Spectrum Enterprise
customers, fiber optic cable is extended to the customer’s site. For certain new build and MDU sites, we increasingly bring
fiber to the customer site. Our design standard allows spare fiber strands to each node to be utilized for additional residential
traffic capacity, and enterprise customer needs as they arise. We believe that this hybrid network design provides high capacity
and signal quality.
HFC architecture benefits include:
•
•
•
•
•
bandwidth capacity to enable traditional and two-way video and broadband services;
dedicated bandwidth for two-way services;
signal quality and high service reliability;
a powered network enabling WiFi and our future 5G small cell access points; and
the ability to upgrade capacity at a lower incremental capital cost relative to our competitors.
Our systems provide a two-way all-digital platform, leveraging DOCSIS 3.1 technology and bandwidth of 750 megahertz or
greater, to approximately 100% of our estimated passings. This bandwidth-rich network enables us to offer a large selection of
HD channels and Spectrum Internet Gig and encrypted signals facilitate self-installs resulting in lower installation costs and
truck rolls. We believe as demand for data continues to grow, with our deployed DOCSIS 3.1 technology, we have the ability
to increase speeds and reliability by allocating more of our plant bandwidth to both upstream and downstream IP services in a
variety of ways, including moving our video services to MPEG-4 compression, moving more HD video content to switched
digital video and more efficiently packaging our traditional linear video services. We are also evaluating additional network
enhancements to increase the capacity of our network for next generation products and services that give us the ability to offer
multi-gigabit downstream speeds and up to one Gbps upstream speeds all in advance of migrating towards the next standard,
DOCSIS 4.0, which we are currently developing with key vendors and industry participants. In 2022, we will continue to
deploy high splits in our service areas which are a capital efficient means of enhancing our network, as they use current
DOCSIS 3.1 customer premise equipment and reduce the need for node splits, which were required as average consumer
bandwidth utilization increased.
We own 210 CBRS PALs and intend to use these licenses along with unlicensed CBRS spectrum to build our own 5G data-
only mobile network on targeted 5G small cell sites leveraging our HFC network to provide power and data connectivity to the
majority of the sites. These 5G small cells, combined with improving WiFi capabilities, increase speed and reliability along
8
with improving our cost structure. We are focused on scaling our systems to actively manage traffic on Spectrum Mobile
devices using our MVNO network through WiFi and future 5G mobile network. In addition, we plan on deploying some
targeted 5G small cell sites which will help us learn how to pace our broader multi-year 5G mobile network buildout based on
disciplined cost reduction targets.
In 2021, we continued our rural broadband construction initiative in which we intend to expand our network and offer reliable
broadband services of up to one Gbps to more than one million estimated passings in unserved areas in states where we
currently operate. We expect to invest over $5 billion over the next several years, a portion of which we expect to offset with
government funding including $1.2 billion of support won in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (“RDOF”) auction and other
federal, state and municipal grants that are available or that we expect to become available. In addition to construction in areas
subsidized by various government grants, which could be material, we expect to continue rural construction in areas near our
current plant and in areas surrounding subsidized construction where synergies can be achieved. These investments will allow
us to generate long-term infrastructure-style returns by further taking advantage of the efficiencies of the scale and quality of
our network and construction capabilities while offering our high quality products and services to more homes and businesses.
We expect these newly-served homes will be enabled to engage in distance learning, remote work, telemedicine and other
bandwidth-heavy applications that require high speed broadband connectivity. Newly-served rural areas will also benefit from
our high-value SPP structure including our voice and mobile offerings, as well as our comprehensive selection of video
products. The successful and timely execution of such fiber-based construction is dependent on a variety of external factors,
including the make-ready and utility pole permitting processes. With fewer homes and businesses in these areas, broadband
providers need to access multiple poles per home, as opposed to multiple homes per pole in higher-density settings. As a result,
pole applications, pole replacement rules and their affiliated issue resolution processes are all factors that can have a significant
impact on construction timing and speed to completion. The RDOF auction rules and other subsidy grants establish
construction milestones for the build-out utilizing subsidized funding. Failure to meet those milestones could subject the
company to financial penalties.
Management, Customer Operations and Marketing
Our operations are centralized, with senior executives responsible for coordinating and overseeing operations, including
establishing company-wide strategies, policies and procedures. Sales and marketing, field operations, customer operations,
network operations, engineering, advertising sales, human resources, legal, government relations, information technology and
finance are all directed at the corporate level. Regional and local field operations are responsible for customer premise service
transactions and maintaining and constructing that portion of our network which is located outdoors. Our field operations
strategy includes completing a significant portion of our activity with our employees which we find drives consistent and higher
quality services. In 2021, our in-house field operations workforce handled approximately 80% of our customer premise service
transactions.
We continue to focus on improving the customer experience through enhanced product offerings, reliability of services, and
delivery of quality customer service. As part of our operating strategy, we insource most of our customer operations workload.
Our in-house call centers handle nearly all of our total customer service calls. We manage our customer service call centers
centrally to ensure a consistent, high quality customer experience. In addition, we route calls by call type to specific agents that
only handle such call types, enabling agents to become experts in addressing specific customer needs, creating a better customer
experience. Service from our call centers continues to become more efficient as a result of new tool enhancements that give our
front-line customer service agents more context and real-time information about the customer and their services which allows
them to more effectively troubleshoot and resolve issues. Our call center agent desktop interface tool enables virtualization of
all call centers thereby better serving our customers. Virtualization allows calls to be routed across our call centers regardless
of the location origin of the call, reducing call wait times, and saving costs. We continue to migrate our call centers to full
virtualization and expect all our call centers to be fully virtualized by late 2022.
We also provide customers with the opportunity to interact with us in the manner they choose through self-service options on
our customer website and mobile device applications, or via telephonic communication, online chat and social media. Our
customer websites and mobile applications enable customers to pay their bills, manage their accounts, order and activate new
services and utilize self-service help and support. In addition, our self-install program has enabled product installations to
continue despite COVID-19 social distancing challenges and has been beneficial for customers who need flexibility in the
timing of their installation.
We sell our residential and commercial services using national brand platforms known as Spectrum, Spectrum Business,
Spectrum Enterprise and Spectrum Reach. These brands reflect our comprehensive approach to industry-leading products,
driven by speed, performance and innovation. Our marketing strategy emphasizes the sale of our bundled services through
9
targeted direct response marketing programs to existing and potential customers, and increases awareness and the value of the
Spectrum brand. Our marketing organization creates and executes marketing programs intended to grow customer
relationships, increase the number of services we sell per relationship, retain existing customers and cross-sell additional
products to current customers. We monitor the effectiveness of our marketing efforts, customer perception, competition,
pricing, and service preferences, among other factors, in order to increase our responsiveness to our customers and to improve
our sales and customer retention. The marketing organization manages all residential and SMB sales channels including
inbound, direct sales, on-line, outbound telemarketing and stores.
Programming
We believe that offering a wide variety of video programming choices influences a customer’s decision to subscribe to and
retain our cable video services. We obtain basic and premium programming, usually pursuant to written contracts from a
number of suppliers. Media corporation and broadcast station group consolidation has, however, resulted in fewer suppliers
and additional selling power on the part of programming suppliers.
Programming is usually made available to us for a license fee, which is generally paid based on the number of customers to
whom we make that programming available. Programming license fees may include “volume” discounts and financial
incentives to support the launch of a channel and/or ongoing marketing support, as well as discounts for channel placement or
service penetration. For home shopping channels, we typically receive a percentage of the revenue attributable to our
customers’ purchases. We also offer VOD and pay-per-view channels of movies and events that are subject to a revenue split
with the content provider. Although an insignificant amount of our programming budget, recently we have begun entering into
agreements to co-produce or exclusively license original content which give us the right to provide our customers with certain
exclusive content for a period of time.
Our programming costs have historically increased in excess of customary inflationary and cost-of-living type increases. We
expect programming costs per customer to increase due to a variety of factors including, annual increases pursuant to our
programming contracts, contract renewals with programmers and the carriage of incremental programming, including new
services and VOD programming. Increases in the cost of sports programming and the amounts paid for broadcast station
retransmission consent have been the largest contributors to the growth in our programming costs over the last few years.
Additionally, the demands of large media companies who link carriage of their most popular networks to carriage and cost
increases of their less popular networks and who require us to carry their most popular networks to a large percentage of our
video subscribers, have limited our flexibility in creating more tailored and cost-sensitive programming packages for
consumers.
Federal law allows commercial television broadcast stations to make an election between “must-carry” rights and an alternative
“retransmission-consent” regime. When a station opts for retransmission-consent, we are not allowed to carry the station’s
signal without that station’s permission. Continuing demands by owners of broadcast stations for cash payments at substantial
increases over amounts paid in prior years in exchange for retransmission consent will increase our programming costs or
require us to cease carriage of popular programming, potentially leading to a loss of customers in affected service areas.
Over the past several years, increases in our video service rates have not fully offset the increases in our programming costs,
and with the impact of increasing competition and other marketplace factors, we do not expect the increases in our video service
rates to fully offset the increase in our programming costs per customer for the foreseeable future. Although we pass along a
portion of amounts paid for retransmission consent to the majority of our customers, our inability to fully pass programming
cost increases on to our video customers has had, and is expected in the future to have, an adverse impact on our cash flow and
operating margins associated with our video product. In order to mitigate reductions of our operating margins due to rapidly
increasing programming costs, we continue to review our pricing and programming packaging strategies.
Our programming contracts are generally for a fixed period of time, usually for multiple years, and are subject to negotiated
renewal. The contracts set to expire in any particular year vary. We will seek to renew these agreements on terms that we
believe are favorable. There can be no assurance, however, that these agreements will be renewed on favorable or comparable
terms. To the extent that we are unable to reach agreements with certain programmers on terms that we believe are reasonable,
we have been, and may in the future be, forced to remove such programming channels from our line-up, which may result in a
loss of customers.
10
Competition
Residential Services
We face intense competition for residential customers, both from existing competitors and, as a result of the rapid development
of new technologies, services and products, from new entrants.
Internet Competition
Our residential Internet service faces competition across our footprint from fiber-to-the-home ("FTTH"), fiber-to-the-node
("FTTN"), fixed wireless broadband, Internet delivered via satellite and DSL services. AT&T, Frontier Communications
Corporation's (“Frontier”) fiber optic service (“FiOS" or "Fios") and Verizon’s Fios are our primary FTTH competitors. Given
the FTTH deployments of our competitors, launches of broadband services offering 1 Gbps speed have recently grown. Several
competitors, including AT&T, Frontier's FiOS, Verizon's Fios, WideOpenWest, Inc. ("WOW") and Google Fiber, deliver 1
Gbps broadband speed (and some delivering 2 Gbps) in at least a portion of their footprints which overlap our footprint. In
several markets, we also face competition from one or more fixed wireless providers which deliver point-to-point Internet
connectivity, although generally in areas limited to residential MDUs. Additionally, several mobile network operators offer
Long Term Evolution (“LTE”) or 5G delivered fixed wireless home Internet service in an increasing number of our markets.
DSL service is offered across our footprint often at prices lower than our Internet services, although typically at speeds much
lower than the minimum speeds we offer as part of SPP. In addition, a growing number of commercial areas, such as retail
malls, restaurants and airports, offer WiFi Internet service. Numerous local governments are also considering or actively
pursuing publicly subsidized WiFi Internet access networks. These options offer alternatives to cable-based Internet access.
We face terrestrial broadband Internet (defined as at least 25 Mbps) competition from three primary competitors, AT&T,
Frontier and Verizon in approximately 34%, 9% and 5% of our operating areas, respectively.
Video Competition
Our residential video service faces competition from DBS service providers, which have a national footprint and compete in all
of our operating areas. DBS providers offer satellite-delivered pre-packaged programming services that can be received by
relatively small and inexpensive receiving dishes. DBS providers offer aggressive promotional pricing, exclusive programming
(e.g., NFL Sunday Ticket) and video services that are comparable in many respects to our residential video service. Our
residential video service also faces competition from large telecommunications companies, primarily Frontier FiOS and
Verizon Fios, which offer wireline video services in significant portions of our operating areas.
Our residential video service also faces growing competition across our footprint from a number of other sources, including
companies that deliver linear network programming, movies and television shows on demand and other video content over
broadband Internet connections to televisions, computers, tablets and mobile devices. These competitors include virtual
multichannel video programming distributors (“V-MVPDs”) such as Hulu Live, YouTube TV, Sling TV, Philo and DirecTV
Stream. Other online video business models and products have also developed, some offered by programmers that have not
traditionally sold programming directly to consumers, including, (i) subscription video on demand (“SVOD”) services such as
Netflix, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime, Hulu Plus, Disney+, HBO Max, Peacock, Paramount+, AMC+, Starz and Showtime
Anytime, (ii) ad-supported free online video products, including YouTube and Pluto TV, some of which offer programming for
free to consumers that we currently purchase for a fee, (iii) pay-per-view products, such as iTunes and Amazon Instant, and (iv)
additional offerings from mobile providers which continue to integrate and bundle video services and mobile products.
Historically, we have generally viewed SVOD online video services as complementary to our own video offering, and we have
developed a cloud-based guide that is capable of incorporating video from online video services currently offered in the
marketplace. As the proliferation of online video services grows, however, services from V-MVPDs and direct to consumer
offerings, as well as piracy and password sharing, negatively impact the number of customers purchasing our video product.
Voice Competition
Our residential voice service competes with wireless and wireline phone providers across our footprint, as well as other forms
of communication, such as text messaging on cellular phones, instant messaging, social networking services, video
conferencing and email. We also compete with “over-the-top” phone providers, such as Vonage, Skype, magicJack, Google
Voice and Ooma, Inc., as well as companies that sell phone cards at a cost per minute for both national and international
service. The increase in the number of different technologies capable of carrying voice services and the number of alternative
communication options available to customers as well as the replacement of wireline services by wireless have intensified the
competitive environment in which we operate our residential voice service.
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Mobile Competition
Our mobile service faces competition from national mobile network operators including AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile US, Inc.
("T-Mobile"), as well as a variety of regional operators and mobile virtual network operators. Most carriers offer unlimited data
packages to customers. Various operators also offer wireless Internet services delivered over networks which they continue to
enhance to deliver faster speeds. AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile continue to expand 5G mobile services. Additionally, in
connection with Dish Network Corporation’s acquisition of Sprint Corporation’s (“Sprint”) prepaid mobile services businesses,
the FCC and Department of Justice ("DOJ") have imposed a timeline on Dish Network Corporation (70% by June 2023) for 5G
network development and expansion. We also compete for retail activations with other resellers that buy bulk wholesale
service from wireless service providers for resale.
Regional Competitors
In some of our operating areas, other competitors have built networks that offer Internet, video and voice services that compete
with our services. For example, in certain service areas, our residential Internet, video and voice services compete with WOW,
Cincinnati Bell Inc., Google Fiber, Hawaiian Telcom (owned by Cincinnati Bell Inc.) and Grande Communications Networks,
LLC.
Additional Competition
In addition to multi-channel video providers, cable systems compete with other sources of news, information and entertainment,
including over-the-air television broadcast reception, live events, movie theaters and the Internet. Competition is also posed by
fixed wireless and satellite master antenna television ("SMATV") systems serving MDUs, such as condominiums, apartment
complexes, and private residential communities.
Business Services
We face intense competition across each of our business services product offerings. Our SMB Internet, video and voice
services face competition from a variety of providers as described above. Our enterprise solutions also face competition from
the competitors described above as well as cloud-based application-service providers, managed service providers and other
telecommunications carriers, such as metro and regional fiber-based carriers.
Advertising
We face intense competition for advertising revenue across many different platforms and from a wide range of local and
national competitors. Advertising competition has increased and will likely continue to increase as new advertising platforms
seek to attract the same advertisers. We compete for advertising revenue against, among others, local broadcast stations,
national cable and broadcast networks, radio stations, print media and online advertising companies and content providers.
Seasonality and Cyclicality
Our business is subject to seasonal and cyclical variations. Our results are impacted by the seasonal nature of customers
receiving our cable services in college and vacation service areas. Our revenue is subject to cyclical advertising patterns and
changes in viewership levels. Our advertising revenue is generally higher in the second and fourth calendar quarters of each
year, due in part to increases in consumer advertising in the spring and in the period leading up to and including the holiday
season. U.S. advertising revenue is also cyclical, benefiting in even-numbered years from advertising related to candidates
running for political office and issue-oriented advertising. Our capital expenditures and trade working capital are also subject to
significant seasonality based on the timing of subscriber growth, network programs, specific projects and construction.
Regulation and Legislation
The following summary addresses the key regulatory and legislative developments affecting the cable industry and our services
for both residential and commercial customers. Cable systems and related communications networks and services are
extensively regulated by the federal government (primarily the FCC), certain state governments and many local governments.
A failure to comply with these regulations could subject us to substantial penalties. Our business can be dramatically impacted
by changes to the existing regulatory framework, whether triggered by legislative, administrative, or judicial rulings. Congress
and the FCC have frequently revisited the subject of communications regulation and they are likely to do so again in the future.
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We could be materially disadvantaged in the future if we are subject to new laws, regulations or regulatory actions that do not
equally impact our key competitors. For example, Internet-delivered streaming video services compete with our traditional
video service, but they are not subject to the same level of federal, state, and local regulation. We cannot provide assurance that
the already extensive regulation of our business will not be expanded in the future. In addition, we are subject to Charter-
specific conditions regarding certain business practices as a result of the FCC’s approval of the merger in 2016 with Time
Warner Cable Inc. ("TWC") and acquisition of Bright House Networks, LLC ("Bright House").
Video Service
Must Carry/Retransmission Consent
There are two alternative legal methods for carriage of local broadcast television stations on cable systems. Federal “must
carry” regulations require cable systems to carry local broadcast television stations upon the request of the local broadcaster.
Alternatively, federal law includes “retransmission consent” regulations, by which popular commercial television stations can
prohibit cable carriage unless the cable operator first negotiates for “retransmission consent,” which may be conditioned on
significant payments or other concessions. Popular stations routinely invoke “retransmission consent” and demand substantial
compensation increases in their negotiations with cable operators, thereby significantly increasing our operating costs.
Pole Attachments
The Communications Act of 1934, as amended (the "Communications Act") requires most utilities owning utility poles to
provide cable systems with access to poles and conduits and also subjects the rates charged for this access to either federal or
state regulation. The federally regulated rates now applicable to pole attachments used for cable or telecommunications
services, including when offered together with Internet service, are substantially similar. The FCC's approach does not directly
affect the rate in states that self-regulate, but many of those states have substantially the same rate for all communications
attachments.
Other FCC Regulatory Matters
The Communications Act and FCC regulations cover a variety of additional areas applicable to our video services, including,
among other things: (1) licensing of systems and facilities, including the grant of various spectrum licenses; (2) equal
employment opportunity obligations; (3) customer service standards; (4) technical service standards; (5) mandatory blackouts
of certain network and syndicated programming; (6) restrictions on political advertising; (7) restrictions on advertising in
children’s programming; (8) ownership restrictions; (9) maintenance of public files; (10) emergency alert systems; (11) inside
wiring and exclusive contracts for MDU complexes; (12) disability access, including requirements governing video-description
and closed-captioning; (13) competitive availability of cable equipment; (14) the provision of up to 15% of video channel
capacity for commercial leased access by unaffiliated third parties; (15) public, education and government entity access
requirements; and (16) cable rate regulation. Each of these regulations restricts our business practices to varying degrees and
may impose additional costs on our operations.
The FCC regulates spectrum usage in ways that could impact our operations including for microwave backhaul, broadcast,
unlicensed WiFi and CBRS. Our ability to access and use spectrum that may become available in the future is uncertain and
may be limited by further FCC auction or allocation decisions. New spectrum obtained by other parties could also lead to
additional wireless competition to our existing and future services.
It is possible that Congress or the FCC will expand or modify its regulation of cable systems or the services delivered over
cable systems and competing services in the future, and we cannot predict at this time how that might impact our business.
Copyright
The carriage of television and radio broadcast signals by cable systems are subject to a federal compulsory copyright license.
The copyright law provides copyright owners the right to audit our payments under the compulsory license, and the Copyright
Office is currently considering modifications to the license’s royalty calculations and reporting obligations. The possible
modification or elimination of this license is the subject of continuing legislative proposals and administrative review and could
adversely affect our ability to obtain desired broadcast programming.
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Franchise Matters
Our cable systems generally are operated pursuant to nonexclusive franchises, permits, and similar authorizations granted by a
municipality or other state or local government entity in order to utilize and cross public rights-of-way.
Cable franchises generally are granted for fixed terms and in many cases include monetary penalties for noncompliance and
may be terminable if the franchisee fails to comply with material provisions. The specific terms and conditions of cable
franchises vary significantly between jurisdictions. They generally contain provisions governing cable operations, franchise
fees, system construction, maintenance, technical performance, customer service standards, supporting and carrying public
access channels, and changes in the ownership of the franchisee. Although local franchising authorities have considerable
discretion in establishing franchise terms, certain federal protections benefit cable operators. For example, federal law imposes
a 5% cap on franchise fees. In 2019, the FCC clarified that the value of in-kind contribution requirements set forth in cable
franchises is subject to the statutory cap on franchise fees, and it reaffirmed that state and local authorities are barred from
imposing franchise fees on non-cable services, such as Internet services, provided by cable operators over cable systems. Those
rules were upheld by a federal court in 2021, but the court limited the amount of the in-kind services that could be considered to
be a franchise fee to the operator’s marginal costs of providing such services rather than the market value of such services.
Some franchise authorities have petitioned the Supreme Court to review this decision.
A number of states have adopted franchising laws that provide for statewide franchising. Generally, state-wide cable franchises
are issued for a fixed term, streamline many of the traditional local cable franchise requirements and eliminate local negotiation.
The Communications Act provides for an orderly franchise renewal process in which granting authorities may not unreasonably
deny renewals. If we fail to obtain renewals of franchises representing a significant number of our customers, it could have a
material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or our liquidity. Similarly, if a franchising
authority’s consent is required for the purchase or sale of a cable system, the franchising authority may attempt to impose more
burdensome requirements as a condition for providing its consent.
Internet Service
The FCC originally classified broadband Internet access services, such as those we offer, as an “information service,” which
exempted the service from traditional communications common carrier laws and regulations. In 2015, the FCC reclassified
broadband Internet access services as “telecommunications service” and, on that basis, imposed a number of “net neutrality”
rules governing the provision of broadband service. In 2017, the FCC reversed its 2015 decision and eliminated the 2015 rules,
other than a transparency requirement, which obligates us to disclose performance statistics and other service information to
consumers. It is possible that the FCC might again revise its approach to broadband Internet access, or that Congress might
enact legislation affecting the rules applicable to the service. The application of new legal requirements to our Internet services
could adversely affect our business.
The 2017 FCC decision reclassifying Internet access services also ruled that state regulators may not impose obligations similar
to federal network neutrality obligations that the FCC eliminated, but this blanket prohibition was vacated by the U.S. Court of
Appeals in 2019. The court left open the possibility that individual state laws could be deemed preempted on a case by case
basis if it is shown that they conflict with federal law. California and Vermont have adopted rules similar to the network
neutrality requirements that were eliminated by the FCC, and the California rules are subject to a pending preemption challenge
in federal court.
California has also adopted other regulations on Internet services, including network resiliency rules to assure backup power is
available after natural disasters and other outages. New York adopted legislation that would have required Internet service
providers to offer a discounted Internet service to qualifying low-income consumers, but a federal district judge enjoined
enforcement as likely to be deemed rate regulation of Internet service that would be preempted by federal law. We cannot
predict what other legislation and regulations may be adopted by states or how challenges to such requirements will be
resolved.
In recent years, the federal and state governments have offered billions of dollars in subsidies to companies deploying
broadband to areas deemed to be “unserved” or “underserved,” using funds from the FCC’s RDOF auction in 2020, The
American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 ("ARPA"), and The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (the "Infrastructure
Act"). Government efforts to subsidize areas that we already serve and to promote 5G wireless broadband services create
regulatory imbalances that could adversely affect our business.
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We have opposed such subsidies when directed to areas that are already served, and have sought and expect to continue to seek
subsidies for our own broadband construction in unserved and underserved areas including RDOF, ARPA, Capital Projects
Fund, National Telecommunications and Information Administration grants and the Infrastructure Act. We were the winning
bidder for RDOF awards in the amount of $1.2 billion over ten years that will partially fund, along with our substantial
additional investment, the construction of new broadband infrastructure to more than one million estimated passings. These
awards include a number of regulatory requirements, such as serving as the carrier of last resort and completing increasingly
larger portions of the network construction by certain dates. If we fail to meet these obligations, we could be subject to
substantial government penalties.
Aside from the FCC’s generally applicable regulations, we made certain commitments to comply with the FCC’s order in
connection with the FCC’s approval of the merger with TWC and acquisition of Bright House.
Wireline Voice Service
The FCC has never classified the VoIP wireline telephone services we offer as “telecommunications services” that are subject
to traditional federal common carrier regulation, but instead has imposed some of these regulatory requirements on a case-by-
case basis, such as requirements relating to 911 emergency services (“E911”), Communications Assistance for Law
Enforcement Act (“CALEA”) (the statute governing law enforcement access to and surveillance of communications), Universal
Service Fund contributions, customer privacy and Customer Proprietary Network Information protections, number portability,
network outage reporting, rural call completion, disability access, regulatory fees, back-up power, robocall mitigation and
discontinuance of service. It is possible that the FCC or Congress will impose additional requirements on our VoIP telephone
services in the future.
Our VoIP telephone services are subject to certain state and local regulatory fees such as E911 fees and contributions to state
universal service funds. Additionally, to comply with RDOF program requirements, we have chosen in the RDOF areas to
offer certain of our VoIP telephone services, such as our federal or state Lifeline services, subject to traditional federal and state
common carrier regulations. Except where we have chosen to offer VoIP telephone services in such a manner we believe that
our VoIP telephone services should be governed primarily by federal regulation – e.g., some state regulations also apply to our
VoIP service including consumer protection and 911 rules. A federal appellate court affirmed our successful challenge to
Minnesota's attempt to generally apply telephone regulation to our VoIP services, but that ruling is limited to the seven states in
the 8th circuit. Some states have attempted to subject cable VoIP services, such as our VoIP telephone service, to state level
regulation. California has imposed reporting and other obligations on our VoIP services, including backup power requirements.
We have registered with or obtained certificates or authorizations from the FCC and the state regulatory authorities in those
states in which we offer competitive voice services in order to ensure the continuity of our services. However, it is unclear
whether and how these and other ongoing regulatory matters ultimately will be resolved. State regulatory commissions and
legislatures may continue to consider imposing regulatory requirements on our fixed telephone services.
Mobile Service
Our Spectrum Mobile service offers mobile Internet access and telephone service. We provide this service as an MVNO using
Verizon’s network and our network through Spectrum WiFi. As an MVNO, we are subject to many of the same FCC
regulations that apply to facilities-based wireless carriers, as well as certain state or local regulations, including (but not limited
to): E911, local number portability, customer privacy, CALEA, universal service fund contribution, robocall mitigation and
hearing aid compatibility and safety and emission requirements for mobile devices. Spectrum Mobile’s broadband Internet
access service is also subject to the FCC’s transparency rule. The FCC or other regulatory authorities may adopt new or
different regulations for MVNOs and/or mobile service providers in the future, or impose new taxes or fees applicable to
Spectrum Mobile, which could adversely affect the service offering or our business generally.
Privacy and Information Security Regulation
The Communications Act limits our ability to collect, use, and disclose customers’ personally identifiable information for our
Internet, video and voice services. We are subject to additional federal, state, and local laws and regulations that impose
additional restrictions on the collection, use and disclosure of consumer information. All broadband providers are also obliged
by CALEA to configure their networks in a manner that facilitates the ability of state and federal law enforcement, with proper
legal process authorized under the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, to obtain records and information concerning our
customers, including the content of their communications. Further, the FCC, Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”), and many
states regulate and restrict the marketing practices of communications service providers, including telemarketing and sending
unsolicited commercial emails. The FTC currently has the authority, pursuant to its general authority to enforce against unfair
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or deceptive acts and practices, to protect the privacy of Internet service customers, including our use and disclosure of certain
customer information.
Our operations are also subject to federal and state laws governing information security. In the event of an information security
breach, such rules may require consumer and government agency notification and may result in regulatory enforcement actions
with the potential of monetary forfeitures. The FCC, the FTC and state attorneys general regularly bring enforcement actions
against companies related to information security breaches and privacy violations.
Various security standards provide guidance to telecommunications companies in order to help identify and mitigate
cybersecurity risks. One such standard is the voluntary framework released by the National Institute for Standards and
Technology (“NIST”) in 2014 and updated in 2018, in cooperation with other federal agencies and owners and operators of
U.S. critical infrastructure. The NIST cybersecurity framework provides a prioritized and flexible model for organizations to
identify and manage cyber risks inherent to their business. It was designed to supplement, not supersede, existing cybersecurity
regulations and requirements. Several government agencies have encouraged compliance with the NIST cybersecurity
framework, including the FCC, which is also considering expansion of its cybersecurity guidelines or the adoption of
cybersecurity requirements. We voluntarily follow NIST as part of our overall cybersecurity program.
Many states and local authorities have considered legislative or other actions that would impose restrictions on our ability to
collect, use and disclose, and safeguard certain consumer information, particularly with regard to our broadband Internet
business. For example, the California Consumer Privacy Act ("CCPA") and Maine’s Act to Protect Privacy of Online
Customer Information both became effective in 2020. The CCPA, under certain circumstances, regulates companies’ use and
disclosure of the personal information of California residents and authorizes enforcement actions by the California Attorney
General and private class actions for data breaches. In addition, effective January 1, 2023, the California Consumer Privacy
Rights Act (“CPRA”), adopted by ballot initiative in 2020, will amend the CCPA to impose additional obligations on
companies that handle the personal information of California residents. The Maine law regulates how Internet service
providers use and disclose customers’ personal information and requires Internet service providers to take reasonable measures
to protect customers’ personal information. In addition, Virginia and Colorado each enacted privacy laws in 2021 that will
become effective in 2023 and will regulate the way that companies collect, use, and share personal information about
consumers. Several other state legislatures are considering the adoption of new data security and cybersecurity legislation that
could result in additional network and information security requirements for our business. Congress may also adopt new
privacy and data security obligations. We cannot predict whether any of these efforts will be successful or preempted, or how
new legislation and regulations, if any, would affect our business.
Remaining Commitments Related to the 2016 Merger with TWC and Acquisition of Bright House
In connection with approval of the 2016 merger with TWC and acquisition of Bright House (the "Transactions"), federal and
state regulators imposed a number of post-transaction conditions on us, many of which have been fulfilled or have terminated.
Remaining federal commitments include the following.
FCC Conditions
•
•
Refrain from charging usage-based prices or imposing data caps on any fixed mass market broadband Internet access
service plans for seven years; and
Continue to support CableCARDs for use in third-party retail devices for seven years (unless the FCC changes the relevant
rules) and only as to CableCARDs in use by customers in May 2020.
The FCC conditions also contain a number of compliance reporting requirements.
DOJ Conditions
The DOJ Order prohibits us from entering into or enforcing any agreement with a video programmer that forbids, limits or
creates incentives to limit the video programmer’s provision of content to online video distributors ("OVDs"). We will not be
able to avail ourselves of other distributors’ most favored nation ("MFN") provisions if they are inconsistent with this
prohibition. The DOJ’s conditions are effective for seven years after entry of the final judgment in 2016, although we may
petition the DOJ to eliminate the conditions after five years. We do not currently expect to so petition.
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Human Capital Management
Successful execution of our strategy is dependent on attracting, developing and retaining key employees and members of our
management team. We may be constrained in hiring and retaining sufficient qualified employees to support our growth strategy
due to general labor shortages, including potential employee attrition in connection with government or customer COVID-19
vaccine or testing mandates.
We believe the substantial skills, experience and industry knowledge of our employees and our training of our customer-facing
employees benefit our operations and performance. There are several ways in which we attract, develop, and retain highly
qualified talent, including:
•
•
Training and investing in our employees to be masters of their craft. With competitive wages, robust healthcare
benefits, a generous retirement program with company match, and opportunities for job training and advancement, our
employees develop skills and expertise necessary to build careers. Our Broadband Technician Apprenticeship Program is
one of our promising strategies for building our skilled workforce. This program, certified by the U.S. Department of
Labor, is aligned with our broadband technician career progression and includes thousands of hours of on-the-job training
along with classroom instruction. When enrolled employees complete the program, they are certified broadband
technicians.
The majority of our employees are customer-facing, interacting with thousands of people every day. In March 2021, we
increased our minimum wage from $16.50 to $18.00 per hour and committed that in 2022 all hourly employees will have a
minimum starting rate of $20 per hour. A $20 per hour minimum wage will enable us to build and retain our highly skilled
workforce.
Enabling a diverse and inclusive culture. At Charter, diversity and inclusion mean more than legal or compliance
requirements. We are committed to diversity and inclusion in every aspect of our business. We strive to deliver high-
quality products and services that exceed our customers’ expectations, and embrace the unique perspectives and
experiences of our employees and partners and the communities we serve. Our diversity and inclusion efforts are guided by
our Executive Steering Committee, External Diversity & Inclusion Council and Diversity & Inclusion team, who regularly
assess our progress to ensure we are achieving our goals. Charter’s Board of Directors also reviews diversity and inclusion
progress annually. We are striving to enhance diversity at every level of our organization, including among our senior
leaders.
We have five Business Resource Groups (“BRGs”) focused on people with disabilities, the LGBTQ+ community,
employees with multicultural backgrounds, veterans and women. These voluntary groups connect employees with shared
characteristics, life experiences, and interests, and enable them to engage in activities that advance our culture of inclusion
and contribute to business success. Our BRGs have empowered our team members to grow and succeed by providing
networking, mentorship and skill-building opportunities. In 2021, we continued our Charter Inclusion Talks, an internal
speaker series built around cultural heritage and identity. Charter Inclusion Talks, which are held across our footprint, raise
awareness of the many identities and heritages that contribute to our success and promote inclusive behaviors for the
workplace.
•
Focusing on a safe and healthy workplace. We value our employees and are committed to providing a safe and healthy
workplace. All employees are required to comply with company safety rules and expectations, and are expected to actively
contribute to making our company a safer place to work, including in response to COVID-19.
Employees
As of December 31, 2021, we had approximately 93,700 active full-time equivalent employees.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Risks Related to Our Business
We operate in a very competitive business environment, which affects our ability to attract and retain customers and can
adversely affect our business, operations and financial results.
The industry in which we operate is highly competitive and has become more so in recent years. In some instances, we compete
against companies with fewer regulatory burdens, access to better financing and greater and more favorable brand name
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recognition. Increasing consolidation in the telecommunications and content industries have provided additional benefits to
certain of our competitors, either through access to financing, resources, or efficiencies of scale including the ability to launch
new video services.
Our Internet service faces competition from the phone companies’ FTTH, FTTN, fixed wireless broadband, Internet delivered
via satellite and DSL services. Various operators offer wireless Internet services delivered over networks which they continue
to enhance to deliver faster speeds and also continue to expand 5G mobile services. Our voice and mobile services compete
with wireless and wireline phone providers, as well as other forms of communication, such as text, instant messaging, social
networking services, video conferencing and email. Competition from these companies, including intensive marketing efforts
with aggressive pricing and exclusive programming may have an adverse impact on our ability to attract and retain customers.
Our video service faces competition from a number of sources, including DBS services, and companies that deliver linear
network programming, movies and television shows on demand and other video content over broadband Internet connections to
televisions, computers, tablets and mobile devices often with password sharing among multiple users and security that makes
content susceptible to piracy. Newer products and services, particularly alternative methods for the distribution, sale and
viewing of content will likely continue to be developed, further increasing the number of competitors that we face.
The increasing number of choices available to audiences, including low-cost or free choices, could negatively impact not only
consumer demand for our products and services, but also advertisers’ willingness to purchase advertising from us. We compete
for the sale of advertising revenue with television networks and stations, as well as other advertising platforms, such as online
media, radio and print. Competition related to our service offerings to businesses continues to increase as well, as more
companies deploy more fiber to more buildings, which may negatively impact our growth and/or put pressure on margins.
Our failure to effectively anticipate or adapt to new technologies and changes in customer expectations and behavior could
significantly adversely affect our competitive position with respect to the leisure time and discretionary spending of our
customers and, as a result, affect our business and results of operations. Competition may also reduce our expected growth of
future cash flows which may contribute to future impairments of our franchises and goodwill and our ability to meet cash flow
requirements, including debt service requirements. For additional information regarding the competition we face, see “Item 1.
Business -Competition” and “-Regulation and Legislation.”
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic could materially affect our financial condition and results of operations.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has increased economic and demand uncertainty. The current pandemic and continued
spread of COVID-19 has caused economic disruption. At this time, we cannot predict the duration of any business disruption
and the ultimate impact of COVID-19 on our business, including the depth and duration of the economic impact to household
formation and growth, our residential and business customers’ ability to pay for our products and services and the long-term
impact on our business, including from consumer behavior, after the pandemic is over. In addition, there is uncertainty
regarding the impact of government emergency declarations, the ability of our suppliers and vendors to provide products and
services to us, the pace of new housing construction, the pace of households moving residences, changes in business spend in
our local and national ad sales business, the effects to our employees’ health and safety and resulting reorientation of our work
activities, and the risk of limitations on the deployment and maintenance of our services (including by limiting our customer
support and on-site service repairs and installations). The degree to which COVID-19 impacts our results will depend on future
developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including, but not limited to, the duration and spread of the
outbreak, its severity, the actions to contain the virus or treat its impact, the distribution and acceptance of vaccines and how
quickly and to what extent normal economic and operating conditions can resume.
We depend on third-party service providers, suppliers and licensors; thus, if we are unable to procure the necessary services,
equipment, software or licenses on reasonable terms and on a timely basis, our ability to offer services could be impaired,
and our growth, operations, business, financial results and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
We depend on a limited number of third-party service providers, suppliers and licensors to supply some of the services,
hardware, software and operational support necessary to provide some of our services. Some of our hardware, software and
operational support vendors, and service providers represent our sole source of supply or have, either through contract or as a
result of intellectual property rights, a position of some exclusivity. Our ability to provide some services might be materially
adversely affected, or the need to procure or develop alternative sources of the affected materials or services might interrupt or
delay our ability to serve our customers, if any of these parties experience or engage in the following:
•
breach or terminate or elect not to renew their agreements with us or otherwise fail to perform their obligations in a
timely manner;
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•
•
•
•
•
demand exceeds these vendors’ capacity;
tariffs are imposed that impact vendors' ability to perform their obligations or significantly increase the amount we
pay;
experience operating or financial difficulties;
significantly increase the amount we are required to pay (including demands for substantial non-monetary
compensation) for necessary products or services;
cease production of any necessary product due to lack of demand, profitability or a change in ownership or are
otherwise unable to provide the equipment or services we need in a timely manner at our specifications and at
reasonable prices.
Our third-party service providers, suppliers and licensors have been disrupted by worker absenteeism, quarantines, restrictions
on employees’ ability to work, office and factory closures, disruptions to ports and other shipping infrastructure, border
closures, or other travel or health-related restrictions. Furthermore, an extended duration of the COVID-19 pandemic could
result in significant disruptions in our supply chain. For example, quarantines, shelter-in-place and similar government orders,
travel restrictions and health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, could impact the availability or productivity of personnel at
third-party supply manufacturers, distributors, freight carriers and other necessary components of our supply chain. In
addition, the existence of only a limited number of vendors of key technologies can lead to less product innovation and higher
costs. These events could materially and adversely affect our ability to retain and attract customers and our operations, business,
financial results and financial condition.
Programming costs per video customer are rising at a fast rate and we may not have the ability to reduce or moderate the
growth rates of, or pass on to our customers, our increasing programming costs, which would adversely affect our cash flow
and operating margins.
Video programming has been, and is expected to continue to be, our largest operating expense item. Media corporation and
broadcast station group consolidation has resulted in fewer suppliers and additional selling power on the part of programming
suppliers. We expect programming rates per video customer will continue to increase due to a variety of factors, including
annual increases imposed by programmers with additional selling power as a result of media and broadcast station groups
consolidation, increased demands by owners of broadcast stations for payment for retransmission consent or linking carriage of
other services to retransmission consent, and additional programming, particularly new services. The inability to fully pass
programming cost increases on to our customers has had, and is expected in the future to have, an adverse impact on our cash
flow and operating margins associated with the video product. Programming contracts often restrict the structure of the video
packages we offer which impacts the affordability and competitive positioning of our video service. The contracts set to expire
in any particular year vary. There can be no assurance that these agreements will be renewed on favorable or comparable terms.
In addition, a number of programmers have begun to sell their services through alternative distribution channels, including IP-
based platforms, which are less secure than our own video distribution platforms. There is growing evidence that these less
secure video distribution platforms are leading to video product theft via password sharing among consumers. Password sharing
may drive down the number of customers who pay for certain programming, putting programmer revenues at risk, and which in
turn may cause certain programmers to seek even higher programming fees from us. The ability for consumers to receive the
same content for free through such unauthorized channels has devalued our video product which could impact sales, customer
retention and our ability to pass through programming costs to consumers, which increases the risk of non-renewal when
programmers seek increases.
To the extent that we are unable to reach agreement with certain programmers on terms that we believe are reasonable, we have
been, and may be in the future, forced to remove such programming channels from our line-up, which may result in a loss of
customers. Our failure to carry programming that is attractive to our customers could adversely impact our customer levels,
operations and financial results.
Increased demands by owners of some broadcast stations for carriage of other services or payments to those broadcasters for
retransmission consent are likely to further increase our programming costs. Federal law allows commercial television
broadcast stations to make an election between “must-carry” rights and an alternative “retransmission-consent” regime. When a
station opts for the retransmission consent regime, we are not allowed to carry the station’s signal without that station’s
permission. In some cases, we carry stations under short-term arrangements while we attempt to negotiate new long-term
retransmission agreements. If negotiations with these programmers prove unsuccessful, they could require us to cease carrying
their signals, possibly for an indefinite period. Any loss of stations could make our video service less attractive to customers,
which could result in less subscription and advertising revenue. In retransmission-consent negotiations, broadcasters often
condition consent with respect to one station on carriage of one or more other stations or programming services in which they
19
or their affiliates have an interest. Carriage of these other services, as well as increased fees for retransmission rights, may
increase our programming expenses and diminish the amount of capacity we have available to introduce new services, which
could have an adverse effect on our business and financial results.
Our inability to respond to technological developments and meet customer demand for new products and services could
adversely affect our ability to compete effectively.
We operate in a highly competitive, consumer-driven and rapidly changing environment. From time to time, we may pursue
strategic initiatives to launch products or enhancements to our products. Our success is, to a large extent, dependent on our
ability to acquire, develop, adopt, upgrade and exploit new and existing technologies to address consumers’ changing demands
and distinguish our services from those of our competitors. We may not be able to accurately predict technological trends or
the success of new products and services. If we choose technologies or equipment that are less effective, cost-efficient or
attractive to customers than those chosen by our competitors, if technologies or equipment on which we have chosen to rely
cease to be available to us on reasonable terms or conditions, if we offer services that fail to appeal to consumers, are not
available at competitive prices or that do not function as expected, or we are not able to fund the expenditures necessary to keep
pace with technological developments, or if we are no longer able to make our services available to our customers on a third-
party device on which a substantial number of customers have relied to access our services, our competitive position could
deteriorate, and our business and financial results could suffer.
The ability of some of our competitors to introduce new technologies, products and services more quickly than we do may
adversely affect our competitive position. Furthermore, advances in technology, decreases in the cost of existing technologies
or changes in competitors’ product and service offerings may require us in the future to make additional research and
development expenditures or to offer, at no additional charge or at a lower price, certain products and services that we currently
offer to customers separately or at a premium. In addition, the uncertainty of our ability, and the costs, to obtain intellectual
property rights from third parties could impact our ability to respond to technological advances in a timely and effective
manner.
Our inability to maintain and expand our upgraded systems and provide advanced services in a timely manner, or to anticipate
the demands of the marketplace, could materially adversely affect our ability to attract and retain customers. In addition, as we
continue to grow our mobile services using virtual network operator rights from a third party, we expect continued growth-
related sales and marketing and other customer acquisition costs as well as negative working capital impacts from the timing of
device-related cash flows when we provide devices pursuant to equipment installation plans. We also continue to consider and
pursue opportunities in the mobile space which may include the acquisition of additional licensed spectrum and may include
entering into or expanding joint ventures or partnerships with wireless or cable providers which may require significant
investment. For example, we now hold CBRS PALs to support existing and future mobile services. These licenses are subject
to revocation and expiration. Although we expect to be able to maintain and renew these licenses, the loss of one or more
licenses could significantly impair our ability to offload mobile traffic and achieve cost reductions. If we are unable to continue
to grow our mobile business and achieve the outcomes we expect from our investments in the mobile business, our growth,
financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Our business may be adversely affected if we cannot continue to license or enforce the intellectual property rights on which
our business depends.
We rely on patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret laws and licenses and other agreements with our employees,
customers, suppliers and other parties to establish and maintain our intellectual property rights in technology and the products
and services used in our operations. Also, because of the rapid pace of technological change, we both develop our own
technologies, products and services and rely on technologies developed or licensed by third parties. However, any of our
intellectual property rights, or the rights of our suppliers, could be challenged or invalidated, or such intellectual property rights
may not be sufficient to permit us to take advantage of current industry trends or otherwise to provide competitive advantages,
which could result in costly redesign efforts, discontinuance of certain product or service offerings or other competitive harm.
We may not be able to obtain or continue to obtain licenses from these third parties on reasonable terms, if at all. In addition,
claims of intellectual property infringement could require us to enter into royalty or licensing agreements on unfavorable terms,
incur substantial monetary liability or be enjoined preliminarily or permanently from further use of the intellectual property in
question, which could require us to change our business practices or offerings and limit our ability to compete effectively. Even
unsuccessful claims can be time-consuming and costly to defend and may divert management’s attention and resources away
from our business. Infringement claims continue to be brought frequently in the communications and entertainment industries,
and we are also often a party to such litigation alleging that certain of our services or technologies infringe the intellectual
property rights of others.
20
Various events could disrupt or result in unauthorized access to our networks, information systems or properties and could
impair our operating activities and negatively impact our reputation and financial results.
Network and information systems technologies are critical to our operating activities, both for our internal uses, such as
network management and supplying services to our customers, including customer service operations and programming
delivery. Network or information system shutdowns or other service disruptions caused by events such as computer hacking,
phishing, dissemination of computer viruses, worms and other destructive or disruptive software, “cyber attacks” such as
ransomware, process breakdowns, denial of service attacks and other malicious activity pose increasing risks. Both
unsuccessful and successful “cyber attacks” on companies have continued to increase in frequency, scope and potential harm in
recent years. While we develop and maintain systems seeking to prevent systems-related events and security breaches from
occurring, the development and maintenance of these systems is costly and requires ongoing monitoring and updating as
techniques used in such attacks become more sophisticated and change frequently. We, and the third parties on which we rely,
may be unable to anticipate these techniques or implement adequate preventive measures. While from time to time attempts
have been made to access our network, these attempts have not as yet resulted in any material release of information,
degradation or disruption to our network and information systems.
Our network and information systems are also vulnerable to damage or interruption from power outages, telecommunications
failures, accidents, natural disasters (including extreme weather arising from short-term or any long-term changes in weather
patterns), terrorist attacks and similar events. Our system redundancy may be ineffective or inadequate, and our disaster
recovery planning may not be sufficient for all eventualities.
Any of these events, if directed at, or experienced by, us or technologies upon which we depend, could have adverse
consequences on our network, our customers and our business, including degradation of service, service disruption, excessive
call volume to call centers, and damage to our or our customers’ equipment and data. Large expenditures may be necessary to
repair or replace damaged property, networks or information systems or to protect them from similar events in the future.
Moreover, the amount and scope of insurance that we maintain against losses resulting from any such events or security
breaches may not be sufficient to cover our losses or otherwise adequately compensate us for any disruptions to our business
that may result. Any such significant service disruption could result in damage to our reputation and credibility, customer
dissatisfaction and ultimately a loss of customers or revenue. Any significant loss of customers or revenue, or significant
increase in costs of serving those customers, could adversely affect our growth, financial condition and results of operations.
Furthermore, our operating activities could be subject to risks caused by misappropriation, misuse, leakage, falsification or
accidental release or loss of information maintained in our information technology systems and networks and those of our third-
party vendors, including customer, personnel and vendor data. We provide certain confidential, proprietary and personal
information to third parties in connection with our business, and there is a risk that this information may be compromised.
We process, store, and transmit large amounts of data, including the personal information of our customers. Ongoing increases
in the potential for mis-use of personal information, the public’s awareness of the importance of safeguarding personal
information, and the volume of legislation that has been adopted or is being considered regarding the protection, privacy, and
security of personal information have resulted in increases to our information-related risks. We could be exposed to significant
costs if such risks were to materialize, and such events could damage our reputation, credibility and business and have a
negative impact on our revenue. We could be subject to regulatory actions and claims made by consumers in private litigations
involving privacy issues related to consumer data collection and use practices. We also could be required to expend significant
capital and other resources to remedy any such security breach.
Our exposure to the economic conditions of our current and potential customers, vendors and third parties could adversely
affect our cash flow, results of operations and financial condition.
We are exposed to risks associated with the economic conditions of our current and potential customers, the potential financial
instability of our customers and their financial ability to purchase our products. If there were a general economic downturn, we
may experience increased cancellations or non-payment by our customers or unfavorable changes in the mix of products
purchased. This may include an increase in the number of homes that replace their video service with Internet-delivered and/or
over-air content, as well as an increase in the number of Internet and voice customers substituting mobile data and voice
products for wireline services, which would negatively impact our ability to attract customers, increase rates and maintain or
increase revenue. In addition, our ability to gain new customers is dependent to some extent on growth in occupied housing in
our service areas, which is influenced by both national and local economic conditions. Weak economic conditions may also
have a negative impact on our advertising revenue. These events have adversely affected us in the past, and may adversely
affect our cash flow, results of operations and financial condition if a downturn were to occur.
21
In addition, we are susceptible to risks associated with the potential financial instability of the vendors and third parties on
which we rely to provide products and services or to which we outsource certain functions. The same economic conditions that
may affect our customers, as well as volatility and disruption in the capital and credit markets, also could adversely affect
vendors and third parties and lead to significant increases in prices, reduction in output or the bankruptcy of our vendors or third
parties upon which we rely. Any interruption in the services provided by our vendors or by third parties could adversely affect
our cash flow, results of operation and financial condition.
If we are unable to retain key employees, our ability to manage our business could be adversely affected.
Our operational results have depended, and our future results will depend, upon the retention and continued performance of our
management team. Our ability to retain and hire new key employees for management positions could be impacted adversely by
the competitive environment for management talent in the broadband communications and technology industries. The loss of
the services of key members of management and the inability or delay in hiring new key employees could adversely affect our
ability to manage our business and our future operational and financial results.
Risks Related to Our Indebtedness
We have a significant amount of debt and expect to incur significant additional debt, including secured debt, in the future,
which could adversely affect our financial health and our ability to react to changes in our business.
We have a significant amount of debt and expect to (subject to applicable restrictions in our debt instruments) incur additional
debt in the future as we maintain our stated objective of 4.0 to 4.5 times Adjusted EBITDA leverage (net debt divided by the
last twelve months Adjusted EBITDA). As of December 31, 2021, our total principal amount of debt was approximately $91.2
billion with a leverage ratio of 4.4 times Adjusted EBITDA.
Our significant amount of debt could have consequences, such as:
impact our ability to raise additional capital at reasonable rates, or at all;
•
• make us vulnerable to interest rate increases, in part because approximately 13% of our borrowings as of
December 31, 2021 were, and may continue to be, subject to variable rates of interest;
expose us to increased interest expense to the extent we refinance existing debt with higher cost debt;
require us to dedicate a significant portion of our cash flow from operating activities to make payments on our debt,
reducing our funds available for working capital, capital expenditures, and other general corporate expenses;
limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business, the cable and telecommunications
industries, and the economy at large;
place us at a disadvantage compared to our competitors that have proportionately less debt; and
adversely affect our relationship with customers and suppliers.
•
•
•
•
•
To the extent our current debt amounts increase more than expected, our business results are lower than expected, or credit
rating agencies downgrade our debt limiting our access to investment grade markets, the related risks that we now face will
intensify.
In addition, our variable rate indebtedness may use London Interbank Offering Rate (“LIBOR”) as a benchmark for establishing
the rate. The United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, stopped publishing one week and 2
month U.S. Dollar (“USD”) LIBOR rates after 2021 with remaining USD LIBOR rates ceasing to be published on June 30,
2023 (the “FCA Announcement”). In the United States, the Alternative Reference Rates Committee has proposed the Secured
Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) as an alternative to LIBOR. It is not presently known whether SOFR or any other
alternative reference rates that have been proposed will attain market acceptance as replacements of LIBOR. In addition, the
overall financial markets may be disrupted as a result of the phase-out or replacement of LIBOR. Uncertainty as to the nature of
such phase out and selection of an alternative reference rate, together with disruption in the financial markets, could increase in
the cost of our variable rate indebtedness.
22
The agreements and instruments governing our debt contain restrictions and limitations that could significantly affect our
ability to operate our business, as well as significantly affect our liquidity.
Our credit facilities and the indentures governing our debt contain a number of significant covenants that could adversely affect
our ability to operate our business, our liquidity, and our results of operations. These covenants restrict, among other things, our
and our subsidiaries’ ability to:
incur additional debt;
repurchase or redeem equity interests and debt;
issue equity;
•
•
•
• make certain investments or acquisitions;
pay dividends or make other distributions;
•
dispose of assets or merge;
•
enter into related party transactions; and
•
grant liens and pledge assets.
•
Additionally, the Charter Communications Operating, LLC ("Charter Operating") credit facilities require Charter Operating to
comply with a maximum total leverage covenant and a maximum first lien leverage covenant. The breach of any covenants or
obligations in our indentures or credit facilities, not otherwise waived or amended, could result in a default under the applicable
debt obligations and could trigger acceleration of those obligations, which in turn could trigger cross defaults under other
agreements governing our long-term indebtedness. In addition, the secured lenders under our notes and the Charter Operating
credit facilities could foreclose on their collateral, which includes equity interests in substantially all of our subsidiaries, and
exercise other rights of secured creditors.
Risks Related to Ownership Position of Liberty Broadband Corporation and Advance/Newhouse Partnership
Liberty Broadband Corporation ("Liberty Broadband") and Advance/Newhouse Partnership (“A/N”) have governance
rights that give them influence over corporate transactions and other matters.
Liberty Broadband currently owns a significant amount of Charter Class A common stock and is entitled to certain governance
rights with respect to Charter. A/N currently owns Charter Class A common stock and a significant amount of membership
interests in our subsidiary Charter Communications Holdings, LLC (“Charter Holdings”), which are convertible into Charter
Class A common stock, and is entitled to certain governance rights with respect to Charter. Members of the Charter board of
directors include a director who is also an officer and director of Liberty Broadband and directors who are current or former
officers and directors of A/N. Mr. Greg Maffei is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Liberty Broadband. Steven
Miron is the Chief Executive Officer of A/N and Michael Newhouse is an officer or director of several of A/N’s affiliates. As
of December 31, 2021, Liberty Broadband beneficially held approximately 27.51% of Charter’s voting stock and A/N
beneficially held approximately 12.62% of Charter’s voting stock. Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Stockholders
Agreement with Charter, Liberty Broadband and A/N, dated as of May 23, 2015 (as amended, the “Stockholders Agreement”),
Liberty Broadband currently has the right to designate up to three directors as nominees for Charter’s board of directors and A/
N currently has the right to designate up to two directors as nominees for Charter’s board of directors. Each of A/N and Liberty
Broadband is entitled to nominate at least one director to each of the committees of Charter's board of directors, subject to
applicable stock exchange listing rules and certain specified voting or equity ownership thresholds for each of A/N and Liberty
Broadband, and provided that the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Compensation and Benefit
Committee each have at least a majority of directors independent from A/N, Liberty Broadband and Charter (referred to as the
“unaffiliated directors” in the Stockholders Agreement).
The Stockholders Agreement and Charter’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation fixes the size of the board at 13
directors. Liberty Broadband and A/N are required to vote (subject to the applicable voting cap) their respective shares of
Charter Class A common stock and Charter Class B common stock for the director nominees nominated by the nominating and
corporate governance committee of the board of directors, including the respective designees of Liberty Broadband and A/N,
and against any other nominees, except that, with respect to the unaffiliated directors, Liberty Broadband and A/N must instead
vote in the same proportion as the voting securities are voted by stockholders other than A/N and Liberty Broadband or any
group which includes any of them are voted, if doing so would cause a different outcome with respect to the unaffiliated
directors. As a result of their rights under the Stockholders Agreement and their significant equity and voting stakes in Charter,
Liberty Broadband and/or A/N, who may have interests different from those of other stockholders, will be able to exercise
substantial influence over certain matters relating to the governance of Charter, including the approval of significant corporate
actions, such as mergers and other business combination transactions.
23
The Stockholders Agreement provides A/N and Liberty Broadband with preemptive rights with respect to issuances of
Charter equity in connection with certain transactions, and in the event that A/N or Liberty Broadband exercises these
rights, holders of Charter Class A common stock may experience further dilution.
The Stockholders Agreement provides that A/N and Liberty Broadband will have certain contractual preemptive rights over
issuances of Charter equity securities in connection with capital raising transactions. Holders of Charter Class A common stock
will not be entitled to similar preemptive rights with respect to such transactions. As a result, if Liberty Broadband and/or A/N
elect to exercise their preemptive rights, (i) these parties would not experience the dilution experienced by the other holders of
Charter Class A common stock, and (ii) such other holders of Charter Class A common stock may experience further dilution of
their interest in Charter upon such exercise.
Risks Related to Regulatory and Legislative Matters
Our business is subject to extensive governmental legislation and regulation, which could adversely affect our business.
Regulation of the cable industry has increased cable operators’ operational and administrative expenses and limited their
revenues. Cable operators are subject to numerous laws and regulations including those covering the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
the provision of high-speed Internet service, including net neutrality and transparency rules;
the provision of voice communications;
cable franchise renewals and transfers;
the provisioning, marketing and billing of cable and Internet equipment;
customer and employee privacy and data security;
copyright royalties for retransmitting broadcast signals;
the circumstances when a cable system must carry a broadcast station and the circumstances when it first must obtain
retransmission consent to carry a broadcast station;
limitations on our ability to enter into exclusive agreements with multiple dwelling unit complexes and control our inside
wiring;
equal employment opportunity;
the resiliency of our networks to maintain service during and after disasters and power outages;
emergency alert systems, disability access, pole attachments, commercial leased access and technical standards;
•
•
•
• marketing practices, customer service, and consumer protection; and
•
approval for mergers and acquisitions often accompanied by the imposition of restrictions and requirements on an
applicant’s business in order to secure approval of the proposed transaction.
Legislators and regulators at all levels of government frequently consider changing, and sometimes do change, existing statutes,
rules, regulations, or interpretations thereof, or prescribe new ones. Any future legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative
actions may increase our costs or impose additional restrictions on our businesses.
Changes to existing statutes, rules, regulations, or interpretations thereof, or adoption of new ones, or participation in new
regulatory programs, could have an adverse effect on our business.
There are ongoing efforts to amend or expand the federal, state, and local regulation of some of the services offered over our
cable systems, particularly our retail broadband Internet access service. Potential legislative and regulatory changes could
adversely impact our business by increasing our costs and competition and limiting our ability to offer services in a manner that
that would maximize our revenue potential. These changes could include, for example, the reclassification of Internet services
as regulated telecommunications services; restrictions on how we manage our Internet access services and networks; the
adoption of new privacy restrictions on our collection, use and disclosure of certain customer information; new data security
and cybersecurity mandates that could result in additional network and information security requirements for our business; new
restraints on our discretion over programming decisions; new restrictions on the rates we charge to consumers for one or more
of the services we offer; changes to the cable industry’s compulsory copyright license to carry broadcast signals; new
requirements to assure the availability of navigation devices from third-party providers; new Universal Service Fund
obligations on our provision of Internet service that would add to the cost of that service; increases in government-administered
broadband subsidies to rural areas that could result in subsidized overbuilding of our more rural facilities; changes to the FCC's
administration of spectrum; and changes in the regulatory framework for VoIP telephone service, including the scope of
regulatory obligations associated with our VoIP telephone service and our ability to interconnect our VoIP telephone service
with incumbent providers of traditional telecommunications service.
24
As a winning bidder in the FCC’s RDOF auction in 2020, we must comply with numerous FCC and state requirements prior to
and after receiving such funding. To comply with these RDOF program requirements, we have chosen in the RDOF areas to
offer certain of our VoIP telephone services, such as our federal or state Lifeline services, subject to traditional federal and state
common carrier regulations. Additionally, in the RDOF areas, we will offer certain of our broadband Internet access services
subject to required discounts and other marketing-related terms. If we fail to comply with those requirements, the FCC could
consider us in default of the RDOF program rules, and we could incur substantial penalties or forfeitures. For example, if we
fail to attain certain specified infrastructure build-out requirements under the RDOF program, the FCC could withhold future
support payments until those shortcomings are corrected. Our failure to comply with the rules and requirements for the RDOF
program could result in us being suspended or disbarred from future governmental programs or contracts for a significant
period of time, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
If any laws or regulations are enacted that would expand the regulation of our services, they could affect our operations and
require significant expenditures. We cannot predict future developments in these areas, and any changes to the regulatory
framework for our Internet, video, mobile or VoIP services could have a negative impact on our business and results of
operations.
It remains uncertain what rule changes, if any, will ultimately be adopted by Congress and the FCC and what operating or
financial impact any such rules might have on us, including on our programming agreements, customer privacy and the user
experience. In addition, the FCC, the FTC, and various state agencies and attorney generals actively investigate industry
practices and could impose substantial forfeitures for alleged regulatory violations.
Tax legislation and administrative initiatives or challenges to our tax and fee positions could adversely affect our results of
operations and financial condition.
We operate cable systems in locations throughout the United States and, as a result, we are subject to the tax laws and
regulations of federal, state and local governments. From time to time, legislative and administrative bodies change laws and
regulations that change our effective tax rate or tax payments. Certain states and localities have imposed or are considering
imposing new or additional taxes or fees on our services or changing the methodologies or base on which certain fees and taxes
are computed. Potential changes include additional taxes or fees on our services which could impact our customers, changes to
income tax sourcing rules and other changes to general business taxes, central/unit-level assessment of property taxes and other
matters that could increase our income, franchise, sales, use and/or property tax liabilities. For example, some local franchising
authorities have imposed franchise fee assessments on our broadband Internet access service (in addition to our video service),
and more may do so in the future. If challenges to such assessments are unsuccessful, it could adversely impact our costs.
Although the FCC issued a decision precluding the imposition of such duplicative fees, that favorable decision is currently
subject to judicial review. In addition, federal, state and local tax laws and regulations are extremely complex and subject to
varying interpretations. There can be no assurance that our tax positions will not be challenged by relevant tax authorities or
that we would be successful in any such challenge.
Our cable system franchises are subject to non-renewal or termination and are non-exclusive. The failure to renew a
franchise or the grant of additional franchises in one or more service areas could adversely affect our business.
Our cable systems generally operate pursuant to franchises, permits, and similar authorizations issued by a state or local
governmental authority controlling the public rights-of-way. Many franchises establish comprehensive facilities and service
requirements, as well as specific customer service standards and monetary penalties for non-compliance. In many cases,
franchises are terminable if the franchisee fails to comply with significant provisions set forth in the franchise agreement
governing system operations. Franchises are generally granted for fixed terms and must be periodically renewed. Franchising
authorities may resist granting a renewal if either past performance or the prospective operating proposal is considered
inadequate. Franchise authorities often demand concessions or other commitments as a condition to renewal. In some instances,
local franchises have not been renewed at expiration, and we have operated and are operating under either temporary operating
agreements or without a franchise while negotiating renewal terms with the local franchising authorities.
We cannot assure you that we will be able to comply with all significant provisions of our franchise agreements and certain of
our franchisers have from time to time alleged that we have not complied with these agreements. Additionally, although
historically we have renewed our franchises without incurring significant costs, we cannot assure you that we will be able to
renew, or to renew as favorably, our franchises in the future. A termination of or a sustained failure to renew a franchise in one
or more service areas could adversely affect our business in the affected geographic area.
25
Our cable system franchises are non-exclusive. Consequently, local and state franchising authorities can grant additional
franchises to competitors in the same geographic area or operate their own cable systems. In some cases, local government
entities and municipal utilities may legally compete with us on more favorable terms.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
None.
Item 2. Properties.
Our principal physical assets consist of cable distribution plant and equipment, including signal receiving, encoding and
decoding devices, headend reception facilities, distribution systems, and customer premise equipment for each of our cable
systems.
Our cable plant and related equipment are generally attached to utility poles under pole rental agreements with local public
utilities and telephone companies, and in certain locations are buried in underground ducts or trenches. We own or lease real
property for signal reception sites, and own our service vehicles.
We generally lease space for business offices. Our headend and tower locations are located on owned or leased parcels of land,
and we generally own the towers on which our equipment is located.
The physical components of our cable systems require maintenance as well as periodic upgrades to support the new services
and products we introduce. See “Item 1. Business – Our Network Technology.” We believe that our properties are generally in
good operating condition and are suitable for our business operations.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
The legal proceedings information set forth in Note 22 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements contained in
“Part II. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated herein by
reference.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.
26
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Charter’s Class A common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “CHTR.” As of
December 31, 2021, there were approximately 10,500 holders of record of Charter’s Class A common stock and one holder of
Charter's Class B common stock. Charter has not paid cash dividends on its common stock and does not intend to do so in the
foreseeable future. During 2021, there were no unregistered sales of securities of the registrant.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
The following information is provided as of December 31, 2021 with respect to equity compensation plans:
Plan Category
Equity compensation plans approved by security
holders
Equity compensation plans not approved by
security holders
Number of Securities
to be Issued Upon
Exercise of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights
Weighted
Average Exercise
Price of
Outstanding
Warrants and
Rights
Number of Securities
Remaining Available
for Future Issuance
Under Equity
Compensation Plans
9,726,801 (1) $
373.80
12,326,587 (1)
—
$
—
—
TOTAL
9,726,801 (1)
12,326,587 (1)
(1) This total does not include 4,627 shares issued pursuant to restricted stock grants made under our 2019 Stock Incentive
Plan, which are subject to vesting based on continued service.
For information regarding securities issued under our equity compensation plans, see Note 17 to our accompanying
consolidated financial statements contained in “Part II. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
Performance Graph
The performance graph required by Item 5 will be included in Charter’s 2022 Proxy Statement (the “Proxy Statement”) under
the headings “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” or in amendment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and is
incorporated herein by reference.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer
The following table presents Charter’s purchases of equity securities completed during the fourth quarter of 2021 (dollars in
millions, except per share data).
Period
October 1 - 31, 2021
November 1 - 30, 2021
December 1 - 31, 2021
Total Number of
Shares Purchased (1)
2,164,040
2,524,940
1,910,902
Average Price Paid
per Share
Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs (2)
$
$
$
736.75
695.36
657.45
2,160,012
2,503,394
1,909,302
Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs (2)
$1,580
$2,523
$1,857
(1)
Includes 4,028, 21,546 and 1,600 shares withheld from employees for the payment of taxes and exercise costs upon the
exercise of stock options or vesting of other equity awards for the months of October, November and December 2021,
respectively.
(2) During the three months ended December 31, 2021, Charter purchased approximately 6.6 million shares of its Class A
common stock for approximately $4.6 billion, which includes 2.1 million Charter class A common shares purchased from
Liberty Broadband pursuant to the LBB Letter Agreement at an average price per unit of $726.18, or $1.5 billion. Charter
Holdings purchased 1.0 million Charter Holdings common units from A/N at an average price per unit of $731.11, or $734
27
million during the three months ended December 31, 2021. As of December 31, 2021, Charter had remaining board
authority to purchase an additional $1.9 billion of Charter’s Class A common stock and/or Charter Holdings common units,
excluding purchases from Liberty Broadband. In addition to open market purchases including pursuant to Rule 10b5-1
plans adopted from time to time, Charter may also buy shares of Charter Class A common stock, from time to time,
pursuant to private transactions outside of its Rule 10b5-1 plan and any such repurchases may also trigger the repurchases
from A/N pursuant to and to the extent provided in the A/N Letter Agreement or Liberty pursuant to the LBB Letter
Agreement. See "Part II. Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
— Liquidity and Capital Resources."
Item 6. [Reserved]
Not applicable.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Reference is made to “Part I. Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,”
which describe important factors that could cause actual results to differ from expectations and non-historical information
contained herein. In addition, the following discussion should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial
statements and accompanying notes thereto of Charter included in “Part II. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary
Data.”
Overview
We are a leading broadband connectivity company and cable operator serving more than 32 million customers in 41 states
through our Spectrum brand. Over an advanced high-capacity, two-way telecommunications network, we offer a full range of
state-of-the-art residential and business services including Spectrum Internet, TV, Mobile and Voice. For small and medium-
sized companies, Spectrum Business delivers the same suite of broadband products and services coupled with special features
and applications to enhance productivity, while for larger businesses and government entities, Spectrum Enterprise provides
highly customized, fiber-based solutions. Spectrum Reach delivers tailored advertising and production for the modern media
landscape. We also distribute award-winning news coverage, sports and high-quality original programming to our customers
through Spectrum Networks and Spectrum Originals. See “Part I. Item 1. Business — Products and Services” for further
description of these services, including customer statistics for different services.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted how our customers use our products and services, how they interact with us,
and how our employees provide services to our customers. Customer activity levels remain below normal which contributed to
lower operating expense from reduced service transactions and lower bad debt in 2021 along with lower growth in customer
relationships. We cannot predict when trends return to pre-COVID-19 levels as the economy returns to normal activities.
Although the ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be predicted, we remain focused on driving customer
relationship growth by deploying superior products and services with attractive pricing. In October 2021, we announced and
implemented new Spectrum Mobile multi-line pricing designed to drive more mobile line sales per customer, and in turn, drive
more broadband sales and the associated retention benefits. Further, we expect to continue to drive customer relationship
growth through sales of Internet connectivity services and improving customer retention despite the expectation for continued
losses of video and wireline voice customers.
Our Spectrum Mobile service is offered to customers subscribing to our Internet service and runs on Verizon's mobile network
combined with Spectrum WiFi. We continue to explore ways to drive even more mobile traffic to our network. We intend to
use CBRS PALs we purchased in 2020, along with unlicensed CBRS spectrum, to build our own 5G mobile data-only network
on our existing infrastructure in targeted geographies where there is high outdoor cellular traffic volume. This effort, in
combination with our expanding WiFi network and continued 5G enhancements within the Verizon MVNO partnership
agreement, should position our mobile product for continued customer experience and cost structure improvements.
We believe Spectrum-branded mobile services will drive higher sales of our core products, create longer customer lives and
increase profitability and cash flow over time. As a result of growth costs associated with our new mobile product line, we
cannot be certain that we will be able to grow revenues or maintain our margins at recent historical rates. During the years
ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, our mobile product line increased revenues by $2.2 billion and $1.4 billion, respectively,
reduced Adjusted EBITDA by approximately $311 million and $401 million, respectively, and reduced free cash flow by
approximately $853 million and $1.1 billion, respectively. We expect mobile Adjusted EBITDA will continue to be negative
primarily as a result of growth-related sales and marketing and other customer acquisition costs for mobile services, and
28
depending on the pace of that growth. We also expect to continue to see negative free cash flow from the timing of device-
related cash flows when we sell devices to customers pursuant to equipment installment plans and capital expenditures related
to retail store and CBRS build-out.
We realized revenue, Adjusted EBITDA and income from operations during the periods presented as follows (in millions; all
percentages are calculated using whole numbers. Minor differences may exist due to rounding).
Revenues
Adjusted EBITDA
Income from operations
Years ended December 31,
2021
2020
$
$
$
51,682 $
20,630 $
10,526 $
48,097
18,518
8,405
2021 vs.
2020
Growth
7.5 %
11.4 %
25.2 %
Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income attributable to Charter shareholders plus net income attributable to noncontrolling
interest, net interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock compensation expense, other income
(expenses), net and other operating (income) expenses, net, such as special charges and (gain) loss on sale or retirement of
assets. See “—Use of Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow” for further information on Adjusted EBITDA and free cash
flow.
Growth in total revenue was primarily due to growth in our residential Internet, mobile and commercial customers and price
adjustments. Adjusted EBITDA and income from operations growth was impacted by growth in revenue and increases in
operating costs and expenses, primarily mobile, programming and regulatory, connectivity and produced content costs.
Approximately 91% of our revenues for each of the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 are attributable to monthly
subscription fees charged to customers for our Internet, video, voice, mobile and commercial services as well as regional sports
and news channels. Generally, these customer subscriptions may be discontinued by the customer at any time subject to a fee
for certain commercial customers. The remaining 9% of revenue is derived primarily from advertising revenues, franchise and
other regulatory fee revenues (which are collected by us but then paid to local authorities), sales of mobile and video devices,
processing fees or reconnection fees charged to customers to commence or reinstate service, installation, VOD and pay-per-
view programming, and commissions related to the sale of merchandise by home shopping services.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Certain of our accounting policies require our management to make difficult, subjective and/or complex judgments.
Management has discussed these policies with the Audit Committee of Charter’s board of directors, and the Audit Committee
has reviewed the following disclosure. We consider the following policies to be the most critical in understanding the
estimates, assumptions and judgments that are involved in preparing our financial statements, and the uncertainties that could
affect our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows:
•
•
•
•
Capitalization of labor and overhead costs
Valuation and impairment of franchises and goodwill
Income taxes
Defined benefit pension plans
Capitalization of labor and overhead costs
Costs associated with network construction or upgrades, placement of the customer drop to the dwelling and the placement of
outlets within a dwelling along with the costs associated with the deployment of new customer premise equipment necessary to
provide Internet, video or voice services, are capitalized. Costs capitalized include materials, direct labor and certain indirect
costs. These indirect costs consist of compensation and overhead costs associated with support functions. While our
capitalization is based on specific activities, once capitalized, we track these costs on a composite basis by fixed asset category
at the cable system level, and not on a specific asset basis. For assets that are sold or retired, we remove the estimated
applicable cost and accumulated depreciation. The costs of disconnecting service and removing customer premise equipment
from a dwelling and the costs to reconnect a customer drop or to redeploy previously installed customer premise equipment are
charged to operating expense as incurred. Costs for repairs and maintenance are charged to operating expense as incurred,
29
while plant and equipment replacement, including replacement of certain components, betterments, and replacement of cable
drops and outlets, are capitalized.
We make judgments regarding the installation and construction activities to be capitalized. We capitalized direct labor and
overhead of $1.7 billion and $1.6 billion for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. We capitalize direct
labor and overhead using standards developed from actual costs and applicable operational data. We calculate standards
annually (or more frequently if circumstances dictate) for items such as the labor rates, overhead rates, and the actual amount of
time required to perform a capitalizable activity. For example, the standard amounts of time required to perform capitalizable
activities are based on studies of the time required to perform such activities. Overhead rates are established based on an
analysis of the nature of costs incurred in support of capitalizable activities, and a determination of the portion of costs that is
directly attributable to capitalizable activities. The impact of changes that resulted from these studies were not material in the
periods presented.
Labor costs directly associated with capital projects are capitalized. Capitalizable activities performed in connection with
installations include such activities as:
•
•
•
•
•
dispatching a “truck roll” to the customer’s dwelling or business for service connection or placement of new equipment;
costs to package and ship new equipment to a customer's home for self-installation;
verification of serviceability to the customer’s dwelling or business (i.e., determining whether the customer’s dwelling is
capable of receiving service by our cable network);
customer premise activities performed by in-house field technicians and third-party contractors in connection with the
installation, replacement and betterment of equipment and materials to enable Internet, video or voice services; and
verifying the integrity of the customer’s network connection by initiating test signals downstream from the headend to the
customer premise equipment, as well as testing signal levels at the utility pole or pedestal.
Judgment is required to determine the extent to which overhead costs incurred result from specific capital activities, and
therefore should be capitalized. The primary costs that are included in the determination of the overhead rate are (i) employee
benefits and payroll taxes associated with capitalized direct labor, (ii) direct variable costs associated with capitalizable
activities, (iii) the cost of support personnel, such as care personnel and dispatchers, who assist with capitalizable installation
activities, and (iv) indirect costs directly attributable to capitalizable activities.
While we believe our existing capitalization policies are appropriate, a significant change in the nature or extent of our
operating practices could affect management’s judgment about the extent to which we should capitalize direct labor or overhead
in the future. We monitor the appropriateness of our capitalization policies, and perform updates to our internal studies on an
ongoing basis to determine whether facts or circumstances warrant a change to our capitalization policies.
Valuation and impairment of franchises
The net carrying value of franchises as of both December 31, 2021 and 2020 was approximately $67.3 billion (representing
47% of total assets). Franchise assets are aggregated into essentially inseparable units of accounting to conduct valuations.
The units of accounting generally represent geographical clustering of our cable systems into groups. For more information
and a complete discussion of how we value and test franchise assets for impairment, see Note 5 to the accompanying
consolidated financial statements contained in “Part II. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
We perform an impairment assessment of franchise assets annually or more frequently as warranted by events or changes in
circumstances. We performed a qualitative assessment in 2021. Our assessment included consideration of a multitude of factors
that affect the fair value of our franchise assets. Examples of such factors include environmental and competitive changes
within our operating footprint, actual and projected operating performance, the consistency of our operating margins, equity and
debt market trends, including changes in our market capitalization, and changes in our regulatory and political landscape,
among other factors. Based on our assessment, we concluded that it was more likely than not that the estimated fair values of
our franchise assets equals or exceeds their carrying values and that a quantitative impairment test is not required.
Valuation and impairment of goodwill
The net carrying value of goodwill as of both December 31, 2021 and 2020 was approximately $29.6 billion (representing 21%
and 20% of total assets, respectively). We have determined that we have one reporting unit for purposes of the assessment of
goodwill impairment. For more information and a complete discussion on how we test goodwill for impairment, see Note 5 to
the accompanying consolidated financial statements contained in “Part II. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary
30
Data.” We perform our impairment assessment of goodwill annually as of November 30. As with our franchise impairment
testing, we elected to perform a qualitative assessment of goodwill in 2021. Given the completion of the assessment and
absence of significant adverse changes in factors impacting our fair value estimates, we concluded that it is more likely than not
that our goodwill is not impaired.
Income taxes
As of December 31, 2021, Charter had approximately $714 million of federal tax net operating loss carryforwards resulting in a
gross deferred tax asset of approximately $150 million. These losses resulted from the operations of Charter Communications
Holding Company, LLC ("Charter Holdco") and its subsidiaries and from loss carryforwards received as a result of the merger
with TWC. Federal tax net operating loss carryforwards expire in the years 2034 through 2035. In addition, as of
December 31, 2021, Charter had state tax net operating loss carryforwards, resulting in a gross deferred tax asset (net of federal
tax benefit) of approximately $175 million. State tax net operating loss carryforwards generally expire in the years 2022
through 2041. Such tax loss carryforwards can accumulate and be used to offset Charter’s future taxable income. After
December 31, 2021, $714 million of Charter's federal tax loss carryforwards are subject to Section 382 and other restrictions.
Pursuant to these restrictions, Charter estimates that approximately $229 million annually over each of the next three years of
federal tax loss carryforwards, should become unrestricted and available for Charter’s use. Charter’s state tax loss
carryforwards are subject to similar but varying restrictions.
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion
or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. In evaluating the need for a valuation allowance, management takes into
account various factors, including the expected level of future taxable income, available tax planning strategies and reversals of
existing taxable temporary differences. Approximately $13 million of valuation allowance associated with federal capital loss
carryforwards and approximately $23 million of valuation allowance associated with state tax loss carryforwards and other
miscellaneous deferred tax assets remains on the December 31, 2021 consolidated balance sheet.
In determining our tax provision for financial reporting purposes, we establish a reserve for uncertain tax positions unless such
positions are determined to be “more likely than not” of being sustained upon examination, based on their technical merits. In
evaluating whether a tax position has met the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, we presume the position will be
examined by the appropriate taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. A tax position that meets the
more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to be recognized in our financial
statements. The tax position is measured as the largest amount of benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being
realized when the position is ultimately resolved. There is considerable judgment involved in determining whether positions
taken on the tax return are “more likely than not” of being sustained. We adjust our uncertain tax reserve estimates periodically
because of ongoing examinations by, and settlements with, the various taxing authorities, as well as changes in tax laws,
regulations and interpretations.
Charter is currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") for income tax purposes for 2019. Charter's
2016, 2018 and 2020 tax years remain open for examination and assessment. Charter’s 2017 tax year remains open solely for
purposes of loss and credit carryforwards. Charter’s short period return dated May 17, 2016 (prior to the merger with TWC and
acquisition of Bright House) and prior years remain open solely for purposes of examination of Charter’s loss and credit
carryforwards. The IRS is currently examining Charter Holdings’ income tax return for 2016 and 2019. Charter Holdings’
2018 and 2020 tax years remain open for examination and assessment, while 2017 remains open solely for purposes of credit
carryforwards. The IRS is currently examining TWC’s income tax returns for 2011 through 2014. TWC’s tax year 2015
remains subject to examination and assessment. Prior to TWC’s separation from Time Warner Inc. (“Time Warner”) in March
2009, TWC was included in the consolidated U.S. federal and certain state income tax returns of Time Warner. The IRS has
examined Time Warner’s 2008 through 2010 income tax returns and the results are under appeal. We do not anticipate that
these examinations will have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations. In addition, we
are also subject to ongoing examinations of our tax returns by state and local tax authorities for various periods. Activity
related to these state and local examinations did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of
operations during the year ended December 31, 2021, nor do we anticipate a material impact in the future.
Defined benefit pension plans
We sponsor qualified and unqualified defined benefit pension plans that provide pension benefits to a majority of employees
who were employed by TWC before the merger with TWC. As of December 31, 2021, the accumulated benefit obligation and
fair value of plan assets was $3.4 billion and $3.5 billion, respectively, and the net funded asset was recorded as a $114 million
noncurrent asset, $4 million current liability and $27 million long-term liability. As of December 31, 2020, the accumulated
31
benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets was $3.7 billion and $3.5 billion, respectively, and the net underfunded liability
was recorded as a $1 million noncurrent asset, $5 million current liability and $222 million long-term liability.
Pension benefits are based on formulas that reflect the employees’ years of service and compensation during their employment
period. Actuarial gains or losses are changes in the amount of either the benefit obligation or the fair value of plan assets
resulting from experience different from that assumed or from changes in assumptions. We have elected to follow a mark-to-
market pension accounting policy for recording the actuarial gains or losses annually during the fourth quarter, or earlier if a
remeasurement event occurs during an interim period. We use a December 31 measurement date for our pension plans.
We recognized net periodic pension benefit of $305 million and net periodic pension cost of $66 million in 2021 and 2020,
respectively. Net periodic pension benefit or expense is determined using certain assumptions, including the expected long-
term rate of return on plan assets, discount rate and mortality assumptions. We determined the discount rate used to compute
pension expense based on the yield of a large population of high-quality corporate bonds with cash flows sufficient in timing
and amount to settle projected future defined benefit payments. In developing the expected long-term rate of return on assets,
we considered the current pension portfolio’s composition, past average rate of earnings, and our asset allocation targets. We
used a discount rate of 3.01% to determine the December 31, 2021 pension plan benefit obligation. A decrease in the discount
rate of 25 basis points would result in a $155 million increase in our pension plan benefit obligation as of December 31, 2021
and net periodic pension expense recognized in 2021 under our mark-to-market accounting policy. The expected long-term rate
of return on plan assets used to determine net periodic pension benefit for the year ended December 31, 2022 is expected to be
5.00%. A decrease in the expected long-term rate of return of 25 basis points to 4.75%, while holding all other assumptions
constant, would result in an increase in our 2022 net periodic pension expense of approximately $8 million. See Note 23 to the
accompanying consolidated financial statements contained in “Part II. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”
for additional discussion on these assumptions.
32
Results of Operations
A discussion of changes in our results of operations during the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended
December 31, 2019 has been omitted from this Annual Report on Form 10-K, but may be found in “Item 7. Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2020, filed with the SEC on January 29, 2021, which is available free of charge on the SECs website at
www.sec.gov and on our investor relations website at ir.charter.com.
The following table sets forth the consolidated statements of operations for the periods presented (dollars in millions, except per
share data):
Year Ended December 31,
2021
2020
$
51,682 $
48,097
31,482
9,345
329
41,156
10,526
(4,037)
(101)
(4,138)
6,388
(1,068)
5,320
(666)
4,654 $
29,930
9,704
58
39,692
8,405
(3,848)
(255)
(4,103)
4,302
(626)
3,676
(454)
3,222
25.34 $
24.47 $
15.85
15.40
Revenues
Costs and Expenses:
Operating costs and expenses (exclusive of items shown separately below)
Depreciation and amortization
Other operating expenses, net
Income from operations
Other Income (Expenses):
Interest expense, net
Other expenses, net
Income before income taxes
Income tax expense
Consolidated net income
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net income attributable to Charter shareholders
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO CHARTER
SHAREHOLDERS:
Basic
Diluted
$
$
$
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted
183,669,369
193,042,948
203,316,483
209,273,247
Revenues. Total revenues grew $3.6 billion or 7.5% during the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to 2020 primarily
due to increases in the number of residential Internet, mobile and commercial customers and price adjustments.
33
Revenues by service offering were as follows (dollars in millions; all percentages are calculated using whole numbers. Minor
differences may exist due to rounding):
Internet
Video
Voice
Residential revenue
Small and medium business
Enterprise
Commercial revenue
Advertising sales
Mobile
Other
Years ended December 31,
2020
% Growth
2021
$
$
21,094 $
17,630
1,598
40,322
4,170
2,573
6,743
1,594
2,178
845
51,682 $
18,521
17,432
1,806
37,759
3,964
2,468
6,432
1,699
1,364
843
48,097
13.9 %
1.1 %
(11.5) %
6.8 %
5.2 %
4.3 %
4.9 %
(6.2) %
59.6 %
0.2 %
7.5 %
The increase in Internet revenues from our residential customers was attributable to the following (dollars in millions):
Increase related to rate, product mix and bundle allocation changes
Increase in average residential Internet customers
2021 compared
to 2020
$
$
1,490
1,083
2,573
The increase related to rate, product mix and bundle allocation changes was primarily due to price adjustments, promotional
roll-off and higher bundled revenue allocation as well as $34 million of credits related to prior year's Keep Americans
Connected ("KAC") Pledge and certain state-mandated programs which reduced revenue during the year ended December 31,
2020. Residential Internet customers grew by 1,114,000 in 2021 compared to 2020.
Video revenues consist primarily of revenues from basic and digital video services provided to our residential customers, as
well as franchise fees, equipment service fees and video installation revenue. The increase in video revenues was attributable to
the following (dollars in millions):
Customer credits due to COVID-19
Increase related to rate, product mix and bundle allocation changes
Decrease in average residential video customers
Decrease in video on demand and pay-per-view
Decrease in installation
2021 compared
to 2020
$
$
223
283
(250)
(44)
(14)
198
We recorded $39 million and $218 million of estimated customer credits related to canceled sporting events during the years
ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $44 million of credits related to prior year's KAC program which
reduced revenue during the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase related to rate, product mix and bundle allocation
changes was primarily due to price adjustments and promotional roll-off and was partly offset by a higher mix of lower cost
video packages within our video customer base and lower bundled revenue allocation. Residential video customers decreased
by 423,000 in 2021 compared to 2020.
34
The decrease in voice revenues from our residential customers was attributable to the following (dollars in millions):
Decrease related to rate and bundle allocation changes
Decrease in average residential voice customers
2021 compared
to 2020
$
$
(132)
(76)
(208)
The decrease related to rate and bundle allocation changes was impacted by value-based pricing and changes in bundled
revenue allocations. Residential wireline voice customers decreased by 594,000 in 2021 compared to 2020.
The increase in SMB commercial revenues was attributable to the following (dollars in millions):
Increase in SMB customers
Increase related to COVID-19 programs which reduced prior year revenue
Decrease related to rate and product mix changes
2021 compared
to 2020
$
$
209
36
(39)
206
SMB customers increased by 92,000 in 2021 compared to 2020. The decrease related to rate and product mix changes during
the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to 2020 was primarily due to value-based pricing related to SPP net of
promotional roll-off and price adjustments.
Enterprise revenues increased $105 million during the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to the corresponding period
in 2020 primarily due to an increase in Internet PSUs, $18 million of impacts from COVID-19 related programs which reduced
revenues in the year ended December 31, 2020 as well as a $16 million one-time benefit incurred during the year ended
December 31, 2021 offset by lower wholesale PSUs. Enterprise PSUs increased by 13,000 in 2021 compared to 2020.
Advertising sales revenues consist primarily of revenues from commercial advertising customers, programmers and other
vendors, as well as local cable and advertising on regional sports and news channels. Advertising sales revenues decreased
$105 million during the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to the corresponding period in 2020 primarily due to a
decrease in political offset by an increase in advanced advertising revenues and local and national advertising revenues as well
as the impacts of COVID-19 that lowered revenues in 2020.
During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, mobile revenues included approximately $909 million and $658 million
of device revenues, respectively, and approximately $1.3 billion and $706 million of service revenues, respectively. The
increases in revenues are a result of an increase of 1,189,000 lines from December 31, 2020 to December 31, 2021.
Other revenues consist of revenue from regional sports and news channels (excluding intercompany charges or advertising sales
on those channels), home shopping, late payment fees, video device sales, wire maintenance fees and other miscellaneous
revenues. Other revenues remained relatively consistent during the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to the
corresponding period in 2020.
35
Operating costs and expenses. The increase in our operating costs and expenses, exclusive of items shown separately in the
consolidated statements of operations, was attributable to the following (dollars in millions):
Programming
Regulatory, connectivity and produced content
Costs to service customers
Marketing
Mobile
Other
2021 compared
to 2020
$
$
443
311
(79)
40
724
113
1,552
Programming costs were approximately $11.8 billion and $11.4 billion for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020,
respectively, representing 38% of operating costs and expenses. Programming costs consist primarily of costs paid to
programmers for basic, digital, premium, video on demand, and pay-per-view programming. Programming costs increased as a
result of $124 million of more rebates in 2020 than 2021 from sports programming networks as a result of canceled sporting
events due to COVID-19, as well as contractual rate adjustments, including renewals and increases in amounts paid for
retransmission consent offset by fewer customers and a higher mix of lower cost video packages within our video customer
base. We expect programming rates per customer will continue to increase due to a variety of factors, including annual
increases imposed by programmers with additional selling power as a result of media and broadcast station groups
consolidation, increased demands by owners of broadcast stations for payment for retransmission consent or linking carriage of
other services to retransmission consent, and additional programming. We have been unable to fully pass these increases on to
our customers and do not expect to be able to do so in the future without a potential loss of customers.
Regulatory, connectivity and produced content increased $311 million during the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to
the corresponding period in 2020 primarily due to higher sports rights costs as a result of more National Basketball Association
("NBA") and Major League Baseball ("MLB") games during 2021 as compared to the corresponding period in 2020 as the prior
period had cancelation of MLB games and the current period had additional games due to the delayed start of the 2020 - 2021
NBA season as a result of COVID-19.
Costs to service customers decreased $79 million during the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the corresponding
period in 2020 despite 3.0% customer growth primarily due to fewer transactions and a decrease in bad debt expense partly
driven by government stimulus packages offset by the higher labor costs associated with our commitment to a minimum $20
per hour wage in 2022.
Mobile costs of $2.5 billion and $1.8 billion for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, were comprised of
mobile device costs and mobile service, customer acquisition and operating costs. The increase is attributable to an increase in
the number of mobile lines.
The increase in other expense was attributable to the following (dollars in millions):
Stock compensation expense
Enterprise
Corporate costs
Property tax and insurance
Advertising sales expense
Other
36
2021 compared
to 2020
$
$
79
21
20
17
(21)
(3)
113
Stock compensation expense increased primarily due to changes in certain equity award provisions that result in additional
expense at the time of grant.
Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense decreased by $359 million during the year ended
December 31, 2021 compared to the corresponding period in 2020 primarily due to certain assets acquired in acquisitions
becoming fully depreciated offset by an increase in depreciation as a result of more recent capital expenditures.
Other operating expenses, net. The increase in other operating expenses, net was attributable to the following (dollars in
millions):
Special charges, net
(Gain) loss on sale of assets, net
2021 compared
to 2020
$
$
159
112
271
For more information, see Note 15 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements contained in “Part II. Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
Interest expense, net. Net interest expense increased by $189 million in 2021 from 2020 primarily due to an increase in
weighted average debt outstanding of approximately $7.1 billion primarily as a result of the issuance of notes in 2020 and 2021
for general corporate purposes including stock buybacks and debt repayments offset by a decrease in weighted average interest
rates.
Other expenses, net. The decrease in other expenses, net is attributable to the following (dollars in millions):
Loss on extinguishment of debt (see Note 9)
Loss on financial instruments, net (see Note 12)
Net periodic pension benefit (cost) (see Note 23)
Loss on equity investments, net (see Note 6)
2021 compared
to 2020
$
$
(1)
(71)
371
(145)
154
See Note 16 and the Notes referenced above to the accompanying consolidated financial statements contained in “Item 1.
Financial Statements” for more information.
Income tax expense. We recognized income tax expense of $1.1 billion and $626 million for the years ended December 31,
2021 and 2020, respectively. Income tax expense increased during the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the
corresponding period in 2020 primarily as a result of higher pretax income. For more information, see Note 18 to the
accompanying consolidated financial statements contained in “Part II. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest. Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest for financial reporting
purposes represents A/N’s portion of Charter Holdings’ net income based on its effective common unit ownership interest and
the preferred dividend of $70 million and $150 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. For
more information, see Note 11 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements contained in “Part II. Item 8. Financial
Statements and Supplementary Data.”
Net income attributable to Charter shareholders. Net income attributable to Charter shareholders was $4.7 billion and $3.2
billion for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, primarily as a result of the factors described above.
Use of Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow
We use certain measures that are not defined by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“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 income attributable to Charter shareholders and net cash flows from operating activities
37
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 net income attributable to Charter shareholders and net
cash flows from operating activities, respectively, below.
Adjusted EBITDA 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. 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. These costs are evaluated 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.
Management and Charter’s board of directors use Adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow to assess 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 SEC). 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 $1.3 billion for each of the years ended December 31, 2021
and 2020.
A reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow to net income attributable to Charter shareholders and net cash flows
from operating activities, respectively, is as follows (dollars in millions).
Net income attributable to Charter shareholders
Plus: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
Interest expense, net
Income tax expense
Depreciation and amortization
Stock compensation expense
Other expenses, net
Adjusted EBITDA
Net cash flows from operating activities
Less: Purchases of property, plant and equipment
Change in accrued expenses related to capital expenditures
Free cash flow
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
Years ended December 31,
2021
2020
4,654 $
666
4,037
1,068
9,345
430
430
20,630 $
16,239 $
(7,635)
80
8,684 $
3,222
454
3,848
626
9,704
351
313
18,518
14,562
(7,415)
(77)
7,070
$
$
$
$
We have significant amounts of debt. The principal amount of our debt as of December 31, 2021 was $91.2 billion, consisting
of $10.7 billion of credit facility debt, $56.5 billion of investment grade senior secured notes and $24.0 billion of high-yield
senior unsecured notes. Our business requires significant cash to fund principal and interest payments on our debt.
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. As we continue to grow our mobile services, we expect an initial funding period to grow a
new product as well as negative working capital impacts from the timing of device-related cash flows when we sell devices to
customers pursuant to equipment installment plans. Further, in 2022, Charter expects to become a meaningful federal cash tax
payer as the majority of net operating losses will have been utilized. Free cash flow was $8.7 billion and $7.1 billion for the
years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. See table below for factors impacting free cash flow during the year
ended December 31, 2021 compared to 2020. As of December 31, 2021, the amount available under our credit facilities was
38
approximately $3.9 billion and cash on hand was approximately $601 million. We expect to utilize free cash flow, cash on
hand and availability under our credit facilities as well as future refinancing transactions to further extend the maturities of our
obligations. The timing and terms of any refinancing transactions will be subject to market conditions among other
considerations. Additionally, we may, from time to time, and 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 cash
needs.
We continue to evaluate the deployment of our cash on hand and anticipated future free cash flow including to invest in our
business growth and other strategic opportunities, including expanding the capacity of our network, the expansion of our
network through our rural broadband construction project, the build-out and deployment of our CBRS spectrum, and mergers
and acquisitions as well as stock repurchases and dividends. Charter's target leverage of net debt to the last twelve months
Adjusted EBITDA remains at 4 to 4.5 times Adjusted EBITDA, and up to 3.5 times Adjusted EBITDA at the consolidated first
lien level. Our leverage ratio was 4.4 times Adjusted EBITDA as of December 31, 2021. As Adjusted EBITDA grows, we
expect to increase the total amount of our indebtedness to maintain leverage within Charter's target leverage range. Excluding
purchases from Liberty Broadband discussed below, during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, Charter purchased in
the public market approximately 15.9 million and 18.4 million shares, respectively, of Charter Class A common stock for
approximately $10.9 billion and $10.6 billion, respectively. Since the beginning of its buyback program in September 2016
through the year ended December 31, 2021, Charter has purchased in the public market approximately 125.6 million shares of
Class A common stock and Charter Holdings common units for approximately $56.8 billion, including purchases from Liberty
Broadband discussed below.
In February 2021, Charter and Liberty Broadband entered into a letter agreement (the “LBB Letter Agreement”). The LBB
Letter Agreement implements Liberty Broadband’s obligations under the Stockholders Agreement to participate in share
repurchases by Charter. Under the LBB Letter Agreement, Liberty Broadband will sell to Charter, generally on a monthly
basis, a number of shares of Charter Class A common stock representing an amount sufficient for Liberty Broadband’s
ownership of Charter to be reduced such that it does not exceed the ownership cap then applicable to Liberty Broadband under
the Stockholders Agreement at a purchase price per share equal to the volume weighted average price per share paid by Charter
for shares repurchased during such immediately preceding calendar month other than (i) purchases from A/N, (ii) purchases in
privately negotiated transactions or (iii) purchases for the withholding of shares of Charter Class A common stock pursuant to
equity compensation programs of Charter. Charter purchased from Liberty Broadband 6.1 million shares of Charter Class A
common stock for approximately $4.2 billion during the year ended December 31, 2021. In January 2022, Charter purchased
from Liberty Broadband an additional 0.5 million shares of Charter Class A common stock for approximately $341 million.
In December 2016, Charter and A/N entered into a letter agreement, as amended in December 2017 (the "A/N Letter
Agreement"), that requires A/N to sell to Charter or to Charter Holdings, on a monthly basis, a number of shares of Charter
Class A common stock or Charter Holdings common units that represents a pro rata participation by A/N and its affiliates in
any repurchases of shares of Charter Class A common stock from persons other than A/N effected by Charter during the
immediately preceding calendar month, at a purchase price equal to the average price paid by Charter for the shares repurchased
from persons other than A/N during such immediately preceding calendar month. A/N and Charter both have the right to
terminate or suspend the pro rata repurchase arrangement on a prospective basis. During the years ended December 31, 2021
and 2020, Charter Holdings purchased from A/N 3.3 million and 2.6 million Charter Holdings common units, respectively, for
approximately $2.2 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively.
As of December 31, 2021, Charter had remaining board authority to purchase an additional $1.9 billion of Charter’s Class A
common stock and/or Charter Holdings common units, excluding purchases from Liberty Broadband. Although Charter
expects to continue to buy back its common stock consistent with its leverage target range, Charter is not obligated to acquire
any particular amount of common stock, and the timing of any purchases that may occur cannot be predicted and will largely
depend on market conditions and other potential uses of capital. Purchases may include open market purchases, tender offers or
negotiated transactions.
As possible acquisitions, swaps or dispositions arise, we actively review them against our objectives including, among other
considerations, improving the operational efficiency, geographic clustering of assets, product development or technology
capabilities 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
acquisitions, dispositions or system swaps, or that any such transactions will be material to our operations or results.
39
Recent Events
In January 2022, CCO Holdings, LLC ("CCO Holdings") and CCO Holdings Capital Corp. jointly issued $1.2 billion of
4.750% senior unsecured notes due February 2032 at par. The net proceeds were used for general corporate purposes, including
to fund buybacks of Charter Class A common stock and Charter Holdings common units, to repay certain indebtedness and to
pay related fees and expenses.
In addition to the debt issued in January 2022 as described above, CCO Holdings and CCO Holdings Capital Corp. jointly
issued $3.75 billion aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes in 2021 at varying rates, prices and maturity dates,
and Charter Operating and Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp. jointly issued $9.8 billion aggregate principal
amount of senior secured notes in 2021 at varying rates, prices and maturity dates. The net proceeds were used to pay related
fees and expenses and for general corporate purposes, including funding buybacks of Charter Class A common stock and
Charter Holdings common units as well as repaying certain indebtedness.
Free Cash Flow
Free cash flow increased $1.6 billion during the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the corresponding prior period due
to the following (dollars in millions).
Increase in Adjusted EBITDA
Increase in capital expenditures
Increase in cash paid for interest, net
Change in working capital, excluding change in accrued interest
Other, net
2021 compared
to 2020
$
$
2,112
(220)
(193)
(109)
24
1,614
Free cash flow was reduced by $853 million and $1.1 billion during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively,
due to mobile with impacts negatively affecting working capital, capital expenditures and Adjusted EBITDA.
Historical Operating, Investing, and Financing Activities
Cash and Cash Equivalents. We held $601 million and $1.0 billion in cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2021 and
2020, respectively.
Operating Activities. Net cash provided by operating activities increased $1.7 billion during the year ended December 31, 2021
compared to the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily due to an increase in Adjusted EBITDA of $2.1 billion offset by
changes in working capital, excluding the change in accrued interest and accrued expenses related to capital expenditures, that
used $266 million more cash and $193 million higher cash paid for interest.
Investing Activities. Net cash used in investing activities for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 was $7.8 billion and
$8.2 billion, respectively. The decrease in cash used was primarily due the purchase of spectrum wireless licenses in 2020
offset by an increase in capital expenditures in 2021.
Financing Activities. Net cash used in financing activities decreased $68 million during the year ended December 31, 2021
compared to the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to an increase in the amount by which borrowings of long-term
debt exceeded repayments offset by an increase in the purchase of treasury stock and noncontrolling interest and a decrease in
equity exercises.
Capital Expenditures
We have significant ongoing capital expenditure requirements. Capital expenditures were $7.6 billion and $7.4 billion for the
years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The increase was primarily due to an increase in scalable infrastructure
driven by augmentation of network capacity for customer growth and usage, with incremental spending to reclaim network
headroom maintained prior to COVID-19. See the table below for more details.
40
We currently expect full year 2022 cable capital expenditures, excluding capital expenditures associated with our rural
construction initiative, to be between $7.1 billion and $7.3 billion. The actual amount of our capital expenditures in 2022 will
depend on a number of factors including further spend related to product development and growth rates of both our residential
and commercial businesses as well as the pace of rural construction.
Our capital expenditures are funded primarily from cash flows from operating activities and borrowings on our credit facility.
In addition, our accrued liabilities related to capital expenditures increased $80 million and decreased $77 million for the years
ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
The following tables present our major capital expenditures categories in accordance with National Cable and
Telecommunications Association (“NCTA”) disclosure guidelines for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. These
disclosure guidelines are not required disclosures under GAAP, nor do they impact our accounting for capital expenditures
under GAAP (dollars in millions):
Customer premise equipment (a)
Scalable infrastructure (b)
Line extensions (c)
Upgrade/rebuild (d)
Support capital (e)
Total capital expenditures
Capital expenditures included in total related to:
Commercial services
Mobile
Year ended December 31,
2020
2021
$
$
$
$
1,967 $
1,677
1,642
706
1,643
7,635 $
1,445 $
482 $
2,002
1,478
1,641
615
1,679
7,415
1,325
508
(a) Customer premise equipment includes costs incurred at the customer residence to secure new customers and revenue
generating units, including customer installation costs and customer premise equipment (e.g., digital receivers and cable
modems).
(b) Scalable infrastructure includes costs not related to customer premise equipment, to secure growth of new customers and
revenue generating units, or provide service enhancements (e.g., headend equipment).
(c) Line extensions include network costs associated with entering new service areas (e.g., fiber/coaxial cable, amplifiers,
electronic equipment, make-ready and design engineering).
(d) Upgrade/rebuild includes costs to modify or replace existing fiber/coaxial cable networks, including betterments.
(e) Support capital includes costs associated with the replacement or enhancement of non-network assets due to technological
and physical obsolescence (e.g., non-network equipment, land, buildings and vehicles).
Debt
As of December 31, 2021, the accreted value of our total debt was approximately $91.6 billion, as summarized below (dollars
in millions):
CCO Holdings, LLC:
4.000% senior notes due 2023
5.500% senior notes due 2026
5.125% senior notes due 2027
5.000% senior notes due 2028
5.375% senior notes due 2029
4.750% senior notes due 2030
4.500% senior notes due 2030
4.250% senior notes due 2031
December 31, 2021
Principal
Amount
Accreted
Value (a)
Interest Payment
Dates
Maturity
Date (b)
499
747
3,228
2,475
1,500
3,043
2,750
3,002
3/1 & 9/1
5/1 & 11/1
5/1 & 11/1
2/1 & 8/1
6/1 & 12/1
3/1 & 9/1
2/15 & 8/15
2/1 & 8/1
3/1/2023
5/1/2026
5/1/2027
2/1/2028
6/1/2029
3/1/2030
8/15/2030
2/1/2031
$
500 $
750
3,250
2,500
1,500
3,050
2,750
3,000
41
4.500% senior notes due 2032
4.500% senior notes due 2033
4.250% senior notes due 2034
Charter Communications Operating, LLC:
4.464% senior notes due 2022
Senior floating rate notes due 2024
4.500% senior notes due 2024
4.908% senior notes due 2025
3.750% senior notes due 2028
4.200% senior notes due 2028
2.250% senior notes due 2029
5.050% senior notes due 2029
2.800% senior notes due 2031
2.300% senior notes due 2032
6.384% senior notes due 2035
5.375% senior notes due 2038
3.500% senior notes due 2041
3.500% senior notes due 2042
6.484% senior notes due 2045
5.375% senior notes due 2047
5.750% senior notes due 2048
5.125% senior notes due 2049
4.800% senior notes due 2050
3.700% senior notes due 2051
3.900% senior notes due 2052
6.834% senior notes due 2055
3.850% senior notes due 2061
4.400% senior notes due 2061
3.950% senior notes due 2062
Credit facilities
Time Warner Cable, LLC:
5.750% sterling senior notes due 2031 (c)
6.550% senior debentures due 2037
7.300% senior debentures due 2038
6.750% senior debentures due 2039
5.875% senior debentures due 2040
5.500% senior debentures due 2041
5.250% sterling senior notes due 2042 (d)
4.500% senior debentures due 2042
Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC:
8.375% senior debentures due 2023
8.375% senior debentures due 2033
2,900
1,750
2,000
3,000
900
1,100
4,500
1,000
1,250
1,250
1,250
1,600
1,000
2,000
800
1,500
1,350
3,500
2,500
2,450
1,250
2,800
2,050
2,400
500
1,850
1,400
1,400
10,723
846
1,500
1,500
1,500
1,200
1,250
879
1,250
1,000
1,000
91,198 $
$
2,927
1,729
1,982
2,997
901
1,096
4,480
990
1,242
1,240
1,242
1,585
992
1,984
787
1,483
1,331
3,468
2,506
2,393
1,240
2,797
2,031
2,322
495
1,809
1,389
1,379
10,668
897
1,662
1,754
1,700
1,252
1,257
850
1,148
1,058
1,254
91,561
5/1 & 11/1
6/1 & 12/1
1/15 & 7/15
1/23 & 7/23
2/1, 5/1, 8/1 & 11/1
2/1 & 8/1
1/23 & 7/23
2/15 & 8/15
3/15 & 9/15
1/15 & 7/15
3/30 & 9/30
4/1 & 10/1
2/1 & 8/1
4/23 & 10/23
4/1 & 10/1
6/1 & 12/1
3/1 & 9/1
4/23 & 10/23
5/1 & 11/1
4/1 & 10/1
1/1 & 7/1
3/1 & 9/1
4/1 & 10/1
6/1 & 12/1
4/23 & 10/23
4/1 & 10/1
6/1 & 12/1
6/30 & 12/30
6/2
5/1 & 11/1
1/1 & 7/1
6/15 & 12/15
5/15 & 11/15
3/1 & 9/1
7/15
3/15 & 9/15
5/1/2032
6/1/2033
1/15/2034
7/23/2022
2/1/2024
2/1/2024
7/23/2025
2/15/2028
3/15/2028
1/15/2029
3/30/2029
4/1/2031
2/1/2032
10/23/2035
4/1/2038
6/1/2041
3/1/2042
10/23/2045
5/1/2047
4/1/2048
7/1/2049
3/1/2050
4/1/2051
6/1/2052
10/23/2055
4/1/2061
12/1/2061
6/30/2062
Varies
6/2/2031
5/1/2037
7/1/2038
6/15/2039
11/15/2040
9/1/2041
7/15/2042
9/15/2042
3/15 & 9/15
7/15 & 1/15
3/15/2023
7/15/2033
(a) The accreted values presented in the table above represent the principal amount of the debt adjusted for original issue
discount or premium at the time of sale, deferred financing costs, and, in regards to debt assumed in acquisitions, fair value
premium adjustments as a result of applying acquisition accounting plus the accretion of those amounts 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. In regards to the Sterling Notes, the principal amount of the debt and any premium or discount is remeasured
into US dollars as of each balance sheet date. We have availability under our credit facilities of approximately $3.9 billion
as of December 31, 2021.
In general, the obligors have the right to redeem all of the notes set forth in the above table in whole or in part at their
option, beginning at various times prior to their stated maturity dates, subject to certain conditions, upon the payment of the
outstanding principal amount (plus a specified redemption premium) and all accrued and unpaid interest.
(b)
42
(c) Principal amount includes £625 million valued at $846 million as of December 31, 2021 using the exchange rate as of
December 31, 2021.
(d) Principal amount includes £650 million valued at $879 million as of December 31, 2021 using the exchange rate as of
December 31, 2021.
See Note 9 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements contained in “Part II. Item 8. Financial Statements and
Supplementary Data” for further details regarding our outstanding debt and other financing arrangements, including certain
information about maturities, covenants and restrictions related to such debt and financing arrangements. The agreements and
instruments governing our debt and financing arrangements are complicated and you should consult such agreements and
instruments which are filed with the SEC for more detailed information.
At December 31, 2021, Charter Operating had a consolidated leverage ratio of approximately 3.0 to 1.0 and a consolidated first
lien leverage ratio of 2.9 to 1.0. Both ratios are in compliance with the ratios required by the Charter Operating credit facilities
of 5.0 to 1.0 consolidated leverage ratio and 4.0 to 1.0 consolidated first lien leverage ratio. A failure by Charter Operating to
maintain the financial covenants would result in an event of default under the Charter Operating credit facilities and the debt of
CCO Holdings. See “Part I. Item 1A. Risk Factors — The agreements and instruments governing our debt contain restrictions
and limitations that could significantly affect our ability to operate our business, as well as significantly affect our liquidity.”
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
See Note 24 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements contained in “Part II. Item 8. Financial Statements and
Supplementary Data” for a discussion of recently issued accounting standards.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
We use derivative instruments to manage foreign exchange risk on the Sterling Notes, and do not hold or issue derivative
instruments for speculative trading purposes.
Cross-currency derivative instruments are used to effectively convert £1.275 billion aggregate principal amount of fixed-rate
British pound sterling denominated debt, including annual interest payments and the payment of principal at maturity, to fixed-
rate U.S. dollar denominated debt. The cross-currency derivative instruments have maturities of June 2031 and July 2042. We
are required to post collateral on the cross-currency derivative instruments when such instruments are in a liability position. In
April 2019, we entered into a collateral holiday agreement for 60% of both the 2031 and 2042 cross-currency swaps, which
eliminates the requirement to post collateral for three years, as well as a ten year collateral cap on the remaining 40% of the
cross-currency swaps which limits the required collateral posting on that 40% of the cross-currency swaps to $150 million. In
March 2021, the collateral holiday for 20% of the swaps was extended to November 2022 in consideration for our agreement to
post collateral over a threshold amount on that 20% portion of the swaps from March 2021 through October 2021. The fair
value of our cross-currency derivatives included in other long-term liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets was $290
million and $184 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. For more information, see Note 12 to the
accompanying consolidated financial statements contained in “Part II. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the weighted average interest rate on the credit facility debt was approximately 1.6% and
1.7%, respectively, and the weighted average interest rate on the senior notes was approximately 4.9% and 5.1%, respectively,
resulting in a blended weighted average interest rate of 4.5% and 4.7%, respectively. The interest rate on approximately 87% of
the total principal amount of our debt was fixed as of December 31, 2021 and 2020.
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 December 31, 2021 (dollars in millions):
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
Thereafter
Total
Fair Value
Debt:
Fixed Rate
$ 3,000
$ 1,500
$ 1,100
$ 4,500
$ 750
$
68,725
$ 79,575
$
88,058
Average Interest Rate
4.46 %
6.92 %
4.50 %
4.91 %
5.50 %
4.89 %
4.91 %
Variable Rate
$ 277
$ 436
$ 1,165
$ 6,170
$
38
$
3,537
$ 11,623
$
11,583
Average Interest Rate
1.86 %
2.68 %
3.16 %
3.04 %
3.40 %
3.56 %
3.17 %
43
Interest rates on variable-rate debt are estimated using the average implied forward LIBOR for the year of maturity based on the
yield curve in effect at December 31, 2021 including applicable bank spread.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Our consolidated financial statements, the related notes thereto, and the reports of independent accountants are included in this
annual report beginning on page F-1.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure 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 disclosure controls and procedures with respect to the information generated for use in this annual report. The
evaluation was based upon reports and certifications provided by a number of executives. Based on, 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.
During the quarter ended December 31, 2021, there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that has
materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined
in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) for the Company. Our internal control system was designed to provide reasonable
assurance to our management and board of directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial
statements.
Management has assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021. In making
this assessment, we used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission
(“COSO”) in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013). Based on management’s assessment utilizing these criteria we
believe that, as of December 31, 2021, our internal control over financial reporting was effective.
Our independent auditors, KPMG LLP, have audited our internal control over financial reporting as stated in their report on
page F-2.
Item 9B. Other Information.
None.
Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdiction that Prevent Inspections.
Not applicable.
44
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
PART III
The information required by Item 10 will be included in the Proxy Statement under the headings “Election of Class A
Directors,” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Requirements,” and “Code of Ethics,” or in amendment to this
Annual Report on Form 10-K and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
The information required by Item 11 will be included in the Proxy Statement under the headings “Executive Compensation,”
“Election of Class A Directors – Director Compensation” and “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” or in an amendment to
this Annual Report on Form 10-K and is incorporated herein by reference. Information contained in the Proxy Statement or an
amendment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the caption “Report of Compensation and Benefits Committee” is
furnished and not deemed filed with the SEC.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
The information required by Item 12 will be included in the Proxy Statement under the heading “Security Ownership of Certain
Beneficial Owners and Management” or in amendment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and is incorporated herein by
reference.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
The information required by Item 13 will be included in the Proxy Statement under the heading “Certain Relationships and
Related Transactions” and “Election of Class A Directors” or in amendment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and is
incorporated herein by reference.
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.
The information required by Item 14 will be included in the Proxy Statement under the heading “Accounting Matters” or in
amendment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and is incorporated herein by reference.
45
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this annual report:
(1) Financial Statements.
A listing of the financial statements, notes and reports of independent public accountants required by "Part II.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" begins on page F-1 of this annual report.
(2) Financial Statement Schedules.
No financial statement schedules are required to be filed by Items 8 and 15(c) because they are not required or are
not applicable, or the required information is set forth in the applicable financial statements or notes thereto.
(3) The index to the exhibits begins on page E-1 of this annual report.
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary.
None.
46
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Charter Communications, Inc. has
duly caused this annual report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
SIGNATURES
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.,
Registrant
By:
/s/ Thomas M. Rutledge
Thomas M. Rutledge
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Date: January 28, 2022
S-1
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Richard
R. Dykhouse and Kevin D. Howard, and each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone), his or her true and lawful
attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and
stead, in any and all capacities, to sign on his or her behalf individually and in each capacity stated below any and all
amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this annual report, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and
other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact
and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary
to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby
ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents and either of them, or their substitutes, may lawfully do or
cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following
persons on behalf of Charter Communications, Inc. and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
/s/ Thomas M. Rutledge
Thomas M. Rutledge
/s/ Jessica M. Fischer
Jessica M. Fischer
/s/ Kevin D. Howard
Kevin D. Howard
/s/ Eric L. Zinterhofer
Eric L. Zinterhofer
/s/ W. Lance Conn
W. Lance Conn
/s/ Kim C. Goodman
Kim C. Goodman
/s/ Craig A. Jacobson
Craig A. Jacobson
/s/ Gregory Maffei
Gregory Maffei
/s/ John D. Markley, Jr.
John D. Markley, Jr.
/s/ David C. Merritt
David C. Merritt
/s/ James E. Meyer
James E. Meyer
/s/ Steve Miron
Steve Miron
/s/ Balan Nair
Balan Nair
/s/ Michael Newhouse
Michael Newhouse
/s/ Mauricio Ramos
Mauricio Ramos
Date
January 28, 2022
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
January 28, 2022
Executive Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer
and Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)
January 28, 2022
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
S-2
January 28, 2022
January 28, 2022
January 28, 2022
January 28, 2022
January 28, 2022
January 28, 2022
January 28, 2022
January 28, 2022
January 28, 2022
January 28, 2022
January 28, 2022
January 28, 2022
Exhibits are listed by numbers corresponding to the Exhibit Table of Item 601 in Regulation S-K.
Exhibit Index
Exhibit
Description
2.1
2.2
3.1
3.2
3.3
4.1(a)
4.1(b)
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4
10.5
10.6
Agreement and Plan of Mergers, dated as of May 23, 2015, among Time Warner Cable Inc., Charter
Communications, Inc., CCH I, LLC, Nina Corporation I, Inc., Nina Company II, LLC and Nina Company III,
LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter
Communications, Inc. on May 29, 2015 (File No. 001-33664)).
Contribution Agreement, dated March 31, 2015, by and among Advance/Newhouse Partnership, A/NPC
Holdings LLC, Charter Communications, Inc., CCH I, LLC, and Charter Communications Holding Company,
LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter
Communications, Inc. on April 1, 2015 (File No. 001-33664)).
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Charter Communications, Inc. (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Charter Communications, Inc. filed on May 19, 2016 (File
No. 001-33664)).
By-laws of Charter Communications, Inc. as of May 18, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the
Current Report on Form 8-K of Charter Communications, Inc. filed on May 19, 2016 (File No. 001-33664)).
First Amendment to Bylaws of Charter Communications, Inc. dated July 24, 2018 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Charter Communications, Inc. filed on July 30, 2018 (File No.
001-33664)).
Amended and Restated Stockholders Agreement, dated March 31, 2015, by and among Charter
Communications, Inc., Liberty Broadband Corporation and Advance/Newhouse Partnership (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on April 1,
2015 (File No. 001-33664)).
Second Amended and Restated Stockholders Agreement, dated May 23, 2015, by and among Charter
Communications, Inc., CCH I, LLC, Liberty Broadband Corporation and Advance/Newhouse Partnership
(incorporated by reference to Annex C to the registration statement on Form S-4 filed by CCH I, LLC on June
26, 2015 (File No. 333-205240)).
Indenture dated as of November 5, 2014, by and among CCO Holdings, LLC, CCO Holdings Capital Corp. and
CCOH Safari, LLC, as Issuers, Charter Communications, Inc., as Parent Guarantor, and The Bank of New York
Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on
Form 8-K of Charter Communications, Inc. filed on November 10, 2014 (File No. 001-33664)).
Indenture, dated as of July 23, 2015, among Charter Communications Operating, LLC, Charter Communications
Operating Capital Corp. and CCO Safari II, LLC, as issuers, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust
Company, N.A., as trustee and collateral agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report
on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on July 27, 2015 (File No. 001-33664)).
Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated July 23, 2015 relating to the 3.579% Senior Secured Notes
due 2020, 4.464% Senior Secured Notes due 2022, 4.908% Senior Secured Notes due 2025, 6.384% Senior
Secured Notes due 2035, 6.484% Senior Secured Notes due 2045 and 6.834% Senior Secured Notes due 2055,
between CCO Safari II, LLC and Goldman, Sachs & Co., Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Merrill Lynch,
Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and UBS Securities LLC, as representatives
of the several Purchasers (as defined therein) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on
Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on July 27, 2015 (File No. 001-33664)).
Indenture, dated as of November 20, 2015, among CCO Holdings, LLC, CCO Holdings Capital Corp. and
CCOH Safari, LLC, as issuers, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications,
Inc. on November 25, 2015 (File No. 001-33664)).
Seventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 21, 2016, among CCO Holdings, LLC, CCO Holdings
Capital Corp., Charter Communications, Inc., as guarantor, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company,
N.A., as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter
Communications, Inc. on April 27, 2016 (File No. 001-33664)).
Form of 5.500% Senior Notes due 2026 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report
on Form 8-K of Charter Communications, Inc. filed April 27, 2016).
E-1
10.7
10.8
10.9
10.10
10.11
10.12
10.13
10.14
10.15
10.16
10.17
10.18
10.19
Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated April 21, 2016, relating to the 5.500% Senior Notes due
2026, among CCO Holdings, LLC, CCO Holdings Capital Corp., Charter Communications, Inc., as guarantor,
and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Credit Suisse
Securities (USA) LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Goldman, Sachs & Co., UBS Securities LLC and Wells
Fargo Securities, LLC, as representatives of the several Purchasers (as defined therein) (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on April 27,
2016 (File No. 001-33664)).
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 18, 2016, by and among Charter Communications Operating,
LLC, Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., CCO Safari II, LLC and The Bank of New York
Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee and collateral agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the
Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on May 24, 2016 (File No. 001-33664)).
Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 18, 2016, by and among CCO Holdings, LLC, the subsidiary
guarantors party thereto and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee and collateral
agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter
Communications, Inc. on May 24, 2016 (File No. 001-33664)).
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 18, 2016, by and among CCO Holdings, LLC, CCO Holdings
Capital Corp., CCOH Safari, LLC and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications,
Inc. on May 24, 2016 (File No. 001-33664)).
Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 6, 2017, among CCO Holdings, LLC, CCO Holdings
Capital Corp., and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on February
6, 2017 (File No. 001-33664)).
Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated February 6, 2017, relating to the 5.125% Senior Notes due
2027, among CCO Holdings, LLC, CCO Holdings Capital Corp., and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities
Inc., Goldman, Sachs & Co., UBS Securities LLC, and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as representatives of the
several Purchasers (as defined therein) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form
8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on February 6, 2017 (File No. 001-33664)).
Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated March 29, 2017, relating to the 5.125% Senior Notes due
2027, among CCO Holdings, LLC, CCO Holdings Capital Corp., and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Merrill
Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Credit Suisse Securities (USA)
LLC, Goldman, Sachs & Co., UBS Securities LLC, and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as representatives of the
several Purchasers (as defined therein) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form
8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on March 31, 2017 (File No. 001-33664)).
Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 20, 2017, among Charter Communications Operating, LLC,
Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., the guarantors party thereto and The Bank of New York
Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee and collateral agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the
Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on April 26, 2017 (File No. 001-33664)).
Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated April 20, 2017, relating to the 5.125% Senior Notes due
2027, among CCO Holdings, LLC, CCO Holdings Capital Corp. and Citigroup Global Markets Inc., as a
representative of the several Purchasers (as defined therein) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on April 26, 2017 (File No. 001-33664)).
Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated April 20, 2017, relating to the 5.375% Senior Notes due
2047, among Charter Communications Operating, LLC, Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., the
guarantors party thereto and Citigroup Global Markets Inc., as representative of the several Purchasers (as
defined therein) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter
Communications, Inc. on April 26, 2017 (File No. 001-33664)).
Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 6, 2017, among Charter Communications Operating, LLC,
Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., the guarantors party thereto and The Bank of New York
Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee and collateral agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the
Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on July 12, 2017 (File No. 001-33664)).
Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated July 6, 2017, relating to the 3.750% Senior Notes due
2028, among Charter Communications Operating, LLC, Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., the
guarantors party thereto and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as representative of the
several Purchasers (as defined therein) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form
8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on July 12, 2017 (File No. 001-33664)).
Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated July 6, 2017, relating to the 5.375% Senior Notes due
2047, among Charter Communications Operating, LLC, Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., the
guarantors party thereto and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as representative of the
several Purchasers (as defined therein) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form
8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on July 12, 2017 (File No. 001-33664)).
E-2
10.20
10.21
10.22
10.23
10.24
10.25
10.26
10.27
10.28
10.29
10.30
10.31
10.32
Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 8, 2017, among CCO Holdings, LLC, CCO Holdings Capital
Corp. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on August 14, 2017 (File No.
001-33664)).
Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated August 8, 2017, relating to the 5.000% Senior Notes due
2028, among CCO Holdings, LLC, CCO Holdings Capital Corp. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated, as representative of the several Purchasers (as defined therein) (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on August 14, 2017 (File
No. 001-33664)).
Seventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 18, 2017, among Charter Communications Operating,
LLC, Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., the guarantors party thereto and The Bank of New
York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee and collateral agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to
the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on September 21, 2017 (File No.
001-33664)).
Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated September 18, 2017, relating to the 4.200% Senior Secured
Notes due 2028, among Charter Communications Operating, LLC, Charter Communications Operating Capital
Corp., the guarantors party thereto and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Citigroup
Global Markets Inc., as representatives of the several Purchasers (as defined therein) (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on September 21,
2017 (File No. 001-33664)).
Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated September 18, 2017, relating to the 5.375% Senior Secured
Notes due 2047, among Charter Communications Operating, LLC, Charter Communications Operating Capital
Corp., the guarantors party thereto and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Citigroup
Global Markets Inc., as representatives of the several Purchasers (as defined therein) (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on September 21,
2017 (File No. 001-33664)).
Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 17, 2017, among CCO Holdings, LLC, CCO Holdings
Capital Corp. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on October 20, 2017 (File
No. 001-33664)).
Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated October 17, 2017, relating to the 5.000% Senior Notes due
2028, among CCO Holdings, LLC, CCO Holdings Capital Corp. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated, as representative of the several Purchasers (as defined therein) (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on October 20, 2017
(File No. 001-33664)).
Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated October 17, 2017, relating to the 4.000% Senior Notes due
2023, among CCO Holdings, LLC, CCO Holdings Capital Corp. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated, as representative of the several Purchasers (as defined therein) (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on October 20, 2017
(File No. 001-33664)).
Eighth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 21, 2017, among Charter Communications Operating,
LLC, Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., CCO Holdings, LLC, the subsidiary guarantor parties
thereto and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.5 to Form S-3 filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on December 22, 2017 (File No. 333-222241)).
Underwriting Agreement, dated as of April 3, 2018, among Charter Communications Operating, LLC, Charter
Communications Operating Capital Corp., CCO Holdings, LLC, as parent guarantor, the subsidiary guarantors
party thereto and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as representatives of the
several underwriters named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-
K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on April 6, 2018 (File No. 001-33664)).
Ninth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 17, 2018, among Charter Communications Operating, LLC,
Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., as issuers, CCO Holdings, LLC, the subsidiary guarantors
party thereto and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee and collateral agent
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications,
Inc. on April 20, 2018 (File No. 001-33664)).
Form of 5.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2038 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Current Report
on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on April 20, 2018 (File No. 001-33664)).
Form of 5.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2048 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Current Report
on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on April 20, 2018 (File No. 001-33664)).
E-3
10.33
10.34
10.35
10.36
10.37
10.38
10.39
10.40
10.41
10.42
10.43
10.44
10.45
10.46
10.47
10.48
Underwriting Agreement, dated as of June 28, 2018, among Charter Communications Operating, LLC, Charter
Communications Operating Capital Corp., CCO Holdings, LLC, as parent guarantor, the subsidiary guarantors
party thereto and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, as representatives of the
several underwriters named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-
K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on July 3, 2018 (File No. 001-33664)).
Tenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 3, 2018, among Charter Communications Operating, LLC,
Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., as issuers, CCO Holdings, LLC, the subsidiary guarantors
party thereto and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee and collateral agent
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications,
Inc. on July 9, 2018 (File No. 001-33664)).
Form of Senior Secured Floating Notes due 2024 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Current Report
on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on July 9, 2018 (File No. 001-33664)).
Form of 4.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2024 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Current Report
on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on July 9, 2018 (File No. 001-33664)).
Underwriting Agreement, dated as of August 9, 2018, among Charter Communications Operating, LLC, Charter
Communications Operating Capital Corp., CCO Holdings, LLC, as parent guarantor, the subsidiary guarantors
party thereto and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, as underwriter (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the
Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on August 15, 2018 (File No. 001-33664)).
Underwriting Agreement, dated as of January 14, 2019, among Charter Communications Operating, LLC,
Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., CCO Holdings, LLC, as parent guarantor, the subsidiary
guarantors party thereto and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as representatives
of the several underwriters named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Current Report on
Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on January 17, 2019 (File No. 001-33664)).
Twelfth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 17, 2019, among Charter Communications Operating,
LLC, Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., as issuers, CCO Holdings, LLC, the subsidiary
guarantors party thereto and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee and collateral
agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter
Communications, Inc. on January 24, 2019 (File No. 001-33664)).
Form of 5.050% Senior Secured Notes due 2029 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Current Report
on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on January 24, 2019 (File No. 001-33664)).
Indenture, dated as of May 23, 2019, among CCO Holdings, LLC, CCO Holdings Capital Corp. and The Bank
of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current
Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on May 30, 2019 (File No. 001-33664)).
First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 23, 2019, among CCO Holdings, LLC, CCO Holdings Capital
Corp. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
4.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on May 30, 2019 (File No.
001-33664)).
Form of 5.375% Senior Notes due 2029 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Current Report on Form
8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on May 30, 2019 (File No. 001-33664)).
Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated May 23, 2019, relating to the 5.375% Senior Notes due
2029, among CCO Holdings, LLC, CCO Holdings Capital Corp. and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as
representative of the several Purchasers (as defined therein) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on May 30, 2019 (File No. 001-33664)).
Underwriting Agreement, dated as of June 25, 2019, among Charter Communications Operating, LLC, Charter
Communications Operating Capital Corp., CCO Holdings, LLC, as parent guarantor, the subsidiary guarantors
party thereto and Citigroup Global Markets Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC,
as representatives of the several underwriters named in Schedule I thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
99.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on July 1, 2019 (File No.
001-33664)).
Fourteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 10, 2019, among Charter Communications Operating, LLC,
Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., as issuers, CCO Holdings, LLC, the subsidiary guarantors
party thereto and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee and collateral agent
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications,
Inc. on July 10, 2019 (File No. 001-33664)).
Form of 5.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2049 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the Current Report
on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on July 10, 2019 (File No. 001-33664)).
Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated July 10, 2019, relating to the 5.375% Senior Notes due
2029, among CCO Holdings, LLC, CCO Holdings Capital Corp. and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as
representative of the several Purchasers (as defined therein) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on July 10, 2019 (File No. 001-33664)).
E-4
10.49
10.50
10.51
10.52
10.53
10.54
10.55
10.56
10.57
10.58
10.59
10.60
10.61
10.62
10.63
10.64
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 1, 2019, among CCO Holdings, LLC, CCO Holdings
Capital Corp. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on October 7, 2019).
Form of 4.750% Senior Notes due 2030 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Current Report on Form
8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on October 7, 2019 (File No. 001-33664)).
Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated October 1, 2019, relating to the 4.750% Senior Notes due
2030, among CCO Holdings, LLC, CCO Holdings Capital Corp. and BofA Securities, Inc., as representative of
the several Purchasers (as defined therein) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on
Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on October 7, 2019 (File No. 001-33664)).
Fifteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 24, 2019, among Charter Communications Operating,
LLC, Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., as issuers, CCO Holdings, LLC, the subsidiary
guarantors party thereto and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee and collateral
agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter
Communications, Inc. on October 30, 2019 (File No. 001-33664)).
Form of 4.800% Senior Secured Notes due 2050 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the Current Report
on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on October 30, 2019 (File No. 001-33664)).
Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated October 24, 2019, relating to the 4.750% Senior Notes due
2030, among CCO Holdings, LLC, CCO Holdings Capital Corp. and BofA Securities, Inc., as representative of
the several Purchasers (as defined therein) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on
Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on October 30, 2019 (File No. 001-33664)).
Underwriting Agreement, dated as of December 2, 2019, among Charter Communications Operating, LLC,
Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., CCO Holdings, LLC, as parent guarantor, the subsidiary
guarantors party thereto and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Mizuho Securities USA LLC and Morgan Stanley &
Co. LLC, as representatives of the several underwriters named in Schedule I thereto (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 99.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on December 5, 2019
(File No. 001-33664)).
Form of 4.800% Senior Secured Notes due 2050 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the Current Report
on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on December 16, 2019 (File No. 001-33664)).
Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated December 16, 2019, relating to the 4.750% Senior Notes
due 2030, among CCO Holdings, LLC, CCO Holdings Capital Corp. and Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., as
representative of the several Purchasers (as defined therein) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on December 16, 2019 (File No.
001-33664)).
Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 18, 2020, among CCO Holdings, LLC, CCO Holdings
Capital Corp. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on February 21, 2020
(File No. 001-33664)).
Form of 4.500% Senior Notes due 2030 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Current Report on Form
8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on February 21, 2020 (File No. 001-33664)).
Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated February 18, 2020, relating to the 4.500% Senior Notes due
2030, among CCO Holdings, LLC, CCO Holdings Capital Corp. and Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc., as
representative of the several Purchasers (as defined therein) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on February 21, 2020 (File No.
001-33664)).
Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 18, 2020, among CCO Holdings, LLC, CCO Holdings
Capital Corp. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.4 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on March 23, 2020 (File
No. 001-33664)).
Form of 4.500% Senior Notes due 2032 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Current Report on Form
8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on March 23, 2020 (File No. 001-33664)).
2030 Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated March 18, 2020, relating to the 4.500% Senior Notes
due 2030, among CCO Holdings, LLC, CCO Holdings Capital Corp. and Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc., as
representative of the several Purchasers (as defined therein) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on March 23, 2020 (File No. 001-33664)).
2032 Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated March 18, 2020, relating to the 4.500% Senior Notes
due 2032, among CCO Holdings, LLC, CCO Holdings Capital Corp. and Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc., as
representative of the several Purchasers (as defined therein) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the
Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on March 23, 2020 (File No. 001-33664)).
E-5
10.65
10.66
10.67
10.68
10.69
10.70
10.71
10.72
10.73
10.74
10.75
10.76
10.77
10.78
10.79
10.80
Underwriting Agreement, dated as of April 14, 2020, among Charter Communications Operating, LLC, Charter
Communications Operating Capital Corp., CCO Holdings, LLC, as parent guarantor, the subsidiary guarantors
party thereto and BofA Securities, Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, as
representatives of the several underwriters named in Schedule I thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
99.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on April 17, 2020 (File No.
001-33664)).
Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 17, 2020, among Charter Communications Operating, LLC,
Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., as issuers, CCO Holdings, LLC, the subsidiary guarantors
party thereto and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee and collateral agent
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications,
Inc. on April 17, 2020 (File No. 001-33664)).
Form of 2.800% Senior Secured Notes due 2031 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Current Report
on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on April 17, 2020 (File No. 001-33664)).
Form of 3.700% Senior Secured Notes due 2051 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Current Report
on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on April 17, 2020 (File No. 001-33664)).
Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 9, 2020, among CCO Holdings, LLC, CCO Holdings Capital
Corp. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
4.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on July 13, 2020 (File No.
001-33664)).
Form of 4.250% Senior Notes due 2031 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Current Report on Form
8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on July 13, 2020 (File No. 001-33664)).
Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated July 9, 2020, relating to the 4.250% Senior Notes due
2031, among CCO Holdings, LLC, CCO Holdings Capital Corp. and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, as
representative of the several Purchasers (as defined therein) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on July 13, 2020 (File No. 001-33664)).
Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated July 24, 2020, relating to the 4.250% Senior Notes due
2031, among CCO Holdings, LLC, CCO Holdings Capital Corp. and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, as
representative of the several Purchasers (as defined therein) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on July 28, 2020) (File No. 001-33664)).
Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated October 12, 2020, relating to the 4.500% Senior Notes due
2032, among CCO Holdings, LLC, CCO Holdings Capital Corp. and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as
representative of the several Purchasers (as defined therein) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on October 16, 2020 (File No. 001-33664)).
Underwriting Agreement, dated as of November 19, 2020, among Charter Communications Operating, LLC,
Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., CCO Holdings, LLC, as parent guarantor, the subsidiary
guarantors party thereto and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Morgan Stanley &
Co. LLC, as representatives of the several underwriters named in Schedule I thereto (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 99.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on December 4, 2020
(File No. 001-33664)).
Eighteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 4, 2020, among Charter Communications Operating,
LLC, Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., as issuers, CCO Holdings, LLC, the subsidiary
guarantors party thereto and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee and collateral
agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter
Communications, Inc. on December 4, 2020 (File No. 001-33664)).
Form of 2.300% Senior Secured Notes due 2032 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Current Report
on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on December 4, 2020 (File No. 001-33664)).
Form of 3.850% Senior Secured Notes due 2061 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the Current Report
on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on December 4, 2020 (File No. 001-33664)).
Nineteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 4, 2021, among Charter Communications Operating,
LLC, Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., as issuers, CCO Holdings, LLC, the subsidiary
guarantors party thereto and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee and collateral
agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter
Communications, Inc. on March 4, 2021 (File No. 001-33664)).
Form of 3.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2041 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Current Report
on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on March 4, 2021 (File No. 001-33664)).
Form of 3.900% Senior Secured Notes due 2052 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Current Report
on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on March 4, 2021 (File No. 001-33664)).
E-6
10.81
10.82
10.83
10.84
10.85
10.86
10.87
10.88
10.89
10.90
10.91
10.92
10.93
10.94
10.95
10.96
Underwriting Agreement, dated as of February 18, 2021, among Charter Communications Operating, LLC,
Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., CCO Holdings, LLC, as parent guarantor, the subsidiary
guarantors party thereto and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Morgan
Stanley & Co. LLC, as representatives of the several underwriters named in Schedule I thereto (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on March 4,
2021 (File No. 001-33664)).
Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 22, 2021, among CCO Holdings, LLC, CCO Holdings Capital
Corp. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
4.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on April 27, 2021 (File No.
001-33664)).
Form of 4.500% Senior Notes due 2033 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Current Report on Form
8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on April 27, 2021 (File No. 001-33664)).
Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated April 22, 2021, relating to the 4.500% Senior Notes due
2033, among CCO Holdings, LLC, CCO Holdings Capital Corp. and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as
representative of the several Purchasers (as defined therein) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on April 27, 2021 (File No. 001-33664)).
Twentieth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 2, 2021, among Charter Communications Operating, LLC,
Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., as issuers, CCO Holdings, LLC, the subsidiary guarantors
party thereto and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee and collateral agent
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications,
Inc. on June 2, 2021, 2021 (File No. 001-33664)).
Form of 4.400% Senior Notes due 2061 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to the Current Report on Form
8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on June 2, 2021, 2021 (File No. 001-33664)).
Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated June 2, 2021, relating to the 4.500% Senior Notes due
2033, among CCO Holdings, LLC, CCO Holdings Capital Corp. and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as
representative of the several Purchasers (as defined therein) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on June 2, 2021, 2021 (File No.
001-33664)).
Underwriting Agreement, dated as of May 18, 2021, among Charter Communications Operating, LLC, Charter
Communications Operating Capital Corp., CCO Holdings, LLC, as parent guarantor, the subsidiary guarantors
party thereto and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Miuho Securities USA LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC,
as representatives of the several underwriters named in Schedule I thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
99.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on June 2, 2021 (File No.
001-33664)).
Seventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 16, 2021, among CCO Holdings, LLC, CCO Holdings
Capital Corp. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on August 18, 2021 (File
No. 001-33664)).
Form of 4.250% Senior Notes due 2034 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Current Report on Form
8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on August 18, 2021 (File No. 001-33664)).
Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated August 16, 2021, relating to the 4.250% Senior Notes due
2034, among CCO Holdings, LLC, CCO Holdings Capital Corp. and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, as
representative of the several Purchasers (as defined therein) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on August 18, 2021 (File No. 001-33664)).
Underwriting Agreement, dated as of September 27, 2021, among Charter Communications Operating, LLC,
Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., CCO Holdings, LLC, as parent guarantor, the subsidiary
guarantors party thereto and Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Morgan Stanley
& Co. LLC, as representatives of the several underwriters named in Schedule I thereto (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on October
12, 2021 (File No. 001-33664)).
Twenty-First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 12, 2021, among Charter Communications Operating,
LLC, Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., as issuers, CCO Holdings, LLC, the subsidiary
guarantors party thereto and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee and collateral
agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter
Communications, Inc. on October 12, 2021 (File No. 001-33664)).
Form of 2.250% Senior Secured Notes due 2029 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Current Report
on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on October 12, 2021 (File No. 001-33664)).
Form of 3.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2042 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Current Report
on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on October 12, 2021 (File No. 001-33664)).
Form of 3.950% Senior Secured Notes due 2062 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Current Report
on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on October 12, 2021 (File No. 001-33664)).
E-7
10.97
10.98
10.99
10.100
10.101
10.102
10.103
10.104
10.105
10.106
10.107
10.108
10.109
10.110
10.111
Eighth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 19, 2022, among CCO Holdings, LLC, CCO Holdings
Capital Corp. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee. (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 4.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on January 25, 2022
(File No. 001-33664)).
Form of 4.750% Senior Notes due 2032 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Current Report on Form
8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on January 25, 2022 (File No. 001-33664)).
Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated January 19, 2022, relating to the 4.750% Senior Notes due
2032, among CCO Holdings, LLC, CCO Holdings Capital Corp. and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as
representative of the several Purchasers (as defined therein). (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on January 25, 2022 (File No. 001-33664)).
Indenture, dated as of April 30, 1992 (the “TWCE Indenture”), as amended by the First Supplemental Indenture,
dated as of June 30, 1992, among Time Warner Entertainment Company, L.P. (“TWE”), Time Warner
Companies, Inc. (“TWCI”), certain of TWCI’s subsidiaries that are parties thereto and The Bank of New York,
as Trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibits 10(g) and 10(h) to TWCI’s Current Report on Form 8-K
dated June 26, 1992 and filed with the SEC on July 15, 1992 (File No. 1-8637)). (P)
Second Supplemental Indenture to the TWCE Indenture, dated as of December 9, 1992, among TWE, TWCI,
certain of TWCI’s subsidiaries that are parties thereto and The Bank of New York, as Trustee (incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Amendment No. 1 to TWE’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 dated and
filed with the SEC on October 25, 1993 (Registration No. 33-67688) (the “TWE October 25, 1993 Registration
Statement”)). (P)
Third Supplemental Indenture to the TWCE Indenture, dated as of October 12, 1993, among TWE, TWCI,
certain of TWCI’s subsidiaries that are parties thereto and The Bank of New York, as Trustee (incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the TWE October 25, 1993 Registration Statement). (P)
Fourth Supplemental Indenture to the TWCE Indenture, dated as of March 29, 1994, among TWE, TWCI,
certain of TWCI’s subsidiaries that are parties thereto and The Bank of New York, as Trustee (incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to TWE’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1993 and filed with the SEC on March 30, 1994 (File No. 1-12878)). (P)
Fifth Supplemental Indenture to the TWCE Indenture, dated as of December 28, 1994, among TWE, TWCI,
certain of TWCI’s subsidiaries that are parties thereto and The Bank of New York, as Trustee (incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to TWE’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1994 and filed with the SEC on March 30, 1995 (File No. 1-12878)). (P)
Sixth Supplemental Indenture to the TWCE Indenture, dated as of September 29, 1997, among TWE, TWCI,
certain of TWCI’s subsidiaries that are parties thereto and The Bank of New York, as Trustee (incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to Historic TW Inc.’s (“Historic TW”) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1997 and filed with the SEC on March 25, 1998 (File No. 1-12259) (the “Time
Warner 1997 Form 10-K”)).
Seventh Supplemental Indenture to the TWCE Indenture, dated as of December 29, 1997, among TWE, TWCI,
certain of TWCI’s subsidiaries that are parties thereto and The Bank of New York, as Trustee (incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to the Time Warner 1997 Form 10-K).
Eighth Supplemental Indenture to the TWCE Indenture, dated as of December 9, 2003, among Historic TW,
TWE, Warner Communications Inc. (“WCI”), American Television and Communications Corporation (“ATC”),
TWC and The Bank of New York, as Trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to Time Warner
Inc.’s (“Time Warner”) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 (File No.
1-15062)).
Ninth Supplemental Indenture to the TWCE Indenture, dated as of November 1, 2004, among Historic TW,
TWE, Time Warner NY Cable Inc., WCI, ATC, TWC and The Bank of New York, as Trustee (incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Time Warner’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
September 30, 2004 (File No. 1-15062)).
Tenth Supplemental Indenture to the TWCE Indenture, dated as of October 18, 2006, among Historic TW,
TWE, TW NY Cable Holding Inc. (“TW NY”), Time Warner NY Cable LLC (“TW NY Cable”), TWC, WCI,
ATC and The Bank of New York, as Trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Time Warner’s
Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed October 18, 2006 (File No. 1-15062)).
Eleventh Supplemental Indenture to the TWCE Indenture, dated as of November 2, 2006, among TWE, TW
NY, TWC and The Bank of New York, as Trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Time
Warner’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed November 2, 2006 (File No. 1-15062)).
Twelfth Supplemental Indenture to the TWCE Indenture, dated as of September 30, 2012, among Time Warner
Cable Enterprises LLC (“TWCE”), TWC, TW NY, Time Warner Cable Internet Holdings II LLC (“TWC
Internet Holdings II”) and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee, supplementing the Indenture dated
April 30, 1992, as amended (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to TWC’s Current Report on
Form 8-K dated September 30, 2012 and filed with the SEC on October 1, 2012 (File No. 1-33335) (the “TWC
September 30, 2012 Form 8-K”)).
E-8
10.112
10.113
10.114
10.115
10.116
10.117
10.118
10.119
10.120
10.121
10.122
10.123
10.124
10.125
10.126
10.127
10.128
10.129(a)
Thirteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 18, 2016, by and among Time Warner Cable Enterprises
LLC, the guarantors party thereto and The Bank of New York Mellon (formerly known as The Bank of New
York), as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter
Communications, Inc. on May 24, 2016 (File No. 001-33664)).
Indenture, dated as of April 9, 2007 (the “TWC Indenture”), among TWC, TW NY, TWE and The Bank of New
York, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to TWC’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated
April 4, 2007 and filed with the SEC on April 9, 2007 (File No. 1-33335) (the “TWC April 4, 2007 Form 8-
K”)).
First Supplemental Indenture to the TWC Indenture, dated as of April 9, 2007, among TWC, TW NY, TWE and
The Bank of New York, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the TWC April 4, 2007
Form 8-K).
Second Supplemental Indenture to the TWC Indenture, dated as of September 30, 2012, among TWC, TW NY,
TWCE, TWC Internet Holdings II and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee, supplementing the Indenture
dated April 9, 2007, as amended (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the TWC September 30,
2012 Form 8-K).
Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 18, 2016, by and among Time Warner Cable Inc., TWC NewCo
LLC and The Bank of New York Mellon (formerly known as The Bank of New York), as trustee (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on May
24, 2016 (File No. 001-33664)).
Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 18, 2016, by and among TWC NewCo LLC, the guarantors
party thereto and The Bank of New York Mellon (formerly known as The Bank of New York), as trustee
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications,
Inc. on May 24, 2016 (File No. 001-33664)).
Form of TWC 6.55% Exchange Debentures due 2037 (included as Exhibit C to the First Supplemental Indenture
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the TWC April 4, 2007 Form 8-K).
Form of TWC 7.30% Debentures due 2038 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the TWC
June 16, 2008 Form 8-K).
Form of TWC 6.75% Debentures due 2039 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to TWC’s Current
Report on Form 8-K dated June 24, 2009 and filed with the SEC on June 29, 2009 (File No. 1-33335)).
Form of TWC 5.875% Debentures due 2040 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the TWC
November 9, 2010 Form 8-K).
Form of TWC 5.75% Note due 2031 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to TWC’s Current Report
on Form 8-K dated and filed with the SEC on May 26, 2011 (File No. 1-33335)).
Form of TWC 5.5% Debenture due 2041 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the TWC Current
Report on Form 8-K dated September 7, 2011 and filed with the SEC on September 12, 2011 (File No.
1-33335)).
Form of TWC 4.5% Debenture due 2042 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to TWC’s Current
Report on Form 8-K dated August 7, 2012 and filed with the SEC on August 10, 2012 (File No. 1-33335)).
Form of TWC 5.25% Note due 2042 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to TWC’s Current Report
on Form 8-K dated and filed with the SEC on June 27, 2012 (File No. 1-33335)).
Amendment No. 5, dated as of August 24, 2015, to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of
April 11, 2012 between Charter Communications Operating, LLC, as borrower, CCO Holdings, LLC, as
guarantor, and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the
Current Report on Form 8-K of Charter Communications, Inc. filed on August 28, 2015 (File No. 001-33664)).
Incremental Activation Notice, dated as of August 24, 2015 delivered by Charter Communications Operating,
LLC, CCO Holdings, LLC, the subsidiary guarantors party thereto, each Term H Lender party thereto to, each
Term I Lender party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent under the Amended and
Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 11, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current
Report on Form 8-K of Charter Communications, Inc. filed on August 28, 2015 (File No. 001-33664)).
Escrow Credit Agreement, dated as of August 24, 2015, between CCO Safari III, LLC, as borrower, and Bank
of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Charter Communications, Inc. filed on August 28, 2015 (File No.
001-33664)).
Restatement Agreement dated as of May 18, 2016, by and among Charter Communications Operating, LLC,
CCO Holdings, LLC, the subsidiary guarantors party thereto, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent
and the lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
Charter Communications, Inc. filed on May 24, 2016 (File No. 001-33664)).
E-9
10.129(b)
10.129(c)
10.129(d)
10.130
10.131
10.132
10.133
10.134
10.135
10.136
10.137
10.138
Amendment No. 1 dated as of December 23, 2016, to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of
March 18, 1999, as amended and restated on May 18, 2016, by and among Chart Communications Operating,
LLC, CCO Holdings, LLC, the Lenders Party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Charter Communications, Inc.
filed on December 30, 2016 (File No. 001-33664)).
Restatement Agreement dated as of December 21, 2017 to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated
as of March 18, 1999, as amended and restated on May 18, 2016, as amended by Amendment No. 1, dated as of
December 23, 2016 and as further amended by that certain Incremental Activation Notice No. 1, dated as of
January 19, 2017, 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 10.1 to
the Current Report on Form 8-K of Charter Communications, Inc. filed on December 28, 2017 (File No.
001-33664)).
Incremental Activation Notice, dated as of May 18, 2016, by and among Charter Communications Operating,
LLC, CCO Holdings, LLC, the subsidiary guarantors party thereto, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative
agent and the lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Current Report on Form 8-K
of Charter Communications, Inc. filed on May 24, 2016 (File No. 001-33664)).
Amendment No. 1, dated as of January 24, 2019, to (i) the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of
March 18, 1999, as amended and restated on December 21, 2017, by and among Charter Communications
Operating, LLC, CCO Holdings, LLC, certain subsidiaries of Charter Communications Operating, LLC, the
lenders party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and (ii) the Guarantee and Collateral
Agreement, dated as of March 18, 1999, as amended and restated as of March 31, 2010, as further amended and
restated on May 18, 2016, by and among Charter Communications Operating, LLC, CCO Holdings, LLC,
certain subsidiaries of Charter Communications Operating, LLC and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative
Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter
Communications, Inc. on January 30, 2019 (File No. 001-33664)).
Restatement Agreement, dated as of April 26 2019, to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of
March 18, 1999, as amended and restated on December 21, 2017 and as amended by Amendment No. 1 as of
January 24, 2019, by and among Charter Communications Operating, LLC, CCO Holdings, LLC, certain
subsidiaries of Charter Communications Operating, LLC, the lenders party thereto and Bank of America, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of
Charter Communications, Inc. filed April 30, 2019 (File No. 001-33664)).
Amendment No. 1, dated as of October 24, 2019, to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of
March 18, 1999, as amended and restated on April 26, 2019, by and among Charter Communications Operating,
LLC, CCO Holdings, LLC, certain subsidiaries of Charter Communications Operating, 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 October 30, 2019 (File No. 001-33664)).
Collateral Agreement, dated as of May 18, 2016, by Charter Communications Operating, LLC, Charter
Communications Operating Capital Corp. and the other grantors party thereto in favor of The Bank of New
York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as collateral agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Current
Report on Form 8-K of Charter Communications, Inc. filed on May 24, 2016 (File No. 001-33664)).
First Lien Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of May 18, 2016, by and among Charter Communications
Operating, LLC, the other grantors party thereto, Bank of America, N.A., as credit agreement collateral agent for
the credit agreement secured parties, The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as notes collateral
agent for the indenture secured parties, and each additional agent from time to time party thereto (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Charter Communications, Inc. filed on May
24, 2016 (File No. 001-33664)).
Joinder Agreement to Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of May 18, 2016, by and among CCO Safari II,
LLC, CCH II, LLC, Charter Communications Operating, LLC, Charter Communications Operating Capital
Corp., CCO Holdings, LLC and the other guarantors party thereto (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Charter Communications, Inc. filed May 24, 2016).
Joinder Agreement to Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of May 18, 2016, by CCO Holdings, LLC and
CCO Holdings Capital Corp (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-
K of Charter Communications, Inc. filed May 24, 2016).
Escrow Assumption Agreement, dated as of May 18, 2016, by and among CCO Safari III, LLC, Charter
Communications Operating, LLC, Bank of America, N.A., as escrow administrative agent and Bank of America,
N.A., as administrative agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-
K of Charter Communications, Inc. filed May 24, 2016).
Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Charter Communications Holdings, LLC,
dated as of May 18, 2016, by and among Charter Holdings, Charter, CCH II, LLC, Advance/Newhouse
Partnership and the other party or parties thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current
Report on Form 8-K of Charter Communications, Inc. filed on May 19, 2016 (File No. 001-33664)).
E-10
10.139
10.140
10.141
10.142
10.143+
10.144+
10.145+
10.146+
10.147+
10.148+
10.149+
10.150+
10.151+
10.152+
10.153+
10.154+
10.155+
10.156+
10.157+
Exchange Agreement, dated as of May 18, 2016, by and among Charter Holdings, Charter, Advance/Newhouse
Partnership and the other party or parties thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current
Report on Form 8-K of Charter Communications, Inc. filed on May 19, 2016 (File No. 001-33664)).
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of May 18, 2016, by and among Charter, Advance/Newhouse
Partnership and Liberty Broadband (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-
K of Charter Communications, Inc. filed on May 19, 2016 (File No. 001-33664)).
Tax Receivables Agreement, dated as of May 18, 2016, by and among Charter, Advance/Newhouse Partnership
and the other party or parties thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Current Report on Form 8-
K of Charter Communications, Inc. filed on May 19, 2016 (File No. 001-33664)).
Wireless Operational Cooperation Agreement dated as of May 5, 2017 between Charter Communications, Inc.
and Comcast Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by
Charter Communications, Inc. on May 8, 2017 (File No. 001-33664)).
Charter Communications, Inc. Executive Bonus Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q of Charter Communications, Inc. filed on May 8, 2012 (File No. 001-33664)).
Form of First Amended and Restated Indemnification Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to
the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Charter Communications, Inc. filed on August 6, 2013 (File No.
001-33664)).
Charter Communications, Inc. 2016 Executive Incentive Performance Plan (incorporated by reference to
Appendix A to the proxy statement for the Charter Communications, Inc. 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
filed March 17, 2016 (File No. 001-33664)).
Charter Communications, Inc. Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.6 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Charter Communications, Inc. filed on May 19, 2016 (File
No. 001-33664)).
Amendment to the Charter Communications, Inc. Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Incentive Plan, dated as of
October 25, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Charter
Communications, Inc. filed on October 28, 2016 (File No. 001-33664)).
Charter Communications, Inc.’s Amended and Restated Supplemental Deferred Compensation Plan, dated as of
September 1, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by
Charter Communications, Inc. on September 2, 2011 (File No. 001-33664)).
Form of Non-Qualified Time Vesting Stock Option Agreement dated April 26, 2011 (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.3 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on August 2, 2011
(File No. 001-33664)).
Form of Non-Qualified Price Vesting Stock Option Agreement dated April 26, 2011 (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on August 2, 2011
(File No. 001-33664)).
Form of Notice of LTIP Award Agreement Changes (RSU Awards) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3
to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on January 22, 2014 (File No.
001-33664)).
Form of Notice of LTIP Award Agreement Changes (Time-Vesting Option Awards) (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.4 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on January 22, 2014
(File No. 001-33664)).
Form of Notice of LTIP Award Agreement Changes (Restricted Stock Awards) (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.5 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on January 22, 2014
(File No. 001-33664)).
Form of Notice of LTIP Award Agreement Changes (Performance-Vesting Option Awards) (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on January
22, 2014 (File No. 001-33664)).
Form of Stock Option Agreement dated January 15, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on January 22, 2014 (File No. 001-33664)).
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement dated January 15, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to
the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on January 22, 2014 (File No.
001-33664)).
Form of Amendment to Nonqualified Stock Option Agreements Granted Under the Charter Communications,
Inc. Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Incentive Plan, dated as of October 25, 2016 (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Charter Communications, Inc. filed on October 28, 2016
(File No. 001-33664)).
E-11
10.158+
10.159+
10.160+
10.161+
10.162+
10.163+
10.164+
10.165+
10.166+
10.167+
Form of Performance-Vesting Stock Option Agreement granted to certain executive officers in 2016 under the
Charter Communications, Inc. Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.102 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Charter Communications, Inc. filed on February 16, 2017
(File No. 001-33664)).
Form of Performance-Vesting Restricted Stock Unit Agreement granted to certain executive officers in 2016
under the Charter Communications, Inc. Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.103 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Charter Communications, Inc. filed on
February 16, 2017 (File No. 001-33664)).
Charter Communications, Inc. 2019 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Annex A to the proxy
statement for the Charter Communications, Inc. 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed March 14, 2019
(File No. 001-33664)).
Amendment to the Charter Communications, Inc. 2019 Stock Incentive Plan, dated as of January 28, 2020
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.152 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Charter Communications,
Inc. filed on January 31, 2020 (File No. 001-33664)).
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement under the Charter Communications, Inc. 2019 Stock Incentive
Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Charter
Communications, Inc. filed July 26, 2019 (File No. 001-33664)).
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the Charter Communications, Inc. 2019 Stock Incentive Plan
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Charter Communications,
Inc. filed July 26, 2019 (File No. 001-33664)).
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under the Charter Communications, Inc. 2019 Stock Incentive Plan
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Charter Communications,
Inc. filed July 26, 2019 (File No. 001-33664)).
Time Warner Cable Inc. 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.45 to TWC’s
Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 13, 2007 and filed with the SEC on February 13, 2007).
Time Warner Cable Inc. 2006 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, effective March 12, 2009 (incorporated herein
by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to TWC’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2009).
Time Warner Cable Inc. 2011 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Annex A to TWC’s
definitive Proxy Statement dated April 6, 2011 and filed with the SEC on April 6, 2011).
10.168(a)+ Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Thomas Rutledge and Charter Communications, Inc.,
dated October 27, 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Charter
Communications, Inc. filed on October 30, 2020 (File No. 001-33664)).
10.165(b)+ Time-Vesting Stock Option Agreement dated as of December 19, 2011 by and between Charter
Communications, Inc. and Thomas M. Rutledge (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report
on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on December 19, 2011 (File No. 001-33664)).
10.168(c)+
Performance-Vesting Stock Option Agreement dated as of December 19, 2011 by and between Charter
Communications, Inc. and Thomas M. Rutledge (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Current Report
on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on December 19, 2011 (File No. 001-33664)).
10.169(a)+ Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Charter Communications, Inc. and John Bickham,
dated December 23, 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
Charter Communications, Inc. filed on December 28, 2020 (File No. 001-33664)).
10.169(b)+ Time-Vesting Stock Option Agreement dated as of April 30, 2012 by and between Charter Communications,
Inc. and John Bickham (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by
Charter Communications, Inc. on May 1, 2012 (File No. 001-33664)).
10.169(c)+
Performance-Vesting Stock Option Agreement dated as of April 30, 2012 by and between Charter
Communications, Inc. and John Bickham (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Current Report on
Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on May 1, 2012 (File No. 001-33664)).
10.170+
10.171+
10.172+
10.173+
Employment Agreement between Charter Communications, Inc. and Kevin D. Howard, dated August 2, 2019
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications,
Inc. on August 7, 2019 (File No. 001-33664)).
Employment Agreement dated as of July 27, 2021 by and between Charter Communications, Inc. and David G.
Ellen (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Charter
Communications, Inc. filed on July 30, 2021 (File No. 001-33664)).
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated as of October 19, 2021 by and between Charter
Communications, Inc. and Christopher L. Winfrey (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current
Report on Form 8-K of Charter Communications, Inc. filed on October 19, 2021 (File No. 001-33664)).
Employment Agreement dated as of February 5, 2021 by and between Charter Communications, Inc. and Jessica
Fischer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Charter
Communications, Inc. filed on October 19, 2021 (File No. 001-33664)).
E-12
10.174
10.175
10.176
21.1*
23.1*
31.1*
31.2*
32.1*
32.2*
101
Letter Agreement, dated as of December 23, 2016, between Charter Communications, Inc. and Advance/
Newhouse Partnership (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Charter
Communications, Inc. filed on December 28, 2016 (File No. 001-33664)).
Amendment to Letter Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2017, between Charter Communications, Inc. and
Advance/Newhouse Partnership (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K
of Charter Communications, Inc. filed on December 22, 2017 (File No. 001-33664)).
Letter Agreement, dated as of February 23, 2021, between Charter Communications, Inc. and Liberty
Broadband Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Charter
Communications, Inc. filed on February 24, 2021 (File No. 001-33664)).
Subsidiaries of Charter Communications, Inc.
Consent of KPMG LLP.
Certificate of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/Rule 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934.
Certificate of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/Rule 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934.
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).
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).
The following financial information from Charter Communications, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2021, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 28, 2022,
formatted in iXBRL (inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language) includes: (i) the Consolidated Balance
Sheets; (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations; (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in
Shareholders' Equity; (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (vi) the Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements.
104
Cover page, formatted in iXBRL and contained in Exhibit 101.
_____________
*
+
Filed herewith
Management compensatory plan or arrangement
E-13
[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.]
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Audited Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Auditor Name: KPMG LLP
Auditor Location: St. Louis, MO
Auditor Firm ID: 185
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Page
F-2
F-4
F-5
F-6
F-7
F-8
F-1
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors
Charter Communications, Inc.:
Opinions on the Consolidated Financial Statements and Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Charter Communications, Inc. and subsidiaries (the
Company) as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders’
equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2021, and the related notes
(collectively, the consolidated financial statements). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial
reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by
the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of the Company as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the
years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2021, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2021 based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
Basis for Opinions
The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal
control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included
in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial
reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S.
federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the
audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement,
whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material
respects.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement
of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks.
Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated
financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal
control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the
risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based
on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the
circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures
that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and
dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit
preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and
expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the
F-2
company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or
disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also,
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial
statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or
disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or
complex judgments. The communication of a critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated
financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate
opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Testing of residential and commercial revenue
As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company recorded residential and commercial revenue
of $47.1 billion for the year ended December 31, 2021. This revenue is derived primarily from monthly subscription
charges from its Internet, video, and voice services. Revenue is recognized as the services are provided to a customer on a
monthly basis. The processing and recording of revenue are reliant upon multiple information technology (IT) systems.
We identified the evaluation of the sufficiency of audit evidence over residential and commercial revenue as a critical audit
matter. Subjective auditor judgment was required in evaluating the sufficiency of audit evidence over residential and
commercial revenue due to the volume of data and the number of accounting systems. Specifically, obtaining an
understanding of the systems and processes used in the Company’s recognition of residential and commercial revenue and
evaluating the related internal controls required significant audit effort, including specialized skills and knowledge related
to IT.
The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design and
tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls over the Company’s residential and commercial revenue
processes. This included manual and automated controls over the IT systems used for the processing and recording of
residential and commercial revenue. We involved IT professionals with specialized skills and knowledge, who assisted in
testing certain IT applications that are used by the Company in its recognition of residential and commercial revenue. We
assessed recorded residential and commercial revenue by comparing the cash received related to residential and
commercial revenue transactions during the year to the revenue recorded in the consolidated financial statements. We
evaluated the sufficiency of audit evidence obtained by assessing the results of procedures performed.
(signed) KPMG LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2002.
St. Louis, Missouri
January 27, 2022
F-3
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(dollars in millions, except share data)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of
$157 and $217, respectively
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Total current assets
INVESTMENT IN CABLE PROPERTIES:
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of
$34,253 and $31,639, respectively
Customer relationships, net
Franchises
Goodwill
Total investment in cable properties, net
OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS
Total assets
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt
Total current liabilities
LONG-TERM DEBT
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Class A common stock; $0.001 par value; 900 million shares authorized;
172,741,236 and 193,730,992 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
Class B common stock; $0.001 par value; 1,000 shares authorized;
1 share issued and outstanding
Preferred stock; $0.001 par value; 250 million shares authorized;
no shares issued and outstanding
Additional paid-in capital
Accumulated deficit
Total Charter shareholders’ equity
Noncontrolling interests
Total shareholders’ equity
December 31,
2021
2020
$
601 $
2,579
386
3,566
34,310
4,060
67,346
29,562
135,278
1,001
2,539
369
3,909
34,357
5,615
67,322
29,554
136,848
3,647
3,449
$
142,491 $
144,206
$
9,461 $
2,997
12,458
88,564
19,096
4,217
—
—
—
26,725
(12,675)
14,050
4,106
18,156
8,867
1,008
9,875
81,744
18,108
4,198
—
—
—
29,000
(5,195)
23,805
6,476
30,281
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
142,491 $
144,206
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-4
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(dollars in millions, except per share and share data)
REVENUES
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Operating costs and expenses (exclusive of items shown
Year Ended December 31,
2020
2021
2019
$
51,682 $
48,097 $
45,764
separately below)
Depreciation and amortization
Other operating expenses, net
Income from operations
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES):
Interest expense, net
Other expenses, net
Income before income taxes
Income tax expense
Consolidated net income
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net income attributable to Charter shareholders
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO
CHARTER SHAREHOLDERS:
Basic
Diluted
$
$
$
31,482
9,345
329
41,156
10,526
(4,037)
(101)
(4,138)
6,388
(1,068)
5,320
(666)
29,930
9,704
58
39,692
8,405
(3,848)
(255)
(4,103)
4,302
(626)
3,676
(454)
4,654 $
3,222 $
29,224
9,926
103
39,253
6,511
(3,797)
(283)
(4,080)
2,431
(439)
1,992
(324)
1,668
25.34 $
24.47 $
15.85 $
15.40 $
7.60
7.45
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted
183,669,369
203,316,483
193,042,948
209,273,247
219,506,735
223,786,380
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-5
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(dollars in millions)
Class A
Common
Stock
Class B
Common
Stock
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
Retained
Earnings
(Accumulated
Deficit)
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Total Charter
Shareholders’
Equity
Non-
controlling
Interests
Total
Shareholders’
Equity
BALANCE, December 31, 2018
Consolidated net income
Stock compensation expense
Exercise of stock options
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive
loss, net
Purchases and retirement of treasury stock
Purchase of noncontrolling interest, net of tax
Change in noncontrolling interest ownership, net
of tax
Distributions to noncontrolling interest
BALANCE, December 31, 2019
Consolidated net income
Stock compensation expense
Exercise of stock options
Issuance of equity
Purchases and retirement of treasury stock
Purchase of noncontrolling interest, net of tax
Change in noncontrolling interest ownership, net
of tax
Distributions to noncontrolling interest
BALANCE, December 31, 2020
Consolidated net income
Stock compensation expense
Exercise of stock options
Purchases and retirement of treasury stock
Purchase of noncontrolling interest, net of tax
Preferred unit conversion and change in
noncontrolling interest ownership, net of tax
Distributions to noncontrolling interest
BALANCE, December 31, 2021
$ — $ — $ 33,507 $
—
—
—
—
315
118
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(2,465)
(240)
170
—
31,405
—
351
184
23
(2,760)
(606)
403
—
29,000
—
430
44
(3,297)
(1,077)
1,625
—
—
$ — $ — $ 26,725 $
—
2,780 $
1,668
—
—
—
(4,408)
—
—
—
40
3,222
—
—
—
(8,457)
—
—
—
(5,195)
4,654
—
—
(12,134)
—
—
(2) $
—
—
—
2
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
36,285 $
1,668
315
118
2
(6,873)
(240)
170
—
31,445
3,222
351
184
23
(11,217)
7,987 $
324
—
—
—
—
(565)
(226)
(154)
7,366
454
—
—
—
—
(606)
(656)
403
—
23,805
4,654
430
44
(534)
(154)
6,476
666
—
—
(15,431)
(1,077)
—
(808)
1,625
(2,153)
—
(12,675) $
—
— $
—
14,050 $
(75)
4,106 $
44,272
1,992
315
118
2
(6,873)
(805)
(56)
(154)
38,811
3,676
351
184
23
(11,217)
(1,262)
(131)
(154)
30,281
5,320
430
44
(15,431)
(1,885)
(528)
(75)
18,156
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-6
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(dollars in millions)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Consolidated net income
Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net income to net cash flows from
operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
Stock compensation expense
Noncash interest income, net
Deferred income taxes
Other, net
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions and
dispositions:
Accounts receivable
Prepaid expenses and other assets
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other
Net cash flows from operating activities
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
Change in accrued expenses related to capital expenditures
Purchases of wireless spectrum licenses
Real estate investments through variable interest entities
Other, net
Net cash flows from investing activities
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings of long-term debt
Repayments of long-term debt
Payments for debt issuance costs
Issuance of equity
Purchase of treasury stock
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
Purchase of noncontrolling interest
Distributions to noncontrolling interest
Borrowings for real estate investments through variable interest entities
Other, net
Net cash flows from financing activities
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period
CASH PAID FOR INTEREST
CASH PAID FOR TAXES
Year Ended December 31,
2020
2019
2021
$
5,320 $
3,676 $
1,992
9,345
430
(23)
826
181
(35)
(167)
362
16,239
(7,635)
80
—
(128)
(71)
(7,754)
20,976
(12,146)
(102)
—
(15,431)
44
(2,234)
(75)
130
(47)
(8,885)
(400)
1,001
$
$
$
601 $
4,043 $
157 $
9,704
351
(41)
465
214
(67)
(31)
291
14,562
(7,415)
(77)
(464)
(183)
(18)
(8,157)
15,754
(12,094)
(125)
23
(11,217)
184
(1,462)
(154)
120
18
(8,953)
(2,548)
3,549
1,001 $
3,866 $
123 $
9,926
315
(106)
320
306
(706)
(196)
(103)
11,748
(7,195)
55
—
(148)
(43)
(7,331)
19,685
(13,309)
(103)
—
(6,873)
118
(885)
(154)
—
(112)
(1,633)
2,784
765
3,549
3,963
71
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-7
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2020 AND 2019
(dollars in millions, except share or per share data or where indicated)
1. Organization and Basis of Presentation
Organization
Charter Communications, Inc. (together with its controlled subsidiaries, “Charter,” or the “Company”) is a leading broadband
connectivity company and cable operator. Over an advanced high-capacity, two-way telecommunications network, the
Company offers a full range of state-of-the-art residential and business services including Spectrum Internet, TV, Mobile and
Voice. For small and medium-sized companies, Spectrum Business® delivers the same suite of broadband products and
services coupled with special features and applications to enhance productivity, while for larger businesses and government
entities, Spectrum Enterprise provides highly customized, fiber-based solutions. Spectrum Reach® delivers tailored advertising
and production for the modern media landscape. The Company also distributes award-winning news coverage, sports and high-
quality original programming to its customers through Spectrum Networks and Spectrum Originals.
Charter is a holding company whose principal asset is a controlling equity interest in Charter Communications Holdings, LLC
(“Charter Holdings”), an indirect owner of Charter Communications Operating, LLC (“Charter Operating”) under which
substantially all of the operations reside. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions among consolidated entities
have been eliminated.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted
accounting principles (“GAAP”) and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).
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, impairments of franchises and goodwill, pension
benefits and income taxes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the 2021 presentation.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Charter and all entities in which Charter has a
controlling interest, including variable interest entities ("VIEs") where Charter is the primary beneficiary. The Company
consolidates based upon evaluation of the Company’s power, through voting rights or similar rights, to direct the activities of
another entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance; its obligation to absorb the expected losses of
the entity; and its right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity. Charter controls and consolidates Charter
Holdings. The noncontrolling interest on the Company’s balance sheet primarily represents Advance/Newhouse Partnership's
(“A/N”) minority equity interests in Charter Holdings. See Note 11. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions
among consolidated entities have been eliminated in consolidation.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
These investments are carried at cost, which approximates market value.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Additions to property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost, including all material, labor and certain indirect costs
associated with the construction of cable transmission and distribution facilities. While the Company’s capitalization is based
on specific activities, once capitalized, costs are tracked on a composite basis by fixed asset category at the cable system level
and not on a specific asset basis. For assets that are sold or retired, the estimated historical cost and related accumulated
F-8
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2020 AND 2019
(dollars in millions, except share or per share data or where indicated)
depreciation is removed. Costs associated with the placement of the customer drop to the dwelling and the placement of outlets
within a dwelling along with the costs associated with the deployment of new customer premise equipment necessary to provide
video, Internet or voice services are capitalized. Costs capitalized include materials, direct labor and overhead costs. The
Company capitalizes direct labor and overhead using standards developed from actual costs and applicable operational data.
The Company calculates standards annually (or more frequently if circumstances dictate) for items such as the labor rates,
overhead rates, and the actual amount of time required to perform a capitalizable activity. Overhead costs are associated with
the activities of the Company’s personnel and consist of compensation and other indirect costs associated with support
functions. Indirect costs primarily include employee benefits and payroll taxes, and vehicle and occupancy costs. The costs of
disconnecting service and removing customer premise equipment from a dwelling and the costs to reconnect a customer drop or
to redeploy previously installed customer premise equipment are charged to operating expense as incurred. Costs for repairs
and maintenance are charged to operating expense as incurred, while plant and equipment replacement, including replacement
of certain components, betterments, including replacement of cable drops and outlets, are capitalized.
Depreciation is recorded using the straight-line composite method over management’s estimate of the useful lives of the related
assets as follows:
Cable distribution systems
Customer premise equipment and installations
Vehicles and equipment
Buildings and improvements
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
Asset Retirement Obligations
6-22 years
3-8 years
6-21 years
8-40 years
2-10 years
Certain of the Company’s franchise agreements and leases contain provisions requiring the Company to restore facilities or
remove equipment in the event that the franchise or lease agreement is not renewed. The Company expects to continually
renew its franchise agreements and therefore cannot reasonably estimate any liabilities associated with such agreements. A
remote possibility exists that franchise agreements could be terminated unexpectedly, which could result in the Company
incurring significant expense in complying with restoration or removal provisions. The Company does not have any significant
liabilities related to asset retirements recorded in its consolidated financial statements.
Valuation of Long-Lived Assets
The Company evaluates the recoverability of long-lived assets (e.g., property, plant and equipment and finite-lived intangible
assets) to be held and used when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be
recoverable. Such events or changes in circumstances could include such factors as impairment of the Company’s indefinite
life assets, changes in technological advances, fluctuations in the fair value of such assets, adverse changes in relationships with
local franchise authorities, adverse changes in market conditions or a deterioration of current or expected future operating
results. If a review indicates that the carrying value of such asset is not recoverable from estimated undiscounted cash flows,
the carrying value of such asset is reduced to its estimated fair value. While the Company believes that its estimates of future
cash flows are reasonable, different assumptions regarding such cash flows could materially affect its evaluations of asset
recoverability. No impairments of long-lived assets held for use were recorded in 2021, 2020 and 2019. For non-strategic
long-lived assets held for sale, the Company recorded impairments of approximately $36 million and $42 million during the
years ended December 31, 2021 and 2019, respectively, to other operating expenses, net (see Note 15).
Leases
The primary leased asset classes of the Company include real estate, dark fiber, colocation facilities and other equipment. The
lease agreements include both lease and non-lease components, which the Company accounts for separately depending on the
election made for each leased asset class. For real estate and dark fiber leased asset classes, the Company accounts for lease and
non-lease components as a single lease component and includes all fixed payments in the measurement of lease liabilities and
lease assets. For colocation facilities leased asset class, the Company accounts for lease and non-lease components separately
including only the fixed lease payment component in the measurement of lease liabilities and lease assets.
F-9
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2020 AND 2019
(dollars in millions, except share or per share data or where indicated)
In addition to fixed lease payments, certain of the Company’s lease agreements include variable lease payments which are tied
to an index or rate such as the change in the Consumer Price Index. These variable payments are not included in the
measurement of the lease liabilities and lease assets.
Lease assets and lease liabilities are initially recognized based on the present value of the future lease payments over the
expected lease term. As for most leases the implicit rate is not readily determinable, the Company uses a discount rate in
determining the present value of future payments based on the yield-to-maturity of the Company’s secured publicly traded
United States dollars denominated debt instruments interpolating the duration of the debt to the term of the executed lease.
The Company’s leases have base rent periods and some with optional renewal periods. Leases with base rent periods of less
than 12 months are not recorded on the balance sheet. For purposes of measurement of lease liabilities, the expected lease
terms may include renewal options when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise such options. Based on
conditions of the Company's existing leases and its overall business strategies, the majority of the Company's renewal options
are not reasonably certain in determining the expected lease term. The Company will periodically reassess expected lease terms
(and purchase options, if applicable) based on significant triggering events or compelling economic reasons to exercise such
options.
The Company’s primary lease income represents sublease income on certain real estate leases. Sublease income is included in
other revenue and presented gross from rent expense. For customer premise equipment ("CPE") where such CPE would qualify
as a lease, the Company applies the practical expedient to combine the operating lease with the subscription service revenue as
a single performance obligation in accordance with revenue recognition accounting guidance as the subscription service is the
predominant component.
Other Noncurrent Assets
Other noncurrent assets primarily include investments, wireless spectrum licenses, trademarks, customer contract costs and
other intangible assets. The Company accounts for its investments in less than majority owned investees under either the equity
method or as equity securities. The Company applies the equity method to investments when it has the ability to exercise
significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee. The Company’s share of the investee’s earnings
(losses) is included in other expense, net in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company monitors its investments
for indicators that a decrease in investment value has occurred that is other than temporary. If it has been determined that an
investment has sustained an other than temporary decline in value, the investment is written down to fair value with a charge to
earnings. Investments acquired are measured at fair value utilizing the acquisition method of accounting. The difference
between the fair value and the amount of underlying equity in net assets for most equity method investments is due to
previously unrecognized intangible assets at the investee. These amounts are amortized as a component of equity earnings
(losses), recorded within other expense, net over the estimated useful life of the asset. Wireless spectrum licenses and
trademarks have been determined to have an indefinite life and are tested annually for impairment. Customer contract costs are
deferred in other noncurrent assets for upfront costs incurred to obtain a customer contract and upfront costs to fulfill a
customer contract, as further discussed below under the Customer Contract Costs accounting policy.
Revenue Recognition
Nature of Services
Residential Services
Residential customers are offered Internet, video, and voice services primarily on a subscription basis. Residential customers
may generally cancel their subscriptions at the end of their monthly service period without penalty. Each subscription service
provided is accounted for as a distinct performance obligation and revenue is recognized ratably over the monthly service
period as the subscription services are delivered. Each optional service purchased is generally accounted for as a distinct
performance obligation when purchased and revenue is recognized when the service is provided.
Residential Internet customers receive data download and upload services with speeds dependent on the selected tier of service.
Customers are also offered a security suite, an in-home WiFi product, and an out-of-home WiFi service. Internet revenues
consist primarily of data services, WiFi service fees and Internet installation fees.
F-10
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2020 AND 2019
(dollars in millions, except share or per share data or where indicated)
Residential video customers have the option to purchase additional tiers of services, as well as video-on-demand (“VOD”)
programming and pay-per-view programming on a per-event basis. Video revenues consist primarily of revenues from the
selected programming service tier, as well as VOD fees, pay-per-view fees, retransmission fees, regulatory fees, equipment
service fees and video installation fees.
Residential voice customers receive unlimited local and long distance calling to United States, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto
Rico, voicemail, call waiting, caller ID, call forward and other features. Customers may also purchase international calling
either by the minute, or through packages of minutes per month. Voice revenues consist primarily of voice services and
regulatory fees.
Small and Medium Business
Small and medium business ("SMB") customers are offered Internet, video and voice services similar to those provided to
residential customers. SMB customers may generally cancel their subscriptions at the end of their monthly service period
without penalty. Each subscription service provided is accounted for as a distinct performance obligation and revenue is
recognized ratably over the monthly service period as the subscription services are delivered.
Enterprise
Services to enterprise clients include more tailored communications products and managed service solutions to larger
businesses, as well as high-capacity last-mile data connectivity services to mobile and wireline carriers on a wholesale basis.
Services are primarily offered on a subscription basis with a contractually specified and non-cancelable service period. Each
subscription service provided is accounted for as a distinct performance obligation and revenue is recognized ratably over the
contract period as the subscription services are delivered. Enterprise subscription services are billed as monthly recurring
charges to customers and related installation services, if applicable, are billed upon completion of the customer installation.
Installation services are not accounted for as distinct performance obligations, but rather a component of the connectivity
services, and therefore upfront installation fees are deferred and recognized as revenue over the related contract period.
Advertising Services
The Company offers local, regional and national businesses the opportunity to advertise in individual and multiple service areas
on cable television networks and digital outlets. Placement of advertising is accounted for as a distinct performance obligation
and revenue is recognized at the point in time when the advertising is distributed. In some service areas, the Company has
formed advertising interconnects or entered into representation agreements with other video distributors, under which the
Company sells advertising on behalf of those distributors. In other service areas, the Company has entered into representation
agreements under which another operator in the area will sell advertising on the Company’s behalf. For representation
arrangements in which the Company controls the sale of advertising and acts as the principal to the transaction, the Company
recognizes revenue earned from the advertising customer on a gross basis and the amount remitted to the distributor as an
operating expense. For other representation arrangements in which the Company does not control the sale of advertising and
acts as an agent to the transaction, the Company recognizes revenue net of any fee remitted to the distributor.
Mobile
The Company also offers mobile service to residential and SMB customers. Mobile services are sold under unlimited data
plans or by-the-gig data usage plans and revenue is recognized ratably over the monthly service period as the services are
delivered. Customers can purchase mobile equipment, including devices and accessory products, and have the option to pay for
devices under interest-free monthly installment plans. The Company does not impute interest on equipment installment plans
sold through its direct channel as the inherent financing component is not considered significant based on the commercial
objective of the plans, interest rates prevailing in the marketplace and credit risks of the Company's customers. The sale of
equipment is a separate performance obligation. Revenue is recognized from the sale of equipment upon delivery and
acceptance by the customer, as this is when control passes to the customer.
F-11
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2020 AND 2019
(dollars in millions, except share or per share data or where indicated)
The Company’s revenues by product line are as follows:
Internet
Video
Voice
Residential revenue
Small and medium business
Enterprise
Commercial revenue
Advertising sales
Mobile
Other
Year Ended December 31,
2020
2019
2021
21,094 $
17,630
1,598
40,322
4,170
2,573
6,743
1,594
2,178
845
51,682 $
18,521 $
17,432
1,806
37,759
3,964
2,468
6,432
1,699
1,364
843
48,097 $
16,667
17,607
1,920
36,194
3,868
2,556
6,424
1,568
726
852
45,764
$
$
Fees imposed on the Company by various governmental authorities are passed through on a monthly basis to the Company’s
customers and are periodically remitted to authorities. Fees of $1.1 billion for each of the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020
and 2019 are reported in video, voice, mobile and commercial revenues, on a gross basis with a corresponding operating
expense because the Company is acting as a principal. Certain taxes, such as sales taxes imposed on the Company’s customers,
collected and remitted to state and local authorities, are recorded on a net basis because the Company is acting as an agent in
such situations.
A significant portion of our revenue is derived from customers who may generally cancel their monthly subscriptions at the end
of their monthly service period without penalty. As such, the amount of revenue related to unsatisfied performance obligations
is not necessarily indicative of the future revenue to be recognized from our existing customer base. Revenue from customers
with a contractually specified term and non-cancelable service period will be recognized over the term of such contracts, which
is generally two to seven years for our enterprise contracts with a weighted average term of approximately three years.
Significant Judgments in Evaluating Revenue Recognition
The Company often provides multiple services to a customer. Provision of customer premise equipment, installation services,
and additional service tiers may have a significant level of integration and interdependency with the subscription Internet,
video, voice, or connectivity services provided. Judgment is required to determine whether provision of customer premise
equipment, installation services, and additional service tiers are considered distinct and accounted for separately, or not distinct
and accounted for together with the subscription services.
Allocation of the transaction price to the distinct performance obligations in bundled service subscriptions requires judgment.
The transaction price for a bundle of services is frequently less than the sum of the standalone selling prices of each individual
service. The Company allocates the bundle discount among the services to which the discount relates based on the relative
standalone selling prices of those services. When available, directly observable standalone selling prices are used for the
revenue allocation. When certain services are not sold standalone, judgment is applied to determine appropriate standalone
selling price assumptions for a given class of customers receiving such service.
The Company believes residential and SMB non-refundable upfront installation fees charged to customers, over a certain dollar
threshold considered material to the customer, result in a material right to renew the contract as such fees are not required to be
paid upon subsequent renewals. These residential and SMB upfront fees are deferred over the period the fee remains material
to the customer, which the Company has estimated to be approximately six months. Estimation of the period the fee remains
material to the customer requires consideration of both quantitative and qualitative factors including average installation fee,
average revenue per customer, and customer behavior, among others.
F-12
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2020 AND 2019
(dollars in millions, except share or per share data or where indicated)
Deferred Revenue Contract Liabilities
Timing of revenue recognition may differ from the timing of invoicing to customers. Residential, SMB, and enterprise
customers are invoiced for subscription services in advance of the service period. Deferred revenue liabilities, or contract
liabilities, are recorded when the Company collects payments in advance of performing the services. Deferred revenue
liabilities, or contract liabilities, are also recorded when the Company invoices customers upfront for installation services that
are recognized as revenue over time. Residential and SMB installation revenues are deferred over the period the fee remains
material to the customer. Enterprise installation revenues are deferred using a portfolio approach over the average contract life
of each enterprise service category. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, current deferred revenue liabilities consisting of
customer prepayments of $405 million and $363 million, respectively, and upfront installation fees of $56 million and $73
million, respectively, were included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, long-term
deferred revenue liabilities consisting of enterprise upfront installation fees of $29 million and $35 million, respectively, were
included in other long-term liabilities.
Customer Contract Costs
The Company recognizes an asset for incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer if the amortization period of
those costs is expected to be longer than one year and the costs are expected to be recovered. Enterprise sales commission costs
meet the requirements to be deferred and, as a result, are recognized using a portfolio approach over a weighted-average
contract period. Deferred enterprise commission costs are included in other noncurrent assets in the consolidated balance sheet
and totaled $142 million and $138 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. As the amortization period of
residential and SMB commissions costs is less than one year, the Company applies the practical expedient that allows such
costs to be expensed as incurred. The Company has determined that the amortization period associated with residential and
SMB commission costs is less than one year based on qualitative and quantitative factors.
The Company recognizes an asset for costs incurred to fulfill a contract when those costs are directly related to services
provided under the contract, generate or enhance resources of the entity that will be used in performing service obligations
under the contract, and are expected to be recovered. Right-of-entry costs represent upfront costs incurred related to
agreements entered into with multiple dwelling units (“MDUs”) including landlords, real estate companies or owners to gain
access to a building in order to market and service customers who reside in the building. Right-of-entry costs meet the
requirements to be deferred and, as a result, are recognized over the term of the contracts. Deferred right-of-entry costs are
included in other noncurrent assets in the consolidated balance sheet and totaled $354 million and $320 million as of
December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Amortization expense of $76 million, $71 million and $67 million was included in
regulatory, connectivity and produced content within operating costs and expenses in the consolidated statements of operations
for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Residential and SMB installation costs not capitalized
into property, plant and equipment are expensed as incurred under cable industry-specific guidance.
Programming Costs
The Company has various contracts to obtain video programming from vendors whose compensation is typically based on a flat
fee per customer. The cost of the right to exhibit network programming under such arrangements is recorded in operating
expenses in the month the programming is available for exhibition. Programming costs are paid each month based on
calculations performed by the Company and are subject to periodic audits performed by the programmers. Certain
programming contracts contain cash and non-cash consideration from the programmers. If consideration received does not
relate to a separate product or service, the Company recognizes the consideration on a straight-line basis over the life of the
programming agreement as a reduction of programming expense. Programming costs included in the statements of operations
were $11.8 billion, $11.4 billion and $11.3 billion for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Advertising Costs
Advertising costs associated with marketing the Company’s products and services are generally expensed as costs are incurred.
F-13
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2020 AND 2019
(dollars in millions, except share or per share data or where indicated)
Multiple-Element Transactions
In the normal course of business, the Company enters into multiple-element transactions where it is simultaneously both a
customer and a vendor with the same counterparty or in which it purchases multiple products and/or services, or settles
outstanding items contemporaneous with the purchase of a product or service from a single counterparty. Transactions,
although negotiated contemporaneously, may be documented in one or more contracts. The Company’s policy for accounting
for each transaction negotiated contemporaneously is to record each element of the transaction based on the respective
estimated fair values of the products or services purchased and the products or services sold. In determining the fair value of
the respective elements, the Company refers to quoted market prices (where available), historical transactions or comparable
cash transactions. Cash consideration received from a vendor is recorded as a reduction in the price of the vendor’s product
unless (i) the consideration is for the reimbursement of a specific, incremental, identifiable cost incurred, in which case the cash
consideration received would be recorded as a reduction in such cost (e.g., marketing costs), or (ii) an identifiable benefit in
exchange for the consideration is provided, in which case revenue would be recognized for this element.
Stock-Based Compensation
Restricted stock, restricted stock units and stock options are measured at the grant date fair value and amortized to stock
compensation expense over the requisite service period. The fair value of stock options is estimated on the date of grant using
the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The grant date weighted average assumptions used during the years ended
December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 were: risk-free interest rate of 0.7%, 1.4% and 2.5%, respectively; expected lives of 5.9
years, 5.5 years and 4.9 years, respectively; and expected volatility of 27% for each year. The Company’s volatility
assumptions represent management’s best estimate and were based on a review of historical and implied volatility. Expected
lives were estimated using historical exercise data. The valuations assume no dividends are paid. The Company has elected an
accounting policy to assume zero forfeitures for stock awards grants and account for forfeitures when they occur.
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
The Company sponsors qualified and unqualified defined benefit pension plans that provide pension benefits to a majority of
employees who were employed by Time Warner Cable Inc. ("TWC") before the merger with TWC. Pension benefits are based
on formulas that reflect the employees’ years of service and compensation during their employment period. Actuarial gains or
losses are changes in the amount of either the benefit obligation or the fair value of plan assets resulting from experience
different from that assumed or from changes in assumptions. The Company has elected to follow a mark-to-market pension
accounting policy for recording the actuarial gains or losses annually during the fourth quarter, or earlier if a remeasurement
event occurs during an interim period.
Income Taxes
The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and
the tax basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities and expected benefits of utilizing loss carryforwards. Since substantially
all the Company’s operations are held through its partnership interest in Charter Holdings, the primary deferred tax component
recorded in the consolidated balance sheet relates to the excess financial reporting outside basis, excluding amounts attributable
to nondeductible goodwill, over Charter’s tax basis in its investment in the partnership. Valuation allowances are established
when management determines that it is more likely than not that some portion or the entire deferred tax asset will not be
realized. The impact on deferred taxes of changes in tax rates and tax law, if any, applied to the years during which temporary
differences are expected to be settled, are reflected in the consolidated financial statements in the period of enactment. In
determining the Company’s tax provision for financial reporting purposes, the Company establishes a reserve for uncertain tax
positions unless such positions are determined to be “more likely than not” of being sustained upon examination, based on their
technical merits. There is considerable judgment involved in making such a determination. Interest and penalties are
recognized on uncertain income tax positions as part of the income tax provision. See Note 18.
Segments
The Company’s operations are managed and reported to its Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), the Company’s chief operating
decision maker, on a consolidated basis. The CEO assesses performance and allocates resources based on the consolidated
results of operations. Under this organizational and reporting structure, the Company has one reportable segment.
F-14
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2020 AND 2019
(dollars in millions, except share or per share data or where indicated)
3. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts is summarized as follows for the years presented:
Balance, beginning of period
Charged to expense
Uncollected balances written off, net of recoveries
Balance, end of period
4. Property, Plant and Equipment
Year Ended December 31,
2020
2019
2021
$
$
217 $
484
(544)
157 $
180 $
560
(523)
217 $
129
659
(608)
180
Property, plant and equipment consists of the following as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:
Cable distribution systems
Customer premise equipment and installations
Vehicles and equipment
Buildings and improvements
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
Less: accumulated depreciation
December 31,
2021
2020
$
$
35,907 $
17,893
2,019
5,729
7,015
68,563
(34,253)
34,310 $
33,693
17,756
1,932
5,396
7,219
65,996
(31,639)
34,357
The Company periodically evaluates the estimated useful lives used to depreciate its assets and the estimated amount of assets
that will be abandoned or have minimal use in the future. A significant change in assumptions about the extent or timing of
future asset retirements, or in the Company’s use of new technology and upgrade programs, could materially affect future
depreciation expense.
Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 was $7.7 billion, $7.8 billion, and $7.8 billion,
respectively.
5. Franchises, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Franchise rights represent the value attributed to agreements or authorizations with local and state authorities that allow access
to homes in cable service areas. For valuation purposes, they are defined as the future economic benefits of the right to solicit
and service potential customers (customer marketing rights), and the right to deploy and market new services to potential
customers (service marketing rights).
Management estimates the fair value of franchise rights at the date of acquisition and determines if the franchise has a finite life
or an indefinite life. The Company has concluded that all of its franchises qualify for indefinite life treatment given that there
are no legal, regulatory, contractual, competitive, economic or other factors which limit the period over which these rights will
contribute to the Company's cash flows. The Company reassesses this determination periodically or whenever events or
substantive changes in circumstances occur.
All franchises are tested for impairment annually or more frequently as warranted by events or changes in circumstances.
Franchise assets are aggregated into essentially inseparable units of accounting to conduct valuations. The units of accounting
generally represent geographical clustering of the Company's cable systems into groups. The Company assesses qualitative
factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that
F-15
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2020 AND 2019
(dollars in millions, except share or per share data or where indicated)
an indefinite lived intangible asset has been impaired. If, after this optional qualitative assessment, the Company determines
that it is not more likely than not that an indefinite lived intangible asset has been impaired, then no further quantitative testing
is necessary. In completing the qualitative impairment testing, the Company evaluates a multitude of factors that affect the fair
value of our franchise assets. Examples of such factors include environmental and competitive changes within our operating
footprint, actual and projected operating performance, the consistency of our operating margins, equity and debt market trends,
including changes in our market capitalization, and changes in our regulatory and political landscape, among other factors. The
Company performed a qualitative assessment in 2021. After consideration of the qualitative factors in 2021, the Company
concluded that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the franchise assets in each unit of accounting exceeds the carrying
value of such assets and therefore did not perform a quantitative analysis at the assessment date. Periodically, the Company
may elect to perform a quantitative analysis for impairment testing. If the Company elects or is required to perform a
quantitative analysis to test its franchise assets for impairment, the methodology described below is utilized.
If a quantitative analysis is performed, the estimated fair value of franchises is determined utilizing an income approach model
based on the present value of the estimated discrete future cash flows attributable to each of the intangible assets identified
assuming a discount rate. The fair value of franchises is determined based on estimated discrete discounted future cash flows
using assumptions consistent with internal forecasts. The franchise after-tax cash flow is calculated as the after-tax cash flow
generated by the potential customers obtained. The sum of the present value of the franchises’ after-tax cash flow in years 1
through 10 and the continuing value of the after-tax cash flow beyond year 10 yields the fair value of the franchises.
This approach makes use of unobservable factors such as projected revenues, expenses, capital expenditures, customer trends,
and a discount rate applied to the estimated cash flows. The determination of the franchise discount rate is derived from the
Company’s weighted average cost of capital, which uses a market participant’s cost of equity and after-tax cost of debt and
reflects the risks inherent in the cash flows. The Company estimates discounted future cash flows using reasonable and
appropriate assumptions including among others, penetration rates; revenue growth rates; operating margins; and capital
expenditures. The assumptions are based on the Company’s and its peers’ historical operating performance adjusted for current
and expected competitive and economic factors surrounding the cable industry. The estimates and assumptions made in the
Company’s valuations are inherently subject to significant uncertainties, many of which are beyond its control, and there is no
assurance that these results can be achieved. The primary assumptions for which there is a reasonable possibility of the
occurrence of a variation that would significantly affect the measurement value include the assumptions regarding revenue
growth, programming expense growth rates, the amount and timing of capital expenditures, actual customer trends and the
discount rate utilized.
The Company has determined that it has one reporting unit for purposes of the assessment of goodwill impairment. The fair
value of the reporting unit is determined using both an income approach and market approach. The Company’s income
approach model used for its reporting unit valuation is consistent with that used for its franchise valuation noted above except
that cash flows from the entire business enterprise are used for the reporting unit valuation. The Company’s market approach
model estimates the fair value of the reporting unit based on market prices in actual precedent transactions of similar businesses
and market valuations of guideline public companies. Goodwill is tested for impairment as of November 30 of each year, or
more frequently as warranted by events or changes in circumstances. Accounting guidance also permits an optional qualitative
assessment for goodwill to determine whether it is more likely than not that the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its
fair value. If, after this qualitative assessment, the Company determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a
reporting unit is less than its carrying amount then no further quantitative testing would be necessary. A quantitative
assessment is performed if the qualitative assessment results in a more likely than not determination or if a qualitative
assessment is not performed. The quantitative assessment considers whether the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its
fair value, in which case an impairment charge is recorded to the extent the reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair
value. As with the Company’s franchise impairment testing, in 2021 the Company elected to perform a qualitative goodwill
impairment assessment, which incorporated consideration of the same qualitative factors relevant to the Company's franchise
impairment testing. As a result of that assessment, the Company concluded that goodwill is not impaired.
Customer relationships are recorded at fair value as of the date acquired less accumulated amortization. Customer relationships,
for valuation purposes, represent the value of the business relationship with existing customers, and are calculated by projecting
the discrete future after-tax cash flows from these customers, including the right to deploy and market additional services to
these customers. The present value of these after-tax cash flows yields the fair value of the customer relationships. The use of
different valuation assumptions or definitions of franchises or customer relationships, such as our inclusion of the value of
selling additional services to our current customers within customer relationships versus franchises, could significantly impact
our valuations and any resulting impairment. Customer relationships are amortized on an accelerated sum of years’ digits
F-16
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2020 AND 2019
(dollars in millions, except share or per share data or where indicated)
method over useful lives of 8-15 years based on the period over which current customers are expected to generate cash flows.
The Company periodically evaluates the remaining useful lives of its customer relationships to determine whether events or
circumstances warrant revision to the remaining periods of amortization. Customer relationships are evaluated for impairment
upon the occurrence of events or changes in circumstances indicating that the carrying amount of an asset may not be
recoverable. Customer relationships are deemed impaired when the carrying value exceeds the projected undiscounted future
cash flows associated with the customer relationships. No impairment of customer relationships was recorded in the years
ended December 31, 2021, 2020 or 2019.
The fair value of trademarks is determined using the relief-from-royalty method, a variation of the income approach, which
applies a fair royalty rate to estimated revenue derived under the Company’s trademarks. The fair value of the intangible is
estimated to be the present value of the royalty saved because the Company owns the trademarks. Royalty rates are estimated
based on a review of market royalty rates in the communications and entertainment industries. As the Company expects to
continue to use each trademark indefinitely, trademarks have been assigned an indefinite life and are tested annually for
impairment using either a qualitative analysis or quantitative analysis as elected by management. As with the Company’s
franchise impairment testing, in 2021 the Company elected to perform a qualitative trademark impairment assessment and
concluded that trademarks are not impaired.
In 2020, the Company purchased approximately $464 million of Citizens Broadband Radio Service ("CBRS") priority access
licenses from the Federal Communications Commission in its effort to support its mobile network. The wireless spectrum
licenses are considered indefinite life intangible assets recorded in other noncurrent assets on the Company's consolidated
balance sheets and payments (including deposits) are presented as an investing cash outflow on the Company’s statements of
cash flows. The Company elected to perform a qualitative impairment assessment in 2021 and concluded that its CBRS priority
access licenses are not impaired.
As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, indefinite-lived and finite-lived intangible assets are presented in the following table:
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
Franchises
Goodwill
Wireless spectrum licenses
Trademarks
Finite-lived intangible assets:
Customer relationships
Other intangible assets
December 31,
2021
2020
Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Carrying
Amount
Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Carrying
Amount
$
67,346 $
— $
67,346 $
67,322 $
— $
29,562
464
159
—
—
—
29,562
29,554
464
159
464
159
—
—
—
67,322
29,554
464
159
$
97,531 $
— $
97,531 $
97,499 $
— $
97,499
$
$
18,240 $
(14,180) $
4,060 $
18,230 $
(12,615) $
430
(196)
234
420
(159)
18,670 $
(14,376) $
4,294 $
18,650 $
(12,774) $
5,615
261
5,876
Amortization expense related to customer relationships and other intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2021,
2020 and 2019 was $1.6 billion, $1.9 billion and $2.2 billion, respectively.
F-17
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2020 AND 2019
(dollars in millions, except share or per share data or where indicated)
The Company expects amortization expense on its finite-lived intangible assets will be as follows.
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
Thereafter
$ 1,336
1,079
828
579
321
151
$ 4,294
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, adoption of new accounting standards and other relevant factors.
6.
Investments
Investments consisted of the following as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:
Equity-method investments
Other investments
Total investments
December 31,
2021
2020
$
$
112 $
91
203 $
294
19
313
The Company's investments include entities that provide media measurement and analytic services; develop applications to
improve the security, control and privacy of connected devices in homes and businesses for broadband network operators; sell
national advertisements on behalf of multi-video program distributors; and develop sports programming services.
Investments are accounted for under the equity method of accounting or as equity securities, all of which are recorded in other
noncurrent assets in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020. For the years ended December 31,
2021, 2020 and 2019, net losses from investments were $176 million, $31 million and $135 million, respectively, which were
recorded in other expenses, net in the consolidated statements of operations. Net losses from investments for the years ended
December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 included impairments on equity investments of approximately $165 million, $10 million
and $121 million, respectively.
The Company's equity-method investments balances reflected in the table above includes differences between the acquisition
date fair value of certain investments acquired and the underlying equity in the net assets of the investee, referred to as a basis
difference. This basis difference is amortized as a component of equity earnings. The remaining unamortized basis difference
was $40 million and $186 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Real Estate Investments through Variable Interest Entities
In July 2018, the Company entered into a build-to-suit lease arrangement with a single-asset special purpose entity ("SPE
Building 1") to build the first building in the building complex for the new Charter headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut. The
SPE Building 1 obtained a first-lien mortgage note to finance the construction with fixed monthly payments through July 15,
2035 with a 5.612% coupon interest rate. All payments of the mortgage note are guaranteed by Charter. The initial term of the
lease is 15 years commencing August 1, 2020, with no termination options. At the end of the lease term there is a mirrored put
option for the SPE to sell the property to Charter and call option for Charter to purchase the property for a fixed purchase price.
In April 2020, the Company entered into a build-to-suit lease agreement with a second special purpose entity (“SPE Building
2”) to build the adjoining building and atrium, in the building complex for the new Charter headquarters. Charter does not
guarantee the financing for SPE Building 2. The initial term of the lease is 15 years commencing February 26, 2022, with no
termination options. At the end of the lease term there is a put option for the SPE Building 2 to sell the property to Charter for a
F-18
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2020 AND 2019
(dollars in millions, except share or per share data or where indicated)
fixed price. If SPE Building 2 does not exercise the put option and the Company exercises its first renewal term there is call
option for Charter to purchase property for a fixed purchase price in year 3 of the first renewal term.
As the Company has determined that SPE Building 1 and SPE Building 2 (collectively, the "SPEs") are VIEs of which the
Company became the primary beneficiary upon the effectiveness of the arrangements in July 2018 and April 2020, respectively,
the Company has consolidated the assets and liabilities of the SPEs in its consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2021
and 2020 as follows.
Assets
Current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Other long-term liabilities
December 31,
2021
2020
$
$
$
$
5 $
635 $
57 $
599 $
3
490
28
470
Property, plant and equipment includes land, a parking garage and building construction costs, including the capitalization of
qualifying interest. Other long-term liabilities includes mortgage note liabilities and liability-classified noncontrolling interests
for the SPEs recorded at amortized cost with accretion towards settlement of the put/call option in the leases. As of
December 31, 2021 and 2020, other long-term liabilities include $547 million and $400 million in SPE mortgage note liability,
respectively.
7. Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consist of the following as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:
Accounts payable – trade
Deferred revenue
Accrued liabilities:
Programming costs
Labor
Capital expenditures
Interest
Taxes and regulatory fees
Property and casualty
Operating lease liabilities
Other
8. Leases
December 31,
2021
2020
$
724 $
461
2,036
1,304
1,281
1,099
592
490
269
1,205
9,461 $
$
763
436
1,940
1,374
1,227
1,083
555
462
235
792
8,867
Operating lease expenses were $463 million, $439 million and $428 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and
2019, respectively, inclusive of $140 million, $135 million and $130 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and
2019, respectively, of both short-term lease costs and variable lease costs that were not included in the measurement of
operating lease liabilities.
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities, recorded as operating cash flows in the
statements of cash flows, were $327 million and $300 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
F-19
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2020 AND 2019
(dollars in millions, except share or per share data or where indicated)
Operating lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligations were $368 million and $378 million for
the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases is as follows.
Operating lease right-of-use assets:
Included within other noncurrent assets
Operating lease liabilities:
Current portion included within accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Long-term portion included within other long-term liabilities
Weighted average remaining lease term for operating leases
Weighted average discount rate for operating leases
Maturities of operating lease liabilities as of December 31, 2021 are as follows.
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
Thereafter
Undiscounted lease cash flow commitments
Reconciling impact from discounting
Lease liabilities on consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2021
December 31,
2021
2020
$
1,306
$
1,214
$
$
269
1,182
1,451
$
$
235
1,110
1,345
5.9 years
3.4 %
6.4 years
3.9 %
$
$
336
329
280
227
157
349
1,678
(227)
1,451
The Company has $64 million and $63 million of finance lease liabilities recognized in the consolidated balance sheets as of
December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, included within accounts payable and accrued liabilities and other long-term
liabilities. The related finance lease right-of-use assets are recorded in property, plant and equipment, net. The Company’s
finance leases were not considered material for further supplemental lease disclosures.
F-20
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2020 AND 2019
(dollars in millions, except share or per share data or where indicated)
9. Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consists of the following as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:
CCO Holdings, LLC:
4.000% senior notes due March 1, 2023
5.750% senior notes due February 15, 2026
5.500% senior notes due May 1, 2026
5.875% senior notes due May 1, 2027
5.125% senior notes due May 1, 2027
5.000% senior notes due February 1, 2028
5.375% senior notes due June 1, 2029
4.750% senior notes due March 1, 2030
4.500% senior notes due August 15, 2030
4.250% senior notes due February 1, 2031
4.500% senior notes due May 1, 2032
4.500% senior notes due June 1, 2033
4.250% senior notes due January 15, 2034
Charter Communications Operating, LLC:
4.464% senior notes due July 23, 2022
Senior floating rate notes due February 1, 2024
4.500% senior notes due February 1, 2024
4.908% senior notes due July 23, 2025
3.750% senior notes due February 15, 2028
4.200% senior notes due March 15, 2028
2.250% senior notes due January 15, 2029
5.050% senior notes due March 30, 2029
2.800% senior notes due April 1, 2031
2.300% senior notes due February 1, 2032
6.384% senior notes due October 23, 2035
5.375% senior notes due April 1, 2038
3.500% senior notes due June 1, 2041
3.500% senior notes due March 1, 2042
6.484% senior notes due October 23, 2045
5.375% senior notes due May 1, 2047
5.750% senior notes due April 1, 2048
5.125% senior notes due July 1, 2049
4.800% senior notes due March 1, 2050
3.700% senior notes due April 1, 2051
3.900% senior notes due June 1, 2052
6.834% senior notes due October 23, 2055
3.850% senior notes due April 1, 2061
4.400% senior notes due December 1, 2061
December 31,
2021
2020
Principal
Amount
Accreted
Value
Principal
Amount
Accreted
Value
$
500 $
—
750
—
3,250
2,500
1,500
3,050
2,750
3,000
2,900
1,750
2,000
499 $
—
747
—
3,228
2,475
1,500
3,043
2,750
3,002
2,927
1,729
1,982
3,000
900
1,100
4,500
1,000
1,250
1,250
1,250
1,600
1,000
2,000
800
1,500
1,350
3,500
2,500
2,450
1,250
2,800
2,050
2,400
500
1,850
1,400
2,997
901
1,096
4,480
990
1,242
1,240
1,242
1,585
992
1,984
787
1,483
1,331
3,468
2,506
2,393
1,240
2,797
2,031
2,322
495
1,809
1,389
500 $
2,500
1,500
800
3,250
2,500
1,500
3,050
2,750
3,000
2,900
—
—
3,000
900
1,100
4,500
1,000
1,250
—
1,250
1,600
1,000
2,000
800
—
—
3,500
2,500
2,450
1,250
2,800
2,050
—
500
1,350
—
498
2,475
1,492
796
3,225
2,472
1,501
3,042
2,750
3,001
2,928
—
—
2,992
902
1,094
4,475
989
1,241
—
1,242
1,583
991
1,983
786
—
—
3,468
2,506
2,392
1,240
2,797
2,030
—
495
1,339
—
F-21
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2020 AND 2019
(dollars in millions, except share or per share data or where indicated)
3.950% senior notes due June 30, 2062
Credit facilities
Time Warner Cable, LLC:
4.000% senior notes due September 1, 2021
5.750% sterling senior notes due June 2, 2031 (a)
6.550% senior debentures due May 1, 2037
7.300% senior debentures due July 1, 2038
6.750% senior debentures due June 15, 2039
5.875% senior debentures due November 15, 2040
5.500% senior debentures due September 1, 2041
5.250% sterling senior notes due July 15, 2042 (b)
4.500% senior debentures due September 15, 2042
Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC:
8.375% senior debentures due March 15, 2023
8.375% senior debentures due July 15, 2033
Total debt
Less current portion:
4.000% senior notes due September 1, 2021
4.464% senior notes due July 23, 2022
Long-term debt
1,400
10,723
1,379
10,668
—
10,150
—
10,081
—
846
1,500
1,500
1,500
1,200
1,250
879
1,250
1,000
1,000
91,198
—
897
1,662
1,754
1,700
1,252
1,257
850
1,148
1,058
1,254
91,561
1,000
854
1,500
1,500
1,500
1,200
1,250
889
1,250
1,000
1,000
82,143
1,008
911
1,668
1,763
1,706
1,254
1,258
859
1,145
1,104
1,270
82,752
—
(3,000)
88,198 $
—
(2,997)
88,564 $
(1,000)
—
81,143 $
(1,008)
—
81,744
$
(a) Principal amount includes £625 million valued at $846 million and $854 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020,
respectively, using the exchange rate at that date.
(b) Principal amount includes £650 million valued at $879 million and $889 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020,
respectively, using the exchange rate at that date.
The accreted values presented in the table above represent the principal amount of the debt adjusted for original issue discount
or premium at the time of sale, deferred financing costs, and, in regards to debt assumed in acquisitions, fair value premium
adjustments as a result of applying acquisition accounting plus the accretion of those amounts 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.
In regards to the fixed-rate British pound sterling denominated notes (the “Sterling Notes”), the principal amount of the debt
and any premium or discount is remeasured into US dollars as of each balance sheet date. See Note 12. The Company has
availability under the Charter Operating credit facilities of approximately $3.9 billion as of December 31, 2021.
In 2021, CCO Holdings, LLC ("CCO Holdings") and CCO Holdings Capital Corp. jointly issued $3.75 billion aggregate
principal amount of senior unsecured notes at varying rates, prices and maturity dates, and Charter Operating and Charter
Communications Operating Capital Corp. jointly issued $9.8 billion aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes at
varying rates, prices and maturity dates. The net proceeds were used to pay related fees and expenses and for general corporate
purposes, including funding buybacks of Charter Class A common stock and Charter Holdings common units as well as
repaying certain indebtedness.
In January 2022, CCO Holdings and CCO Holdings Capital Corp. jointly issued $1.2 billion of 4.750% senior unsecured notes
due February 2032 at par. The net proceeds were used for general corporate purposes, including to fund buybacks of Charter
Class A common stock and Charter Holdings common units, to repay certain indebtedness and to pay related fees and expenses.
F-22
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2020 AND 2019
(dollars in millions, except share or per share data or where indicated)
During the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, the Company repurchased $5.1 billion, $10.7 billion and $1.35
billion, respectively, of various series of senior notes. Losses on extinguishment of debt are recorded in other expenses, net in
the consolidated statements of operations and consisted of the following.
CCO Holdings notes redemption
Time Warner Cable, LLC notes redemption
Charter Operating credit facility refinancing
Loss on extinguishment of debt
CCO Holdings Notes
Year Ended December 31,
2020
2019
2021
(146) $
(145) $
2
—
2
—
(144) $
(143) $
(22)
—
(3)
(25)
$
$
The CCO Holdings notes are senior debt obligations of CCO Holdings and CCO Holdings Capital Corp. and rank equally with
all other current and future unsecured, unsubordinated obligations of CCO Holdings and CCO Holdings Capital Corp. They are
structurally subordinated to all obligations of subsidiaries of CCO Holdings.
CCO Holdings may redeem some or all of the CCO Holdings notes at any time at a premium. The optional redemption price
declines to 100% of the respective series’ principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on or after varying dates in
2022 through 2031.
In addition, at any time prior to varying dates in 2022 through 2025, CCO Holdings may redeem up to 40% of the aggregate
principal amount of certain notes at a premium plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date, with the net cash
proceeds of one or more equity offerings (as defined in the indenture); provided that certain conditions are met. In the event of
specified change of control events, CCO Holdings must offer to purchase the outstanding CCO Holdings notes from the holders
at a purchase price equal to 101% of the total principal amount of the notes, plus any accrued and unpaid interest.
High-Yield Restrictive Covenants; Limitation on Indebtedness.
The indentures governing the CCO Holdings notes contain certain covenants that restrict the ability of CCO Holdings, CCO
Holdings Capital Corp. and all of their restricted subsidiaries to:
incur additional debt;
pay dividends on equity or repurchase equity;
•
•
• make investments;
•
•
•
sell all or substantially all of their assets or merge with or into other companies;
sell assets;
in the case of restricted subsidiaries, create or permit to exist dividend or payment restrictions with respect to CCO
Holdings, guarantee their parent companies debt, or issue specified equity interests;
engage in certain transactions with affiliates; and
grant liens.
•
•
The above limitations in certain circumstances regarding incurrence of debt, payment of dividends and making investments
contained in the indentures of CCO Holdings permit CCO Holdings and its restricted subsidiaries to perform the above, so long
as, after giving pro forma effect to the above, the leverage ratio would be below a specified level for the issuer. The maximum
total leverage ratio under the indentures is 6.0 to 1.0. The leverage ratio was 4.1 as of December 31, 2021.
Charter Operating Notes
The Charter Operating notes are guaranteed by CCO Holdings and substantially all of the subsidiaries of Charter Operating. In
addition, the Charter Operating notes are secured by a perfected first priority security interest in substantially all of the assets of
Charter Operating and substantially all of its subsidiaries to the extent such liens can be perfected under the Uniform
Commercial Code by the filing of a financing statement and the liens rank equally with the liens on the collateral securing
F-23
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2020 AND 2019
(dollars in millions, except share or per share data or where indicated)
obligations under the Charter Operating credit facilities. Charter Operating may redeem some or all of the Charter Operating
notes at any time at a premium.
The Charter Operating notes are subject to the terms and conditions of the indenture governing the Charter Operating notes.
The Charter Operating notes contain customary representations and warranties and affirmative covenants with limited negative
covenants. The Charter Operating indenture also contains customary events of default.
Charter Operating Credit Facilities
The Charter Operating credit facilities have an outstanding principal amount of $10.7 billion at December 31, 2021 as follows:
•
•
•
•
•
term loan A-2 with a remaining principal amount of approximately $182 million, which is repayable in quarterly
installments and aggregating $11 million in each loan year, with the remaining balance due at final maturity on March
31, 2023. Pricing on term loan A-2 is LIBOR plus 1.50%;
term loan A-4 with a remaining principal amount of approximately $3.6 billion, which is repayable in quarterly
installments and aggregating $202 million in each loan year, with the remaining balance due at final maturity on
February 1, 2025. Pricing on term loan A-4 is LIBOR plus 1.25%;
term loan B-1 with a remaining principal amount of approximately $2.4 billion, which is repayable in equal quarterly
installments and aggregating $25 million in each loan year, with the remaining balance due at final maturity on April 30,
2025. Pricing on term loan B-1 is LIBOR plus 1.75%;
term loan B-2 with a remaining principal amount of approximately $3.7 billion, which is repayable in equal quarterly
installments and aggregating $38 million in each loan year, with the remaining balance due at final maturity on February
1, 2027. Pricing on term loan B-2 is LIBOR plus 1.75%; and
a revolving loan with an outstanding balance of $850 million and allowing for borrowings of up to $4.75 billion, $249
million maturing on March 31, 2023 and $4.5 billion maturing on February 1, 2025. Pricing on the revolving loan is
LIBOR plus 1.50% with a commitment fee of 0.30% on the portion maturing in 2023 and LIBOR plus 1.25% with a
commitment fee of 0.20% on the portion maturing in 2025. As of December 31, 2021, $37 million of the revolving loan
was utilized to collateralize a like principal amount of letters of credit out of $351 million of letters of credit issued on
the Company’s behalf.
Amounts outstanding under the Charter Operating credit facilities bear interest, at Charter Operating’s election, at a base rate or
LIBOR (0.10% and 0.14% as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively), as defined, plus an applicable margin.
The Charter Operating credit facilities also allow us to enter into incremental term loans in the future, with amortization as set
forth in the notices establishing such term loans. Although the Charter Operating credit facilities allow for the incurrence of a
certain amount of incremental term loans subject to pro forma compliance with its financial maintenance covenants, no
assurance can be given that the Company could obtain additional incremental term loans in the future if Charter Operating
sought to do so or what amount of incremental term loans would be allowable at any given time under the terms of the Charter
Operating credit facilities.
The obligations of Charter Operating under the Charter Operating credit facilities are guaranteed by CCO Holdings and
substantially all of the subsidiaries of Charter Operating. The obligations are also secured by (i) a lien on substantially all of the
assets of Charter Operating and substantially all of its subsidiaries, to the extent such lien can be perfected under the Uniform
Commercial Code by the filing of a financing statement, and (ii) a pledge of the equity interests directly or indirectly owned by
Charter Operating in substantially all of its subsidiaries, as well as intercompany obligations owing to it and the guarantor
subsidiaries by any of their affiliates.
Restrictive Covenants
The Charter Operating credit facilities contain representations and warranties, and affirmative and negative covenants
customary for financings of this type. The financial covenants measure performance against standards set for leverage to be
tested as of the end of each quarter. The Charter Operating credit facilities contain provisions requiring mandatory loan
prepayments under specific circumstances, including in connection with certain sales of assets, so long as the proceeds have not
been reinvested in the business. Additionally, the Charter Operating credit facilities provisions contain an allowance for
restricted payments with certain limitations. The Charter Operating credit facilities permit Charter Operating and its subsidiaries
F-24
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2020 AND 2019
(dollars in millions, except share or per share data or where indicated)
to make distributions to pay interest on the currently outstanding subordinated and parent company indebtedness, provided that,
among other things, no default has occurred and is continuing under the Charter Operating credit facilities. The Charter
Operating credit facilities also contain customary events of default.
Time Warner Cable, LLC Notes and Debentures
The Time Warner Cable, LLC ("TWC, LLC") senior notes and debentures are guaranteed by CCO Holdings, Charter Operating
and substantially all of the subsidiaries of Charter Operating (other than TWC, LLC) and rank equally with the liens on the
collateral securing obligations under the Charter Operating notes and credit facilities. Interest on each series of TWC, LLC
senior notes and debentures is payable semi-annually (with the exception of the Sterling Notes, which is payable annually) in
arrears.
The TWC, LLC indenture contains customary covenants relating to restrictions on the ability of TWC, LLC or any material
subsidiary to create liens and on the ability of TWC, LLC and Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC ("TWCE") to consolidate,
merge or convey or transfer substantially all of their assets. The TWC, LLC indenture also contains customary events of
default.
The TWC, LLC senior notes and debentures may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time at TWC, LLC’s option at a
redemption price equal to the greater of (i) all of the applicable principal amount being redeemed and (ii) the sum of the present
values of the remaining scheduled payments on the applicable TWC, LLC senior notes and debentures discounted to the
redemption date on a semi-annual basis (with the exception of the Sterling Notes, which are on an annual basis), at a
comparable government bond rate plus a designated number of basis points as further described in the indenture and the
applicable note or debenture, plus, in each case, accrued but unpaid interest to, but not including, the redemption date.
The Company may offer to redeem all, but not less than all, of the Sterling Notes in the event of certain changes in the tax laws
of the U.S. (or any taxing authority in the U.S.). This redemption would be at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal
amount, together with accrued and unpaid interest on the Sterling Notes to, but not including, the redemption date.
TWCE Debentures
The TWCE senior debentures are guaranteed by CCO Holdings, Charter Operating, and substantially all of the subsidiaries of
Charter Operating (other than TWCE) and rank equally with the liens on the collateral securing obligations under the Charter
Operating notes and credit facilities. Interest on each series of TWCE senior debentures is payable semi-annually in arrears.
The TWCE senior debentures are not redeemable before maturity.
The TWCE indenture contains customary covenants relating to restrictions on the ability of TWCE or any material subsidiary to
create liens and on the ability of TWC, LLC and TWCE to consolidate, merge or convey or transfer substantially all of their
assets. The TWCE indenture also contains customary events of default.
Limitations on Distributions
Distributions by the Company’s subsidiaries to a parent company for payment of principal on parent company notes are
restricted under the CCO Holdings indentures and Charter Operating credit facilities discussed above, unless there is no default
under the applicable indenture and credit facilities, and unless each applicable entity’s leverage ratio test is met at the time of
such distribution. As of December 31, 2021, there was no default under any of these indentures or credit facilities and each
applicable entity met its applicable leverage ratio tests based on December 31, 2021 financial results. 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 (CCO Holdings) notes are further restricted by the covenants in its credit facilities.
However, without regard to leverage, during any calendar year or any portion thereof during which the borrower is a flow-
through entity for tax purposes, and so long as no event of default exists, the borrower may make distributions to the equity
interests of the borrower in an amount sufficient to make permitted tax payments.
F-25
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2020 AND 2019
(dollars in millions, except share or per share data or where indicated)
In addition to the limitation on distributions under the various indentures, distributions by the Company’s subsidiaries may be
limited by applicable law, including the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, under which the Company’s subsidiaries
may make distributions if they have “surplus” as defined in the act.
Liquidity and Future Principal and Interest Payments
The Company continues to have significant amounts of debt, and its business requires significant cash to fund principal and
interest payments on its debt, capital expenditures and ongoing operations. As set forth below, the Company has significant
future principal and interest payments. The Company continues to monitor the capital markets, and it expects to undertake
refinancing transactions and utilize free cash flow and cash on hand to further extend or reduce the maturities of its principal
obligations. The timing and terms of any refinancing transactions will be subject to market conditions.
Interest payments on variable debt are estimated using amounts outstanding at December 31, 2021 and the average implied
forward LIBOR rates applicable for the quarter during the interest rate reset based on the yield curve in effect at December 31,
2021. Actual interest payments will differ based on actual LIBOR rates and actual amounts outstanding for applicable periods.
Based upon outstanding indebtedness as of December 31, 2021, the amortization of term loans, and the maturity dates for all
senior and subordinated notes, total future principal and interest payments on the total borrowings under all debt agreements are
as follows.
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
Thereafter
Principal
Interest
$
$
3,277 $
1,936
2,265
10,670
788
72,262
91,198 $
4,166
4,066
3,996
3,802
3,654
42,667
62,351
F-26
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2020 AND 2019
(dollars in millions, except share or per share data or where indicated)
10. Common Stock
Charter’s Class A common stock and Class B common stock are identical except with respect to certain voting, transfer and
conversion rights. Holders of Class A common stock are entitled to one vote per share. Charter’s Class B common stock
represents the share issued to A/N. One share of Charter’s Class B common stock has a number of votes reflecting the voting
power of the Charter Holdings common units held by A/N as of the applicable record date on an as-exchanged basis, and is
generally intended to reflect A/N’s economic interests in Charter Holdings.
The following table summarizes our shares outstanding for the three years ended December 31, 2021:
BALANCE, December 31, 2018
Exercise of stock options
Restricted stock issuances, net of cancellations
Restricted stock unit vesting
Purchase of treasury stock
BALANCE, December 31, 2019
Issuance of equity
Exercise of stock options
Restricted stock issuances, net of cancellations
Restricted stock unit vesting
Purchase of treasury stock
BALANCE, December 31, 2020
Exercise of stock options
Restricted stock issuances, net of cancellations
Restricted stock unit vesting
Purchase of treasury stock
BALANCE, December 31, 2021
Share Repurchases
Class A
Common
Stock
225,353,807
1,271,419
8,284
728,553
(17,386,100)
209,975,963
55,294
3,160,065
5,992
753,139
(20,219,461)
193,730,992
1,568,488
4,627
664,771
(23,227,642)
172,741,236
Class B
Common
Stock
1
—
—
—
—
1
—
—
—
—
—
1
—
—
—
—
1
The following represents the Company's purchase of Charter Class A common stock and the effect on the consolidated
statements of cash flows during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.
Share buybacks
Income tax withholding
Exercise cost
2021
Shares
22,015,125 $
586,008
626,509
23,227,642 $
Year Ended December 31,
2020
2019
$
15,038
393
15,431
Shares
18,444,203 $
1,022,783
752,475
20,219,461 $
$
10,639
578
11,217
Shares
16,697,458 $
380,797
307,845
17,386,100 $
$
6,734
139
6,873
Share buybacks above include shares of Charter Class A common stock purchased from Liberty Broadband Corporation
(“Liberty Broadband”) pursuant to the LBB Letter Agreement as follows (see Note 21).
F-27
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2020 AND 2019
(dollars in millions, except share or per share data or where indicated)
Number of shares purchased
Amount of shares purchased
Year Ended
December 31, 2021
$
6,077,664
4,179
In January 2022, the Company purchased from Liberty Broadband an additional 0.5 million shares of Charter Class A common
stock for approximately $341 million.
As of December 31, 2021, Charter had remaining board authority to purchase an additional $1.9 billion of Charter’s Class A
common stock and/or Charter Holdings common units, excluding purchases from Liberty Broadband. The Company also
withholds shares of its Class A common stock in payment of income tax withholding owed by employees upon vesting of
equity awards as well as exercise costs owed by employees upon exercise of stock options.
In March 2020, pursuant to the terms of the Amended and Restated Stockholders Agreement with Liberty Broadband, A/N and
Charter, dated May 23, 2015 (the "Stockholders Agreement"), Charter, Liberty and A/N closed on transactions in which Liberty
Broadband and A/N exercised their preemptive right to purchase 35,112 and 20,182 shares, respectively, of Charter Class A
common stock for a total purchase price of approximately $23 million.
At the end of each fiscal year, Charter’s board of directors approves the retirement of the then currently outstanding treasury
stock and those shares were retired as of December 31, 2021 and 2020. The Company accounts for treasury stock using the
cost method and includes treasury stock as a component of total shareholders’ equity. Upon retirement, these treasury shares
are allocated between additional paid-in capital and retained earnings (accumulated deficit) based on the cost of original issue
included in additional paid-in capital.
11. Noncontrolling Interests
Noncontrolling interests represents consolidated subsidiaries of which the Company owns less than 100%. The Company is a
holding company whose principal asset is a controlling equity interest in Charter Holdings, the indirect owner of the
Company’s cable systems. Noncontrolling interests on the Company’s balance sheet primarily includes A/N’s equity interests
in Charter Holdings, which is comprised of a common ownership interest and prior to June 18, 2021, a convertible preferred
ownership interest.
On June 18, 2021, the Company caused the conversion of all of A/N's 25 million Charter Holdings convertible preferred units
into Charter Holdings common units. Each preferred unit was converted into 0.37334 Charter Holdings common unit,
representing a conversion price of $267.85 per unit, based on a conversion feature as defined in the Limited Liability Company
Agreement of Charter Holdings, resulting in the issuance of a total of 9.3 million common units to A/N. The convertible
preferred units had a face amount of $2.5 billion and paid a 6% annual preferred dividend which was paid quarterly in cash.
Net income of Charter Holdings attributable to A/N's preferred noncontrolling interest for financial reporting purposes was
based on the preferred dividend which was $70 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 and $150 million for each of the
years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.
As of December 31, 2021, A/N held 21.3 million Charter Holdings common units which are exchangeable at any time into
either Charter Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis, or, at Charter’s option, cash, based on the then current market
price of Charter Class A common stock. Net income of Charter Holdings attributable to A/N’s common noncontrolling interest
for financial reporting purposes is based on the weighted average effective common ownership interest of approximately 7%
prior to the conversion of the preferred units and 11% after conversion during 2021 and 8% during 2020 and 2019, and was
$594 million, $303 million and $173 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Charter
Holdings is required to make quarterly cash tax distributions (with annual true-ups) on a pro rata basis to its partners based on
the partner with the highest proportionate cash tax requirement. To the extent such tax distributions would exceed Charter’s
cash tax requirements, it may waive its entitlement to tax distributions and, instead, issue a non-pro rata "advance" to A/N,
which will accrue interest at a money market rate and will reduce A/N’s exchange value into cash or Charter Class A common
stock. Charter Holdings distributed $4 million, $3 million and $2 million to A/N as a pro rata tax distribution on its common
units during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
F-28
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2020 AND 2019
(dollars in millions, except share or per share data or where indicated)
The following table represents Charter Holdings' purchase of Charter Holdings common units from A/N pursuant to the A/N
Letter Agreement (see Note 21) and the effect on total shareholders' equity during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020
and 2019.
Number of units purchased
Average price per unit
Amount of units purchased
Decrease in noncontrolling interest based on carrying value
Decrease in additional paid-in-capital, net of tax
Year Ended December 31,
2020
2021
2019
3,274,391
2,637,483
2,276,906
682.16 $
554.37 $
388.72
2,234 $
(808) $
(1,077) $
1,462 $
(656) $
(606) $
885
(565)
(240)
$
$
$
$
Total shareholders' equity was also adjusted during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 due to changes in
Charter Holdings' ownership, including the impact of the preferred unit conversion discussed above, as follows.
Decrease in noncontrolling interest
Increase in additional paid-in-capital, net of tax
Year Ended December 31,
2020
2021
2019
$
$
(2,153) $
1,625 $
(534) $
403 $
(226)
170
As a result of the preferred unit conversion, the preferred noncontrolling interest carrying amount of $3.2 billion was
reclassified to common noncontrolling interest and remeasured to $2.0 billion representing the relative effective Charter
Holdings common ownership amount in all Charter Holdings partnership capital account balances resulting in a $1.2 billion
reclass from noncontrolling interest to additional paid-in capital. A deferred tax liability of $300 million was recorded with the
offset to additional paid-in capital as part of the Charter Holdings ownership change equity adjustments.
12. Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
The Company uses derivative instruments to manage foreign exchange risk on the Sterling Notes, and does not hold or issue
derivative instruments for speculative trading purposes.
Cross-currency derivative instruments are used to effectively convert £1.275 billion aggregate principal amount of fixed-rate
British pound sterling denominated debt, including annual interest payments and the payment of principal at maturity, to fixed-
rate U.S. dollar denominated debt. The cross-currency swaps have maturities of June 2031 and July 2042. The Company is
required to post collateral on the cross-currency derivative instruments when the derivative contracts are in a liability position.
In April 2019, the Company entered into a collateral holiday agreement for 60% of both the 2031 and 2042 cross-currency
swaps, which eliminates the requirement to post collateral for three years, as well as a ten year collateral cap on the remaining
40% of the cross-currency swaps which limits the required collateral posting on that 40% of the cross-currency swaps to $150
million. In March 2021, the collateral holiday for 20% of the swaps was extended to November 2022 in consideration for the
Company's agreement to post collateral over a threshold amount on that 20% portion of the swaps from March 2021 through
October 2021. The fair value of the Company's cross-currency derivatives was $290 million and $184 million and is included
in other long-term liabilities on its consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
The Company’s derivative instruments are not designated as hedges and are marked to fair value each period, with the impact
recorded as a gain or loss on financial instruments in the consolidated statements of operations in other expenses, net. While
these derivative instruments are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes, management continues to believe such
instruments are closely correlated with the respective debt, thus managing associated risk.
F-29
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2020 AND 2019
(dollars in millions, except share or per share data or where indicated)
The effect of financial instruments are recorded in other expenses, net in the consolidated statements of operations and
consisted of the following.
Change in fair value of cross-currency derivative instruments
Foreign currency remeasurement of Sterling Notes to U.S. dollars
Loss on financial instruments, net
13. Fair Value Measurements
Year Ended December 31,
2020
2019
2021
$
$
(106) $
20
(86) $
40 $
(55)
(15) $
13
(67)
(54)
Accounting guidance establishes a three-level hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements, based on 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.
Financial Assets and Liabilities
The Company has estimated the fair value of its financial instruments as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 using available
market information or other appropriate valuation methodologies. Considerable judgment, however, is required in interpreting
market data to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented in the accompanying consolidated
financial statements are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company would realize in a current market exchange.
The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, payables and other current assets and liabilities approximate
fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments.
As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, accounts receivable, net on the consolidated balance sheets includes approximately
$391 million and $338 million of current equipment installment plan receivables, respectively, and other noncurrent assets
includes approximately $189 million and $134 million of noncurrent equipment installment plan receivables, respectively.
Financial instruments accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis and classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy
include the Company's cross-currency derivative instruments which are recorded in other-long term liabilities on the
consolidated balance sheets and were valued at $290 million and $184 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
The estimated fair value of the Company’s senior notes and debentures as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 is based on quoted
market prices in active markets and is classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy, while the estimated fair value of the
Company’s credit facilities is based on quoted market prices in inactive markets and is classified within Level 2. The carrying
amount of the consolidated variable interest entity's mortgage note liability approximates fair value.
F-30
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2020 AND 2019
(dollars in millions, except share or per share data or where indicated)
A summary of the carrying value and fair value of the Company’s debt at December 31, 2021 and 2020 is as follows:
December 31,
2021
2020
Carrying
Value
Fair Value
Carrying
Value
Fair Value
$
$
80,893 $
10,668 $
88,976 $
10,665 $
72,671 $
10,081 $
84,163
10,063
Senior notes and debentures
Credit facilities
Non-financial Assets and Liabilities
The Company’s nonfinancial assets such as equity-method investments, 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. When such impairments are recorded, fair
values are generally classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.
14. Operating Costs and Expenses
Operating costs and expenses, exclusive of items shown separately in the consolidated statements of operations, consist of the
following for the periods presented:
Programming
Regulatory, connectivity and produced content
Costs to service customers
Marketing
Mobile
Other
Year Ended December 31,
2020
2019
2021
$
$
11,844 $
2,494
7,393
3,071
2,489
4,191
31,482 $
11,401 $
2,183
7,472
3,031
1,765
4,078
29,930 $
11,290
2,366
7,277
3,044
1,246
4,001
29,224
Programming costs consist primarily of costs paid to programmers for basic, premium, digital, video on demand and pay-per-
view programming. Regulatory, connectivity and produced content costs represent payments to franchise and regulatory
authorities, costs directly related to providing video, Internet and voice services as well as payments for sports, local and news
content produced by the Company. Included in regulatory, connectivity and produced content costs is content acquisition costs
for the Los Angeles Lakers’ basketball games and Los Angeles Dodgers’ baseball games, which are recorded as games are
exhibited over the contract period. Costs to service customers include costs related to field operations, network operations and
customer care for the Company’s residential and SMB customers, including internal and third-party labor for the non-
capitalizable portion of installations, service and repairs, maintenance, bad debt expense, billing and collection, occupancy and
vehicle costs. Marketing costs represent the costs of marketing to current and potential commercial and residential customers
including labor costs. Mobile costs represent costs associated with the Company's mobile service such as device and service
costs, marketing, sales and commissions, retail stores, personnel costs, taxes, among others. Other includes corporate overhead,
advertising sales expenses, indirect costs associated with the Company’s enterprise business customers and regional sports and
news networks, property tax and insurance expense and stock compensation expense, among others.
F-31
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2020 AND 2019
(dollars in millions, except share or per share data or where indicated)
15. Other Operating Expenses, Net
Other operating expenses, net consist of the following for the years presented:
Special charges, net
(Gain) loss on sale of assets, net
Special charges, net
Year Ended December 31,
2020
2019
2021
$
$
249 $
80
329 $
90 $
(32)
58 $
61
42
103
Special charges, net primarily includes net amounts of litigation settlements, including the $220 million tentative settlement
with Sprint Communications Company L.P. ("Sprint") and T-Mobile USA, Inc. ("T-Mobile") for the year ended December 31,
2021 discussed in Note 22, and employee termination costs.
(Gain) loss on sale of assets, net
(Gain) loss on sale of assets, net represents the net (gain) loss recognized on the sales and disposals of fixed assets and cable
systems including $36 million and $42 million impairments of non-strategic assets held for sale during the years ended
December 31, 2021 and 2019, respectively.
16. Other Expenses, Net
Other expenses, net consist of the following for the periods presented:
Loss on extinguishment of debt (see Note 9)
Loss on financial instruments, net (see Note 12)
Other pension benefits (costs), net (see Note 23)
Loss on equity investments, net (see Note 6)
17. Stock Compensation Plans
Year Ended December 31,
2020
2021
2019
$
$
(144) $
(86)
305
(176)
(101) $
(143) $
(15)
(66)
(31)
(255) $
(25)
(54)
(69)
(135)
(283)
Charter’s 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 stock incentive plan. The stock incentive plan
allows for the issuance of up to 16 million shares of Charter Class A common stock (or units convertible into Charter Class A
common stock).
Stock options and restricted stock units generally cliff vest three years from the date of grant. Stock options generally expire
ten years from the grant date and restricted stock units have no voting rights. Restricted stock generally vests one year from the
date of grant.
As of December 31, 2021, total unrecognized compensation remaining to be recognized in future periods totaled $226 million
for stock options, $1.0 million for restricted stock and $208 million for restricted stock units and the weighted average period
over which they are expected to be recognized is 2 years for stock options, 4 months for restricted stock and 2 years for
restricted stock units. The Company recorded $430 million, $351 million and $315 million of stock compensation expense for
the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, which is included in operating costs and expenses.
F-32
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2020 AND 2019
(dollars in millions, except share or per share data or where indicated)
A summary of the activity for Charter’s stock options for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, is as follows
(shares in thousands, except per share data):
2021
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Shares
Year Ended December 31,
2020
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Shares
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Shares
2019
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
8,842 $ 312.95
1,295 $ 629.57
10,549 $ 241.14
1,672 $ 536.27
10,410
$ 225.53
1,847
$ 298.84
(1,568) $ 295.46 $
606
(3,160) $ 191.43 $
1,176
(1,271) $ 186.90 $
247
Outstanding, beginning of
period
Granted
Exercised
Canceled
Outstanding, end of period
8,433 $ 362.26 $
2,447
8,842 $ 312.95
(136) $ 476.90
(219) $ 312.94
(437) $ 270.94
10,549
$ 241.14
Weighted average remaining
contractual life
Options exercisable, end of
period
Options expected to vest, end
of period
6 years
7 years
7 years
4,102 $ 237.45 $
1,700
2,940 $ 220.78
3,119
$ 161.13
4,331 $ 480.47 $
746
Weighted average fair value
of options granted
$ 171.21
$ 148.02
$ 84.39
A summary of the activity for Charter’s restricted stock for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, is as follows
(shares in thousands, except per share data):
Outstanding, beginning of period
Granted
Vested
Canceled
Outstanding, end of period
2021
Year Ended December 31,
2020
2019
Weighted
Average
Grant
Price
Shares
Weighted
Average
Grant
Price
Shares
Weighted
Average
Grant
Price
Shares
6 $ 504.53
5 $ 654.33
(6) $ 504.53
— $
—
5 $ 654.33
8 $ 359.33
6 $ 504.53
(8) $ 359.33
— $
—
6 $ 504.53
10 $ 297.86
8 $ 359.33
(10) $ 297.86
— $
—
8 $ 359.33
F-33
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2020 AND 2019
(dollars in millions, except share or per share data or where indicated)
A summary of the activity for Charter’s restricted stock units for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, is as
follows (shares in thousands, except per share data):
2021
Year Ended December 31,
2020
2019
Weighted
Average
Grant
Price
Shares
Weighted
Average
Grant
Price
Shares
Weighted
Average
Grant
Price
Shares
1,651 $ 337.82
367 $ 629.47
(665) $ 269.88
(59) $ 467.26
2,059 $ 249.45
423 $ 509.64
(753) $ 194.40
(78) $ 317.45
2,211 $ 219.61
704 $ 298.22
(729) $ 206.88
(127) $ 250.85
1,294 $ 449.03
1,651 $ 337.82
2,059 $ 249.45
Outstanding, beginning of period
Granted
Vested
Canceled
Outstanding, end of period
18. Income Taxes
Substantially all of the Company’s operations are held through Charter Holdings and its direct and indirect subsidiaries. Charter
Holdings 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 subsidiaries that are
corporations are subject to income tax. Generally, the taxable income, gains, losses, deductions and credits of Charter Holdings
are passed through to its members, Charter and A/N. Charter is responsible for its share of taxable income or loss of Charter
Holdings allocated to it in accordance with the Charter Holdings Limited Liability Company Agreement ("LLC Agreement")
and partnership tax rules and regulations. As a result, Charter's primary deferred tax component recorded in the consolidated
balance sheets relates to its excess financial reporting outside basis, excluding amounts attributable to nondeductible goodwill,
over Charter's tax basis in the investment in Charter Holdings.
Charter Holdings, the indirect owner of the Company’s cable systems, generally allocates its taxable income, gains, losses,
deductions and credits proportionately according to the members’ respective ownership interests, except for special allocations
required under Section 704(c) of the Internal Revenue Code and the Treasury Regulations (“Section 704(c)”). Pursuant to
Section 704(c) and the LLC Agreement, each item of income, gain, loss and deduction with respect to any property contributed
to the capital of the partnership shall, solely for tax purposes, be allocated among the members so as to take into account any
variation between the adjusted basis of such property to the partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes and its initial gross
asset value using the “traditional method” as described in the Treasury Regulations.
F-34
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2020 AND 2019
(dollars in millions, except share or per share data or where indicated)
Income Tax Expense
For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, the Company recorded deferred income tax expense as shown below.
The tax provision in future periods will vary based on current and future temporary differences, as well as future operating
results.
Current benefit (expense):
Federal income taxes
State income taxes
Current income tax expense
Deferred benefit (expense):
Federal income taxes
State income taxes
Deferred income tax expense
Income tax expense
Year Ended December 31,
2020
2019
2021
$
$
(12) $
(230)
(242)
(1,049)
223
(826)
(1,068) $
7 $
(168)
(161)
(536)
71
(465)
(626) $
(6)
(113)
(119)
(358)
38
(320)
(439)
The Company’s effective tax rate differs from that derived by applying the applicable federal income tax rate of 21% for the
years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 as follows:
Statutory federal income taxes
Statutory state income taxes, net
Change in uncertain tax positions
Nondeductible expenses
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
Excess stock compensation
Federal tax credits
Tax rate changes
Other
Income tax expense
Year Ended December 31,
2020
2019
2021
$
$
(1,341) $
(193)
(79)
(27)
163
163
46
191
9
(1,068) $
(903) $
(122)
(57)
(15)
112
290
35
33
1
(626) $
(510)
(57)
(64)
(24)
80
63
46
15
12
(439)
F-35
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2020 AND 2019
(dollars in millions, except share or per share data or where indicated)
Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities)
The tax effects of these temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax
liabilities at December 31, 2021 and 2020 are presented below.
Deferred tax assets:
Loss carryforwards
Accrued and other
Total gross deferred tax assets
Less: valuation allowance
Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities:
Investment in partnership
Accrued and other
Deferred tax liabilities
Net deferred tax liabilities
December 31,
2021
2020
$
$
325 $
612
937
(36)
901
1,344
581
1,925
(32)
1,893
(19,986)
(11)
(19,997)
(19,096) $
(19,996)
(5)
(20,001)
(18,108)
The deferred tax liabilities on the investment in partnership above includes approximately $57 million and $53 million net
deferred tax liabilities relating to certain indirect subsidiaries that file separate state income tax returns at December 31, 2021
and 2020, respectively.
Valuation Allowance
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion
or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. In evaluating the need for a valuation allowance, management takes into
account various factors, including the expected level of future taxable income, available tax planning strategies and reversals of
existing taxable temporary differences. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, approximately $13 million and $9 million,
respectively, of the valuation allowance is associated with federal capital loss carryforwards and $23 million for both time
periods is associated with state tax loss carryforwards and other miscellaneous deferred tax assets.
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards
As of December 31, 2021, Charter had approximately $714 million of federal tax net operating loss carryforwards resulting in a
gross deferred tax asset of approximately $150 million. Federal tax net operating loss carryforwards expire in the years 2034
through 2035. These losses resulted from the operations of Charter Communications Holdings Company, LLC ("Charter
Holdco") and its subsidiaries and from loss carryforwards received as a result of the merger with TWC. In addition, as of
December 31, 2021, Charter had state tax net operating loss carryforwards, resulting in a gross deferred tax asset (net of federal
tax benefit) of approximately $175 million. State tax net operating loss carryforwards generally expire in the years 2022
through 2041. After December 31, 2021, $714 million of Charter's federal tax loss carryforwards are subject to Section 382 and
other restrictions. Pursuant to these restrictions, Charter estimates that approximately $229 million annually over each of the
next three years of federal tax loss carryforwards should become unrestricted and available for Charter’s use. Charter’s state
loss carryforwards are subject to similar, but varying, limitations on their future use.
Tax Receivable Agreement
Under the LLC Agreement, A/N has the right to exchange at any time some or all of its common units in Charter Holdings for
Charter’s Class A common stock or cash, at Charter’s option. Pursuant to a Tax Receivable Agreement ("TRA") between
Charter and A/N, Charter must pay to A/N 50% of the tax benefit when realized by Charter from the step-up in tax basis
resulting from any future exchange or sale of the preferred and common units. Charter did not record a liability for this
obligation as of the acquisition date since the tax benefit is dependent on uncertain future events that are outside of Charter’s
F-36
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2020 AND 2019
(dollars in millions, except share or per share data or where indicated)
control, such as the timing of a conversion or exchange. A future exchange or sale is not based on a fixed and determinable date
and the exchange or sale is not certain to occur. If all of A/N's partnership units were to be exchanged or sold in the future, the
undiscounted value of the obligation is currently estimated to be in the range of zero to $3.5 billion depending on measurement
of the tax step-up in the future and Charter’s ability to realize the tax benefit in the periods following the exchange or sale.
Factors impacting these calculations include, but are not limited to, the fair value of the equity at the time of the exchange and
the effective tax rates when the benefits are realized.
Uncertain Tax Positions
The net amount of the unrecognized tax benefits recorded as of December 31, 2021 that could impact the effective tax rate is
$318 million. The Company has determined that it is reasonably possible that its existing reserve for uncertain tax positions as
of December 31, 2021 could decrease by approximately $35 million during the year ended December 31, 2022 related to
various ongoing audits, settlement discussions and expiration of statute of limitations with various state and local agencies;
however, various events could cause the Company’s current expectations to change in the future. These uncertain tax positions,
if ever recognized in the financial statements, would be recorded in the consolidated statements of operations as part of the
income tax provision. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits, exclusive of interest
and penalties, included in other long-term liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of the Company is as
follows:
BALANCE, December 31, 2019
Additions on prior year tax positions
Additions on current year tax positions
Reductions on settlements and expirations with taxing authorities
BALANCE, December 31, 2020
Activity on prior year tax positions
Additions on current year tax positions
Reductions on settlements and expirations with taxing authorities
BALANCE, December 31, 2021
$
$
230
28
51
(11)
298
(5)
94
(10)
377
The Company recognizes interest and penalties accrued on uncertain income tax positions as part of the income tax provision.
Interest and penalties included in other long-term liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of the Company
were $76 million and $63 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Charter is currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") for income tax purposes for 2019. Charter's
2016, 2018 and 2020 tax years remain open for examination and assessment. Charter’s 2017 tax year remains open solely for
purposes of loss and credit carryforwards. Charter’s short period return dated May 17, 2016 (prior to the merger with TWC and
acquisition of Bright House Networks, LLC ("Bright House")) and prior years remain open solely for purposes of examination
of Charter’s loss and credit carryforwards. The IRS is currently examining Charter Holdings’ income tax return for 2016 and
2019. Charter Holdings’ 2018 and 2020 tax years remain open for examination and assessment, while 2017 remains open
solely for purposes of credit carryforwards. The IRS is currently examining TWC’s income tax returns for 2011 through 2014.
TWC’s tax year 2015 remains subject to examination and assessment. Prior to TWC’s separation from Time Warner Inc.
(“Time Warner”) in March 2009, TWC was included in the consolidated U.S. federal and certain state income tax returns of
Time Warner. The IRS has examined Time Warner’s 2008 through 2010 income tax returns and the results are under appeal.
The Company does not anticipate that these examinations will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial
position or results of operations. In addition, the Company is also subject to ongoing examinations of the Company’s tax returns
by state and local tax authorities for various periods. Activity related to these state and local examinations did not have a
material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations during the year ended December 31,
2021, nor does the Company anticipate a material impact in the future.
19.
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to Charter shareholders by the weighted
average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share considers the
F-37
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2020 AND 2019
(dollars in millions, except share or per share data or where indicated)
impact of potentially dilutive securities using the treasury stock and if-converted methods and is based on the weighted average
number of shares used for the basic earnings per share calculation, adjusted for the dilutive effect of stock options, restricted
stock, restricted stock units, equity awards with market conditions and Charter Holdings convertible preferred units and
common units. Charter Holdings common units of 19 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 and Charter Holdings
common and convertible preferred units of 26 million and 29 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019,
respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share as their effect would have been antidilutive.
The following is the computation of diluted earnings per common share for the years presented.
Year Ended December 31,
2020
2021
2019
Numerator:
Net income attributable to Charter shareholders
$
4,654 $
3,222 $
1,668
Effect of dilutive securities:
Charter Holdings convertible preferred units
70
—
—
Net income attributable to Charter shareholders after assumed conversions
$
4,724 $
3,222 $
1,668
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic
183,669,369
203,316,483
219,506,735
Effect of dilutive securities:
Assumed exercise or issuance of shares relating to stock plans
Weighted average Charter Holdings convertible preferred units
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted
5,052,041
4,321,538
193,042,948
5,956,764
—
209,273,247
4,279,645
—
223,786,380
Basic earnings per common share attributable to Charter shareholders
Diluted earnings per common share attributable to Charter shareholders
$
$
25.34 $
24.47 $
15.85 $
15.40 $
7.60
7.45
20.
Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income equaled net income attributable to Charter shareholders for the years ended December 31, 2021 and
2020. The following table sets forth the consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the year ended December 31,
2019.
Consolidated net income
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Consolidated comprehensive income
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
Comprehensive income attributable to Charter shareholders
21. Related Party Transactions
Year Ended
December 31, 2019
$
$
1,992
2
1,994
(324)
1,670
The following sets forth certain transactions in which the Company and the directors, executive officers, and affiliates of the
Company are involved or, in the case of the management arrangements, subsidiaries that are debt issuers that pay certain of
their parent companies for services.
Charter is a party to management arrangements with its subsidiary, Spectrum Management Holding Company, LLC ("Spectrum
Management") and certain of their subsidiaries. Under these agreements, Charter, Spectrum Management and Charter
Communications Holding Company, LLC ("Charter Holdco") provide management services for the cable systems owned or
operated by their subsidiaries. Costs associated with providing these services are charged directly to the Company’s operating
F-38
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2020 AND 2019
(dollars in millions, except share or per share data or where indicated)
subsidiaries. All other costs incurred on behalf of Charter’s operating subsidiaries are considered a part of the management fee.
These costs are recorded as a component of operating costs and expenses, in the accompanying consolidated financial
statements. The management fee charged to the Company’s operating subsidiaries approximated the expenses incurred by
Spectrum Management, Charter Holdco and Charter on behalf of the Company’s operating subsidiaries in 2021, 2020 and 2019.
Liberty Broadband and A/N
Under the terms of the Stockholders Agreement, the number of Charter’s directors is fixed at 13, and includes its CEO. Two
designees selected by A/N are members of the board of directors of Charter and three designees selected by Liberty Broadband
are members of the board of directors of Charter. The remaining eight directors are not affiliated with either A/N or Liberty
Broadband. Each of A/N and Liberty Broadband is entitled to nominate at least one director to each of the committees of
Charter’s board of directors, subject to applicable stock exchange listing rules and certain specified voting or equity ownership
thresholds for each of A/N and Liberty Broadband, and provided that the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
and the Compensation and Benefit Committee each have at least a majority of directors independent from A/N, Liberty
Broadband and Charter (referred to as the “unaffiliated directors”). Each of the Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee and the Compensation and Benefits Committee is currently comprised of three unaffiliated directors and one
designee of each of A/N and Liberty Broadband. A/N and Liberty Broadband also have certain other committee designation and
other governance rights. Mr. Thomas Rutledge, the Company’s CEO, is the chairman of the board of Charter.
In December 2016, Charter and A/N entered into a letter agreement, as amended in December 2017 (the “A/N Letter
Agreement”) that requires A/N to sell to Charter or to Charter Holdings, on a monthly basis, a number of shares of Charter
Class A common stock or Charter Holdings common units that represents a pro rata participation by A/N and its affiliates in
any repurchases of shares of Charter Class A common stock from persons other than A/N effected by Charter during the
immediately preceding calendar month, at a purchase price equal to the average price paid by Charter for the shares repurchased
from persons other than A/N during such immediately preceding calendar month. A/N and Charter both have the right to
terminate or suspend the pro rata repurchase arrangement on a prospective basis. Pursuant to the TRA between Charter and A/
N, Charter must pay to A/N 50% of the tax benefit when realized by Charter from the step-up in tax basis resulting from any
future exchange or sale of the preferred and common units. See Note 18 for more information.
In February 2021, Charter and Liberty Broadband entered into a letter agreement (the “LBB Letter Agreement”). The LBB
Letter Agreement implements Liberty Broadband’s obligations under the Stockholders Agreement to participate in share
repurchases by Charter. Under the LBB Letter Agreement, Liberty Broadband will sell to Charter, generally on a monthly
basis, a number of shares of Charter Class A common stock representing an amount sufficient for Liberty Broadband’s
ownership of Charter to be reduced such that it does not exceed the ownership cap then applicable to Liberty Broadband under
the Stockholders Agreement at a purchase price per share equal to the volume weighted average price per share paid by Charter
for shares repurchased during such immediately preceding calendar month other than (i) purchases from A/N, (ii) purchases in
privately negotiated transactions or (iii) purchases for the withholding of shares of Charter Class A common stock pursuant to
equity compensation programs of Charter.
Gregory Maffei, a director of Charter and President and CEO and director and holder of 12.6% voting interest in Liberty
Broadband, is Chairman of the board of directors of Qurate Retail, Inc. ("Qurate") and Dr. John Malone, a director emeritus of
Charter and Chairman of the board of directors and holder of 45.8% of voting interest in Liberty Broadband, also serves on the
Qurate board of directors. As reported in SEC filings of Qurate, Mr. Maffei and Dr. Malone, Mr. Maffei has ownership of an
approximate 6.3% voting interest in Quarate and Dr. Malone has ownership of an approximate 41.2% voting interest in Qurate.
Qurate wholly owns HSN, Inc. (“HSN”) and QVC, Inc. (“QVC”). The Company has programming relationships with HSN and
QVC. For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, the Company recorded revenue in aggregate of approximately
$48 million, $50 million and $50 million, respectively, from HSN and QVC as part of channel carriage fees and revenue
sharing arrangements for home shopping sales made to customers in the Company’s footprint.
Dr. Malone and Mr. Steven Miron, a member of Charter’s board of directors, also serve on the board of directors of Discovery,
Inc., (“Discovery”). As reported in Discovery's SEC filings, Dr. Malone owns less than 1.0% of the series A common stock,
95.0% of the series B common stock and 3.7% of the series C common stock of Discovery and has a 26.5% voting interest in
Discovery for the election of directors. As reported in Discovery's SEC filings, Advance/Newhouse Programming Partnership
(“A/N PP”), an affiliate of A/N and in which Mr. Miron is the CEO, owns 100% of the Series A-1 preferred stock of Discovery
and 100% of the Series C-1 preferred stock of Discovery and has a 23.2% voting interest for matters other than the election of
F-39
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2020 AND 2019
(dollars in millions, except share or per share data or where indicated)
directors. A/N PP also has the right to appoint three directors out of a total of twelve directors to Discovery’s board. The
Company purchases programming from Discovery. Based on publicly available information, the Company does not believe
that Discovery would currently be considered a related party. The amount paid in the aggregate to Discovery represents less
than 2% of total operating costs and expenses for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.
Equity Investments
The Company has agreements with certain equity investees (see Note 6) pursuant to which the Company has made or received
related party transaction payments for the receipt of goods or services. The Company recorded payments to equity investees
totaling $229 million, $225 million and $314 million during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
22.
Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments
The following table summarizes the Company’s payment obligations as of December 31, 2021 for its contractual obligations.
Programming Minimum Commitments (a)
Other (b)
Total
2022
78 $
95 $
$
2,239
12,595
$ 12,690 $ 2,317 $ 1,167 $
1,150
2023
2024
2025
17 $ — $ — $ — $
2026
857
857 $
736
736 $
721
721 $
Thereafter
—
6,892
6,892
(a) The Company pays programming fees under multi-year contracts, typically based on a flat fee per customer, which may be
fixed for the term, or may in some cases escalate over the term. Programming costs included in the statements of
operations were $11.8 billion, $11.4 billion and $11.3 billion for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019
respectively. Certain of the Company’s programming agreements are based on a flat fee per month or have guaranteed
minimum payments. The table sets forth the aggregate guaranteed minimum commitments under the Company’s
programming contracts.
“Other” represents other guaranteed minimum commitments, including rights negotiated directly with content owners for
distribution on company-owned channels or networks, commitments related to our role as an advertising and distribution
sales agent for third party-owned channels or networks, commitments to our customer premise equipment and device
vendors and contractual obligations related to third-party network augmentation.
(b)
The following items are not included in the contractual obligation table due to various factors discussed below. However, the
Company incurs these costs as part of its operations:
•
•
•
The Company rents utility poles used in its operations. Generally, pole rentals are cancelable on short notice, but the
Company anticipates that such rentals will recur. Rent expense incurred for pole rental attachments for the years ended
December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 was $200 million, $192 million and $180 million, respectively.
The Company pays franchise fees under multi-year franchise agreements based on a percentage of revenues generated from
video service per year. The Company also pays other franchise related costs, such as public education grants, under multi-
year agreements. Franchise fees and other franchise-related costs included in the accompanying statement of operations
were $733 million, $741 million and $750 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 respectively.
The Company has $351 million in letters of credit, of which $37 million is secured under the Charter Operating credit
facility, primarily to its various casualty carriers as collateral for reimbursement of workers' compensation, auto liability
and general liability claims.
• Minimum pension funding requirements have not been presented in the table above as such amounts have not been
determined beyond 2021. The Company made no cash contributions to the qualified pension plans in 2021; however, the
Company is permitted to make discretionary cash contributions to the qualified pension plans in 2022. For the
nonqualified pension plan, the Company contributed $4 million during 2021 and will continue to make contributions in
2022 to the extent benefits are paid.
In December 2020, the Company won a bidding process for $1.2 billion in phase I of the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund
(“RDOF”) auction to further extend its broadband services in states where it currently operate. The Company expects to
fund its multi-billion dollar fiber-based build-out over a six to eight-year period.
•
F-40
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2020 AND 2019
(dollars in millions, except share or per share data or where indicated)
Legal Proceedings
In August 2015, a purported stockholder of Charter, Matthew Sciabacucchi, filed a lawsuit in the Delaware Court of Chancery,
on behalf of a putative class of Charter stockholders, challenging the transactions involving Charter, TWC, A/N, and Liberty
Broadband announced by Charter on May 26, 2015. The lawsuit, which named as defendants Charter and its board of directors,
alleged that the transactions resulted from breaches of fiduciary duty by Charter’s directors and that Liberty Broadband
improperly benefited from the challenged transactions at the expense of other Charter stockholders. Charter denies any liability,
believes that it has substantial defenses, and is vigorously defending this lawsuit. Although Charter is unable to predict the
outcome of this lawsuit, it does not expect the outcome will have a material effect on its operations, financial condition or cash
flows.
The California Attorney General and the Alameda County, California District Attorney are investigating whether certain of
Charter’s waste disposal policies, procedures and practices are in violation of the California Business and Professions Code and
the California Health and Safety Code. That investigation was commenced in January 2014. A similar investigation involving
TWC was initiated in February 2012. Charter is cooperating with these investigations. While the Company is unable to predict
the outcome of these investigations, it does not expect that the outcome will have a material effect on its operations, financial
condition, or cash flows.
Sprint filed a patent suit against Charter and Bright House on December 2, 2017 in the United States District Court for the
District of Delaware. This suit alleges infringement of 9 patents related to the Company's provision of Voice over Internet
Protocol (“VoIP”) services. Sprint previously sued TWC with respect to eight of these patents and obtained a final judgment of
$151 million inclusive of interest and costs, which the Company paid in November 2019. The Company has also brought a
patent suit against Sprint (TC Tech, LLC v. Sprint) in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware implicating
Sprint's LTE technology and a similar suit against T-Mobile in the United States District Court for the Western District of
Texas.
Sprint filed a subsequent patent suit against Charter on May 17, 2018 in the United States District Court for the Eastern District
of Virginia. This suit alleges infringement of two patents related to the Company's video on demand services. The court
transferred this case to the United States District Court for the District of Delaware on December 20, 2018 pursuant to an
agreement between the parties.
On February 18, 2020, Sprint filed a lawsuit against Charter, Bright House and TWC. Sprint alleges that Charter
misappropriated trade secrets from Sprint years ago through employees hired by Bright House. Sprint asserts that the alleged
trade secrets relate to the VoIP business of Charter, TWC and Bright House. The case is now pending in the United States
District Court for the District of Kansas.
Charter, T-Mobile and Sprint have tentatively reached a settlement of all of the foregoing suits that would result in a payment of
$220 million by Charter to T-Mobile. The Company can give no assurance that this tentative settlement will be finalized.
Pending finalization of the settlement and in the event the settlement is not finalized, the Company will vigorously defend these
Sprint suits and prosecute the suits it has brought against T-Mobile and Sprint. While the Company is unable to predict the
outcome of these lawsuits, it does not expect that the litigation will have a material effect on its operations, financial condition,
or cash flows.
In addition to the Sprint litigation described above, the Company is a defendant or co-defendant in several additional lawsuits
involving alleged infringement of various intellectual property relating to various aspects of its businesses. Other industry
participants are also defendants in certain of these cases or related cases. In the event that a court ultimately determines that the
Company infringes on any intellectual property, 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 intellectual property 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 reasonably estimate a range of possible loss.
F-41
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2020 AND 2019
(dollars in millions, except share or per share data or where indicated)
The Company is party to other lawsuits, claims and regulatory inquiries that arise in the ordinary course of conducting its
business. 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.
23. Employee Benefit Plans
Pension Plans
The Company sponsors qualified and nonqualified defined benefit pension plans that provide pension benefits to a majority of
employees who were employed by TWC before the merger with TWC.
Changes in the projected benefit obligation, fair value of plan assets and funded status of the pension plans from January 1
through December 31 are presented below:
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year
Interest cost
Actuarial (gain) loss
Settlement
Benefits paid
Projected benefit obligation at end of year (a)
Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year (a)
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
Actual return on plan assets
Employer contributions
Settlement
Benefits paid
Fair value of plan assets at end of year (b)
Funded status
2021
2020
$
$
$
$
$
$
3,688 $
97
(183)
(173)
(55)
3,374 $
3,374 $
3,462 $
219
4
(173)
(55)
3,457 $
83 $
3,361
110
436
(166)
(53)
3,688
3,688
3,198
480
3
(166)
(53)
3,462
(226)
(a) As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, qualified pension plans represented $3.3 billion and $3.7 billion, respectively, of both
the projected benefit obligation and accumulated benefit obligation, while the Company’s nonqualified pension plan
represented $32 million and $36 million, respectively.
(b) The fair value of plan assets consists entirely of the Company’s qualified pension plans.
Pretax amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 consisted of the following:
Noncurrent asset
Current liability
Long-term liability
Net amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheet
December 31,
2021
2020
$
$
114 $
(4)
(27)
83 $
1
(5)
(222)
(226)
F-42
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2020 AND 2019
(dollars in millions, except share or per share data or where indicated)
The components of net periodic benefit (cost) for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 consisted of the
following:
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Remeasurement gain (loss)
Net periodic pension benefit (cost)
Year Ended December 31,
2021
2020
2019
$
$
(97) $
165
237
305 $
(110) $
156
(112)
(66) $
(129)
164
(104)
(69)
The remeasurement gains (losses) recorded during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 were primarily driven
by changes in the discount rate as well as gains or losses to record pension assets to fair value.
The discount rates used to determine benefit obligations as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 were 3.01% and 2.70%,
respectively. The Company utilized the Pri-2012/MP 2020 mortality table published by the Society of Actuaries to measure the
benefit obligations as of December 31, 2021 and 2020.
Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit costs consisted of the following:
2021
Year ended December 31,
2020
2019
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets
Discount rate
5.00 %
2.70 %
5.00 %
3.48 %
5.75 %
4.37 %
In developing the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, the Company considered the pension portfolio’s
composition, past average rate of earnings and the Company’s future asset allocation targets. The weighted average expected
long-term rate of return on plan assets and discount rate used to determine net periodic pension benefit (cost) for the year ended
December 31, 2022 are expected to be 5.00% and 3.01%, respectively. The Company determined the discount rates used to
determine benefit obligations and net periodic pension benefit (cost) based on the yield of a large population of high quality
corporate bonds with cash flows sufficient in timing and amount to settle projected future defined benefit payments.
Pension Plan Assets
The assets of the qualified pension plans are held in a master trust in which the qualified pension plans are the only participating
plans (the “Master Trust”). The investment policy for the qualified pension plans is to manage the assets of the Master Trust
with the objective to provide for pension liabilities to be met, maintaining retirement income security for the participants of the
plans and their beneficiaries. The investment portfolio is a mix of pooled funds invested in fixed income securities, equity
securities and certain alternative investments with the objective of matching plan liability performance, diversifying risk and
achieving a target investment return. Pension assets are managed in a balanced portfolio comprised of two major components:
a return-seeking portion and a liability-matching portion.
The Company uses an investment strategy designed to increase the fixed income allocation as the funded status of the qualified
pension plans improves. As the qualified pension plans reach set funded status milestones, the assets will be rebalanced to shift
more assets from equity to fixed income. Based on the progress with this strategy, the target investment allocation for pension
fund assets is permitted to vary within specified ranges subject to Investment Committee approval for return-seeking securities
F-43
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2020 AND 2019
(dollars in millions, except share or per share data or where indicated)
and liability-matching securities. The target and actual investment allocation of the qualified pension plans by asset category
consisted of the following:
Return-seeking securities
Liability-matching securities
Other investments
December 31, 2021
December 31, 2020
Target
Allocation
Actual
Allocation
Target
Allocation
Actual
Allocation
60.0 %
40.0 %
— %
57.3 %
42.6 %
0.1 %
60.0 %
40.0 %
— %
57.1 %
42.8 %
0.1 %
The following tables set forth the investment assets of the qualified pension plans by level within the fair value hierarchy as of
December 31, 2021 and 2020:
$
Cash
Commingled bond funds(a)
Commingled equity funds(a)
Collective trust funds(b)
Total investment assets
Accrued investment income and other receivables
Accrued liabilities
Investments measured at net asset value(c)
Fair value of plan assets
$
December 31, 2021
December 31, 2020
Fair
Value
Level 1
Level 2
Fair
Value
Level 1
Level 2
2 $
1,398
1,160
150
2,710 $
247
(46)
546
3,457
2 $
—
—
—
2 $
— $
4 $
1,398
1,160
150
2,708
1,449
1,255
178
2,886 $
19
—
557
3,462
$
4 $
—
—
—
4 $
—
1,449
1,255
178
2,882
(a) Commingled funds include bond funds with corporate and U.S. treasury debt securities and equity funds with global equity
index, infrastructure and real estate securities that have a readily determinable fair value and are valued using the net assets
provided by the administrator of the fund. The value of each fund is based on the fair value of underlying securities in the
portfolio, which represents the amount that the fund might reasonably expect to receive for the securities upon a sale, less
liabilities, and then divided by the number of units outstanding. Equity securities within the funds are valued using
observable inputs on either a daily or weekly basis and the resulting per share value serves as a basis for current redemption
value. Debt securities within the funds are valued based on observable prices from the new issue market, benchmark
quotes, secondary trading and dealer quotes.
(b) Collective trust funds consist of short-term investment strategies comprised of instruments issued or fully guaranteed by
the U.S. government and/or its agencies and multi-strategy funds, which are valued using the net assets provided by the
administrator of the fund. The value of each fund is based on the readily determinable fair value of the underlying assets
owned by the fund, less liabilities, and then divided by the number of units outstanding.
(c) As a practical expedient, certain investment classes which hold securities that are not readily available for redemption and
are measured at fair value using the net asset value ("NAV") per share (or its equivalent) have not been classified in the fair
value hierarchy.
Investments Measured at Net Asset Value per Share Practical Expedient
The following table summarizes the investment classes for which fair value is measured using the NAV per share (or its
equivalent) practical expedient as of December 31, 2021 and 2020. These investment classes are not readily available for
redemption. The NAV of each fund is based on the fair value of underlying assets in the portfolio. Certain investments report
F-44
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2020 AND 2019
(dollars in millions, except share or per share data or where indicated)
NAV per share on a month or quarter lag. There are no material unfunded commitments with respect to these investment
classes.
Fair Value
December 31,
2021
2020
Redemption Frequency (if
currently eligible)
Redemption
Notice Period
Alternative funds(a)
Fixed income funds(b)
Real estate funds(c)
Investments measured at NAV
$
$
328 $
283 weekly, monthly, quarterly
1-180 days
95
123
546 $
148
126
557
daily, monthly
quarterly
10-40 days
45-90 days
(a) The alternative fund investment class includes funds with various securities selected to provide complimentary sources of
return with our equity and bond portfolios that better manage risk. The Company’s alternative fund investments include
holdings such as public equities, exchange traded derivatives, and corporate bonds, among others. A portion of the
alternative funds cannot be redeemed until the one year anniversary of the purchase date.
(b) Fixed income funds invest in residential and commercial mortgages, as well as global sovereign securities.
(c) Real estate funds are not publicly traded and invest primarily in unlisted direct core real estate, including super-regional
malls, shopping centers, and commercial real estate (e.g. education, healthcare and storage).
Pension Plan Contributions
The Company made no cash contributions to the qualified pension plans during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and
2019; however, the Company may make discretionary cash contributions to the qualified pension plans in the future. Such
contributions will be dependent on a variety of factors, including current and expected interest rates, asset performance, the
funded status of the qualified pension plans and management’s judgment. For the nonqualified unfunded pension plan, the
Company will continue to make contributions during 2022 to the extent benefits are paid.
Benefit payments for the pension plans are expected to be $227 million in 2022, $217 million in 2023, $206 million in 2024,
$196 million in 2025, $188 million in 2026 and $843 million in 2027 to 2031.
Multiemployer Plans
The Company contributes to multiemployer plans under the terms of collective-bargaining agreements that cover its union-
represented employees. Such multiemployer plans provide medical, pension and retirement savings benefits to active
employees and retirees. The Company made contributions to multiemployer plans of $3 million, $7 million and $9 million for
the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, other long-term
liabilities includes approximately $94 million and $98 million, respectively, related to the Company's withdrawal from a
multiemployer pension plan.
Defined Contribution Benefit Plans
The Company’s employees may participate in the Charter Communications, Inc. 401(k) Savings Plan (the “401(k) Plan”).
Employees that qualify for participation can contribute up to 50% of their salary, on a pre-tax basis, subject to a maximum
contribution limit as determined by the IRS. The Company’s matching contribution is discretionary and is equal to 100% of the
amount of the salary reduction the participant elects to defer (up to 6% of the participant’s eligible compensation), excluding
any catch-up contributions and is paid by the Company on a per pay period basis. The Company made contributions to the
401(k) plan totaling $328 million, $331 million and $303 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019,
respectively.
For employees who are not eligible to participate in the Company’s long-term incentive plan and who are not covered by a
collective bargaining agreement, the Company offers a contribution to the Retirement Accumulation Plan ("RAP"), equal to 3%
of eligible pay. The Company made contributions to the RAP totaling $167 million, $162 million and $152 million for the
years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
F-45
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2020 AND 2019
(dollars in millions, except share or per share data or where indicated)
24. Recently Issued Accounting Standards
ASU No. 2020-06, Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity's Own Equity (“ASU 2020-06”)
In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, which reduces the number of accounting models for convertible instruments,
amends diluted earnings per share calculations for convertible instruments and allows more contracts to qualify for equity
classification. ASU 2020-06 will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2021. Early adoption
is permitted. The Company elected to early adopt ASU 2020-06 on January 1, 2021. The adoption of ASU 2020-06 did not
have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
ASU No. 2021-10, Disclosures by Business Entities about Government Assistance ("ASU 2021-10")
In November 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-10, which requires business entities to disclose information about certain
government assistance they receive. Such disclosure requirements include the nature of the transactions and the related
accounting policy used, the line items on the balance sheet and income statement that are affected and the amounts applicable to
each financial statement line item and significant terms and conditions of the transactions. ASU 2021-10 will be effective for
annual periods beginning after December 15, 2021 (year ending December 31, 2022 for the Company). Early adoption is
permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2021-10 will have on it's disclosures.
25. Parent Company Only Financial Statements
As the result of limitations on, and prohibitions of, distributions, substantially all of the net assets of the consolidated
subsidiaries are restricted from distribution to Charter, the parent company. The following condensed parent-only financial
statements of Charter account for the investment in Charter Holdco under the equity method of accounting. The financial
statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Company and notes thereto.
Charter Communications, Inc. (Parent Company Only)
Condensed Balance Sheets
ASSETS
Accounts receivable, net
Receivables from related party
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Investment in subsidiaries
Loans receivable - related party
Other noncurrent assets
Total assets
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
Current liabilities
Deferred income taxes
Other long-term liabilities
Shareholder's equity
Total liabilities and shareholder's equity
F-46
December 31,
2021
2020
$
$
$
$
1 $
33
24
33,129
284
—
33,471 $
45 $
19,020
356
14,050
33,471 $
1
28
20
41,813
275
1
42,138
22
18,030
281
23,805
42,138
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2020 AND 2019
(dollars in millions, except share or per share data or where indicated)
Charter Communications, Inc. (Parent Company Only)
Condensed Statements of Operations
INCOME
Revenues
Interest income
Equity in income of subsidiaries
Total income
EXPENSES
Operating costs and expenses
Income before income taxes
Income tax expense
Net income
Year Ended December 31,
2020
2021
2019
$
$
5 $
7
5,632
5,644
64 $
12
3,771
3,847
5
64
5,639
(985)
4,654 $
3,783
(561)
3,222 $
52
10
1,998
2,060
52
2,008
(340)
1,668
Charter Communications, Inc. (Parent Company Only)
Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income
Net income
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Comprehensive income
Year Ended December 31,
2020
2021
2019
$
$
4,654 $
—
4,654 $
3,222 $
—
3,222 $
1,668
2
1,670
F-47
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2021, 2020 AND 2019
(dollars in millions, except share or per share data or where indicated)
Charter Communications, Inc. (Parent Company Only)
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
NET CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
$
(84) $
(49) $
(36)
Year Ended December 31,
2020
2021
2019
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Contribution to subsidiaries
Distributions from subsidiaries
Net cash flows from investing activities
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
Issuance of equity
Purchase of treasury stock
Repayments of loans payable - related parties
Net cash flows from financing activities
(44)
(208)
15,516
15,472
11,268
11,060
44
—
(15,431)
(1)
(15,388)
184
23
(11,217)
(1)
(11,011)
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period
—
—
— $
—
—
— $
$
(119)
6,910
6,791
118
—
(6,873)
—
(6,755)
—
—
—
F-48
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We use certain measures that are not defined by U.S.
generally accepted accounting principles (“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 income attributable to Charter
shareholders 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
net income attributable to Charter shareholders and
net cash flows from operating activities, respectively,
in this annual report.
Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income attributable
to Charter shareholders plus net income attributable
to noncontrolling interest, net interest expense,
income taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock
compensation expense, other income (expenses), net
and other operating (income) expenses, net, such as
special charges and (gain) 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. However, this measure is limited in that it
does not reflect the periodic costs of certain capital-
ized tangible and intangible assets used in generating
revenues and the cash cost of financing. These costs
are evaluated through other financial measures.
Free cash flow is defined as net cash flows from oper-
ating activities, less capital expenditures and changes
in accrued expenses related to capital expenditures.
Management and Charter’s board of directors use
Adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow to assess 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 docu-
ments have been previously filed with the SEC). 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 were $1.3 billion, $1.3 billion and $1.2 billion
for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and
2019, respectively.
Customer relationships include the number of
customers that receive one or more levels of service,
encompassing Internet, video and voice services,
without regard to which service(s) such customers
receive. Customers who reside in residential multiple
dwelling units (“MDUs”) and that are billed under
bulk contracts are counted based on the number of
billed units within each bulk MDU. Total customer
relationships exclude enterprise and mobile-only
customer relationships.
F-49
Unaudited Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures to GAAP Measures
(dollars in millions)
For the year ended December 31
Net income attributable to Charter shareholders
Plus:
Netincomeattributabletononcontrollinginterest
Interestexpense,net
Incometaxexpense
Depreciationandamortization
Stockcompensationexpense
Otherexpenses,net
AdjustedEBITDA
Netcashflowsfromoperatingactivities
Less:
Purchasesofproperty,plantandequipment
Changeinaccruedexpensesrelatedtocapitalexpenditures
Free cash flow
2021
2020
2019
$ 4,654
$ 3,222
$ 1,668
666
4,037
1,068
9,345
430
430
454
3,848
626
9,704
351
313
324
3,797
439
9,926
315
386
$20,630
$18,518
$16,855
$16,239
$14,562
$11,748
(7,635)
80
(7,415)
(77)
(7,195)
55
$ 8,684
$ 7,070
$ 4,608
F-50
Transfer Agent and Registrar
Questions related to stock transfers, lost certificates
or account changes should be directed to:
Computershare
P.O. Box 505000
Louisville,KY40233-5000
866.245.6077
www.computershare.com/investor
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
KPMGLLP
Trademarks
Trademark terms that belong to Charter and its
affiliates are marked by ® or TM at their first use in this
report. The ® symbol indicates that the trademark is
registered in the U.S. Patent and Trade mark Office.
The TM symbol indicates that the mark is being used
as a common law trademark, and applications for
registration of common law trademarks may have
been filed.
Shareholder Information
Common Stock Information
Charter Communications, Inc. Class A common stock
is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under
the symbol CHTR. Charter has not paid stock or cash
dividends on any of its common stock.
Market Information
2021
Firstquarter
Secondquarter
Thirdquarter
Fourthquarter
High
Low
$654.65
$721.45
$821.01
$747.79
$596.50
$605.50
$701.37
$605.55
Annual Meeting of Stockholders
April 26, 2022, 8:30 a.m. (Mountain Daylight Time)
6350 S. Fiddler’s Green Circle
2nd Floor (Conference Room C)
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
Form 10-K
AdditionalcopiesoftheForm10-K,filedannually
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC),
are available without charge (without exhibits)
by accessing the Investor Relations section of
our website at ir.charter.com or by contacting
Investor Relations.
Headquarters
Charter Communications, Inc.
400 Washington Blvd.
Stamford, CT 06902
corporate.charter.com
Investor Relations
Charter’s corporate website contains an Investors
section that offers financial information, including
stockdata,pressreleases,accesstoquarterlyweb-
castsandSECfilings.Youmayrequestashareholder
kit, including the recent financial information,
through the site. You may subscribe to e-mail alerts
for all press releases and SEC filings through the site
as well. The site also offers information on Charter’s
products and services, and leadership team.
ShareholderrequestsmaybedirectedtoInvestor
Relations via email at investor@charter.com.
LEADERSHIP AND
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Leadership
Thomas M. Rutledge
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
John R. Bickham
Vice Chairman
Thomas E. Adams
Executive Vice President, Field Operations
William M. Archer
Executive Vice President and President,
Spectrum Enterprise
Sharon Peters
Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer
Adam Ray
Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer
Jodi Robinson
Executive Vice President, Digital Platforms
Christian Ruiz
Executive Vice President, Sales
Magesh Srinivasan
Executive Vice President, Network Operations
Michael D. Bair
Executive Vice President, Spectrum Networks
Christopher L. Winfrey
Chief Operating Officer
Cameron R. Blanchard
Executive Vice President, Communications
Catherine C. Bohigian
Executive Vice President, Government Affairs
Richard J. DiGeronimo
Chief Product and Technology Officer
Richard R. Dykhouse
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and
Corporate Secretary
David G. Ellen
Senior Executive Vice President
Jessica M. Fischer
Chief Financial Officer
Clifford L. Hagan
Executive Vice President, Customer Operations
Jonathan Hargis
Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer
Kevin Howard
Executive Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer
and Controller
David Kline
Executive Vice President and President,
Spectrum Reach
Paul Marchand
Executive Vice President, Chief Human
Resources Officer
Stephanie Mitchko-Beale
Executive Vice President, Chief Technology Officer
Thomas Monaghan
Executive Vice President, Field Operations
Thomas Montemagno
Executive Vice President, Programming Acquisition
James Nuzzo
Executive Vice President, Business Planning
and FP&A
Jacob H. Perlman
Executive Vice President, Software Development
& IT
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Board of Directors
Thomas M. Rutledge
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Eric L. Zinterhofer
Lead Independent Director
Founder of Searchlight Capital Partners, L.P.
W. Lance Conn
Former President, Vulcan Capital
Kim C. Goodman
President, Payments and Risk Solutions, Fiserv, Inc.
Craig A. Jacobson
Founding Partner of Hansen, Jacobson, Teller,
Hoberman, Newman, Warren, Richman, Rush,
Kaller & Gellman, L.L.P.
Gregory B. Maffei
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of
Liberty Broadband Corporation, Liberty Media
Corporation and Liberty TripAdviser Holdings, Inc.
John D. Markley, Jr.
Managing Director of Bear Creek Capital
David C. Merritt
Private Investor and Consultant
James E. Meyer
Former Chief Executive Officer, Sirius XM
Holdings Inc.
Steve A. Miron
Chief Executive Officer, Advance/Newhouse
Partnership and Senior Executive Officer, Advance
Balan Nair
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of
Liberty Latin America Ltd.
Michael A. Newhouse
Co-President, Advance
Mauricio Ramos
Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of
Millicom International Cellular S.A.
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Charter Communications, Inc.
400 Washington Blvd.
Stamford, CT 06902
Spectrum.com
©2022 Charter Communications. All rights
reserved. All trademarks remain the property
of their respective owners.