CommScope Company
Annual Report 2015

Plain-text annual report

2 0 1 5 C o m m S c o p e A n n u a l R e p o r t A n n u a l R e p o r t 2015 Inno v a t ion | Solu t ions | Sc ale Reconciliation of GA AP Measures to Non-GA AP Adjusted Measures (Unaudited--in millions, except per share amounts) RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED OPERATING INCOME Operating income, as reported Adjustments: Amor tization of purchased intangible assets Restructuring costs, net Equit y-based compensation Asset impairments Purchase accounting adjustments (1) Transaction and integration costs (2) Adjustment of prior year warrant y matter Total adjustments to operating income Non-GA AP adjusted operating income RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED NE T INCOME Income (loss) before income taxes, as repor ted Income tax expense, as repor ted Net income, as reported Adjustments: Total pretax adjustments to operating income Pretax amor tization of deferred financing costs & OID (3) Pretax acquisition related interest (3) Pretax loss on debt transactions (4) Pretax gains on sale of equit y investment Tax ef fects of adjustments and other tax items (5) Non-GA AP adjusted net income Diluted EPS, as reported Non-GA AP adjusted diluted EPS RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED FREE CASH FLOW Cash flow generated by operating activities, as reported Less: Additions to proper t y, plant and equipment Adjustments: Capital spending for BNS acquisition integration Transaction and integration costs Debt redemption premium Fee paid to terminate management agreement Y E A R E ND E D D E C E MB E R 3 1 2013 2014 2015 $329.7 $57 7.4 $181.6 174.9 22.1 16.1 45.5 2.5 27.2 2.1 178.3 19.3 21.1 12.1 (11.9) 12.1 - 290.4 $620.1 231.0 $808.4 $76.2 (56.8) $19.4 290.4 26.6 - 34.4 - (108.7) $262.1 $0.12 $1.60 $317.1 (80.3) $236.8 231.0 32.4 - 93.9 (12.3) (155.1) $426.7 $1.24 $2.23 220.6 29.5 28.7 90.8 81.7 96.9 - 5 48.2 $729.8 $(62.0) (8.9) $(70.9) 5 48.2 22.3 29.2 - (2.7) (164.4) $361.7 $(0.37) $1.86 $237.7 (36.8) $289.4 (36.9) $302.1 (56.5) - * 33.0 20.2 - * 93.9 - 12.7 96.1 - - Non-GA AP adjusted free cash flow $254.1 $346.4 $354.4 (1) Reflects non-cash charges resulting from purchase accounting adjustments, including adjustments to the estimated fair value of contingent consideration payable. (2) Reflects transaction costs related to potential and consummated acquisitions, costs related to secondary stock offerings and integration costs related to the acquisition of the BNS business. Also includes the Carlyle management fee and the management agreement termination fee. (3) Included in interest expense. (4) Included in other income (expense), net. (5) The tax rates applied to adjustments reflect the tax expense or benefit based on the tax jurisdiction of the entity generating the adjustment. There are certain adjustments for which we expect little or no tax benefit. * Not significant Note: Components may not sum to total due to rounding. CommScope management believes that presenting operating income, net income, diluted EPS and cash flow information excluding the special items noted above provides meaningful information to investors in understanding operating results and may enhance investors’ ability to analyze financial and business trends, when considered together with the GAAP financial measures. In addition, CommScope management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures allow investors to compare period to period more easily by excluding items that could have a disproportionately negative or positive impact on results in any particular period. To our shareholders One of the best parts of my job is interacting with customers. Every phone call and meeting is an opportunity to listen. I frequently hear something valuable and use that feedback to improve CommScope® and our ability to support customers. CommScope’s 2015 acquisition of the Broadband Network Solutions business from TE Connectivity did more than just transform our company and provide us a springboard toward an even more promising future. It was a golden opportunity to stay close to our customers and speak with them about the benefits of the transaction. Communicating with customers and partners was a priority for me during the acquisition process in 2015, as it was for numerous others on the global CommScope team. We eagerly shared that we created a stronger company with greater innovation, employee talent and overall capabilities to serve customers in four major areas: • Indoor and outdoor wireless networks • Data centers and central offices • Connected and efficient buildings • Access and backhaul networks And they heard our belief that we are better positioned to accelerate industry innovation, solve more wired and wireless network challenges with an enhanced fiber portfolio, and better serve global customers in more markets around the world. Just as importantly, we listened to their feedback and responded to their questions. Overall, we like what we heard, as these examples show: • A healthcare provider in Colorado was thrilled by the combination of solutions within the enterprise business, enabling its use of emerging CommScope solutions such as iTRACS data center infrastructure management with fiber optic connectivity from the BNS business. Eddie Edwards President and Chief Executive Officer • A public agency that manages airports and transportation • A large Russian bank was impressed that the new infrastructure in the Northeast US was impressed that CommScope would have a much stronger regional presence CommScope extended its capabilities throughout the local for pre-sale and post-sale support, simplifying the bank’s area network and deeper into the data center. expansion into new geographies. • Two of the largest MSOs (multiple system operators) see • A hyperscale data center operator expressed excitement to CommScope as further helping cable operators migrate now depend on one vendor for all physical layer needs— from hybrid fiber coaxial cable to fiber-to-the-home. They copper and fiber—that can be scaled globally. view CommScope now as uniquely positioned to provide the • An Ohio hospital saw great benefit in the combination of CommScope’s fiber offerings with the BNS powered fiber and fiber raceway products, plus the extensive partner radio frequency and fiber passive infrastructure solutions necessary to upgrade their networks to compete with other major carriers, in addition to regional players. network that supports these offerings. • Lastly, four of our largest global business partners all • A large global service provider—looking to do more business with fewer trusted vendors—is pleased that one company can now support its wireless, outside plant and inside plant requirements on a large scale. expressed optimism in the strengthening of CommScope’s overall portfolio, and that the BNS business now has a logical home in a company passionately focused on network infrastructure. 1 Global Scale Innovation Delivered Overall, our customers and partners see more and expect more from CommScope. More global scale. More customer challenges solved. More innovation. Challenges Solved They see a stronger CommScope with more potential and more opportunities. So do I. We now have: This is the new CommScope—better positioned to serve • A more balanced revenue base, with a much stronger customers in four major areas: indoor and outdoor wireless position in the enterprise, cable TV and telecommunications networks; data centers and central offices; connected and markets along with our robust wireless position. efficient buildings; and access and backhaul networks. Each • A more diverse geographic mix of customers, with the stronger non-US presence that BNS brings. • More intellectual property and engineering capabilities through greater investment in R&D (average annual spend of more than $200 million on a proforma basis) and a more robust portfolio of nearly 10,000 patents. area needs what we specialize in—connectivity through network infrastructure and the delivery of more network bandwidth. With consumers and businesses requiring more and more data, and demanding it everywhere, networks continue to be constrained and challenged. Today, we are in a great position to address those challenges as we look to accelerate industry innovation, solve more wired and wireless network • More employee talent, a global team of more than challenges, and better serve more customers in more 20,000 people with experience and expertise in all markets around the world. areas of the business. • More technology and solutions in fiber optics and wireless, which will be two core elements of the networks of the future. • More cost-efficient operations through the merger integration (expect more than $175 million in annual synergies by 2018) and other improvements. • More overall capabilities and resources to address the world’s continued demand for more network bandwidth. “Our mission and our core values are a great platform for helping solve more of our customers’ complex networking problems in a bandwidth-driven society.” 2 More than ever, vital networks around the world run on CommScope solutions. Yet our enthusiasm must be tempered with patience. Despite meaningful progress in integrating BNS into CommScope, we still have a lot more work to do before we truly are one company. I am so proud of the hundreds of employees who tirelessly planned for the integration prior to the acquisition closing in August 2015, and all those who continue executing on those detailed plans. The effort put forth by so many people comes on top of our collective “day jobs” of running the business, supporting customers and achieving our company goals. By the first half of 2017, I expect that we will have completed the majority of critical integration projects. 2015 Overview Before I take a look ahead at 2016, let’s look back at the past 12 months and the performance of your company. In a year of uneven customer spending and challenging market environments, CommScope revenues declined about one percent year-over-year to $3.8 billion, primarily due to lower spending by certain North American wireless operators and a poor foreign exchange rate environment, largely offset by the revenue from the four months we owned BNS. That revenue performance didn’t meet our expectations. However, other infrastructure providers were similarly impacted, and we believe we maintained our leading competitive position in the markets we serve. Our adjusted earnings, which exclude the impact of BNS purchase accounting and other special items, declined 17 percent to $1.86 per share. At the same time, we generated more than $300 million in cash flow from operations—our best performance in more than five years. I am pleased that the company’s ongoing focus on effective cost management and operational excellence is a strong enabler of cash flow and profitability. Wireless segment revenues fell 22% from a year ago to $1.9 billion, as certain operators pulled back in spending after an abnormally strong investment in infrastructure in 2014. The change from 2014 to 2015 is indicative of the spikes that can occur in our revenues as large wireless operators adjust their purchasing behavior. Wireless sales also were affected by: • North American operator investment in wireless spectrum (which we believe will have a positive impact in coming years) • Industry merger and acquisition activity • Negative impact of foreign exchange rate changes • Cautious economic environment, especially in Europe GLOBAL LEADER in Infrastructure Solutions for Communications Networks 20,000+ Employees ~$5B* Sales 9,800 Patents >30 Manufacturing & Distribution Facilities * Unaudited pro-forma 2015 revenue as though BNS acquisition had been completed January 1, 2015. 3 In 2015, we fortified our position in Wireless with the acquisition We successfully completed the BNS acquisition on August 28, of Airvana®, a leader in small cell solutions for wireless networks. 2015, and our financial results reflect BNS operations from that The acquisition expands CommScope’s leadership and date through December 31. For the partial year, BNS revenues capabilities in providing indoor wireless capacity and coverage, were $530 million, which also were negatively impacted by with fundamental technology that can be expanded into other foreign exchange rate changes. We believe that BNS will help areas such as outdoors, too. Enterprise segment sales increased two percent year-over-year to $864 million. Despite negative foreign exchange rate changes, us accelerate our strategy to drive profitable growth and will broaden our position as a leading communications infrastructure provider. sales grew primarily due to strong sales of data center fiber I believe we strengthened our leadership positions in 2015 with solutions and growth in most major geographic regions. We also the primary customers we serve—notably wireless operators, are pleased with the healthy improvement in operating results. enterprise owners, and broadband providers, with the BNS Broadband segment sales declined seven percent year- over-year to $476 million. Sales decreased primarily due to lower global investment in broadband networks, our focus on pruning less profitable products from its portfolio and negative foreign exchange rate changes. Despite lower sales volume, Broadband operating results improved dramatically. The margin improvement is due primarily to the benefits of lower material costs, favorable mix of products sold, and the benefit of cost reduction initiatives and product pruning efforts. acquisition strengthening us in all those areas with its unique fiber connectivity solutions. This strengthened position is due in large part to a combination of our problem-solving approach with customers; geographic and product diversity; operational excellence throughout our global manufacturing and distribution network; and industry-leading technologies and ongoing innovation. “I believe CommScope and its solutions will play an integral role in most networks of the future.” ENABLING COMMUNICATION WITH: Integrity Treat our customers, our employees and our partners with respect at all times and make business decisions that reflect the highest level of integrity. Innovation Empower our employees to think, create, design and implement innovative new technologies that solve our customers’ business challenges. Agility Adapt to industry, technology and network change quickly and easily to ensure profitable growth for our customers. CommScope’s Mission & Values 4 Well Positioned for Future And, despite the tough year-over-year financial comparisons, the fundamentals of CommScope’s business remain rock solid, as do the market drivers that are fueling the long-term need for our innovative solutions. Our mission (enabling communications) and our core values (integrity, innovation and agility) are a great platform for helping solve more of our customers’ complex networking problems in a bandwidth-driven society. We embrace the markets in which we participate—after all, we’ve been focused on them for decades. We are well positioned in them, and we are devoted to helping our customers succeed in “We are in the early stages of what may be the greatest transformation of networking yet, driven by consumer use and by technology.” them. I believe CommScope and its solutions will play an integral To that end, I have set five priorities for the global CommScope role in most networks of the future. That belief is rooted in more team in 2016 that will guide our activities and, more importantly, than our long-standing innovation; our industry-leading position help us make 2016 a year of success: with customers; and our vast collection of employee talent and solutions. It also points to our history in helping customers through various past stages of network evolutions in wireless, cable television, telecommunications and enterprise networking. We have seen it all and succeeded at it, helping our customers every step of the way. Now, we are in the early stages of what may be the greatest transformation of networking yet, driven by consumer use (smartphone adoption; social media; mobility; video consumption) and by technology (cloud networks; 5G wireless standard development; intelligent buildings; virtualization, Internet of Things). These technology trends and consumer behaviors are straining networks globally and requiring changes and new thinking regarding infrastructure requirements of the future. The good news—CommScope is well positioned in addressing bandwidth needs through outdoor cellular tower infrastructure; small cells and distributed antenna systems; fiber optic connectivity; and data center infrastructure. We invested strategically—via acquisition and good old fashioned innovation and product development—throughout 2015 to make us stronger and build upon our long-standing expertise in each area. It has us poised to help our customers more than ever as they tackle their own business and network challenges. And that puts us in an enviable position to be a long- term success as a company. 1. Integrate BNS and CommScope effectively and quickly 2. Serve customers to the best of our ability 3. Target operational excellence 4. Meet financial commitments 5. Position CommScope for long-term greatness Guided by our core values and these priorities, I am confident that our global team of more than 20,000 employees will make us be great by delivering more in all areas of the business, for all customers and for each other. I look forward to our team making “more” happen for all of our stakeholders. Thank you for your support of CommScope. You can expect more from us. Eddie Edwards President and Chief Executive Officer 5 The New CommScope Making a stronger company CommScope completed its transformational acquisition of TE Connectivity’s Broadband Network Solutions (BNS) business—a leader in fiber optic connectivity for wireline and What is the status of integrating the two companies? wireless networks—in August 2015. The $3 billion transaction RC: We are making strong progress but have much more to do. strengthened our position as a leading communications As a carve-out acquisition, this is similar to our 2004 acquisition infrastructure provider with greater resources to meet the of the SYSTIMAX business in that we only purchased select growing demand for network bandwidth. We have created a stronger company with greater innovation, employee talent and overall capabilities to serve customers in parts of a larger company. This adds tremendous complexity to the integration efforts. I can’t say enough about the incredible efforts of hundreds of employees to get us as far as we are today. four major areas: • Indoor and outdoor wireless networks • Data centers and central offices • Connected and efficient buildings • Access and backhaul networks We believe we are better positioned to accelerate industry innovation, solve more wired and wireless network challenges with an enhanced fiber portfolio, and better serve global customers in more markets around the world. What is the status of the synergies from the transaction? RC: When completing the transaction, we committed to realizing more than $150 million in annual synergies by 2018, including more than $50 million in 2016 alone. After only several months, we are ahead of schedule. We now expect greater than $175 million in synergies by 2018, with more than $75 million in 2016, across all areas of the company, including sales, marketing, general and administration, operations, and research and Randy Crenshaw, executive vice president and chief operating development. CommScope has an excellent track record in officer, CommScope, has led the integration planning and driving meaningful synergies and cost efficiencies in its execution effort as his primary responsibility since early 2015. major acquisitions. Why is this acquisition considered transformational for CommScope? What are some of the more challenging aspects of the integration? Randy Crenshaw: It has significantly changed our size, scope RC: There are many! One good example is regarding our and capabilities throughout the organization. It also creates enterprise resource planning platforms. A couple of years prior opportunities in our existing and adjoining markets far greater to the BNS acquisition, CommScope had completed a move than CommScope and the newly acquired Broadband Network to a single ERP platform for running all areas of our business, Solutions business had independently. This is the third from customer orders, to payroll, to inventory, to financial acquisition we consider transformational—the others were our planning. So we know first-hand how important it is to be on a acquisitions of the SYSTIMAX business in 2004 and Andrew single system—and how painful that exercise can be! The BNS Corporation in 2007. Why is BNS a good fit for CommScope? business operated on several different ERP platforms around the globe, so integration of the various business processes and systems into CommScope’s single ERP system—a project led by our world-class IT organization—is one of our top challenges RC: There are numerous reasons, and I’ll touch on a few. during integration. Additionally, the BNS businesses that are Culturally, we are a great match, especially with our intertwined with remaining TE Connectivity businesses and common focus on network infrastructure. BNS also is very locations require a coordinated transition out of TE facilities complementary to CommScope from a scale, technology and and offices. We estimate we will be partially dependent on TE markets-served perspective. BNS shares with us a culture systems and co-locations for at least 18 months post close. of innovation and engineering strength, adding almost 7,000 patents to our portfolio and significantly bolstering our portfolio of fiber solutions. One of the less spoken about advantages is the deep talent pool BNS has brought to CommScope. 6 Is the complexity of integration affecting CommScope’s business? RC: Not in a meaningful way, thanks to the efforts of all those working on it. We knew what we were getting into, and planned for it accordingly. And the long-term benefits of this acquisition and successful integration will prove to be worth it. We’re excited about what lies ahead. What have some of the more rewarding or positive aspects of the integration been? RC: Some of the more meaningful positives for us are the depth CommScope embarked on a “simplification” effort more than a year ago. How has the acquisition and integration affected this? of talent we now have, the common culture both organizations RC: Our “Simply CommScope” initiative is very much alive. share, and that BNS employees have become part of a company In fact, many of our integration activities are feeding into Simply focused on networking and telecommunications. CommScope at the right time. As the name implies, Simply How will the integrated CommScope be better able to serve customers? CommScope is a company-wide, all-hands effort to remove complexity from the company. It is improving the way we do business, the processes we follow, the systems we use, and how we interact within CommScope—and ultimately with our RC: Our expanded portfolio of products and expanded global customers and suppliers. The goal is to make doing business footprint will be a great benefit to customers. Additionally, a with CommScope as easy and fast as possible. After years more effective and coordinated R&D effort will enable us to of organic growth and multiple acquisitions, we are taking provide expanded and improved solutions to more customers. advantage of the opportunity to streamline our systems and What remaining integration activities will take place in 2016? RC: This is a three-year endeavor, so the journey is far from complete. However, we already have accomplished so much, including significant organizational structure changes, staffing decisions, HR and payroll system conversions, product line processes for the benefit of everyone inside and outside of the company. BNS had a similar effort underway, and we’ve combined the initiatives and are aggressively looking at simplification as part of the integration activities. Once the BNS integration is finished, what will success look like? reconciliations, branding and much more. We expect to RC: I don’t think you can ever put an end date on an integration complete the first major phase of our conversion to one ERP process. Changes will always happen when they can lead to system by late 2016, with conversions in additional regions better outcomes. But I do know how I will view success, and that planned to follow soon after. is through customers, employees and stockholders who are very happy with the results of our efforts. Randy Crenshaw Chief Operating Officer 7 How CommScope was Built CommScope has grown tremendously from humble beginnings 40 years ago to its current place as a global leader in network connectivity solutions and one of the most respected, trusted brands in communications infrastructure. The company’s rise has been fueled in part through successful acquisitions. The 2015 addition of TE Connectivity’s Telecom, Enterprise and Wireless businesses was the third transformational acquisition by CommScope in this millennium, joining Avaya Connectivity Solutions (and SYSTIMAX) in 2004 and Andrew Corporation in 2007 as transactions that have propelled CommScope to a higher level. This timeline provides highlights of CommScope’s journey throughout the years—our leadership position of today is built upon a strong track record, great people and an impressive legacy of innovation dating to the 1930s. Dr. Victor J. “Doc” Andrew establishes the Victor J. Andrew, Manufacturing and Consulting Engineer sole proprietorship. 1937 Continental Telephone Company buys Superior Cable Corporation and forms CommScope as a division under the new company, Superior Continental Corporation. 1967 CommScope merges with Valtec Inc., a leader in fiber optic technology, which is later sold to M/A-COM. CommScope later is part of an acquisition by General Instrument. 1977 1986 1953 Superior Cable Corporation founded. 1976 Superior Continental sells the CommScope division to a group of investors headed by Frank Drendel. 1983 CommScope establishes a network cable division for local area network, data communications, television-receive only and specialized wire markets. 1990 CommScope again becomes a division of General Instrument, owned by Forstmann, Little and Company. 1997 CommScope begins trading as an independent company on the New York Stock Exchange. 2000 Avaya and its premier SYSTIMAX brand spin out of Lucent Technologies. AT&T receives SYSTIMAX trademark for its Bell Labs-developed premises distribution system. 1989 Lucent Technologies and the SYSTIMAX brand spin out of AT&T. 1996 TE Connectivity acquires AMP NETCONNECT, a leader in structured cabling solutions for data centers and office networks. 1999 8 Andrew becomes the leading RF subsystem supplier by acquiring Allen Telecom Inc. 2003 ADC acquires KRONE, the industry standard in terminals & blocks for copper connectivity. 2004 2002 Andrew expands into the active components marketplace for wireless subsystems by acquiring Celiant Corporation. 2004 CommScope acquires Avaya’s Connectivity Solutions business and the SYSTIMAX brand, a globally recognized leader in enterprise cabling systems. 2006 CommScope acquires Trilogy’s MC² trunk and distribution cable television products business. CommScope acquires Andrew Corporation, becoming a global leader in radio frequency subsystem solutions for wireless networks. 2007 CommScope becomes privately owned as The Carlyle Group, a global alternative asset manager, acquires CommScope. 2011 CommScope acquires iTRACS Corporation, a global leader in open, enterprise-class data center infrastructure management. 2013 CommScope acquires the Alifabs Cabinets & Ancillaries unit. 2014 CommScope acquires Airvana, a leader in small cell wireless technology. 2015 2010 TE Connectivity acquires ADC, a leader in fiber connectivity and passive optical networks. 2011 CommScope acquires Argus® Technologies, a leading producer of innovative antenna solutions. 2013 CommScope begins trading as an independent company on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. 2015 CommScope acquires TE Connectivity’s Telecom, Enterprise and Wireless businesses. 2016 9 The Future of Networks The pace of change in networking has never been higher. The leaders of CommScope’s two new business units oversee the Consumers and data-driven businesses are to thank for that, as company’s efforts to develop the innovative fiber and wireless demand for bandwidth continues to grow steadily. It is a digital solutions that will support our customers through this network revolution that is dramatically changing all facets of our lives, transformation and help the world realize the promise of an ever- and robust networks of all types are enabling this to happen. connected society. David Redfern, who joined CommScope in the Smartphones, social networks, cloud computing, mobile video BNS acquisition, is senior vice president, Connectivity Solutions, and network-connected “everyday gadgets” are changing how we with responsibility for products and solutions geared towards use connect to each other and creating a future filled with even more in telecommunications, business enterprise, data center, cable promising lifestyle and business innovations. television and residential broadband markets. Ben Cardwell, This requires better network coverage, greater broadband access and increased data storage, creating a distinct need for fiber optic and wireless connectivity. We believe fiber and wireless technologies will be the essential building blocks of virtually all bandwidth-intensive networks of the future. previously CommScope’s leader of global wireless sales, is senior vice president, Mobility Solutions, with responsibility for products and solutions that are used in wireless networks and environments. They explain more about why fiber and wireless are the future of networks. Fiber What is causing the rising demand for fiber and why is it such a key for future networks? David Redfern: It all starts with consumer demand and the need for more bandwidth. The amount of data being consumed in the home, at business and on the go continues to rise at impressive rates. Fiber is the most efficient technology to transport large amounts of data very quickly and reliably. We see fiber as the best technology to meet the needs for today’s and tomorrow’s expanding bandwidth demands. Operators are deploying fiber more extensively in various types of networks to accommodate this bandwidth demand: • In data centers, to address huge increases in traffic driven by cloud computing, video and other content serving, and virtualization. • In distribution networks, to carry more data to an increasingly diverse range of access networks including wireless networks, business and residential broadband networks, and emerging IoT networks. • In access networks, where capabilities must be expanded to meet the changing needs of business subscribers (cloud computing, virtualization), and residential subscribers (content delivery, higher resolution video requirements). • In wireless networks, to carry ever-growing amounts of data traffic between cell sites and the core network that result from our mobile society and increasingly capable mobile devices. • In building networks, to supplement traditional copper-based cabling in supporting the tremendous amounts of data carried over next generation WiFi and indoor cellular infrastructures. • In all networks, due to fiber’s greater power efficiency compared to other network alternatives. DAVID REDFERN 10 What are some of the key trends in fiber networking? Will increasing fiber usage spell the demise of copper-based networks? DR: There are four significant overall trends. First, fiber is being DR: Not necessarily. I believe we will continue to see copper deployed closer to the point of consumption. Second, fiber supplanted by fiber in applications that require very high infrastructure is undergoing changes to increase capacity bandwidth and longer runs. However, there will be a place for through technology and techniques such as wave division copper-based cabling for quite a while. There is a tremendous multiplexing, silicon photonics, and larger cable bundles. installed base of copper cabling and an extensive network of Third, the need to make fiber deployments less complex and technicians and installers with great familiarity in how to work specialized is fueling simplification, making these networks more with it. In addition, there is some capability that copper provides “plug and play” using highly reliable connectors to add capacity that is not available over fiber today, such as powering edge when needed. Lastly, the miniaturization of fiber components devices. Also, technologies such as fiber to the distribution point is providing more options for network deployments through a enables delivery of very high bandwidth to the home, with power provided from the existing copper wiring. We also see ability of power over Ethernet to deliver power to edge devices and make installation simpler. There is ongoing development to make this capability even more powerful. Global IP traffic is projected to nearly triple from 2014 to 2019. (Cisco VNI Global IP Traffic Forecast, 2014–2019) 168.0 135.5 109.0 88.4 72.4 59.9 Exabytes per month smaller equipment footprint. Each trend is driven in large part by the industry’s greater use of fiber optic technology to deliver more bandwidth to customers. Within different portions of the network, we are seeing slight variations of these overall trends. • Access networks: Fiber is being deployed deeper into networks, in many cases connecting directly to homes, businesses, and cell sites. • Data centers: There is a profound shift to fiber for connecting servers, storage, and switches, as well as to the outside world. • Buildings: We are seeing a move to use primarily fiber in the vertical backbone and, in some cases, horizontally along floors/ceilings to connect wireless access points and other edge devices. And, as network intelligence is utilized more and more within so-called “smart” buildings, fiber optics is increasingly needed to carry robust amounts of collected data from the aggregation points to the core network. Finally, as these trends accelerate, higher volumes are driving fiber electronics costs down, which leads to more implementation and, thus, higher data capacities over the networks, enabling even greater consumer usage. Fiber-connected households generate more traffic than households with other broadband. The average FTTH household generated 61 GB per month in 2014 and will generate 120 GB per month in 2019. (Cisco VNI Global IP Traffic Forecast, 2014–2019) 6 0 80 0 2 0 4 B p G 1 0 0 e r mo n 1 2 0 t h FTTx Other 6 0 80 0 2 0 4 B p G 1 0 0 e r mo n 1 2 0 t h 2014 2019 2019 2014 2018 2017 2016 2015 11 What are the top challenges operators face with fiber and how is CommScope addressing these challenges? Are these global trends? DR: Yes, but there are subtle regional differences. Nearly everywhere, the pressure is there to build networks faster and DR: Any new network presents install challenges. I believe with lower total costs. There are often challenges unique to a the top challenge with fiber is the skill required to install and geography, but most of the problems are very similar in nature commission it. Finding and training installers is slow and and can be solved by common global building blocks that are complicated. At CommScope, we have focused on “de-skilling” adapted to the local environment. CommScope uses its global the installation of fiber through techniques such as pre- scale to provide best practices through these building blocks connectorization to speed the deployment of fiber anywhere while also deploying its local relationships to make sure the fit is in the network. This provides the ability to deal with two other right for customers. Some of our customers are more global in top challenges, which is deploying and turning up services nature and are deploying very similar solutions throughout the very quickly when the network is ready, and aligning costs to world. In this case, they count on us to make sure they build their revenues from a timing perspective. networks in a consistent way around the world, but also that it Another key challenge is permitting and finding locations to place equipment, especially as fiber deployments get closer and closer to users. This is where miniaturization of fiber components—a CommScope specialty—plays a strategic, innovative role. meets the local regulations. It also varies by type of customers— we are deeply experienced in helping all types of network operators, from incumbent local operators, to companies building their office networks, to cloud service providers, to wireless carriers, and even to private equity companies that are building FTTH networks as a long term stable infrastructure Of course, there are other challenges such as obtaining investment. access to buildings and existing infrastructure; variability in the environment; and constantly changing technology and the need to stay current with it. All in all, we believe our job is to provide the technology and expertise that simplifies the use of fiber technology in our customers’ networks, wherever they are and whatever the application. With the integration of BNS into CommScope, we believe we are uniquely positioned to address this opportunity through more scale, more geographic coverage, more fiber capabilities, It is forecasted that currently available data storage would only be 15% of what is nessesary in 2020. 2020 more innovation and more experienced, talented people. (IDC, 2014) BNS’ strength in connectorized fiber solutions combined with CommScope’s strength in system-based solutions has created one of the widest and deepest fiber solutions portfolios in the industry. Together, we will continue to innovate so that in the future, fiber-to-the-anything will feature CommScope. 2014 We’ve entered a new industrial revolution: one that is dramatically changing all facets of our lives. In the last decade we have seen: SMART PHONES & TABLETS That have unleashed us from desktop computers. 12 THE RISE OF SOCIAL PLATFORMS to connect colleagues, friends and family worldwide. Rapid growth in CLOUD COMPUTING aided by flexible, mobile user devices NEW NETWORK ELEMENTS beyond phones, to the telecommunications network (e.g. wearables, sensors, etc). BEN CARDWELL Wireless Why is wireless technology considered a key for future networks? Ben Cardwell: The value that mobility has unleashed cannot be understated. The efficiencies gained by working on the move and the better decision-making through instant access to information on the go is amazing. Fiber optics are an enabler of wireless connectivity—both are fundamental to delivering the maximum speed and capacity to people and machines that rely on nearly limitless and on-demand bandwidth to drive the global economy into the future. Wireless technology brings mobile users and machines onto the network (access) while fiber forms the backbone of the network (transport and core). Both technologies must work together such that neither creates bottlenecks for the massive amounts of data that must traverse the network as a whole at any given instant. Where is this network demand coming from? BC: Historically, demand has come from people wanting to communicate or access information. Carriers measured their success in ARPU (average revenue per user). There is a theoretical limit on the number of possible “users,” which equated to the number of people in a market plus a factor for multi-taskers. But that is not the case today. Increasingly, users aren’t just humans—they can be anything from mundane machines to futuristic robots. The network is being used to transport a wide variety of data ranging from bandwidth and latency-intensive medical imaging data to very low bit-rate telemetry data used for asset management. The excitement of this is that there no longer is a limit to the number of connections required for the wireless network – it is literally infinite. The opportunity is seemingly limitless for networking and for CommScope. PB/Month 50000 45000 40000 35000 30000 25000 20000 15000 10000 5000 0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Global smartphone traffic is expected to grow 1100% between 2015 and 2021 (Ericsson, 2015) 13 What are some of the key trends in wireless? BC: Wireless and wireline networks are converging, What are operators struggling with to meet consumer and business demand? optimizing on the best of both. The backbone of the wireless BC: There are four major considerations that affect nearly all network is rapidly becoming fiber-based as user speeds and wireless network deployments: capacity needs increase. Wireless operators now see the access network as critical to support their radio access network and are employing the skill and knowledge available from the wireline industry. Cloud RAN is becoming critical to the next generation, or 5G, wireless network where network efficiency at the RAN and access layers are tantamount. Cloud RAN nodes essentially are fiber aggregation points that enable baseband capacity resources to centrally control a group of hundreds of cell sites in the network. This architecture enables operators to more efficiently distribute capacity to where it is needed on-demand, reduce network latency, and miniaturize the cell site infrastructure. Wireless “cells” are getting smaller. Since the capacity and throughput of any given block of spectrum is finite, wireless operators need to add more and more “cells” to decrease the number of users served by any given cell. In effect, cell splitting and cell densification brings the user or machine closer and closer to the infrastructure. Operating expense considerations are becoming more critical for wireless carriers. Managing the costs of operating an ever- densifying network of cell sites has become highly critical. Operators are looking for cheaper ways to deploy their sites, power them, bring backhaul to them and maintain them. Many new models and seemingly odd partnerships are being formed to remove OpEx barriers, driving operators to team with billboard companies, public utility companies, and municipalities. • Site Acquisition – Densifying networks (adding tens of thousands of small cells and metrocells) means that operators need to find a place to put new equipment. They face challenges with getting zoning approval in already cluttered urban street environments and where citizens perceive telecom equipment as ugly. The challenge is to miniaturize infrastructure so that it can be hidden inside existing street furniture or concealed such that it blends optically into the existing environment. The problem also is one of economics, as operators are typically required to pay “rent” for the use of poles, roof tops, and other street locations owned by utility companies or municipalities. • Power – All small cells and metrocells require power to operate, and getting power to them can be expensive and logistically difficult. Also, backup power is needed if commercial power fails, requiring batteries that take up more space, cost more money, and add a potential urban hazard. • Backhaul – Every new cell requires a high-bandwidth backhaul mechanism. The first choice is always fiber, however it is expensive to run trenches or add overhead lines to the spot they need it. So other alternatives are being explored, such as in-band LTE backhaul, point-to-point microwave, and non-line-of-site (NLOS) microwave. Again, this costs more money and can require bulky equipment that is difficult to zone. • In-building proliferation – Traditional DAS infrastructure continues to be essential in Class A real estate such as large and medium public access venues. However, to many consumers, wireless is the only access method, so providing ubiquitous coverage requires more efficient single operator solutions. Small cell shipments will grow from approximately 2 million in 2014 to approximately 8 million in 2019 (Small Cell Forum, 2015) 2014 2019 55% of small cells deployed will be fed with fiber (Gartner, 2014) 14 Expected Composition of Mobile Data Traffic in 2019 (Wells Fargo, 2016) How is CommScope addressing this? BC: Moving beyond pure RF, CommScope is ideally positioned as the network evolves to 5G where the wireline and wireless networks truly converge. We believe that the acquisition of the BNS business is a catalyst for CommScope to be one of the few companies that define how networks should be architected and deployed. We are developing new portfolios for the future network. We are investing in Cloud RAN nodes that aggregate the radio resource network, the data center capabilities and the fiber bandwidth. This pulls in the strengths from across all of CommScope. Our acquisition of Airvana and its intelligent in-building Cloud RAN small cell solution, OneCell, grows our capabilities to include base band processing. OneCell combined with our ION-E unified wireless infrastructure platform create a robust suite of solutions to serve the small and medium enterprise market segment. Is there a limit to how much bandwidth wireless networks can carry? BC: There is always a limit given that spectrum is scarce and is being outpaced by demand. This is the primary reason that carriers must continually invest in optimizing their current networks for improved performance by eliminating “capacity robbers” such as interference and poorly served areas. They must add capacity to existing cell sites through cell splitting, densify by adding small cells and in-building networks, and optimize through greater network understanding to ensure every user has the capacity needed. There is only so much more that can be done with radio modulation schemes. LTE pushes performance near the limits of physics. So the focus has to be on densifying the network, eliminating interference, aggregating the scarce frequency resources to simultaneously serve bandwidth-hungry users, and finding smarter ways to use spectrum. CommScope is uniquely positioned to address each As wireless networks grow more complex, CommScope is one of these issues. of the few companies able to help customers navigate these challenges. CommScope has the most comprehensive wireless RF portfolio in the industry, global scale, experience, channels and intellectual property. Moving forward, we will look to expand our solutions approach by integrating them more through a factory-based pre-assembly process and by deploying them for our customers through a comprehensive portfolio of field design and deployment services. We also want customers to further benefit from our vast experience in deploying high-performing wireless networks through data analysis that helps operators better understand performance of their networks. We have the scale and a global service model that is unique in the industry, which allows us to lead in serving cost-sensitive emerging markets around the world that are just now starting to deploy LTE. We’ve been involved in the vast majority of LTE deployments to date—our experience and perspective on this technology is hard to match. A major focus going forward will be to optimize products and solutions for these markets, as we focus on value leadership, design for manufacturing, and modularization of our designs. We will continue to lead the evolution of the wireless networks for our customers around the world no matter where they may be in the technology evolution cycle. Expected Composition of Mobile Data Traffic in 2019 (Wells Fargo, 2016) Smartphone and other mobile device data consumption is expected to grow from 5 petabytes/month to 38 PB/month in 2020. (Source: Ericsson, 2015) 2% File Sharing 7% Audio Streaming 19% Web/Data/VoIP 72% Video 15 202020155101520253035CommScope has played a long-standing, how networks are designed, implemented behind your network, with innovative trusted role in providing critical and managed. As consumer expectations technology from the data centers that infrastructure to many of the world’s vital continue to rise, a convergence of comprise the network cloud and out to the and widely-used networks. In fact, helping networking technology is occurring where mobile and fixed network access points customers evolve smoothly and innovatively operators’ control over the edge of their that connect people, homes, businesses, through changes in technologies, standards networks is paramount. In this scenario, public venues and countless devices and and market demands is part of our proud operators also must efficiently manage the items. This illustration represents some of heritage. While we are in the early stages of essential core functions of connectivity, the places you will find CommScope in the the greatest transformation in networking massive data processing, and seamless networks of today. ever, the past 20 years have been a time ubiquitous access from and to the cloud by of continuous change—first, in the way millions of people and perhaps billions of networks are used to connect people and devices. CommScope has never been in devices and, second, in the very essence of a better position to be the trusted partner RESIDENTIAL/MDU OUTDOOR CELL SITE CATV HEADEND CENTRAL OFFICE SMALL CELL OUTSIDE PLANT MICROWAVE BACKHAUL INTELLIGENT BUILDING FIBER TO THE HOME DATA CENTER INDOOR WIRELESS COVERAGE 16 RESIDENTIAL/MDU OUTSIDE PLANT MICROWAVE BACKHAUL OUTDOOR CELL SITE CATV HEADEND CENTRAL OFFICE SMALL CELL FIBER TO THE HOME DATA CENTER INDOOR WIRELESS COVERAGE INTELLIGENT BUILDING 17 01000011011011110110110101101101010100110110001101101111011100000110010100100000011010010111001100100000011011110110111001100101001000000 11011110110011000100000011101000110100001100101001000000111011101101111011100100110110001100100100100100111001100100000011100000111001 0011001010110110101101001011001010111001000100000011011100110010101110100011101110110111101110010011010110010000001101001011011100110011001 110010011000010111001101110100011100100111010101100011011101000111010101110010011001010010000001110000011100100110111101110110011010010110 01000110010101110010011100110010111000100000010101110110010100100000011001010110111001100001011000100110110001100101001000000110000 10110111001100100001000000110010101101101011100000110111101110111011001010111001000100000011011010110000101101110011110010010000001101111 011001100010000001110100011010000110010100100000011101000110111101110000001011010111000001100101011100100110011001101111011100100110110 10110100101101110011001110010000001110111011010010111001001100101011011000110010101110011011100110010110000100000011101000110010101101100 011001010110001101101111011011010110110101110101011011100110100101100011011000010111010001101001011011110110111001110011001011000010000001100 0100111010101110011011010010110111001100101011100110111001100100000011001010110111001110100011001010111001001110000011100100110100101110011 0110010100101100001000000110001001110010011011110110000101100100011000100110000101101110011001000010000001100001011011100110010000 1000000110001101100001011000100110110001100101001000000111010001100101011011000110010101110110011010010111001101101001011011110110111000 100000011011100110010101110100011101110110111101110010011010110111001100100000011010010110111000100000011001010111100001101001011100110010 CommScope at a Glance CommScope Over view - $3.8B ( ) 2015 revenue CommScope is one of the world’s premier network infrastructure providers. We enable and empower many of the top-performing wireless, telecommunications, business enterprise, broadband and cable television networks in existence today. The most advanced networks run on CommScope technology, serving customers in more than 100 nations with more than 20,000 employees through a wide variety of wireless and connectivity solutions. Our size, reach, expertise and operational precision position us to enable the future of communications around the globe. We are delivering more innovation, smarter solutions and greater scale for customers who demand: • More bandwidth and capacity • Better performance and availability • More efficient energy usage • Simpler, faster technology migrations Our culture of innovation is supported by a legacy of excellence. Our experts helped write the standards for nearly every evolution of wired and wireless network technology. CommScope was instrumental in the creation of: • Cable television infrastructure • • • The first wireless networks The first data centers The first intelligent buildings Vital networks around the world run on CommScope solutions. Open for more 18 Wireless - $1.9B ( ) 2015 revenue Segment Description CommScope is a global leader in providing infrastructure for the most advanced wireless networks. CommScope’s Wireless segment portfolio includes the integral building blocks for cellular base station sites; indoor, small cell and distributed antenna wireless systems; and wireless network backhaul planning and optimization products and services. Customers • Wireless network operators • Original equipment manufacturers • Network backhaul operators • Government agencies Business Applications Infrastructure solutions for: • Cellular networks • Indoor wireless coverage & capacity • Specialized coverage and capacity for large-scale events and venues • Metro cells • Network backhaul Representative Products/ Solutions • Outdoor sites: - Base station antenna systems - Microwave antenna systems - Network optimization and testing - Interconnectivity (fiber, hybrid fiber/power & • Indoor coverage and capacity: coaxial feeder cabling; connectors and assemblies) - RF conditioning (amplifiers, filters, diplexers, combiners) - Installation systems (mounts and monopoles) - Metro cell concealment solutions - Design and installation services - Pre-assembled and tested tower top systems - Distributed antenna systems - Small cells - Unified wireless infrastructure - Repeaters, boosters & radiating cabling • Spectrum management consulting & services Significant Brands Industry Drivers • Andrew® • HELIAX® • • Sentinel® • OneCell® ION® • Growth in wireless data consumption • Mobility and wireless requirements in • • Smartphone and tablet adoption Video and photo downloads and sharing • Global deployment of 4G LTE networks enterprise buildings and large public venues • Network coverage needs in tunnels, railways and other hard-to-reach locations 2015 Highlights • Acquired Airvana, a leader in small cell solutions, to extend capabilities in indoor wireless capacity and coverage. • CommScope’s new Optical PIM Tester changes the way operators test for a costly source of interference in advanced wireless networks. • Opened new base station antenna manufacturing • facility in Brno, Czech Republic to help European wireless operators quickly deploy LTE networks. Introduces PowerShift™, a whole new way of managing power to RRUs at macro and micro cell sites. • • Etisalat Group, the leading emerging markets telecommunications group, signed an international frame agreement for CommScope to provide its best-in-class wireless solutions to Etisalat’s operations. Introduced CommScope Metro Cell Concealment Solution, featuring a two-piece design for mounting all the necessary equipment for metro cell operation. • Provided high quality, high capacity wireless coverage at numerous large-scale events and venues. • • Expanded ION-U® low- and high-powered DAS to support the five frequency bands common to Europe. Telecom Italia is the first wireless operator to certify and install the ION-E® unified wireless infrastructure, while Verizon certifies ION-E for use in its network. 19 Enterprise - $864M ( ) 2015 revenue Broadband - $476M ( ) 2015 revenue A global leader in infrastructure solutions that enable businesses and governments to better manage energy, productivity, availability and capacity with greater efficiency in their data centers and buildings. A global leader in fiber optic connectivity and RF infrastructure solutions to support the delivery of advanced broadband services —such as HDTV, high-speed internet, and video on demand —to residential and commercial customers. • Majority of FORTUNE 100 • • Global companies • Large multi-nationals • Governments Small- to mid-sized businesses • Data center owners and operators • Multiple system operators • Broadband service providers • Telecommunications companies Infrastructure solutions for: • Data centers • Indoor wireless • Buildings and campus environments • Business or educational campus environments Infrastructure solutions for: • Fiber-to-the-premise networks • Hybrid fiber coax networks • Network evolution • Data center infrastructure management (DCIM) • Coaxial and fiber optic cable • Purpose-built data center solutions • Conduit and cable-in-conduit • Structured cabling • Residential connectivity (amplifiers, splitters, • Pre-terminated fiber and copper cabling • Intelligent infrastructure management hardware and software drop cable, interconnects) • Access transport solutions • imVision® • CommScope® • GroundSmart® • Data Center On Demand™ • BOS® • • SYSTIMAX® iTRACS® • Big Data • Security • • Internet of Things Energy efficiency • BYOD and mobility • Need for greater • Cloud computing monitoring and management • • • Introduced the SYSTIMAX LazrSPEED® 550 WideBand Multimode Fiber connectivity solution for higher bandwidth in data centers. The University of Montana completed installation of its legacy servers and storage devices within the Data Center on Demand modular data center solution. Stade de France signs CommScope as the official supplier for its telecommunications and IT networks. • Partners with HP to provide iTRACS DCIM platform with HP’s Converged Management Consulting Services. • • Finland-based CSC – IT Center for Science Ltd. deployed the Data Center on Demand (DCoD) modular, purpose-built data center solution from CommScope. Introduces to business partners a new portal and management tool that enables greater collaboration & improved services to customers. 20 • More devices accessing gaming • Mobility and video content from over-the-top video providers • Competition between traditional cable/ telecom companies and new entrants to the service provider business • Need to stream multiple video formats to support the various network end devices • Increased sales of our E2O family of composite construction solutions and of our trunk and distribution coaxial cable, fiber cable and cable-in-conduit solutions because of investment in infrastructure upgrades by several major MSOs. • Continued growth in RF solutions portfolio used for subscriber connections supporting MSO network expansions. • Demonstrated the cable industry’s first DPoE-enabled, 10G Ethernet passive optical network specially manufactured to withstand extended temperature range environments. • Successful cost management programs helped increase profitability. Broadband Network Solutions - $530M ( ) Revenue from August 28, 2015 acquisition to December 31 A leader in fiber optic connectivity in wireline and wireless networks. • Telecommunications carriers • Broadband service providers • Multiple system operators • Governments • Data center owners and operators • Wireless network operators • Global companies Infrastructure solutions for: • Hyperscale and large data centers • Buildings and campus environments • Outside plant • Fiber-to-the-premise networks • Telecom central offices • Telecom: • Enterprise: • Wireless: - - - - FTTx solutions Central office connectivity & equipment Closures, cabinets and terminals Patch panels and frames - - - - Fiber and central office LAN solutions - Distributed antenna systems Outlets, patch cords and panels Data center raceways & cable assemblies Intelligent infrastructure management hardware and software • AMP NETCONNECT® • KRONE® • ADC® • Bandwidth demand • BYOD and mobility • Cloud computing • Regulatory change • Big Data • Network security and reliability • Internet of Things • Becomes part of CommScope in August, operating as a separate unit with businesses supporting Telecom, Enterprise and Wireless DAS markets. Focus on solution development for the world’s largest data centers including the evolution of the Next Generation Frame (NGF) product line with the enhanced high density version and the FACT high density optical distribution frame (ODF). FlexWave digital DAS deployed in Great American Ballpark (Cincinnati) for Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game, at Baku Stadium (Azerbaijan) for the first European Games and along Benjamin Franklin Parkway (Philadelphia) to support crowds during the Pope’s USA visit • • • • • Enhanced the Quareo® Automated Infrastructure Management (AIM) platform to include new Middleware Integration options and an expanded fiber hardware product line to better enable customer insight into their physical layer networks. Launched a full end-to-end solution enabling long distance Power over Ethernet powering for high-definition cameras, Wi-Fi APIs, small cells and other Power-over-Ethernet and PoE+ devices utilizing a hybrid fiber/copper cable and a revolutionary power conversion/extender. • Released a new sealed, high-density fiber distribution hub (FDH) 4000 to reduce space and decrease permitting challenges in fiber- to-the-home deployments Strong momentum in passive optical LAN networks with successful deployments at USDA Forest Service, Park Square at Seven Oaks, and an industry partnership with Zhone Technologies • Introduced fiber indexing architecture that leverages standard building blocks to offer service providers a faster methodology for building fiber-to-the-home networks. 21 UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K (Mark One) È ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 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: 001-36146 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 1100 CommScope Place, SE Hickory, North Carolina (Address of principal executive offices) 27-4332098 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 28602 (Zip Code) (828) 324-2200 (Telephone number) Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Title of each class Name of each exchange on which registered Common Stock, par value $.01 per share Nasdaq Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: NONE Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes È No ‘ 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 ‘ No È 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 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 È No ‘ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes È No ‘ Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. È 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 the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one): Large accelerated filer È Non-accelerated filer ‘ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yes ‘ No È Accelerated filer Smaller reporting company ‘ ‘ The aggregate market value of the shares of Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $3,842 million as of June 30, 2015 (based on the $30.51 closing price on the Nasdaq on that date). For purposes of this computation, shares held by affiliates and by directors and officers of the registrant have been excluded. As of February 8, 2016 there were 191,490,210 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock outstanding. Documents Incorporated by Reference Portions of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference in Part III hereof. [THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK] TABLE OF CONTENTS Part I Item 1. Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 1A. Risk Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 2. Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Legal Proceedings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 3. Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Part II Item 5. Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Selected Financial Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 6. Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Financial Statements and Supplementary Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 8. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Item 9. Disclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 9A. Controls and Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 9B. Other Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Part III Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Executive Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 11. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Item 12. Stockholder Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence . . . . . . . . . . . Principal Accountant Fees and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 14. Page 1 20 34 34 35 35 35 37 39 70 72 129 129 130 131 131 131 131 131 Part IV Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Signatures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132 133 [THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK] PART I Unless the context otherwise requires, references to “CommScope Holding Company, Inc.,” “CommScope,” “the Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” are to CommScope Holding Company, Inc. and its direct and indirect subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. This Annual Report on Form 10-K includes forward-looking statements that are identified by the use of certain terms and phrases including but not limited to “intend,” “goal,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “projections,” “plans,” “anticipate,” “should,” “could,” “designed to,” “foreseeable future,” “believe,” “confident,” “think,” “scheduled,” “outlook,” “guidance” and similar expressions. This list of indicative terms and phrases is not intended to be all-inclusive. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statement was made. Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K sets forth more detailed information about the factors that may cause our actual results to differ, perhaps materially, from the views stated in such forward-looking statements. We are not undertaking any duty or obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect developments or information obtained after the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, except to the extent required by law. ITEM 1. BUSINESS Company Overview We are a leading global provider of infrastructure solutions for communications networks. Our portfolio of network infrastructure includes some of the world’s most robust and innovative wireless and fiber optic solutions. Our talented and experienced global team is driven to help customers increase bandwidth; maximize existing capacity; improve network performance and availability; and simplify technology migration. Our solutions are found in some of the largest buildings, venues and outdoor spaces; in data centers and buildings of all shapes, sizes and complexities; at wireless cell sites; in telecom central offices and cable headends; in fiber- to-the-X (FTTx) deployments; and in airports, trains, and tunnels. Vital networks around the world run on CommScope solutions. We have a team of approximately 23,000 people to serve our customers in over 100 countries through a network of more than 30 world-class manufacturing and distribution facilities strategically located around the globe. Our customers include substantially all of the leading global telecommunication operators as well as thousands of enterprise customers, including many Fortune 500 enterprises, and leading multi-system operators (MSOs). We have long-standing, direct relationships with our customers and serve them through a direct sales force and a global network of channel partners. On August 28, 2015, we completed the acquisition of TE Connectivity’s Broadband Network Solutions (BNS) business in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $3.0 billion. The BNS business provides fiber optic and copper connectivity for wireline and wireless networks and also provides small-cell distributed antenna system (DAS) solutions for the wireless market. For the twelve month period from December 27, 2014 through December 25, 2015, the BNS business generated annual revenues of approximately $1.7 billion. In January 2011, funds affiliated with The Carlyle Group (Carlyle) completed the acquisition of CommScope, Inc., our predecessor. Under the terms of the acquisition, CommScope, Inc. became a wholly-owned subsidiary of CommScope Holding Company, Inc. As of December 31, 2015, Carlyle owned approximately 32% of our outstanding common stock. CommScope Holding Company, Inc. was incorporated in Delaware on October 22, 2010. In 2016, CommScope will celebrate its 40th anniversary serving the needs of communications networks. For the year ended December 31, 2015, our revenues were $3.81 billion and our net loss was $70.9 million, which included $96.9 million of transaction and integration costs, $90.8 million of asset impairment charges and 1 $81.7 million in charges related to purchase accounting. For further discussion of our current and prior year financial results, see Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The table below summarizes our offerings, global leadership positions and 2015 revenue: Solutions Cell-site Solutions Intelligent Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions Data Center Solutions In-building Cellular Solutions Metro Cell Concealment Solutions Broadband Solutions Distributed Antenna Systems and Small Cell Solutions Fiber Optic Connectivity Solutions Antennas (base stations & microwave) Distributed Antenna Systems/In-building Cellular Terminals and Connectors Data Center Infrastructure Management Cables (hybrid, coaxial, optical, twisted pair) Network Design Services Data Center on Demand Filters Fiber Optic Solutions Wireless Enterprise Broadband BNS Global leader in merchant RF wireless network connectivity solutions and DAS solutions Global leader in enterprise connectivity solutions for data centers and commercial buildings Global leader in cables for HFC networks Global leader in fiber optic connectivity for wireline and wireless networks $1,939 $864 $476 $530 Key products and services Operating segments Global market leadership position 2015 Revenue (in millions)(1)(2) (1) Excludes inter-segment eliminations. (2) BNS results are from the acquisition date, August 28, 2015, through December 25, 2015, their fiscal period end. Industry Background We participate in the large and growing global market for connectivity and essential communications infrastructure. This market is being driven by the growth in bandwidth demand associated with the continued adoption of smartphones, tablets, machine-to-machine communication and the proliferation of data centers, Big Data, cloud-based services, streaming media content and the Internet of things (IoT). Telecommunications operators are deploying 4G and fiber optic networks and next-generation network solutions to support the dramatic growth in bandwidth demand. As users consume more data on smartphones, tablets and computers, enterprises are faced with a growing need for higher bandwidth networks, in-building cellular coverage and more robust, efficient and intelligent data centers. MSOs are investing in their networks to deliver a competitive triple- play of services (voice, video and high-speed data) and to maintain service quality. There are a number of major trends that we expect to drive demand for our solutions, including: 2 Carrier Investments in 4G Wireless Infrastructure 4G LTE has been deployed to handle wireless data faster, more reliably and more efficiently than 2G and 3G networks. The faster data rate and lower latency capabilities of LTE networks enable a rich mobile computing experience for users equal to that of a wired connection. LTE networks are more efficient and cost effective for wireless operators because of the architecture in their core and due to improved spectral efficiency, which increases the throughput of data in a fixed amount of spectrum. Wireless operators have been deploying LTE globally and are making the necessary wireless infrastructure investments to accommodate the growing demand for new mobile communication services. LTE investment is expected to continue to be deployed globally over the next decade as the user base continues to shift from older technologies to LTE. As wireless operators deploy LTE, they must manage an increasingly complex and sensitive radio access network (RAN). As a result, we believe wireless operator coverage and capacity investments will drive demand for our comprehensive offerings. While we expect growth in wireless capacity over the long term, annual growth rates can be uneven. Metro Cell, DAS and Small Cell Investment to Enhance and Expand Wireless Coverage and Capacity The traditional macro cell network requires mobile users to connect directly to macro cell base stations. Macro cells are primarily designed to provide coverage over wide areas and typically transmit high power. They are not optimal for dense urban areas where physical structures often create coverage gaps and capacity is frequently constrained. Adding new macro cells or increasing the number of sectors on existing sites has been the traditional way to increase mobile capacity and will continue to be an important layer of the network. As use continues to outpace capacity growth, new solutions are required for densely populated areas. Metro cells and indoor networks are emerging as important layers of the network. Metro cells are smaller cell sites, located closer to the ground, having a lower power level than a traditional macro cell site. Metro cells blend into their environment and are often found integrated with traditional street furniture, which helps alleviate zoning restrictions that have made traditional deployments difficult. Finally there are small cell and DAS solutions that address the capacity and speed requirements from an indoor perspective. These systems provide coverage and capacity to the indoor environment, and reduce the load from the macro and metro layers, which improves the network as a whole. Small cell and DAS systems may range from small single operator, single-band, low capacity systems to large multi-carrier, multi-technology, multi-band, high capacity environments. Wireless operators view in-building coverage as a critical component of their network deployment strategies. Key challenges for wireless operators in providing in-building cellular coverage are signal loss while penetrating building structures and interference created by mobile devices while connected to macro cell sites from inside a building. In-building DAS solutions bring the antenna significantly closer to the user, which results in better coverage and capacity while simultaneously reducing interference. Additionally, in-building DAS provides seamless signal handover for users inside buildings and can support multi-operator, multi-frequency and multi- protocol (2G, 3G, 4G) solutions. In contrast, small cells are small, self-contained radio units that provide single frequency and single-provider service to a relatively small area, similar to a Wi-Fi access point. The benefits of small cell technologies are becoming increasingly important with the trend towards BYOD (bring your own device) in the enterprise market. Operators also commonly use traditional DAS solutions to address outdoor capacity issues in urban areas, deploying them in effect as metro cells. This urban network capacity issue can be solved by deploying multi- band, multi-technology solutions to create small coverage re-use areas. Re-use of spectrum allows wireless operators to optimize capacity of existing licensed spectrum by significantly increasing repeated usage of the same frequencies within a defined coverage area. 3 FTTx Deployments Residential and business bandwidth consumption continues to grow substantially. As a result, many operators are installing fiber deeper into their networks to increase capacity. The proliferation of and over-the-top video, multiscreen viewing, cloud services and social media are prompting operators to accelerate their plans for fiber deployment. While the devices consumers use are increasingly connected to the network via a wireless connection such as LTE or Wi-Fi, these wireless access points must have abundant backhaul capacity available to allow the consumer the experience they expect. From increased deployments of Fiber to the Node (FTTN), Fiber to the Premises (FTTP), and Fiber to the Distribution Point (FTTdP), operators around the world are deploying next generation networks. These networks use the capabilities of fiber to enable consumers access to the content they are looking for at higher speeds and with lower latency. Growth in Data Center Spending Organizations are increasingly investing in data centers to provide products and services to individuals and businesses. Data center investment is driven by the increase in demand for computing power and improved network performance, which is greatest for large enterprise data centers and cloud service providers. We expect there to be growing demand for scalable, flexible data center solutions. An increase in average data center size and the number of assets in a data center significantly raises the total cost of ownership and the complexity of managing data center infrastructure. Data center operators strive to manage their resources efficiently and to reduce energy consumption by monitoring all elements within the data center. Data center infrastructure management (DCIM) software helps operators improve operational efficiency, maximize capability and reduce costs by providing clear insight into cooling capacity, power usage, utilization, applications and overall performance. Transition to Intelligent Buildings Business enterprises are managing the proliferation of wireless devices, the impact of cloud computing and emergence of wireless and wired business applications. This increasing complexity creates the need for infrastructure to support growing bandwidth requirements, in-building cellular coverage and capacity and software that monitors the physical layer. These enterprises are also investing in communications and building automation systems to enhance energy efficiency, improve productivity and increase comfort. These intelligent building infrastructure solutions often include integrated network software and small cell or DAS. Strategy We believe the BNS acquisition will accelerate our strategy to drive profitable growth by expanding our business into attractive adjacent markets and to broaden our position as a leading communications infrastructure provider. We believe the transaction positions us for future growth and value creation by creating a company with leading positions across diverse and growing segments and geographies, significantly expanding our platform for innovative solutions, creating complementary market opportunities and offering significant synergy opportunities and a strong financial profile. We believe the combination of this business with ours places us at the core of key secular growth trends in the markets we serve. It is our strategy to capitalize on these opportunities and to: Integrate BNS and CommScope Effectively and Quickly We plan to establish a streamlined organizational structure to maximize our team’s talents and market opportunities, manage change effectively with our employees and customers and execute timely systems integrations. We expect to realize at least $175 million of annual cost synergies by 2018 through the integration of BNS. 4 Continue Product Innovation We plan to build on our legacy of innovation and on our worldwide portfolio of patents and patent applications by continuing to invest in research and development. We expect to establish a steady long-term stream of innovative and industry-leading infrastructure solutions for customers through significant investment in research and development. Technological innovation such as our base station antenna technology, DAS, small cell and intelligent enterprise infrastructure solutions build upon our leadership positions by providing new, high- performance communications infrastructure solutions for our customers. Enhance Sales Growth We expect to capitalize on our scale, market position and broad offerings to generate growth opportunities by: • • • Offering existing products and solutions into new geographies. For example, we have recently strengthened sales channels in India and China, thereby positioning us favorably for Enterprise growth in these markets. Cross-selling our offerings into new markets. We intend to build upon our RF technology expertise with small cell and DAS solutions to continue to develop in-building cellular solutions for enterprises, and we will continue to look for complementary opportunities to cross-sell our offerings. Continuing to drive solutions offerings. We intend to focus on selling solution offerings to our customers consistent with their evolving needs, thereby enhancing our position as a strategic partner to our customers. With the addition of the robust fiber portfolio of the BNS business, we have the opportunity to broaden our range of solutions. • Making strategic acquisitions. We have a disciplined approach to evaluating and executing complementary and strategic acquisitions and successfully integrating those acquisitions. Continue to Enhance Operational Efficiency and Cash Flow Generation We continuously pursue strategic initiatives aimed at optimizing our resources by reducing manufacturing and distribution costs and lowering our overall cost structure. We believe that we have a strong track record of improving operational efficiency and successfully executing on formalized annual profit improvement plans, cost-savings initiatives and modest working capital improvements to drive future profitability and cash flows. We intend to utilize the cash that we generate to invest in our business, make strategic acquisitions and reduce our indebtedness. Operating Segments Following the BNS acquisition, management operated and managed the Company in the following four reportable segments: Wireless, Enterprise, Broadband and Broadband Network Solutions (BNS). Management is re-evaluating reportable segments as a result of the on-going integration of the BNS business. The results of the BNS segment are included in our consolidated results of operations from the date of acquisition, August 28, 2015, through December 25, 2015 (the fiscal period end for BNS). Through our Andrew brand, we are a global leader in providing merchant RF wireless network connectivity solutions and small cell DAS solutions. Through our SYSTIMAX, Uniprise and AMP NETCONNECT brands, we are a global leader in enterprise connectivity solutions, delivering a complete end-to-end physical layer solution, including connectivity and cables, enclosures, data center and network intelligence software, in-building wireless and network design services for enterprise applications and data centers. We are a premier manufacturer of coaxial and fiber optic cable for residential broadband networks globally. We are also a global leader in fiber optic connectivity for wireline and wireless networks. 5 Net revenues are distributed among the four segments as follows: Wireless Enterprise Broadband BNS Total Wireless Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 50.9% 64.5% 62.5% 22.2 22.7 13.3 12.5 — 13.9 23.7 13.8 — 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% We are a global leader in providing merchant RF wireless network connectivity solutions and small cell and DAS solutions to enable carriers’ 2G, 3G and 4G networks. Our solutions, marketed primarily under the Andrew brand, enable wireless operators to deploy macro cell site, metro cell site, DAS and small cell solutions to meet a network’s coverage and capacity requirements. We focus on all aspects of the Radio Access Network (RAN) from the macro through the metro to the indoor layer. Our macro cell site solutions can be found at wireless tower sites and on rooftops and include base station antennas, microwave antennas, hybrid fiber-feeder and power cables, coaxial cables, connectors and filters. Our metro cell solutions can be found outdoors on street poles and on other urban structures and include RF delivery and connectivity solutions, equipment housing and concealment. These fully integrated outdoor systems consist of specialized antennas, filters/combiners, backhaul solutions, intra-system cabling and power distribution, all minimized to fit an urban environment. Our small cell and DAS solutions are primarily comprised of distributed antenna systems and distributed cell solutions that allow wireless operators to increase spectral efficiency and thereby extend and enhance cellular coverage and capacity in challenging network conditions such as commercial buildings, urban areas, stadiums and transportation systems. Our macro cell site, metro cell site, DAS and small cell solutions establish us as a global leader in RF infrastructure solutions for wireless operators and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). We provide a one- stop source for managing the technology lifecycle of a wireless network, including complete physical layer infrastructure solutions for 2G, 3G and 4G. Our comprehensive solutions include products for every major wireless protocol and allow wireless network operators to operate across multiple frequency bands, reduce cost, achieve faster data rates and accelerate migration to the latest wireless technologies. Our wireless solutions are built using a modular approach, which has allowed us to leverage our core technology across generations of networks and mitigate technology risk. We provide a complete portfolio of RF infrastructure, and we are recognized for our leading technologies, comprehensive product portfolio and global scale. To expand our Wireless segment offerings, in late 2015, we acquired the operations of Airvana LP (Airvana), a leader in small cell solutions. This acquisition expanded our leadership and capabilities in providing indoor wireless capacity and coverage. The combination of Airvana’s innovative small cell offerings and our industry- leading DAS portfolio enables us to provide a broader range of solutions, addressing single-operator, single- band, low capacity environments all the way through multi-carrier, multi-technology, multi-band, high capacity environments. In 2014 we acquired two businesses of United Kingdom-based Alifabs Group (Alifabs). Alifabs designs and supplies metro cell enclosures, monopoles, smaller streetworks towers and tower solutions for the United Kingdom telecommunications, utility and energy markets. We plan to leverage our sales and distribution networks to expand the services and solutions offering for Alifabs’ products across Europe. Enterprise We are a global leader in enterprise connectivity solutions for data centers and commercial buildings, comprised of voice, video, data and converged solutions that support mission-critical, high-bandwidth applications, 6 including storage area networks, streaming media, data backhaul, cloud applications and grid computing. These comprehensive solutions, sold primarily under the SYSTIMAX and Uniprise brands, include optical fiber and twisted pair structured cable solutions, intelligent infrastructure software, network rack and cabinet enclosures, modular data centers and network design services. Our Enterprise connectivity solutions deliver data speeds up to 100 gigabits per second (Gbps). We integrate our structured cabling, connectors, in-building cellular solutions and network intelligence capabilities to create physical layer solutions that enable voice, video and data communication and building automation. We use proprietary modeling and simulation techniques to optimize networks to provide performance that exceeds established standards. Our network design services and global network of partners offer customers custom, turnkey network solutions that are tailored to each customer’s unique requirements. We complemented our leading physical layer offerings during 2013 through the acquisition of iTRACS Corporation (iTRACS), a leading provider of DCIM software, with unique network intelligence capabilities that complements our data center offerings. We maintain a leading global market position in enterprise connectivity and network intelligence for data center and commercial buildings due to our differentiated technology, long-standing relationships with customers and channel partners, strong brand recognition, premium product features and the performance and reliability of our solutions. We also believe our global Enterprise sales channel and industry-leading DAS solutions uniquely position us to address the wireless operator and business owner’s desire for ubiquitous in-building cellular coverage. Broadband We are a global leader in providing cable and communications products that support the multichannel video, voice and high-speed data services provided by MSOs. We believe we are the leading global manufacturer of coaxial cable for hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) networks and a leading supplier of fiber optic cable for North American MSOs. The Broadband segment is our most mature business, and we expect demand for Broadband products to continue to be influenced by the ongoing maintenance requirements of cable networks, competition between cable providers and wireless operators and the residential construction market activity in North America. We are focused on improving the profitability and efficiency of this segment through improving utilization of our factories, rationalizing our product portfolio and other cost reduction initiatives. However, we believe that the increasing demand for fiber in broadband networks in combination with the addition of the BNS portfolio of fiber solutions will provide new opportunities for growth over the longer-term. BNS The BNS segment provides fiber-optic and copper connectivity solutions for telecom and enterprise markets as well as DAS solutions for the wireless market. The connectivity solutions offered by our BNS segment include FTTx solutions, data center solutions and central office connectivity and equipment, all of which include a robust portfolio of fiber optic connectors. Additional connectivity solutions offered by our BNS segment include fiber management systems, patch cords and panels, complete cabling systems and cable assemblies for use in office, data center, factory and residential applications. The wireless market solutions offered by our BNS segment include radio frequency distribution and distributed antenna systems to enhance wireless coverage and capacity. 7 Products Solutions Offering Cell site solutions Description Metro cell concealment solutions Small cell and DAS solutions Fiber optic connectivity solutions Our cell site solutions can be found at wireless tower sites and on rooftops and include base station antennas, microwave antennas, hybrid fiber-feeder and power cables, coaxial cables, connectors and filters. Our metro cell solutions include RF delivery, equipment housing and concealment. The fully integrated outdoor systems include specialized antennas, filters/combiners, intra-system cabling and power distribution in a minimalistic, concealment form factor. These solutions facilitate site acquisition and improve RF network performance in the metro area while minimizing interference with the macro layer. Furthermore they expedite construction and enable faster zoning approvals. Our small cell and DAS solutions allow wireless operators to increase spectral efficiency, thereby extending and enhancing cellular coverage and capacity in challenging network conditions such as urban areas, commercial buildings, stadiums and transportation systems. Our Airvana acquisition expanded our leadership and capabilities in providing indoor wireless capacity and coverage. Our fiber optic connectivity solutions are primarily comprised of fiber optic connectors, splices, splice closures, fiber management systems, high density cable assemblies, couplers and splitters, and complete cabling systems. These products find use in both local-area and wide- area networks and “last-mile” fiber-to-the-home installations. Intelligent enterprise infrastructure solutions Data Center solutions Our intelligent enterprise infrastructure solutions, sold primarily under the SYSTIMAX, Uniprise and AMP NETCONNECT brands, include optical fiber and twisted pair structured cable solutions, intelligent infrastructure software, network rack and cabinet enclosures and network design services. We have complemented our leading physical layer solution offerings with the introduction of modular data centers (Data Center on Demand) and the addition of iTRACS, a leading provider of DCIM software, which provides unique network intelligence capabilities. 8 Solutions Offering Description Broadband MSO solutions We provide a broad portfolio of cable solutions including fiber-to-the- home equipment and headend solutions for MSOs. Manufacturing and Distribution We develop, design, fabricate, manufacture and assemble many of our products and solutions in-house at our facilities located around the world. We have strategically located our manufacturing and distribution facilities to provide superior service levels to customers. We have utilized lower cost geographies for high labor content products while investing in largely automated plants in higher cost regions close to customers. Currently, more than half of our manufacturing employees are located in lower-cost geographies such as China, Mexico, India and the Czech Republic. We continually evaluate and adjust operations to improve service, lower cost and improve the return on our capital investments. In addition, we utilize contract manufacturers for many of our product groups, including certain cabinets, power amplifiers and filter products. We believe that we have enough production capacity in place today to support current business levels and expected growth with modest capital investments. Research and Development Research and development is important to preserve our position as a market leader and to provide the most technologically advanced solutions in the marketplace. We have invested more than $120 million in research and development in each of the last three years and we expect that investment to increase in future years with the addition of the BNS business. Our major research and development activities relate to ensuring our wireless products can meet our customers’ changing needs and to developing new enterprise structured-cabling solutions as well as improved functionality and more cost-effective designs for cables and apparatus. Many of our professionals maintain a presence in standards-setting organizations which helps ensure that our products can be formulated to achieve broad market acceptance. Customers Our customers include substantially all of the leading global telecom operators as well as thousands of enterprise customers, including many Fortune 500 enterprises, and leading cable television providers or MSOs, which we serve both directly and indirectly. Major customers and distributors include companies such as Anixter International Inc., AT&T Inc., Verizon Communications Inc., Comcast Corporation, T-Mobile US, Inc., Graybar Electric Company Inc., Ericsson Inc., Alcatel-Lucent SA, Ooredoo and Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. We support our global sales organization with regional service centers in locations around the world. Products from our Wireless segment are primarily sold directly to wireless operators, to OEMs that sell equipment to wireless operators or to other service providers that deploy elements of wireless networks at the direction of wireless operators. Our customer service and engineering groups maintain close working relationships with these customers due to the significant amount of design and customization associated with some of these products. Direct sales to our top three Wireless segment customers represented 14% of our consolidated net sales for the year ended December 31, 2015 and 19% of our consolidated net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014. Sales to our top three OEM customers represented 6% and 8% of our consolidated net sales for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. No direct Wireless segment customer accounted for 10% or more of our consolidated net sales for the years ended December 31, 2015 or 2014. 9 The Enterprise segment has a dedicated sales team that generates customer demand for our solutions, which are sold to thousands of end customers primarily through independent distributors, system integrators and value- added resellers. Direct sales of Enterprise products to our top three Enterprise segment customers, all of whom are distributors, represented 15% of our consolidated net sales for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. Net sales to our largest distributor, Anixter International Inc. and its affiliates (Anixter), accounted for 12% and 11% of our consolidated net sales for the years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Broadband segment products are primarily sold directly to cable television system operators. Although we sell to a wide variety of customers dispersed across many different geographic areas, sales to our three largest domestic broadband customers represented 7% and 6% of our consolidated net sales for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Telecom products from our BNS segment are primarily sold directly to broadband operators or to service providers that deploy broadband networks at the direction of broadband operators around the world. Enterprise products from our BNS segment are sold to thousands of end customers primarily through independent distributors, system integrators and value-added resellers. Wireless products from our BNS segment are primarily sold directly to wireless operators, to OEMs that sell equipment to wireless operators or to other service providers that deploy elements of wireless networks at the direction of wireless operators. Direct sales of BNS products to our top three BNS segment customers represented 3% of our consolidated net sales for the year ended December 31, 2015. We generally have no minimum purchase commitments with any of our distributors, system integrators, value- added resellers, wireless operators or OEM customers, and our contracts with these parties do not prohibit them from purchasing or offering products or services that compete with ours. While we maintain long-term relationships with these parties and have not historically lost key customers, we have experienced variability in the level of purchases by our key customers, and any significant reduction in sales to these customers, including as a result of the inability or unwillingness of these customers to continue purchasing our products, or their failure to properly manage their business with respect to the purchase of and payment for our products, could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. See Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors”. We employ a global manufacturing and distribution strategy to control production costs and improve service to customers. We support our international sales efforts with sales representatives based in Europe, Latin America, Asia and other regions throughout the world. Our net sales from international operations were $1.9 billion, $1.7 billion and $1.6 billion for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. Patents and Trademarks We pursue an active policy of seeking intellectual property protection, namely patents and registered trademarks, for new products and designs. On a worldwide basis, we held approximately 10,000 patents and patent applications and approximately 3,000 registered trademarks and trademark applications as of December 31, 2015. We consider our patents and trademarks to be valuable assets, and while no single patent is material to our operations as a whole, we believe the CommScope, Andrew, SYSTIMAX, Heliax and AMP NETCONNECT, trade names and related trademarks are critical assets to our business. We intend to rely on our intellectual property rights, including our proprietary knowledge, trade secrets and continuing technological innovation, to develop and maintain our competitive position. We will continue to protect our key intellectual property rights. Backlog and Seasonality At December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we had an order backlog of $572 million and $479 million, respectively. Orders typically fluctuate from quarter to quarter based on customer demand and general business conditions. Our backlog includes only orders that are believed to be firm. In some cases, unfilled orders may be canceled prior to shipment of goods, but cancellations historically have not been material. However, our current order backlog may not be indicative of future demand. 10 Due to the variability of shipments under large contracts, customers’ seasonal installation considerations and variations in product mix and in profitability of individual orders, we can experience significant quarterly fluctuations in sales and operating income. Our operating performance is typically weaker during the first and fourth quarters and stronger during the second and third quarters. These variations are expected to continue in the future. Consequently, it may be more meaningful to focus on annual rather than interim results. Competition The market for our products is highly competitive and subject to rapid technological change. We encounter significant domestic and international competition across all segments of our business. Our competitors include large, diversified companies – some of whom have substantially more assets and greater financial resources than we do – as well as small to medium-sized companies. We also face competition from less diversified companies that have concentrated their efforts in one or more areas of the markets we serve. Our competitors include Amphenol Corporation, Belden Inc., Berk-Tek (a company of Nexans S.A.), Comba Telecom Systems Holding Ltd., Corning Incorporated, Emerson Electric Co., Ericsson Inc., Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., JMA Wireless, KATHREIN-Werke KG, Nokia, Panduit Corp., RFS (a division of Alcatel-Lucent SA), SOLiD Technologies and SpiderCloud Wireless, Inc. We compete primarily on the basis of delivering solutions, product specifications, quality, price, customer service and delivery time. We believe that we differentiate ourselves in many of our markets based on our market leadership, global sales channels, intellectual property, strong reputation with our customer base, the scope of our product offering, the quality and performance of our solutions and our service and technical support. Competitive Strengths We believe the following competitive strengths have been instrumental to our success and position us well for future growth and strong financial performance. Global Market Leadership Position We are a global leader in connectivity and essential infrastructure solutions for communications networks, and we believe we hold leading market positions across our segments. Since our founding in 1976, CommScope has been a leading brand in connectivity solutions for communications networks. In the wireless industry, Andrew is one of the world’s most recognized brands and a global leader in RF solutions for wireless networks. In the enterprise market, SYSTIMAX, Uniprise and AMP NETCONNECT are recognized as global market leaders in enterprise connectivity solutions for business enterprise and data center applications. Global Scale and Manufacturing Footprint Our global manufacturing footprint and worldwide sales force give us significant scale within our addressable markets. We believe our scale and stability make us an attractive strategic partner to our large global customers, and we have been repeatedly recognized by key customers for these attributes. In addition, our ability to leverage our core competencies across our business coupled with our successful track record of operational efficiencies has allowed us to improve our margins and cash flows while continuing to invest in research and development and acquisitions targeting new products and new markets. Our manufacturing and distribution facilities are strategically located to optimize service levels and product delivery times. We also utilize lower-cost geographies for high labor content products and largely automated plants in higher-cost regions. Currently, more than half of our manufacturing employees are located in lower-cost geographies such as China, Mexico, India and the Czech Republic. Our dynamic manufacturing and distribution organization allows us to: • flex our capacity to meet market demand and expand our market position; 11 • • provide high customer service levels due to proximity to the customer; and effectively integrate acquisitions and capitalize on related synergies. Differentiated Solutions Supported by Ongoing Innovation and Significant Proprietary Intellectual Property (IP) Our integrated solutions for wireless, enterprise, fiber optic and broadband networks are differentiated in the marketplace and are a significant global competitive advantage. We have invested more than $120 million in research and development in each of the last three years. We have also added significant IP and innovation through acquisitions, such as Airvana, which expanded our leadership and capabilities in providing indoor wireless capacity and coverage and Argus Technologies (Argus), which enhanced our next-generation base station antenna technology. Our ongoing innovation, supported by proprietary IP and technology know-how, has allowed us to sustain this competitive advantage. The transformational BNS acquisition substantially expanded our foundation of innovation with the addition of BNS’s approximately 7,000 patents and patent applications worldwide. Further, BNS’s leading fiber technology will help us better address a transition to fiber deployments deeper into networks and data centers as consumers and businesses generate increasing bandwidth requirements. With these new innovative solutions, we expect to solve more customer communications challenges, while providing greater opportunities to our business partners. • • • Integrated solutions. Our wireless network offerings include complete connectivity solutions supporting 2G, 3G and 4G wireless technologies for both macro and metro, as well as DAS and small cell sites. We are able to provide a complete portfolio of integrated RF solutions from the output of the base station (or baseband processor) at the bottom of the tower to the antenna at the top of the tower. In the enterprise market, we deliver a comprehensive solution including connectivity and cables, enclosures, network intelligence software and network design services. In the FTTx market, we are able to offer end-to-end solutions including connectors, cabling, splice closures and fiber management systems. Our ability to provide integrated connectivity solutions for wireless, enterprise, fiber optic and broadband networks makes us a value-added solutions provider to our customers and gives us a significant competitive advantage. Strong design capabilities and technology know-how. We have a long tradition of developing highly engineered connectivity solutions, demonstrating superior performance across various generations of networks. Our ongoing focus on engineering innovation has enabled us to create high quality products that are reliable, have a desirable form factor and enable our customers to optimize the performance, flexibility, installation time, energy consumption and space requirements of their network deployments. Significant proprietary IP. Our proven record of innovation and decades of experience creating market- leading technology products are evidenced by our approximately 10,000 patents and patent applications, as well as our approximately 3,000 registered trademarks and trademark applications, worldwide. Our significant proprietary IP, when combined with our deep engineering expertise, allows us to create industry defining solutions for customers around the world. Established Sales Channels and Customer Relationships We serve customers in over 100 countries and have become a trusted advisor to many of them through our industry expertise, quality, technology and long-term relationships. These factors enable us to provide mission- critical connectivity solutions that our customers need to build high-performing communication networks. Our customers include substantially all of the leading global telecom operators as well as thousands of enterprise customers, including many Fortune 500 enterprises, and leading cable television providers or MSOs. We are a key merchant supplier within the wireless infrastructure market and enjoy established sales channels across all geographies and technologies. Our long-standing relationships with telecommunication operators enable us to work closely with them in providing highly customized solutions that are aligned with their technology roadmaps. We have a global Enterprise segment sales force with sales representatives based in North America, 12 Europe, Latin America, Asia and other regions, and an extensive global network of channel partners including independent distributors, system integrators and value-added resellers. Our Enterprise segment sales force has direct relationships with our Enterprise customers and generates demand for our products, with sales fulfilled primarily through channel partners. Our direct sales force and channel partner relationships give us extensive reach and distribution capabilities to customers globally. Our Broadband segment products are primarily sold directly to MSOs with whom we have long-standing relationships. Proven Management Team with Record of Operational Excellence and Successful M&A Integration We have a strong track record of organically growing market share, establishing leadership positions in new markets, managing cash flows, delivering profitable growth across multiple economic cycles and integrating large and small acquisitions. Our senior management team has an average of more than 20 years of experience in connectivity solutions for the communications infrastructure industry. We have a history of strong operating cash flow and have generated approximately $1.2 billion in cumulative operating cash flow over the last five fiscal years. Our strong cash flow profile has allowed us to continue to invest in innovative research and development, pursue strategic acquisitions, repay debt and return cash to stockholders prior to our initial public offering in 2013 (the IPO). We continuously pursue strategic initiatives aimed at optimizing our resources, reducing manufacturing and distribution costs and lowering our overall cost structure. Throughout our history, we have successfully complemented our strong organic growth with strategic acquisitions. While we are early in the process of integrating BNS, our management team has effectively integrated other large acquisitions, such as Andrew Corporation in 2007 and Avaya Connectivity Solutions in 2004, as well as executed tuck-in acquisitions, such as Argus, iTRACS and Alifabs, to help expand our market opportunities and continue to solve our customers’ business challenges in multiple growth areas. We have also made strategic minority investments in order to gain access to key technologies or capabilities. Raw Materials Our products are manufactured or assembled from both standard components and parts that are unique to our specifications. Our internal manufacturing operations are largely process oriented and we use significant quantities of various raw materials, including copper, aluminum, steel, brass, plastics and other polymers, fluoropolymers, bimetals and optical fiber, among others. We use significant volumes of copper, aluminum, steel and polymers in the manufacture of coaxial and twisted pair cables and antennas. Other parts are produced using processes such as stamping, machining, molding and pressing from metals or plastics. Portions of the requirements for these materials are purchased under supply arrangements where some portion of the unit pricing may be indexed to commodity market prices for these metals. We may, from time to time, enter into forward purchase commitments for a specific commodity to mitigate our exposure to price changes for a portion of our anticipated purchases. Certain of the raw materials utilized in our products may only be available from a limited number of suppliers. We may, therefore, encounter availability issues and/or significant price increases. Our profitability may be materially affected by changes in the market price of our raw materials, most of which are linked to the commodity markets. Prices for copper, aluminum, fluoropolymers and certain other polymers derived from oil and natural gas have fluctuated substantially during the past several years. As a result, we have adjusted our prices for certain Wireless, Enterprise and Broadband segment products and may have to adjust prices again in the future. Delays in implementing price increases, failure to achieve market acceptance of price increases, or price reductions in response to a rapid decline in raw material costs, could have a material adverse impact on the results of our operations. In addition, some of our products are assembled from specialized components and subassemblies manufactured by suppliers. We are dependent upon sole suppliers for certain key components for some of our products. If these 13 sources were not able to provide these components in sufficient quantity and quality on a timely and cost efficient basis, it could materially impact our results of operations until another qualified supplier is found. We believe that our supply contracts and our supplier contingency plans mitigate some of this risk. Environment We are subject to various federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations governing, among other things, discharges to air and water, management of regulated materials, handling and disposal of solid and hazardous waste, and investigation and remediation of contaminated sites. In addition, we are or may be subject to laws and regulations regarding the types of substances allowable in certain of our products and the handling of our products at the end of their useful life. Because of the nature of our business, we have incurred and will continue to incur costs relating to compliance with or liability under these environmental laws and regulations. In addition, new laws and regulations, new or different interpretations of existing laws and regulations, the discovery of previously unknown contamination or the imposition of new remediation or discharge requirements, could require us to incur costs or become the basis for new or increased liabilities that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. For example, the European Union has issued Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS 2), Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and restriction of Chemicals (REACH) and Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive 2012/19/EU (WEEE) regulating the manufacture, use and disposal of electrical goods and chemicals. If we do not comply with these and similar laws in other jurisdictions or sufficiently increase prices or otherwise reduce costs to offset the increased cost of compliance, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Efforts to regulate emissions of GHGs, such as carbon dioxide, are underway in the U.S. and other countries which could increase the cost of raw materials, production processes and transportation of our products. If we are unable to comply with such regulations or sufficiently increase prices or otherwise reduce costs to offset the increased costs of compliance, GHG regulation could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. Certain environmental laws impose strict and in some circumstances joint and several liability (that could result in an entity paying more than its fair share) on current or former owners or operators of a contaminated property, as well as companies that generated, disposed of or arranged for the disposal of hazardous substances at a contaminated property, for the costs of investigation and remediation of the contaminated property. Our present and past facilities have been in operation for many years and over that time, in the course of those operations, hazardous substances and wastes have been used, generated and disposed of at such facilities and investigation and remediation projects are underway at a few of these sites. There can be no assurance that the contractual indemnifications we have received from prior owners and operators of certain of these facilities will continue to be honored. In addition, we have disposed of waste products either directly or through third parties at numerous disposal sites, and from time to time we have been and may be held responsible for investigation and clean-up costs at these sites where those owners and operators have been unable to remain in business. Also, there can be no guarantee that new environmental requirements or changes in their enforcement or the discovery of previously unknown conditions will not cause us to incur additional costs for environmental matters which could be material. Employees As of December 31, 2015, we had a team of approximately 23,000 people to serve our customers worldwide. The majority of our employees are located outside of the United States. As a matter of policy, we seek to maintain good relations with our employees at all locations. We are not subject to any collective bargaining agreements in the United States. A significant portion of our international employees are members of unions or subject to workers’ councils or similar statutory arrangements. From a companywide perspective, we believe that our relations with our employees and unions or workers’ councils are satisfactory though we have experienced challenges in certain countries and may encounter more such challenges in the future. Historically, periods of labor unrest or work stoppage have not had a material impact on our operations or results. 14 Available Information Our website (www.commscope.com) contains frequently updated information about us and our operations. Our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q, Form 8-K and Proxy Statements and all amendments to those reports can be viewed and downloaded free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable after the reports and amendments are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC by accessing www.commscope.com and clicking on Investors and then clicking on SEC Filings. The information contained on or incorporated by reference to our website is not a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. SEC Certifications The certifications by the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, required under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the Sarbanes-Oxley Act), have been filed as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Executive Officers and Directors of the Registrant The following table provides information regarding our executive officers and Board of Directors: Name Age Position Marvin (Eddie) S. Edwards, Jr. Randall W. Crenshaw Mark A. Olson Peter U. Karlsson Frank (Burk) B. Wyatt, II Philip M. Armstrong, Jr. Robert W. Granow Joanne L. Townsend Frank M. Drendel Austin A. Adams Campbell (Cam) R. Dyer Stephen (Steve) C. Gray L. William (Bill) Krause Joanne M. Maguire Thomas J. Manning Claudius (Bud) E. Watts IV Timothy T. Yates Marvin (Eddie) S. Edwards, Jr. President, Chief Executive Officer and Director 67 58 Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer 57 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 52 53 54 58 Senior Vice President, Global Sales Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary Senior Vice President, Corporate Finance Senior Vice President, Corporate Controller and Principal Accounting Officer Senior Vice President, Human Resources 62 71 Director and Chairman of the Board 72 Director 42 Director 57 Director 73 Director 62 Director 60 Director 54 Director 68 Director Mr. Edwards became our President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of our Board of Directors following the acquisition of CommScope, Inc. by Carlyle in January 2011 (the Carlyle acquisition). From January 1, 2010 to the Carlyle acquisition, Mr. Edwards was our President and Chief Operating Officer. Prior to that, Mr. Edwards served as our Executive Vice President of Business Development and General Manager, Wireless Network Solutions since the closing of the Andrew acquisition in 2007. Prior to the Andrew acquisition, he served as our Executive Vice President of Business Development and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of our wholly-owned subsidiary, Connectivity Solutions Manufacturing LLC, since April 2005. Mr. Edwards also served as President and Chief Executive Officer of OFS Fitel, LLC and OFS BrightWave, LLC, a joint venture between our Company and The Furukawa Electric Co. Mr. Edwards has also served in various capacities with Alcatel, including President of Alcatel North America Cable Systems and President of Radio Frequency Systems. 15 Randall W. Crenshaw Mr. Crenshaw became our Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer following the consummation of the Carlyle acquisition. From January 1, 2010 to the Carlyle acquisition, Mr. Crenshaw was our Executive Vice President and Chief Supply Officer. Prior to this role, Mr. Crenshaw was Executive Vice President and General Manager, Enterprise since February 2004. From 2000 to 2004, he served as Executive Vice President, Procurement, and General Manager, Network Products Group of our Company. Prior to that time, he held various other positions with our Company since 1985. Mark A. Olson Mr. Olson became our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer on February 1, 2012. From November 2009 to January 2012, Mr. Olson served as our Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller. Mr. Olson served as Vice President and Controller for Andrew LLC since the closing of the Andrew acquisition. Prior to that acquisition, he was Vice President, Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of Andrew. Mr. Olson joined Andrew in 1993 as Group Controller, was named Corporate Controller in 1998, Vice President and Corporate Controller in 2000 and Chief Accounting Officer in 2003. Prior to joining Andrew, he was employed by Nortel and Johnson & Johnson. Peter U. Karlsson Mr. Karlsson has been our Senior Vice President, Global Sales since July 2011. Mr. Karlsson previously served as Senior Vice President, Enterprise Sales since our acquisition of Avaya’s Connectivity Solutions division in 2004. From 2002 to that acquisition, he was Global Vice President, Sales for Avaya’s SYSTIMAX division. Mr. Karlsson joined AT&T in 1989 holding several management positions in the Nordic and Sub-Sahara Africa regions, was named General Manager of Lucent Technologies Global Commercial Markets Southwest Territory in 1997 and Managing Director, Caribbean and Latin America for Lucent Global Business Partners Group in 1999 before transitioning to Vice President, Distribution for Avaya’s Connectivity Solutions division. Frank (Burk) B. Wyatt, II Mr. Wyatt has been Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of CommScope since 2000. Prior to joining our company as General Counsel and Secretary in 1996, Mr. Wyatt was an attorney in private practice with Bell, Seltzer, Park & Gibson, P.A. (now Alston & Bird LLP). Mr. Wyatt is also our Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer. Philip M. Armstrong, Jr. Mr. Armstrong has been our Senior Vice President, Corporate Finance since November 2009. Mr. Armstrong previously served as Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications since 2000. Prior to joining CommScope in 1997, he held various Treasury and Finance positions at Carolina Power and Light Co. (formerly Progress Energy). Robert W. Granow Mr. Granow became our Vice President, Corporate Controller and Principal Accounting Officer on February 1, 2012 and was promoted to Senior Vice President in December 2013. Mr. Granow joined CommScope in 2004 and has held various positions within CommScope’s Corporate Controller organization. Prior to joining our Company, he was employed by LifeSpan Incorporated, Aetna, Inc. and Arthur Andersen & Co. 16 Joanne L. Townsend Ms. Townsend became our Senior Vice President, Human Resources, in November 2012. Prior to joining CommScope, she was the Chief Human Resource Officer at Zebra Technologies Corporation from 2008 to November 2012. Additionally, Ms. Townsend worked for CommScope from 2007 to 2008 as a vice president of HR, supporting the Wireless segment. Ms. Townsend has more than 30 years of experience in human resources (HR), including a long-term career with Motorola where she spent time in the Asia Pacific region as an expatriate in Hong Kong and had global responsibility for sales and marketing organizations; functional experience in employee relations, compensation and staffing; and experience in strategic HR support for a variety of business functions. Frank M. Drendel Mr. Drendel has been our Chairman of the Board since the Carlyle acquisition. He served as our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer from 1976 until the Carlyle acquisition. Mr. Drendel is a director of the National Cable & Telecommunications Association, the principal trade association of the cable industry in the United States, and was inducted into the Cable Television Hall of Fame in 2002. Mr. Drendel joined the board of directors of Tyco International, Ltd. in 2012. He served as a director of General Instrument Corporation and its predecessors/successors from 1987 to 2000, as a director of Sprint Nextel Corporation from 2005 to 2008 and as a director of Nextel Communications, Inc. from 1997 to 2005. Austin A. Adams Mr. Adams became a member of our Board of Directors in 2014 and serves on our Audit Committee. He served as Executive Vice President and Corporate Chief Information Officer of JPMorgan Chase from 2004 (upon the merger of JPMorgan Chase and Bank One Corporation) until his retirement in 2006. Prior to the merger, Mr. Adams served as Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Bank One from 2001 to 2004. Prior to joining Bank One, he was Chief Information Officer at First Union Corporation (now Wells Fargo & Co.) from 1985 to 2001. Mr. Adams is also a director of the following public companies: Spectra Energy, Inc. and First Niagara Financial Group, Inc. He formerly served as a director of the following public companies: The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation and CommunityOne Bancorp. Campbell (Cam) R. Dyer Mr. Dyer became a member of our Board of Directors following the Carlyle acquisition and serves on our Compensation and Nominating Committees. He currently serves as a Managing Director in the Technology Buyout Group of The Carlyle Group, which he joined in 2002. Prior to joining Carlyle, Mr. Dyer was an associate with the private equity firm William Blair Capital Partners, a consultant with Bain & Company and an investment banking analyst in the M&A Group of Bowles, Hollowell, Conner & Co. He also serves on the board of directors of Dealogic, Veritas and formerly served on SS&C Technologies. Stephen (Steve) C. Gray Mr. Gray became a member of our Board of Directors following the Carlyle acquisition. In 2015, Mr. Gray became President and CEO of Syniverse Holdings, Inc., a position he held on an interim basis from August 2014 to February 2015. From 2007 to 2015, he served as a Senior Advisor to The Carlyle Group. Mr. Gray is the Founder and Chairman of Gray Venture Partners, LLC a private investment company and previously served as President of McLeodUSA Incorporated from 1992 to 2004. Prior to joining McLeodUSA, he served from 1990 to 1992 as Vice President of Business Services at MCI Inc. and before that, from 1988 to 1990, he served as Senior Vice President of National Accounts and Carrier Services for TelecomUSA. From 1986 to 1988, Mr. Gray held a variety of sales management positions with WilTel Network Services and the Clayton W. Williams Companies, including ClayDesta Communications Inc. Mr. Gray serves as the Chairman of ImOn Communications, LLC, 17 SecurityCoverage, Inc., Involta, LLC and HH Ventures, LLC and he also serves on the board of directors for Syniverse Holdings, Inc. and served on the board of directors for Insight Communications, Inc. from 2005 until 2012. L. William (Bill) Krause Mr. Krause became a member of our Board of Directors following the Carlyle acquisition and serves as a member of our Compensation and Nominating Committees. Mr. Krause has been President of LWK Ventures, a private advisory and investment firm, since 1991. He also currently serves as a Senior Advisor to The Carlyle Group. In addition, Mr. Krause served as President and Chief Executive Officer of 3Com Corporation, a global data networking company, from 1981 to 1990, and as its Chairman from 1987 to 1993 when he retired. Mr. Krause currently serves on the boards of directors of the following public companies: Brocade Communications Systems, Inc., a networking systems supplier and Coherent, Inc., a leading supplier of Photonic-based systems. He also serves as Chairman of the Board of Veritas Holding, Ltd., an information management leader. Mr. Krause previously served as a director for the following public companies: Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc., Packateer, Inc., Sybase, Inc. and Trizetto Group, Inc. Joanne M. Maguire Ms. Maguire became a director in January 2016. She served as executive vice president of Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company (“SSC”), a provider of advanced-technology systems for national security, civil and commercial customers, from 2006 until she retired in 2013. Ms. Maguire joined Lockheed Martin in 2003 and assumed leadership of SSC in 2006. Prior to joining Lockheed Martin, Ms. Maguire was with TRW’s Space & Electronics sector (now part of Northrop Grumman) filling a range of progressively responsible positions from engineering analyst to Vice President and Deputy to the sector’s CEO, serving in leadership roles over programs as well as engineering, advanced technology, manufacturing and business development organizations. Ms. Maguire also sits on the boards of directors of Visteon Corporation, Charles Stark Draper Laboratory and previously on the board of Freescale Semiconductor, Ltd. Thomas J. Manning Mr. Manning became a member of our Board in 2014 and serves on our Audit Committee. He has been a Lecturer in Law at The University of Chicago Law School, teaching courses on corporate governance, private equity and U.S.-China relations, and innovative solutions, since 2012. Mr. Manning is also a Senior Advisor to The Demand Institute, a joint venture of The Conference Board and The Nielsen Company, and an Affiliated Partner of Waterstone Management Group. Previously, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of Cerberus Asia Operations & Advisory Limited, a subsidiary of Cerberus Capital Management, a global private equity firm, from 2010 to 2012, Chief Executive Officer of Indachin Limited from 2005 to 2009, Chairman of China Board of Directors Limited from 2005 to 2010, and a senior partner with Bain & Company and a member of Bain’s China board and head of Bain’s information technology strategy practice in the Silicon Valley and Asia from 2003 to 2005. Prior to that, Mr. Manning served as Global Managing Director of the Strategy & Technology Business of Capgemini, Chief Executive Officer of Capgemini Asia Pacific, and Chief Executive Officer of Ernst & Young Consulting Asia Pacific, where he led the development of consulting and IT service and outsourcing businesses across Asia from 1996 to 2003. Early in his career, Mr. Manning was with McKinsey & Company, Buddy Systems, Inc. and CSC Index. Mr. Manning is also a director of the following public companies: The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation and Clear Media Limited. He previously served as a director of iSoftStone Holdings Limited, Gome Electrical Appliances Company, AsiaInfo-Linkage, Inc. and Bank of Communications. 18 Claudius (Bud) E. Watts IV Mr. Watts became a member of our Board of Directors following the Carlyle acquisition and serves as the Chair of our Compensation and Nominating Committees. He currently serves as a Managing Director of The Carlyle Group. Prior to joining Carlyle in 2000, Mr. Watts was a Managing Director in the M&A group of First Union Securities, Inc. He joined First Union Securities when First Union acquired Bowles Hollowell Conner & Co., where Mr. Watts was a principal. He also serves on the board of directors of Carolina Financial Corporation and has previously served on the boards of directors of numerous other Carlyle portfolio companies over the past 14 years, including Freescale Semiconductor and SS&C Technologies, Inc. Timothy T. Yates Mr. Yates became a member of our Board of Directors following the IPO and serves as the Chairman of our Audit Committee. In 2014, Mr. Yates was appointed to the role of CEO of Monster Worldwide, Inc., a global online employment solution provider. He also serves as a director of Monster Worldwide, Inc., a publicly traded company. He served as Monster Worldwide’s Executive Vice President from 2007 until 2013 and Chief Financial Officer from 2007 until 2011. Prior to that, Mr. Yates served as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and a director of Symbol Technologies, Inc. from 2006 to 2007. From January 2007 to June 2007, he was responsible for the integration of Symbol into Motorola, Inc.’s Enterprise Mobility business. From 2005 to 2006, Mr. Yates served as an independent consultant to Symbol. Prior to this, from 2002 to 2005, Mr. Yates served as a partner and Chief Financial Officer of Saguenay Capital, a boutique investment firm. Prior to that, he served as a founding partner of Cove Harbor Partners, a private investment and consulting firm, which he helped establish in 1996. From 1971 through 1995, Mr. Yates held a number of senior leadership roles at Bankers Trust New York Corporation, including serving as Chief Financial and Administrative Officer from 1990 through 1995. 19 ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS The following is a cautionary discussion of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that we believe are significant to our business. In addition to the factors discussed elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the following are some of the important factors that, individually or in the aggregate, we believe could make our results differ materially from those described in any forward-looking statements. It is impossible to predict or identify all such factors and, as a result, you should not consider the following factors to be a complete discussion of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. BNS Acquisition Risks Integration of the BNS business (the Acquired Business) into our business will be difficult, costly and time- consuming and the anticipated benefits and cost savings of the BNS Acquisition (the Acquisition) may take longer to realize or may not be realized at all. We currently expect to realize annual cost savings of at least $175 million within three years of the closing of the Acquisition. Our ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the Acquisition will depend, to a large extent, on our ability to integrate the two businesses. The combination of two independent businesses is a complex, costly and time-consuming process and there can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully integrate the Acquired Business into our business, or if such integration is successfully accomplished, that such integration will not be more costly or take longer than presently contemplated. If we cannot successfully integrate and manage the Acquired Business within a reasonable time following the Acquisition, we may not be able to realize the anticipated benefits of the Acquisition, which could have a material adverse effect on our share price, business, cash flows, results of operations and financial position. Our ability to realize the expected synergies and benefits of the Acquisition is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of our control. These risks and uncertainties could adversely impact our business, results of operation and financial condition and include, among other things: • • • • • • • • • our ability to complete the timely integration of operations and information technology systems, organizations, standards, controls, procedures, policies and technologies, as well as the harmonization of differences in the business cultures of legacy CommScope and the Acquired Business; our ability to minimize the diversion of management attention from ongoing business concerns of both our business and the Acquired Business during the process of integrating legacy CommScope and the Acquired Business; our ability to retain the service of senior management and other key personnel of both legacy CommScope and the Acquired Business; our ability to preserve important customer, supplier and other relationships of both legacy CommScope and the Acquired Business and resolve potential conflicts that may arise; the risk that the Acquired Business may have liabilities that we failed to or were unable to discover in the course of performing due diligence; the risk that integrating the Acquired Business into the legacy CommScope business may be more difficult, costly or time-consuming than anticipated; the risk that integrating the Acquired Business’ workforce into the legacy CommScope workforce may result in production disruptions or be more costly than anticipated; greater than expected difficulties in achieving anticipated cost savings, synergies, business opportunities and growth prospects from the combination; and greater than expected difficulties in managing the expanded operations of a significantly larger and more complex combined business. 20 We are relying on TE Connectivity (TE) to provide a wide range of services required to operate the Acquired Business under Transition Services Agreements (TSAs) and such reliance is expected to continue for an extended period. Due to the high level of integration of the Acquired Business with the remainder of TE’s business, it will be highly complex and time-consuming to separate the Acquired Business to effectively integrate it into our business. As a result, we will be dependent on TE to continue to perform elements of such critical functions as information technology, finance, logistics, human resources and operations for parts or all of the Acquired Business under TSAs. It may be up to several years before we are able to assume all of these functions and discontinue the TSAs. While operating under these TSAs, we are exposed to various risks, including the following: • • costs of operating the Acquired Business may be greater than we anticipated; services provided under TSAs may not meet our requirements in a timely and effective manner; • we may not be able to make operational changes or to get information necessary to realize the anticipated synergies while we are operating under the TSAs; • we may not be able to maintain an effective system of internal controls over financial reporting while operating under the TSAs; and • we may need to operate under the TSAs for longer than expected. Competitive Risks Our business is dependent on capital spending on data and communication networks by customers or end users of our products and reductions in such capital spending could adversely affect our business. Our performance is dependent on customers’ or end users’ capital spending for constructing, rebuilding, maintaining or upgrading data and communication networks, which can be volatile or hard to forecast. Capital spending in the communications industry is cyclical and can be curtailed or deferred on short notice. A variety of factors affect the amount of capital spending, and, therefore, our sales and earnings, including: competing technologies; general economic conditions; seasonality of our industry; timing and adoption of global rollout of new technologies; customer specific financial or general market conditions; availability and cost of capital; governmental regulation; demands for network services; competitive pressures, including pricing pressures; acceptance of new services offered by our customers; impact of industry consolidation; and real or perceived trends or uncertainties in these factors. As a result of these factors, we may not be able to maintain or increase our sales in the future, and our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected. A substantial portion of our business is derived from a limited number of key customers and channel partners. We derived 24% of our 2015 consolidated net sales from our top three direct customers and channel partners, defined as distributors, system integrators and value-added resellers. Our largest distributor, Anixter International Inc., accounted for 12% of our 2015 consolidated net sales. The concentration of our net sales among these and other key customers and channel partners subjects us to a variety of risks that could have a material adverse impact on our net sales and profitability, including, without limitation: • • • lower sales resulting from the loss of one or more of our key customers or channel partners; renegotiations of agreements with key customers or channel partners resulting in materially less favorable terms; financial difficulties experienced by one or more of our key customers, channel partners or our channel partners’ end customers, resulting in reduced purchases of our products and/or uncollectible accounts receivable balances; 21 • • • • • reductions in inventory levels held by channel partners and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) which may be unrelated to purchasing trends by the ultimate customer; consolidations in the telecommunications, wireless or cable television industries or other key end user markets resulting in delays in purchasing decisions or reduced purchases by the merged businesses; new or proposed laws or regulations affecting the telecommunications, wireless or cable television industries or other key end user markets resulting in reduced capital spending; increases in the cost of borrowing or capital and/or reductions in the amount of debt or equity capital available to the telecommunications, wireless or cable television industries or other key end user markets resulting in reduced capital spending; and changes in the technology deployed by customers resulting in lower sales of our products. Additionally, the risks above may be further increased to the extent that we have significant indirect sales to one or more end users of our products (who may also be direct customers) with such indirect sales taking place through numerous channel partners and/or OEMs. We generally have no minimum purchase commitments from any of our channel partners, OEMs, or other customers, and our contracts with these parties do not prohibit them from purchasing or offering products or services that compete with ours. Although we maintain long-term relationships with these parties and have not historically lost key customers, we have experienced variability in the level of purchases by our key customers and end users of our products, and any significant reduction in sales to these customers and end users of our products, including as a result of their inability or unwillingness to continue purchasing our products, or their failure to properly manage their businesses with respect to the purchase of and payment for our products, could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. We face competitive pressures with respect to all of our major products. In each of our major product groups, we compete with a substantial number of foreign and domestic companies, some of which have greater financial, technical, marketing and other resources or lower operating costs. They may also have broader product lines and market focus. This gives many of these enterprises a competitive advantage to withstand any significant reduction in capital spending by customers in our markets. Competitors’ actions, such as price reductions or introduction of new innovative products, and the use of exclusively price driven Internet auctions by customers have caused in the past and may cause us to lose sales opportunities in the future. Some competitors may also be able to bundle their products together to meet the needs of a particular customer, and may be capable of delivering more complete solutions than we are able to provide which will cause us to lose sales opportunities. In addition, many of our competitors have been in operation longer than we have and, therefore, have more long-standing and established relationships with certain domestic and foreign customers, making it difficult for us to sell to those customers. The rapid technological changes occurring in the communications industry could also lead to the entry of new competitors. We cannot assure you that we will continue to compete successfully with our existing competitors or with new competitors. These lost opportunities could have a material adverse impact on our net sales and profitability. If any of our competitors’ products or technologies were to become the industry standard, our business could be seriously harmed. If our competitors are successful in bringing their products to market earlier than we can, or if their products are more technologically capable than ours, our revenue could be materially and adversely affected. Consolidation among our competitors could result in competitors with a broader market presence and could have a significant negative impact on our business. If we are unable to compete in any of our markets at the same level as we have in the past or are forced to reduce the prices of our products in order to continue to be competitive, our operating results, financial condition and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected. 22 Changes to the regulatory environment in which our customers operate may negatively impact our business. The telecommunications and cable television industries are subject to significant and changing federal and state regulation, both in the U.S. and other countries, including regulations regarding the “Open Internet” or “net neutrality”. Changes to the way in which internet service providers are regulated could adversely impact our customers’ decisions regarding capital spending, which could decrease demand for our products. Operational Risks Our future success depends on our ability to anticipate and to adapt to technological changes and develop, implement and market product innovations. Many of our markets are characterized by advances in information processing and communications capabilities that require increased transmission speeds and greater bandwidth. These advances require ongoing improvements in the capabilities of our products. However, we may not be successful in our ongoing improvement efforts if, among other things, our products are not cost effective; brought to market in a timely manner; compliant with evolving industry standards; accepted in the market or recognized as meeting customer requirements. If we are not successful in our ongoing improvement efforts, these failures could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Specific to our business, our revenues are dependent on the commercial deployment of technologies based on 2G, 3G and 4G wireless communications equipment, products and services based on these technologies. Our business may be harmed, and our investments in these technologies may not provide us an adequate return if there are delays in the commercial deployment of these technologies or if these technologies are displaced by other technologies. If our products, including material purchased from our suppliers, experience quality or performance issues, our business may suffer. Our business depends on delivering products of consistently high quality. To this end, our products are tested for quality both by us and our customers. Nevertheless, many of our products are highly complex and testing procedures used by us and our customers are limited to evaluating our products under likely and foreseeable failure scenarios. For various reasons, once deployed our products may fail to perform as expected. Performance issues could result from faulty design, faulty raw materials purchased from suppliers, problems in manufacturing or installation errors. We have experienced such performance issues in the past and remain exposed to such performance issues. In some cases, recall of some or all affected products, product redesigns or additional capital expenditures may be required to correct a defect. In addition, we generally offer warranties on most products, the terms and conditions of which depend upon the product subject to the warranty. In some cases, we indemnify our customers against damages or losses that might arise from certain claims relating to our products. Future claims may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Any significant or systemic product failure could also result in lost future sales of the affected product and other products, as well as reputational damage. Our business depends on effective information management systems. We rely on effective information management systems for critical business operations, for strategic business decisions and to maintain a competitive edge in the market place. We rely on our enterprise resource planning systems to support such critical business operations as processing sales orders and invoicing; manufacturing; shipping; inventory control; purchasing and supply chain management; human resources; and financial reporting. We also rely on information management systems to produce information for business decision-making and to 23 support e-commerce activities. If we are unable to successfully implement major systems initiatives, including the integration of the BNS business into our legacy CommScope systems and investing in our digital platform to accommodate the changing buying habits of our customers, and the maintenance of such critical information systems, we could encounter difficulties that could have a material adverse impact on our business, internal controls over financial reporting, or our ability to timely and accurately report our financial results. Cyber-security incidents, including data security breaches or computer viruses, could harm our business by exposing us to various liabilities, disrupting our delivery of products and services and damaging our reputation. We rely extensively on information technology systems to operate our business. We receive, process, store and transmit, often electronically, confidential data of the Company and our customers, vendors, employees and others. Despite implemented security measures, our facilities, systems and procedures, and those of our third- party service providers, may be vulnerable to security breaches, acts of vandalism, software viruses, misplaced or lost data, programming and/or human errors or other similar events. In particular, unauthorized access to our computer systems or stored data could result in the theft or improper disclosure of confidential or sensitive information, the deletion or modification of records or interruptions in our operations. Any such events, including those involving the misappropriation, loss or other unauthorized disclosure or use of confidential or sensitive information of the Company or our customers, vendors, employees or others, whether by us or a third party, could subject us to civil and criminal penalties; expose us to liabilities to our customers, employees, vendors, third parties or governmental authorities; disrupt our delivery of products and services; and have a negative impact on our reputation. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. If our integrated global manufacturing operations suffer production or shipping delays, we may experience difficulty in meeting customer demands. We internally produce, both domestically and internationally, a portion of certain components used in our finished products. Disruption of our ability to produce at or distribute from these facilities due to failure of our manufacturing infrastructure, information technology outage, fire, electrical outage, natural disaster, acts of terrorism, shipping interruptions or some other catastrophic event could have a material adverse effect on our ability to manufacture products at our other manufacturing facilities in a cost-effective and timely manner, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. If we encounter capacity constraints with respect to our internal facilities and/or existing or new contract manufacturers, it could have an adverse impact on our business. We rely on unaffiliated contract manufacturers, both domestically and internationally, to produce certain products or key components of products. If we do not have sufficient production capacity, either through our internal facilities or independent contract manufacturers, to meet customer demand for our products, we may experience lost sales opportunities and customer relations problems, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Supply Chain Risks Our dependence on commodities subjects us to cost volatility and potential availability constraints, which could have a material adverse effect on our profitability. Our profitability may be materially affected by changes in the market price and availability of certain raw materials, most of which are linked to the commodity markets. The principal raw materials we purchase are rods, tapes, sheets, wires, tubes and hardware made of copper, steel, aluminum or brass; plastics and other polymers; and optical fiber. Fabricated copper, steel and aluminum are used in the production of coaxial and twisted pair 24 cables and polymers are used to insulate and protect cables. Prices for copper, steel, aluminum, fluoropolymers and certain other polymers, derived from oil and natural gas, have experienced significant volatility as a result of changes in the levels of global demand, supply disruptions and other factors. As a result, we have adjusted our prices for certain products and may have to adjust prices again in the future. Delays in implementing price increases or a failure to achieve market acceptance of price increases has in the past and could in the future have a material adverse impact on our results of operations. In an environment of falling commodities prices, we may be unable to sell higher-cost inventory before implementing price decreases, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We are dependent on a limited number of key suppliers for certain raw materials and components. For certain of our raw material and component purchases, including certain polymers, copper rod, copper and aluminum tapes, fine aluminum wire, steel wire, optical fiber, circuit boards and other electronic components, we are dependent on a limited number of key suppliers. Our key suppliers have in the past experienced and could in the future experience production, operational or financial difficulties, or there may be global shortages of the raw materials or components we use, and our inability to find sources of supply on reasonable terms could have a material adverse effect on our ability to manufacture products in a cost-effective way which could have a material adverse effect on our gross margin and results of operations. If contract manufacturers that we rely on encounter production, quality, financial or other difficulties, we may experience difficulty in meeting customer demands. We rely on unaffiliated contract manufacturers, both domestically and internationally, to produce certain products or key components of products. If our contract manufacturers encounter production, quality, financial or other difficulties, including labor disturbances or geopolitical risks, and if alternative suppliers cannot be identified, we may encounter difficulty in meeting customer demands. Any such difficulties could have an adverse effect on our business, financial results and results of operations, which could be material. Strategic Risks We may not fully realize anticipated benefits from past or future acquisitions or equity investments. We anticipate that a portion of any future growth of our business might be accomplished by acquiring existing businesses, products or technologies. Although we expect to realize strategic, operational and financial benefits as a result of our past or future acquisitions and equity investments, we cannot predict whether and to what extent such benefits will be achieved. There are significant challenges to integrating an acquired operation into our business, including, but not limited to: successfully managing the operations, manufacturing facilities and technology; integrating the sales organizations and maintaining and increasing the customer base; retaining key employees, suppliers and distributors; integrating management information, inventory, accounting and research and development activities; and addressing operating losses that may exist related to individual facilities or product lines. Further, many acquisitions involve new or developing technologies that may not achieve the expected results. In addition, we might not be able to identify suitable acquisition opportunities or obtain any necessary financing on acceptable terms. We might spend time and money investigating and negotiating with potential acquisition or investment targets but not complete the transaction. Any future acquisition could involve other risks, including the assumption of additional liabilities and expenses, issuances of debt, incurrence of transaction costs and diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns, and such acquisition may be dilutive to our financial results. See “Risks Related to the BNS Acquisition” for details related to that acquisition. 25 We may sell or discontinue one or more of our product lines, as a result of our evaluation of our products and markets. We periodically evaluate our various product lines and may, as a result, consider the divestiture or discontinuance of one or more of those product lines. Any such divestiture or discontinuance could adversely affect our expenses, revenues, results of operations, cash flows and financial position. Divestitures of product lines have inherent risks, including the expense of selling the product line, the possibility that any anticipated sale will not occur, possible delays in closing any sale, the risk of lower-than-expected proceeds from the sale of the divested business, unexpected costs associated with the separation of the business to be sold from our information technology and other operating systems, and potential post-closing claims for indemnification. Expected cost savings, which are offset by revenue losses from divested or discontinued businesses, may also be difficult to achieve or maximize due to a fixed cost structure, and we may experience varying success in reducing fixed costs or transferring liabilities previously associated with the divested or discontinued business. Difficulties may be encountered in the realignment of manufacturing capacity and capabilities among our global manufacturing facilities that could adversely affect our ability to meet customer demands for our products. We periodically realign manufacturing capacity among our global facilities in order to reduce costs by improving manufacturing efficiency and to strengthen our long-term competitive position. The implementation of these initiatives may include significant shifts of production capacity among facilities. There are significant risks inherent in the implementation of these initiatives, including, but not limited to, failing to ensure that: there is adequate inventory on hand or production capacity to meet customer demand while capacity is being shifted among facilities; there is no decrease in product quality as a result of shifting capacity; adequate raw material and other service providers are available to meet the needs at the new production locations; equipment can be successfully removed, transported and re-installed; and adequate supervisory, production and support personnel are available to accommodate the shifted production. In the event that manufacturing realignment initiatives are not successfully implemented, we could experience lost future sales and increased operating costs as well as customer relations problems, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We may need to undertake additional restructuring actions in the future. We have previously recognized restructuring charges in response to slowdowns in demand for our products and in conjunction with implementation of initiatives to reduce costs and improve efficiency of our operations. Recent actions have included BNS integration actions, the sale of certain assets of our BiMetals® business and the closure of domestic and international manufacturing facilities. Much of the production capacity from these facilities was shifted to other existing facilities or contract manufacturers. Restructuring actions as a result of the Acquisition are expected to continue and may be material. As a result of other changes in business conditions and other developments, we may need to initiate additional restructuring actions that could result in workforce reductions and restructuring charges, which could be material. Financial Risks Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations, limit our ability to react to changes in the economy or our industry, expose us to interest rate risk to the extent of our variable rate debt and prevent us from meeting our obligations with respect to our indebtedness. As of December 31, 2015, we had approximately $5.3 billion of indebtedness on a consolidated basis, including $1.5 billion of 6.00% Senior Notes due 2025 (the 2025 Notes), $650.0 million of 5.00% Senior Notes due 2021 26 (the 2021 Notes), $650.0 million of 5.50% Senior Notes due 2024 (the 2024 Notes), $536.6 million of 6.625%/ 7.375% Senior PIK Toggle Notes due 2020 (the senior PIK toggle notes), $500.0 million of 4.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2020 (the 2020 Notes) and $1.5 billion of senior secured term loans. We had no outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit facility and approximately $278.2 million in borrowing capacity available under our revolving credit facility, reflecting a borrowing base of $299.6 million and $21.4 million of outstanding letters of credit. Our ability to borrow under our revolving credit facility depends, in part, on inventory, accounts receivable and other assets that fluctuate from time to time and may further depend on lenders’ discretionary ability to impose reserves and availability blocks and to recharacterize assets that might otherwise incrementally decrease borrowing availability. Our substantial indebtedness could have important consequences. For example, it could: • • • • • • • limit our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, general corporate purposes or other purposes; require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our annual cash flow for the next several years to the payment of interest on our indebtedness; expose us to the risk of increased interest rates as, over the term of our debt, the interest cost on a significant portion of our indebtedness is subject to changes in interest rates; place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to certain of our competitors who have less debt; hinder our ability to adjust rapidly to changing market conditions; limit our ability to secure adequate bank financing in the future with reasonable terms and conditions; and increase our vulnerability to and limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, a potential downturn in general economic conditions or in one or more of our businesses. In addition, the indentures governing the senior PIK toggle notes, the 2021 Notes, the 2024 Notes and the 2025 Notes (together, the Notes Indentures) and the agreements governing our senior secured credit facilities contain affirmative and negative covenants that limit our ability to engage in activities that may be in our long-term best interests. Our failure to comply with those covenants could result in an event of default which, if not cured or waived, could result in the acceleration of all of our debts. Despite current indebtedness levels and restrictive covenants, we and our subsidiaries may incur additional indebtedness that could further exacerbate the risks associated with our substantial financial leverage. We and our subsidiaries may incur significant additional indebtedness in the future under the agreements governing our indebtedness. Although the Notes Indentures and the credit agreements governing our senior secured credit facilities contain restrictions on the incurrence of additional indebtedness, these restrictions are subject to a number of thresholds, qualifications and exceptions, and the additional indebtedness incurred in compliance with these restrictions could be substantial. Additionally, these restrictions permit us to incur obligations that, although preferential to our common stock in terms of payment, do not constitute indebtedness. In addition, if new debt is added to our and/or our subsidiaries’ debt levels or we bought back stock or paid dividends, the risks that we face as a result of our leverage would increase. To service our indebtedness, we will require a significant amount of cash and our ability to generate cash depends on many factors beyond our control. Our operations are conducted through our global subsidiaries and our ability to make cash payments on our indebtedness will depend on the earnings and the distribution of funds from our subsidiaries. The terms of the 27 instruments governing our indebtedness significantly restrict certain of our subsidiaries from paying dividends and otherwise transferring assets to us. Our ability to make cash payments on and to refinance our indebtedness will depend upon our financial condition and operating performance, which are subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to financial, business, legislative, regulatory and other factors beyond our control. We might not be able to maintain a level of cash flows from operating activities or transfer sufficient funds from our subsidiaries to permit us to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow or are otherwise unable to obtain funds necessary to meet required payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness, or if we otherwise fail to comply with the various covenants in the instruments governing our indebtedness, we could be in default under the terms of the agreements governing such indebtedness. In the event of such default, the holders of such indebtedness could elect to declare all the funds borrowed to be due and payable, together with accrued and unpaid interest, the lenders under our revolving credit facility could elect to terminate their commitments, cease making further loans and institute foreclosure proceedings against our assets, and we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation. If our operating performance declines, we may in the future need to obtain waivers from the required lenders under our senior secured credit facilities to avoid being in default. If we breach our covenants under our senior secured credit facilities and seek a waiver, we may not be able to obtain a waiver from the required lenders. If this occurs, we would be in default under our senior secured credit facilities, the lenders could exercise their rights, as described above, and we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation. We may need to recognize additional impairment charges related to goodwill, identified intangible assets and fixed assets. We have substantial balances of goodwill and identified intangible assets. We are required to test goodwill for possible impairment on the same date each year and on an interim basis if there are indicators of a possible impairment. We are also required to evaluate amortizable intangible assets and fixed assets for impairment if there are indicators of a possible impairment. If, as a result of a general economic slowdown, deterioration in one or more of the markets in which we operate or in our financial performance and/or future outlook, the estimated fair value of our long-lived assets decreases, we may determine that one or more of our long-lived assets is impaired. An impairment charge would be determined based on the estimated fair value of the assets and any such impairment charge could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. We may experience significant variability in our quarterly or annual effective income tax rate. We have a large and complex international tax profile and a significant level of foreign tax credit carryforwards in the U.S. and other carryforwards in various jurisdictions. Variability in the mix and profitability of domestic and international activities, repatriation of earnings from foreign affiliates, changes in tax laws, identification and resolution of various tax uncertainties and the inability to realize foreign tax credits and other carryforwards included in deferred tax assets, among other matters, may significantly impact our effective income tax rate in the future. A significant increase in our quarterly or annual effective income tax rate could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations. Labor Related Risks We may not be able to attract and retain key employees. Our business depends upon our continued ability to hire and retain key employees, including our sales force, at our operations around the world. Competition for skilled personnel and highly qualified managers in the 28 industries in which we operate is intense. Difficulties in obtaining or retaining employees with the necessary management, technical and financial skills needed to achieve our business objectives may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Effective succession planning is also important to our long-term success. Failure to ensure effective transfer of knowledge and smooth transitions involving key employees could hinder our strategic planning and execution. Labor unrest could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. While none of our U.S. employees are represented by unions, a significant part of our international employees are members of unions or subject to workers’ councils or similar statutory arrangements. In addition, many of our direct and indirect customers and vendors have unionized work forces. Strikes, work stoppages or slowdowns experienced by these customers or vendors, contract manufacturers or other suppliers could result in slowdowns. Organizations responsible for shipping our products may also be impacted by strikes. Any interruption in the delivery of our products could harm our reputation, reduce demand for our products or increase costs and could have a material adverse effect on us. In general, we consider our labor relations with our employees to be satisfactory. However, in the future we may be subject to labor unrest with respect to our employees or those of our vendors or customers. Occurrences of strikes, work stoppages or lock-outs at our facilities or at the facilities of our vendors or customers, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We have obligations under our defined benefit employee benefit plans and may be required to make plan contributions in excess of current estimates. At December 31, 2015, our net liability for pension and other postretirement benefits was $26.6 million (benefit obligations of $379.8 million and plan assets of $353.2 million). See Note 10 to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Significant declines in the assets and/or increases in the liabilities related to these obligations as a result of changes in actuarial estimates, asset performance, interest rates or benefit changes, among others, could have a material adverse impact on our financial position and/or results of operations. The amounts and timing of the contributions we expect to make to our defined benefit plans reflect a number of actuarial and other estimates and assumptions with respect to our expected plan funding obligations. The actual amounts and timing of these contributions will depend upon a number of factors and the actual amounts and timing of our future plan funding contributions may differ materially from those presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. If we elect to terminate one or more of these plans and settle the obligation through the purchase of one or more annuities, we could incur a charge and/or make additional contributions and such amounts could be material. Our financial condition may be adversely affected to the extent that we are required to make contributions to any of our defined benefit plans in excess of the amounts assumed in our current projections. International Risks Our significant international operations expose us to economic, political and other risks. We have significant international sales, manufacturing and distribution operations. We have major international manufacturing and/or distribution facilities in, among others, Australia, Belgium, China, the Czech Republic, Germany, India, Ireland, Mexico, Singapore and the United Kingdom (U.K.). For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, international sales represented approximately 51%, 45% and 45%, respectively, of our consolidated net sales. In general, our international sales have lower margins than our domestic sales. To the extent international sales represent a greater percentage of our revenue, our overall margin may decline. 29 Our international sales, manufacturing and distribution operations are subject to the risks inherent in operating abroad, including, but not limited to, risks with respect to currency exchange rates; economic and political destabilization; restrictive actions by foreign governments; wage inflation; nationalizations; the laws and policies of the U.S. affecting trade, exports, imports, anti-bribery, foreign investment and loans; foreign tax laws, including the ability to recover amounts paid as value-added taxes; potential restrictions on the repatriation of cash; reduced protection of intellectual property; longer customer payment cycles; compliance with local laws and regulations; armed conflict; terrorism; shipping interruptions; and major health concerns (such as infectious diseases). Risks related to foreign currency rates can impact our sales, results of operations, cash flows and financial position. We manage these risks through regular operating and financing activities and periodically use derivative financial instruments such as foreign exchange forward and option contracts. There can be no assurance that our risk management strategies will be effective or that the counterparties to our derivative contracts will be able to perform. In addition, foreign currency rates in many of the countries in which we operate have at times been extremely volatile and unpredictable. We may choose not to hedge or determine that we are unable to effectively hedge the risks associated with this volatility. In such cases, we may experience declines in sales and adverse impacts on earnings and such changes could be material. Our international operations require us to comply with anti-corruption laws and regulations of the U.S. government and various international jurisdictions. Doing business on a worldwide basis requires us to comply with the laws and regulations of the U.S. government and various international jurisdictions, and our failure to comply with these rules and regulations may expose us to liabilities. These laws and regulations may apply to companies, individual directors, officers, employees and agents, and may restrict our operations, trade practices, investment decisions and partnering activities. In particular, our international operations are subject to U.S. and foreign anti-corruption laws and regulations, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). The FCPA prohibits U.S. companies and their officers, directors, employees and agents acting on their behalf from improperly offering, promising, authorizing or providing anything of value to foreign officials for the purposes of influencing official decisions or obtaining or retaining business or otherwise obtaining favorable treatment. The FCPA also requires companies to keep books, records and accounts that accurately and fairly reflect transactions and dispositions of assets and to maintain a system of adequate internal accounting controls. As part of our business, we deal with state-owned business enterprises, the employees and representatives of which may be considered foreign officials for purposes of the FCPA. We are also subject to the U.K. Anti-Bribery Act, which prohibits both domestic and international bribery, as well as bribery across both public and private sectors. In addition, some of the international locations in which we operate lack a developed legal system and have elevated levels of corruption. As a result of our activities in these locations, we are exposed to the risk of violating anti-corruption laws. Violations of these legal requirements are punishable by criminal fines and imprisonment, civil penalties, disgorgement of profits, injunctions, debarment from government contracts as well as other remedial measures. We have established policies and procedures designed to assist us and our personnel in complying with applicable U.S. and international laws and regulations. However, our employees, subcontractors and agents could take actions that violate these requirements, which could adversely affect our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations and such effects could be material. We are subject to governmental export and import controls that could subject us to liability or impair our ability to compete in international markets. Certain of our products are subject to export controls and may be exported only with the required export license or through an export license exception. In addition, we are required to comply with certain U.S. and foreign sanctions and embargos. If we were to fail to comply with applicable export licensing, customs regulations, economic sanctions and other laws, we could be subject to substantial civil and criminal penalties, including fines for us and incarceration for responsible employees and managers, and the possible loss of export or import 30 privileges. In addition, if our distributors fail to obtain appropriate import, export or re-export licenses or permits, we may also be adversely affected through reputational harm and penalties. Obtaining the necessary export license for a particular sale may be time-consuming and may result in the delay or loss of sales opportunities. Furthermore, export control laws and economic sanctions prohibit the shipment of certain products to embargoed or sanctioned countries, governments and persons. While we train our employees to comply with these regulations, we cannot assure that a violation will not occur, whether knowingly or inadvertently. Any such shipment could have negative consequences including government investigations, penalties, fines, civil and criminal sanctions, and reputational harm. Any change in export or import regulations, economic sanctions or related legislation, shift in the enforcement or scope of existing regulations, or change in the countries, governments, persons or technologies targeted by such regulations, could result in our decreased ability to export or sell our products to existing or potential customers with international operations. Any decreased use of our products or limitation on our ability to export or sell our products could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and such effects could be material. Litigation and Regulatory Risks We may incur costs and may not be successful in protecting our intellectual property and in defending claims that we are infringing the intellectual property of others. We may encounter difficulties and significant costs in protecting our intellectual property rights or obtaining rights to additional intellectual property to permit us to continue or expand our business. Other companies, including some of our largest competitors, hold intellectual property rights in our industry and the intellectual property rights of others could inhibit our ability to introduce new products unless we secure necessary licenses on commercially reasonable terms. In addition, we have been required, and may be required in the future, to initiate litigation in order to enforce patents issued or licensed to us or to determine the scope and/or validity of a third party’s patent or other proprietary rights. We also have been and may in the future be subject to lawsuits by third parties seeking to enforce their own intellectual property rights, including against certain of the products or intellectual property that we have acquired through acquisitions. Any such litigation, regardless of outcome, could subject us to significant liabilities or require us to cease using proprietary third party technology and, consequently, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. In certain markets, we may be required to address counterfeit versions of our products. We may incur significant costs in pursuing the originators of such counterfeit products and, if we are unsuccessful in eliminating them from the market, we may experience a reduction in the value of our products and/or a reduction in our net sales. Compliance with current and future environmental laws and potential environmental liabilities may have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We are subject to various federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations governing, among other things, discharges to air and water, management of regulated materials, handling and disposal of solid and hazardous waste, and investigation and remediation of contaminated sites. In addition, we are or may be subject to laws and regulations regarding the types of substances allowable in certain of our products and the handling of our products at the end of their useful life. Because of the nature of our business, we have incurred and will continue to incur costs relating to compliance with or liability under these environmental laws and regulations. In addition, new laws and regulations, new or different interpretations of existing laws and regulations, the discovery of previously unknown contamination or the imposition of new remediation or discharge requirements, could require us to incur costs or become the basis for new or increased liabilities that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. For example, the European Union has issued Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS 2), Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and restriction of Chemicals (REACH) and Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive 2012/19/EU 31 (WEEE) regulating the manufacture, use and disposal of electrical goods and chemicals. If we do not comply with these and similar laws in other jurisdictions or to sufficiently increase prices or otherwise reduce costs to offset the increased cost of compliance, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Efforts to regulate emissions of GHGs, such as carbon dioxide, are underway in the U.S. and other countries which could increase the cost of raw materials, production processes and transportation of our products. If we are unable to comply with such regulations or sufficiently increase prices or otherwise reduce costs to offset the increased costs of compliance, GHG regulation could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. Certain environmental laws impose strict and in some circumstances joint and several liability (that could result in an entity paying more than its fair share) on current or former owners or operators of a contaminated property, as well as companies that generated, disposed of or arranged for the disposal of hazardous substances at a contaminated property, for the costs of investigation and remediation of the contaminated property. Our present and past facilities have been in operation for many years and over that time, in the course of those operations, hazardous substances and wastes have been used, generated and disposed of at such facilities and investigation and remediation projects are underway at a few of these sites. There can be no assurance that the contractual indemnifications we have received from prior owners and operators of certain of these facilities will continue to be honored. In addition, we have disposed of waste products either directly or through third parties at numerous disposal sites, and from time to time we have been and may be held responsible for investigation and clean-up costs at these sites where those owners and operators have been unable to remain in business. Also, there can be no guarantee that new environmental requirements or changes in their enforcement or the discovery of previously unknown conditions will not cause us to incur additional costs for environmental matters which could be material. Shareholder Equity Risks Future sales of our common stock in the public market could lower our share price. We or Carlyle may sell additional shares of common stock. We cannot predict the size of future issuances of our common stock or the effect, if any, that future issuances and sales of our common stock will have on the market price of our common stock. Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock (including sales that may occur pursuant to Carlyle’s registration rights and shares that may be issued in connection with an acquisition), or the perception that such sales could occur, may adversely affect the market prices for our common stock. Future changes in the level of Carlyle ownership could, depending on the timing of such changes, have an adverse effect on our ability to utilize various tax attributes. We do not intend to pay dividends on our common stock and, consequently, the ability of investors to achieve a return on their investment will depend on appreciation in the price of our common stock. We do not intend to declare and pay dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future. We currently intend to invest our future earnings, if any, to reduce indebtedness and fund our growth. Therefore, the success of an investment of our common stock will depend upon any future appreciation in their value, and there can be no guarantee that our common stock will appreciate in value. The payment of future dividends will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors. In addition, the Notes Indentures and the credit agreements governing our senior secured credit facilities also effectively limit our ability to pay dividends. As a consequence of these limitations and restrictions, we may not otherwise be able to pay dividends on our common stock. Carlyle may exercise substantial influence over us and Carlyle’s interests in our business may be different than yours. As of December 31, 2015, Carlyle owned approximately 32% of our common stock and is able to exercise substantial influence on our affairs. Carlyle has designated a majority of the members of our Board of Directors. 32 As a result, Carlyle or its designees to the Board of Directors may have substantial influence on our management decisions, the entering into of merger, acquisition or divestiture transactions and other extraordinary transactions. They may also influence amendments to our certificate of incorporation. So long as Carlyle continues to own a significant percentage of our common stock and/or is affiliated with members of our Board of Directors, they will have substantial influence on the vote in any election of directors and whether to consummate transactions that require stockholder approval. In any of these matters, the interests of Carlyle may differ from or conflict with the interests of our other stockholders. Moreover, this concentration of stock ownership may also adversely affect the trading price for our common stock to the extent investors perceive disadvantages in owning stock of a company with a significant stockholder or anticipate further sales of shares by Carlyle. In addition, Carlyle is in the business of making investments in companies and may, from time to time, acquire interests in businesses that directly or indirectly compete with our business, as well as businesses that are significant existing or potential customers. Provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws and Delaware law might discourage, delay or prevent a change of control of our company or changes in our management and, as a result, depress the trading price of our common stock. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws contain provisions that could discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our company or changes in our management that the stockholders of our company may deem advantageous. These provisions: • • • • • • • • • authorize 1,300,000,000 shares of common stock, which, to the extent unissued, could be issued without stockholder approval by the Board of Directors to increase the number of outstanding shares and to discourage a takeover attempt; authorize the issuance, without stockholder approval, of blank check preferred stock that our Board of Directors could issue to increase the number of outstanding shares and to discourage a takeover attempt; grant to the Board of Directors the sole power to set the number of directors and to fill any vacancy on the Board of Directors; limit the ability of stockholders to remove directors only “for cause” and require any such removal to be approved by holders of at least three-quarters of the outstanding shares of common stock; prohibit our stockholders from calling a special meeting of stockholders; prohibit stockholder action by written consent, which requires all stockholder actions to be taken at a meeting of our stockholders; provide that the Board of Directors is expressly authorized to adopt, or to alter or repeal our bylaws; establish advance notice and certain information requirements for nominations for election to our Board of Directors or for proposing matters that can be acted upon by stockholders at stockholder meetings; establish a classified Board of Directors, with three staggered terms; and require the approval of holders of at least three-quarters of the outstanding shares of common stock to amend the bylaws and certain provisions of the certificate of incorporation. These anti-takeover defenses could discourage, delay or prevent a transaction involving a change in control of our company and may prevent our stockholders from receiving the benefit from any premium to the market price of our common stock offered by a bidder in a takeover context. Even in the absence of a takeover attempt, the existence of these provisions may adversely affect the prevailing market price of our common stock if the provisions are viewed as discouraging takeover attempts in the future. These provisions could also discourage proxy contests and make it more difficult for you and other stockholders to elect directors of your choosing and cause us to take corporate actions other than those you desire. 33 ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS None. ITEM 2. PROPERTIES Our facilities are used primarily for manufacturing, distribution and administration. Facilities primarily used for manufacturing may also be used for distribution, engineering, research and development, storage, administration, sales and customer service. Facilities primarily used for administration may also be used for research and development, sales and customer service. As of December 31, 2015, our principal facilities, grouped according to the facility’s primary use, were as follows: Approximate square feet Principal segments Owned or leased Location Administrative facilities: Hickory, NC (1) Joliet, IL (2) Richardson, TX (1) Richardson, TX Shakopee, MN Manufacturing and distribution facilities: Catawba, NC (1) Claremont, NC (1) Kessel-Lo, Belgium Suzhou, China (3) Sidney, NE (4) Suzhou, China (3) Santa Teresa, NM Juarez, Mexico Juarez, Mexico (8) Reynosa, Mexico Goa, India (3) Greensboro, NC (1) Brno, Czech Republic Delicias, MX Campbellfield, Australia Lochgelly, United Kingdom Bray, Ireland Mission, TX Brno, Czech Republic McCarran, NV Buchdorf, Germany Berkeley Vale, Australia Corporate headquarters 84,000 690,000 Corporate 100,000 Wireless 75,000 177,000 Enterprise BNS Broadband Enterprise BNS BNS Broadband BNS BNS BNS 1,000,000 583,000 554,000 414,000 Wireless 376,000 363,000 334,000 327,000 304,000 279,000 Wireless 236,000 Wireless 196,000 166,000 139,000 133,000 Wireless 132,000 Wireless and Broadband 130,000 Enterprise 121,000 Wireless 120,000 Wireless 120,000 109,000 Wireless 99,000 BNS BNS BNS Broadband BNS Vacant facilities and properties: Orland Park, IL (1)(5) Newton, NC (1)(6) Sorocaba, Brazil (1)(7) — Wireless 455,000 Wireless 152,000 Wireless Owned Leased Owned Leased Leased Owned Owned Owned Owned Owned Owned Leased Owned Leased Owned Owned Owned Leased Owned Leased Owned Owned Leased Leased Leased Owned Owned Owned Owned Owned (1) Our interest in each of these properties is encumbered by a mortgage or deed of trust lien securing our senior secured credit facilities (see Note 6 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K). (2) The former manufacturing portion of the Joliet facility is vacant and is currently being marketed for sublease. 34 (3) The buildings in these facilities are owned while the land is held under long-term lease agreements. (4) Operations at the Sidney facility are expected to cease in mid-2016. (5) The building at the Orland Park facility has been demolished and cleared and the 73 acre parcel is vacant. (6) The Newton facility is currently being marketed for sale. (7) The Sorocaba, Brazil facility is currently being marketed for sale. (8) The Juarez, Mexico location, known as Praderas, consists of three buildings subject to one lease. One of the buildings consisting of 60,000 square feet is being subleased. We believe that our facilities and equipment generally are well maintained, in good condition and suitable for our purposes and adequate for our present operations. While we currently have excess manufacturing capacity in certain of our facilities, utilization is subject to change based on customer demand. We can give no assurances that we will not have excess manufacturing capacity or encounter capacity constraints over the long term. ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS We are either a plaintiff or a defendant in certain pending legal matters in the normal course of business. Management believes none of these legal matters will have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition upon their final disposition. ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES Not applicable. ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES Stock Price and Dividends Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol COMM. The following table sets forth the high and low sale prices as reported by Nasdaq for the periods indicated: 2014 First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter 2015 First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter Common Stock Price Range High Low $25.89 $27.96 $26.89 $24.43 $32.00 $32.53 $34.12 $33.54 $16.86 $22.66 $21.79 $19.68 $20.19 $27.75 $26.87 $24.85 As of February 8, 2016, the approximate number of registered stockholders of record of our common stock was 25. Although we have paid cash dividends from time to time in the past while we were a privately-held company, we do not currently intend to pay dividends in the foreseeable future, but intend to reinvest earnings in our business. The declaration and payment of any dividends in the future will be determined by our Board of Directors, in its discretion, and will depend on a number of factors, including our earnings, capital requirements, overall financial condition and contractual restrictions, including covenants under our senior notes and senior secured credit facilities, which may limit our ability to pay dividends. 35 Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities In the fourth quarter of 2015, we repurchased 24,656 of common shares at an average share price of $28.30 to satisfy minimum withholding tax obligations related to restricted stock units that vested during the period. Stock Performance Graph The following graph compares cumulative total return on $100 invested on October 25, 2013 in each of CommScope’s Common Stock, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index (S&P 500 Index) and the Standard & Poor’s 1500 Communications Equipment Index (S&P 1500 Communications Equipment). The return of the Standard & Poor’s indices is calculated assuming reinvestment of dividends. Comparison of Cumulative Total Return $180 $170 $160 $150 $140 $130 $120 $110 $100 $90 10/25/13 12/31/13 12/31/14 12/31/15 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. S&P 500 Index S&P 1500 Communications Equipment Index Company / Index CommScope Holding Company, Inc. S&P 500 Index S&P 1500 Communications Equipment Base Period 10/25/13 100 100 100 INDEXED RETURNS Period Ending 12/31/13 12/31/14 12/31/15 126.28 105.49 105.56 152.30 119.93 119.17 172.72 121.58 105.84 36 PART II ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA The following table presents our historical selected financial data as of the dates and for the periods indicated. The data for each of the years presented are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements. The information set forth below should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Annual Report. Five-Year Summary of Selected Financial Data (In thousands, except per share amounts) Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 (1) Results of Operations: Net sales Gross profit Restructuring costs, net Asset impairments Operating income (loss) Net interest expense Net income (loss) Earnings (Loss) Per Share Information: Weighted average number of shares outstanding: Basic Diluted Earnings (loss) per share: Basic Diluted Other Information: Net cash provided by operating activities Depreciation and amortization Additions to property, plant and equipment Cash dividends per share Balance Sheet Data: Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments Goodwill and intangible assets Property, plant and equipment, net Total assets (2) Working capital Long-term debt, including current maturities (2) Stockholders’ equity $3,807,828 $3,829,614 $3,480,117 $3,321,885 1,060,681 1,345,820 22,993 29,488 40,907 90,784 238,238 181,593 (185,557) (230,533) 5,353 (70,875) 1,397,269 19,267 12,096 577,449 (173,981) 236,772 1,200,940 22,104 45,529 329,714 (205,492) 19,396 $3,275,462 830,352 18,724 126,057 (188,432) (259,998) (392,362) 189,876 189,876 186,905 191,450 160,641 164,013 154,708 155,517 $ $ (0.37) $ (0.37) $ 1.27 $ 1.24 $ 0.12 $ 0.12 $ 0.03 0.03 (3) (3) (3) (3) $ 302,060 $ 289,418 $ 237,701 $ 286,135 262,279 27,957 1.29 256,616 36,780 303,500 56,501 259,504 36,935 3.47 $ — $ — $ $ $ 130,995 297,005 39,533 — $ 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 As of December 31, $ 562,884 $ 729,321 $ 346,320 $ 264,375 $ 317,102 3,267,497 2,872,698 407,557 310,143 5,088,879 4,690,800 853,625 860,042 2,498,694 2,471,297 1,365,089 1,088,016 4,838,119 528,706 7,502,631 1,319,548 5,243,651 1,222,720 3,052,615 355,212 4,740,893 737,638 2,418,399 1,182,282 2,712,814 289,371 4,917,058 1,351,805 2,668,898 1,307,619 (1) The period of January 1 – January 14, 2011 (prior to the acquisition of CommScope, Inc. by Carlyle) and the period of January 15 – December 31, 2011 (subsequent to the acquisition of CommScope, Inc. by Carlyle) have been combined for presentation of 2011 results and the combined 2011 amounts are unaudited. 37 (2) As of June 30, 2015, the Company adopted new accounting guidance that requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be reported as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. The guidance has been applied retrospectively to the prior periods presented. (3) Excluded from presentation due to lack of comparability of shares outstanding. 38 ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements based upon current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward- looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth under “Risk Factors” included in Part I, Item 1A or in other parts of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. OVERVIEW We are a leading global provider of infrastructure solutions for communications networks. Our portfolio of network infrastructure includes some of the world’s most robust and innovative wireless and fiber optic solutions. Our talented and experienced global team is driven to help customers increase bandwidth; maximize existing capacity; improve network performance and availability; increase energy efficiency; and simplify technology migration. Our solutions are found in some of the largest buildings, venues and outdoor spaces; in data centers and buildings of all shapes, sizes and complexity; at wireless cell sites; in telecom central offices and cable headends; in fiber-to-the-X (FTTx) deployments; and in airports, trains, and tunnels. Vital networks around the world run on CommScope solutions. On August 28, 2015, we completed the acquisition of TE Connectivity’s Broadband Network Solutions (BNS) business in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $3.0 billion. The BNS business provides fiber optic and copper connectivity for wireline and wireless networks and also provides small-cell distributed antenna system (DAS) solutions for the wireless market. For the twelve month period from December 27, 2014 through December 25, 2015, the BNS business generated revenues of approximately $1.7 billion. We believe the transaction will accelerate our strategy to drive profitable growth by expanding our business into attractive adjacent markets and to broaden our position as a leading communications infrastructure provider. In addition, the acquisition will provide greater geographic and business diversity. The results of the BNS business are included in our consolidated results of operations from the date of acquisition, August 28, 2015, through December 25, 2015, the BNS fiscal period-end. In June 2015, we borrowed $2.75 billion to fund the BNS acquisition. During the year ended December 31, 2015, we incurred transaction and integration costs of $96.9 million primarily related to the BNS acquisition and integration activities. We will continue to incur transaction and integration costs and such costs may be material. In addition, we expect to incur restructuring charges to integrate the BNS acquisition and those costs may be material. Following the BNS acquisition, management operated and managed the Company in the following four reportable segments: Wireless, Enterprise, Broadband and Broadband Network Solutions (BNS). Management is re-evaluating its reportable segments as a result of the continuing integration of the BNS business. Globally, we believe that we have a significant leadership position in connectivity and essential infrastructure solutions for the wireless, enterprise and residential broadband networks. Through our Andrew brand, we are a global leader in providing merchant RF wireless network connectivity solutions and DAS solutions. Through our SYSTIMAX and Uniprise brands, we are a global leader in enterprise connectivity solutions, delivering a complete end-to-end physical layer solution, including connectivity and cables, enclosures, data center and network intelligence software, in-building wireless and network design services for enterprise applications and data centers. We are also a premier manufacturer of coaxial and fiber optic cable for residential broadband networks globally. The BNS acquisition has enabled us to broaden our position as a leading communications infrastructure provider by providing fiber-optic and copper connectivity for telecom, enterprise and wireless networks as well as DAS solutions for the wireless market. 39 During the periods presented below, the primary sources of revenue for our Wireless segment were (i) product sales of primarily passive transmission devices for the wireless infrastructure market including base station and microwave antennas, hybrid fiber-feeder and power cables, coaxial cable connectors and equipment primarily used by wireless operators, (ii) product sales of active electronic devices and services including power amplifiers, filters and tower-mounted amplifiers and (iii) engineering and consulting services and products like DAS that are used to extend and enhance the coverage of wireless networks in areas where signals are difficult to send or receive such as large buildings, urban areas, stadiums and transportation systems. Demand for Wireless segment products depends primarily on capital spending by wireless operators to expand their distribution networks or to increase the capacity of their networks. To expand our Wireless segment offerings, we acquired Airvana LP (Airvana) in October 2015 for approximately $45 million. Airvana provides 4G LTE and 3G small cell solutions that enable communication and access to information and entertainment in challenging and high-value environments, such as offices, public venues and homes. Also within our Wireless segment, we acquired two businesses of United Kingdom-based Alifabs Group (Alifabs) in July 2014 for approximately $49 million. Alifabs designs and supplies metro cell enclosures, monopoles, smaller streetworks towers and tower solutions for the United Kingdom telecommunications, utility and energy markets. The primary source of revenue for our Enterprise segment was sales of optical fiber and twisted pair structured cabling solutions and intelligent infrastructure products and software to large, multinational companies, primarily through a global network of distributors, system integrators and value-added resellers. Demand for Enterprise segment products depends primarily on information technology spending by enterprises, such as communications projects in new data centers, buildings or campuses, building expansions or upgrades of network systems within buildings, campuses or data centers. The primary source of revenue for our Broadband segment was product sales to cable television system operators, including cable and communications products that support the multichannel video, voice and high- speed data services of multi-system operators (MSOs) and coaxial and fiber optic cable for residential broadband networks. Demand for our Broadband segment products depends primarily on capital spending by cable television system operators for maintaining, constructing and rebuilding or upgrading their systems. The primary source of revenue for our acquired BNS segment was fiber-optic and copper connectivity solutions for telecom and enterprise markets as well as DAS solutions for the wireless market. The connectivity solutions offered by our BNS segment include FTTx solutions, data center solutions and central office connectivity and equipment, all of which include a robust portfolio of fiber optic connectors. Additional connectivity solutions offered by our BNS segment include fiber management systems, patch cords and panels, complete cabling systems and cable assemblies for use in office, data center, factory and residential applications. The wireless market solutions offered by our BNS segment include radio frequency distribution and distributed antenna systems to enhance wireless coverage and capacity. Our future financial condition and performance will be largely dependent upon: our ability to successfully integrate the BNS acquisition; global spending by wireless operators; global spending by business enterprises on information technology; investment by cable operators and communications companies in the video and communications infrastructure; overall global business conditions; and our ability to manage costs successfully among our global operations. We have experienced significant volatility in raw material prices during the past several years as a result of increased global demand, supply disruptions and other factors. We attempt to mitigate the risk of increases in raw material price volatility through effective requirements planning, working closely with key suppliers to obtain the best possible pricing and delivery terms and implementing price increases. Delays in implementing price increases, failure to achieve market acceptance of price increases, or price reductions in response to a rapid decline in raw material costs could have a material adverse impact on the results of our operations. Our profitability is also affected by the mix and volume of sales among our various product groups and between domestic and international customers and competitive pricing pressures. 40 CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States (U.S.). The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates and their underlying assumptions form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other objective sources. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances and revises its estimates, as appropriate, when changes in events or circumstances indicate that revisions may be necessary. The following critical accounting policies and estimates reflected in our financial statements are based on management’s knowledge of and experience with past and current events and on management’s assumptions about future events. While we have generally not experienced significant deviations from our critical estimates in the past, it is reasonably possible that these estimates may ultimately differ materially from actual results. See Note 2 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a description of all of our significant accounting policies. Business Combinations We use the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations which requires assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recorded at their fair values on the acquisition date. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired. The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are determined based upon the management’s valuation and involves making significant estimates and assumptions based on facts and circumstances that existed as of acquisition date. We use a measurement period following the acquisition date to gather information that existed as of the acquisition date that is needed to determine the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The measurement period ends once all information is obtained, but no later than one year from the acquisition date. Revenue Recognition We recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or service has been rendered, the selling price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. The majority of our revenue comes from product sales. Revenue from product sales is recognized when the risks and rewards of ownership have passed to the customer and revenue is measurable. Revenue is not recognized related to products sold to contract manufacturers that the Company anticipates repurchasing in order to complete the sale to the ultimate customer. Revenue for certain of the Company’s products is derived from multiple-element contracts. The value of the revenue elements within these contracts is allocated based on the relative selling price of each element. The relative selling price is determined using vendor-specific objective evidence of selling price or other third party evidence of selling price, if available. If these forms of evidence are unavailable, revenue is allocated among elements based on management’s best estimate of the stand-alone selling price of each element. Certain revenue arrangements are for the sale of software and services. Revenue for software products is recognized based on the timing of customer acceptance of the specific revenue elements. The fair value of each revenue element is determined based on vendor-specific objective evidence of fair value determined by the stand-alone pricing of each element. These contracts typically contain post-contract support (PCS) services which are sold both as part of a bundled product offering and as a separate contract. Revenue for PCS services is recognized ratably over the term of the PCS contract. Other service revenue is typically recognized once the service is performed or over the period of time covered by the arrangement. 41 We record reductions to revenue for anticipated sales returns as well as customer programs and incentive offerings, such as discounts, allowances, rebates and distributor price protection programs. These estimates are based on contract terms, historical experience, inventory levels in the distributor channel and other factors. Management generally believes it has sufficient historical experience to allow for reasonable and reliable estimation of these reductions to revenue. However, deteriorating market conditions could result in increased sales returns and allowances and potential distributor price protection incentives, resulting in future reductions to revenue. If management does not have sufficient historical experience to make a reasonable estimation of these reductions to revenue, recognition of the revenue is deferred until management believes there is a sufficient basis to recognize such revenue. Inventory Reserves We maintain reserves to reduce the value of inventory based on the lower of cost or market principle, including allowances for excess and obsolete inventory. These reserves are based on management’s assumptions about and analysis of relevant factors including current levels of orders and backlog, forecasted demand, market conditions and new products or innovations that diminish the value of existing inventories. If actual market conditions deteriorate from those anticipated by management, additional allowances for excess and obsolete inventory could be required. Product Warranty Reserves We recognize a liability for the estimated claims that may be paid under our customer warranty agreements to remedy potential deficiencies of quality or performance of our products. The product warranties extend over periods ranging from one to twenty-five years from the date of sale, depending upon the product subject to the warranty. We record a provision for estimated future warranty claims based upon the historical relationship of warranty claims to sales and specifically identified warranty issues. We base our estimates on historical experience and on assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances and revise our estimates, as appropriate, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that revisions may be necessary. Although these estimates are based on management’s knowledge of and experience with past and current events and on management’s assumptions about future events, it is reasonably possible that they may ultimately differ materially from actual results, including in the case of a significant product failure. Tax Valuation Allowances, Liabilities for Unrecognized Tax Benefits and Other Tax Reserves We establish an income tax valuation allowance when available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, we consider the amounts, character, source and timing of expected future deductions or carryforwards as well as sources of taxable income and tax planning strategies that may enable utilization. We maintain an existing valuation allowance until sufficient positive evidence exists to support its reversal. Changes in the amount or timing of expected future deductions or taxable income may have a material impact on the level of income tax valuation allowances. If we determine that we will not be able to realize all or part of a deferred tax asset in the future, an increase to an income tax valuation allowance would be charged to earnings in the period such determination was made. We recognize income tax benefits related to particular tax positions only when it is considered more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained if examined on its technical merits by tax authorities. The amount of benefit recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is evaluated to be greater than 50% likely to be realized. Considerable judgment is required to evaluate the technical merits of various positions and to evaluate the likely amount of benefit to be realized. Lapses in statutes of limitations, developments in tax laws, regulations and interpretations, and changes in assessments of the likely outcome of uncertain tax positions could have a material impact on the overall tax provision. 42 We establish deferred tax liabilities for the estimated tax cost associated with foreign earnings that we do not consider permanently reinvested. These liabilities are subject to adjustment if we determine that foreign earnings previously considered to be permanently reinvested should no longer be so considered. We also establish allowances related to value added and similar tax recoverables when it is considered probable that those assets are not recoverable. Changes in the probability of recovery or in the estimates of the amount recoverable are recognized in the period such determination is made and may be material to earnings. Asset Impairment Reviews Impairment Reviews of Goodwill We test goodwill for impairment annually as of October 1 and on an interim basis when events occur or circumstances indicate the carrying value may no longer be recoverable. Goodwill is evaluated at the reporting unit level, which may be the same as a reportable segment or a level below a reportable segment. Step one of the goodwill impairment test is a comparison of the carrying value of a reporting unit to its estimated fair value. We estimate the fair value of a reporting unit through the use of a discounted cash flow (DCF) valuation model. The significant assumptions in the DCF model are the annual revenue growth rate, the annual operating income margin and the discount rate used to determine the present value of the cash flow projections. Among other inputs, the annual revenue growth rate and operating income margin are determined by management using historical performance trends, industry data, insight derived from customers, relevant changes in the reporting unit’s underlying business and other market trends that may affect the reporting unit. The discount rate is based on the estimated weighted average cost of capital as of the test date of market participants in the industry in which the reporting unit operates. The assumptions used in the DCF model are subject to significant judgment and uncertainty. Changes in projected revenue growth rates, projected operating income margins or estimated discount rates due to uncertain market conditions, loss of one or more key customers, changes in technology, or other factors, could result in one or more of our reporting units with a significant amount of goodwill failing step one of the goodwill impairment test in the future. It is possible that future impairment reviews may indicate additional impairments of goodwill, which could be material to our results of operations and financial position. Our historical or projected revenues or cash flows may not be indicative of actual future results. 2015 Interim Goodwill Analysis During 2015, the Microwave Antenna Group (Microwave) reporting unit in the Wireless segment experienced lower than expected levels of sales and operating income. Management considered these results and the longer term effect of market conditions on the continued operations of the business and determined that an indicator of possible impairment existed. A step one goodwill impairment test was performed using a DCF valuation model. Based on the estimated fair values generated by the DCF model, the Microwave reporting unit did not pass step one of the goodwill impairment test. A step two analysis was completed and a $74.4 million impairment charge was recorded. The goodwill impairment charge resulted primarily from lower projected operating results than those assumed during the 2014 annual impairment test. The weighted average discount rate used in the interim impairment test for the Microwave reporting unit was 10.5% compared to 11.0% that was used in the 2014 annual goodwill impairment test. 2015 Annual Goodwill Analysis The annual test of goodwill was performed for each of the reporting units with goodwill balances as of October 1, 2015. The test was performed using a DCF valuation model. The weighted average discount rates used in the 2015 annual test were 10.5% for the Wireless and 9.5% for both the Enterprise and Broadband reporting units. These discount rates were slightly lower than those used in the 2014 annual goodwill impairment test. The discount rate used in the BNS opening balance sheet valuation was 10.0%. Based on the estimated fair values generated by our DCF models, the Microwave reporting unit failed step one of the annual goodwill 43 impairment test. Subsequently, the Microwave reporting unit passed step two of the annual goodwill impairment test and no impairment charge was deemed necessary as a result of the annual goodwill test. Future impairment tests could result in additional impairment charges and these could be material. Definite-Lived Intangible Assets and Other Long-Lived Assets Management reviews definite-lived intangible assets, investments and other long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying values may not be fully recoverable. This analysis differs from our goodwill impairment analysis in that an intangible or other long-lived asset impairment is only deemed to have occurred if the sum of the forecasted undiscounted future net cash flows related to the assets being evaluated is less than the carrying value of the assets. If the forecasted net cash flows are less than the carrying value, then the asset is written down to its estimated fair value. Changes in the estimates of forecasted net cash flows may cause additional asset impairments, which could result in charges that are material to our results of operations. The net carrying value of our definite-lived intangible assets was $2.1 billion as of December 31, 2015. During 2015, the Company determined that certain intangible assets in the Enterprise segment were no longer recoverable and recorded a $5.5 million impairment charge. Also during 2015, the Company determined that a note receivable related to a previous divestiture was impaired and a $10.9 million impairment charge was recorded in the Broadband segment. 44 RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Comparison of results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2015 with the year ended December 31, 2014 Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 Amount % of Net Sales Amount % of Net Sales Dollar Change % Change (dollars in millions, except per share amounts) Net sales Gross profit Operating income Non-GAAP adjusted operating income (1) Net income (loss) Diluted earnings (loss) per share $3,807.8 1,345.8 181.6 729.8 (70.9) $ (0.37) (1) See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures”. Net sales 100.0% $3,829.6 1,397.3 577.4 808.4 236.8 1.24 35.3 4.8 19.2 (1.9) $ 100.0% $ (21.8) (51.5) 36.5 (395.8) 15.1 (78.6) 21.1 (307.7) 6.2 (0.6)% (3.7) (68.5) (9.7) (129.9) Net sales Domestic net sales International net sales Year Ended December 31, Change 2015 2014 $ % $3,807.8 1,869.4 1,938.4 (dollars in millions) $3,829.6 2,107.6 1,722.0 $ (21.8) (238.2) 216.4 (0.6)% (11.3) 12.6 Net sales. Net sales for 2015 included sales from the BNS business of $529.6 million. See the discussion under the BNS segment in the section titled “Segment Results” for further details. Excluding the BNS business, the decrease in net sales for 2015 compared to the prior year was primarily attributable to lower net sales in the U.S. mainly as a result of decreased spending by certain domestic wireless operators. In addition to the decline in the U.S., net sales (excluding incremental BNS net sales) in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and Central and Latin America (CALA) regions were lower for 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to the negative impact of foreign exchange rate changes. Current year net sales in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region (excluding incremental BNS net sales) were essentially unchanged compared to the prior year. Foreign exchange rate changes had a negative impact of approximately 3% on net sales for 2015 compared to 2014. Including the BNS business, net sales increased in all major geographic regions except the U.S. Net sales to customers outside the U.S. comprised 51% of total net sales for 2015 compared to 45% for 2014. From a segment perspective, the year-over-year decrease in net sales for 2015 was due primarily to lower net sales in our Wireless segment as discussed above. The Broadband segment also experienced lower net sales but these decreases were partially offset by higher net sales in our Enterprise segment and the addition of the acquired BNS business (fully reported in the BNS segment). For further details by segment, see the section titled “Segment Results” below. 45 Gross profit, SG&A expense and R&D expense Gross profit Gross margin percent SG&A expense As a percent of sales R&D expense As a percent of sales Year ended December 31, Change 2015 2014 $ % (dollars in millions) $1,345.8 $1,397.3 $ (51.5) (3.7)% 35.3% 687.4 18.1% 136.0 3.6% 36.5% 484.9 12.7% 125.3 3.3% 202.5 41.8 10.7 8.5 Gross profit (net sales less cost of sales). Gross profit for 2015 was negatively affected by BNS purchase accounting adjustments of $81.6 million, primarily related to the mark-up of inventory to its estimated fair value less the estimated costs associated with its sale. Excluding this additional cost, gross margin percent was 37.5% for 2015. The increase in gross margin percent for 2015 compared to the prior year was primarily due to favorable product mix and lower material costs partially offset by the impact of lower sales volumes. Selling, general and administrative expense. Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense for 2015 increased compared to the prior year primarily due to an increase of $84.8 million of transaction and integration costs mainly resulting from the BNS acquisition. In addition, the inclusion of the BNS business contributed an additional $117.8 million in SG&A expense for 2015 compared to the prior year period. During 2014, we recorded a $13.1 million reduction in SG&A expense resulting from an adjustment to the estimated fair value of contingent consideration payable related to a 2013 acquisition. Excluding transaction and integration costs, the addition of the BNS business and the adjustments to contingent consideration payable, SG&A expense was $13.0 million lower for 2015 compared to the prior year. This decrease was primarily attributable to lower variable compensation costs that were offset partially by higher bad debt expense. Research and development. Research and development (R&D) expense increased in 2015 compared to the prior year due to $24.8 million of R&D costs incurred by the BNS business and $5.3 million of R&D costs incurred by Airvana. Excluding BNS and Airvana, R&D expense decreased for 2015 by $19.3 million compared to the prior year, primarily as a result of a decline in variable compensation costs and benefits from cost savings initiatives in the Broadband and Wireless segments. Excluding the impact of the BNS business and Airvana, R&D expense as a percentage of sales for 2015 was 3.2% compared to 3.3% for 2014. R&D activities generally relate to ensuring that our products are capable of meeting the evolving technological needs of our customers, bringing new products to market and modifying existing products to better serve our customers. Amortization of purchased intangible assets, Restructuring costs and Asset impairments Amortization of purchased intangible assets Restructuring costs, net Asset impairments Year Ended December 31, Change 2015 2014 $ % (dollars in millions) $220.6 29.5 90.8 $178.3 19.3 12.1 $42.3 10.2 78.7 23.7% 52.8 650.4 Amortization of purchased intangible assets. The amortization of purchased intangible assets was higher in 2015 compared to the prior year periods primarily due to the additional amortization resulting from the BNS acquisition. 46 Restructuring costs, net. The restructuring costs recorded in 2015 were primarily related to the initial phases of integrating the BNS business. The restructuring costs recognized in 2014 and the first half of 2015 were primarily related to our continued efforts to realign and lower our overall cost structure. We expect to incur additional pretax costs of $1.3 million to $2.5 million to complete the restructuring actions announced to date. As a result of the continuing BNS integration, additional restructuring actions are expected to be identified and the resulting charges and cash requirements are expected to be material. Asset impairments. During 2015 and 2014, we recorded goodwill impairment charges of $74.4 million and $4.9 million, respectively, in the Wireless segment, primarily as a result of lower projected future operating results for the Microwave Antenna Group (Microwave) reporting unit. During 2015, we determined that certain intangible assets in the Enterprise segment were no longer recoverable and recorded a $5.5 million impairment charge. Also, during 2015, we determined a note receivable related to a previous divestiture was impaired and recorded a charge for $10.9 million in the Broadband segment. During 2014, we determined that certain intangible assets in the Broadband segment were no longer recoverable and recorded a $7.2 million impairment charge. Net interest expense, Other expense, net and Income taxes Net interest expense Other expense, net Income tax expense Year Ended December 31, Change 2015 2014 $ % (dollars in millions) $(230.5) (13.1) (8.9) $(174.0) (86.4) (80.3) $(56.5) 73.3 71.4 32.5% (84.8) (88.9) Net interest expense. In June 2015, we issued $1.5 billion of 6.0% senior notes due 2025 (the 2025 Notes) and $500.0 million of 4.375% senior secured notes due 2020 (the 2020 Notes) and we entered into a $1.25 billion term loan due 2022 (the 2022 Term Loan). The proceeds from the 2025 Notes and the 2022 Term Loan were used in funding the BNS acquisition. We incurred $77.7 million of incremental interest expense in 2015 as a result of this acquisition-related debt. The proceeds from the 2020 Notes were used to repay a portion of our existing term loans. In connection with this repayment, $6.7 million of original issue discount and debt issuance costs were written off and included in interest expense in 2015. In May 2014, we issued $1.3 billion of senior notes at a weighted average stated interest rate of 5.25% and used substantially all of the net proceeds to redeem $1.1 billion of 8.25% senior notes that were due in 2019 (the 2019 Notes). In connection with the redemption of the 2019 Notes, we wrote off $19.1 million of debt issuance costs to interest expense in 2014. Our weighted average effective interest rate on outstanding borrowings, including the amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount was 5.50% as of December 31, 2015 and 5.38% as of December 31, 2014. Other expense, net. Foreign exchange losses of $15.1 million were included in other expense, net for 2015 compared to losses of $2.7 million for 2014. During 2015 and 2014, we sold portions of our investment in Hydrogenics Corporation (Hydrogenics) that resulted in pretax gains of $2.7 million and $12.3 million, respectively, which were recorded in other expense, net. Other expense, net for 2014 also included our share of losses in our equity investments of $1.5 million. In connection with the redemption of the 2019 Notes in 2014, we recorded a redemption premium of $93.9 million, which was included in other expense, net. Income taxes. Our effective income tax rate for 2015 was negatively impacted by tax valuation allowances related to federal tax credit carryforwards, impairment charges for which minimal tax benefits were recorded and 47 losses in certain jurisdictions where we did not recognize tax benefits due to the likelihood of them not being realizable. These negative impacts were partially offset by the favorable effects of earnings in foreign jurisdictions that are generally taxed at rates lower than the U.S. statutory rate, lower levels of planned repatriation as a result of funds used outside the U.S. for a portion of the BNS purchase price, benefits recognized from adjustments related to prior years’ tax returns and a reduction in tax expense related to uncertain tax positions. Our effective income tax rate of 25.3% for 2014 included reductions in tax expense related to reductions in reserves for uncertain tax positions as a result of the lapse of statutes of limitations on certain matters. The benefits to the income tax rate were partially offset by the impact of losses in certain jurisdictions where we did not recognize tax benefits due to the likelihood of them not being realizable and the provision for state income taxes. Earnings in foreign jurisdictions, which are generally taxed at rates lower than the U.S. statutory rate, reduce our effective tax rate. This reduction is largely offset by providing for the cost of repatriating the majority of these earnings. Segment Results Following the BNS acquisition, management operated and managed the Company in the following four reportable segments: Wireless, Enterprise, Broadband and BNS. Management is re-evaluating its reportable segments as a result of the continuing integration of the BNS business. Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 Amount % of Net Sales Amount % of Net Sales Dollar Change (dollars in millions) Net sales by segment: Wireless Enterprise Broadband BNS Inter-segment eliminations $1,938.5 864.4 476.1 529.6 (0.8) 50.9% $2,469.8 850.5 22.7 511.1 12.5 — 13.9 (1.8) (0.0) 64.5% 22.2 13.3 NM (0.0) Consolidated net sales $3,807.8 100.0% $3,829.6 100.0% Operating income (loss) by segment: Wireless Enterprise Broadband BNS Consolidated operating income Non-GAAP adjusted operating income by segment (1): Wireless Enterprise Broadband BNS $ 182.8 114.0 17.0 (132.2) $ 181.6 9.4% $ 468.1 99.8 13.2 9.5 3.6 — (25.0) 4.8% $ 577.4 $ 381.1 205.2 55.6 87.9 19.7% $ 600.3 166.6 23.7 41.5 11.7 — 16.6 19.0% 11.7 1.9 NM 15.1% 24.3% 19.6 8.1 NM % Change (21.5)% 1.6 (6.8) NM (0.6)% (60.9)% 14.2 78.9 NM $(531.3) 13.9 (35.0) 529.6 1.0 $ (21.8) $(285.3) 14.2 7.5 (132.2) $(395.8) (68.5)% $(219.2) 38.6 14.1 87.9 (36.5)% 23.2 34.0 NM Non-GAAP consolidated adjusted operating income $ 729.8 19.2% $ 808.3 21.1% $ (78.6) (9.7)% NM – Not meaningful (1) See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures”. 48 Wireless Segment We provide merchant RF wireless network connectivity solutions, metro cell, DAS and small cell solutions. Our solutions, marketed primarily under the Andrew brand, enable wireless operators to deploy macro cell site, metro cell site, DAS and small cell solutions to meet 2G, 3G and 4G cellular coverage and capacity requirements. Our macro cell site solutions can be found at wireless tower sites and on rooftops and include base station antennas, microwave antennas, hybrid fiber-feeder and power cables, coaxial cables, connectors and filters. Our metro cell solutions can be found outdoors on street poles and on other urban structures and include RF delivery and connectivity solutions, equipment housing and concealment. These fully integrated outdoor systems consist of specialized antennas, filters/combiners, backhaul solutions, intra-system cabling and power distribution, all minimized to fit an urban environment. Our DAS and small cell solutions allow wireless operators to increase spectral efficiency and thereby extend and enhance cellular coverage and capacity in challenging network conditions such as commercial buildings, urban areas, stadiums and transportation systems. The Airvana acquisition expanded our leadership and capabilities in providing indoor wireless capacity and coverage. The Wireless segment experienced a substantial decrease in net sales for 2015 compared to the prior year, primarily as a result of lower sales in the U.S. due to a slowdown in spending by certain domestic wireless operators. In addition to the slowdown in the U.S. during 2015, Wireless net sales were lower in the EMEA region. Wireless segment net sales in the APAC region were essentially unchanged year-over-year. The Airvana and Alifabs acquisitions provided incremental net sales to the Wireless segment of $20.4 million during 2015. Foreign exchange rate changes had a negative impact of approximately 5% on Wireless segment net sales for 2015 compared to the prior year. Wireless segment operating income and non-GAAP adjusted operating income decreased substantially in 2015 compared to the prior year as a result of lower sales volumes. In addition to the decline in sales, Wireless segment operating income was negatively affected by a goodwill impairment charge of $74.4 million during 2015 compared to an impairment charge of $4.9 million in 2014; both charges were in the Microwave reporting unit. These impairment charges are not reflected in non-GAAP adjusted operating income. The Wireless segment also recorded higher bad debt expense in 2015 as compared to 2014. The Wireless segment reflected benefits from lower variable compensation costs as a result of its lower operating performance in 2015 as compared to 2014. While our sales to wireless operators can be volatile, we expect longer-term demand for our Wireless products to be positively affected by wireless coverage and capacity expansion in emerging markets and growth in mobile data services in developed markets. Uncertainty in the global economy or a particular region or consolidation among wireless operators may slow the growth or cause a decline in capital spending by wireless operators and negatively impact our net sales. Enterprise Segment We provide enterprise connectivity solutions for commercial buildings and data centers. We provide voice, video, data and converged solutions that support mission-critical, high-bandwidth applications including storage area networks, streaming media, data backhaul, cloud applications and grid computing. These comprehensive solutions, sold primarily under the SYSTIMAX and Uniprise brands, include optical fiber and twisted pair structured cable solutions, intelligent infrastructure software, network rack and cabinet enclosures, modular data centers and network design services. Enterprise segment net sales for 2015 were higher than the prior year mainly due to increases in the U.S. as well as the APAC and EMEA regions. These increases were partially offset by lower net sales in the CALA region. Foreign exchange rate changes had a negative impact of approximately 1% for 2015 as compared to the prior year. Enterprise segment operating income and non-GAAP adjusted operating income increased for 2015 compared to the prior year primarily due to higher sales volumes and favorable product mix. Enterprise segment operating 49 income in 2015 was negatively affected by an impairment charge of $5.5 million and restructuring charges of $2.6 million which are excluded from non-GAAP adjusted operating income. Operating income for 2014 reflected a gain of $13.1 million related to adjustments to contingent consideration payable that was not included in non-GAAP adjusted operating income. We expect near-term and long-term demand for Enterprise products to be driven by global information technology and data center spending as the ongoing need for bandwidth and intelligence in the network continues to create demand for high-performance structured connectivity solutions in the enterprise market. Uncertain global economic conditions, variability in the levels of commercial construction activity, uncertain levels of information technology spending and reductions in the levels of distributor inventories may negatively affect demand for our Enterprise products. Broadband Segment We provide cable and communications products that support the multi-channel video, voice and high-speed data services provided by multi-system operators (MSOs). We believe we are the leading global manufacturer of coaxial cable for hybrid fiber coaxial networks globally and a leading supplier of fiber optic cable for North American MSOs. Broadband segment net sales were lower for 2015 compared to the prior year as a result of lower sales in all major geographic regions with the most significant decrease in the CALA region. The Broadband segment continues to prune less profitable products from its portfolio, which has resulted in lower net sales. Foreign exchange rate changes had a negative impact of approximately 1% on Broadband segment net sales for 2015 as compared to the prior year. Despite lower net sales, Broadband segment operating income and non-GAAP adjusted operating income increased for 2015 compared to the prior year as a result of lower material costs, favorable mix and the benefit of cost reduction initiatives and product rationalization. The $10.9 million impairment of a note receivable from a previous divestiture negatively impacted Broadband segment operating income for 2015 compared to an impairment charge of $7.2 million recorded in 2014 related to certain intangible assets that were determined to no longer be recoverable. These impairment charges are not reflected in non-GAAP adjusted operating income. We expect demand for Broadband products to continue to be influenced by ongoing maintenance requirements of cable networks, cable providers’ competition with telecommunication service providers, consolidation in the broadband service provider market and activity in the residential construction market. Spending by our Broadband customers on maintaining and upgrading networks is expected to continue to be influenced by uncertain regional and global economic conditions. BNS Segment The BNS segment provides fiber-optic and copper connectivity solutions for telecom and enterprise markets as well as DAS solutions for the wireless market. The connectivity solutions offered by our BNS segment include FTTx solutions, data center solutions and central office connectivity and equipment, all of which include a robust portfolio of fiber optic connectors. Additional connectivity solutions offered by our BNS segment include fiber management systems, patch cords and panels, complete cabling systems and cable assemblies for use in office, data center, factory and residential applications. The wireless market solutions offered by our BNS segment include radio frequency distribution and distributed antenna systems to enhance wireless coverage and capacity. We believe the acquisition of BNS will accelerate our strategy to drive profitable growth by expanding our business into attractive adjacent markets and broadening our position as a leading communications infrastructure 50 provider. In addition, the acquisition will provide us with greater geographic and business diversity. The results of the BNS segment are included in our consolidated results of operations from the date of acquisition, August 28, 2015, through December 25, 2015, their fiscal period end. Net sales to customers outside the U.S. comprised 58% of total BNS segment net sales for 2015. These net sales to international customers were primarily to customers in the APAC and EMEA regions. For 2015, operating income for the BNS segment was negatively affected by charges related to purchase accounting of $81.6 million, primarily related to the mark-up of inventory to its estimated fair value less the estimated costs associated with its sale; transaction and integration costs of $73.8 million; and restructuring costs of $17.0 million. These charges are not reflected in non-GAAP adjusted operating income. We expect the BNS segment to be positively affected by the global deployment of fiber optic solutions for FTTx and data center applications. The ongoing demand for fiber solutions is expected to be somewhat offset by decelerating demand for copper solutions in networks. Comparison of results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2014 with the year ended December 31, 2013 Year Ended December 31, 2014 2013 Amount % of Net Sales Amount % of Net Sales Dollar Change % Change Net sales Gross profit Operating income Non-GAAP adjusted operating income (1) Net income Diluted earnings per share (1) See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures”. Net sales Net sales Domestic net sales International net sales (dollars in millions, except per share amounts) 10.0% $3,829.6 100.0% $3,480.1 100.0% $349.5 16.4 196.4 1,397.3 75.1 247.7 577.4 188.3 808.4 30.4 236.8 217.4 1,120.6 1.24 1,200.9 329.7 620.1 19.4 0.12 36.5 15.1 21.1 6.2 34.5 9.5 17.8 0.6 $ $ Year Ended December 31, Change 2014 2013 $ % (dollars in millions) $3,829.6 2,107.6 1,722.0 $3,480.1 1,903.0 1,577.1 $349.5 204.6 144.9 10.0% 10.8 9.2 Net sales. All of our segments reported higher net sales for 2014 compared to 2013. The increase was primarily attributable to higher sales to domestic wireless operators in the Wireless segment as they continued to expand 4G coverage and capacity. In addition to the growth in the U.S., net sales were higher in the APAC region and EMEA regions partially offset by lower sales in the CALA for 2014 compared with 2013. Net sales to customers located outside of the U.S. comprised 45% of total net sales for both 2014 and 2013. Foreign exchange rates negatively affected net sales by less than 1% for 2014 as compared to 2013. For further details by segment, see the section titled “Segment Results” below. 51 Gross profit, SG&A expense and R&D expense Gross profit Gross margin percent SG&A expense As a percent of sales R&D expense As a percent of sales Year ended December 31, Change 2014 2013 $ % $1,397.3 (dollars in millions) $1,200.9 $196.4 16.4% 36.5% 484.9 12.7% 125.3 3.3% 34.5% 502.3 14.4% 126.4 3.6% (17.4) (3.5) (1.1) (0.9) Gross profit (net sales less cost of sales). Gross profit and gross profit margin increased for 2014 compared to 2013 primarily due to higher sales volumes, a favorable change in the mix of products sold and benefits from cost savings initiatives. While all of our segments recorded higher gross margins in 2014 as compared to 2013, the majority of the increase was attributable to the Wireless segment. Selling, general and administrative expense. SG&A expense for 2014 included a reduction in expense of $13.1 million resulting from an adjustment to the estimated fair value of contingent consideration payable related to the Redwood acquisition. SG&A expense for 2014 and 2013 included transaction costs of $12.1 million and $27.2 million, respectively. The 2013 transaction costs included a $20.2 million fee to terminate the Carlyle management agreement. Excluding these adjustments, SG&A expense increased by $10.8 million for 2014 compared to 2013 primarily as a result of additional sales expense in certain target markets, increases in equity- based compensation and higher cash incentive expense. These increased costs were partially offset by benefits from cost reduction initiatives. Although bad debt expense increased in 2014 as compared to 2013, the $4.4 million write-off of an uncollectible account during 2014 did not affect bad debt expense for 2014 as the account was fully reserved at the time of the write-off. The reduction in SG&A expense as a percentage of net sales for 2014 was primarily the result of higher net sales. Research and development. R&D expense decreased for 2014 compared to 2013. Cost savings initiatives in the Broadband segment resulted in lower R&D expense during 2014. These decreases were largely offset by increased investments in R&D in our Enterprise segment. The reduction in R&D expense as a percentage of net sales for 2014 was primarily the result of higher net sales. R&D activities generally relate to ensuring that our products are capable of meeting the developing technological needs of our customers, bringing new products to market and modifying existing products to better serve our customers. Amortization of purchased intangible assets, Restructuring costs and Asset impairments Amortization of purchased intangible assets Restructuring costs, net Asset impairments Year Ended December 31, Change 2014 2013 $ % $178.3 19.3 12.1 (dollars in millions) $ 3.4 $174.9 22.1 (2.8) (33.4) 45.5 1.9% (12.7) (73.4) Amortization of purchased intangible assets. The amortization of purchased intangible assets was higher in 2014 compared to 2013 primarily due to the additional amortization resulting from the July 2014 acquisition of Alifabs, the July 2013 acquisition of Redwood and the March 2013 acquisition of iTRACS. Restructuring costs, net. The restructuring costs recognized in 2014 were primarily related to the consolidation of operations following the closings of manufacturing operations at two locations in the U.S. and one location in 52 China and continued efforts to realign and lower our cost structure. The 2013 restructuring costs were partially offset by a gain of $18.7 million related to the sale of a business within the Broadband segment. Excluding this gain, $40.8 million of restructuring costs were incurred in 2013 primarily related to workforce reductions and other cost reduction initiatives at certain domestic and international facilities. Asset impairments. We recognized impairment charges of $12.1 million in 2014 consisting of a $4.9 million impairment of goodwill in the Wireless segment and a $7.2 million impairment of intangible assets in the Broadband segment. We recognized impairment charges of $45.5 million in 2013 consisting of a $36.2 million impairment of goodwill in the Broadband segment and a $9.3 million impairment of long-lived assets in the Wireless segment. Net interest expense, Other expense, net and Income taxes Net interest expense Other expense, net Income tax expense Year Ended December 31, Change 2014 2013 $ % $(174.0) (86.4) (80.3) (dollars in millions) $(205.5) (48.0) (56.8) $ 31.5 (38.4) (23.5) (15.3)% 80.0 41.4 Net interest expense. In May 2014, we issued $1.3 billion of new senior notes, $650.0 million of 5.00% Senior Notes due June 15, 2021 (the 2021 Notes) and $650.0 million of 5.50% Senior Notes due June 15, 2024 (the 2024 Notes) and used substantially all of the net proceeds to redeem the entire outstanding amount of the 2019 Notes. In connection with the redemption of the 2019 Notes in June 2014, we wrote off $19.1 million of deferred financing costs to interest expense. In May 2013, we issued $550.0 million of senior PIK toggle notes due June 1, 2020 (the senior PIK toggle notes), which resulted in $38.0 million of interest expense during 2014 as compared to $22.5 million in 2013. Interest expense for 2013 included a write-off of deferred financing costs of $7.9 million related to the redemption of $400.0 million of the 2019 Notes with the net proceeds of the Company’s initial public offering. As a result of amending our senior secured term loans and making a voluntary term loan repayment of $100.0 million during 2013, interest expense included a write-off of deferred financing costs and original issue discount of $3.4 million. Despite the higher write-offs of debt-related costs, net interest expense decreased in 2014 compared to 2013 primarily due to a lowering of the interest rate on our outstanding borrowings. Our weighted average effective interest rate on outstanding borrowings, including the amortization of deferred financing costs and original issue discount and assuming the cash interest rate on the senior PIK toggle notes, was 5.38% as of December 31, 2014 and 6.89% as of December 31, 2013. Other expense, net. In connection with redeeming the 2019 Notes in June 2014 and December 2013, we paid premiums of $93.9 million and $33.0 million, respectively, which were included in other expense, net. We also incurred costs of $3.3 million during 2013, which were included in other expense, net, related to amending our senior secured term loan facility. Foreign exchange losses of $2.7 million were included in other expense, net for 2014 compared to $9.8 million for 2013. During 2014, we recorded pretax gains on the sale of investments of $12.3 million, which were recorded in other expense, net. Other expense, net for 2014 also included our share of losses in our equity investments of $1.5 million compared to losses of $1.4 million for 2013. Also, included in other expense, net, for 2013 was the write- off of one such equity investment of $0.8 million. 53 Income taxes. Our effective income tax rate of 25.3% for 2014 included reductions in tax expense related to reductions in reserves for uncertain tax positions as a result of the lapse of statutes of limitations on certain matters. The benefits to the income tax rate were partially offset by the impact of losses in certain jurisdictions where we did not recognize tax benefits due to the likelihood of them not being realizable and the provision for state income taxes. Earnings in foreign jurisdictions, which are generally taxed at rates lower than the U.S. statutory rate, reduce our effective tax rate. This reduction is largely offset by providing for the cost of repatriating the majority of these earnings. For 2013, our effective income tax rate of 74.5% included the impact of a $36.2 million goodwill impairment charge that is not deductible for income tax purposes. In addition to the impairment charge, the effective tax rate for 2013 reflected increases in valuation allowances and losses in certain foreign jurisdictions where we did not recognize tax benefits due to the likelihood of them not being realizable. Segment Results Year Ended December 31, 2014 2013 Amount % of Net Sales Amount % of Net Sales Dollar Change (dollars in millions) Net sales by segment: Wireless Enterprise Broadband Inter-segment eliminations $2,469.8 850.5 511.1 (1.8) 64.5% $2,174.2 827.9 22.2 484.6 13.3 (6.6) (0.0) 62.5% 23.8 13.9 (0.2) Consolidated net sales $3,829.6 100.0% $3,480.1 100.0% Operating income (loss) by segment: Wireless Enterprise Broadband Consolidated operating income Non-GAAP adjusted operating income by segment (1): Wireless Enterprise Broadband $ 468.1 99.8 9.5 $ 577.4 19.0% $ 303.4 66.7 11.7 (40.4) 1.9 15.1% $ 329.7 14.0% 8.1 (8.3) 9.5% $ 600.3 166.6 41.5 24.3% $ 449.4 155.3 19.6 15.4 8.1 20.7% 18.8 3.2 $150.9 11.3 26.1 33.6% 7.3 169.5 Non-GAAP consolidated adjusted operating income $ 808.3 21.1% $ 620.1 17.8% $188.3 30.4% NM – Not meaningful (1) See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures”. Wireless Segment The Wireless segment net sales significantly increased in the U.S., the APAC region and Europe for 2014 compared to 2013 primarily as a result of 4G/LTE rollouts in developed markets and 3G coverage buildouts in emerging markets. These improvements in Wireless segment net sales were partially offset by lower sales in the Middle East and the CALA region. The acquisition of Alifabs provided incremental net sales of $25.2 million to the Wireless segment in 2014. Foreign exchange rate changes had a negative impact of less than 1% on Wireless segment net sales for 2014 compared to 2013. 54 % Change 13.6% 2.7 5.5 10.0% 54.3% 49.6 NM 75.1% $295.6 22.6 26.5 4.8 $349.5 $164.7 33.1 49.9 $247.7 Wireless segment operating income and non-GAAP adjusted operating income increased substantially for 2014 as compared to 2013 primarily due to the higher level of net sales, with additional benefit from a favorable mix of products sold and the benefit of cost reduction initiatives. During 2014, we recorded a goodwill impairment charge in the Wireless segment primarily as a result of lower projected future operating results for the Microwave reporting unit than those used in the 2013 annual impairment test. Enterprise Segment Enterprise segment net sales were higher in 2014 compared to 2013 primarily due to higher net sales in the APAC and U.S. regions that were partially offset by a decrease in sales in the EMEA region. Foreign exchange rate changes had a negative impact of less than 1% on Enterprise segment net sales for 2014 as compared to 2013. Enterprise segment operating income and non-GAAP adjusted operating income increased for 2014 as compared to 2013. Operating income for 2014 reflected a $13.1 million benefit related to the adjustment of the estimated fair value of contingent consideration payable from the Redwood acquisition. The positive impact of this adjustment to contingent consideration payable was excluded from the calculation of non-GAAP adjusted operating income. Higher net sales and the benefit of cost reduction initiatives had positive impacts on operating income and non-GAAP adjusted operating income that were partially offset by increased costs related to developing and marketing new solutions. Broadband Segment Broadband segment net sales increased in 2014 as compared to 2013 as a result of higher spending by MSOs in the U.S. The higher domestic net sales were partially offset by lower net sales in most other major geographic regions. Foreign exchange rate changes had a negative impact of less than 1% on Broadband segment net sales for 2014 as compared to 2013. Broadband segment operating income and non-GAAP adjusted operating income increased in 2014 as compared to 2013. During 2014, we recorded an impairment charge in the Broadband segment related to certain intangible assets that we have determined are no longer recoverable. Broadband segment non-GAAP adjusted operating income for 2014 improved primarily as a result of higher net sales and the benefit of cost reduction initiatives. The Broadband segment recorded operating losses in 2013 primarily as a result of goodwill impairment charges. Liquidity and Capital Resources The following table summarizes certain key measures of our liquidity and capital resources: For the Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 Dollar Change % Change (dollars in millions) $ 562.9 $ 729.3 $ (166.4) (22.8)% 769.2 278.2 5,243.7 6,466.4 631.5 321.7 2,668.9 3,976.5 137.7 (43.5) 2,574.8 2,489.9 21.8 (13.5) 96.5 62.6 81.1% 67.1% Cash and cash equivalents Working capital (1), excluding cash and cash equivalents and current portion of long-term debt Availability under revolving credit facility Long-term debt, including current portion Total capitalization (2) Long-term debt, including current portion, as a percentage of total capitalization 55 (1) Working capital consists of current assets of $2,004.6 million less current liabilities of $685.1 million as of December 31, 2015. Working capital consists of current assets of $1,827.6 million less current liabilities of $475.8 million as of December 31, 2014. (2) Total capitalization includes long-term debt, including the current portion, and stockholders’ equity. Our principal sources of liquidity on a short-term basis are cash and cash equivalents, cash flows provided by operations and availability under credit facilities. In May 2015, we amended our asset-based revolving credit facility to, among other things, expand the facility from $400.0 million to $550.0 million and extend the maturity date to May 2020, subject to acceleration under certain circumstances. On a long-term basis, our potential sources of liquidity also include raising capital through the issuance of debt and/or equity. The primary uses of liquidity include debt service requirements (including voluntary debt repayments), funding working capital requirements (primarily inventory and accounts receivable, net of accounts payable and other accrued liabilities), funding acquisitions, paying acquisition integration costs, capital expenditures, paying restructuring costs, income tax payments (including the cost of repatriation), and funding pension and other postretirement obligations. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents during 2015 was primarily driven by funding the BNS acquisition, acquisition-related payments and principal payments on long-term debt, offset partially by positive operating performance. The increase in working capital, excluding cash and cash equivalents and current portion of long- term debt, is primarily due to the addition of the working capital of the BNS business. The net change in total capitalization during 2015 primarily reflects the increase in long-term debt that was utilized to fund a substantial portion of the BNS acquisition. Cash Flow Overview Net cash generated by operating activities Net cash used in investing activities Net cash generated by financing activities Operating Activities For the Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 Dollar Change % Change $ 302.1 (3,050.6) 2,603.1 (dollars in millions) $289.4 (76.0) 190.8 $ 12.7 (2,974.6) 2,412.3 4.4% 3,913.9 1,264.3 During 2015, we generated $302.1 million of cash through operating activities compared to $289.4 million during 2014. Cash flow from operations for 2015 includes the payment of $96.1 million of transaction and integration costs, primarily related to the BNS acquisition. Cash flow from operations for 2014 included the payment of a $93.9 million premium related to redeeming the 2019 Notes. Excluding the transaction and integration costs paid in 2015 and the premium payment in 2014, we generated $10.5 million more from operating activities in 2015 compared to 2014 as lower operating performance in 2015 was more than offset by favorable changes in working capital. Cash flow from operations improved in 2015 despite an increase of $23.9 million in cash paid for taxes and an increase of $22.4 million in cash paid for interest due to the additional debt incurred in 2015 related to the BNS acquisition. Investing Activities During 2015, we acquired the BNS business and paid $2,957.5 million, net of cash acquired, using a combination of cash on hand and proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt. Also during 2015, we acquired Airvana and paid $43.5 million, net of cash acquired, using cash on hand. During 2014, we paid $46.7 million, net of cash 56 acquired, in connection with the Alifabs acquisition and we also received $4.7 million related to the final determination of the iTRACS purchase price. Investment in property, plant and equipment during 2015 was $56.5 million, of which $12.7 million was related to capital spending to support the BNS integration. The remainder of the investment in property, plant and equipment was primarily related to supporting improvements to manufacturing operations as well as investments in information technology (including software developed for internal use). During 2015 and 2014, we received proceeds of $2.8 million and $12.8 million, respectively, related to the sale of a portion of our investment in Hydrogenics. During 2014, we paid $15.0 million for the purchase of a non- controlling interest in a company developing high-speed transceivers and photonic integrated circuit products. Financing Activities During 2015, we received $500.0 million from the issuance of the 2020 Notes which was used, together with cash on hand, to repay $500.0 million of our existing term loans. In addition, we issued $1.5 billion of 2025 Notes and borrowed $1.25 billion under the 2022 Term Loan. The proceeds from the 2025 Notes and the 2022 Term Loan were used to fund a substantial portion of the BNS acquisition. In connection with these financing transactions and the amendment of our revolving credit facility, we paid $74.3 million of debt issuance costs during 2015. During 2015, we made a mandatory debt repayment of $3.1 million on the 2022 Term Loan and a voluntary repayment of $100 million on our senior secured term loan due 2018. We also voluntarily repurchased $13.4 million of our senior PIK toggle notes and paid a $0.3 million premium related to the repurchase. As of December 31, 2015, we had no outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit facility and the remaining availability was approximately $278.2 million, reflecting a borrowing base of $299.6 million reduced by $21.4 million of letters of credit issued under the revolving credit facility. We expect increased capacity as the additional collateral resulting from the BNS acquisition is added to the borrowing base. During 2015, we received proceeds of $25.6 million and recognized $24.8 million of excess tax benefits related to the exercise of stock options. During 2014, we issued $1.3 billion of new senior notes at a weighted average interest rate of 5.25%. Proceeds from the new senior notes were used to redeem the entire $1.1 billion of outstanding 2019 Notes. In connection with issuing the new senior notes, we paid financing costs of approximately $23.3 million during 2014. Also during 2014, we borrowed and repaid $15.0 million under our revolving credit facility and repaid $8.8 million of our senior secured term loans. During 2014, we received proceeds from stock option exercises and the related excess tax benefits of $23.5 million. Future Cash Needs We expect that our primary future cash needs will be debt service requirements (including voluntary debt repayments), funding working capital requirements (primarily inventory and accounts receivable, net of accounts payable and other accrued liabilities), funding acquisitions, paying acquisition integration costs, capital expenditures, paying restructuring costs, income tax payments (including the cost of repatriation) and funding pension and other postretirement obligations. We paid $11.8 million of restructuring costs during 2015 and expect to pay an additional $41.0 million between 2016 and 2022 related to restructuring actions that have been initiated. Any future restructuring actions would likely require additional cash expenditures and such requirements may be material. As of December 31, 2015, we have an unfunded obligation related to pension and other postretirement benefits of $39.1 million including estimated pension liabilities assumed in connection with 57 the BNS acquisition. We made contributions of $19.0 million to our pension and other postretirement benefit plans during 2015. Contributions made during 2015 include those required to comply with an agreement with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC). As of December 31, 2015, we have made all the contributions required in our agreement with the PBGC. We expect that our noncurrent employee benefit liabilities will be funded from existing cash balances and cash flow from future operations. Remaining items to be settled with TE Connectivity with regards to the acquisition include the net working capital adjustment, the pension obligation true-up and other deal-related items. While we expect the net settlement to be favorable to us, the timing of the settlements may result in us paying the pension obligation true-up of approximately $41.7 million before receiving the other settlement payments. We may voluntarily repay existing debt or repurchase our senior notes or our senior PIK toggle notes, if market conditions are favorable and the applicable indenture and the senior secured credit facilities permit such repayment or repurchase. Although there are no financial maintenance covenants under the terms of our senior notes or senior PIK toggle notes, there is a limitation, among other limitations, on certain future borrowings based on an adjusted leverage ratio or a fixed charge coverage ratio. These ratios are based on financial measures similar to Adjusted EBITDA as presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (see Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures) but also give pro forma effect to certain events, including acquisitions and savings from cost reduction initiatives. For the year ended December 31, 2015, our pro forma Adjusted EBITDA, as measured pursuant to indentures governing our notes, was $991.6 million, which included the impact of the BNS and Airvana acquisitions ($163.2 million) and savings from announced cost reduction initiatives ($38.1 million) so that the impact of the acquisitions and cost reduction initiatives are fully reflected in the twelve-month period used in the calculation of the ratios. In addition to limitations under these indentures, our senior secured credit facilities contain customary negative covenants. We believe we are in compliance with the covenants under our indentures and senior secured credit facilities at December 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2015, approximately 58% of our cash and cash equivalents was held outside the U.S. Income taxes have been provided on foreign earnings such that there would be no significant tax cost to repatriate the portion of this cash not required to meet the operational needs of our international subsidiaries. The cash tax requirements to repatriate existing funds may vary from year to year. We believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents and cash flows from operations, combined with availability under our revolving credit facility, will be sufficient to meet our presently anticipated future cash needs. We may, from time to time, increase borrowings under our revolving credit facility or issue securities, if market conditions are favorable, to meet our future cash needs or to reduce our borrowing costs. Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures We believe that presenting certain non-GAAP financial measures enhances an investor’s understanding of our financial performance. We further believe that these financial measures are useful financial metrics to assess our operating performance from period to period by excluding certain items that we believe are not representative of our core business. We also use certain of these financial measures for business planning purposes and in measuring our performance relative to that of our competitors. We believe these financial measures are commonly used by investors to evaluate our performance and that of our competitors. However, our use of the terms non-GAAP adjusted operating income and non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA may vary from that of others in our industry. These financial measures should not be considered as alternatives to operating income (loss), net income (loss) or any other performance measures derived in accordance with U.S. GAAP as measures of operating performance or operating cash flows or as measures of liquidity. The results of the BNS segment are included in our consolidated results of operations from the date of acquisition, August 28, 2015, through December 25, 2015, their fiscal period end. 58 Consolidated Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Operating income Adjustments: Amortization of purchased intangible assets Restructuring costs, net Equity-based compensation Asset impairments Transaction and integration costs (a) Purchase accounting adjustments (b) Other Non-GAAP adjusted operating income Depreciation Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA (dollars in millions) $577.4 $329.7 $181.6 220.6 29.5 28.7 90.8 96.9 81.7 — 178.3 19.3 21.1 12.1 12.1 (11.9) — 174.9 22.1 16.1 45.5 27.2 2.5 2.1 $729.8 60.6 $808.4 48.8 $620.1 55.2 $790.3 $857.2 $675.3 (a) Reflects transaction costs related to potential and consummated acquisitions, costs related to secondary stock offerings and integration costs related to the acquisition of the BNS business. The 2013 adjustment includes the $3.0 million annual management fee paid to Carlyle and the $20.2 million fee paid to terminate the management agreement with Carlyle. (b) Reflects non-cash charges resulting from purchase accounting adjustments. The 2014 adjustment also includes $13.1 million for the reduction in the estimated fair value of contingent consideration payable related to the Redwood acquisition. Wireless Segment Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Operating income Adjustments: Amortization of purchased intangible assets Restructuring costs, net Equity-based compensation Asset impairments Transaction and integration costs Purchase accounting adjustments (dollars in millions) $468.1 $303.4 $182.8 93.4 7.3 12.3 74.4 10.8 — 91.3 16.2 11.7 4.9 7.6 0.6 88.1 24.3 8.7 9.4 15.5 — Non-GAAP adjusted operating income $381.1 $600.3 $449.4 59 Enterprise Segment Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Operating income Adjustments: Amortization of purchased intangible assets Restructuring costs, net Equity-based compensation Asset impairments Transaction and integration costs Purchase accounting adjustments (dollars in millions) $ 99.8 $ 66.7 $114.0 69.4 2.6 7.4 5.5 6.2 0.1 69.4 0.1 6.7 — 3.0 (12.5) 68.4 5.1 5.2 — 7.4 2.5 Non-GAAP adjusted operating income $205.2 $166.6 $155.3 Broadband Segment Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Operating income (loss) Adjustments: Amortization of purchased intangible assets Restructuring costs, net Equity-based compensation Asset impairments Transaction and integration costs Other (dollars in millions) $ 9.5 $(40.4) $17.0 16.3 2.6 2.8 10.9 6.1 — 17.6 2.9 2.7 7.2 1.5 — 18.4 (7.3) 2.3 36.2 4.3 2.1 Non-GAAP adjusted operating income $55.6 $41.5 $ 15.4 BNS Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Operating loss Adjustments: Amortization of purchased intangible assets Restructuring costs, net Equity-based compensation Transaction and integration costs Purchase accounting adjustments (dollars in millions) $— $(132.2) $— 41.5 17.0 6.2 73.8 81.6 — — — — — — — — — — Non-GAAP adjusted operating income $ 87.9 $— $— Note: Components may not sum to total due to rounding 60 Description of the Senior Notes 6.00% Senior Notes Due 2025 In June 2015, CommScope Technologies Finance LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and an unrestricted subsidiary as defined in the indentures governing the 2021 Notes and the 2024 Notes and the agreements governing the senior secured credit facilities, issued $1.5 billion of 6.00% Senior Notes due June 15, 2025 (the 2025 Notes). Interest is payable on the 2025 Notes semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year, beginning on December 15, 2015. The Company used the proceeds of the offering of the 2025 Notes, together with cash on hand and borrowings under the senior secured term loan facility due December 2022, to finance the acquisition of the BNS business. Concurrent with the consummation of the BNS acquisition, CommScope Technologies Finance LLC merged with and into CommScope Technologies LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company), with CommScope Technologies LLC continuing as the surviving entity. CommScope Technologies LLC became the issuer of the 2025 Notes, and the 2025 Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by CommScope, Inc. and its domestic restricted subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions. The 2025 Notes and guarantees are effectively junior to all of the Company’s and the guarantors’ existing and future secured debt, including the 2020 Notes (as defined below) and the senior secured credit facilities, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such secured debt. In addition, the 2025 Notes are structurally subordinated to all existing and future liabilities (including trade payables) of the Company’s subsidiaries that do not guarantee the 2025 Notes, including indebtedness incurred by certain of the Company’s non-U.S. subsidiaries under the revolving credit facility. The 2025 Notes may be redeemed prior to maturity under certain circumstances. Upon certain change of control events, the 2025 Notes may be redeemed at the option of the holders at 101% of their face amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. Prior to June 15, 2020, the 2025 Notes may be redeemed at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount, plus a make-whole premium (as defined in the indenture governing the 2025 Notes), plus accrued and unpaid interest. On or prior to June 15, 2018, under certain circumstances, the Company may also redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2025 Notes at a redemption price of 106.0%, plus accrued and unpaid interest, using the proceeds of certain equity offerings. Beginning on June 15, 2020, the 2025 Notes may be redeemed at the redemption prices listed below, plus accrued interest to the date of redemption. Redemption in twelve-month period beginning June 15, 2020 2021 2022 2023 and thereafter Percentage 103.000% 102.000% 101.000% 100.000% The indentures governing the 2025 Notes limit the ability of CommScope, Inc. and most of its subsidiaries to: • • incur more debt; pay dividends and make distributions; • make certain investments; • • • agree to payment restrictions affecting our restricted subsidiaries; create liens; enter into transactions with affiliates; • merge or consolidate; and • transfer or sell assets. 61 There are no financial maintenance covenants in the indentures governing the 2025 Notes. Events of default under the 2025 Notes include, among others, nonpayment of principal or interest when due, covenant defaults, bankruptcy and insolvency events and cross defaults. 4.375% Senior Secured Notes Due 2020 In June 2015, CommScope, Inc., a direct wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, issued $500.0 million of 4.375% Senior Secured Notes due June 15, 2020 (the 2020 Notes). Interest is payable on the 2020 Notes semi- annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year, beginning on December 15, 2015. The Company used the net proceeds of the offering of the 2020 Notes, together with cash on hand, to repay the entire principal amount outstanding under the term loan due 2017 and a portion of the principal amount outstanding under the term loan due 2018. The 2020 Notes are guaranteed on a senior secured basis by CommScope Holding Company, Inc. and its domestic restricted subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions, and secured by security interests that secure indebtedness under the Company’s term loan facility. The 2020 Notes may be redeemed prior to maturity under certain circumstances. Upon certain change of control events, the 2020 Notes may be redeemed at the option of the holders at 101% of their face amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. Prior to June 15, 2017, the 2020 Notes may be redeemed at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount, plus a make-whole premium (as defined in the indenture governing the 2020 Notes), plus accrued and unpaid interest. Prior to June 15, 2017, under certain circumstances, the Company may also redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2020 Notes at a redemption price of 104.375%, plus accrued and unpaid interest, using the proceeds of certain equity offerings. Beginning on June 15, 2017, the 2020 Notes may be redeemed at the redemption prices listed below, plus accrued interest to the date of redemption. Redemption in twelve-month period beginning June 15, 2017 2018 2019 and thereafter Percentage 102.188% 101.094% 100.000% The indentures governing the 2020 Notes limit the ability of CommScope, Inc. and most of its subsidiaries to: • • incur more debt; pay dividends and make distributions; • make certain investments; • • • agree to payment restrictions affecting our restricted subsidiaries; create liens; enter into transactions with affiliates; • merge or consolidate; and • transfer or sell assets. There are no financial maintenance covenants in the indentures governing the 2025 Notes. Events of default under the 2020 Notes include, among others, nonpayment of principal or interest when due, covenant defaults, bankruptcy and insolvency events and cross defaults. 62 Description of the 2021 Notes and 2024 Notes In May 2014, CommScope, Inc. issued $650.0 million principal amount of senior notes due June 2021 and $650.0 million principal amount of senior notes due June 2024. The 2021 Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.00%. The 2024 Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.50%. The interest on the 2021 Notes and the 2024 Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15. All of CommScope, Inc.’s existing and future direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries that guarantee the senior secured credit facilities jointly, severally and unconditionally guarantee the 2021 Notes and the 2024 Notes on a senior unsecured basis. The 2021 Notes and the 2024 Notes may be redeemed at the option of the holders at 101% of their face amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, upon certain change of control events. Prior to June 15, 2017 in the case of the 2021 Notes and June 15, 2019 in the case of the 2024 Notes, the 2021 Notes and 2024 Notes will be redeemable at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount, plus a make-whole premium (as defined in the respective indentures), plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. On or prior to June 15, 2017, under certain circumstances, we may also redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2021 Notes and the 2024 Notes at a redemption price of 105.0% in the case of the 2021 Notes or 105.5% in the case of the 2024 Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date using the proceeds of certain equity offerings. Beginning on June 15, 2017, the 2021 Notes may be redeemed at the redemption prices listed below, plus accrued interest to the date of redemption. Redemption in twelve-month period beginning June 15, 2017 2018 2019 and thereafter Percentage 102.500% 101.250% 100.000% Beginning on June 15, 2019, the 2024 Notes may be redeemed at the redemption prices listed below, plus accrued interest to the date of redemption. Redemption in twelve-month period beginning June 15, 2019 2020 2021 2022 and thereafter Percentage 102.750% 101.833% 100.917% 100.000% The indentures governing the 2021 Notes and the 2024 Notes limit the ability of CommScope, Inc. and most of its subsidiaries to: • • incur additional debt or issue certain capital stock unless a fixed charge coverage ratio is satisfied or certain other exceptions apply; pay dividends on, repurchase or make distributions in respect of our capital stock or repurchase or retire subordinated indebtedness; • make certain investments; • • • • • sell assets; create liens; consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets; enter into certain transactions with our affiliates; and permit restrictions on the ability of our subsidiaries to make distributions. 63 There are no financial maintenance covenants in the indentures governing the 2021 Notes and the 2024 Notes. Events of default under the 2021 Notes and 2024 Notes include, among others, nonpayment of principal or interest when due, covenant defaults, bankruptcy and insolvency events and cross defaults. Description of the senior PIK toggle notes In May 2013, CommScope Holdings Company, Inc. issued $550.0 million of senior PIK toggle notes that mature on June 1, 2020 (the senior PIK toggle notes). In December 2015, the Company repurchased $13.4 million of the senior PIK toggle notes. Interest on the senior PIK toggle notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1. We are required to pay interest on the senior PIK toggle notes entirely in cash, unless the “Applicable Amount,” as defined in the senior PIK toggle notes Indenture, is less than the applicable semi-annual requisite cash interest payment amount, in which case, we may elect to pay a portion of the interest due on the senior PIK toggle notes for such interest period by increasing the principal amount of the senior PIK toggle notes or by issuing new notes for up to the entire amount of the interest payment, in each case, “PIK Interest,” to the extent described in the senior PIK toggle notes Indenture. For the purposes of the senior PIK toggle notes Indenture, “Applicable Amount” generally refers to CommScope, Inc.’s then current restricted payment capacity under the instruments governing its indebtedness less $20 million plus CommScope Holdings’ cash and cash equivalents less $10 million. Cash interest on the senior PIK toggle notes accrues at the rate of 6.625% per annum. PIK Interest on the senior PIK toggle notes accrues at the rate of 7.375% per annum until the next payment of cash interest. The senior PIK toggle notes may be redeemed at the option of the holders at 101% of their face amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, upon certain change of control events. Prior to June 1, 2016, the senior PIK toggle notes will be redeemable at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount, plus a make-whole premium (as defined in the senior PIK toggle notes Indenture), plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. On or prior to June 1, 2016, under certain circumstances, we may also redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the senior PIK toggle notes at a redemption price of 106.625% plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date using the proceeds of certain equity offerings. Beginning on June 1, 2016, the senior PIK toggle notes may be redeemed at the redemption prices listed below, plus accrued interest to the date of redemption. Redemption in twelve-month period beginning June 1, 2016 2017 2018 and thereafter Percentage 103.313% 101.656% 100.000% The senior PIK toggle notes Indenture limits the ability of us and most of our subsidiaries to: • • incur additional debt or issue certain capital stock unless a fixed charge coverage ratio is satisfied or certain other exceptions apply; pay dividends on, repurchase or make distributions in respect of our capital stock or repurchase or retire subordinated indebtedness; • make certain investments; • • • • • sell assets; create liens; consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets; enter into certain transactions with our affiliates; and permit restrictions on the ability of our subsidiaries to make distributions. 64 There are no financial maintenance covenants in the senior PIK toggle notes Indenture. Events of default under the senior PIK toggle notes Indenture include, among others, nonpayment of principal or interest when due, covenant defaults, bankruptcy and insolvency events and cross defaults. Description of the Senior Secured Credit Facilities Revolving credit facilities In May 2015, the Company amended its asset-based revolving credit facility to, among other things, expand the facility from $400.0 million to $550.0 million and extend the maturity date to May 2020, subject to acceleration under certain circumstances. Our senior secured asset-based revolving credit facilities consist of a tranche A revolving credit facility available to our U.S. subsidiaries designated as co-borrowers (the U.S. Borrowers) and a tranche B revolving credit facility available to the U.S. Borrowers and to certain of our non-U.S. subsidiaries (the European Co-Borrowers). Our revolving credit facilities provide for revolving loans and letters of credit in an aggregate amount of up to $340 million for the tranche A revolving credit facility and up to $210 million for the tranche B revolving credit facility, in each case, subject to borrowing base capacity. Letters of credit are limited to $175 million for tranche A and tranche B in the aggregate. Subject to certain conditions, the revolving credit facilities may be expanded by up to $150 million in the aggregate in additional commitments. Loans under the tranche A revolving credit facility are denominated in U.S. dollars and loans under the tranche B revolving credit facility may be denominated, at our option, in either U.S. dollars, euros, pounds sterling or Swiss francs. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. acts as administrative agent for the tranche A revolving credit facility and collateral agent for the revolving credit facilities, and J.P. Morgan Europe Limited acts as administrative agent for the tranche B revolving credit facility. The revolving credit facility matures on May 21, 2020, provided that such maturity date may be accelerated to the date that is 91 days prior to the maturity date of our senior secured term loan due in 2018 (the 2018 Term Loan) if on such date the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the 2018 Term Loan exceeds $250 million. We use borrowings under our revolving credit facilities to fund working capital and for other general corporate purposes, including permitted acquisitions and other investments. We amended and restated our revolving credit facility in March 2012 to, among other things, reduce pricing and certain fees. As of December 31, 2015, we had no outstanding borrowing under our revolving credit facilities and no outstanding letters of credit. Borrowings under our revolving credit facilities are limited by several jurisdictionally-specific borrowing base calculations based on the sum of specified percentages of eligible accounts receivable and, in certain instances, eligible inventory minus the amount of any applicable reserves. Borrowings bear interest at a floating rate, which (i) in the case of tranche A loans can be either adjusted Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin or, at our option, a base rate plus an applicable margin, and (ii) in the case of tranche B loans shall be adjusted Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin. We may borrow only up to the lesser of the level of our then-current respective borrowing bases and our committed maximum borrowing capacity of $550 million in the aggregate. Our ability to draw under our revolving credit facilities or issue letters of credit thereunder is conditioned upon, among other things, our delivery of prior written notice of a borrowing or issuance, as applicable, our ability to reaffirm the representations and warranties contained in our credit agreements and the absence of any default or event of default under our revolving credit facilities. Our obligations under the revolving credit facilities are guaranteed by us and all of our direct and indirect wholly owned U.S. subsidiaries (subject to certain permitted exceptions based on immateriality thresholds of aggregate assets and revenues of excluded U.S. subsidiaries), and the obligations of the European Co-Borrowers under the tranche B revolving credit facility are guaranteed by certain of our indirect non-U.S. subsidiaries. The revolving credit facilities are secured by a lien on substantially all of our assets, and each of our direct and indirect wholly owned U.S. subsidiaries’ current and fixed assets (subject to certain exceptions), and the tranche B revolving credit facility is also secured by certain of the current assets of the non-U.S. borrowers and guarantors. The 65 revolving credit facilities have a first priority lien on the above-referenced current assets, and a second priority lien on all other assets (second in priority to the liens securing the term loan facility referred to below), in each case, subject to other permitted liens. The following fees are applicable under each revolving credit facility: (i) an unused line fee of 0.25% per annum of the unused portion of the respective revolving credit facility; (ii) a letter of credit participation fee on the aggregate stated amount of each letter of credit equal to the applicable margin for Eurodollar rate loans, as applicable; and (iii) certain other customary fees and expenses of the lenders and agents. We are required to make prepayments under our revolving credit facilities at any time when, and to the extent that, the aggregate amount of the outstanding loans and letters of credit under such revolving credit facility exceed the lesser of the aggregate amount of commitments in respect of such revolving credit facility and the applicable borrowing base. Our revolving credit facilities contain customary covenants, including, but not limited to, restrictions on our ability and that of our subsidiaries to merge and consolidate with other companies, incur indebtedness, grant liens or security interests on assets subject to their security interest, make acquisitions, loans, advances or investments, pay dividends, sell or otherwise transfer assets, optionally prepay or modify terms of any junior indebtedness, enter into transactions with affiliates or change our line of business. Our revolving credit facilities require the maintenance of a fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.0 to 1.0 at the end of each fiscal quarter when excess availability for both tranche A and tranche B in total is less than the greater of $44.7 million and 10% of the aggregate borrowing base of both tranche A and tranche B in total. Our revolving credit facilities provide that, upon the occurrence of certain events of default, our obligations thereunder may be accelerated and the lending commitments terminated. Such events of default include payment defaults to the lenders, material inaccuracies of representations and warranties, covenant defaults, cross-defaults to other material indebtedness, voluntary and involuntary bankruptcy proceedings, material money judgments, material pension-plan events, certain change of control events and other customary events of default. Term loan facility In June 2015, the Company used the proceeds from the 2020 Notes issuance to repay $500.0 million of its existing term loans. In addition, CommScope Finance LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and an unrestricted subsidiary as defined in the agreements governing the senior secured credit facilities) borrowed an additional $1.25 billion, less $3.1 million of original issue discount, in a term loan due December 2022 (the 2022 Term Loan). The 2022 Term Loan was assumed by CommScope, Inc. as a term loan under its senior secured term loan facility. As a result of these changes, our senior secured term loan facility consists of two tranches, the existing 2018 Term Loan and the new 2022 Term Loan. As of December 31, 2015, we had $261.9 million outstanding under the 2018 Term Loan and $1,246.9 million outstanding under the 2022 Term Loan. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. acts as the administrative agent for our term loan facility. The 2022 Term Loan has scheduled maturities of $12.5 million per year due in equal quarterly installments with the balance due at maturity. The current portion of long-term debt reflects $12.5 million of repayments under the 2022 Term Loan. The interest rate is, at the Company’s option, either (1) the base rate (which is the highest of the then current Federal Funds rate plus 0.5%, the prime rate most recently announced by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and the one-month Eurodollar rate (taking into account the Eurodollar rate floor, if any, plus 1.0%)) plus a margin of 2.00% or (2) one-, two-, three- or six-month LIBOR or, if available from all lenders, twelve-month LIBOR (selected at the Company’s option) plus a margin of 3.00%, subject to a LIBOR floor of 0.75%. Outstanding borrowings under the 2018 Term Loan are due at final maturity in January 2018. The interest rate margin applicable to the term loans is, at the Company’s option, either (1) the base rate (which is the highest of the then current Federal Funds rate plus 0.5%, the prime rate most recently announced by JPMorgan Chase Bank, 66 N.A., and the one-month Eurodollar rate (taking into account the Eurodollar rate floor, if any, plus 1.0%)) plus a margin of 1.50% or (2) one-, two-, three- or six-month LIBOR or, if available from all lenders, twelve-month LIBOR (selected at the Company’s option) plus a margin of 2.50%, subject to a 0.75% LIBOR floor. Subject to certain conditions, our term loan facility, without the consent of the then existing lenders (but subject to the receipt of commitments), may be expanded (or a new term loan facility added) by up to the greater of $200 million in the aggregate or such amount as will not cause the net senior secured debt ratio to exceed 2.75 to 1.00. If the effective interest rate on an expanded or new term loan is more than 0.5% higher than the existing term loans, the rate on the existing term loans will be increased to reflect the new rate minus 0.5%. We may voluntarily prepay loans or reduce commitments under our term loan facility, in whole or in part, subject to minimum amounts, with prior notice but without premium or penalty. We must prepay our term loan facility with the net cash proceeds of certain asset sales, the incurrence or issuance of specified refinancing indebtedness and 50% of excess cash flow (such percentage subject to reduction based on the achievement of specified senior secured leverage ratios), in each case, subject to certain reinvestment rights and other exceptions. Our obligations under the term loan facility are guaranteed by us and all of our direct and indirect wholly owned U.S. subsidiaries (subject to certain permitted exceptions based on immateriality thresholds of aggregate assets and revenues of excluded U.S. subsidiaries). The term loan facility is secured by a lien on substantially all of our assets and each of our direct and indirect U.S. subsidiaries’ current and fixed assets (subject to certain exceptions), and the term loan facility has a first priority lien on the above-referenced fixed assets, and a second priority lien on all current assets (second in priority to the liens securing the revolving credit facilities referred to above), in each case, subject to other permitted liens. Our term loan facility contains customary negative covenants consistent with those applicable to the 2021 Notes and 2024 Notes, including, but not limited to, restrictions on our ability and that of our restricted subsidiaries to merge and consolidate with other companies, incur indebtedness, grant liens or security interests on assets, pay dividends or make other restricted payments, sell or otherwise transfer assets, or enter into transactions with affiliates. We are currently in compliance with the covenants under our term loan facility. Our term loan facility provides that, upon the occurrence of certain events of default, our obligations thereunder may be accelerated. Such events of default are consistent with those described above for the revolving credit facilities. Description of Certain Other Indebtedness Certain of our subsidiaries are parties to capital leases, other loans, lines of credit and letter of credit facilities. As of December 31, 2015, there were no significant capital leases or other loans outstanding. As of December 31, 2015, there were no borrowings and approximately $10.8 million of borrowing capacity under these lines of credit. We had approximately $2.9 million in letters of credit outstanding and approximately $3.3 million of remaining capacity under these letters of credit facilities. 67 Contractual Obligations The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2015: Contractual Obligations Amount of Payments Due per Period Total Payments Due 2016 2017-2018 2019-2020 Thereafter Long-term debt, including current maturities (a) Interest on long-term debt (a)(b) Operating leases Purchase obligations (c) Pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities (d) Restructuring costs, net (e) Unrecognized tax benefits (f) $5,345.4 1,937.4 128.5 7.8 23.6 30.0 — (dollars in millions) $286.9 536.6 48.1 — 4.2 7.3 — $ 12.5 273.2 36.4 7.8 10.6 22.7 — $1,061.6 492.9 26.2 — 3.4 — — $3,984.4 634.7 17.8 — 5.4 — — Total contractual obligations $7,472.7 $363.2 $883.1 $1,584.1 $4,642.3 (a) No prepayment or redemption of any of our long-term debt balances has been assumed. Refer to Note 6 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information regarding the terms of our long-term debt agreements. Interest on long-term debt excludes the amortization of deferred financing fees and original issue discount. Interest on variable rate debt is estimated based upon rates in effect as of December 31, 2015. (c) Purchase obligations include minimum amounts owed under take-or-pay or requirements contracts. (b) Amounts covered by open purchase orders are excluded as there is no contractual obligation until goods or services are received. (d) Amounts reflect expected contributions related to payments under the postretirement benefit plans through 2024 and expected pension contributions of $8.3 million in 2016 (see Note 10 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K). (e) Future restructuring payments exclude payments due under lease arrangements which are included in operating leases above. (f) Due to the uncertainty in predicting the timing of tax payments related to our unrecognized tax benefits, $53.0 million has been excluded from the presentation. We anticipate a reduction of up to $16.0 million of unrecognized tax benefits during the next twelve months (see Note 11 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K). Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, on a prospective basis. The guidance requires entities that present a classified balance sheet to classify all deferred taxes as noncurrent assets or noncurrent liabilities. Adoption of this ASU resulted in a reclassification of our current deferred tax assets and liabilities to non-current deferred tax assets and liabilities, respectively, in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2015. During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company adopted ASU No. 2015-16, Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments. The guidance requires that acquirers in a business combination recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period that the adjustment amounts are determined and eliminates the requirement to retrospectively account for these adjustments. It also requires additional disclosure about the effects of the adjustments on prior periods. As such, adjustments in purchase accounting will not be accounted for retrospectively. There were no adjustments identified during 2015 and, as such, there are no additional disclosures. 68 During the second quarter of 2015, the Company adopted ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Cost. The new accounting guidance requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be reported as a deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. In August 2015, this guidance was clarified to add that debt issuance costs related to line of credit arrangements can be presented as an asset regardless of whether there are outstanding borrowings. The guidance has been applied retrospectively to the prior period presented. The adoption of this accounting guidance reduced the Company’s other noncurrent assets and long-term debt. The amount of unamortized debt issuance costs reported in long-term debt as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, was $97.5 million and $38.8 million, respectively. Issued but Not Adopted In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory. The guidance requires that inventory be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value, which is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. This guidance simplifies the prior guidance by eliminating the options of measuring inventory at replacement cost or net realizable value less an approximate normal profit margin. This guidance is effective for the Company as of January 1, 2017, with early application permitted. The adoption of the new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The new accounting standard defines a single comprehensive model in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the ASU is to recognize revenues when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that is expected to be received for those goods or services. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14 deferring the effective date by one year, with early adoption on the original effective date permitted. The Company will be required to adopt the standard as of January 1, 2018 and early adoption is permitted as of January 1, 2017 using either of two methods: (i) retrospective application to each prior reporting period presented; or (ii) retrospective application with the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard recognized at the date of initial application and providing certain additional required disclosures. The Company is currently determining its implementation approach and assessing the impact on the consolidated financial statements. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements We are not a party to any significant off-balance sheet arrangements, except for operating leases. Effects of Inflation and Changing Prices We continually attempt to minimize the effect of inflation on earnings by controlling our operating costs and adjusting our selling prices. The principal raw materials purchased by us (copper, aluminum, steel, plastics and other polymers, bimetals and optical fiber) are subject to changes in market price as they are influenced by commodity markets and other factors. Prices for copper, fluoropolymers and certain other polymers derived from oil and natural gas have, at times, been volatile. As a result, we have adjusted our prices for certain products and may have to adjust prices again in the future. To the extent that we are unable to pass on cost increases to customers without a significant decrease in sales volume or must implement price reductions in response to a rapid decline in raw material costs, these cost changes could have a material adverse impact on the results of our operations. 69 ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK We are exposed to market risks related to changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. We may utilize derivative financial instruments, among other methods, to hedge some of these exposures. We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes. Interest Rate Risk The table below summarizes the expected interest and principal payments associated with our variable rate debt outstanding as of December 31, 2015 (mainly the $1.51 billion of variable rate term loans). The principal payments presented below are based on scheduled maturities and assume no borrowings under the revolving credit facility. The interest payments presented below assume the interest rates in effect as of December 31, 2015 (see Note 6 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K). The impact of a 1% increase in the interest rate index (taking into account the impact of the LIBOR floor on the term loans) on projected future interest payments on the variable rate debt is also included in the table below. Principal and interest payments on variable rate debt Average cash interest rate Impact of 1% increase in interest rate index For the year ended December 31, 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 (dollars in millions) $322.5 $69.6 $70.0 3.83% 3.83% 3.94% 3.94% 3.89% $14.5 $ 12.2 $58.8 $14.4 $59.9 $11.9 $12.0 There- after $1,274.3 3.83% 23.5 $ We also have $3.84 billion aggregate principal amount of fixed rate senior notes and senior PIK toggle notes. The table below summarizes our expected interest and principal payments related to our fixed rate debt at December 31, 2015 (assuming we make all of our interest payments on the senior PIK toggle notes at the 6.625% cash-pay interest rate). For the year ended December 31, 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 (dollars in millions) There- after Principal and interest payments on fixed rate debt Average cash interest rate $215.7 $215.7 $215.7 $215.7 $1,220.1 $3,344.8 5.62% 5.62% 5.62% 5.62% 5.63% 5.87% Foreign Currency Risk Approximately 51% and 45% of net sales for 2015 and 2014, respectively, were to customers located outside the U.S. Significant changes in foreign currency exchange rates could adversely affect our international sales levels and the related collection of amounts due. In addition, a significant decline in the value of currencies used in certain regions of the world as compared to the U.S. dollar could adversely affect product sales in those regions because our products may become more expensive for those customers to pay for in their local currency. Conversely, significant increases in the value of foreign currencies as compared to the U.S. dollar could adversely affect profitability as certain product costs increase relative to a U.S. dollar-denominated sales price. The foreign currencies to which we have the greatest exposure include the Chinese yuan, euro, Brazilian real, Indian rupee, Mexican peso and Australian dollar. Local manufacturing provides a natural hedge and we continue to evaluate additional alternatives to help us reasonably manage the market risk related to foreign currency exposures. We use derivative instruments such as forward exchange contracts to manage the risk of fluctuations in the value of certain foreign currencies. At December 31, 2015, we had foreign exchange contracts with a net unrealized loss of $4.9 million, with maturities of up to eight months and aggregate notional value of $334 million (based on 70 exchange rates as of December 31, 2015). These instruments are not leveraged and are not held for trading or speculation. These contracts are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes and are marked to market each period through earnings and, as such, there were no unrecognized gains or losses as of December 31, 2015 or 2014. See Note 7 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion of these contracts. We may increase our use of derivative instruments to manage our economic exposure to foreign currency risk. Commodity Price Risk Materials, in their finished form, account for a large portion of our cost of sales. These materials, such as copper, aluminum, steel, plastics and other polymers, bimetals and optical fiber, are subject to changes in market price as they are influenced by commodity markets and supply and demand levels, among other factors. Management attempts to mitigate these risks through effective requirements planning and by working closely with key suppliers to obtain the best possible pricing and delivery terms. As of December 31, 2015, we had forward purchase commitments outstanding under take-or-pay contracts for certain metals of approximately $7.8 million that we expect to consume in the normal course of operations through the second quarter of 2016. We may begin to use derivative financial instruments to manage our economic exposure to commodity price risk. 71 ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA Index to Financial Statements Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) Consolidated Balance Sheets Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Schedule I - Condensed Financial Information - Parent Company Information Page 73 75 76 77 78 79 124 72 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm The Board of Directors and Stockholders of CommScope Holding Company, Inc. We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of CommScope Holding Company, Inc. as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of CommScope Holding Company, Inc. at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein. As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its classification of deferred income tax assets and liabilities and debt issuance costs and changed its method of accounting for measurement period adjustments in business combinations. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), CommScope Holding Company, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 Framework) and our report dated February 18, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. Charlotte, North Carolina February 18, 2016 73 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm The Board of Directors and Stockholders of CommScope Holding Company, Inc. We have audited CommScope Holding Company, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). CommScope Holding Company, Inc.’s management is responsible 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 internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. 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 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. As indicated in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, management’s assessment of and conclusion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting did not include the internal controls of the Broadband Network Solutions (BNS) business or Airvana, which are included in the 2015 consolidated financial statements of CommScope Holding Company, Inc. and, excluding intangible assets and goodwill, constituted approximately 10% of total assets as of December 31, 2015 and 14% of net sales for the year then ended. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of CommScope Holding Company, Inc. also did not include an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of the BNS and Airvana businesses. In our opinion, CommScope Holding Company, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on the COSO criteria. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the 2015 consolidated financial statements of CommScope Holding Company, Inc. and our report dated February 18, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. Charlotte, North Carolina February 18, 2016 74 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (In thousands, except per share amounts) Net sales Operating costs and expenses: Cost of sales Selling, general and administrative Research and development Amortization of purchased intangible assets Restructuring costs, net Asset impairments Total operating costs and expenses Operating income Other expense, net Interest expense Interest income Income (loss) before income taxes Income tax expense Net income (loss) Earnings (loss) per share: Basic Diluted Weighted average shares outstanding: Basic Diluted Comprehensive income (loss): Net income (loss) Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Foreign currency loss Defined benefit plans: Change in unrecognized actuarial gain (loss) Change in unrecognized net prior service credit Gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 $3,807,828 $3,829,614 $3,480,117 2,462,008 687,389 135,964 220,602 29,488 90,784 2,432,345 484,891 125,301 178,265 19,267 12,096 2,279,177 502,275 126,431 174,887 22,104 45,529 3,626,235 3,252,165 3,150,403 181,593 (13,061) (234,661) 4,128 (62,001) (8,874) 577,449 (86,405) (178,935) 4,954 317,063 (80,291) 329,714 (48,037) (208,599) 3,107 76,185 (56,789) $ (70,875) $ 236,772 $ 19,396 $ $ (0.37) $ (0.37) $ 1.27 1.24 $ $ 0.12 0.12 189,876 189,876 186,905 191,450 160,641 164,013 $ (70,875) $ 236,772 $ 19,396 (80,137) (51,411) (4,848) 3,571 (6,181) (5,383) (88,130) (11,584) (6,169) 11,892 (57,272) (1,469) (3,313) — (9,630) Total comprehensive income (loss) $ (159,005) $ 179,500 $ 9,766 See notes to consolidated financial statements. 75 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Consolidated Balance Sheets (In thousands, except share amounts) Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $19,392 and $8,797, Assets respectively Inventories, net Prepaid expenses and other current assets Deferred income taxes Total current assets Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $243,806 and $207,342, respectively Goodwill Other intangible assets, net Other noncurrent assets Total assets Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity Accounts payable Other accrued liabilities Current portion of long-term debt Total current liabilities Long-term debt Deferred income taxes Pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities Other noncurrent liabilities Total liabilities Commitments and contingencies Stockholders’ equity: Preferred stock, $.01 par value: Authorized shares: 200,000,000; Issued and outstanding shares: None at December 31, 2015 or 2014 Common stock, $.01 par value: Authorized shares: 1,300,000,000; Issued and outstanding shares: 191,368,727 and 187,831,389 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively Additional paid-in capital Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Treasury stock, at cost: 986,222 shares and 961,566 shares at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively Total stockholders’ equity Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity See notes to consolidated financial statements. December 31, 2015 2014 $ 562,884 $ 729,321 833,041 441,815 166,900 — 612,007 367,185 67,875 51,230 2,004,640 1,827,618 528,706 2,690,636 2,147,483 131,166 289,371 1,451,887 1,260,927 87,255 $7,502,631 $4,917,058 $ 300,829 371,743 12,520 $ 177,806 289,006 9,001 685,092 5,231,131 202,487 37,102 124,099 475,813 2,659,897 339,945 29,478 104,306 6,279,911 3,609,439 — — 1,923 2,216,202 (812,394) (171,678) 1,888 2,141,433 (741,519) (83,548) (11,333) (10,635) 1,222,720 1,307,619 $7,502,631 $4,917,058 76 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (In thousands) Operating Activities: Net income (loss) Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash generated by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization Equity-based compensation Deferred income taxes Asset impairments Excess tax benefits from equity-based compensation Changes in assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable Inventories Prepaid expenses and other current assets Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities Other noncurrent liabilities Other noncurrent assets Other Net cash generated by operating activities Investing Activities: Additions to property, plant and equipment Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired Proceeds from sale of businesses and long-term investments Cash paid for long-term investments Other Net cash used in investing activities Financing Activities: Long-term debt repaid Long-term debt proceeds Long-term debt financing costs Net proceeds from the issuance of common stock Dividends paid Cash paid to stock option holders Proceeds from the issuance of common shares under equity-based compensation plans Excess tax benefits from equity-based compensation Other Net cash generated by (used in) financing activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Change in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 $ (70,875) $ 236,772 $ 19,396 303,500 28,665 (101,826) 90,784 (24,754) (6,984) 162,164 (65,271) 6,921 (13,320) (11,966) 5,022 302,060 259,504 21,092 (33,278) 12,096 (11,411) (18,824) (4,324) 1,502 (109,922) (49,265) 715 (15,239) 256,616 16,108 (40,722) 45,529 (229) (11,895) (62,141) (27,257) 57,575 (21,944) (3,060) 9,725 289,418 237,701 (56,501) 3,417 (3,000,991) 2,817 — 646 (36,935) 4,575 (41,794) 12,761 (15,000) 441 (36,780) 3,237 (55,770) 26,502 (750) 150 (3,050,612) (75,952) (63,411) (619,056) 3,246,875 (74,319) — — — 25,570 24,754 (698) 2,603,126 (21,011) (166,437) 729,321 (1,124,392) 1,315,026 (23,257) — — — (907,817) 947,379 (14,560) 433,958 (538,705) (11,295) 12,052 11,411 — 190,840 (21,305) 383,001 346,320 1,174 229 (32) (89,669) (2,676) 81,945 264,375 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 562,884 $ 729,321 $ 346,320 See notes to consolidated financial statements. 77 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (In thousands, except share amounts) Number of common shares outstanding: Balance at beginning of period Issuance of shares under equity-based compensation plans Shares repurchased under equity-based compensation plans Issuance of shares Balance at end of period Common stock: Balance at beginning of period Issuance of shares under equity-based compensation plans Issuance of shares Balance at end of period Additional paid-in capital: Balance at beginning of period Issuance of shares under equity-based compensation plans Equity-based compensation Tax benefit from shares issued under equity-based compensation plans Issuance of shares Balance at end of period Retained earnings (accumulated deficit): Balance at beginning of period Net income (loss) Dividends paid Cash payment to stock option holders Balance at end of period Accumulated other comprehensive loss: Balance at beginning of period Other comprehensive loss, net of tax Balance at end of period Treasury stock, at cost: Balance at beginning of period Net shares repurchased under equity-based compensation compensation plans Balance at end of period Total stockholders’ equity Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 187,831,389 3,561,994 (24,656) — 185,861,777 1,969,612 — — 154,879,299 238,514 (25,266) 30,769,230 191,368,727 187,831,389 185,861,777 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 1,888 35 — 1,923 $ 1,868 20 — 1,888 2,141,433 25,570 25,087 $ 2,101,350 12,052 16,620 $ $ $ 1,558 2 308 1,868 1,655,379 1,453 10,639 24,112 — 11,411 — 229 433,650 2,216,202 $ 2,141,433 $ 2,101,350 (741,519) $ (70,875) — — (978,291) $ 236,772 — — (447,687) 19,396 (538,705) (11,295) (812,394) $ (741,519) $ (978,291) (83,548) $ (88,130) (26,276) $ (57,272) (16,646) (9,630) (171,678) $ (83,548) $ (26,276) (10,635) $ (10,635) $ (10,322) (698) — (313) (11,333) $ (10,635) $ (10,635) 1,222,720 $ 1,307,619 $ 1,088,016 See notes to consolidated financial statements. 78 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) 1. BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS CommScope Holding Company, Inc., along with its direct and indirect subsidiaries, is a global provider of essential infrastructure solutions for wireless, business enterprise and residential broadband networks. The Company’s solutions and services for wired and wireless networks enable high-bandwidth data, video and voice applications. CommScope’s global leadership position is built upon innovative technology, broad solution offerings, high-quality and cost-effective customer solutions and global manufacturing and distribution scale. On August 28, 2015, the Company acquired TE Connectivity’s Broadband Network Solutions business (BNS), in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $3.0 billion. In June 2015, the Company borrowed $2.75 billion that was used, along with cash on hand, to fund the BNS acquisition. See Note 3 for additional discussion of the BNS acquisition and Note 6 for additional discussion of the financing transactions. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, funds affiliated with The Carlyle Group (Carlyle) owned 32.0% and 53.9%, respectively, of the outstanding shares of CommScope. 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include CommScope Holding Company, Inc. (CommScope or the Company), along with its direct and indirect subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. The BNS acquisition was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting and the BNS results of operations are reported in the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements from August 28, 2015, the date of acquisition, through their fiscal period ended December 25, 2015. Therefore, the Company’s consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2015 do not include the results of operations of BNS from December 26, 2015 to December 31, 2015. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents represent deposits in banks and cash invested temporarily in various instruments with a maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase. Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Accounts receivable are stated at the amount owed by the customer, net of allowances for estimated doubtful accounts, discounts, returns and rebates. The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses expected to result from the inability of its customers to make required payments. These estimates are based on management’s evaluation of the ability of customers to make payments, focusing on historical experience, known customer financial difficulties and age of receivable balances. Accounts receivable are charged to the allowance when determined to be no longer collectible. Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Inventory cost is determined on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis. Costs such as idle facility expense, excessive scrap and rehandling costs are recognized as expenses as incurred. The Company maintains reserves to reduce the value of inventory to the lower of cost or market, including reserves for excess and obsolete inventory. 79 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued) (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) Long-Lived Assets Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, including interest costs associated with qualifying capital additions. Upon application of acquisition accounting, property, plant and equipment are measured at estimated fair value as of the acquisition date to establish a new historical cost basis. Provisions for depreciation are based on estimated useful lives of the assets using the straight-line method. Useful lives generally range from 10 to 35 years for buildings and improvements and 3 to 10 years for machinery and equipment. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Assets that management intends to dispose of and that meet held for sale criteria are carried at the lower of the carrying value or fair value less costs to sell. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill is assigned to reporting units, which are operating segments or one level below the operating segment level, based on the difference between the purchase price as allocated to the reporting units and the estimated fair value of the identified net assets acquired as allocated to the reporting units. Purchased intangible assets with finite lives are carried at their estimated fair values at the time of acquisition less accumulated amortization and any impairment charges. Amortization is recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets (see Note 4). Asset Impairments Goodwill is tested for impairment annually or at other times if events have occurred or circumstances exist that indicate the carrying value of the reporting unit may exceed its fair value. Goodwill impairment charges of $74.4 million, $4.9 million and $36.2 million were recorded during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. See Notes 4 and 8 for further discussion of these impairment charges. Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets with finite lives are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable, based on the undiscounted cash flows expected to be derived from the use and ultimate disposition of the assets. Assets identified as impaired are carried at estimated fair value. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized pretax impairment charges for long-lived assets, other than goodwill impairments, of $5.5 million, $7.2 million and $9.3 million, respectively. See Notes 4 and 8 for further discussion of these impairment charges. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company determined that a note receivable related to a previous divestiture was likely impaired and recorded a $10.9 million impairment charge. Due to uncertain market conditions, it is possible that future impairment reviews may indicate additional impairments of goodwill and/or other intangible assets, which could result in charges that are material to the Company’s results of operations. Income Taxes Deferred income taxes reflect the future tax consequences of differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities. The Company records a valuation allowance, when appropriate, to reduce deferred tax assets to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized. 80 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued) (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) Tax benefits that result from uncertain tax positions may be recognized only if they are considered more likely than not to be sustainable, based on their technical merits. The amount of benefit to be recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is at least 50% likely to be realized. The cumulative amount of undistributed earnings from foreign subsidiaries for which no U.S. taxes have been provided was $546.6 million as of December 31, 2015. In addition, the Company does not provide for U.S. taxes related to the foreign currency remeasurement gains and losses on its long-term intercompany loans with foreign subsidiaries. These loans are not expected to be repaid in the foreseeable future, and the foreign currency gains and losses are therefore recorded to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or service has been rendered, the selling price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. The majority of the Company’s revenue comes from product sales. Revenue from product sales is recognized when the risks and rewards of ownership have passed to the customer and revenue is measurable. Revenue is not recognized related to product sold to contract manufacturers that the Company anticipates repurchasing in order to complete the sale to the ultimate customer. Revenue for certain of the Company’s products is derived from multiple-element contracts. The value of the revenue elements within these contracts is allocated based on the relative selling price of each element. The relative selling price is determined using vendor-specific objective evidence of selling price or other third party evidence of selling price, if available. If these forms of evidence are unavailable, revenue is allocated among elements based on management’s best estimate of the stand-alone selling price of each element. Revenue is generally recognized upon acceptance by the customer. Certain revenue arrangements are for the sale of software and services. Revenue for software products is recognized based on the timing of customer acceptance of the specific revenue elements. The fair value of each revenue element is determined based on vendor-specific objective evidence of fair value determined by stand- alone pricing of each element. These contracts typically contain post-contract support (PCS) services which are sold both as part of a bundled product offering and as a separate contract. Revenue for PCS services is recognized ratably over the term of the PCS contract. Other service revenue is typically recognized once the service is performed or over the period of time covered by the arrangement. For sales to distributors, system integrators and value-added resellers (primarily for the Enterprise segment), revenue is recorded at the net amount to be received after deductions for estimated discounts, allowances, returns and rebates. These estimates are determined based upon historical experience, contract terms, inventory levels in the distributor channel and other related factors. Adjustments are recorded when circumstances indicate revisions may be necessary. If management does not have sufficient historical experience to make a reasonable estimation of these reductions to revenue, recognition of the revenue is deferred until management believes there is a sufficient basis to recognize such revenue. Product Warranties The Company recognizes a liability for the estimated claims that may be paid under its customer warranty agreements to remedy potential deficiencies of quality or performance of the Company’s products. These product warranties extend over periods ranging from one to twenty-five years from the date of sale, depending upon the product subject to the warranty. The Company records a provision for estimated future warranty claims as cost of 81 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued) (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) sales based upon the historical relationship of warranty claims to sales and specifically identified warranty issues. The Company bases its estimates on assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances and revises its estimates, as appropriate, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that revisions may be necessary. Such revisions may be material. Shipping and Handling Costs CommScope includes shipping and handling costs billed to customers in net sales and includes the costs incurred to transport product to customers as cost of sales. Certain internal handling costs, which relate to activities to prepare goods for shipment, are recorded in selling, general and administrative expense and were approximately $29.3 million, $27.2 million and $27.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Advertising Costs Advertising costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred. Advertising expense was $13.6 million, $10.5 million and $10.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Research and Development Research and development (R&D) costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred. R&D costs include materials and equipment that have no alternative future use, depreciation on equipment and facilities currently used for R&D purposes, personnel costs, contract services and reasonable allocations of indirect costs, if clearly related to an R&D activity. Expenditures in the pre-production phase of an R&D project are recorded as R&D expense. However, costs incurred in the pre-production phase that are associated with output actually used in production are recorded in cost of sales. A project is considered finished with pre-production efforts when management determines that it has achieved acceptable levels of scrap and yield, which vary by project. Expenditures related to ongoing production are recorded in cost of sales. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities CommScope is exposed to risks resulting from adverse fluctuations in commodity prices, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. CommScope’s risk management strategy includes the use of derivative financial instruments, such as forward contracts, options, cross currency swaps, certain interest rate swaps, caps and floors and non-derivative financial instruments, such as foreign-currency-denominated loans, as hedges of these risks, whenever management determines their use to be reasonable and practical. This strategy does not permit the use of derivative financial instruments for trading or speculation. The Company did not designate any transactions as hedges in the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 or 2013. Derivative contracts are measured at fair value and are marked to market each period through earnings. As such, there were no unrecognized gains or losses as of December 31, 2015 or 2014. See Note 7 for further disclosure related to the derivative instruments and hedging activities. The Company has elected and documented the use of the normal purchases and sales exception for normal purchase and sales contracts that meet the definition of a derivative financial instrument. Foreign Currency Translation For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, approximately 51%, 45% and 45%, respectively, of the Company’s net sales were to customers located outside the United States (U.S.). A portion of these sales were 82 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued) (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, particularly sales from the Company’s foreign subsidiaries. The financial position and results of operations of certain of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are measured using the local currency as the functional currency. Revenues and expenses of these subsidiaries have been translated into U.S. dollars at average exchange rates prevailing during the period. Assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries have been translated at the exchange rates as of the balance sheet date. Translation gains and losses are recorded to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Aggregate foreign currency transaction gains and losses of the Company and its subsidiaries, such as those resulting from the settlement of receivables or payables and short-term intercompany advances in a currency other than the subsidiary’s functional currency, are recorded currently in earnings (included in other expense, net) and resulted in losses of $15.1 million, $2.7 million and $9.8 million during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Foreign currency remeasurement gains and losses related to long-term intercompany loans that are not expected to be settled in the foreseeable future are recorded to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Equity-Based Compensation The estimated fair value of stock awards that are ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods. The Company records deferred tax assets related to compensation expense for awards that are expected to result in future tax deductions for the Company, based on the amount of compensation cost recognized and the Company’s statutory tax rate in the jurisdiction in which it expects to receive a deduction. Differences between the deferred tax assets recognized for financial reporting purposes and actual tax deductions reported on the Company’s income tax return are recorded in additional paid-in capital (if the tax deduction exceeds the deferred tax asset) or in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) as additional income tax expense (if the deferred tax asset exceeds the tax deduction and no excess additional paid-in capital exists from previous awards). Common Stock, Preferred Stock and Stock Split On October 4, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a 3-for-1 stock split of the Company’s outstanding common stock, which was effective as of October 4, 2013. Each share of issued and outstanding common stock was increased to 3 shares of common stock, the number of shares of common stock into which each outstanding option to purchase stock is exercisable was proportionally increased on a 3-for-1 basis, and the exercise price of each outstanding option to purchase common stock was proportionally decreased. All of the share numbers, share prices, exercise prices and other per share information throughout these financial statements have been adjusted on a retroactive basis, to reflect this 3-for-1 stock split, including reclassifying an amount equal to the increase in par value from additional paid-in capital. In conjunction with the Company’s initial public offering in October 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized 1.3 billion shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share and 200 million shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. Earnings (Loss) Per Share Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is based on net income (loss) divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the dilutive effect of potential common shares outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method. Dilutive potential common shares include outstanding equity-based awards (stock options, performance share units and restricted stock units). Certain outstanding equity-based awards were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect was either antidilutive or the performance condition was not met (5.9 million, 1.4 million and 83 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued) (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) 2.2 million shares for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively). Antidilutive securities for the year ended December 31, 2015 included 4.3 million shares of equity-based awards which would have been considered dilutive if the Company had not been in a net loss position. The following table presents the basis for the earnings (loss) per share computations: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Numerator: Net income (loss) for basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share $ (70,875) $236,772 $ 19,396 Denominator: Weighted average shares outstanding – basic Dilutive effect of equity-based awards Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted Earnings (loss) per share: Basic Diluted 189,876 — 186,905 4,545 160,641 3,372 189,876 191,450 164,013 $ $ (0.37) $ (0.37) $ 1.27 1.24 $ $ 0.12 0.12 Use of Estimates in the Preparation of the Financial Statements The preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates and their underlying assumptions form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other objective sources. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances and revises its estimates, as appropriate, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that revisions may be necessary. Significant accounting estimates reflected in the Company’s financial statements include the allowance for doubtful accounts; reserves for sales returns, discounts, allowances, rebates and distributor price protection programs; inventory excess and obsolescence reserves; product warranty reserves and other contingent liabilities; tax valuation allowances and liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits; purchase price allocations; impairment reviews for investments, fixed assets, goodwill and other intangibles; and pension and other postretirement benefit costs and liabilities. Although these estimates are based on management’s knowledge of and experience with past and current events and on management’s assumptions about future events, it is at least reasonably possible that they may ultimately differ materially from actual results. Business Combinations The Company uses the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations which requires assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized at their fair values on the acquisition date. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired. The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are determined based upon the Company’s valuation and involves making significant estimates and assumptions based on facts and circumstances that existed as of acquisition date. The Company uses a measurement period following the acquisition date to gather information that existed as of the acquisition date that is needed to determine the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The measurement period ends once all information is obtained, but no later than one year from the acquisition date. 84 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued) (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) Concentrations of Risk Non-derivative financial instruments used by the Company in the normal course of business include letters of credit and commitments to extend credit, primarily accounts receivable. The Company generally does not require collateral on its accounts receivable. These financial instruments involve risk, including the credit risk of nonperformance by the counterparties to those instruments, and the maximum potential loss may exceed the reserves provided in the Company’s balance sheet. See Note 14 for further discussion of customer-related concentrations of risk. The Company manages its exposures to credit risk associated with accounts receivable using such tools as credit approvals, credit limits and monitoring procedures. CommScope estimates the allowance for doubtful accounts based on the actual payment history and individual circumstances of significant customers as well as the age of receivables. In management’s opinion, as of December 31, 2015, the Company did not have significant unreserved risk of credit loss due to the nonperformance of customers or other counterparties related to amounts receivable. However, an adverse change in financial condition of a significant customer or group of customers or in the telecommunications industry could materially affect the Company’s estimates related to doubtful accounts. The principal raw materials purchased by CommScope (copper, aluminum, steel, plastics and other polymers, bimetals and optical fiber) are subject to changes in market price as these materials are linked to various commodity markets. The Company attempts to mitigate these risks through effective requirements planning and by working closely with its key suppliers to obtain the best possible pricing and delivery terms. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, on a prospective basis. The guidance requires organizations that present a classified balance sheet to classify all deferred taxes as noncurrent assets or noncurrent liabilities. Adoption of this ASU resulted in a reclassification of our current deferred tax assets and liabilities to non-current deferred tax assets and liabilities, respectively, in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2015. During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company adopted ASU No. 2015-16, Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments. The guidance requires that acquirers in a business combination recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period that the adjustment amounts are determined and eliminates the requirement to retrospectively account for these adjustments. It also requires additional disclosure about the effects of the adjustments on prior periods. As such, adjustments in purchase accounting will not be accounted for retrospectively. There were no adjustments identified during 2015 and, as such, there are no additional disclosures. During the second quarter of 2015, the Company adopted ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Cost. The new accounting guidance requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be reported as a deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. In August 2015, this guidance was clarified to add that debt issuance costs related to line of credit arrangements can be presented as an asset regardless of whether there are outstanding borrowings. The guidance has been applied retrospectively to the prior period presented. The adoption of this accounting guidance reduced the Company’s other noncurrent assets and long-term debt. The amount of unamortized debt issuance costs reported in long-term debt as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, was $97.5 million and $38.8 million, respectively. 85 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued) (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) Issued but Not Adopted In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory. The guidance requires that inventory be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value, which is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. This guidance simplifies the prior guidance by eliminating the options of measuring inventory at replacement cost or net realizable value less an approximate normal profit margin. This guidance is effective for the Company as of January 1, 2017, with early application permitted. The adoption of the new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The new accounting standard defines a single comprehensive model in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the ASU is to recognize revenues when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that is expected to be received for those goods or services. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14 deferring the effective date by one year, with early adoption on the original effective date permitted. The Company will be required to adopt the standard as of January 1, 2018 and early adoption is permitted as of January 1, 2017 using either of two methods: (i) retrospective application to each prior reporting period presented; or (ii) retrospective application with the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard recognized at the date of initial application and providing certain additional required disclosures. The Company is currently determining its implementation approach and assessing the impact on the consolidated financial statements. 3. ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES Acquisitions Broadband Network Solutions On August 28, 2015, the Company acquired TE Connectivity’s BNS business in an all-cash transaction. The Company paid $3,021.2 million ($2,957.5 million net of cash acquired) and recorded an asset of $9.8 million in other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet for an estimated net refund of the purchase price based on the net of the working capital and pension obligation adjustments. For the period following the acquisition of BNS, net sales of $529.6 million and an operating loss of $132.2 million were reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the year ended December 31, 2015. BNS is a reportable segment as of December 31, 2015. 86 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued) (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) The purchase price for BNS was assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition, and any excess was allocated to goodwill as shown in the following table (in millions): Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable Inventories Other current assets Property, plant and equipment Goodwill Identifiable intangible assets Other noncurrent assets Current liabilities Noncurrent pension liabilities Other noncurrent liabilities Net acquisition cost Estimated Fair Value $ 63.7 249.5 251.8 36.0 257.4 1,314.6 1,094.9 22.1 (231.7) (18.1) (28.8) $3,011.4 The goodwill arising from the preliminary purchase price allocation of the BNS acquisition is believed to result from the Company’s reputation in the marketplace and assembled workforce. A significant portion of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. Various valuation techniques were used to estimate the fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed which use significant unobservable inputs, or Level 3 inputs as defined by the fair value hierarchy. Using these valuation approaches requires the Company to make significant estimates and assumptions. The Company is finalizing its value of identifiable intangible assets; property, plant and equipment; pension liabilities; deferred taxes; and other various assets and liabilities. As additional information is obtained, adjustments will be made to the purchase price allocation. The estimated fair values are expected to change as the Company completes its valuation analyses and purchase price allocation. The table below summarizes the preliminary valuations of the intangible assets acquired that were determined by management to meet the criteria for recognition apart from goodwill. The values presented below are preliminary estimates and are subject to change as management completes its valuation of the BNS acquisition. Estimated Fair Value (in millions) Weighted Average Estimated Useful Life (in years) Customer contracts and relationships Trademarks Patents and technologies Total amortizable intangible assets $ 757.4 53.3 284.2 $1,094.9 12 7 7 There were certain foreign assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the BNS acquisition for which title has not yet transferred although the consideration was paid as part of the overall purchase price discussed above. The Company expects these transfers to be fully completed during 2016 and does not anticipate any significant risks to executing such transfers. In the interim, TE Connectivity will continue to conduct the business operations, as directed by and for the sole benefit or detriment of CommScope. For the year ended December 31, 2015, net sales related to the BNS operations that have not formally transferred were included in the Company’s 87 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued) (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) consolidated net sales and represented less than 2% of the Company’s net sales. As of December 31, 2015, the investment in these BNS operations was reported in other non-current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The total assets related to these operations represented less than 1% of the Company’s total assets as of December 31, 2015. The BNS amounts included in the following pro forma information are based on their historical results prepared on a carve-out basis of accounting and, therefore, may not be indicative of the actual results when operated as part of CommScope. The pro forma adjustments represent management’s best estimates based on information available at the time the pro forma information was prepared and may differ from the adjustments that may actually have been required. Accordingly, the pro forma financial information should not be relied upon as being indicative of the results that would have been realized had the acquisition occurred as of the date indicated or that may be achieved in the future. The following table presents unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations for CommScope for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 as though the BNS acquisition had been completed as of January 1, 2014 (in millions, except per share amounts): Revenue Net income Net income per diluted share Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 $4,978.4 46.7 0.24 $5,721.4 157.3 0.82 These pro forma results reflect adjustments for net interest expense for the debt related to the acquisition; depreciation expense for property, plant and equipment that has been adjusted to its estimated fair value; amortization for intangible assets with finite lives identified separate from goodwill; equity-based compensation for equity awards issued to BNS employees; and the related income tax impacts of these adjustments. The pro forma results for the year ended December 31, 2015 exclude $65.9 million of transaction costs, $27.7 million of integration costs and $81.6 million of additional cost of goods sold related to the inventory mark up included in the purchase price allocation as these costs are nonrecurring to the Company. Airvana On October 1, 2015, the Company acquired the assets and assumed certain liabilities of Airvana LP (Airvana), a provider of small cell solutions for wireless networks. The Company paid $44.1 million ($43.5 million net of cash acquired) and recorded a liability for $1.0 million for the remaining payment due. Airvana provides 4G LTE and 3G small cell solutions that enable communication and access to information and entertainment in challenging and high-value environments, such as office buildings, public venues and homes. Net sales of Airvana products reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) were $4.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 and are reported in the Wireless segment. 88 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued) (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) The preliminary allocation of the purchase price, based on estimates of the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, is as follows (in millions): Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable Other assets Property, plant and equipment Goodwill Identifiable intangible assets Less: Liabilities assumed Net acquisition cost Estimated Fair Value $ 0.6 4.2 3.7 2.5 20.2 19.1 (5.2) $45.1 The goodwill arising from the purchase price allocation of the Airvana acquisition is believed to result from the company’s reputation in the marketplace and assembled workforce and is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. As additional information is obtained, adjustments may be made to the preliminary purchase price allocation. The Company is still finalizing the estimated fair value of certain of the tangible and intangible assets acquired. Alifabs Group In July 2014, the Company acquired two businesses of United Kingdom-based Alifabs Group (Alifabs) for $48.8 million ($46.7 million, net of cash acquired). Alifabs is a designer and supplier of enclosures, monopoles, smaller streetworks towers and tower solutions for the United Kingdom telecommunications, utility and energy markets. Net sales of Alifabs products reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) were $41.4 million and $25.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and are reported in the Wireless segment. The allocation of the purchase price, based on the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, is as follows (in millions): Cash and cash equivalents Other current assets Identifiable intangible assets Goodwill Other noncurrent assets Less: Liabilities assumed Net acquisition cost $ 2.1 15.7 26.9 15.3 0.6 (11.8) $ 48.8 The goodwill arising from the purchase price allocation of the Alifabs acquisition is believed to result from the company’s reputation in the marketplace and assembled workforce and is not expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. 89 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued) (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) Redwood Systems, Inc. In July 2013, the Company acquired Redwood Systems, Inc. (Redwood), for an initial payment of $9.8 million and contingent consideration payable in 2015 that had an estimated fair value of $12.4 million as of the acquisition date. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the estimated fair value of the liability for contingent consideration was reduced to zero and no payments have been or will be made. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recorded a $13.1 million reduction in SG&A expense resulting from the adjustment to the estimated fair value of contingent consideration payable related to the Redwood acquisition. Divestitures BiMetals Sale In December 2013, the Company sold certain assets of its BiMetals business. The Company received $23.0 million in cash and a note with a face value of $15.0 million and a term of up to 7 years. The estimated fair value of the note was $9.8 million. A portion of the Company’s identified intangible assets ($2.9 million) and goodwill ($6.5 million) were allocated to the sale transaction. The Company recorded a net gain on the transaction of $18.7 million that was reported in restructuring costs, net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). The gain on sale was reported in the Broadband segment. 4. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS The following table presents details of the Company’s intangible assets other than goodwill as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in millions): 2015 2014 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Customer base Trade names and trademarks Patents and technologies Non-compete agreements Total intangible assets $1,929.5 608.7 528.8 0.3 $3,067.3 $587.0 145.5 187.1 0.2 $919.8 $1,342.5 463.2 341.7 0.1 $1,167.8 555.5 236.9 0.3 $2,147.5 $1,960.5 $450.1 111.6 137.8 0.1 $699.6 $ 717.7 443.9 99.1 0.2 $1,260.9 During 2015, the Company determined that certain patent and technologies intangible assets in the Enterprise segment were no longer recoverable and recorded a pretax $5.5 million impairment charge in asset impairments on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). During 2014, as a result of reduced expectations of future cash flows of a product line in the Broadband Segment, certain intangible assets were determined to be impaired. A pretax charge of $7.2 million was recognized, which consisted of $2.6 million of customer base, $0.2 million of trade names and trademarks, and $4.4 million of patents and technologies intangible assets recorded in asset impairments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). 90 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued) (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) The Company’s finite-lived intangible assets are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the weighted- average amortization periods in the following table. The aggregate weighted-average amortization period is 11.9 years. Customer base Trade names and trademarks Patents and technologies Non-compete agreements Weighted- Average Amortization Period (in years) 11.0 18.8 6.9 4.0 Amortization expense for intangible assets was $220.6 million, $178.3 million and $174.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for the next five years is as follows (in millions): 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Estimated Amortization Expense $293.8 268.1 257.0 228.3 222.0 91 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued) (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) The following table presents the allocation of goodwill by reportable segment (in millions): Goodwill, gross as of December 31, 2012 Preliminary purchase price allocations Goodwill allocated to BiMetals sale Foreign exchange Goodwill, gross, as of December 31, 2013 Acquisitions and adjustments to purchase price allocations Foreign exchange Goodwill, gross, as of December 31, 2014 Preliminary purchase price allocations Foreign exchange Goodwill, gross, as of December 31, 2015 Accumulated impairment charges as of December 31, 2012 Impairment charges for year ended December 31, 2013 Accumulated impairment charges as of December 31, 2013 Impairment charges for year ended December 31, 2014 Accumulated impairment charges as of December 31, 2014 Impairment charges for year ended December 31, 2015 Accumulated impairment charges as of December 31, Wireless Enterprise Broadband BNS Total $ 824.8 — — (3.7) $636.5 23.0 — — 821.1 659.5 15.3 (3.3) 833.1 20.2 (3.1) 850.2 (5.7) — 653.8 — — 653.8 $ 92.8 — (6.5) — $ — $1,554.1 23.0 (6.5) (3.7) — — — 86.3 — — 86.3 — — 86.3 — — — 1,566.9 9.6 (3.3) — 1,314.6 (18.6) 1,573.2 1,334.8 (21.7) 1,296.0 2,886.3 $ (80.2) — $ — — $ — (36.2) $ — $ (80.2) (36.2) — (80.2) (4.9) $ — — $(36.2) — $ — $ (116.4) (4.9) — (85.1) (74.4) — — (36.2) — — — (121.3) (74.4) 2015 $(159.5) $ — $(36.2) $ — $ (195.7) Goodwill, net, as of December 31, 2015 $ 690.7 $653.8 $ 50.1 $1,296.0 $2,690.6 During 2015, management determined that an indicator of possible impairment existed for the Microwave Antenna Group (Microwave) reporting unit in the Wireless segment as a result of lower than expected levels of sales and operating income during 2015 and the effect of market conditions on the projected future operations of the business. A step one goodwill impairment test was performed using a discounted cash flow (DCF) valuation model. The significant assumptions in the DCF model are the annual revenue growth rate, the annual operating income margin and the discount rate used to determine the present value of the cash flow projections. The discount rate used for the Microwave reporting unit valuation was 10.5% as compared to 11.0% in the 2014 annual test and was based on the estimated weighted average cost of capital as of the test date for market participants in the industry in which the Microwave reporting unit operates. Based on the estimated fair values generated by the DCF model, the Microwave reporting unit did not pass step one of the goodwill impairment test. A step two analysis was performed and a goodwill impairment charge of $74.4 million was recorded. The goodwill impairment charge resulted primarily from lower future projected operating results for the Microwave reporting unit. During 2014, a goodwill impairment charge of $4.9 million was recorded in the Microwave reporting unit using a DCF model. The discount rate used was 11.0% compared to the same discount rate used in the 2013 annual test. 92 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued) (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) The goodwill impairment charge resulted primarily from lower projected future operating results than those used in the 2013 annual test. 5. SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Period Year Ended December 31, 2013 Year Ended December 31, 2014 Year Ended December 31, 2015 Balance at Beginning of Period Charged to Costs and Expenses Deductions (1) Balance at End of Period $14,555 12,617 8,797 $ (757) 772 12,508 $1,181 4,592 1,913 $12,617 8,797 19,392 (1) Uncollectible customer accounts written off, net of recoveries of previously written off customer accounts. Includes the write-off of one fully reserved uncollectible account of $4,399 for the year ended December 31, 2014. Inventories Raw materials Work in process Finished goods Property, Plant and Equipment Land and land improvements Buildings and improvements Machinery and equipment Construction in progress Accumulated depreciation December 31, 2015 2014 $114,329 131,030 196,456 $ 90,486 105,739 170,960 $441,815 $367,185 December 31, 2015 2014 $ 55,751 219,953 463,955 32,853 $ 33,711 149,596 306,454 6,952 772,512 (243,806) 496,713 (207,342) $ 528,706 $ 289,371 Depreciation expense was $60.6 million, $48.8 million and $55.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. No interest was capitalized during 2015, 2014 or 2013. 93 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued) (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) Investments The Company owns shares of Hydrogenics Corporation (Hydrogenics), a publicly traded company that supplies hydrogen generators and hydrogen-based power modules and fuel cells for various uses. These shares are accounted for as available-for-sale securities and are carried at fair value with changes in fair value recorded, net of tax, in other comprehensive income (loss). This investment is recorded in other noncurrent assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following table presents information related to the Company’s investment in Hydrogenics: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Shares owned Cost basis Fair value Pretax unrealized gain in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 1,332 997 $ $11,683 $10,685 1,534 $ 1,150 $20,392 $19,242 The following table provides information related to the sale of shares in Hydrogenics: Shares sold Proceeds received Pretax gain realized Year Ended December 31, 2015 202 $2,817 $2,664 2014 653 $10,261 $ 9,773 Gains on the sale of Hydrogenics shares have been determined using the average cost method and are recorded in other expense, net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). Other Accrued Liabilities Compensation and employee benefit liabilities Deferred revenue Product warranty accrual Accrued interest Restructuring reserve Income taxes payable Accrued value-added taxes Accrued professional fees Other December 31, 2015 2014 $108,852 23,811 17,964 12,468 24,480 38,417 24,880 14,303 106,568 $122,291 25,888 17,054 8,952 5,657 35,302 6,576 7,147 60,139 $371,743 $289,006 94 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued) (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss The following table presents changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI), net of tax, and accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCL), net of tax: Foreign currency translation Balance, beginning of period Other comprehensive loss Amounts reclassified from AOCL Balance, end of period Pension and other postretirement benefit activity Balance, beginning of period Other comprehensive income (loss) Amounts reclassified from AOCI (AOCL) Balance, end of period Available-for-sale securities Balance, beginning of period Other comprehensive income (loss) Amounts reclassified from AOCI Balance, end of period Net AOCL, end of period Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 $ (80,483) (80,019) (118) $(29,072) (51,311) (100) $(160,620) $(80,483) $ (14,957) 3,814 (6,424) $ 2,796 (11,562) (6,191) $ (17,567) $(14,957) $ 11,892 (3,735) (1,648) $ — 13,771 (1,879) $ 6,509 $ 11,892 $(171,678) $(83,548) Amounts reclassified from net AOCL related to foreign currency translation and available-for-sale securities are recorded in other expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). Defined benefit plan amounts reclassified from net AOCL are included in the computation of net periodic benefit income and are primarily recorded in cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). Cash Flow Information Cash paid during the period for: Income taxes, net of refunds Interest Noncash investing and financing activities: Noncash acquisition consideration Noncash consideration received for sale of assets Acquisition of treasury stock resulting from stock option exercises Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 $122,571 207,331 $ 98,636 184,925 $ 80,888 199,339 — — — — — — 12,400 11,398 279 95 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued) (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) 6. FINANCING 6.00% senior notes due June 2025 5.50% senior notes due June 2024 5.00% senior notes due June 2021 Senior PIK toggle notes due June 2020 4.375% senior secured notes due June 2020 Senior secured term loan due December 2022 Senior secured term loan due January 2018 Senior secured term loan due January 2017 Senior secured revolving credit facility expires May 2020 Other Total face value of debt Less: Original issue discount, net of amortization Less: Debt issuance costs, net of amortization Less: Current portion Total long-term debt December 31, 2015 $1,500,000 650,000 650,000 536,630 500,000 1,246,875 261,875 — — 19 $ 2014 — 650,000 650,000 550,000 — — 518,438 345,625 — 408 $5,345,399 (4,234) (97,514) (12,520) $2,714,471 (6,746) (38,827) (9,001) $5,231,131 $2,659,897 6.00% Senior Notes Due 2025 In June 2015, CommScope Technologies Finance LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and an unrestricted subsidiary as defined in the indentures governing the 2021 Notes and the 2024 Notes and the agreements governing the senior secured credit facilities, issued $1.5 billion of 6.00% Senior Notes due June 15, 2025 (the 2025 Notes). Interest is payable on the 2025 Notes semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year, beginning on December 15, 2015. The Company used the proceeds of the offering of the 2025 Notes, together with cash on hand and borrowings under the senior secured term loan facility due December 2022, to finance the acquisition of the BNS business. Concurrent with the consummation of the BNS acquisition, CommScope Technologies Finance LLC merged with and into CommScope Technologies LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company), with CommScope Technologies LLC continuing as the surviving entity. CommScope Technologies LLC became the issuer of the 2025 Notes, and the 2025 Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by CommScope, Inc. and its domestic restricted subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions. The 2025 Notes and guarantees are effectively junior to all of the Company’s and the guarantors’ existing and future secured debt, including the 2020 Notes (as defined below) and the senior secured credit facilities, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such secured debt. In addition, the 2025 Notes are structurally subordinated to all existing and future liabilities (including trade payables) of the Company’s subsidiaries that do not guarantee the 2025 Notes, including indebtedness incurred by certain of the Company’s non-U.S. subsidiaries under the revolving credit facility. The 2025 Notes may be redeemed prior to maturity under certain circumstances. Upon certain change of control events, the 2025 Notes may be redeemed at the option of the holders at 101% of their face amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. Prior to June 15, 2020, the 2025 Notes may be redeemed at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount, plus a make-whole premium (as defined in the indenture governing the 2025 Notes), plus accrued and unpaid interest. On or prior to June 15, 2018, under certain circumstances, the Company may also redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2025 Notes at a redemption price of 106.0%, plus accrued and unpaid interest, using the proceeds of certain equity offerings. 96 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued) (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) In connection with issuing the 2025 Notes, the Company incurred costs of approximately $35.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2015, which were recorded as a reduction of the carrying amount of the debt and are being amortized over the term of the notes. 5.00% Senior Notes Due 2021 and 5.50% Senior Notes Due 2024 In May 2014, CommScope, Inc., a direct wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, issued $650.0 million of 5.00% Senior Notes due June 15, 2021 (the 2021 Notes) and $650.0 million of 5.50% Senior Notes due June 15, 2024 (the 2024 Notes). Interest is payable on the 2021 Notes and the 2024 Notes semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year. Proceeds from the 2021 Notes and the 2024 Notes were used to redeem the entire outstanding amount of the 8.25% senior notes due January 2019 (the 2019 Notes) plus pay a redemption premium of $93.9 million, which was included in other expense, net for the year ended December 31, 2014. The remainder of the net proceeds was available for general corporate purposes. In connection with the redemption of the 2019 Notes, the Company wrote off $19.1 million of deferred financing costs to interest expense during the year ended December 31, 2014. Each of the Company’s existing and future direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries that guarantees the senior secured credit facilities guarantees the 2021 Notes and the 2024 Notes on a senior unsecured basis. The 2021 Notes, the 2024 Notes and the guarantees are unsecured senior obligations ranking equal in right of payment to all of the Company’s and the guarantors’ existing and future senior indebtedness, including its senior secured credit facilities. However, the 2021 Notes, the 2024 Notes and guarantees are effectively junior to all of the Company’s and the guarantors’ existing and future secured debt, including its senior secured credit facilities, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such secured debt. In addition, the 2021 Notes and the 2024 Notes are structurally subordinated to all existing and future liabilities (including trade payables) of the Company’s subsidiaries that do not guarantee the 2021 Notes and the 2024 Notes, including indebtedness incurred by certain of the Company’s non-U.S. subsidiaries under the revolving credit facility. The 2021 Notes and the 2024 Notes may be redeemed prior to maturity under certain circumstances. Upon certain change of control events, the 2021 Notes and the 2024 Notes may be redeemed at the option of the holders at 101% of their face amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase. Prior to June 15, 2017 in the case of the 2021 Notes and June 15, 2019 in the case of the 2024 Notes, the 2021 Notes and the 2024 Notes may be redeemed at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount, plus a make-whole premium (as defined in the indentures governing the New Notes), plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. On or prior to June 15, 2017, under certain circumstances, the Company may also redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of each series of the 2021 Notes and the 2024 Notes at a redemption price of 105.0% in the case of the 2021 Notes or 105.5% in the case of the 2024 Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date using the proceeds of certain equity offerings. In connection with issuing the 2021 Notes and the 2024 Notes, the Company incurred costs of approximately $23.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2014, which were treated as a reduction of long-term debt and are being amortized over the terms of the notes. Senior PIK Toggle Notes In May 2013, CommScope Holding Company, Inc. (the Parent Company) issued $550.0 million of 6.625%/ 7.375% Senior Payment-in-Kind Toggle Notes due 2020 (the senior PIK toggle notes) in a private offering, for 97 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued) (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) proceeds of $538.8 million, net of debt issuance costs. The net proceeds from the issuance of the senior PIK toggle notes and available cash were used to fund $550.0 million of special cash dividends and distributions to the Parent Company’s equity holders. The senior PIK toggle notes are senior unsecured obligations that are not guaranteed by any of the Parent Company’s subsidiaries. The Parent Company may redeem the notes in whole or part during periods after June 1, 2016 at redemption prices (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount), plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date, as follows: (i) June 1, 2016 through May 31, 2017 at 103.313%; (ii) June 1, 2017 through May 31, 2018 at 101.656%; and (iii) June 1, 2018 to maturity at 100.000%. In December 2015, the Company repurchased $13.4 million of the senior PIK toggle notes. The repurchase resulted in a $0.3 million loss which is reflected in other expense, net. In connection with the repurchase, $0.2 million of debt issuance costs were written off and included in interest expense. Interest is due on the senior PIK toggle notes semi-annually in arrears on each June 1 and December 1. For each interest period, the Parent Company is required to pay interest on the senior PIK toggle notes entirely in cash, unless the Applicable Amount, as defined in the indenture governing the senior PIK toggle notes (the PIK Notes Indenture), is less than the applicable semi-annual requisite interest payment amount, in which case, the Parent Company may elect to pay a portion of the interest due on the senior PIK toggle notes for such interest period by increasing the principal amount of the senior PIK toggle notes or by issuing new notes for up to the entire amount of the interest payment (in each case, PIK interest) to the extent described in the PIK Notes Indenture. Cash interest on the senior PIK toggle notes will accrue at the rate of 6.625% per annum. PIK interest on the senior PIK toggle notes will accrue at the rate of 7.375% per annum until the next payment of cash interest. The interest payments on the senior PIK toggle notes during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 were paid in cash. For the purposes of the PIK Notes Indenture, “Applicable Amount” generally refers to the Company’s then current restricted payment capacity under the instruments governing the Company’s other indebtedness, less $20 million, and plus the Parent Company’s cash and cash equivalents less $10 million. Based on the Applicable Amount as of December 31, 2015, the Parent Company would be required to make its next interest payment on the senior PIK toggle notes entirely in cash. The senior PIK toggle notes are structurally subordinated to all indebtedness and other liabilities of the Parent Company’s subsidiaries. Claims of creditors of such subsidiaries, including trade creditors, will have priority with respect to the assets and earnings of such subsidiaries over the holders of the senior PIK toggle notes. The Parent Company is a holding company with no material operations of its own and is, therefore, dependent upon the revenues and cash flows of its subsidiaries to service its debt obligations. 4.375% Senior Secured Notes Due 2020 In June 2015, CommScope, Inc., a direct wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, issued $500.0 million of 4.375% Senior Secured Notes due June 15, 2020 (the 2020 Notes). Interest is payable on the 2020 Notes semi- annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year, beginning on December 15, 2015. The Company used the net proceeds of the offering of the 2020 Notes, together with cash on hand, to repay the entire principal amount outstanding under the term loan due 2017 and a portion of the principal amount outstanding under the term loan due 2018. The 2020 Notes are guaranteed on a senior secured basis by CommScope Holding Company, Inc. and its domestic restricted subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions, and are secured by a first priority lien on certain of the Company’s non-current assets in the U.S. and a second priority lien on current assets in the U.S. 98 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued) (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) The 2020 Notes may be redeemed prior to maturity under certain circumstances. Upon certain change of control events, the 2020 Notes may be redeemed at the option of the holders at 101% of their face amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. Prior to June 15, 2017, the 2020 Notes may be redeemed at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount, plus a make-whole premium (as defined in the indenture governing the 2020 Notes), plus accrued and unpaid interest. Prior to June 15, 2017, under certain circumstances, the Company may also redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2020 Notes at a redemption price of 104.375%, plus accrued and unpaid interest, using the proceeds of certain equity offerings. In connection with issuing the 2020 Notes, the Company incurred costs of approximately $8.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2015, which were recorded as a reduction of the carrying amount of the debt and are being amortized over the term of the notes. Senior Secured Credit Facilities In May 2015, the Company amended its asset-based revolving credit facility to, among other things, expand the facility from $400.0 million to $550.0 million and extend the maturity date to May 2020, subject to acceleration under certain circumstances. In connection with this amendment, the Company incurred costs of approximately $0.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2015, which were recorded in other noncurrent assets and are being amortized over the term of the revolving credit facility. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under its revolving credit facility and the Company did not borrow under its revolving credit facility during the year ended December 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had availability of approximately $278.2 million under its revolving credit facility, after giving effect to borrowing base limitations and outstanding letters of credit. The expanded facility is expected to be reflected in the Company’s availability in 2016 once the additional collateral resulting from the BNS acquisition is added to the borrowing base. In June 2015, the Company used the proceeds from the 2020 Notes issuance to repay $500.0 million of its existing term loans. In addition, CommScope Finance LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and an unrestricted subsidiary as defined in the agreements governing the senior secured credit facilities) borrowed an additional $1.25 billion, less $3.1 million of original issue discount, in a term loan due December 2022 (the 2022 Term Loan). The Company used the proceeds from the 2022 Term Loan, together with cash on hand and proceeds from the issuance of the 2025 Notes, to finance the acquisition of the BNS business. Concurrent with the consummation of the BNS acquisition, the 2022 Term Loan was assumed by CommScope, Inc. as a term loan under its senior secured credit facilities. The 2022 Term Loan has scheduled maturities of $12.5 million per year due in equal quarterly installments with the balance due at maturity. The current portion of long-term debt reflects $12.5 million of repayments under the 2022 Term Loan. The interest rate is, at the Company’s option, either (1) the base rate (as described in the 2014 Annual Report) plus a margin of 2.00% or (2) one-, two-, three- or six-month LIBOR or, if available from all lenders, twelve-month LIBOR (selected at the Company’s option) plus a margin of 3.00%, subject to a LIBOR floor of 0.75%. The senior secured term loans are secured by a first priority lien on certain of the Company’s non-current assets in the U.S. and a second priority lien on current assets in the U.S. The asset-based revolving credit facility is secured by a first priority lien on certain of the Company’s current assets in the U.S. and several European countries, and a second priority lien on the Company’s non-current assets in the U.S. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company repaid $605.3 million of its senior secured term loans. In connection with early voluntary repayments of term loans, $7.9 million of original issue discount and debt 99 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued) (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) issuance costs were written off and included in interest expense during the year ended December 31, 2015. The Company incurred costs of approximately $29.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2015 related to the additional borrowings under the term loan facility. These costs were recorded as a reduction of the carrying amount of the debt and are being amortized over the term of the 2022 Term Loan. No portion of the senior secured term loans was reflected as a current portion of long-term debt as of December 31, 2015 related to the potentially required excess cash flow payment because the amount that may be payable in 2016, if any, cannot currently be reliably estimated. There was no excess cash flow payment required in 2015 related to 2014. Other Matters The following table summarizes scheduled maturities of long-term debt as of December 31, 2015 (in millions): Scheduled maturities of long-term debt $12.5 $12.5 $274.4 $12.5 $1,049.1 $3,984.4 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter The Company’s non-guarantor subsidiaries held approximately $2,848 million, or 38%, of total assets and approximately $468 million, or 8%, of total liabilities as of December 31, 2015 and accounted for approximately $1,723 million, or 45%, of net sales for the year ended December 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2014, the non- guarantor subsidiaries held approximately $1,089 million, or 22%, of total assets and approximately $282 million, or 8%, of total liabilities. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the non-guarantor subsidiaries accounted for approximately $1,519 million, or 40%, of net sales. All amounts presented exclude intercompany balances. The weighted average effective interest rate on outstanding borrowings, including the amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount, was 5.50% at December 31, 2015 and 5.38% at December 31, 2014. 7. DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES The Company uses forward contracts to hedge a portion of its exposure to balances denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of various subsidiaries and to manage exposure to certain planned foreign currency expenditures in order to mitigate the impact of changes in exchange rates. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had outstanding foreign exchange contracts with maturities of up to eight months and aggregate notional values of $334 million (based on exchange rates as of December 31, 2015). Unrealized gains and losses resulting from these contracts are recognized in other expense, net and partially offset corresponding foreign exchange gains and losses on the balances being hedged. These instruments are not held for speculative or trading purposes. These contracts are not designated as hedges for hedge accounting and are marked to market each period through earnings. The following table presents the balance sheet location and fair value of the Company’s derivatives: Balance Sheet Location December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Fair Value of Asset (Liability) Foreign currency contracts Prepaid expenses and other Foreign currency contracts Other accrued liabilities current assets Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments $ 1,051 (5,945) $ 1,165 (3,584) $(4,894) $(2,419) 100 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued) (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) The pretax impact of the foreign currency forward contracts, both matured and outstanding, on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) is as follows: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts Location of Gain (Loss) Gain (Loss) Recognized Year ended December 31, 2015 Year ended December 31, 2014 Year ended December 31, 2013 Other expense, net Other expense, net Other expense, net $(14,309) $(10,273) $ 9,010 8. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS The Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, trade payables, available-for-sale securities, debt instruments and foreign currency contracts. For cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables and trade payables, the carrying amounts of these financial instruments as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were considered representative of their fair values due to their short terms to maturity. The fair value of the Company’s available-for-sale securities was based on quoted market prices. The fair values of the Company’s debt instruments and foreign currency contracts were based on indicative quotes. Fair value measurements using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities fall within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy, measurements using significant other observable inputs fall within Level 2, and measurements using significant unobservable inputs fall within Level 3. The carrying amounts, estimated fair values and valuation input levels of the Company’s available-for-sale securities, foreign currency contracts, and debt instruments as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, are as follows: Assets: Available-for-sale securities Foreign currency contracts Liabilities: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value Valuation Inputs $ 11,683 1,051 $ 11,683 1,051 $ 20,392 1,165 $ 20,392 Level 1 1,165 Level 2 6.00% senior notes due 2025 5.50% senior notes due 2024 5.00% senior notes due 2021 Senior PIK toggle notes due 2020 4.375% senior secured notes due 2020 Senior secured term loan due 2022, at par Senior secured term loan due 2018, at par Senior secured term loan due 2017, at par Foreign currency contracts 1,500,000 650,000 650,000 536,630 500,000 1,246,875 261,875 — 5,945 1,430,700 617,500 619,125 544,679 500,000 1,243,727 260,068 — 5,945 — 650,000 650,000 550,000 — — 518,438 345,625 3,584 — Level 2 640,250 Level 2 643,500 Level 2 566,500 Level 2 — Level 2 — Level 2 513,254 Level 2 342,169 Level 2 3,584 Level 2 Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements During the year ended December, 31 2015, the Company recorded the following pretax impairment charges that resulted from fair value measurements based on level 3 valuation inputs: • Goodwill impairment charge of $74.4 million related to the Wireless segment as a result of reduced expectations of future cash flows from one of its reporting units in the third quarter of 2015. 101 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued) (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) • Impairment charge of $5.5 million related to certain intangible assets in the Enterprise segment that were no longer recoverable as of December 31, 2015. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recorded the following pretax impairment charges that resulted from fair value measurements based on level 3 valuation inputs: • Goodwill impairment charge of $4.9 million related to the Wireless segment in the third quarter of 2014. • Impairment charge of $7.2 million to reduce certain intangible assets in the Broadband segment to their estimated fair value in the second quarter of 2014. In connection with restructuring actions during the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recorded a pretax charge of $8.1 million as of December 31, 2014, related to the unused portion of its leased facility in Joliet, Illinois, that is currently available for sublease. This charge was based on level 3 valuation inputs and recorded in restructuring costs, net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). These fair value estimates are based on pertinent information available to management as of the date made. Although management is not aware of any factors that would significantly affect these fair value estimates, such amounts have not been comprehensively revalued for purposes of these financial statements since those dates and current estimates of fair value may differ significantly from the amounts presented. 9. RESTRUCTURING COSTS Prior to the acquisition of the BNS business, the Company initiated restructuring actions to realign and lower its cost structure primarily through workforce reductions and other cost reduction initiatives, including the cessation of manufacturing operations at various facilities. Production capacity from these facilities has been shifted to other existing facilities or unaffiliated suppliers. These actions are referred to as cost alignment restructuring actions. Following the acquisition of BNS in 2015, the Company initiated a restructuring action to integrate the BNS operations (BNS integration restructuring action) to achieve cost and production synergies. All charges related to these restructuring actions are reported in restructuring costs, net. The Company’s net pretax restructuring charges (credits), by segment, were as follows: Wireless Enterprise Broadband BNS Total Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 $ 7,297 2,607 2,580 17,004 $16,191 147 2,929 — $24,306 5,094 (7,296) — $29,488 $19,267 $22,104 102 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued) (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) The activity within the liability established for the cost alignment restructuring action was as follows: Employee- Related Costs Lease Termination Costs Fixed Asset Related Costs BiMetals Asset Sale Total Balance as of December 31, 2012 Additional charge (credit) recorded Cash paid Consideration received Foreign exchange and other non-cash items Balance as of December 31, 2013 Additional charge recorded Cash paid Foreign exchange and other non-cash items Balance as of December 31, 2014 Additional charge recorded Cash paid Consideration received Foreign exchange and other non-cash items $ 19,228 23,355 (25,292) — (118) 17,173 6,625 (19,806) (170) 3,822 3,024 (5,773) — (68) $ 1,253 1,778 (1,614) — (18) 1,399 8,048 (1,205) 1 8,243 865 (1,738) — — $ — $ — $ 20,481 22,104 (31,363) 32,783 (25,433) (18,665) — 32,783 (14,118) 15,636 (4,457) — (11,179) — 4,594 (3,357) (1,237) — 1,828 (247) 2,986 (4,567) — — — — — — — — 18,572 19,267 (24,368) (1,406) 12,065 5,717 (7,758) 2,986 (4,635) Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ 1,005 $ 7,370 $ — $ — $ 8,375 Employee-related costs include the expected severance costs and related benefits as well as one-time severance benefits that are accrued over the remaining period employees are required to work in order to receive such benefits. Lease termination costs relate to the discounted cost of unused leased facilities, net of anticipated sub-rental income. Fixed asset related costs include non-cash impairments or disposals of fixed assets associated with restructuring actions in addition to the cash costs to uninstall, pack, ship and reinstall manufacturing equipment and the costs to prepare the receiving facility to accommodate relocated equipment. These costs are expensed as incurred. Cash paid is net of proceeds received from the sale of related assets. BiMetals asset sale activity reflects the 2013 sale of the certain assets of the Company’s BiMetals business. The Company received $23.0 million in cash and a note with an estimated fair value of $9.8 million as consideration. In addition to $4.7 million of tangible assets, the transaction also included $2.9 million of identified intangible assets and $6.5 million of goodwill. Within the Broadband segment, the Company recorded a net gain on the transaction of $18.7 million that was reported in restructuring costs, net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). As a result of restructuring and consolidation actions, the Company owns unutilized real estate at various facilities in the U.S. and internationally. The Company is attempting to sell or lease this unutilized space. Additional impairment charges may be incurred related to these or other excess assets. The Company has recognized restructuring charges of $88.8 million since January 2011 for cost alignment restructuring actions. Additional pretax costs of $1.0 million to $2.0 million are expected to be incurred to complete these previously announced initiatives. Cash payments of $3.0 million to $4.0 million are expected in 2016 and $6.0 million to $7.0 million between 2017 and 2022. 103 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued) (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) The activity within the liability established for the BNS integration restructuring action was as follows: Balance as of December 31, 2014 Liabilities assumed in BNS acquisition Additional charge recorded Cash paid Foreign exchange and other non-cash items Employee- Related Costs Lease Termination Costs Fixed Asset Related Costs — 9,000 23,771 (3,996) (61) — — — — — — — — Total — 9,000 23,771 (3,996) (61) Balance as of December 31, 2015 $28,714 $— $— $28,714 In conjunction with the BNS acquisition, the Company assumed a liability of $9.0 million for BNS employee- related restructuring initiated prior to the acquisition. Subsequent to the acquisition, the Company recognized $23.8 million of employee-related charges for BNS integration restructuring during the year ended December 31, 2015. The BNS integration actions included the announced closure of two facilities in the U.S. Additional pretax costs of $0.3 million to $0.5 million are expected to be incurred to complete previously announced initiatives. Cash payments of $21.0 million to $22.0 million are expected in 2016 with additional payments of $7.0 million to $8.0 million between 2017 and 2018. Additional restructuring charges related to the BNS restructuring action are expected and the resulting amounts may be material. Restructuring reserves related to all actions were included in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows: Other accrued liabilities Other noncurrent liabilities Total liability 10. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Defined Contribution Plans As of December 31, 2015 2014 $24,480 12,609 $ 5,657 6,408 $37,089 $12,065 The Company sponsors defined contribution retirement savings plans (including a 401(k) plan) that allow employees of certain subsidiaries to contribute a portion of their compensation on a pretax and/or after-tax basis in accordance with guidelines established by the plans and the Internal Revenue Service or other tax authorities. The Company matches a percentage of the employee contributions up to certain limits. With the BNS acquisition, the Company assumed sponsorship of various international defined contribution retirement savings plans and BNS employees in the U.S. became eligible to participate in the U.S. defined contribution retirement savings plan. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company contributed cash of $21.7 million, $19.6 million and $20.2 million, respectively, to these retirement savings plans. The Company maintains a noncontributory unfunded defined contribution plan (the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan or SERP) for certain active and retired executives. The Company is not required to make any payments until the participant is eligible to receive retirement benefits. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized pretax costs of $1.4 million, $2.0 million, $1.8 million, respectively, representing additional accrued benefits and interest credited under the SERP. The SERP liability was approximately $14.3 million and $13.0 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 104 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued) (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) The Company also established a contributory deferred compensation plan (DCP) in 2013 that allows certain executives to defer up to 90% of salary and bonus. Participant accounts are credited or charged amounts consistent with the investment experience of a notional portfolio (as directed by each executive) based on available investment alternatives in the Company’s 401(k) plan. Upon termination of employment, an executive may elect a lump sum payout or annual installments over two to ten years. The DCP was opened to various BNS employees as of the BNS acquisition date. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the DCP liability was $13.1 million and $4.2 million, respectively. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans The Company sponsors defined benefit pension plans covering certain domestic former employees and certain foreign current and former employees. With the acquisition of the BNS business, the Company assumed various foreign defined benefit pension plans. Included in the defined benefit pension plans are both funded and unfunded plans. The Company also sponsors postretirement health care and life insurance benefit plans that provide benefits to certain domestic former employees and certain domestic full-time employees who retire from the Company. The health care plans contain various cost-sharing features such as participant contributions, deductibles, coinsurance and caps, with Medicare as the primary provider of health care benefits for eligible retirees. The accounting for the health care plans anticipates future cost-sharing changes that are consistent with the Company’s expressed intent to maintain a consistent level of cost sharing with retirees. 105 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued) (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) The following table summarizes information for the defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans based on a December 31 measurement date: Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans U.S Plans 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation, beginning Service cost Interest cost Plan participants’ contributions BNS acquistion Actuarial loss (gain) Benefits paid, including settlements Foreign exchange and other $171,351 $160,064 $145,921 $130,517 453 6,043 — — 21,403 2,271 5,988 — 74,851 (13,314) — 6,498 — — (6,986) — 7,270 — — 16,235 $21,756 29 643 1,332 — (3,505) $27,242 86 901 1,773 — (3,077) (10,890) — (12,218) — (2,239) (10,361) (3,529) (8,966) (3,559) — (5,169) — Benefit obligation, ending $159,973 $171,351 $203,117 $145,921 $16,696 $21,756 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets, beginning 160,325 141,856 147,324 135,054 1,543 Employer and plan participant contributions BNS acquisition Return on plan assets Benefits paid, including settlements Foreign exchange and other 9,103 — (5,877) 15,359 — 15,328 8,596 56,328 225 7,046 — 17,823 2,608 — — (10,890) — (12,218) — (2,239) (10,319) (3,529) (9,070) (3,559) — (5,169) — 3,946 2,766 — — Fair value of plan assets, ending $152,661 $160,325 $199,915 $147,324 $ 592 $ 1,543 Funded status (benefit obligation in excess of fair value of plan assets) $ 7,312 $ 11,026 $ 3,202 $ (1,403) $16,104 $20,213 The following table presents the balance sheet location of the Company’s pension and postretirement liabilities and assets: December 31, U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans 2015 2014 2015 2014 Other accrued liabilities Pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities Other noncurrent assets $ (2,000) (21,416) — $ (1,761) (29,478) — $ — (15,686) 12,484 $ — — 1,403 The accumulated benefit obligation for the Company’s U.S. defined benefit pension plans was $159,973 and $171,351 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively and the accumulated benefit obligation for the Company’s non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans was $160,087 and $111,705 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 106 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued) (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) The following table summarizes information for the Company’s pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets: Projected benefit obligation Accumulated benefit obligation Fair value of plan assets December 31, U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans 2015 2014 2015 2014 $159,973 159,973 152,661 $171,351 171,351 160,325 $15,913 11,364 17 $— — — The following table summarizes pretax amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of December 31, 2015 and 2014: Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans U.S. Plans 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 Unrecognized net actuarial gain (loss) Unrecognized prior service credit $(37,508) $(31,773) $(8,661) $(15,528) — — — — $ 4,023 17,987 Total $(37,508) $(31,773) $(8,661) $(15,528) $22,010 $ 1,650 27,816 $29,466 Pretax amounts for net periodic benefit cost and other amounts included in other comprehensive income (loss) for the defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans consisted of the following components: Pension Benefits Year Ended December 31, U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Service cost Interest cost Recognized actuarial loss Expected return on plan assets $ — $ — $ — $ 2,271 5,988 52 (7,357) 6,498 675 (7,516) 7,270 309 (7,883) 6,398 469 (8,160) $ 453 6,043 — (7,366) $ 453 5,202 — (6,279) Net periodic benefit cost (income) (343) (304) (1,293) 954 (870) (624) Changes in plan assets and benefit obligations included in other comprehensive income (loss): Change in unrecognized net actuarial loss (gain) 5,735 8,479 (6,422) (6,867) 10,039 9,108 Total included in other comprehensive income (loss) 5,735 8,479 (6,422) (6,867) 10,039 9,108 Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and included in other comprehensive income (loss) $ 5,392 $ 8,175 $(7,715) $(5,913) $ 9,169 $ 8,484 107 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued) (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) Service cost Interest cost Recognized actuarial loss (gain) Amortization of prior service credit Net settlement/curtailment gain Net periodic benefit cost (income) Changes in plan assets and benefit obligations included in other comprehensive income (loss): Change in unrecognized net actuarial loss (gain) Change in unrecognized prior service credit Total included in other comprehensive income (loss) Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and included in other comprehensive income (loss) Other Postretirement Benefits Year Ended December 31, U.S. Plans 2015 2014 2013 $ 29 643 (1,132) (9,829) — $ 86 901 (343) (9,977) — $ 248 912 279 (9,618) (21) (10,289) (9,333) (8,200) (2,373) 9,829 (2,734) 9,977 (2,984) 5,376 7,456 7,243 2,392 $ (2,833) $(2,090) $(5,808) Amortization of amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of December 31, 2015 is expected to increase (decrease) net periodic benefit cost during 2016 as follows: Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits Total U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans U.S. Plans U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans $945 — $945 3 $ — $ 3 $(1,382) (4,220) $ (437) (4,220) $(5,602) $(4,657) 3 $ — $ 3 Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain) Amortization of prior service credit Total Assumptions Significant weighted average assumptions used in determining benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost are as follows: Benefit obligations: Discount rate Rate of compensation increase Net periodic benefit cost: Discount rate Rate of return on plan assets Rate of compensation increase Pension Benefits U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 4.19% 3.89% 4.69% 3.52% 3.75% 4.70% — % — % — % 4.36% 4.00% 4.30% 3.89% 4.69% 3.79% 3.75% 4.70% 4.60% 4.65% 5.45% 6.00% 4.45% 5.40% 5.20% — % — % — % 4.00% 4.30% 3.90% 108 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued) (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) Benefit obligations: Discount rate Net periodic benefit cost: Discount rate Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year Ultimate rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate Other Postretirement Benefits U.S. Plans 2015 2014 2013 3.46% 3.15% 3.50% 3.15% 3.50% 2.65% 6.5% 7.25% 7.25% 4.66% 4.75% 4.75% 2026 2023 2023 The Company considered the available yields on high-quality fixed-income investments with maturities corresponding to the Company’s expected benefit obligations to determine the discount rates at each measurement date. A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have had an immaterial impact on the total service and interest cost components of net periodic benefit cost and the benefit obligation as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015. Plan Assets In developing the expected rate of return on plan assets, the Company considered the expected long-term rate of return on individual asset classes. Expected return on plan assets is based on the market value of the assets. Substantially all of the U.S. pension assets and a portion of the non-U.S. pension assets are managed by independent investment advisors with an objective of transitioning to a portfolio of fixed income investments that matches the durations of the obligations as the funded status of each plan improves. The remainder of the non- U.S. pension assets is invested with the objective of maximizing return. Mutual funds classified as Level 1 are valued at net asset value, which is based on the fair value of the funds’ underlying securities. Certain mutual funds are classified as Level 2 because a portion of the funds’ underlying assets are valued using significant other observable inputs. Other assets are primarily composed of fixed income investments (including insurance products) and are valued based on the investment’s stated rate of return, which approximates market interest rates. The estimated fair values and the valuation input levels of the Company’s plan assets as of December 31, 2015 are as follows: Mutual funds: U.S. equity International equity U.S. debt International debt Other Total Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans U.S. Plans Level 1 Fair Value Level 2 Fair Value Level 1 Fair Value Level 2 Fair Value Level 1 Fair Value Level 2 Fair Value $ 2,404 1,692 140,264 6,164 2,137 $152,661 $— — — — — $— 109 $ — $ — 28,309 — 26,721 1,223 50,240 — 91,772 1,650 $56,253 $143,662 $— — 592 — — $592 $— — — — — $— CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued) (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) The estimated fair values and the valuation input levels of the Company’s plan assets as of December 31, 2014 are as follows: Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans U.S. Plans Level 1 Fair Value Level 2 Fair Value Level 1 Fair Value Level 2 Fair Value Level 1 Fair Value Level 2 Fair Value $ 6,243 3,735 142,820 6,123 1,404 $160,325 $— — — — — $— $— — — — — $— $ — 49,559 — 97,662 103 $147,324 $ — — 1,543 — — $1,543 $— — — — — $— Mutual funds: U.S. equity International equity U.S. debt International debt Other Total Expected Cash Flows The Company expects to contribute $0.3 million to U.S defined benefit pension plans and $8.0 million to non- U.S. defined benefit pension plans during 2016. The Company expects to contribute $0.7 million to U.S. other postretirement benefit plans during 2016. The following table summarizes projected benefit payments from pension and other postretirement benefit plans through 2025, including benefits attributable to estimated future service (in millions): 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021-2025 11. INCOME TAXES Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits U.S. Plans $10.9 10.9 10.8 10.7 10.6 51.2 Non-U.S. Plans U.S Plans $ 7.3 7.2 5.8 6.0 6.0 42.9 $2.3 2.2 2.0 1.8 1.6 5.4 Income (loss) before income taxes includes the results from domestic and international operations as follows: U.S. companies Non-U.S. companies Year Ended December 31 2015 2014 2013 $(243,796) 181,795 $ 33,089 283,974 $(149,688) 225,873 Income (loss) before income taxes $ (62,001) $317,063 $ 76,185 110 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued) (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) The components of income tax expense were as follows: Current: Federal Foreign State Current income tax expense Deferred: Federal Foreign State Deferred income tax benefit Total income tax expense Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 $ 23,940 81,123 5,637 $ 15,182 86,135 12,252 $ 19,646 73,123 4,742 110,700 113,569 97,511 (81,913) (18,627) (1,286) (26,609) (2,187) (4,482) (41,428) 1,410 (704) (101,826) (33,278) (40,722) $ 8,874 $ 80,291 $ 56,789 The reconciliation of income taxes calculated at the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate to the Company’s provision for income taxes was as follows: Provision for income taxes at federal statutory rate State income taxes, net of federal tax effect (1) Other permanent items Goodwill related items Federal tax credits Change in unrecognized tax benefits Foreign dividends and Subpart F income, net of foreign tax credits Foreign earnings taxed at other than federal rate Tax provision adjustments and revisions to prior years’ returns Change in valuation allowance Other Total provision for income taxes Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 $(21,700) $110,972 1,772 (2,131) 1,668 (2,538) (22,206) 25,152 (33,965) (1,973) 3,218 322 (608) 1,086 25,518 (1,940) (2,484) 256 (21,210) (4,796) 33,505 1,247 $ 26,665 215 2,668 14,623 (3,533) 2,076 33,145 (28,910) (4,596) 14,269 167 $ 8,874 $ 80,291 $ 56,789 (1) Presented net of federal tax benefit and does not include tax expense related to valuation allowances. On January 2, 2013, the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 retroactively extended the tax credit for research and experimentation expenses through December 31, 2013. The Company has reflected the 2012 credit in its 2013 tax provision, resulting in a benefit of $1.8 million. 111 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued) (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) The components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities and the classification of deferred tax balances on the balance sheet were as follows (1): Deferred tax assets: Accounts receivable, inventory and warranty reserves Employee benefits Postretirement benefits Restructuring accruals Foreign net operating loss carryforwards Federal net operating loss carryforwards Federal tax credit carryforwards State net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards Transaction costs Equity-based compensation Unrecognized tax benefits Other Total deferred tax assets Valuation allowance Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance Deferred tax liabilities: Intangible assets Property, plant and equipment Undistributed foreign earnings Other Total deferred tax liabilities Net deferred tax liability Deferred taxes as recorded on the balance sheet: Current deferred tax asset Current deferred tax liability (included with Other current liabilities) Noncurrent deferred tax asset (included with Other noncurrent assets) Noncurrent deferred tax liability Net deferred tax liability December 31, 2015 2014 $ 63,374 10,173 10,039 9,761 53,009 3,498 95,623 17,070 13,958 14,885 21,527 35,791 $ 30,253 12,198 16,006 3,956 40,424 3,934 79,842 17,007 5,361 15,741 18,726 33,410 348,708 (101,549) 276,858 (66,556) 247,159 210,302 (354,434) (38,146) (7,851) (10,360) (419,402) (27,501) (23,133) (22,613) (410,791) (492,649) $(163,632) $(282,347) $ — $ 51,230 (1,404) — 7,772 38,855 (339,945) (202,487) $(163,632) $(282,347) (1) Amounts reflected in the 2014 column have been reclassified to conform with current year presentation. The deferred tax asset for federal tax credit carryforwards as of December 31, 2015 relates to foreign tax credit carryforwards that expire between 2018 and 2025. A valuation allowance of $28.9 million has been established against these deferred tax assets. The deferred tax asset for state net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards as of December 31, 2015 includes state net operating loss carryforwards (net of federal tax impact) of $16.2 million, which begin to expire in 2016, and state tax credit carryforwards (net of federal tax impact) of $0.9 million which begin to expire in 2016. A valuation allowance of $11.4 million has been established against these state income tax related deferred tax assets. 112 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued) (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) The deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2015 include foreign net operating loss carryforwards (net of federal tax impacts) of $53.0 million, which will begin to expire in 2016. Certain of these foreign net operating loss carryforwards are subject to local restrictions limiting their utilization. Valuation allowances of $45.5 million have been established related to these foreign net operating loss carryforwards. In addition to the valuation allowances detailed above, the Company has also established a valuation allowance of $15.8 million against other deferred tax assets. As of December 31, 2015, a deferred tax liability of $7.9 million has been established to reflect the U.S. federal and state tax cost associated with the planned repatriation of that portion of the Company’s undistributed foreign earnings that are not considered to be permanently reinvested in foreign operations. The remaining amount of undistributed earnings from foreign subsidiaries for which no incremental U.S. income taxes have been provided was $546.6 million as of December 31, 2015 as these earnings are considered to be permanently reinvested in foreign operations. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred income tax liability related to these earnings is not practicable. The following table reflects a reconciliation of the beginning and end of period amounts of gross unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties: Balance at beginning of period Increase related to prior periods Decrease related to prior periods Increase related to current periods Decrease related to lapse in statutes of limitations Balance at end of period Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 $68,223 1,677 (2,094) 914 (4,635) $ 91,410 223 (1,275) — (22,135) $92,523 150 (311) 7 (959) $64,085 $ 68,223 $91,410 The Company’s liability for unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably affect the effective tax rate in future periods was $47.2 million as of December 31, 2015. The Company operates in numerous jurisdictions worldwide and is subject to routine tax audits on a regular basis. The determination of the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits involves significant management judgment regarding interpretation of relevant facts and tax laws in each of these jurisdictions. Unrecognized tax benefits are reviewed and evaluated on an ongoing basis and may be adjusted for changing facts and circumstances including the lapse of applicable statutes of limitation and closure of tax examinations. Although the timing and outcome of such events are difficult to predict, the Company reasonably estimates that the balance of unrecognized tax benefits, excluding the impact of accrued interest and penalties, may be reduced by up to $16.0 million within the next twelve months. The Company provides for interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had accrued $7.9 million and $8.3 million, respectively, for interest and penalties. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the net expense (credit) for interest and penalties recognized through income tax expense was $(0.5) million, $(4.6) million and $1.9 million, respectively. During 2014, the Company concluded an examination by the Internal Revenue Service of the Company’s U.S. federal income tax return for 2010, as well as amended returns for 2007 and 2008. The Company files state and 113 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued) (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) local tax returns in multiple jurisdictions with statutes of limitation generally ranging from 3 to 4 years. The Company is generally no longer subject to state and local tax examinations for years prior to 2010. Tax returns filed by the Company’s significant foreign subsidiaries are generally subject to statutes of limitations of 3 to 7 years and are generally no longer subject to examination for years prior to 2010. In many jurisdictions, tax authorities retain the ability to review prior years’ tax returns and to adjust any net operating loss or tax credit carryforwards from these years that are available to be utilized in subsequent periods. During 2015, the Company recognized $4.6 million related to the lapse of applicable statutes of limitations and the conclusion of various domestic and foreign examinations. The following table presents income tax expense (benefit) related to amounts presented in other comprehensive income (loss): Foreign currency translation Available-for-sale securities Defined benefit plans Total 12. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Dividends Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 $ (5,438) (3,174) (3,714) $(7,942) 7,351 (8,008) $1,946 — (296) $(12,326) $(8,599) $1,650 On May 28, 2013, a cash dividend of $342.8 million ($2.21 per share) was declared on the Company’s common stock by its Board of Directors and paid. On June 28, 2013, a cash dividend of $195.9 million ($1.26 per share) was declared on the Company’s common stock by its Board of Directors and paid (collectively with the May 28, 2013 dividend, the 2013 dividends). Although the Company does not intend to pay dividends in the foreseeable future, the payment of any dividends may be limited by covenants under the Company’s senior secured credit facilities and the indentures governing its senior notes. In accordance with the antidilution provisions of the Company’s stock incentive plans, the exercise prices of affected options were adjusted to reflect the 2013 dividends. Cash payments of $11.3 million were made to stock option holders of options granted prior to the Carlyle acquisition in lieu of a reduction in exercise prices. The cash payments and repricings had no effect on the vesting schedules or expiration dates of the stock options and resulted in no additional compensation expense. Equity-Based Compensation Plans On October 4, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the 2013 Long Term Incentive Plan (the 2013 Plan), effective October 24, 2013, authorizing 18.6 million shares for issuance. Awards under the 2013 Plan may include stock, stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units (RSUs), performance units, performance share units (PSUs), performance-based restricted stock, stock appreciation rights and dividend equivalent rights for employees and non-employee directors of the Company. Approval of the 2013 Plan canceled all shares authorized but not issued under the CommScope, Inc. 2011 Incentive Plan. Awards granted prior to October 24, 2013 remain subject to the provisions of the predecessor plans. As of December 31, 2015, 15.4 million shares were available for future grants under the 2013 Plan. 114 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued) (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) As of December 31, 2015, $40.4 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested stock options, RSUs and PSUs are expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted average period of 1.6 years. There were no significant capitalized equity-based compensation costs at December 31, 2015. During the year ended December 31, 2015, Carlyle sold a portion of its investment in the Company which triggered an acceleration of vesting of certain equity-based awards. The Company recorded equity-based compensation expense of $5.3 million as a result of the acceleration of vesting. On August 28, 2015, the Company granted 0.4 million RSUs and 0.2 million stock option awards to BNS employees as replacement awards for unvested TE Connectivity awards that had been forfeited as a result of the acquisition. These awards carry substantially the same terms as the Company’s other equity-based awards except for a provision that allows full vesting of the award if the transferred employee is terminated by the Company during the year following the BNS acquisition. The following table shows a summary of the equity-based compensation expense included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss): Selling, general and administrative Cost of sales Research and development Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 $21,829 3,844 2,992 $15,592 3,160 2,340 $11,399 2,378 2,331 Total equity-based compensation expense $28,665 $21,092 $16,108 Stock options Stock options are awards that allow the recipient to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at a fixed price. Stock options are granted at an exercise price equal to the Company’s stock price at the date of grant. These awards generally vest over one to five years following the grant date and have a contractual term of ten years. The following table summarizes the stock option activity (in thousands, except per share amounts): Outstanding as of December 31, 2014 Granted Exercised Forfeited Outstanding as of December 31, 2015 Exercisable at December 31, 2015 Expected to vest Weighted Average Option Exercise Price Per Share Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share Aggregate Intrinsic Value $ 7.32 $29.38 $ 7.42 $13.42 $ 8.81 $ 7.45 $17.55 $13.74 $ 6.34 $ 4.54 $129,648 $119,052 $ 10,595 Shares 10,411 530 (3,449) (34) 7,458 6,451 1,006 The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $77.0 million, $35.7 million and $2.2 million, respectively. 115 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued) (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) The exercise prices of outstanding options at December 31, 2015 were in the following ranges: Range of Exercise Prices Shares (in thousands) Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share Shares (in thousands) Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share $2.96 to $5.35 $5.36 to $5.68 $5.69 to $8.54 $8.55 to $8.90 $8.91 to $23.00 $23.00 to $33.12 $2.96 to $33.12 398 621 4,303 1,121 534 481 7,458 3.2 6.2 5.1 4.7 8.0 8.8 5.5 $ 2.96 $ 5.57 $ 5.74 $ 8.62 $22.54 $30.54 $ 8.81 398 547 3,868 1,121 497 20 6,451 $ 2.96 $ 5.57 $ 5.74 $ 8.62 $22.85 $28.65 $ 7.45 The weighted average remaining contractual life of exercisable options at December 31, 2015 was 5.2 years. The Company uses the Black-Scholes model to estimate the fair value of stock option awards at the date of grant. Key inputs and assumptions used in the model include the grant date fair value of common stock, exercise price of the award, the expected option term, stock price volatility, the risk-free interest rate and the Company’s projected dividend yield. The risk-free interest rates reflect the yield on zero-coupon U.S. treasury securities with a term equal to the option’s expected term. The expected life represents the period over which the Company’s employees are expected to hold their options. Expected volatility is derived based on the historical Company volatility, as well as volatilities from publicly traded companies operating in the Company’s industry. The Company believes that the valuation technique and the approach utilized to develop the underlying assumptions are appropriate in estimating the fair values of its stock options. Estimates of fair value are not intended to predict actual future events or the value ultimately realized by employees who receive equity awards. Subsequent events are not indicative of the reasonableness of the original estimates of fair value made by the Company. The following table presents the weighted average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock option awards granted: Expected option term (in years) Risk-free interest rate Expected volatility Estimated marketability discount Expected dividend yield Weighted average exercise price Weighted average fair value at grant date Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 3.0 5.0 5.6 0.4 % 1.5 % 1.6% 75.0% 43.0% 45.0% — % — % 15.0% — % — % — % $29.38 $13.74 $23.02 $ 9.41 $12.38 $ 4.69 Performance Share Units PSUs are stock awards in which the number of shares ultimately received by the employee depends on Company performance against specified targets. Such awards can vest over three years and the number of shares issued can vary from 0% to 150% of the number of PSUs granted depending on performance. The fair value of each PSU is determined on the date of grant based on the Company’s stock price. Over the performance period, the number of shares that are expected to be issued is adjusted upward or downward based upon the probable achievement of 116 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued) (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) performance targets. The ultimate number of shares issued and the related compensation cost recognized will be based on the final performance metrics compared to the targets specified in the grants. The following table summarizes the PSU activity (in thousands, except per share data): Outstanding and non-vested as of December 31, 2014 Granted Forfeited Outstanding and non-vested as of December 31, 2015 Restricted Stock Units Performance Share Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share — 184 (9) 175 $ — $30.76 $30.76 $30.76 RSUs entitle the holder to shares of common stock after a vesting period that generally ranges from one to three years. The fair value of the awards is determined on the grant date based on the Company’s stock price. The RSUs granted to BNS transferred employees followed the remaining vesting schedule of their forfeited TE Connectivity award which was a four-year vesting period. The following table summarizes the RSU activity (in thousands, except per share data): Outstanding and non-vested as of December 31, 2014 Granted Vested and shares issued Forfeited Outstanding and non-vested as of December 31, 2015 Restricted Stock Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share 372 1,386 (113) (78) 1,567 $22.99 $31.06 $30.18 $27.93 $29.37 The total intrinsic value of RSUs that vested during the year ended December 31, 2015 was $3.4 million. Other Although share unit awards were, at the Company’s discretion, able to be settled in stock, they have historically been settled in cash and were accounted for as liability awards. Share unit award expense of $3.6 million, $4.5 million and $5.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, is included in equity-based compensation as an adjustment to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash generated by operating activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. As of December 31, 2015, there were no share unit awards remaining outstanding. 117 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued) (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) 13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES The Company leases certain equipment and facilities under operating leases expiring at various dates through 2022. Rent expense was $30.7 million, $27.1 million and $29.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Future minimum rental payments required under operating leases having an initial term in excess of one year at December 31, 2015 are as follows: 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter Total minimum lease payments Less: Amount representing interest Operating Leases $ 36,431 28,589 19,495 14,576 11,594 17,799 128,484 — $128,484 The following table summarizes the activity in the product warranty accrual, included in other accrued liabilities: Product warranty accrual, beginning of period Accrual assumed in BNS acquisition Provision for warranty claims Warranty claims paid Product warranty accrual, end of period Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 $ 17,054 1,900 9,298 (10,288) $ 24,838 — 9,253 (17,037) $26,005 — 8,769 (9,936) $ 17,964 $ 17,054 $24,838 Provision for warranty claims included charges of $2.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 related to a warranty matter within the Broadband segment for products sold in 2006 and 2007. In addition, the Company is subject to various federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations governing the use, discharge, disposal and remediation of hazardous materials. Compliance with current laws and regulations has not had, and is not expected to have, a materially adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations. Legal Proceedings The Company is either a plaintiff or a defendant in certain pending legal matters in the normal course of business, including various matters assumed as part of the BNS acquisition. Management believes none of these legal matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business or financial condition upon final disposition. 118 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued) (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) 14. INDUSTRY SEGMENTS, MAJOR CUSTOMERS, RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION Segment Information Following the BNS acquisition, management operated and managed the Company in the following four reportable segments: Wireless, Enterprise, Broadband and Broadband Network Solutions (BNS). Management is re-evaluating reportable segments as a result of the integration of the BNS business. The Wireless segment provides merchant radio frequency (RF) wireless network connectivity solutions and distributed antenna systems (DAS) and small cell solutions to enable carriers’ 2G, 3G and 4G networks. These solutions, marketed primarily under the Andrew brand, enable wireless operators to deploy macro cell site, metro cell site, DAS and small cell solutions to meet coverage and capacity requirements. The Wireless segment focuses on all aspects of the Radio Access Network (RAN) from the macro through the metro, to the indoor layer. Macro cell site solutions can be found at wireless tower sites and on rooftops and include base station antennas, microwave antennas, hybrid fiber-feeder and power cables, coaxial cables, connectors and filters. Metro cell solutions can be found outdoors on street poles and on other urban structures and include RF delivery and connectivity solutions, equipment housing and concealment. These fully integrated outdoor systems consist of specialized antennas, filters/combiners, backhaul solutions, intra-system cabling and power distribution, all minimized to fit an urban environment. The DAS and small cell solutions allow wireless operators to increase spectral efficiency and thereby extend and enhance cellular coverage and capacity in challenging network conditions such as commercial buildings, urban areas, stadiums and transportation systems. The Airvana acquisition expanded the Company’s leadership and capabilities in providing indoor wireless capacity and coverage. The Enterprise segment provides connectivity and network intelligence for commercial buildings and data centers. These solutions include optical fiber and twisted pair structured cabling applications, intelligent infrastructure software, network rack and cabinet enclosures, modular data centers and network design services. The Broadband segment consists of cable and communications equipment that support the multi-channel video, voice and high-speed data services provided by cable operators. The segment’s products include coaxial and fiber-optic cables, fiber-to-the-home equipment, amplifiers, splitters, conduit and headend solutions for the network core. The BNS segment provides fiber-optic and copper connectivity solutions for telecom and enterprise markets as well as DAS solutions for the wireless market. The connectivity solutions offered by our BNS segment include fiber-to-the-X (FTTx) solutions, data center solutions and central office connectivity and equipment, all of which include a robust portfolio of fiber optic connectors. Additional connectivity solutions offered by our BNS segment include fiber management systems, patch cords and panels, complete cabling systems and cable assemblies for use in office, data center, factory and residential applications. The wireless market solutions offered by our BNS segment include radio frequency distribution and distributed antenna systems to enhance wireless coverage and capacity. 119 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued) (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) The following table provides summary financial information by reportable segment (in millions): Identifiable segment-related assets: Wireless Enterprise Broadband BNS Total identifiable segment-related assets Reconciliation to total assets: Cash and cash equivalents Deferred income tax assets December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 $2,230.3 1,340.5 291.0 3,039.0 6,900.8 562.9 38.9 $2,372.8 1,403.4 352.6 — 4,128.8 729.3 59.0 Total assets $7,502.6 $4,917.1 The following table provides net sales, operating income, depreciation and amortization by reportable segment, including BNS segment results of operations from August 28, 2015, the date of acquisition, through their fiscal period ended December 25, 2015 (in millions): Net sales: Wireless Enterprise Broadband BNS Inter-segment eliminations Consolidated net sales Operating income (loss): Wireless (1) Enterprise (2) Broadband (3) BNS (4) Consolidated operating income (loss) Depreciation: Wireless Enterprise Broadband BNS Consolidated depreciation Amortization (5): Wireless Enterprise Broadband BNS Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 $1,938.5 864.4 476.1 529.6 (0.8) $2,469.8 850.5 511.1 — (1.8) $2,174.2 827.9 484.6 — (6.6) $3,807.8 $3,829.6 $3,480.1 $ 182.8 114.0 17.0 (132.2) $ 468.1 99.8 9.5 — $ 303.4 66.7 (40.4) — $ 181.6 $ 577.4 $ 329.7 $ $ $ 29.8 10.8 7.6 12.4 60.6 93.4 69.4 16.3 41.5 $ $ $ 29.1 11.3 8.4 — 48.8 91.3 69.4 17.6 — $ $ $ 32.6 12.4 10.2 — 55.2 88.1 68.4 18.4 — Consolidated amortization $ 220.6 $ 178.3 $ 174.9 120 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued) (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) (1) Operating income for years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 included transaction and integration costs of $10.8 million, $7.6 million and $15.5 million, respectively; restructuring charges of $7.3 million, $16.2 million and $24.3 million, respectively; and impairment charges of $74.4 million, $4.9 million and $9.4 million, respectively. (2) Operating income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 included transaction and integration costs of $6.2 million, $3.0 million and $7.4 million, respectively; restructuring charges of $2.6 million, $0.1 million and $5.1 million, respectively; impairment charges of $5.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2015; and gains of $13.1 million from adjustments to the estimated fair value of contingent consideration related to the Redwood acquisition for the year ended December 31, 2014 (3) Operating income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 included transaction and integration costs of $6.1 million, $1.5 million and $4.3 million, respectively; restructuring charges (credits) of $2.6 million, $2.9 million and ($7.3) million, respectively; and impairment charges of $10.9 million, $7.2 million and $36.2 million, respectively. (4) Operating income for the year ended December 31, 2015 included transaction and integration costs of $73.8 million, restructuring charges of $17.0 million and purchase accounting charges related to the mark-up of inventory of $81.6 million. (5) Excludes amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount. Customer Information Net sales to Anixter International Inc. and its affiliates (Anixter) accounted for 12%, 11% and 12% of the Company’s total net sales during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Sales to Anixter primarily originate within the Enterprise segment. Other than Anixter, no direct customer accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s total net sales for any of the above periods. Accounts receivable from Anixter represented approximately 10% and 13% of accounts receivable as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Other than Anixter, no direct customer accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s accounts receivable as of December 31, 2015 or 2014. Related Party Transactions The Company paid $3.0 million of fees to Carlyle in connection with a management agreement during the year ended December 31, 2013. Additionally, the Company paid Carlyle a fee of $20.2 million in 2013 to terminate the management agreement. The fees paid to Carlyle are reflected in selling, general and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). Other than the transactions noted above, there were no material related party transactions for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 or 2013. 121 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued) (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) Geographic Information Sales to customers located outside of the United States comprised 51%, 45% and 45% of total net sales during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Sales by geographic region, based on the destination of product shipments, were as follows: United States Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Asia Pacific (APAC) Central and Latin America (CALA) Canada Consolidated net sales Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 $1,869.4 781.7 781.9 275.7 99.1 (in millions) $2,107.6 739.3 641.3 252.8 88.6 $1,903.0 711.5 524.7 269.9 71.0 $3,807.8 $3,829.6 $3,480.1 Long-lived assets, excluding intangible assets, consist substantially of property, plant and equipment. The Company’s long-lived assets, excluding intangible assets, located in the U.S., APAC, EMEA and CALA regions represented the following percentages of such long-lived assets: 50%, 20%, 22% and 8%, respectively, as of December 31, 2015 and 54%, 26%, 15% and 5%, respectively, as of December 31, 2014. 15. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) Net sales Gross profit (1) Operating income (loss) (1)(2)(3)(4) Net income (loss) (5) Basic earnings (loss) per share Diluted earnings (loss) per share Net sales Gross profit Operating income (1)(2)(3)(4) Net income Basic earnings per share Diluted earnings per share First Quarter 2015 $825,400 293,204 93,140 39,476 0.21 0.20 $ $ First Quarter 2014 $935,036 337,711 146,535 64,487 0.35 0.34 $ $ Second Quarter 2015 Third Quarter 2015 Fourth Quarter 2015 $ 867,290 314,695 109,398 45,592 0.24 0.24 $ $ $ 972,597 338,891 (42,518) (80,796) $ $ (0.42) $ (0.42) $ $1,142,541 399,030 21,573 (75,147) (0.39) (0.39) Second Quarter 2014 Third Quarter 2014 Fourth Quarter 2014 $1,066,256 411,651 203,655 28,043 0.15 0.15 $ $ $1,000,427 362,487 151,041 96,431 0.51 0.50 $ $ $ 827,895 285,420 76,218 47,811 0.25 0.25 $ $ (1) Gross profit and operating income for the third and fourth quarters in 2015 included purchase accounting adjustments related to the mark-up of BNS inventory to its estimated fair value of $30,500 and $51,135, respectively. Operating income for in the first and second quarters in 2014 included purchase accounting reductions to expense primarily related to the adjustment of a contingent consideration payable related to a previous acquisition of ($6,438) and ($5,445), respectively. 122 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued) (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) (2) Operating income for in the third and fourth quarters in 2015 included charges related to asset impairments of $85,334 and $5,450, respectively. Operating income for the second, third and fourth quarters in 2014 included charges (adjustments to prior charges) related to asset impairments of $7,229, $7,000 and ($2,133), respectively. (3) Operating income for the first, second, third and fourth quarters in 2015 included charges related to restructuring costs of $1,871, $1,894, $6,868 and $18,855, respectively. Operating income for first, second, third and fourth quarters in 2014 included pretax net restructuring costs of $1,980, $2,309, $7,388 and $7,590, respectively. (4) Operating income for the first, second, third and fourth quarters in 2015 included charges related to transaction and integration costs of $11,415, $9,863, $60,839 and $14,797, respectively. Operating income for the first, second, third and fourth quarters in 2014 included transaction and integration costs of $925, $969, $2,730 and $7,498, respectively. (5) Net income (loss) for the fourth quarter in 2015 included a provision for a tax valuation allowance of $28,871. 123 SCHEDULE I – CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Parent Company Information Condensed Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (In thousands) Equity in income (loss) of subsidiary Interest expense Other inome (expense), net Income (loss) before income taxes Income tax (expense) benefit Net income (loss) Comprehensive income (loss): Net income (loss) Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 $ (46,407) $261,044 (38,045) 1 (38,171) (301) $ 33,730 (22,511) 44 (84,879) 14,004 223,000 13,772 11,263 8,133 $ (70,875) $236,772 $ 19,396 $ (70,875) $236,772 $ 19,396 Equity in other comprehensive income (loss) of subsidiary (88,130) (57,272) (9,630) Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Total comprehensive income (loss) (88,130) (57,272) (9,630) $(159,005) $179,500 $ 9,766 See notes to condensed financial statements. 124 SCHEDULE I – CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Parent Company Information Condensed Balance Sheets (In thousands, except share amounts) Assets Cash and cash equivalents Receivable from subsidiary Investment in subsidiary Total assets Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity Accrued liabilities Long-term debt Other noncurrent liabilities Total liabilities Commitments and contingencies Stockholders’ Equity: Preferred Stock, $.01 par value: Authorized shares: 200,000,000; Issued and outstanding: None at December 31, 2015 or 2014 Common Stock, $.01 par value: Authorized shares: 1,300,000,000; Issued and outstanding: 191,368,727 and 187,831,389 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively Additional paid-in-capital Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Treasury stock, at cost: 986,222 shares and 961,566 shares at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively Total stockholders’ equity Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity See notes to condensed financial statements. December 31, 2015 2014 $ 51 36,218 1,719,433 $ 338 31,713 1,830,000 $1,755,702 $1,862,051 $ 3,257 529,725 — 532,982 $ 8,472 541,318 4,642 554,432 — — 1,923 2,216,202 (812,394) (171,678) 1,888 2,141,433 (741,519) (83,548) (11,333) (10,635) 1,222,720 1,307,619 $1,755,702 $1,862,051 125 SCHEDULE I – CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Parent Company Information Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (In thousands) Operating Activities: Net income (loss) Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities: Amortization of debt issuance costs Equity in income (loss) of subsidiary Other changes in assets and liabilities Net cash used in operating activities Investing Activities: Investment in subsidiary Distribution from subsidiary Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities Financing Activities: Long-term debt repaid Proceeds from the issuance of common shares underequity-based compensation plans Long-term debt proceeds Net proceeds from the issuance of shares Long-term debt issuance costs Dividends paid Other Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Change in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 $(70,875) $ 236,772 $ 19,396 1,777 46,407 (14,357) 1,601 (261,044) (13,464) 952 (33,730) (6,446) (37,048) (36,135) (19,828) (24,872) 50,131 (12,052) 36,438 (440,074) 18,522 25,259 24,386 (421,552) (13,370) — — 25,570 — — — — (698) 11,502 — (287) 338 $ 51 $ 12,052 — — — — — 12,052 — 1,174 550,000 438,871 (9,925) (538,705) — 441,415 — 303 35 338 $ 35 — 35 See notes to condensed financial statements. 126 CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Parent Company Information Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (In thousands, unless otherwise noted) 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION CommScope Holding Company, Inc. (the Parent Company), formerly known as Cedar I Holding Company, Inc., was formed by funds affiliated with the Carlyle Group to effect the acquisition of CommScope, Inc. on January 14, 2011. The Parent Company is a holding company with no material operations of its own other than debt service. The Parent Company conducts substantially all of its activities through its direct subsidiary, CommScope, Inc. and its subsidiaries. The accompanying Condensed Financial Statements include the accounts of the Parent Company and, on an equity basis, its direct and indirect subsidiaries and affiliates. Accordingly, these condensed financial statements have been presented on a “parent-only” basis. Under a parent-only presentation, the Parent Company’s investments in subsidiaries are presented under the equity method of accounting. These parent-only financial statements should be read in conjunction with the CommScope Holding Company, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein. The condensed parent-only financial statement have been prepared in accordance with Rule 12-04, Schedule I of Regulation S-X as the restricted net assets of the subsidiaries of the Company exceed 25% of the consolidated net assets of the Company. The ability of the Parent Company and its operating subsidiaries to pay dividends may be restricted due to the terms of their financing arrangements. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Parent Company adopted new accounting guidance that requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be reported as a deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. The guidance has been applied retrospectively to the prior period presented. The adoption of this accounting guidance reduced the Parent Company’s other noncurrent assets and long-term debt by the amount of unamortized debt issuance costs. As of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, this amount was $6.9 million and $8.7 million, respectively. 2. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES The Parent Company guarantees the CommScope, Inc. senior secured term loans and asset-based revolving credit facilities. See Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements for more information on the CommScope, Inc. secured credit facilities. For discussion of the commitments and contingencies of the subsidiaries of the Parent Company see Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements. 3. RELATED PARTIES For discussion of related party transactions, see Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements. 4. FINANCING In May 2013, the Parent Company issued $550.0 million of 6.625%/7.375% Senior Payment-in-Kind Toggle Notes due 2020 (senior PIK toggle notes) in a private offering for proceeds of $540.1 million, net of debt issuance costs paid by the Parent Company. In connection with the issuance of the senior PIK toggle notes, a subsidiary of the Parent Company paid $1.3 million of debt issuance costs. The senior PIK toggle notes are senior unsecured obligations that are not guaranteed by any of the Parent Company’s subsidiaries. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Parent Company repurchased and retired $13.4 million of senior PIK toggle notes. As a result of the extinguishment of those notes, the Parent Company recorded a loss of $0.3 million and wrote off $0.2 million of debt issuance costs. See Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements for more information on the senior PIK toggle notes. 127 5. CASH FLOW INFORMATION During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Parent Company paid $698 for treasury stock related to employee tax withholdings that resulted from the vesting of restricted stock units. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Parent Company acquired treasury stock as a result of stock option exercises, which resulted in noncash financing activities of $279. 6. DIVIDENDS Special cash dividends of $538.7 million were declared and paid to the common stock holders of the Parent Company during the year ended December 31, 2013. These dividends were funded using proceeds from the senior PIK toggle notes. In conjunction with these dividends, distributions of $11.3 million were made by a subsidiary of the Parent Company to certain option holders and have been reflected as a reduction of the Parent Company investment in subsidiary. To fund the semi-annual interest payments on the senior PIK toggle notes, distributions of $36.4 million, $36.4 million and $18.5 million were paid to the Parent Company by its subsidiary during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. In addition, a distribution of $13.7 million was paid to the Parent Company by its subsidiary during the year ended December 31, 2015 to fund the repurchase of senior PIK toggle notes. 7. INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING In October 2013, the Company completed an initial public offering (IPO) of its common stock. The Company issued 30.8 million shares of common stock and funds affiliated with Carlyle sold 10.9 million shares. The Company raised $434.0 million, net of transaction costs, from the IPO. Of the total raised, the Parent Company received $438.9 million while $4.9 million of IPO transaction costs were paid by its subsidiary. The Parent Company contributed $438.9 million of net IPO proceeds to its subsidiary to fund a debt redemption by the subsidiary. 128 ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE Not applicable. ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures Our management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, our CEO and CFO have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, these disclosure controls and procedures were effective and operating to provide reasonable assurance that information that we are required to disclose in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting The management of CommScope is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act, as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by the company’s board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that: • • • Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of consolidated 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 company; and 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 consolidated financial statements. During 2015, we acquired TE’s Connectivity’s BNS business and acquired the assets and assumed certain liabilities of Airvana LP. Refer to Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding these events. Management’s evaluation and conclusion as to the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of the end of the period covered by this report excludes any evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of BNS and Airvana. SEC guidance permits the exclusion of an evaluation of the effectiveness of the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting for an acquired business during the first year following such acquisition. The BNS business (excluding intangible assets and goodwill) constitutes approximately 10% of total assets and 14% of net sales of the consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015. The Airvana business constitutes less than 1% of total assets and net sales of the consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015. 129 CommScope’s management assessed the effectiveness of CommScope’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015. In making this assessment, CommScope’s management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013). Based on this assessment, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2015, CommScope’s internal control over financial reporting is effective based on the COSO internal control criteria. CommScope’s independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP, has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of CommScope’s internal control over financial reporting, which is included herein. Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting In conjunction with the integration of BNS, the Company is making changes to processes, policies and other components of its internal control over financial reporting, including the consolidation of such operations into the Company’s financial statements. During the integration period, the Company will be relying on TE Connectivity to provide various services under transition service agreements. Management continues to make changes to the design of the control procedures relating to BNS and assess their effectiveness. Except for the activities described above, there have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2015 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Inherent Limitations of Disclosure Controls and Internal Control over Financial Reporting Because of their inherent limitations, our disclosure controls and procedures and our internal control over financial reporting may not prevent material errors or fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. The effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and our internal control over financial reporting is subject to risks, including that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with our policies or procedures may deteriorate. ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION None. 130 PART III ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE The information responsive to this item is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement for our 2016 annual meeting of stockholders to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The information under the heading “Executive Officers and Directors of the Registrant” in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is also incorporated herein by reference. Code of Ethics for Principal Executive and Senior Financial and Accounting Officers We have adopted the CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Code of Ethics for Principal Executive and Senior Financial and Accounting Officers (the Senior Officer Code of Ethics), a code of ethics that applies to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Controller. The Senior Officer Code of Ethics is publicly available on our web site at www.commscope.com. If we make an amendment to, or grant a waiver from, a provision of the Senior Officer Code of Ethics, we will disclose the nature of such waiver or amendment on our web site. ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION The information responsive to this item is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement for our 2016 annual meeting of stockholders to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS The information responsive to this item is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement for our 2016 annual meeting of stockholders to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE The information responsive to this item is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement for our 2016 annual meeting of stockholders to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES The information responsive to this item is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement for our 2016 annual meeting of stockholders to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 131 PART IV ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES (a) Documents Filed as Part of this Report: 1. Audited Consolidated Financial Statements The following consolidated financial statements of CommScope Holding Company, Inc. are included under Part II, Item 8: Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 2. Financial Statement Schedules Schedule I—Condensed Financial Information of the Registrant Certain schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto. 3. List of Exhibits. See Index of Exhibits included herein. 132 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. DATE: February 18, 2016 COMMSCOPE HOLDING COMPANY, INC BY: /s/ MARVIN S. EDWARDS, JR. Marvin S. Edwards, Jr. President and Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this Annual Report on Form 10-K has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. Signature Title Date /s/ MARVIN S. EDWARDS, JR. President, Chief Executive Officer and February 18, 2016 Marvin S. Edwards, Jr. Director (Principal Executive Officer) /s/ MARK A. OLSON Executive Vice President and Chief February 18, 2016 Mark A. Olson Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) /s/ ROBERT W. GRANOW Senior Vice President, Corporate Controller February 18, 2016 Robert W. Granow and Principal Accounting Officer /s/ FRANK M. DRENDEL Director and Chairman of the Board February 18, 2016 Frank M. Drendel /s/ AUSTIN A. ADAMS Director February 18, 2016 Austin A. Adams /s/ CAMPBELL R. DYER Director February 18, 2016 Campbell R. Dyer /s/ STEPHEN C. GRAY Director February 18, 2016 Stephen C. Gray /s/ L. WILLIAM KRAUSE Director February 18, 2016 L. William Krause /s/ JOANNE M. MAGUIRE Director February 18, 2016 Joanne M. Maguire /s/ THOMAS J. MANNING Director February 18, 2016 Thomas J. Manning 133 Signature Title Date /s/ CLAUDIUS E. WATTS IV Director February 18, 2016 Claudius E. Watts IV /s/ TIMOTHY T. YATES Director February 18, 2016 Timothy T. Yates 134 * * * * * * * * * * Exhibit No. Description Index of Exhibits 2.1 3.1 3.2 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 Stock and Asset Purchase Agreement, dated January 27, 2015, by and among CommScope Holding Company, Inc., CommScope, Inc. and TE Connectivity Ltd. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36146), filed with the SEC on January 28, 2015). Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of CommScope Holding Company, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Amendment No. 4 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-190354), filed with the SEC on September 27, 2013). Amended and Restated By-Laws of CommScope Holding Company, Inc. (as adopted October 24, 2013) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of Amendment No. 4 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-190354), filed with the SEC on September 27, 2013). Indenture governing the 6.625% / 7.375% Senior PIK Toggle Notes due 2020, between CommScope Holding Company, Inc. as Issuer and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee, dated May 28, 2013 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-190354), originally filed with the SEC on August 2, 2013). Form of 6.625% / 7.375% Senior PIK Toggle Note due 2020 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-190354), originally filed with the SEC on August 2, 2013). Indenture governing the 5.000% Senior Notes due 2021 by and among CommScope, Inc. as Issuer, the subsidiary guarantors named therein and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee, dated as of May 30, 2014, (including form of 5.000% Senior Note due 2021) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36146), filed with the SEC on June 2, 2014). Indenture governing the 5.500% Senior Notes due 2024 by and among CommScope, Inc. as Issuer, the subsidiary guarantors named therein and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee, dated as of May 30, 2014, (including form of 5.500% Senior Note due 2024) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36146), filed with the SEC on June 2, 2014). Indenture governing the 4.375% Senior Notes due 2020, by and among CommScope, Inc, the guarantors named therein and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee and as collateral agent, dated as of June 11, 2015, (including form of 4.375% Senior Note due 2020) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36146), filed with the SEC on June 12, 2015). Indenture governing the 6.000% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2025 by and between the CommScope Technologies Finance LLC and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee, dated as of June 11, 2015 (including form of 6.000% Senior Note due 2025) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36146), filed with the SEC on June 12, 2015). First Supplemental Indenture, dated August 28, 2015, by and among CommScope Technologies LLC, the Guarantors party thereto and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36146), filed with the SEC on August 28, 2015). 135 Exhibit No. * 10.1 * 10.2 * 10.3 * 10.4 * 10.5 * 10.6 * 10.7 Description Revolving Credit and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of January 14, 2011, by and among Cedar I Holding Company, Inc. (now CommScope Holding Company, Inc.), CommScope, Inc., as Parent Borrower, the U.S. Co-Borrowers and European Co-Borrowers named therein, the guarantors named therein, the Lenders from time to time party thereto, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, as Lead Arranger and Bookrunner, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as US Administrative Agent, and J.P. Morgan Europe Limited, as European Administrative Agent and the Senior Managing Agents and Documentation Agents named therein (the Revolving Credit Facility) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-190354), originally filed with the SEC on August 2, 2013). Amendment No. 1 to the Revolving Credit Facility, dated as of March 9, 2012, among CommScope, Inc., as Parent Borrower, the U.S. Borrowers, European Co-Borrowers and Guarantors named therein, the Lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as U.S. Administrative Agent, and J.P. Morgan Europe Limited, as European Administrative Agent (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-190354), originally filed with the SEC on August 2, 2013). Amendment No. 2 to the Revolving Credit Facility, dated as of May 21, 2015, among CommScope, Inc., as Parent Borrower, CommScope Holding Company, Inc., as Holdings, the US Co-Borrowers and European Co-Borrowers named therein, the Lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as U.S. Administrative Agent, and J.P. Morgan Europe Limited, as European Administrative Agent (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36146), originally filed with the SEC on May 22, 2015). Revolving Credit Facility Pledge and Security Agreement, dated as of January 14, 2011, among CommScope, Inc. (as successor by merger to Cedar I Merger Sub, Inc.) and the additional Grantors party thereto, in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as collateral agent and as administrative agent for the Secured Parties referred to therein (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-190354), originally filed with the SEC on August 2, 2013). Patent Security Agreement, dated as of January 14, 2011, made by Allen Telecom LLC, Andrew LLC and CommScope, Inc. of North Carolina in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Collateral Agent (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-190354), originally filed with the SEC on August 2, 2013). Trademark Security Agreement, dated as of January 14, 2011, made by Allen Telecom LLC, Andrew LLC and CommScope, Inc. of North Carolina in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Collateral Agent (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-190354), originally filed with the SEC on August 2, 2013). Copyright Security Agreement, dated as of January 14, 2011, made by Allen Telecom LLC, Andrew LLC and CommScope, Inc. of North Carolina in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Collateral Agent (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-190354), originally filed with the SEC on August 2, 2013). 136 Exhibit No. * 10.8 * 10.8.1 * 10.8.2 * 10.8.3 * 10.9 * 10.10 * 10.11 * 10.12 Description Credit Agreement, dated as of January 14, 2011, among CommScope, Inc. (as successor by merger to Cedar I Merger Sub, Inc.), as Borrower, CommScope Holding Company, Inc. (as successor by merger to Cedar I Holding Company, Inc.), the Lenders from time to time party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC as Arranger and Sole Bookrunner (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-190354), originally filed with the SEC on August 2, 2013). Amendment Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2012, among CommScope, Inc., as Borrower, CommScope Holding Company, Inc., the subsidiary guarantors party thereto, the Lenders from time to time party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC as Arranger and Sole Bookrunner (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333- 190354), originally filed with the SEC on August 2, 2013). Amendment Agreement, dated as of March 8, 2013, among CommScope, Inc., as Borrower, CommScope Holding Company, Inc., the subsidiary guarantors party thereto, the Lenders from time to time party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent , J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as syndication agent (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-190354), originally filed with the SEC on August 2, 2013). Amendment No. 3, dated as of December 3, 2013, to the Credit Agreement, dated as of January 14, 2011, among CommScope, Inc., as Borrower, CommScope Holding Company, Inc., the subsidiary guarantors named therein, the several banks and other financial institutions or entities from time to time parties thereto as Lenders, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent and the other agents and arrangers party thereto. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36146), filed with the SEC on December 3, 2013). Term Loan Credit Facility Pledge and Security Agreement, dated as of January 14, 2011, among CommScope, Inc. (as successor by merger to Cedar I Merger Sub, Inc.) and the additional Grantors party thereto, in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as collateral agent and as administrative agent for the Secured Parties referred to therein (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-190354), originally filed with the SEC on August 2, 2013). Patent Security Agreement, dated as of January 14, 2011, made by Allen Telecom LLC, Andrew LLC and CommScope, Inc. of North Carolina in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Collateral Agent (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-190354), originally filed with the SEC on August 2, 2013). Trademark Security Agreement, dated as of January 14, 2011, made by Allen Telecom LLC, Andrew LLC and CommScope, Inc. of North Carolina in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Collateral Agent (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-190354), originally filed with the SEC on August 2, 2013). Copyright Security Agreement, dated as of January 14, 2011, made by Allen Telecom LLC, Andrew LLC and CommScope, Inc. of North Carolina in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Collateral Agent (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-190354), originally filed with the SEC on August 2, 2013). 137 Exhibit No. 10.13 10.14 10.15 * * * * 10.16 * 10.17 Description Holdings Guaranty, dated as of January 14, 2011, by CommScope Holding Company, Inc. in favor of the Secured Parties referred to therein (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-190354), originally filed with the SEC on August 2, 2013). Subsidiary Guaranty, dated as of January 14, 2011, from the Subsidiary Guarantors named therein in favor of the Secured Parties referred to therein (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-190354), originally filed with the SEC on August 2, 2013). Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of January 14, 2011, by and among CommScope Inc., CommScope Holding Company, Inc., certain Subsidiaries party thereto as a Guarantor, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent for the holders of Revolving Credit Obligations, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent for the holders of Initial Fixed Asset Obligations (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-190354), originally filed with the SEC on August 2, 2013). Incremental Joinder Agreement, dated August 28, 2015, by and among CommScope, Inc., as Borrower, CommScope Holding Company, Inc., as Holdings, the Subsidiary Guarantors party thereto, the lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Escrow Administrative Agent (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36146), filed with the SEC on August 28, 2015). Notes Pledge and Security Agreement, dated as of June 11, 2015, among CommScope, Inc., as a Grantor and the additional Grantors party thereto, in favor of Wilmington Trust, National Association, as collateral agent under the Indenture referred to therein (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36146), filed with the SEC on June 12, 2015). 10.18 Amended and Restated Stockholders Agreement by and among CommScope Holdings Company, Inc., the management stockholders named therein and Carlyle-CommScope Holdings, L.P., dated October 24, 2013 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 001-36146), filed with the SEC on February 20, 2014). * 10.19 * * 10.20 10.21 Second Amended and Restated Stockholders Agreement by and among CommScope Holdings Company, Inc., the management stockholders named therein and Carlyle-CommScope Holdings, L.P., dated November 12, 2015 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36146), filed with the SEC on November 12, 2015). Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Frank M. Drendel and CommScope, Inc., dated January 14, 2011, as amended on September 12, 2013 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 of Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-190354), filed with the SEC on September 12, 2013). Employment Agreement between Randall W. Crenshaw and CommScope, Inc., dated January 14, 2011, as amended on September 12, 2013 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 of Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333- 190354), filed with the SEC on September 12, 2013). 138 * * * * * * * * * * * * Exhibit No. 10.22 10.23 10.24 10.25 10.26 10.27 10.28 10.29 10.30 10.31 10.32 10.33 Description Employment Agreement between Marvin S. Edwards, Jr. and CommScope, Inc., dated January 14, 2011, as amended on September 12, 2013 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 of Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333- 190354), filed with the SEC on September 12, 2013). Employment Agreement between Mark A. Olson and CommScope, Inc., dated January 21, 2014 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-36146), filed with the SEC on January 23, 2014). Form of Amended and Restated Severance Protection Agreement between CommScope, Inc. and certain executive officers (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 of Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-190354), filed with the SEC on September 12, 2013). Form of Indemnification Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 of Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-190354), filed with the SEC on September 12, 2013). Amended and Restated CommScope, Inc. 2006 Long Term Incentive Plan (as amended and restated effective February 28, 2007) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 of Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333- 190354), filed with the SEC on September 12, 2013). Amended and Restated CommScope Holding Company, Inc. 2011 Incentive Plan (as amended and restated effective February 19, 2013) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 of Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333- 190354), filed with the SEC on September 12, 2013). Forms of Nonqualified Stock Option Certificate under the Amended and Restated CommScope Holding Company, Inc. 2011 Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 of Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333- 190354), filed with the SEC on September 12, 2013). CommScope Holding Company, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 001- 36146), filed with the SEC on February 20, 2014). Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Certificate under the CommScope Holding Company, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-36146), filed with the SEC on April 30, 2015). Form of Performance Stock Unit Award Certificate under the CommScope Holding Company, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-36146), filed with the SEC on April 30, 2015). Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Certificate under the CommScope Holding Company, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-36146), filed with the SEC on April 30, 2015). CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Annual Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 001-36146), filed with the SEC on February 20, 2014). 139 Exhibit No. 10.34 10.35 10.36 10.37 10.38 21.1 23.1 31.1 31.2 32.1 Description Amended and Restated CommScope, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (as amended and restated effective April 9, 2009) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 of Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333- 190354), filed with the SEC on September 12, 2013). First Amendment, dated January 12, 2011, to Amended and Restated CommScope, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 of Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333- 190354), filed with the SEC on September 12, 2013). Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of January 14, 2011, by and among Carlyle- CommScope Holdings, L.P. and each other person executing the agreement as a “Rollover Investor” (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 of Amendment No. 4 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-190354), filed with the SEC on September 27, 2013). CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Non-Employee Director Compensation Plan, as amended on September 9, 2015 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-36146), filed with the SEC on November 9, 2015). Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the CommScope Holding Company, Inc. Non-Employee Director Compensation Plan, which is operated as a subplan of the CommScope Holding Company, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 001- 36146), filed with the SEC on February 20, 2014). List of Subsidiaries Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a). Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a). Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished pursuant to Item 601(b)(32)(ii) of Regulation S-K). 101.INS XBRL Instance Document, furnished herewith 101.SCH XBRL Schema Document, furnished herewith 101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document 101.INS XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document 101.INS XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document 101.INS XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document * * * * * ** ** ** ** ± † † † † † † Previously filed * ** Filed herewith † In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the information in these exhibits is furnished and deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, is deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act of 1934, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections. 140 ± In accordance with Item 601(b)(32)(ii) of Regulation S-K and SEC Release No. 33-8238 and 34-47986, Final Rule: Management’s Reports on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and Certification of Disclosure in Exchange Act Periodic Reports, the certification furnished in Exhibit 32.1 hereto is deemed to accompany this Form 10-K and will not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act. Such certification will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filings under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the registrant specifically incorporates it by reference. 141 Subsidiaries of the Registrant CommScope, Inc. CommScope, Inc. of North Carolina CommScope Technologies LLC CommScope Holdings Luxembourg S.a.r.l. CommScope Holdings Luxembourg II S.a.r.l. CS Netherlands C.V. CommScope Netherlands B.V. CommScope Asia Holdings B.V. CommScope Asia (Suzhou) Technologies Co., Ltd. CommScope EMEA Limited CommScope Connectivity Belgium BVBA (formerly Tyco Electronics Raychem BVBA) CommScope Technologies AG Exhibit 21.1 Delaware (USA) North Carolina (USA) Delaware (USA) Luxembourg Luxembourg Netherlands Netherlands Netherlands China Ireland Belgium Switzerland CommScope Connectivity LLC (formerly ADC Telecommunications, Inc.) Minnesota (USA) CommScope Connectivity Solutions LLC (formerly TE Connectivity Networks, Inc.) Allen Telecom LLC CommScope Holdings (Germany) GmbH & Co. KG Andrew Wireless Systems GmbH CommScope Mauritius International Holdings Ltd. CommScope Telecommunication (China) Co., Ltd. Minnesota (USA) Delaware (USA) Germany Germany Mauritius China Exhibit 23.1 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-202490) and related Prospectus of CommScope Holding Company, Inc. and the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333- 191959) pertaining to the CommScope Holding Company, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan, Amended and Restated CommScope Holding Company, Inc. 2011 Incentive Plan, Amended and Restated CommScope, Inc. 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan, Amended and Restated CommScope, Inc. 1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan, Andrew Corporation Management Incentive Program, and Options Granted to Non-Employee Directors Outside of a Plan of our reports dated February 18, 2016, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of CommScope Holding Company, Inc. and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of CommScope Holding Company, Inc., included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2015. Charlotte, North Carolina February 18, 2016 Exhibit 31.1 MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATION I, Marvin S. Edwards, Jr., certify that: 1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of CommScope Holding Company, Inc.; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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; c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. Dated: February 18, 2016 /s/ Marvin S. Edwards, Jr. Name: Marvin S. Edwards, Jr. Title: President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer) Exhibit 31.2 MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATION I, Mark A. Olson, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of CommScope Holding Company, Inc.; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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; c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. Dated: February 18, 2016 /s/ Mark A Olson Name: Mark A. Olson Title: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 Exhibit 32.1 In connection with the Annual Report of CommScope Holding Company, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), we, Marvin S. Edwards, Jr., President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Company, and Mark A. Olson, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350 as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that: 1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and 2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. Dated: February 18, 2016 /s/ Marvin S. Edwards, Jr. Marvin S. Edwards, Jr. President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer) /s/ Mark A Olson Mark A. Olson Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) BOARD OF DIRECTORS LEADERSHIP TEAM INVESTOR INFORMATION Annual Meeting Friday, May 6, 2016, 1:30 p.m. ET JPMorgan Chase & Co. Conference Centers 270 Park Avenue, Floor 2 New York, NY 10017 Corporate Headquarters CommScope Holding Company, Inc. 1100 CommScope Place, SE Hickory, NC 28602 www.commscope.com +1 828.324.2200 800.982.1708 (U.S. only) Transfer Agent and Registrar American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC. Shareholder Services Department 6201 15th Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11219 info@amstock.com +1 718.921.8124 800.937.5449 (U.S. only) www.amstock.com Investor Relations Jennifer Crawford +1 828.323.4970 investor.relations@commscope.com Common Stock CommScope’s common stock began trading on NASDAQ under the symbol “COMM” on October 25, 2013. 2015 Common Stock Price Ranges High Low First Quarter .................... $32.00 $20.19 Second Quarter ............... $32.53 $27.75 Third Quarter ................... $34.12 $26.87 Fourth Quarter ................. $33.54 $24.85 Frank M. Drendel Founder and Chairman* CommScope Marvin (Eddie) S. Edwards, Jr. President and Chief Executive Officer CommScope Austin A. Adams Audit Committee Member Former EVP & CIO of JPMorgan Chase Campbell (Cam) R. Dyer Compensation Committee & Nominating Committee Member Managing Director The Carlyle Group Stephen (Steve) C. Gray President and Chief Executive Officer Syniverse Holdings, Inc. Chairman of Gray Venture Partners L. William (Bill) Krause Compensation Committee & Nominating Committee Member Chairman, Veritas Holding Ltd. Retired Chairman & CEO, 3Com Corporation Joanne M. Maguire Former EVP Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company Thomas J. Manning Audit Committee Member Lecturer in Law at The University of Chicago Law School Claudius (Bud) E. Watts IV Compensation Committee & Nominating Committee Chair Managing Director The Carlyle Group Timothy T. Yates Audit Committee Chair CEO and President of Monster Worldwide, Inc. *Non-Executive Chairman **Section 16 Executive Officer Marvin (Eddie) S. Edwards, Jr.** President and Chief Executive Officer Mark A. Olson** Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Randall W. Crenshaw** Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Frank (Burk) B. Wyatt, II** Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary Philip M. Armstrong, Jr.** Senior Vice President Corporate Finance Suzan M. Campbell Senior Vice President Tax Bennett (Ben) Cardwell Senior Vice President Mobility Solutions Segment Leader Michael A. Cross Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer Robert W. Granow** Senior Vice President, Corporate Controller and Principal Accounting Officer Peter U. Karlsson** Senior Vice President Global Sales David J. Redfern Senior Vice President Connectivity Solutions Segment Leader Morgan C.S. Kurk Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer Fiona E. Nolan Senior Vice President Marketing Christopher A. Story Senior Vice President Global Operations Wendy H. Taylor Vice President Corporate Compliance Joanne L. Townsend** Senior Vice President Human Resources 1100 CommScope Place, SE • Hickory, NC 28602 • Phone: +1 828.324.2200 • www.commscope.com © 2016 CommScope, Inc. All Rights Reserved. All trademarks identified by ® or ™ are registered trademarks or trademarks, respectively, of CommScope, Inc. IR-110094-EN (03/16) 

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