UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
⌧
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015
(cid:134)
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 000-51446
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)
121 South 17th Street, Mattoon, Illinois
(Address of principal executive offices)
02-0636095
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
61938-3987
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (217) 235-3311
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Common Stock—$0.01 par value
Name of each exchange on which registered
The NASDAQ Global Select Market
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Yes (cid:134) 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 (cid:134) No ⌧
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding
12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes ⌧ No (cid:134)
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 ⌧ No (cid:134)
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. (cid:134)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a small reporting company. See definitions of “large
accelerated filer” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ⌧
Accelerated filer (cid:134)
Non-accelerated filer (cid:134)
(Do not check if a smaller
reporting company)
Smaller reporting company(cid:134)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes (cid:134) No ⌧
As of June 30, 2015, the aggregate market value of the shares held by non-affiliates of the registrant’s common stock was $1,010,007,952 based on the closing price as
reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. The market value calculations exclude shares held on the stated date by registrant’s directors and officers on the assumption
such shares may be shares owned by affiliates. Exclusion from these public market value calculations does not necessarily conclude affiliate status for any other purpose.
On February 15, 2016, the registrant had 50,470,096 shares of Common Stock outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement for the 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated herein by reference in Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-
K to the extent stated herein. Such proxy statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of the registrant’s fiscal year ended
December 31, 2015.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
Item 1.
Business
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
Item 2.
Properties
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
PART II
Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of
Equity Securities
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data
Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
Item 9B.
Other Information
PART III
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Item 11.
Executive Compensation
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Item 14.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
PART IV
Item 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
SIGNATURES
PAGE
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Note About Forward-Looking Statements
PART I
The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) encourages companies to disclose forward-looking information so
that investors can better understand a company’s future prospects and make informed investment decisions. Certain
statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including those relating to the impact on future revenue sources,
pending and future regulatory orders, continued expansion of the telecommunications network and expected changes in
the sources of our revenue and cost structure resulting from our entrance into new communications markets, are forward-
looking statements and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
These forward-looking statements reflect, among other things, our current expectations, plans, strategies and anticipated
financial results. There are a number of risks, uncertainties and conditions that may cause our actual results to differ
materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Many of these circumstances are
beyond our ability to control or predict. Moreover, forward-looking statements necessarily involve assumptions on our
part. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”,
“estimate”, “project”, “intend”, “plan”, “should”, “may”, “will”, “would”, “will be”, “will continue” or similar
expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that
may cause actual results, performance or achievements of Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. and its
subsidiaries (“Consolidated”, the “Company”, “we” or “our”) to be different from those expressed or implied in the
forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are
expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements that appear throughout this report. A detailed
discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from
such forward–looking statements is included in Part I – Item 1A – “Risk Factors”. Furthermore, forward-looking
statements speak only as of the date they are made. Except as required under federal securities laws or the rules and
regulations of the SEC, we disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking
statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
Item 1.
Business.
Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. is a Delaware holding company with operating subsidiaries that provide
integrated communications services in consumer, commercial and carrier channels in California, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas,
Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin. We were founded in 1894 as
the Mattoon Telephone Company by the great-grandfather of one of the members of our Board of Directors, Richard A.
Lumpkin. After several acquisitions, the Mattoon Telephone Company was incorporated as the Illinois Consolidated
Telephone Company on April 10, 1924. We were incorporated under the laws of Delaware in 2002, and through our
predecessors we have provided telecommunications services for more than a century.
In addition to our focus on organic growth in our commercial and carrier channels, our acquisitions over the last decade
have achieved business growth and the diversification of revenue and cash flow streams, and they have created a strong
platform for future growth. Our strategic approach to evaluating potential transactions includes analysis of the market
opportunity, the quality of the network, our ability to integrate the acquired company efficiently and the potential for
creating significant operating synergies and generating positive cash flow at the inception of each acquisition. Operating
synergies are created through the use of consistent platforms, convergence of processes and functional management of
the combined entities. We measure our synergies during the first two years following an acquisition. For example, the
acquisition of our Texas properties in 2004 tripled the size of our business and gave us the requisite scale to make system
and platform decisions that would facilitate future acquisitions. The acquisition of our Pennsylvania properties in 2007
achieved synergies in excess of $12.0 million in annualized savings, which at the time, represented approximately 20%
of their operating expense. The acquisition of SureWest Communications in 2012 achieved synergies of $29.5 million
during the two years subsequent to the acquisition date. As a result of the acquisition of Enventis Corporation, a
Minnesota corporation (“Enventis”), in October 2014, as described below, we expect to generate annual operating
synergies of approximately $17.0 million, which will be phased in over the first two years subsequent to the acquisition
date as integration projects are completed. Through these acquisitions, we have positioned our business to provide
services in rural, suburban and metropolitan markets, with service territories spanning the country.
We provide a wide range of services and products that include local and long-distance service, high-speed broadband
Internet access, video services, Voice over Internet Protocol (“VoIP”), private line services, carrier grade access
1
services, network capacity services over our regional fiber optic networks, cloud data services, data center and managed
services, directory publishing and equipment sales.
Recent Business Developments
Enventis Merger
On October 16, 2014, we completed our merger with Enventis and acquired all the issued and outstanding shares of
Enventis in exchange for shares of our common stock. As a result, Enventis became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Company. Enventis is an advanced communications provider, which services consumer, commercial and wholesale
carrier customer channels primarily in the upper Midwest. The acquisition reflects our strategy to diversify revenue and
cash flows amongst multiple products and to expand our network to new markets. The financial results for Enventis
have been included in our consolidated financial statements as of the acquisition date. See Note 3 to the consolidated
financial statements included in this report in Part II – Item 8 – “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for a
more detailed discussion of the transaction.
Discontinued Operations
On September 13, 2013, we completed the sale of the assets and contractual rights used to provide communications
services to inmates in thirteen county jails located in Illinois for a total purchase price of $2.5 million. In accordance
with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 205-20,
Discontinued Operations, the financial results of the operations for our prison services business have been reported as
discontinued operations in our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013. See Note 3 to
the consolidated financial statements included in this report in Part II – Item 8 – “Financial Statements and
Supplementary Data” for a more detailed discussion of the transaction.
Available Information
Our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to
reports filed or furnished pursuant to Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, are
available free of charge on our web site at www.consolidated.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after we
electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. Copies are also available free of charge upon request to
Consolidated Communications, Attn: Vice President Investor Relations and Treasurer, 121 S. 17th Street,
Mattoon, Illinois 61938. Our website also contains copies of our Corporate Governance Principles, Code of Business
Conduct and Ethics and charter of each committee of our Board of Directors. The information found on our web site is
not part of this report or any other report we file with or furnish to the SEC. The public may read and copy any materials
we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549 on official
business days during the hours of 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. The public may obtain information on the operation of the
Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains
reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding our filings at www.sec.gov.
Description of Our Business
We are an integrated communications services company that operates as both an Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier
(“ILEC”) and a Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (“CLEC”) dependent upon the territory served. We provide an
array of services in consumer, commercial and carrier channels in 11 states, including local and long-distance service,
high-speed broadband Internet access, video services, VoIP, custom calling features, private line services, carrier grade
access services, network capacity services over our regional fiber optic networks, data center and managed services,
directory publishing, equipment sales and cloud data services. The geographic areas we serve are characterized by a
balanced mix of growing suburban areas and stable, rural territories. The acquisition of Enventis in 2014 further
diversified our operating revenues and cash flows across multiple business lines and markets.
We generate the majority of our consolidated operating revenue primarily from subscriptions to our video and data
services (collectively “broadband services”) and transport services to business and residential customers. Revenues
increased $140.0 million during 2015 compared to 2014, primarily from growth in commercial services, total data
connections and the acquisition of Enventis in 2014. We expect our broadband services revenue to continue to grow as
consumer and commercial demands for data based services increase.
2
We continue to focus on commercial and broadband growth opportunities and are continually expanding our commercial
product offerings for both small and large businesses to capitalize on industry technological advances. We can leverage
our fiber optic networks and tailor our services for business customers by developing solutions to fit their specific
needs. We gained strategic advantage through the acquisition of Enventis in 2014, which recently launched a suite of
cloud data services that increases efficiency and reduces IT costs for our customers. In addition, we recently launched
an enhanced hosted voice product, which enables greater scalability and reliability for businesses. We anticipate future
momentum in new commercial services as these new products gain traction.
We market services to our residential customers either individually or as a bundled package. Our “triple play” bundle
includes our voice, video and data services. Data connections continue to increase as a result of consumer trends toward
increased Internet usage and our enhanced product and service offerings, such as our progressively increasing consumer
data speeds. We introduced data speeds of up to 1 Gbps to approximately 20,000 of our fiber-to-the-home customers in
our Kansas market and a limited portion of our Pennsylvania market in December 2014 and in our Texas market in the
first quarter of 2015, with our California market to follow in 2016. Where 1 Gbps speeds are not yet offered, the
maximum broadband speed is 100 Mbps, depending on the geographic market availability. As of December 31, 2015,
approximately 29% of the homes in the areas we serve subscribe to our data service.
Our exceptional consumer broadband speed allows us to continue to meet the needs of our customers and the demand for
higher speed resulting from the growing trend of over-the-top (“OTT”) content viewing. The availability of 1 Gbps data
speed also complements our wireless home networking (“Wi-Fi”) that supports our TV Everywhere service and allows
our subscribers to watch their favorite programs at home or away on a computer, smartphone or tablet.
We tailor our services to commercial and carrier customers by developing solutions to fit their specific needs. We
provide services to a wide range of commercial customers from sole proprietors and other small businesses to multi-
location corporations and telecommunications carriers. Our business suite of services includes local and long-distance
calling plans, hosted voice services using Cloud network servers, the added capacity for multiple phone lines, scalable
broadband Internet, online back-up and business directory listings.
For larger businesses, we offer data services including dedicated Internet access through our Metro Ethernet network.
Wide Area Network (“WAN”) products include point-to-point and multi-point deployments from 2.5 Mbps to 10 Gbps,
accommodating the growth patterns of our business customers. Our data centers provide redundant, scalable bandwidth
over a self-healing fiber-optic backbone that is protected by uninterrupted power supplies and generator back-ups with
direct connection to broadband. We also offer wholesale services to regional and national interexchange and wireless
carriers, including cellular backhaul, dark fiber and other fiber-based transport solutions with speeds up to 100 Gbps.
A discussion of factors potentially affecting our operations is set forth in Part I – Item 1A – “Risk Factors”, which is
incorporated herein by reference.
Key Operating Statistics
Consumer customers
Voice connections
Data connections
Video connections
Total connections
2015
268,934
As of December 31,
2014
277,753
2013
258,769
482,735
456,100
117,882
1,056,717
503,120
443,489
124,229
1,070,838
440,253
407,972
111,968
960,193
The comparability of our consolidated results of operations and key operating statistics was impacted by the Enventis
acquisition that closed on October 16, 2014, as described above. Enventis’ results are included in our consolidated
financial statements as of the date of the acquisition. The acquisition provides additional diversification of the
Company’s revenues and cash flows both geographically and by service type.
3
Sources of Revenue
The following table summarizes our sources of revenue for the last three fiscal years:
(In millions, except for percentages)
Commercial and carrier:
Data and transport services (includes VoIP)
Voice services
Other
Consumer:
Broadband (VoIP, data and video)
Voice services
Equipment sales and service
Subsidies
Network access
Other products and services
Total operating revenues
2015
% of
Revenues
$
2014
% of
$
Revenues
$
2013
% of
Revenues
$ 183.3
103.0
12.3
298.6
23.6 % $ 117.5
92.6
13.3
11.5
1.6
221.6
38.5
18.5 % $ 94.5
89.8
14.6
10.6
1.8
194.9
34.9
213.6
60.6
274.2
27.5
7.8
35.3
200.8
60.2
261.0
31.6
9.5
41.1
195.1
63.9
259.0
15.7 %
14.9
1.8
32.4
32.5
10.6
43.1
55.0
56.3
73.9
17.7
$ 775.7
7.1
7.3
9.5
2.3
10.0
53.2
75.7
14.2
100.0 % $ 635.7
1.5
8.4
11.9
2.2
—
52.0
81.4
14.3
100.0 % $ 601.6
—
8.6
13.5
2.4
100.0 %
All telecommunications providers continue to face increased competition as a result of technology changes and
legislative and regulatory developments in the industry. We continue to focus on commercial growth opportunities and
are continually expanding our commercial product offerings for both small and large businesses to capitalize on industry
technological advances. In addition, we expect our broadband services revenue to continue to grow as consumer and
commercial demands for data based services increase, which will offset the anticipated decline in traditional voice
services impacted by the ongoing industry-wide reduction in residential access lines.
Commercial and Carrier
Data and Transport Services
We provide a variety of business communication services to small, medium and large business customers, including
many services over our advanced fiber network. The services we offer include scalable high speed broadband Internet
access and VoIP phone services, which range from basic service plans to virtual hosted systems. Our hosted VoIP
package utilizes our soft switching technology and enables our customers to have the flexibility of employing new
telephone advances and features without investing in a new telephone system. The package bundles local service,
calling features, Internet protocol (“IP”) business telephones and unified messaging, which integrates multiple
messaging technologies into a single system and allows the customer to receive and listen to voice messages through
email.
In addition to Internet and VoIP services, we also offer a variety of commercial data connectivity services in select
markets including private line, WAN and Ethernet services to provide high bandwidth connectivity across point-to-point
and multiple site networks. Networking services are available at a variety of speeds up to 10 Gbps. Data center and
disaster recovery solutions also provide a reliable and local colocation option for commercial customers. We have also
recently launched a suite of Cloud-based services which includes a hosted unified communications solution that replaces
the customer’s on-site phone systems and data networks, managed network security services and data protection
services.
We also offer wholesale services to regional and national interexchange and wireless carriers, including cellular
backhaul, dark fiber and other fiber transport solutions with speeds up to 100 Gbps. The demand for backhaul services
continues to grow as wireless carriers are faced with escalating consumer and commercial demands for wireless data.
4
Voice Services
Voice services include basic local phone and long-distance service packages for business customers. The plans include
options for voicemail, conference calling, linking multiple office locations and other custom calling features such as
caller ID, call forwarding, speed dialing and call waiting. Services can be charged at a fixed monthly rate, a measured
rate or can be bundled with selected services at a discounted rate.
Consumer
Broadband Services
Broadband services include revenue from residential customers for subscriptions to our VoIP, data and video
products. We offer high speed Internet access at speeds of up to 1 Gbps, depending on the nature of the network
facilities that are available, the level of service selected and the location. Our data service plans also include wireless
internet access, email and internet security and protection. Our VoIP digital phone service is also available in certain
markets as an alternative to the traditional telephone line. We offer multiple voice service plans with customizable
calling features and voicemail. Depending on geographic market availability, our video services range from limited
basic service to advanced digital television, which includes several plans each with hundreds of local, national and music
channels including premium and pay-per-view channels as well as video on-demand service. Certain customers may
also subscribe to our advanced video services, which consist of high-definition television, digital video recorders
(“DVR”) and/or a whole home DVR. Our Whole Home DVR allows customers the ability to watch recorded shows on
any television in the house, record multiple shows at one time and utilize an intuitive on-screen guide and user interface.
Video subscribers also have access to our TV Everywhere service which allows subscriber access to full episodes of
available shows, movies and live streams using a computer or mobile device.
Voice Services
We offer several different basic local phone service packages and long-distance calling plans, including unlimited flat-
rate calling plans. The plans include options for voicemail and other custom calling features such as caller ID, call
forwarding and call waiting. The number of local access lines in service directly affects the recurring revenue we
generate from end users and continues to be impacted by the industry-wide decline in access lines. We expect to
continue to experience modest erosion in voice connections due to competition from alternative technologies, including
our own competing VoIP product.
Equipment Sales and Service
As an equipment integrator, we offer network design, implementation and support services, including maintenance
contracts, in order to provide integrated communication solutions for our customers. We sell telecommunications
equipment, such as key, Private Branch Exchange (“PBX”), IP-based telephone systems and other sophisticated
hardware solutions, and offer support services to medium and large business customers. Through our acquisition of
Enventis in 2014, we obtained a leading market relationship with Cisco Systems, Inc. and, as a result, are an accredited
Master Level Unified Communications and Gold Certified Cisco Partner providing equipment solutions and support for
business customers. Our strategic relationship with Cisco as the supplier allows us to deploy a wide range of
collaboration, data center and network technology solutions. We earned Cisco’s Master Cloud Builder Specialization
and received the Data Center Interconnect designation. We maintain numerous Cisco specializations and authorizations,
as well as partner relationships with EMC, NetApp, VMware and other industry-leading vendors in order to provide
integrated communication solutions that best fit our customers’ needs.
Subsidies
Subsidies consist of both federal and state subsidies, which are designed to promote widely available, quality telephone
service at affordable prices in rural areas. Subsidies are funded by end user surcharges to which telecommunications
providers, including local, long-distance and wireless carriers, contribute on a monthly basis. Subsidies are allocated
and distributed to participating carriers monthly based upon their respective costs for providing local service. Similar to
access charges, subsidies are regulated by federal and state regulatory commissions. See Part I – Item 1 – “Regulatory
Environment” below and Item 1A – Risk Factors – “Risks Related to the Regulation of Our Business” for further
discussion regarding the subsidies we receive.
5
Network Access Services
Network access services include interstate and intrastate switched access revenue, network special access services and
end user access. Switched access revenue includes access services to other communications carriers to terminate or
originate long-distance calls on our network. Special access circuits provide dedicated lines and trunks to business
customers and interexchange carriers. Certain of our network access revenues are based on rates set or approved by
federal and state regulatory commissions or as directed by law that are subject to change at any time.
Other Products and Services
Other products and services include revenues from telephone directory publishing, video advertising and billing and
support services.
No customer accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated operating revenues during the years ended December 31,
2015, 2014 and 2013.
Wireless partnerships
In addition to our core business, we also derive a significant portion of our cash flow and earnings from investments in
five wireless partnerships. Wireless partnership investment income is included as a component of other income in the
consolidated statements of income. Our wireless partnership investment consists of five cellular partnerships: GTE
Mobilnet of South Texas Limited Partnership (“Mobilnet South Partnership”), GTE Mobilnet of Texas RSA #17 Limited
Partnership (“RSA #17”), Pittsburgh SMSA Limited Partnership (“Pittsburgh SMSA”), Pennsylvania RSA
No. 6(I) Limited Partnership (“RSA 6(I)”) and Pennsylvania RSA No. 6(II) Limited Partnership (“RSA 6(II)”).
We own 2.34% of the Mobilnet South Partnership. The principal activity of the Mobilnet South Partnership is providing
cellular service in the Houston, Galveston and Beaumont, Texas metropolitan areas. Because we have a minor
ownership interest and cannot influence operations, we account for this investment using the cost method. Income is
recognized only upon cash distributions of our proportionate earnings in the partnership.
We own 20.51% of RSA #17, which serves areas in and around Conroe, Texas. Because we have some influence over
the operating and financial policies of this partnership, we account for the investment under the equity method,
recognizing income on our proportionate share of earnings. Cash distributions are recorded as a reduction in our
investment.
San Antonio MTA, L.P., a wholly owned partnership of Cellco Partnership (doing business as Verizon Wireless), is the
general partner for both the Mobilnet South Partnership and RSA #17.
We own 3.60% of Pittsburgh SMSA, 16.67% of RSA 6(I) and 23.67% of RSA 6(II), all of which are majority owned
and operated by Verizon Wireless. These partnerships cover territories that almost entirely overlap the markets served
by our Pennsylvania ILEC and CLEC operations. Because of our limited influence over Pittsburgh SMSA, we account
for the investment using the cost method. RSA 6(I) and RSA 6(II) are accounted for under the equity method.
For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, we recognized income of $37.0 million, $34.4 million and
$37.5 million, respectively, and received cash distributions of $45.3 million, $34.6 million and $34.8 million,
respectively, from these wireless partnerships.
Employees
As of December 31, 2015, we employed approximately 1,783 employees, including part-time employees. We also use
temporary employees in the normal course of our business.
Approximately 28% of our employees were covered by collective bargaining agreements as of December 31, 2015. For
a more detailed discussion regarding how the collective bargaining agreements could affect our business, see Part I -
Item 1A – Risk Factors – “Risks Relating to Our Business”.
6
Sales and Marketing
The key components of our overall marketing strategy include:
• Organizing our sales and marketing activities around our consumer, commercial and carrier customers;
• Positioning ourselves as a single point of contact for our customers’ communications needs;
• Providing customers with a broad array of voice, data and video services and bundling these services
whenever possible;
•
Identifying and broadening our commercial customer needs by developing solutions and providing
integrated service offerings;
• Providing excellent customer service, including 24/7 centralized customer support to coordinate installation
of new services, repair and maintenance functions;
• Developing and delivering new services to meet evolving customer needs and market demands; and
• Leveraging history and brand recognition across all market areas.
We currently offer our services through call centers, our website, communication centers and commissioned sales
representatives. Our customer service call centers and dedicated sales teams serve as the primary sales channels for
consumer, business and carrier services. Our sales efforts are supported by direct mail, bill inserts, newspaper, radio and
television advertising, public relations activities, community events and website promotions.
We market our services both individually and as bundled services, including our triple-play offering of voice, data and
video services. By bundling our service offerings, we are able to offer and sell a more complete and competitive
package of services, which we believe simultaneously increases our average revenue per user (“ARPU”) and adds value
for the consumer. We also believe that bundling leads to increased customer loyalty and retention.
Network Architecture and Technology
We have made significant investments in our technologically advanced telecommunications networks and continue to
enhance and expand our network by deploying technologies to provide additional capacity to our customers. As a result,
we are able to deliver high-quality, reliable data, video and voice services in the markets we serve. Our wide-ranging
network and extensive use of fiber provide an easy reach into existing and new areas. By bringing the fiber network
closer to the customer premises, we can increase our service offerings, quality and bandwidth services. Our existing
network enables us to efficiently respond and adapt to changes in technology and is capable of supporting the rising
customer demand for bandwidth in order to support the growing amount of wireless data devices in our customers’
homes and businesses.
Our networks are supported by advanced 100% digital switches, with a fiber network connecting in all but one of our
exchanges. We continue to enhance our copper network to increase bandwidth in order to provide additional products
and services to our marketable homes. In addition to our copper plant enhancements, we have deployed fiber-optic cable
extensively throughout our network, resulting in a 100% fiber backbone network that supports all of the inter-office and
host-remote links, as well as the majority of business parks within our service areas. In addition, this fiber infrastructure
provides the connectivity required to provide video service, Internet and long-distance services to all Consolidated
residential and commercial customers. Our fiber network utilizes fiber-to-the-home (“FTTH”) and fiber-to-the-node
(“FTTN”) networks to offer bundled residential and commercial services.
We operate fiber networks which we own or have entered into long-term leases for fiber network access. At December
31, 2015, our fiber-optic network consisted of approximately 13,720 route-miles, which includes approximately 4,700
miles of fiber network in Minnesota and surrounding areas, 4,180 miles of fiber network in Texas, approximately 1,690
route-miles of fiber-optic facilities in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, 1,050 miles of fiber network in Illinois,
approximately 1,080 route-miles of fiber optic facilities in California that cover large parts of the greater Sacramento
metropolitan area and over 1,020 route-miles of fiber optic facilities in Kansas City that service the greater Kansas City
7
area including both Kansas and Missouri. In 2014, we expanded our commercial services into the greater Dallas/Fort
Worth market utilizing our existing carrier-class fiber network in this area. This network previously was used to serve
our wholesale and carrier customers. In 2014, we began offering fiber based services including dedicated Internet
access, wide area network services and hosted private branch exchange (iPBX) to commercial customers in this market.
Through our extensive fiber network, we are also able to support the increased demand on wireless carriers for data
bandwidth. In all the markets we serve, we have launched initiatives to support fiber backhaul services to cell sites. As
of December 31, 2015, we had 1,224 cell sites under contract with 1,065 connected and 159 scheduled for completion in
2016.
Business Strategies
Diversify revenues and increase revenues per customer
We continue to transform our business and diversify our revenue streams as we adapt to changes in the regulatory
environment and advances in technology. As a result of acquisitions, our wireless partnerships and increases in the
consumer and commercial demand for data services, we continue to reduce our reliance on subsidies and access revenue.
Utilizing our existing network and strategic network expansion initiatives, we are able to acquire and serve a more
diversified business customer base and create new long-term revenue streams such as wireless carrier backhaul services.
We will continue to focus on growing our broadband and commercial services through the expansion and extension of
our fiber network to communities and corridors near our primary fiber routes where we believe we can offer competitive
services and increase market share.
We also continue to focus on increasing our revenue per customer, primarily by improving our data market penetration,
by increasing the sale of other value-added services and by encouraging customers to subscribe to our service bundles.
Improve operating efficiency
We continue to seek to improve operating efficiency through technology, better practices and procedures and through
cost containment measures. Our current focus is on the continued integration of Enventis into our existing operations and
creating operating synergies for the combined company. In recent years, we have made significant operational
improvements in our business through the centralization of work groups, processes and systems, which has resulted in
significant cost savings and reductions in headcount. Because of these efficiencies, we are better able to deliver a
consistent customer experience, service our customers in a more cost-effective manner and lower our cost structure. We
continue to evaluate our operations in order to align our cost structure with operating revenues while continuing to
launch new products and improve the overall customer experience.
Maintain capital expenditure discipline
Across all of our service territories, we have successfully managed capital expenditures to optimize returns through
disciplined planning and targeted investment of capital. For example, investments in our networks allows significant
flexibility to expand our commercial footprint, offer new service offerings and provide services in a cost-efficient
manner while maintaining our reputation as a high-quality service provider. We will continue to invest in strategic
growth initiatives to expand our fiber network to new markets and customers in order to optimize new business,
backhaul and wholesale opportunities.
Pursue selective acquisitions
We have in the past taken, and expect to continue to take in the future, a disciplined approach in pursuing company
acquisitions. When we evaluate potential transactions, important factors include:
• The market;
• The quality of the network;
• The ability to integrate the acquired company efficiently;
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• Significant potential operating synergies exist; and
• The transaction will be cash flow accretive from day one.
We believe all of the above criteria were met in connection with our acquisition of Enventis in 2014. In the long term,
we believe that this transaction gives us additional scale and better positions us financially, strategically and
competitively to pursue additional acquisitions.
Competition
The telecommunications industry is subject to extensive competition, which has increased significantly in recent years.
Technological advances have expanded the types and uses of services and products available. In addition, differences in
the regulatory environment applicable to comparable alternative services have lowered costs for these competitors. As a
result, we face heightened competition but also have new opportunities to grow our broadband business. Our
competitors vary by market and may include other incumbent and competitive local telephone companies; cable
operators offering video, data and VoIP products; wireless carriers; long distance providers; satellite companies; Internet
service providers and in some cases new forms of providers who are able to offer a broad range of competitive services.
We expect competition to remain a significant factor affecting our operating results and that the nature and extent of that
competition will continue to increase. See Part I - Item 1A – “Risk Factors – Risks Relating to Our Business”.
In recent years, competition in our incumbent service areas has increased significantly. Except for the traditional
multichannel video delivery business, which requires significant capital investment to serve customers, the barriers to
entry are not high and technology changes force rapid competitive adjustments. Depending on the market area, we
compete against AT&T and a number of other carriers, as well as Comcast, Time Warner, Mediacom, Armstrong,
Suddenlink and NewWave communications, in both the commercial and consumer markets. Google also recently
launched data and video services in a limited, but growing, number of service areas including the Kansas City market.
Our competitors offer traditional telecommunications services as well as IP-based services and other emerging data-
based services. Our competitors continue to add features and adopt aggressive pricing and packaging for services
comparable to the services we offer.
We continue to face significant competition from wireless and other fiber data providers as the demand for substitute
communication services, such as wireless phones and data devices, continues to increase. Customers are increasingly
foregoing traditional telephone services and land-based Internet service and relying exclusively on wireless service. In
addition, the expanded availability for free or lower cost services, such as video over the Internet, complimentary Wi-Fi
service and other streaming devices has increased competition among other providers including online digital
distributors for our video and data services.
In most cases, we have entered the cable television service markets as the operator of a second (or subsequent) cable
system. Therefore, we face the challenge of drawing customers away from the incumbent cable service provider.
Similarly, the possession of comparatively greater size and scale can give an incumbent cable competitor an advantage
in both access to and pricing of the program content needed to operate a cable television business. Our competitors, in
some cases, possess significantly greater size and scale than we do. In order to meet the competition, we have responded
in part by introducing new services and service bundles, offering services in convenient groupings with package
discounts and billing advantages, providing excellent customer service and by continuing to invest in our network and
business operations.
In our rural markets, services are more costly to provide than service in urban areas as a lower customer density
necessitates higher capital expenditures on a per-customer basis. As a result, it generally is not economically viable for
new entrants to overlap existing networks in rural territories. Despite the barriers to entry, rural telephone companies
still face significant competition from wireless and video providers and, to a lesser extent, competitive telephone
companies.
Our other lines of business are subject to substantial competition from local, regional and national competitors. In
particular, our wholesale and transport business serves other interexchange carriers and we compete with a variety of
service providers including incumbent and competitive local telephone companies and other fiber data companies. For
our business systems products, we compete with other equipment providers or value added resellers, network providers,
incumbent and competitive local telephone companies and with cloud and data hosting service providers.
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We expect that competition in all of our businesses will continue to intensify as new technologies and changes in
consumer behavior continue to emerge.
Regulatory Environment
The following summary does not describe all existing and proposed legislation and regulations affecting the
telecommunications industry. Regulation can change rapidly, and ongoing proceedings and hearings could alter the
manner in which the telecommunications industry operates. We cannot predict the outcome of any of these
developments, nor their potential impact on us. See Part I —Item 1A—“Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Regulation
of Our Business”.
Overview
Our revenues, which include revenues from such telecommunications services as local telephone service, network access
service and toll service, are subject to broad federal and/or state regulation are derived from various sources, including:
•
•
•
business and residential subscribers of basic exchange services;
surcharges mandated by state commissions;
long-distance carriers for network access service;
• competitive access providers and commercial customers for network access service; and
•
support payments from federal or state programs.
telecommunications
The
the
Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the “Telecommunications Act”), federal and state regulators share responsibility for
implementing and enforcing statutes and regulations designed to encourage competition and to preserve and advance
widely available, quality telephone service at affordable prices.
to extensive federal, state and
local regulation. Under
is subject
industry
At the federal level, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) generally exercises jurisdiction over facilities
and services of local exchange carriers, such as our rural telephone companies, to the extent they are used to provide,
originate or terminate interstate or international communications. The FCC has the authority to condition, modify,
cancel, terminate or revoke our operating authority for failure to comply with applicable federal laws or FCC rules,
regulations and policies. Fines or penalties also may be imposed for any of these violations.
State regulatory commissions generally exercise jurisdiction over carriers’ facilities and services to the extent they are
used to provide, originate or terminate intrastate communications. In particular, state regulatory agencies have
substantial oversight over interconnection and network access by competitors of our rural telephone companies. In
addition, municipalities and other local government agencies regulate the public rights-of-way necessary to install and
operate networks. State regulators can sanction our rural telephone companies or revoke our certifications if we violate
relevant laws or regulations.
Federal Regulation
Our rural telephone companies and competitive local exchange companies must comply with the Communications Act
of 1934, which requires, among other things, that telecommunications carriers offer services at just and reasonable rates
and on non-discriminatory terms and conditions. The 1996 amendments to the Communications Act (contained in the
Telecommunications Act discussed below) dramatically changed, and likely will continue to change, the landscape of
the industry.
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Removal of Entry Barriers
The Telecommunications Act imposes a number of interconnection and other requirements on all local communications
providers. All telecommunications carriers have a duty to interconnect directly or indirectly with the facilities and
equipment of other telecommunications carriers. Local exchange carriers, including our rural telephone companies, are
required to:
• Allow other carriers to resell their services;
• Provide number portability where feasible;
• Ensure dialing parity, meaning that consumers can choose their default local or long-distance telephone
company without having to dial additional digits;
• Ensure that competitors’ customers receive non-discriminatory access to telephone numbers, operator
service, directory assistance and directory listings;
• Afford competitors access to telephone poles, ducts, conduits and rights-of-way; and
• Establish reciprocal compensation arrangements with other carriers for the transport and termination of
telecommunications traffic.
Furthermore, the Telecommunications Act imposes on incumbent telephone companies (other than rural telephone
companies that maintain their so-called “rural exemption” as our subsidiaries do) additional obligations to:
• Negotiate interconnection agreements with other carriers in good faith;
•
Interconnect their facilities and equipment with any requesting telecommunications carrier, at any
technically feasible point, at non-discriminatory rates and on non-discriminatory terms and conditions;
• Offer their retail services to other carriers for resale at discounted wholesale rates;
• Provide reasonable notice of changes in the information necessary for transmission and routing of services
over the incumbent telephone company’s facilities or in the information necessary for interoperability; and
• Provide, at rates, terms and conditions that are just, reasonable and non-discriminatory, for the physical
collocation of other carriers’ equipment necessary for interconnection or access to unbundled network
elements (“UNEs”) at the premises of the incumbent telephone company.
Access Charges
On November 18, 2011, the FCC released its comprehensive order on intercarrier compensation and universal service
reform. See “FCC Access Charge and Universal Service Reform Order” below for detailed discussion on the FCC
order.
A significant portion of our rural telephone companies’ revenues come from network access charges paid by long-
distance and other carriers for using our companies’ local telephone facilities for originating or terminating calls within
our service areas. The amount of network access revenues our rural telephone companies receive is based on rates set or
approved by federal and state regulatory commissions, and these rates are subject to change at any time.
Intrastate network access charges are regulated by state commissions. The FCC order on intercarrier compensation and
universal service reform required state access charges to mirror interstate access charges, and as of July 1, 2013, all
switched intrastate access charges mirror interstate access charges.
The FCC regulates the prices we may charge for the use of our local telephone facilities to originate or terminate
interstate and international calls. The FCC has structured these prices as a combination of flat monthly charges paid by
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customers and both usage-sensitive (per-minute) charges and flat monthly charges paid by long-distance or other
carriers.
The FCC regulates interstate network access charges by imposing price caps on Regional Bell Operating Companies and
other large incumbent telephone companies. These price caps can be adjusted based on various formulas, such as
inflation and productivity, and otherwise through regulatory proceedings. Incumbent telephone companies, such as our
local telephone companies, may elect to base network access charges on price caps, but are not required to do so. All of
our incumbent telephone companies have elected for price cap regulation.
We believe that price cap regulation gives us greater pricing flexibility for interstate services, especially in the
increasingly competitive special access segment. It also provides us with the potential to increase our net earnings by
becoming more productive and introducing new services. As we have acquired new properties we have converted them
to federal price cap regulation.
Traditionally, regulators have allowed network access rates for rural areas to be set higher than the actual cost of
terminating or originating long-distance calls as an implicit means of subsidizing the high cost of providing local service
in rural areas. Following a series of federal court decisions ruling that subsidies must be explicit rather than implicit, the
FCC adopted reforms in 2001 that reduced per-minute network access charges and shifted a portion of cost recovery,
which historically was imposed on long-distance carriers, to flat-rate, monthly subscriber line charges imposed on end-
user customers. While the FCC also increased explicit subsidies to rural telephone companies through the Universal
Service Fund, the aggregate amount of interstate network access charges paid by long-distance carriers to access
providers, such as our rural telephone companies, has decreased and may continue to decrease.
Unlike the federal system, California, Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota do not provide an explicit subsidy in the form of a
universal service fund for companies of our size. Therefore, while subsidies from the Federal Universal Service Fund
offset the decrease in revenues resulting from the reduction in interstate network access rates, there was no
corresponding offset for the decrease in revenues from the reduction in California and Illinois intrastate network access
rates. In Iowa, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Texas, the intrastate network access rate regime applicable to our rural
telephone companies does not mirror the FCC regime, so the impact of the reforms was revenue neutral.
In recent years, carriers have become more aggressive in disputing the FCC’s interstate access charge rates and the
application of access charges to their telecommunications traffic. We believe these disputes have increased, in part,
because advances in technology have made it more difficult to determine the identity and jurisdiction of traffic, giving
carriers an increased opportunity to challenge access costs for their traffic. For example, in September 2003, Vonage
Holdings Corporation filed a petition with the FCC to preempt an order of the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
asserting jurisdiction over Vonage. The FCC determined that it was impossible to divide Vonage’s VoIP service into
interstate and intrastate components without negating federal rules and policies. Accordingly, the FCC found it was an
interstate service not subject to traditional state telephone regulation. While the FCC order did not specifically address
whether intrastate access charges were applicable to Vonage’s VoIP service, the fact that the service was found to be
solely interstate raises that concern. We cannot predict what other actions other long-distance carriers may take before
the FCC or with their local exchange carriers, including our rural telephone companies, to challenge the applicability of
access charges. Due to the increasing deployment of VoIP services and other technological changes, we believe these
types of disputes and claims are likely to increase.
Unbundled Network Element Rules
The unbundling requirements have been some of the most controversial provisions of the Telecommunications Act. In
its initial implementation of the law, the FCC generally required incumbent telephone companies to lease a wide range
of UNE’s to CLECs. Those rules were designed to enable competitors to deliver services to their customers in
combination with their existing networks or as recombined service offerings on a UNE platform (“UNE-P”), which
allowed competitors with no facilities of their own to purchase all the elements of local telephone service from the
incumbent and resell them to customers. These unbundling requirements, and the duty to offer UNEs to competitors,
imposed substantial costs on the incumbent telephone companies and made it easier for customers to shift their business
to other carriers. After a court challenge and a decision vacating portions of the UNE rules, the FCC issued revised
rules in February 2005 that reinstated some unbundling requirements for incumbent telephone companies that are not
protected by the rural exemption, but eliminated the UNE-P option and certain other unbundling requirements.
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Each of the subsidiaries through which we operate our local telephone businesses is an incumbent telephone company
and provides service in rural areas. As discussed above, the Telecommunications Act exempts rural telephone
companies from certain of the more burdensome interconnection requirements. However, the Telecommunications Act
provides that the rural exemption will cease to apply to competing cable companies if and when the rural carrier
introduces video services in a service area, in which case, a competing cable operator providing video programming and
seeking to provide telecommunications services in the area may interconnect. Since each of our subsidiaries now
provides video services in their major service areas, the rural exemption no longer applies to cable company competitors
in those service areas. Additionally, in Texas, the Public Utilities Commission of Texas (“PUCT”) has removed the
rural exemption for our Texas subsidiaries with respect to telecommunications services furnished by Sprint
Communications, L.P. on behalf of cable companies. Our ILEC subsidiaries in California, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and
Pennsylvania still have the rural exemption in place. We believe the benefits of providing video services outweigh the
loss of the rural exemptions to cable operators.
Under its current rules, the FCC has eliminated unbundling requirements for ILECs providing broadband services over
fiber facilities, but continues to require unbundled access to mass-market narrowband loops. ILECs are no longer
required to unbundle packet switching services. In addition, the FCC found that CLECs generally are not at a
disadvantage at certain wire center locations in regard to high bandwidth (DS-1 and DS-3) loops, dark fiber loops and
dedicated interoffice transport facilities. However, where a disadvantage persists, ILECs continue to be required to
unbundle loops and transport facilities.
The FCC rules regarding the unbundling of network elements did not have an impact on our Illinois and Pennsylvania
ILEC operations because these ILECs have rural exemptions. Our CLEC operations were not significantly affected by
the 2005 changes to the UNE rules because they use their own switching for business customers that are served by high
capacity loops. Our Pennsylvania CLEC has a commercial agreement with Verizon that sets the terms of the pricing and
provisioning of lines previously served utilizing UNE-P, including Verizon switching service. Less than 5% of our
Pennsylvania CLEC access lines are provisioned utilizing this commercial arrangement. Although the costs for this
arrangement will increase over time pursuant to the terms of the agreement, our relatively low use of Verizon’s
switching and our ability to migrate some of the lines to alternative provisioning sources will limit the overall impact on
our current cost structure. The CLEC has experienced moderate increases in the overall cost to provision high-capacity
loops, interoffice transport facilities and dark fiber as a result of the FCC’s changes to unbundling requirements for those
facilities. In December 2012, our subsidiary Consolidated Communications Enterprise Services. Inc. (“CCES”), entered
into a 5-year wholesale special access agreement with AT&T, which moved us off of the UNE platform, reduced costs
and gave us greater flexibility. This agreement applies to our CLEC operations in California, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri
and Texas.
In 2006, Verizon filed a petition requesting that the FCC refrain from applying a number of regulations to the Verizon
operations in six major metropolitan markets, including the Pittsburgh market area. Among other things, Verizon urged
the FCC to forbear from applying loop and transport unbundling regulations, claiming there was sufficient competition
in the Pittsburgh market to mitigate the need for these rules. The FCC denied Verizon’s petition in December 2007, but
a federal court of appeals remanded this decision to the FCC for further analysis in 2009. If the FCC grants this
remanded petition or any similar forbearance petitions in markets in which our CLEC operates, our cost to obtain access
to loop and transport facilities would increase substantially for the 5%, or less, of the lines provisioned under the
commercial agreement discussed above. In 2013, AT&T filed to amend its interstate access tariff with the FCC to
eliminate the 5-year term discounts on its special access services. We filed a petition to reject AT&T’s filing, and on
December 9, 2013, the FCC suspended AT&T’s filing pending investigation. The FCC has not yet issued a ruling in this
matter.
Promotion of Universal Service
In general, telecommunications service in rural areas is more costly to provide than service in urban areas. The lower
customer density means that switching and other facilities serve fewer customers and loops are typically longer,
requiring greater expenditures per customer to build and maintain. By supporting the high cost of operations in rural
markets, Universal Service Fund (“USF”) subsidies promote widely available, quality telephone service at affordable
prices in rural areas. Revenues from federal and certain states’ USFs totaled $56.3 million, $53.2 million and $52.0
million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
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In order for an eligible telecommunications carrier (“ETC”) to receive high-cost support, the USF/Intercarrier
Compensation (“ICC”) Transformation Order requires states to certify annually that USF support is used only for the
provision, maintenance and upgrading of facilities and services for which the support is intended. States, in turn, require
that ETCs file certifications with them as the basis for the state filings with the FCC. Failure to meet the annual data and
certification deadlines can result in reduced support to the ETC based on the length of the delay in certification. Each of
our rural telephone companies has been designated as an ETC. For calendar year 2013, the California state certification
was due to be filed with the FCC on or before October 1, 2012. We were notified in January 2013 that SureWest
Communications (“SureWest”) did not submit the required certification to the California Public Utilities Commission
(“CPUC”) in time to be included in its October 1, 2012 submission to the FCC. In January 2013, we filed a certification
with the CPUC and filed a petition with the FCC for a waiver of the filing deadline for the annual state certification. In
February 2013, the CPUC filed a certification with the FCC with respect to SureWest. In October 2013, the Wireline
Competition Bureau of the FCC denied our petition for a waiver of the annual certification deadline. In November 2013,
we applied for a review of the decision made by the FCC staff by the full Commission. Management is optimistic that
the Company may prevail in its application to the Commission and receive USF funding for the period January 1, 2013
through June 30, 2013 based on the change in SureWest’s USF filing status caused by the change in the ownership of
SureWest, the lack of formal notice by the FCC regarding this change in filing status, the fact that SureWest had a
previously filed certification of compliance in effect with the FCC for the two quarters for which USF was withheld and
the FCC’s past practice of granting waivers to accept late filings in similar situations. However, due to the denial of our
petition by the Wireline Competition Bureau and the uncertainty of the collectability of previously recognized revenues,
in December 2013 we reversed $3.0 million of previously recognized revenues until such time that the Commission has
the opportunity to reach a decision on our application for review.
FCC Access Charge and Universal Service Reform Order
In November 2011, the FCC released a comprehensive order on access charge and universal service reform (the
“Order”). The access charge portion of the Order systematically reduces minute-of-use-based interstate access, intrastate
access and reciprocal compensation rates over a six to nine year period to an end state of bill-and-keep, in which each
carrier recovers the costs of its network through charges to its own subscribers, not through intercarrier compensation.
The reductions apply to terminating access rates and usage, with originating access to be addressed by the FCC in a later
proceeding. To help with the transition to bill-and-keep, the FCC created two mechanisms. The first is an Access
Recovery Mechanism (“ARM”) which is funded from the Connect America Fund (“CAF”), and the second is an Access
Recovery Charge (“ARC”) which is recovered from end users. The universal service portion of the Order redirects
support from voice services to broadband services, and is now called the CAF. The initial release of the Order mandated
that, in order to receive CAF funding, carriers must agree to provide broadband capability to 100% of their customer
base at a minimum speed of 4 Mbps downstream and 1Mbps upstream.
In the Order, holding companies with price cap study areas and rate of return study areas are mandated to move each of
their interstate rate of return study areas to price cap for universal service purposes only. The intercarrier compensation
rules will keep rate of return study areas under the rate of return intercarrier compensation transitions plan and the price
cap study areas under the price cap intercarrier compensation transition.
In 2012, CAF Phase I was implemented, which froze USF support to price cap carriers until the FCC implemented a
broadband cost model to shift support from voice services to broadband services. The Order also modified the
methodology used for ICC traffic exchanged between carriers. The initial phase of ICC reform was effective on July 1,
2012, beginning the transition of our terminating switched access rates to bill-and-keep over a seven year period, and as
a result, our network access revenue decreased approximately $1.3 million during 2015.
In December 2014, the FCC released a report and order that addressed, among other things, the transition to CAF Phase
II funding for price cap carriers, the acceptance criteria for CAF Phase II funding and the annual reporting requirements,
and it also introduced CAF Phase III. For companies that accept the CAF Phase II funding, there is a three year transition
period in instances in which their current CAF Phase I funding exceeds the CAF Phase II funding. If CAF Phase II
funding exceeds CAF Phase I funding, the transitional support is waived and CAF Phase II funding begins immediately.
Companies are required to commit to a statewide build out requirement to 10 Mbps downstream and 1 Mbps upstream in
funded locations. We accepted the CAF Phase II funding in August 2015. The annual funding under CAF Phase I of
$36.6 million will be replaced by annual funding under CAF Phase II of $13.9 million through 2020. In the state of
Iowa, where CAF Phase II funding is greater than the CAF Phase I funding, the CAF Phase II funding will be received
with a retroactive payment back to January 1, 2015. For all other states, funding under CAF Phase II is less than funding
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under CAF Phase I. The acceptance of funding at the lower level will transition over a three year period, beginning in
August 2015, at the rates of 75% of the CAF Phase I funding level in the first year, 50% in the second year and 25% in
the third year.
The annual reporting requirements include (i) filings of annual certifications that the carrier is both meeting its public
interest obligations and is offering comparable broadband rates and (ii) the filing of a Service Quality Improvement plan.
The initial plan must be filed by July 1, 2016, with progress reports filed every year thereafter. The plan must include,
among other things, the total amount of CAF Phase II funding used to fund capital expenditures in the previous year and
certification that the carrier is meeting the required interim deployment milestones.
State Regulation
California
The CPUC has the power, among other things, to establish rates, terms and conditions for intrastate service, to prescribe
uniform systems of accounts and to regulate the mortgaging or disposition of public utility properties.
In an ongoing proceeding relating to the New Regulatory Framework, the CPUC adopted Decision 06-08-030 in 2006,
which grants carriers broader pricing freedom in the provision of telecommunications services, bundling of services,
promotions and customer contracts. This decision adopted a new regulatory framework, the Uniform Regulatory
Framework (“URF”), which among other things (i) eliminates price regulation and allows full pricing flexibility for all
new and retail services, (ii) allows new forms of bundles and promotional packages of telecommunication services,
(iii) allocates all gains and losses from the sale of assets to shareholders and (iv) eliminates almost all elements of rate of
return regulation, including the calculation of shareable earnings. In December 2010, the CPUC issued a ruling to
initiate a new proceeding to assess whether, or to what extent, the level of competition in the telecommunications
industry is sufficient to control prices for the four largest ILECs in the state. Subsequently, the CPUC issued a ruling
temporarily deferring the proceeding. When the CPUC may open this proceeding is unclear and on hold at this time.
The CPUC’s actions in this and future proceedings could lead to new rules and an increase in government
regulation. The Company will continue to monitor this matter.
Illinois
Our Illinois rural telephone company holds the necessary certifications in Illinois to provide long-distance and payphone
services. We are required to file tariffs with the Illinois Commerce Commission (“ILCC”) or post written service
offerings on its website, but generally can change the prices, terms and conditions stated in its tariffs on one day’s notice,
with prior notice of price increases to affected customers. Our CLEC services are not subject to any significant state
regulations in Illinois.
Our Illinois rural telephone company is certified by the ILCC to provide local telephone services. This entity operates as
a distinct company from a regulatory standpoint. As described below, Consolidated Communications of Illinois
Company (formerly known as Illinois Consolidated Telephone Company) (“CCIC”) has elected the option under Illinois
law to have its rates, terms and conditions of service subject to market regulation that is regulated by competition in the
market. Although, as explained above, the FCC has preempted certain state regulations pursuant to the
Telecommunications Act, Illinois retains the authority to impose requirements on our Illinois rural telephone company to
preserve universal service, protect public safety and welfare, ensure quality of service and protect consumers. Our
Illinois rural telephone company has not had a general rate proceeding before the ILCC since 1983.
The Illinois General Assembly has made major revisions and added significant new provisions to the portions of the
Illinois Public Utilities Act governing the regulation and obligations of telecommunications carriers on a number of
occasions since 1985. In 2007, the Illinois legislature addressed competition for cable and video services and authorized
statewide licensing by the ILCC to replace the existing system of individual town franchises. This legislation also
imposed substantial state-mandated consumer service and consumer protection requirements on providers of cable and
video services. The requirements generally became applicable to us on January 1, 2008, and we are operating in
compliance with the law. Although we have franchise agreements for cable and video services in all the towns we serve,
this statewide franchising authority will simplify the process in the future. In 2010, the Illinois General Assembly
passed Public Act 96-0927, which updates the telecommunications statute, allowing ILECs, beginning January 1, 2011,
to elect deregulation of local services. CCIC elected this option effective April 1, 2014. Under this option, CCIC’s rates
15
for local services became “competitive” and no longer subject to rate of return regulation, and certain other service
quality obligations are reduced. CCIC is obligated to make certain basic local exchange service packages available to
customers. Public Act 96-0927 also specified that local exchange carriers may not charge intrastate access rates at levels
higher than their interstate access rates. The Governor of Illinois signed the bill into law on June 15, 2010. In
June 2013, the Illinois legislature approved additional amendments to the telecommunications statute. The new
telecommunications legislation made minor changes to the telecommunications statute. The current telecommunications
statute is currently scheduled to sunset July 1, 2017.
Texas
Our Texas rural telephone companies are each certified by the PUCT to provide local telephone services in their
respective territories. In addition, our Texas long-distance and transport subsidiaries are registered with the PUCT as
interexchange carriers. The transport subsidiary has also obtained a service provider certificate of operating authority
(“SPCOA”) to better assist the transport subsidiary with its operations in municipal areas. Recently, to assist with
expanding services offerings, CCES also obtained a SPCOA from the PUCT. While our Texas rural telephone company
services are extensively regulated, our other services, such as long-distance and transport services, are not subject to any
significant state regulation.
Our Texas rural telephone companies operate as distinct companies from a regulatory standpoint. Each is separately
regulated by the PUCT in order to preserve universal service, protect public safety and welfare, ensure quality of service
and protect consumers. Each Texas rural telephone company must file and maintain tariffs setting forth the terms,
conditions and prices for its intrastate services.
Currently, both of our Texas rural telephone companies have immunity from adjustments to their rates, including their
intrastate network access rates, because they elected “incentive regulation” under the Texas Public Utilities Regulatory
Act (“PURA”). In order to qualify for incentive regulation, our rural telephone companies agreed to fulfill certain
infrastructure requirements. In exchange, they are not subject to challenge by the PUCT regarding their rates, overall
revenues, return on invested capital or net income.
PURA prescribes two different forms of incentive regulation in Chapter 58 and Chapter 59. Under either election, the
rates, including network access rates, an incumbent telephone company may charge for basic local services generally
cannot be increased from the amount(s) on the date of election without PUCT approval. Even with PUCT approval,
increases can only occur in very specific situations. Pricing flexibility under Chapter 59 is extremely limited. In
contrast, Chapter 58 allows greater pricing flexibility on non-basic network services, customer-specific contracts and
new services.
Initially, both of our Texas rural telephone companies elected incentive regulation under Chapter 59 and fulfilled the
applicable infrastructure requirements, but they changed their election status to Chapter 58 in 2003, which gives them
some pricing flexibility for basic services, subject to PUCT approval. The PUCT could impose additional infrastructure
requirements or other restrictions in the future. Any requirements or restrictions could limit the amount of cash that is
available to be transferred from our rural telephone companies to the parent entities and could adversely affect our
ability to meet our debt service requirements and repayment obligations.
In September 2005, the Texas legislature adopted significant additional telecommunications legislation. Among other
things, this legislation created a statewide video franchise for telecommunications carriers, established a framework to
deregulate the retail telecommunications services offered by incumbent local telecommunications carriers, imposed
concurrent requirements to reduce intrastate access charges and directed the PUCT to initiate a study of the Texas
Universal Service Fund.
Texas Universal Service
The Texas Universal Service Fund is administered by the National Exchange Carrier Association. PURA, the governing
law, directs the PUCT to adopt and enforce rules requiring local exchange carriers to contribute to a state universal
service fund that helps telecommunications providers offer basic local telecommunications service at reasonable rates in
high-cost rural areas. The Texas Universal Service Fund is also used to reimburse telecommunications providers for
revenues lost for providing lifeline service. Our Texas rural telephone companies receive disbursements from this fund.
Our Texas ILECs receive two state funds, the small and rural incumbent local exchange company plan High Cost Fund
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(“HCF”) and the high cost assistance fund (“HCAF”). The HCF is a line-based fund used to keep local rates low. The
rate is applied on all residential lines and up to five single business lines. The amount we receive from the HCAF is a
frozen monthly amount that was originally developed to offset high intrastate toll rates.
In September 2011, the Texas state legislature passed Senate Bill No. 980/House Bill No. 2603 which, among other
things, mandated the PUCT to review the Universal Service Fund and issue recommendations by January 1, 2013 with
the intent to effectively reduce the size of the Universal Service Fund. This would be accomplished by implementing an
urban floor to offset state funding reductions with a phase-in period of four years. The PUCT recommended that
(i) frozen line counts be lifted effective September 1, 2013 and (ii) rural and urban local rate benchmarks be
developed. The large company fund review was completed in September 2012 and the PUCT addressed the small fund
participants in Docket 41097 Rate Rebalancing (“Docket 41097”), as discussed below.
In June 2013, the Texas state legislature passed Senate Bill No. 583 (“SB 583”). The provisions of SB 583 were
effective September 1, 2013 and froze HCF and HCAF support for the remainder of 2013. As of January 1, 2014, our
annual $1.4 million HCAF support was eliminated and the frozen HCF support returned to funding on a per line
basis. In July 2013, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with the PUCT on Docket 41097, which was
approved by the PUCT in August 2013. In accordance with the provisions of the settlement agreement, the HCF draw
will be reduced by approximately $1.2 million annually over a four year period beginning June 1, 2014 through
2018. However, we have the ability to fully offset this reduction with increases to residential rates where market
conditions allow, which the Company filed for and implemented in 2014 and 2015.
In addition, the PUCT is required to develop a needs test for post-2017 funding and has held workshops on various
proposals. The PUCT issued its recommendation to the Texas state commissioners in May 2014, which was approved in
December 2014. The needs test allows for a one-time disaggregation of line rates from a per line flat rate, then a
competitive test must be met to receive funding. The deadline for submission of the needs test is December 31,
2016. We expect to complete the needs test as required and file for continued funding by the 2016 deadline.
Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission (“PAPUC”) regulates the rates, the system of financial accounts for
reporting purposes and certain aspects of service quality, billing procedures and universal service funding, among other
things, related to our rural telephone company and CLEC’s provision of intrastate services. In addition, the PAPUC sets
the rates and terms for interconnection between carriers within the guidelines ordered by the FCC. Pennsylvania
intrastate rates are regulated under a statutory framework referred to as Act 183. Under this statute, rates for non-
competitive intrastate services are allowed to increase based on an index that measures economy-wide price increases.
In return, we committed to continue to upgrade our network to ensure that all our customers would have access to
broadband services, and to deploy a ubiquitous broadband (defined as 1.544 Mbps) network throughout our entire
service area by December 31, 2008, which we did.
Pennsylvania Universal Service and Access Charges
In 2011, the PAPUC issued an intrastate access reform order reducing intrastate access rates to interstate levels in a
three-step process, which began in March 2012. With the release of the FCC order in November 2011, the PAPUC
temporarily issued a stay. A final stay was issued in 2012 to implement the FCC ordered intrastate access rate changes.
The PAPUC had indicated that it would address state universal funding in 2013, but delayed conducting a proceeding
pending any state legislative activity that may occur in the 2015 legislative session. The Company will continue to
monitor this matter.
Minnesota, Iowa and North Dakota
Our subsidiaries, Crystal Communications, Inc., Enventis Telecom, Inc. and IdeaOne Telecom, Inc. are CLECs. A
company must file for CLEC or interexchange authority to operate with the appropriate public utility commission in
each state it serves. Our CLECs provide a variety of services to both residential and business customers in multiple
jurisdictions for local and interexchange services. Our CLECs provide services with less regulatory oversight than our
ILEC companies.
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(“CCMN”), Consolidated Communications of Mid-Communications Company
Our subsidiaries Consolidated Communications of Minnesota Company (formerly Mankato Citizens Telephone
Company)
(formerly Mid-
Communications, Inc.) (“CCMC”) and Consolidated Communications of Iowa Company (formerly Heartland
Telecommunications Company of Iowa) (“CCIA”) are ILECs. CCMN and CCMC are public utilities operating pursuant
to indeterminate permits issued by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (“MPUC”). CCIA is also a public utility,
which operates pursuant to a certificate of public convenience and necessity issued by the Iowa Utilities Board (“IUB”).
Due to the size of our ILEC companies, neither the MPUC nor the IUB regulates our rates of return or profits. In
Minnesota, regulators monitor CCMN and CCMC price and service levels. In Iowa, CCIA is not rate-regulated. Our
companies can change local rates by evaluating various factors including economic and competitive circumstances.
Local Government Authorizations
In Illinois, we historically have been required to obtain franchises from each incorporated municipality in which our
rural telephone company operates. An Illinois state statute prescribes the fees that a municipality may impose for the
privilege of originating and terminating messages and placing facilities within the municipality. Our Illinois telephone
operations may also be required to obtain permits for street opening and construction, or for operating franchises to
install and expand fiber optic facilities. These permits or other licenses or agreements typically require the payment of
fees.
Similarly, Texas incumbent telephone companies had historically been required to obtain franchises from each
incorporated municipality in which they operated. Texas law now provides that incumbent telephone companies do not
need to obtain franchises or other licenses to use municipal rights-of-way for delivering services. Instead, payments to
municipalities for rights-of-way are administered through the PUCT and through a reporting process by each
telecommunications provider. Incumbent telephone companies are still required to obtain permits from municipal
authorities for street opening and construction, but most burdens of obtaining municipal authorizations for access to
rights-of-way have been streamlined or removed.
Our Texas rural telephone companies still operate pursuant to the terms of municipal franchise agreements in some
territories served by Consolidated Communications of Fort Bend Company. As the franchises expire, they are not being
renewed.
California, Iowa, Minnesota and Pennsylvania operate under a structure in which each municipality may impose various
fees.
Regulation of Broadband and Internet Services
Video Services
Our cable television subsidiaries each require a state or local franchise or other authorization in order to provide cable
service to customers. Each of these subsidiaries is subject to regulation under a framework that exists in Title VI of the
Communications Act.
Under this framework, the responsibilities and obligations of franchising bodies and cable operators have been carefully
defined. The law addresses such issues as the use of local streets and rights of way; the carriage of public, educational
and governmental channels; the provision of channel space for leased commercial access; the amount and payment of
franchise fees; consumer protection; and similar issues. In addition, Federal laws place limits on the common ownership
of cable systems and competing multichannel video distribution systems, and on the common ownership of cable
systems and local telephone systems in the same geographic area. Many provisions of the federal law have been
implemented through FCC regulations. The FCC has expanded its oversight and regulation of the cable television-
related matters recently. In some cases, it has acted to assure that new competitors in the cable television business are
able to gain access to potential customers and can also obtain licenses to carry certain types of video programming.
The Communications Act also authorizes the licensing and operation of open video systems (“OVS”). An OVS is a form
of multichannel video delivery that was initially intended to accommodate unaffiliated providers of video programming
on the same network. The OVS regulatory structure also offered a means for a single provider to serve less than an
entire community. Our Kansas City operations in Missouri utilize an OVS that allows us to operate in only a part of
Kansas City.
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A number of state and local provisions also affect the operation of our cable systems. The California legislature adopted
the Digital Infrastructure and Video Competition Act of 2006 (“DIVCA”) to encourage further entrance of telephone
companies and other new cable operators to compete against the large incumbent cable operators. DIVCA changed
preexisting California law to require new franchise applicants to obtain franchise authorizations on the state level. In
addition, DIVCA established a general set of state-defined terms and conditions to replace numerous terms and
conditions that had applied uniquely in local municipalities, and it repealed a state law that had prohibited local
governments from adopting terms for new competitive franchises that differed in any material way from the incumbent’s
franchise, even if competitive circumstances were very different. Some portions of this law are also available to
incumbent cable operators with existing local franchises who compete against us.
A state franchising law has also been enacted in Kansas. While these laws have reduced franchise burdens on our
subsidiaries and have made it easier for them to seek out and enter new markets, they also have reduced the entry
barriers for others who may want to enter our cable television markets.
Federal law and regulation also affects numerous issues related to video programming and other content.
Under federal law, certain local television broadcast stations (both commercial and non-commercial) can elect, every
three years, to take advantage of rules that require a cable operator to distribute the station’s content to the cable
system’s customers without charge, or to forego this “must-carry” obligation and to negotiate for carriage on an arm’s
length contractual basis, which typically involves the payment of a fee by the cable operator, and sometimes involves
other consideration as well. The current three year cycle began on January 1, 2012. The Company has successfully
negotiated agreements with all of the local television broadcast stations that would have been eligible for “must carry”
treatment in each of its markets. As anticipated, fees under retransmission consent agreements generally underwent
marked increases for the 2012 through 2015 period.
Federal law and regulations regulate access to certain programming content that is delivered by satellite. The FCC has
provisions in place that ban certain discriminatory practices and unfair acts, and include a presumption that the
withholding of regional sports programming by content affiliates of incumbent cable operators is presumptively
unlawful. The existing FCC complaint process for program access for both satellite and terrestrially-delivered content is
governed on a case-by-case basis. The FCC currently is considering adopting rules that could make it less burdensome
for competing multichannel video programming providers who are denied access to cable-affiliated satellite
programming on reasonable terms and conditions to pursue and meet evidentiary standards with respect to program
access complaints. That proceeding remains pending before the FCC.
The FCC adopted an order banning exclusive contracts between affiliates where the programming is sent via terrestrial
media, and banning certain other unfair acts, making it clear that the withholding of regional sports programming and
high definition television programming by content affiliates of incumbent cable operators would receive special
attention. Unlike the satellite provisions, the new rules will not expire. The FCC’s order was upheld in an appeals court
decision issued on March 12, 2010.
In connection with the FCC’s approval of a cable transaction involving Comcast and Time Warner in July 2006, the
parties’ regional sports networks were subject to certain program access rules until July 2012. The FCC did not extend
these obligations beyond July 2012. This does not change the existing Comcast/NBC Universal merger conditions
which expire in 2018, as described below. It is unknown what, if any, impact this decision will have on us.
In early 2010, Comcast proposed to enter into a joint venture with NBC Universal, through which it would acquire
control of numerous NBC properties, including both broadcast and cable television programming operations of NBC. In
early 2011, the FCC and the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) approved the transaction, with a significant number of
conditions designed to promote programming diversity, to limit the ability of the combined entity to affect competition
adversely, and to protect newly emerging markets such as independent OTT video. These conditions include
requirements for program access and carriage, non-discrimination in making programming available, limits on bundling
that would affect competition and the relationship of the joint venture to emerging on-line competition. In addition,
conditions were imposed to maintain independence within the NBC unit in dealing with competing cable operators. The
parties agreed to the conditions and the transaction was completed during 2011. Most of the conditions will have a
duration of seven years.
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The contractual relationships between cable operators and most providers of content who are not television broadcast
stations generally are not subject to FCC oversight or other regulation. The majority of providers of content to our
subsidiaries, including content providers affiliated with incumbent cable operators such as Comcast, but who are not
subject to any FCC or DOJ conditions, do so through arm’s length contracts where the parties have mutually agreed
upon the terms of carriage and the applicable fees.
The transition to digital television (“DTV”) has led the FCC to adopt and implement new rules designed to ease the shift.
These rules also can be expected to make broadcast content more accessible over the air to smartphones, personal
computers and other non-television devices. Local television broadcast stations will also be able to offer more content
over their assigned digital spectrum after the DTV transition, including additional channels.
The Company continues to monitor the emergence of video content options for customers that have become available
over the Internet, and that may be made available for free, by individual subscription or in conjunction with a separate
cable service agreement. In some cases, this involves the ability to watch episodes of desirable network television
programming and to procure additional content related to programs carried on linear cable channels. These options have
increased significantly, and can lead cable television customers to terminate or reduce their level of services. At this
time, OTT programming options cannot duplicate the nature or extent of desirable programming carried by cable
systems, and the market is still comparatively nascent, but in light of changing technology and events such as the
Comcast-NBC transaction, the OTT market will continue to grow and evolve rapidly.
Cable operators depend, to some degree, upon their ability to utilize the poles (and conduit) of electric and telephone
utilities. The terms and conditions under which such attachments can be made were established in the federal Pole
Attachment Act of 1978, as amended. The Pole Attachment Act outlined the formula for calculating the fee to be
charged for the use of utility poles, a formula that assesses fees based on the proportionate amount of space assigned for
use and an allocation of certain qualified costs of the pole owner. The FCC has put a structure in place for pole
attachment regulation that has covered cable operators and other types of providers. The FCC has adopted new rules
that apply a single rate to all providers who use poles, whether they are cable operators, telecommunications providers,
or Internet providers, even if they use the attachment to offer more than one service. These rules only affect attachments
in states where the federal rules apply. States have the option to opt out of the federal formula and to regulate pole
attachments independently. Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Pennsylvania and Texas follow the FCC pole
attachment framework. California has elected to separately regulate pole attachments and pole attachment rates. The
FCC decision has been appealed, and the ultimate outcome of the appeal cannot be predicted.
Cable operators are subject to longstanding cable copyright obligations where they pay copyright fees for some types of
programming that are considered secondary retransmissions. The copyright fees are updated from time to time, and are
paid into a pool administered by the United States Copyright Office for distribution to qualifying recipients.
The FCC has so far declined to require that cable operators allow unaffiliated Internet service providers to gain access to
customers by using the network of the operator’s cable system. The FCC also has considered the benefits of a
requirement that cable operators offer programming on their systems on an a la carte or themed basis, but to date has not
adopted regulations requiring such action. These matters may resurface in the future, particularly as the OTT market
grows. In light of the fact that programming is increasingly being made available through Internet connections, some
cable operators have considered their own a la carte alternatives. Content owners with linear channels also are moving
toward greater “on demand” programming, offerings that maintain the value of their linear channels for customers.
The outcome of pending matters cannot be determined at this time but can lead to increased costs for the Company in
connection with our provision of cable services and can affect our ability to compete in the markets we serve.
Internet Services
The provision of Internet access services is not significantly regulated by either the FCC or the state commissions.
However, the FCC has been moving toward the imposition of some controls on the provision of Internet access. In 2002,
in part to place cable modem service and Digital Subscriber Line (“DSL”) service on an equal competitive footing, the
FCC asserted jurisdiction over these services as “information services” under Title I of the Communications Act, and
removed them from treatment under Title II of the Act, but to date it has not determined what regulatory framework, if
any, is appropriate for Internet services under Title I.
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The FCC has also adopted policy principles to signal its objectives with respect to high-speed Internet and related
services. These principles are intended to encourage broad customer access to the content and applications of their
choice, to promote the unrestricted use of lawful equipment by users of Internet services and to promote competition
among providers.
In 2009, the FCC proposed to enact rules related to Internet access services, relying in part on the policy principles that it
had earlier adopted, but expanding their reach and adding additional provisions. The adoption of the rules as they have
been proposed would prohibit discrimination with respect to applications providers, among other things, subject to
reasonable network management by an Internet access service provider.
While this initiative was getting underway, a Federal appeals court decision in April 2010 assessed the FCC’s authority
over Internet services under the Communications Act, and invalidated action taken by the FCC that was based on
authority that the FCC thought it possessed. The FCC asserted that it has jurisdictional authority in some areas related to
the promotion of an “open Internet” or “net neutrality”. Notwithstanding the court setback, the FCC elected to adopt
rules in this regard in December 2010. That action was appealed to a Federal appeals court, and in January 2014, the
U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit found that the FCC does have the authority to implement regulation of the
Internet if those rules reasonably advance the promotion of broadband deployment and do not violate other statutory
requirements.
As a result of the ruling, the FCC intends to reclassify broadband Internet services as a telecommunications service
subject to regulation under Title II of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, and in March 2015, the FCC released its net
neutrality order, which applies to all wireline and wireless providers of broadband Internet services. The net neutrality
order addresses several areas that will be regulated and others that are subject to forbearance. The regulations disallow
blocking, throttling and paid prioritization by Internet service providers. The net neutrality order also requires providers
to disclose certain information to consumers regarding rates, fees, data allowances and packet loss. Finally, it gives the
FCC codified enforcement authority and it forbears on certain Title II regulations. We do not believe the net neutrality
order will result in significant changes to the services we provide our customers, nor do we believe it will have a
material impact on our financial position or results of operations.
The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) is currently assessing certain advertising and marketing practices of Internet-
related companies, as well as the use of the Internet in connection with other businesses. FTC action can affect the
manner of operation of some of our businesses. The outcome of pending matters cannot be determined at this time but
can lead to increased costs for the Company in connection with our provision of Internet services, and can affect our
ability to compete in the markets we serve.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Our operations and financial results are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those
described below, that could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and the
trading price of our common stock.
Risks Relating to Our Business
We expect to continue to face significant competition in all parts of our business and the level of competition could
intensify among our customer channels. The telecommunications, Internet and digital video businesses are highly
competitive. We face actual or potential competition from many existing and emerging companies, including other
incumbent and competitive local telephone companies, long-distance carriers and resellers, wireless companies, Internet
service providers, satellite companies, and cable television companies, and in some cases by new forms of providers who
are able to offer competitive services through software applications, requiring a comparatively small initial investment.
Due to consolidation and strategic alliances within the industry, we cannot predict the number of competitors we will
face at any given time.
The wireless business has expanded significantly and has caused many subscribers with traditional telephone and land-
based Internet access services to give up those services and to rely exclusively on wireless service. Consumers are
finding individual television shows of interest to them through the Internet and are watching content that is downloaded
to their computers. Some providers, including television and cable television content owners, have initiated what are
called over-the-top (“OTT”) services that deliver video content to televisions and computers over the Internet. OTT
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services can include episodes of highly-rated television series in their current broadcast seasons. They also can include
content that is related to broadcast or sports content that we carry, but that is distinct and may be available only through
the alternative source. Finally, the transition to digital broadcast television has allowed many consumers to obtain high-
definition local broadcast television signals (including many network affiliates) over-the-air using a simple antenna.
Consumers can pursue each of these options without foregoing any of the other options. We may not be able to
successfully anticipate and respond to many of these various competitive factors affecting the industry, including
regulatory changes that may affect our competitors and us differently, new technologies, services and applications that
may be introduced, changes in consumer preferences, demographic trends and discount or bundled pricing strategies by
competitors. The incumbent telephone carrier in the markets we serve enjoys certain business advantages, including size,
financial resources, favorable regulatory position, a more diverse product mix, brand recognition and connection to
virtually all of our customers and potential customers. The largest cable operators also enjoy certain business
advantages, including size, financial resources, ownership of or superior access to desirable programming and other
content, a more diverse product mix, brand recognition and first-in-field advantages with a customer base that generates
positive cash flow for its operations. Our competitors continue to add features, increase data speeds and adopt aggressive
pricing and packaging for services comparable to the services we offer. Their success in selling some services
competitive with ours among our various customer channels can lead to revenue erosion in other related areas. We face
intense competition in our markets for long-distance, Internet access, video service and other ancillary services that are
important to our business and to our growth strategy. If we do not compete effectively we could lose customers, revenue
and market share; customers may reduce their usage of our services or switch to a less profitable service; and we may
need to lower our prices or increase our marketing efforts to remain competitive.
We must adapt to rapid technological change. If we are unable to take advantage of technological developments, or if
we adopt and implement them more slowly than our competitors, we may experience a decline in the demand for our
services. Our industry operates in a technologically complex environment. New technologies are continually developed
and products and services undergo constant improvement. Emerging technologies offer consumers a variety of choices
for their communication and broadband needs. To remain competitive, we will need to adapt to future changes in
technology to enhance our existing offerings and to introduce new or improved offerings that anticipate and respond to
the varied and continually changing demands of our various customer channels. Our business and results of operations
could be adversely affected if we are unable to match the benefits offered by competing technologies on a timely basis or
at an acceptable cost, if we fail to employ technologies desired by our customers before our competitors do so or if we
do not successfully execute on our technology initiatives.
New technologies, particularly alternative methods for the distribution, access and viewing of content, have been, and
will likely continue to be, developed that will further increase the number of competitors that we face and drive changes
in consumer behavior. Consumers seek more control over when, where and how they consume content and are
increasingly interested in communication services outside of the home and in newer services in wireless Internet
technology and devices such as tablets, smartphones and mobile wireless routers that connect to such devices. These
new technologies, distribution platforms and consumer behaviors may have a negative impact on our business.
In addition, evolving technologies can reduce the costs of entry for others, resulting in greater competition and
significant new advantages to competitors. Technological developments could require us to make significant new capital
investment in order to remain competitive with other service providers. If we do not replace or upgrade our network and
its technology once it becomes obsolete, we will be unable to compete effectively and will likely lose customers. We
also may be placed at a cost disadvantage in offering our services. Technology changes are also allowing individuals to
bypass telephone companies and cable operators entirely to make and receive calls, and to provide for the distribution
and viewing of video programming without the need to subscribe to traditional voice and video products and services.
Increasingly, this can be done over wireless facilities and other emerging mobile technologies as well as traditional
wired networks. Wireless companies are aggressively developing networks using next-generation data technologies,
which are capable of delivering high-speed Internet service via wireless technology to a large geographic footprint. As
these technologies continue to expand in availability and reliability, they could become an effective alternative to our
high-speed Internet services. Although we use fiber optics in parts of our networks, including in some residential areas,
we continue to rely on coaxial cable and copper transport media to serve customers in many areas. The facilities we use
to offer our video services, including the interfaces with customers, are undergoing a rapid evolution, and depend in part
on the products, expertise and capabilities of third parties. If we cannot develop new services and products to keep pace
with technological advances, or if such services and products are not widely embraced by our customers, our results of
operations could be adversely impacted.
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Shifts in our product mix may result in declines in operating profitability. Margins vary among our products and
services. Our profitability may be impacted by technological changes, customer demands, regulatory changes, the
competitive nature of our business and changes in the product mix of our sales. These shifts may also result in our long-
lived assets becoming impaired or our inventory becoming obsolete. We review long-lived assets for potential
impairment if certain events or changes in circumstances indicate that impairment may be present. We currently manage
potential inventory obsolescence through reserves, but future technology changes may cause inventory obsolescence to
exceed current reserves.
Video content costs are substantial and continue to increase. We expect video content costs to continue to be one of
our largest operating costs associated with providing video service. Video programming content includes cable-oriented
programming designed to be shown in linear channels, as well as the programming of local over-the-air television
stations that we retransmit. In addition, on-demand programming is being made available in response to customer
demand. In recent years, the cable industry has experienced rapid increases in the cost of programming, especially the
cost of sports programming and local broadcast station retransmission content. Programming costs are generally
assessed on a per-subscriber basis, and therefore, are directly related to the number of subscribers to which the
programming is provided. Our relatively small base of subscribers limits our ability to negotiate lower per-subscriber
programming costs. Larger providers can often qualify for discounts based on the number of their subscribers. This cost
difference can cause us to experience reduced operating margins, while our competitors with a larger subscriber base
may not experience similar margin compression. In addition, escalators in existing content agreements cause cost
increases that are out of line with general inflation. While we expect these increases to continue, we may not be able to
pass our programming cost increases on to our customers, particularly as an increasing amount of programming content
becomes available via the Internet at little or no cost. Also, some competitors or their affiliates own programming in
their own right and we may be unable to secure license rights to that programming. As our programming contracts with
content providers expire, there can be no assurance that they will be renewed on acceptable terms or that they will be
renewed at all, in which case we may be unable to provide such programming as part of our video services packages and
our business and results of operations may be adversely affected.
We receive cash distributions from our wireless partnership interests and the continued receipt of future distributions
is not guaranteed. We own five wireless partnership interests consisting of 2.34% of GTE Mobilnet of South Texas
Limited Partnership, which provides cellular service in the Houston, Galveston and Beaumont, Texas metropolitan areas;
3.60% of Pittsburgh SMSA Limited Partnership, which provides cellular service in and around the Pittsburgh
metropolitan area; 20.51% of GTE Mobilnet of Texas RSA #17 Limited Partnership (“RSA #17”); 16.67% of
Pennsylvania RSA 6(I) Limited Partnership (“RSA 6(I)”) and 23.67% of Pennsylvania RSA 6(II) Limited Partnership
(“RSA 6(II)”). RSA #17 provides cellular service to a limited rural area in Texas. RSA 6(I) and RSA 6(II) provide
cellular service in and around our Pennsylvania service territory.
In 2015, 2014 and 2013, we received cash distributions from these partnerships of $45.3 million, $34.6 million and
$34.8 million, respectively. The cash distributions we receive from these partnerships are based on our percentage of
ownership and the partnerships’ operating results, cash availability and financing needs, as determined by the General
Partner at the date of the distribution. We cannot control the timing, dollar amount or certainty of any future cash
distributions from these partnerships. In the absence of the receipt of cash distributions from these partnerships, we may
be unable to fulfill our long-term obligations or our ability to pay cash dividends to our shareholders may be restricted.
If we do not receive cash distributions from these partnerships in the future, or if the amount of cash distributions
decreases, our results of operations could be adversely affected.
A disruption in our networks and infrastructure could cause delays or interruptions of service, which could cause us
to lose customers and incur additional expenses. Our customers depend on reliable service over our network. The
primary risks to our network infrastructure include physical damage to lines, security breaches, capacity limitations,
power surges or outages, software defects and disruptions beyond our control, such as natural disasters and acts of
terrorism. From time to time in the ordinary course of business, we will experience short disruptions in our service due
to factors such as physical damage, inclement weather and service failures of our third party service providers. We could
experience more significant disruptions in the future. Disruptions may cause interruptions in service or reduced capacity
for customers, either of which could cause us to lose customers and incur unexpected expenses.
Our business may be harmed if we are unable to maintain data security. We are dependent upon automated
information technology processes and systems. Any failure to maintain the security of our data and our employees’ and
customers’ confidential information, including the breach of our network security or the misappropriation of confidential
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information, could result in fines, penalties, litigation and loss of customers and revenues. Any such failure could
adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We have employees who are covered by collective bargaining agreements. If we are unable to enter into new
agreements or renew existing agreements before they expire, we could have a work stoppage or other labor actions
that could materially disrupt our ability to provide services to our customers. As of December 31, 2015, approximately
28% of our employees were covered by collective bargaining agreements. These employees are hourly workers located
in Texas, Pennsylvania, Minnesota and Illinois service territories and are represented by various unions and locals. Our
relationship with these unions generally has been satisfactory, but occasional work stoppages can occur. All of the
existing collective bargaining agreements expire between 2016 through 2018, of which one contract covering 9% of our
employees will expire in 2016.
We cannot predict the outcome of negotiations of the collective bargaining agreements covering our employees. If we
are unable to reach new agreements or renew existing agreements, employees subject to collective bargaining
agreements may engage in strikes, work stoppages or slowdowns, or other labor actions, which could materially disrupt
our ability to provide services. New labor agreements, or the renewal of existing agreements, may impose significant
new costs on us, which could adversely affect our financial condition and result of operations. While we believe our
relations with the unions representing these employees are good, any protracted labor disputes or labor disruptions by
any of our employees could have a significant negative effect on our financial results and operations.
We may be unable to obtain necessary hardware, software and operational support from third party vendors. We
depend on third party vendors to supply us with a significant amount of hardware, software and operational support
necessary to provide certain of our services and to maintain, upgrade and enhance our network facilities and operations
and to support our information and billing systems. Some of our third-party vendors are our primary source of supply for
products and services for which there are few substitutes. If any of these vendors should experience financial
difficulties, have demand that exceeds their capacity or they cannot otherwise meet our specifications, our ability to
provide some services may be materially adversely affected in which case our business, results of operations and
financial condition may be adversely affected.
The loss of our certification or designation by key equipment manufacturers or business partners, or a partner losing
its position as a leading provider of technology solutions would adversely impact our suite of business products and
services. We provide various equipment solutions to our business customers. The equipment and product lines are
provided by various manufacturers from which we also provide hardware and IT consulting solutions for our business
customers. If our providers of equipment and certain technology solutions fall out of favor in the marketplace, our
success as a distributor or implementer may decline or be delayed as we seek alternative providers. The loss of any
special designations or authorizations may affect our success as a leading distributor. It is also possible that we may lose
the certified technicians who build the basis for our qualifications.
If we cannot obtain and maintain necessary rights-of-way for our network, our operations may be interrupted and we
would likely face increased costs. We are dependent on easements, franchises and licenses from various private parties,
such as established telephone companies and other utilities, railroads and long-distance companies, and from state
highway authorities, local governments and transit authorities for access to aerial pole space, underground conduits and
other rights-of-way in order to construct and operate our networks. Some agreements relating to rights-of-way may be
short-term or revocable at will, and we cannot be certain that we will continue to have access to existing rights-of-way
after the governing agreements are terminated or expire. If any of our right-of-way agreements were terminated or could
not be renewed, we may be forced to remove our network facilities from the affected areas, relocate or abandon our
networks, which would interrupt our operations, force us to find alternative rights-of-way and make unexpected capital
expenditures.
Our ability to retain certain key management personnel and attract and retain highly qualified management and
other personnel in the future could have an adverse effect on our business. We rely on the talents and efforts of key
management personnel, many of whom have been with our company and in our industry for decades. While we
maintain long-term and emergency transition plans for key management personnel and believe we could either identify
internal candidates or attract outside candidates to fill any vacancy created by the loss of any key management personnel,
the loss of one or more of our key management personnel and the ability to attract and retain highly qualified technical
and management personnel in the future could have a negative impact on our business, financial condition and results of
operations.
24
Future acquisitions could be expensive and may not be successful. From time to time we make acquisitions and
investments and enter into other strategic transactions. In connection with these types of transactions, we may incur
unanticipated expenses; fail to realize anticipated benefits; have difficulty incorporating the acquired businesses; disrupt
relationships with current and new employees, customers and vendors; incur significant indebtedness or have to delay or
not proceed with announced transactions. The occurrence of any of the foregoing events could have a material adverse
effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
Risks Relating to Current Economic Conditions
Unfavorable changes in financial markets could adversely affect pension plan investments resulting in material
funding requirements to meet our pension obligations. We expect that we will continue to make future cash
contributions to our pension plans, the amount and timing of which will depend on various factors including funding
regulations, future investment performance, changes in future discount rates and mortality tables and changes in
participant demographics. Unfavorable fluctuations or adverse changes in any of these factors, most of which are
outside our control, could impact the funded status of the plans and increase future funding requirements. Returns
generated on plan assets have historically funded a large portion of the benefits paid under these plans. If the financial
markets experience a downturn and returns fall below the estimated long-term rate of return, our future funding
requirements could increase significantly, which could adversely affect our cash flows from operations.
Weak economic conditions may have a negative impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Downturns in the economic conditions in the markets and industries we serve could adversely affect demand for our
products and services and have a negative impact on our results of operations. Economic weakness or uncertainty may
make it difficult for us to obtain new customers and may cause our existing customers to reduce or discontinue their
services to which they subscribe. This risk may be worsened by the expanded availability of free or lower cost services,
such as video over the Internet, or substitute services, such as wireless phones and data devices. Weak economic
conditions may also impact the ability of third parties to satisfy their obligations to us.
Risks Relating to Our Common Stock and Payment of Dividends
Our Board of Directors could, at its discretion, depart from or change our dividend policy at any time. Our Board of
Directors maintains a current dividend practice for the payment of quarterly dividends at an annual rate of approximately
$1.55 per share of common stock. We are not required to pay dividends and our stockholders do not have contractual or
other legal rights to receive them. Our Board of Directors may decide at any time, in its discretion, to decrease the
amount of dividends, change or revoke the dividend policy or discontinue paying dividends entirely. Our ability to pay
dividends is dependent on our earnings, capital requirements, financial condition, expected cash needs, debt covenant
compliance and other factors considered relevant by our Board of Directors. If we do not pay dividends, for whatever
reason, shares of our common stock could become less liquid and the market price of our common stock could decline.
We might not have sufficient cash to maintain current dividend levels. Our debt agreements, applicable state, legal and
corporate law, regulatory requirements and other risk factors described in this section, could materially reduce the cash
available from operations or significantly increase our capital expenditure requirements, and these outcomes could cause
funds not to be available when needed in an amount sufficient to support our current dividend practice.
If we continue to pay dividends at the level currently anticipated under our dividend policy, our ability to pursue
growth opportunities may be limited. Our dividend practice could limit, but not preclude, our ability to grow. If we
continue paying dividends at the level currently anticipated, we may not retain a sufficient amount of cash to fund a
material expansion of our business, including any acquisitions or growth opportunities requiring significant and
unexpected capital expenditures. For that reason, our ability to pursue any material expansion of our business may
depend on our ability to obtain third-party financing. We cannot guarantee that such financing will be available to us on
reasonable terms or at all.
25
Our organizational documents could limit or delay another party’s ability to acquire us and, therefore, could deprive
our investors of a possible takeover premium for their shares. A number of provisions in our amended and restated
certificate of incorporation and bylaws will make it difficult for another company to acquire us. Among other things,
these provisions:
• Divide our Board of Directors into three classes, which results in roughly one-third of our directors being
elected each year;
• Provide that directors may only be removed for cause and then only upon the affirmative vote of holders of
two-thirds or more of the voting power of our outstanding common stock;
• Require the affirmative vote of holders of two-thirds or more of the voting power of our outstanding
common stock to amend, alter, change or repeal specified provisions of our amended and restated
certificate of incorporation and bylaws;
• Require stockholders to provide us with advance notice if they wish to nominate any candidates for
election to our Board of Directors or if they intend to propose any matters for consideration at an annual
stockholders meeting; and
• Authorize the issuance of so-called “blank check” preferred stock without stockholder approval upon such
terms as the Board of Directors may determine.
We also are subject to laws that may have a similar effect. For example, federal, California, Illinois, Minnesota and
Pennsylvania telecommunications laws and regulations generally prohibit a direct or indirect transfer of control over our
business without prior regulatory approval. Similarly, Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law restricts
our ability to engage in a business combination with an “interested stockholder”. These laws and regulations make it
difficult for another company to acquire us, and therefore, could limit the price that investors might be willing to pay in
the future for shares of our common stock. In addition, the rights of our common stockholders will be subject to, and
may be adversely affected by, the rights of holders of any class or series of preferred stock that we may issue in the
future.
Risks Relating to Our Indebtedness and Our Capital Structure
We have a substantial amount of debt outstanding and may incur additional indebtedness in the future, which could
restrict our ability to pay dividends and fund working capital and planned capital expenditures. As of December 31,
2015, we had $1,393.6 million of debt outstanding. Our substantial level of indebtedness could adversely impact our
business, including:
• We may be required to use a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to make principal and
interest payments on our debt, which will reduce funds available for operations, future business
opportunities, strategic initiatives and dividends;
• We may have limited flexibility to react to changes in our business and our industry;
•
• We may have a limited ability to borrow additional funds or to sell assets to raise funds if needed for
It may be more difficult for us to satisfy our other obligations;
working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or other purposes;
• We may become more vulnerable to general adverse economic and industry conditions, including changes
in interest rates; and
• We may be at a disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt.
We cannot guarantee that we will generate sufficient revenues to service our debt and have adequate funds left over to
achieve or sustain profitability in our operations, meet our working capital and capital expenditure needs, compete
successfully in our markets, or pay dividends to our stockholders.
Our credit agreement and the indentures governing our 2022 Notes contain covenants that limit management’s
discretion in operating our business and could prevent us from capitalizing on opportunities and taking other
26
corporate actions. Among other things, our credit agreement limits or restricts our ability (and the ability of certain of
our subsidiaries), and the separate indentures governing the 2022 Notes limit the ability of our subsidiary, Consolidated
Communications, Inc., and its restricted subsidiaries to: incur additional debt and issue preferred stock; make restricted
payments, including paying dividends on, redeeming, repurchasing or retiring our capital stock; make investments and
prepay or redeem debt; enter into agreements restricting our subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends, make loans or transfer
assets to us; create liens; sell or otherwise dispose of assets, including capital stock of, or other ownership interests in
subsidiaries; engage in transactions with affiliates; engage in sale and leaseback transactions; engage in a business other
than telecommunications; and consolidate or merge.
In addition, our credit agreement requires us to comply with specified financial ratios, including ratios regarding total
leverage and interest coverage. Our ability to comply with these ratios may be affected by events beyond our control.
These restrictions limit our ability to plan for or react to market conditions, meet capital needs or otherwise constrain our
activities or business plans. They also may adversely affect our ability to finance our operations, enter into acquisitions
or engage in other business activities that would be in our interest.
A breach of any of the covenants contained in our credit agreement, in any future credit agreement, or in the separate
indentures governing the 2022 Notes, or our inability to comply with the financial ratios could result in an event of
default, which would allow the lenders to declare all borrowings outstanding to be due and payable. If the amounts
outstanding under our credit facilities were to be accelerated, we cannot assure that our assets would be sufficient to
repay in full the money owed. In such a situation, the lenders could foreclose on the assets and capital stock pledged to
them.
We may not be able to refinance our existing debt if necessary, or we may only be able to do so at a higher interest
expense. We may be unable to refinance or renew our credit facilities and our failure to repay all amounts due on the
maturity dates would cause a default under the credit agreement. Alternatively, any renewal or refinancing may occur
on less favorable terms. If we refinance our credit facilities on terms that are less favorable to us than the terms of our
existing debt, our interest expense may increase significantly, which could impact our results of operations and impair
our ability to use our funds for other purposes, such as to pay dividends.
Our variable-rate debt subjects us to interest rate risk, which could impact our cost of borrowing and operating
results. Certain of our debt obligations are at variable rates of interest and expose us to interest rate risk. Increases in
interest rates could negatively impact our results of operations and operating cash flows. We utilize interest rate swap
agreements to convert a portion of our variable-rate debt to a fixed-rate basis. However, we do not maintain interest rate
hedging agreements for all of our variable-rate debt and our existing hedging agreements may not fully mitigate our
interest rate risk, may prove disadvantageous or may create additional risks. Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges
that have been de-designated or determined to be ineffective are recognized in earnings. Significant increases or
decreases in the fair value of these cash flow hedges could cause favorable or adverse fluctuations in our results of
operations.
Risks Related to the Regulation of Our Business
We are subject to a complex and uncertain regulatory environment, and we face compliance costs and restrictions
greater than those of many of our competitors. Our businesses are subject to regulation by the Federal Communications
Commission (“FCC”) and other federal, state and local entities. Rapid changes in technology and market conditions
have resulted in changes in how the government addresses telecommunications, video programming and Internet
services. Many businesses that compete with our Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier (“ILEC”) and non-ILEC
subsidiaries are comparatively less regulated. Some of our competitors are either not subject to utilities regulation or are
subject to significantly fewer regulations. In contrast to our subsidiaries regulated as cable operators and satellite video
providers, competing on-demand and OTT providers and motion picture and DVD firms have almost no regulation of
their video activities. Recently, federal and state authorities have become more active in seeking to address critical
issues in each of our product and service markets. The adoption of new laws or regulations, or changes to the existing
regulatory framework at the federal or state levels, could require significant and costly adjustments that would adversely
affect our business plans. New regulations could impose additional costs or capital requirements, require new reporting,
impair revenue opportunities, potentially impede our ability to provide services in a manner that would be attractive to
our customers and us and potentially create barriers to enter new markets or to acquire new lines of business. We face
continued regulatory uncertainty in the immediate future. Not only are these governmental entities continuing to move
forward on these matters, their actions remain subject to reconsideration, appeal and legislative modification over an
27
extended period of time, and it is unclear how their actions will ultimately impact our markets. We cannot predict future
developments or changes to the regulatory environment or the impact such developments or changes may have on us.
We receive support from various funds established under federal and state laws, and the continued receipt of that
support is not assured. A significant portion of our revenues come from network access and subsidies. An order
adopted by the FCC in 2011 (the “Order”) significantly impacts the amount of support revenue we receive from the
Universal Service Fund (“USF”), Connect America Fund (“CAF”) and intercarrier compensation (“ICC”). The Order
reformed core parts of the USF, broadly recast the existing ICC scheme, established the CAF to replace support revenues
provided by the current USF and redirected support from voice services to broadband services. In 2012, CAF Phase I
was implemented, which froze USF support to price cap carriers until the FCC implemented a broadband cost model to
shift support from voice services to broadband services.
In December 2014, the FCC released a report and order that addressed, among other things, the transition to CAF Phase
II for price cap carriers and the acceptance criteria for CAF Phase II funding. For companies that accept the CAF Phase
II funding, there is a three year transition period in instances in which their current CAF Phase I funding exceeds the
CAF Phase II funding. If CAF Phase II funding exceeds CAF Phase I funding, the transitional support is waived and
CAF Phase II funding begins immediately. We accepted the CAF Phase II funding in August 2015. The annual funding
under CAF Phase I of $36.6 million will be replaced by annual funding under CAF Phase II of $13.9 million through
2020. In the state of Iowa, where CAF Phase II funding is greater than the CAF Phase I funding, the CAF Phase II
funding will be received with a retroactive payment back to January 1, 2015. For all other states, funding under CAF
Phase II is less than funding under CAF Phase I. The acceptance of funding at the lower level will transition over a three
year period, beginning in August 2015, at the rates of 75% of the CAF Phase I funding level in the first year, 50% in the
second year and 25% in the third year.
The Order also modifies the methodology used for ICC traffic exchanged between carriers. The initial phase of ICC
reform was effective on July 1, 2012, beginning the transition of our terminating switched access rates to bill-and-keep
over a seven year period. As a result of implementing the provisions of the Order, our network access revenue decreased
approximately $1.3 million during 2015. We anticipate that network access revenue will continue to decline as a result
of the Order through 2018 by as much as $1.9 million, $4.8 million and $6.8 million in 2016, 2017 and 2018,
respectively.
We receive subsidy payments from various federal and state universal service support programs, including high-cost
support, Lifeline and E-Rate programs for schools and libraries. The total cost of the various federal universal service
programs has increased significantly in recent years, putting pressure on regulators to reform the programs and to limit
both eligibility and support. We cannot predict when or how such matters will be decided or the effect on the subsidy
payments we receive. However, future reductions in the subsidy payments we receive may directly affect our
profitability and cash flows.
Increased regulation of the Internet could increase our cost of doing business. Current laws and regulations governing
access to, or commerce on, the Internet are limited. As the Internet continues to become more significant, federal, state
and local governments may adopt new rules and regulations applicable to, or apply existing laws and regulations to, the
Internet. At the federal level, the FCC intends to reclassify broadband Internet services as a telecommunications service
subject to regulation under Title II of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, and in March 2015, the FCC released its net
neutrality order, which applies to all wireline and wireless providers of broadband Internet services. The net neutrality
order addresses several areas that will be regulated and others that are subject to forbearance. The regulations disallow
blocking, throttling and paid prioritization by Internet service providers. The net neutrality order also requires providers
to disclose certain information to consumers regarding rates, fees, data allowances and packet loss. Finally, it gives the
FCC codified enforcement authority and it forbears on certain Title II regulations.
28
We are subject to extensive laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment, natural resources and
worker health and safety. Our operations and properties are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations
relating to the protection of the environment, natural resources and worker health and safety, including laws and
regulations governing and creating liability in connection with the management, storage and disposal of hazardous
materials, asbestos and petroleum products. We are also subject to laws and regulations governing air emissions from
our fleet vehicles. As a result, we face several risks, including:
• Hazardous materials may have been released at properties that we currently own or formerly owned
(perhaps through our predecessors). Under certain environmental laws, we could be held liable, without
regard to fault, for the costs of investigating and remediating any actual or threatened contamination at
these properties and for contamination associated with disposal by us, or by our predecessors, of hazardous
materials at third-party disposal sites.
• We could incur substantial costs in the future if we acquire businesses or properties subject to
environmental requirements or affected by environmental contamination. In particular, environmental laws
regulating wetlands, endangered species and other land use and natural resources may increase the costs
associated with future business or expansion or delay, alter or interfere with such plans.
• The presence of contamination can adversely affect the value of our properties and make it difficult to sell
any affected property or to use it as collateral.
• We could be held responsible for third-party property damage claims, personal injury claims or natural
resource damage claims relating to contamination found at any of our current or past properties.
The cost of complying with environmental requirements could be significant. Similarly, the adoption of new
environmental laws or regulations, or changes in existing laws or regulations or their interpretations, could result in
significant compliance costs or unanticipated environmental liabilities.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
None.
Item 2. Properties.
Our corporate headquarters are located at 121 S. 17th Street, Mattoon, Illinois, a leased facility. We also own and lease
office facilities and related equipment for administrative personnel, central office buildings and operations in
California, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Pennsylvania and Texas.
In addition to land and structures, our property consists of equipment necessary for the provision of communication
services, including central office equipment, customer premises equipment and connections, pole lines, video head-end,
remote terminals, aerial and underground cable and wire facilities, vehicles, furniture and fixtures, computers and other
equipment. We also own certain other communications equipment held as inventory for sale or lease.
In addition to plant and equipment that we wholly-own, we utilize poles, towers and cable and conduit systems jointly-
owned with other entities and lease space on facilities to other entities. These arrangements are in accordance with
written agreements customary in the industry.
We have appropriate easements, rights of way and other arrangements for the accommodation of our pole lines,
underground conduits, aerial and underground cables and wires. See Note 11 in the Notes to the consolidated financial
statements and Part II – Item 7 – “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations” for information regarding our lease obligations.
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings.
In 2014, Sprint Corporation, Level 3 Communications, Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc. filed lawsuits against us
and many others in the industry regarding the proper charges to be applied between interexchange and local exchange
29
carriers for certain calls between mobile and wireline devices that are routed through an interexchange carrier. The
plaintiffs are refusing to pay these access charges in all states and are seeking refunds of past charges paid. The disputed
amounts total $2.4 million and cover periods dating back to 2006. CenturyLink, Inc. filed to bring all related suits to the
U.S. District Court’s Judicial Panel on multi district litigation. This panel is granted authority to transfer the pretrial
proceedings to a single court for civil cases involving common questions of fact. On November 17, 2015, the U.S.
District Court in Dallas, Texas ruled in favor of the defendants, although we expect that the plaintiffs will file an
appeal. We have interconnection agreements in place with all wireless carriers and the applicable traffic is being billed
at current access rates, therefore, we do not expect any potential settlement or judgment to have an adverse material
impact on our financial results or cash flows.
On April 14, 2008, Salsgiver Inc., a Pennsylvania-based telecommunications company, and certain of its affiliates
(“Salsgiver”) filed a lawsuit against us and our former subsidiaries North Pittsburgh Telephone Company and North
Pittsburgh Systems Inc. in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania alleging that we had
prevented Salsgiver from connecting their fiber optic cables to our utility poles. Salsgiver sought compensatory and
punitive damages as the result of alleged lost projected profits, damage to its business reputation and other
costs. Salsgiver originally claimed to have sustained losses of approximately $125.0 million. We believe that these
claims are without merit and that the alleged damages are completely unfounded. We had recorded approximately $0.4
million in 2011 in anticipation of the settlement of this case. During the quarter ended September 30, 2013, we recorded
an additional $0.9 million, which included estimated legal fees. A jury trial concluded on May 14, 2015 with the jury
ruling in our favor. Salsgiver subsequently filed a post-trial motion asking the judge to overturn the jury verdict. That
motion was denied. On June 17, 2015, Salsgiver filed an appeal in the Pennsylvania Superior Court. Salsgiver’s brief
was filed with the Superior Court on December 4, 2015, and the Company filed its response on January 18, 2016. We
anticipate that oral argument will be scheduled within the next six months. We believe that, despite the appeal, the $1.3
million currently accrued represents management’s best estimate of the potential loss if the verdict is overturned in
Salsgiver's favor.
Two of our subsidiaries, Consolidated Communications of Pennsylvania Company LLC (“CCPA”) and Consolidated
Communications Enterprise Services Inc. (“CCES”), have, at various times, received assessment notices from the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Revenue (“DOR”) increasing the amounts owed for Pennsylvania Gross
Receipt Taxes, and/or have had audits performed for the tax years of 2008 through 2013. In addition, a re-audit was
performed on CCPA for the 2010 calendar year. For the calendar years for which we received both additional
assessment notices and audit actions, those issues have been combined by the DOR into a single docket for each year.
Pennsylvania generally imposes tax on the gross receipts of telephone messages transmitted wholly within the state and
telephone messages transmitted in interstate commerce where such messages originate or terminate in Pennsylvania, and
the charges for such messages are billed to a service address in the state. In a 2013 decision involving Verizon
Telephone Company of Pennsylvania (“Verizon Pennsylvania”), the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania held that the
gross receipts tax applies to Verizon Pennsylvania’s installation of private phone lines because the sole purpose of
private lines is to transmit messages. Similarly, the court held that directory assistance is subject to the gross receipts tax
because it makes the transition of messages more effective. However, the court did not find Verizon Pennsylvania’s
nonrecurring charges for the installation of telephone lines, moves of and changes to telephone lines and services and
repairs of telephone lines to be subject to the gross receipts tax as no telephone messages are transmitted when Verizon
Pennsylvania performs nonrecurring services.
On appeal, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania recently held in Verizon Pennsylvania, Inc. v. Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania that charges for the installation of private phone lines, charges for directory assistance and certain
nonrecurring charges were all subject to the state’s gross receipt tax. The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania found that all
of the services, including those related to nonrecurring charges, in some way made transmission more effective or
communication more satisfactory even though such services did not involve actual transmission. This is a partial reversal
of the 2013 Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania decision described above, which had ruled that while the charges for
the installation of private phone lines and directory assistance were subject to the state’s gross receipts tax, the
nonrecurring charges in question were not. As a motion for reconsideration has not been filed with the Supreme Court of
Pennsylvania, and the period for such filing has expired, the case is now final.
For the CCES subsidiary, the total additional tax liability calculated by the auditors for the calendar years 2008 through
2013 is approximately $4.1 million. Appeals of cases for the audits in calendar years 2008 through 2010 have been filed
and received continuances pending the outcome of the Verizon Pennsylvania litigation described above. The
30
preliminary audit findings for the calendar years 2011 through 2013 were received on September 16, 2014. We are
awaiting invoices for each of these years, at which time we will prepare to file an appeal with the DOR.
For the CCPA subsidiary, the total additional tax liability calculated by the auditors for the calendar years 2008 through
2013 (using the re-audited 2010 number) is approximately $5.0 million. Appeals of cases for the audits in calendar years
2008, 2009 and the original 2010 audit have been filed and received continuances pending the outcome of the Verizon
Pennsylvania litigation described above. The preliminary audit findings for the calendar years 2011 through 2013, as
well as the re-audit of 2010, were received on September 16, 2014. We are awaiting invoices for each of these years, at
which time we will prepare to file an appeal with the DOR.
We believe that certain of the DOR’s findings regarding the Company’s additional tax liability for the calendar years
2008 through 2013, for which we have filed or plan to file appeals, continue to lack merit. However, in light of the
Supreme Court of Pennsylvania’s recent decision, we reassessed our accrual for the additional tax liability for both our
CCES and CCPA subsidiaries. During the quarter ended December 31, 2015, we accrued an additional $1.1 million and
$1.0 million for our CCES and CCPA subsidiaries, respectively, which increased the total accruals to $1.4 million and
$1.2 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2015. These accruals also include the Company’s best estimate of the
potential 2014 and 2015 additional tax liabilities. We do not believe that the outcome of these claims will have a material
adverse impact on our financial results or cash flows.
From time to time we may be involved in litigation that we believe is of the type common to companies in our industry,
including regulatory issues. While the outcome of these other claims cannot be predicted with certainty, we do not
believe that the outcome of any of these other legal matters will have a material adverse impact on our business, results
of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not Applicable.
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of
Equity Securities.
Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (“NASDAQ”) under the symbol “CNSL”. As of
February 12, 2016, there were approximately 4,765 stockholders of record of the Company’s common stock. The
following table indicates the high and low stock closing prices of the Company’s common stock as reported on the
NASDAQ for each of the quarters ending on the dates indicated:
2015
2014
Period
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Dividend Policy and Restrictions
Low
High
High
Low
$ 27.86 $ 20.40 $ 20.39 $ 18.41
$ 21.89 $ 19.72 $ 22.29 $ 18.94
$ 21.07 $ 18.89 $ 25.72 $ 21.27
$ 22.62 $ 18.79 $ 28.60 $ 24.29
Our Board of Directors declared dividends of approximately $0.38738 per share in each of the periods listed above. We
expect to continue to pay quarterly dividends at an annual rate of approximately $1.55 per share during 2016. Future
dividend payments are at the discretion of our Board of Directors. Changes in our dividend program will depend on our
earnings, capital requirements, financial condition, debt covenant compliance, expected cash needs and other factors
considered relevant by our Board of Directors. Dividends on our common stock are not cumulative.
See Part II - Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations –
Liquidity and Capital Resources” for discussion regarding restrictions on the payment of dividends. See Part I – Item 1A
– “Risk Factors” of this report, which sets forth several factors that could prevent stockholders from receiving dividends
31
in the future. Additional information concerning dividends may be found in “Selected Financial Data” in Item 6, which
is incorporated herein by reference.
Share Repurchases
During the quarter ended December 31, 2015, we repurchased 39,052 common shares surrendered by employees in the
administration of employee share-based compensation plans. The following table summarizes the share repurchase
activity:
Purchase period
October 1-October 31, 2015
November 1-November 30, 2015
December 1-December 31, 2015
Performance Graph
Average price announced plans
Total number of
shares purchased paid per share
—
—
39,052
n/a
n/a
$ 21.60
Total number of Maximum number
shares purchased of shares that may
as part of publicly yet be purchased
under the plans
or programs
n/a
n/a
n/a
or programs
n/a
n/a
n/a
The following graph shows a five-year comparison of cumulative total shareholder return of our common stock
(assuming reinvestment of dividends) with the S&P 500 index, the Dow Jones US Fixed-Line Telecommunications
Subsector index and a customized peer group of four companies that includes, in addition to us: Alaska Communications
Systems Group, Inc., Otelco, Inc. and Shenandoah Telecommunications Company. The comparison of total return on
investment (change in year-end stock price plus reinvested dividends) for each of the periods assumes that $100 was
invested on December 31, 2010 in each index and in the peer group. The stock performance shown on the graphs below
is not necessarily indicative of future price performance.
32
COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
Among Consolidated Communications Holdings, the S&P 500 Index, the Dow Jones US
Fixed Line Telecommunications Subsector Index,
and a Peer Group
*$100 invested on December 31, 2010 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends.
Fiscal year ending December 31.
Copyright© 2015 S&P, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright© 2015 Dow Jones & Co. All rights reserved.
(In dollars)
Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.
S&P 500
Dow Jones US Fixed-Line Telecommunications
2010
2011
As of December 31,
2013
2012
2014
2015
$ 100.00 $ 107.20 $ 97.69 $ 131.59 $ 200.77 $ 162.64
$ 100.00 $ 102.11 $ 118.45 $ 156.82 $ 178.29 $ 180.75
Subsector
Peer Group
$ 100.00 $ 106.98 $ 123.16 $ 137.60 $ 142.09 $ 146.67
$ 100.00 $ 66.91 $ 69.33 $ 99.09 $ 133.82 $ 136.17
Sale of Unregistered Securities
During the year ended December 31, 2015, we did not sell any equity securities of the Company which were not
registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
33
Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
The selected financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction with Item 7—“Management’s Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, our consolidated financial statements and the related notes,
and other financial data included elsewhere in this annual report. Historical results are not necessarily indicative of the
results to be expected in future periods.
(In millions, except per share amounts)
2015
Year Ended December 31,
2013
2012 (2)
2014 (1)
2011
Operating revenues
$
775.7
$
635.7
$
601.6
$
477.9
$
349.0
Cost of products and services (exclusive of depreciation and
amortization)
Selling, general and administrative expense
Acquisition and other transaction costs (3)
Intangible asset impairment
Depreciation and amortization
Income from operations
Interest expense, net and loss on extinguishment of debt (4)(5)(6)
Other income, net
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
Income tax expense
Income (loss) from continuing operations
Discontinued operations, net of tax
Net income (loss)
Net income of noncontrolling interest
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders
Income (loss) per common share - basic and diluted:
Income (loss) from continuing operations
Discontinued operations, net of tax (7)
Net income (loss) per common share - basic and diluted
328.4
178.2
1.4
—
179.9
87.8
(120.9)
35.2
2.1
2.8
(0.7)
—
(0.7)
0.2
(0.9)
(0.02)
—
(0.02)
$
$
$
$
$
$
242.7
140.6
11.8
—
149.4
91.2
(96.3)
33.5
28.4
13.0
15.4
—
15.4
0.3
15.1
0.35
—
0.35
$
$
$
222.5
135.4
0.8
—
139.3
103.6
(93.5)
37.3
47.4
17.5
29.9
1.2
31.1
0.3
30.8
0.73
0.03
0.76
$
$
$
175.9
108.2
20.8
1.2
120.3
51.5
(77.1)
31.2
5.6
0.7
4.9
1.2
6.1
0.5
5.6
0.12
0.03
0.15
$
$
$
121.7
77.8
2.6
—
88.0
58.9
(49.4)
27.9
37.4
13.1
24.3
2.7
27.0
0.6
26.4
0.79
0.09
0.88
Weighted-average number of shares - basic and diluted
50,176
41,998
39,764
34,652
29,600
Cash dividends per common share
$
1.55
$
1.55
$
1.55
$
1.55
$
1.55
Consolidated cash flow data from continuing operations:
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash flows used for investing activities
Cash flows (used for) provided by financing activities
Capital expenditures
Consolidated Balance Sheet:
Cash and cash equivalents
Total current assets
Net property, plant and equipment
Total assets
Total debt (including current portion)
Stockholders’ equity
Other financial data (unaudited):
Adjusted EBITDA (8)
$
$
$
$
219.2
(119.5)
(90.4)
133.9
15.9
126.4
1,093.3
2,138.5
1,388.8
250.7
$
$
187.8
(246.9)
60.2
109.0
6.7
134.1
1,137.5
2,211.8
1,351.2
330.8
168.5
(107.4)
(71.6)
107.4
$
119.7
(468.5)
257.5
77.0
5.6
87.7
885.4
1,733.8
1,208.3
152.3
$
17.9
109.3
907.7
1,780.7
1,205.0
136.1
$
$
124.3
(40.7)
(50.7)
41.8
105.7
164.7
337.6
1,189.3
879.9
47.8
$
328.9
$
288.5
$
286.5
$
231.9
$
185.0
(1) On October 16, 2014, we completed our acquisition of Enventis Corporation (“Enventis”) in which we acquired all
the issued and outstanding shares of Enventis in exchange for shares of our common stock. The financial results for
Enventis have been included in our consolidated financial statements as of the acquisition date.
(2) In July 2012, we acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of SureWest Communications (“SureWest”) in a cash and
stock transaction. SureWest results of operations have been included in our consolidated financial statements as of
the acquisition date of July 2, 2012.
(3) Acquisition and other transaction costs includes costs incurred related to acquisitions, including severance costs.
34
(4) In 2014, we redeemed $72.8 million of the original aggregate principal amount of our $300.0 million 10.875%
Senior Notes due 2020 (the “2020 Notes”). In connection with the redemption of the 2020 Notes, we recognized a
loss of $13.8 million on the partial extinguishment of debt during the year ended December 31, 2014. In 2015, we
redeemed the remaining $227.2 million of the 2020 Notes for $261.9 million and recognized a loss on the
extinguishment of debt of $41.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2015.
(5) In 2013, we entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement to restate our term loan credit facility.
In connection with entering into the restated credit agreement, we incurred a loss on the extinguishment of debt of
$7.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2013.
(6) In 2012, we entered into a $350.0 million Senior Unsecured Bridge Loan Facility (“Bridge Facility”) to fund the
SureWest acquisition. During 2012, we incurred $4.2 million of amortization related to the financing costs and $1.5
million of interest related to ticking fees associated with the Bridge Facility. In addition, in 2012 we entered into a
Second Amendment and Incremental Facility Agreement to amend our term loan facility. As a result, we incurred a
loss on the extinguishment of debt of $4.5 million related to the repayment of our outstanding term loan.
(7) In September 2013, we completed the sale of the assets and contractual rights of our prison services business for a
total cash price of $2.5 million, resulting in a gain of $1.3 million, net of tax. The financial results and net gain from
the sale of the prison services business are included in income from discontinued operations for the years ended on
or before December 31, 2013.
(8) In addition to the results reported in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
(“US GAAP” or “GAAP”), we also use certain non-GAAP measures such as EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA to
evaluate operating performance and to facilitate the comparison of our historical results and trends. These financial
measures are not a measure of financial performance under US GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or
as a substitute for net income (loss) as a measure of performance and net cash provided by operating activities as a
measure of liquidity. They are not, on their own, necessarily indicative of cash available to fund cash needs as
determined in accordance with GAAP. The calculation of these non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to
similarly titled measures used by other companies. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to the most
directly comparable financial measures presented in accordance with GAAP are provided below.
EBITDA is defined as net earnings before interest expense, income taxes, and depreciation and amortization.
Adjusted EBITDA is comprised of EBITDA, adjusted for certain items as permitted or required under our credit
facility as described in the reconciliations below. These measures are a common measure of operating performance
in the telecommunications industry and are useful, with other data, as a means to evaluate our ability to fund our
estimated uses of cash.
35
The following tables are a reconciliation of net cash provided by operating activities to Adjusted EBITDA:
(In millions, unaudited)
2011
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations $ 219.2 $ 187.8 $ 168.5 $ 119.7 $ 124.3
2014
2015
2012
Year Ended December 31,
2013
Adjustments:
Non-cash, stock-based compensation
Other adjustments, net
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Interest expense, net
Income taxes
EBITDA
Adjustments to EBITDA:
Other, net (a)
Investment distributions (b)
Loss on extinguishment of debt (c)
Intangible asset impairment (d)
Non-cash, stock-based compensation (e)
Adjusted EBITDA
(3.1)
(59.5)
22.6
79.6
2.8
261.6
(3.6)
(31.6)
12.3
82.5
13.0
260.4
(3.0)
(24.8)
28.5
85.8
17.5
272.5
(2.3)
(9.7)
17.6
72.6
0.7
198.6
(2.1)
(10.9)
1.1
49.4
13.1
174.9
(22.3)
45.3
41.2
—
3.1
(20.4)
28.4
–
–
2.1
$ 328.9 $ 288.5 $ 286.5 $ 231.9 $ 185.0
(31.5)
34.8
7.7
—
3.0
(23.9)
34.6
13.8
—
3.6
(3.9)
29.2
4.5
1.2
2.3
(a) Other, net includes the equity earnings from our investments, dividend income, income attributable to
noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries, acquisition and transaction related costs including severance and certain
other miscellaneous items.
(b)
Includes all cash dividends and other cash distributions received from our investments.
(c) Represents the redemption premium and write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs in connection with the
redemption or retirement of our debt obligations.
(d) Represents intangible asset impairment charges recognized during the period.
(e) Represents compensation expenses in connection with the issuance of stock awards, which because of their non-
cash nature, these expenses are excluded from adjusted EBITDA.
36
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Reference is made Part I – Item 1 “Note About Forward-Looking Statements” and Part I – Item 1A “Risk Factors”
which describes important factors that could cause actual results to differ from expectations and non-historical
information contained herein. In addition, the following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is intended to help the reader understand the results of operations and financial
condition of Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. (“Consolidated”, the “Company”, “we” or “our”). MD&A
should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes to the
consolidated financial statements (“Notes”) as of and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015
included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Throughout MD&A, we refer to certain measures that are not a measure of financial performance in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“US GAAP” or “GAAP”). We believe the use of these
non-GAAP measures on a consolidated basis provides the reader with additional information that is useful in
understanding our operating results and trends. These measures should be viewed in addition to, rather than as a
substitute for, those measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. See the Non-GAAP Measures section below for a
more detailed discussion on the use and calculation of these measures.
Overview
We are an integrated communications services company that operates as both an Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier
(“ILEC”) and a Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (“CLEC”) dependent upon the territory served. We provide an
array of services in consumer, commercial and carrier channels in 11 states, including local and long-distance service,
high-speed broadband Internet access, video services, Voice over Internet Protocol (“VoIP”), custom calling features,
private line services, carrier grade access services, network capacity services over our regional fiber optic networks, data
center and managed services, directory publishing, equipment sales and cloud data services.
Revenues increased $140.0 million during 2015 compared to 2014, primarily from growth in commercial services, total
data connections and the acquisition of Enventis Corporation (“Enventis”) in October 2014, as described below. We
generate the majority of our consolidated operating revenues primarily from subscriptions to our video, data and
transport services (collectively “broadband services”) to business and residential customers. We expect our broadband
services revenue to continue to grow as consumer and commercial demands for data based services increase.
We continue to focus on commercial and broadband growth opportunities and are continually expanding our commercial
product offerings for both small and large businesses to capitalize on industry technological advances. We can leverage
our fiber optic networks and tailor our services for business customers by developing solutions to fit their specific
needs. We gained strategic advantage through the acquisition of Enventis in 2014, which recently launched a suite of
cloud data services that increases efficiency and reduces IT costs for our customers. In addition, we recently launched
an enhanced hosted voice product, which enables greater scalability and reliability for businesses. We anticipate future
momentum in new commercial services as these new products gain traction.
We market services to our residential customers either individually or as a bundled package. Our “triple play” bundle
includes our voice, video and data services. Data connections continue to increase as a result of consumer trends toward
increased Internet usage and our enhanced product and service offerings, such as our progressively increasing consumer
data speeds. We introduced data speeds of up to 1 Gbps to approximately 20,000 of our fiber-to-the-home customers in
our Kansas market and a limited portion of our Pennsylvania market in December 2014 and in our Texas market in the
first quarter of 2015, with our California market to follow in 2016. Where 1 Gbps speeds are not yet offered, the
maximum broadband speed is 100 Mbps, depending on the geographic market availability. As of December 31, 2015,
approximately 29% of the homes in the areas we serve subscribe to our data service.
Our exceptional consumer broadband speed allows us to continue to meet the needs of our customers and the demand for
higher speed resulting from the growing trend of over-the-top (“OTT”) content viewing. The availability of 1 Gbps data
speed also complements our wireless home networking (“Wi-Fi”) that supports our TV Everywhere service and allows
our subscribers to watch their favorite programs at home or away on a computer, smartphone or tablet.
The increase in our operating revenues during 2015 was offset, in part, by an anticipated industry-wide trend of a decline
in consumer voice services, access lines and related network access. Many consumers are choosing to subscribe to
37
alternative communications services and competition for these subscribers continues to increase. Excluding the increase
in voice connections as a result of the acquisition of Enventis in 2014, total voice connections decreased 5% as of
December 31, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014. Competition from wireless providers, competitive local
exchange carriers and, in some cases, cable television providers has increased in recent years in the markets we
serve. We have been able to mitigate some of the access line losses through marketing initiatives and product offerings,
such as our VoIP service. In addition, our video connection growth is decelerating. Excluding Enventis, total video
connections decreased 6% as of December 31, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014. The consumer’s growing
acceptance of OTT video services either to augment their current viewing options or to entirely replace their video
subscription may impact our future video subscriber base, which could result in a decline in video revenue as well as a
reduction in video programing costs. We believe this trend in changing consumer viewing habits will continue to impact
our business model and strategy of providing consumers the necessary broadband speed to facilitate OTT content
viewing.
As discussed in the “Regulatory Matters” section below, our operating revenues are also impacted by legislative or
regulatory changes at the federal and state levels, which could reduce or eliminate the current subsidies revenue we
receive. A number of proceedings and recent orders relate to universal service reform, intercarrier compensation and
network access charges. There are various ongoing legal challenges to the orders that have been issued. As a result, it is
not yet possible to determine fully the impact of the regulatory changes on our operations.
Significant Recent Developments
Enventis Merger
On October 16, 2014, we completed our merger with Enventis and acquired all the issued and outstanding shares of
Enventis in exchange for shares of our common stock. As a result, Enventis became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Company. The total value of the purchase consideration exchanged was $257.7 million, excluding $149.9 million paid
to extinguish Enventis’ outstanding debt. On the date of the merger, we issued an aggregate total of 10.1 million shares
of our common stock to the former Enventis shareholders.
Enventis is an advanced communications provider, which services consumer, commercial and wholesale carrier
customer channels primarily in the upper Midwest. The acquisition reflects our strategy to diversify revenue and cash
flows amongst multiple products and to expand our network to new markets. The financial results for Enventis have
been included in our consolidated financial statements as of the acquisition date.
In connection with the acquisition, in September 2014, we completed an offering of $200.0 million aggregate principal
amount of 6.50% senior notes due 2022 (the “Existing Notes”). The net proceeds from the issuance of the Existing
Notes were used to finance the acquisition of Enventis, including related fees and expenses, and to pay the existing
indebtedness of Enventis. A portion of the proceeds, together with cash on hand and borrowings under our credit
facility, was also used to redeem $72.8 million of our $300.0 million original aggregate principal amount of 10.875%
Senior Notes due 2020 (the “2020 Notes”), as described in the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section below.
Issuance of Additional Senior Notes
On June 8, 2015, we issued an additional $300.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.50% Senior Notes due 2022
(the “New Notes” and together with the Existing Notes, the “2022 Notes”). The New Notes were priced at 98.26% of
par and resulted in total gross proceeds of approximately $294.8 million, excluding accrued interest. The net proceeds
from the issuance of the New Notes were used, in part, to redeem the remaining $227.2 million of the original aggregate
principal amount of the 2020 Notes, to pay related fees and expenses and to reduce the outstanding balance of our
revolving credit facility. In connection with the redemption of the 2020 Notes, we paid $261.9 million and recognized a
loss on extinguishment of debt of $41.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2015.
On October 16, 2015, we completed an exchange offer to register all of the 2022 Notes under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended (the “Securities Act”). The terms of the registered 2022 Notes are substantially identical to the 2022 Notes
prior to the exchange, except that the notes are now registered under the Securities Act and the transfer restrictions and
registration rights applicable to the original 2022 Notes no longer apply to the registered 2022 Notes. The exchange
offer did not impact the aggregate principal amount or the remaining terms of the 2022 Notes outstanding.
38
Discontinued Operations
On September 13, 2013, we completed the sale of the assets and contractual rights used to provide communications
services to thirteen county jails located in Illinois. The sale was completed for an aggregate purchase price of $2.5
million, resulting in a gain of $1.3 million, net of tax. The financial results of the operations for our prison services
business have been reported as discontinued operations in our consolidated financial statements for the year ended
December 31, 2013.
Results of Operations
The following tables reflect our financial results on a consolidated basis and key operating statistics as of and for the
years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.
Financial Data
(In millions, except for percentages)
Operating Revenues
Commercial and carrier:
Data and transport services (includes VoIP)
Voice services
Other
Consumer:
Broadband (VoIP, data and video)
Voice services
Equipment sales and service
Subsidies
Network access
Other products and services
Total operating revenues
Operating Expenses
Cost of services and products
Selling, general and administrative costs
Acquisition and other transaction costs
Depreciation and amortization
Total operating expenses
Income from operations
Interest expense, net
Loss on extinguishment of debt
Other income
Income tax expense
Net income (loss)
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders
2015
2014
2013
% Change
2015 vs.
2014 vs.
2014 2013
$ 183.3 $ 117.5 $ 94.5
89.8
103.0
10.6
12.3
194.9
298.6
92.6
11.5
221.6
56 % 24 %
11
7
35
3
8
14
213.6
60.6
274.2
55.0
56.3
73.9
17.7
775.7
200.8
60.2
261.0
10.0
53.2
75.7
14.2
635.7
195.1
63.9
259.0
—
52.0
81.4
14.3
601.6
6
1
5
450
6
(2)
25
22
3
(6)
1
—
2
(7)
(1)
6
328.4
178.2
1.4
179.9
687.9
87.8
(79.6)
(41.2)
35.1
2.8
(0.7)
—
0.2
222.5
135.4
0.8
139.3
498.0
103.6
(85.8)
(7.7)
37.3
17.5
29.9
1.2
0.3
$ (0.9) $ 15.1 $ 30.8
242.7
140.6
11.8
149.4
544.5
91.2
(82.5)
(13.8)
33.5
13.0
15.4
—
0.3
35
9
4
27
(88) 1,375
7
20
9
26
(12)
(4)
(4)
(4)
79
199
(10)
5
(26)
(78)
(48)
(105)
(100)
—
—
(33)
(51)
(106)
Adjusted EBITDA
(1)
$ 328.9 $ 288.5 $ 286.5
14 %
1 %
(1) A non-GAAP measure. See the Non-GAAP Measures section below for additional information and reconciliation
to the most directly comparable GAAP measure.
39
Consumer customers
Voice connections
Data connections
Video connections
Total connections
Key Operating Statistics
2015
268,934
2014
277,753
% Change
2015 vs. 2014 vs.
2014
2013
(3)% 7 %
2013
258,769
482,735
456,100
117,882
503,120
443,489
124,229
1,056,717 1,070,838
440,253
407,972
111,968
960,193
14
9
11
(4)
3
(5)
(1)% 12 %
The comparability of our consolidated results of operations and key operating statistics was impacted by the Enventis
acquisition that closed on October 16, 2014, as described above. Enventis’ results are included in our consolidated
financial statements as of the date of the acquisition. The acquisition provides additional diversification of the
Company’s revenues and cash flows both geographically and by service type.
Operating Revenues
Commercial and Carrier
Data and Transport Services
We provide a variety of business communication services to small, medium and large business customers, including
many services over our advanced fiber network. The services we offer include scalable high speed broadband Internet
access and VoIP phone services which range from basic service plans to virtual hosted systems. In addition to Internet
and VoIP services, we also offer private line data services to businesses that include dedicated Internet access through
our Metro Ethernet network. Wide Area Network (“WAN”) products include point-to-point and multi-point
deployments from 2.5 Mbps to 10 Gbps to accommodate the growth patterns of our business customers. Data center and
disaster recovery solutions provide a reliable and local colocation option for commercial customers. We also offer
wholesale services to regional and national interexchange and wireless carriers, including cellular backhaul and other
fiber transport solutions.
Data and transport services revenue increased $65.8 million during 2015 compared to 2014 and $23.0 million during
2014 compared to 2013. Excluding the addition of Enventis revenue of $57.5 million and $14.1 million, respectively,
data and transport services revenue increased $8.3 million and $8.9 million, respectively, primarily from growth in data
connections and a continued increase in VoIP, Internet access and Metro Ethernet revenue. Fiber transport and cellular
backhaul revenue also increased as network bandwidth demand for wireless data continues to escalate.
Voice Services
Voice services include basic local phone and long-distance service packages for business customers. The plans include
options for voicemail, conference calling, linking multiple office locations and other custom calling features such as
caller ID, call forwarding, speed dialing and call waiting. Services can be charged at a fixed monthly rate, a measured
rate or can be bundled with selected services at a discounted rate.
Voice services revenue increased $10.4 million during 2015 compared to 2014 and $2.8 million during 2014 compared
to 2013. Excluding the addition of Enventis revenue of $14.4 million and $3.8 million, respectively, voice services
revenue decreased $4.0 million and $1.0 million, respectively, primarily due to a 5% decline in access lines during each
period as commercial customers are increasingly choosing alternative technologies, including our own VoIP product,
and the broad range of features that Internet based voice services can offer.
Consumer
Broadband Services
Broadband services include revenue from residential customers for subscriptions to our VoIP, data and video
products. We offer high speed Internet access at speeds of up to 1 Gbps, depending on the nature of the network
40
facilities that are available, the level of service selected and the location. Our VoIP digital phone service is also
available in certain markets as an alternative to the traditional telephone line. Depending on geographic market
availability, our video services range from limited basic service to advanced digital television, which includes several
plans each with hundreds of local, national and music channels including premium and pay-per-view channels as well as
video on-demand service. Certain customers may also subscribe to our advanced video services, which consist of high-
definition television, digital video recorders (“DVR”) and/or a whole home DVR.
Broadband services revenue increased $12.8 million during 2015 compared to 2014. Excluding the addition of Enventis
revenue of $13.5 million, broadband services revenue decreased $0.7 million primarily due to an 8% decline in video
connections and increased discounts on our data service offerings. We expect data revenue to grow as a result of the
rising consumer demand for data-based services. However, the revenue growth was tempered by a decrease in VoIP
revenue during that same period due to a decline in voice connections as more consumers have begun to rely exclusively
on wireless service.
Broadband services revenue increased $5.7 million during 2014 compared to 2013. Excluding the addition of Enventis
revenue of $3.4 million, broadband services revenue increased $2.3 million primarily due to growth in Internet access
revenue and video subscriptions revenue.
Voice Services
We offer several different basic local phone service packages and long-distance calling plans, including unlimited flat-
rate calling plans. The plans include options for voicemail and other custom calling features such as caller ID, call
forwarding and call waiting. Voice services revenue increased $0.4 million during 2015 compared to 2014 and
decreased $3.7 million during 2014 compared to 2013. Excluding the addition of Enventis revenue of $5.5 million and
$1.5 million, respectively, voice services revenue decreased $5.1 million and $5.2 million, respectively, primarily due to
a 9% and 13% decline in voice connections, respectively. The number of local access lines in service directly affects the
recurring revenue we generate from end users and continues to be impacted by the industry-wide decline in access
lines. We expect to continue to experience modest erosion in voice connections due to competition from alternative
technologies, including our own competing VoIP product.
Equipment Sales and Service
Through our acquisition of Enventis in 2014, we obtained a leading market relationship with Cisco Systems, Inc. and, as
a result, are an accredited Master Level Unified Communications and Gold Certified Cisco Partner providing equipment
solutions and support for business customers. As an equipment integrator, we offer network design, implementation and
support services, including maintenance contracts, in order to provide integrated communication solutions for our
customers. When an equipment sale involves multiple deliverables, revenue is allocated to each respective element
based on relative selling price. Equipment sales and services are non-recurring and changes in revenue can be attributed
to the timing and volume of customer sales, which can vary each quarter and result in positive or negative fluctuations in
our quarterly operating revenues and expenses. Equipment sales and service revenue increased $45.0 million during
2015 compared to 2014 and $10.0 million during 2014 compared to 2013 due to the acquisition of Enventis.
Subsidies
Subsidies consist of both federal and state subsidies, which are designed to promote widely available, quality telephone
service at affordable prices in rural areas. Subsidies revenue increased $3.1 million during 2015 compared to 2014.
Excluding the addition of Enventis revenue of $6.8 million, subsidies revenue decreased $3.7 million as a result of a
reduction in state funding support for our Texas ILEC and the transition from CAF Phase I to CAF Phase II funding.
See the “Regulatory Matters” section below for further discussion of the subsidies we receive.
Subsidies revenue increased $1.2 million during 2014 compared to 2013 primarily from the addition of Enventis
revenue.
Network Access Services
Network access services include interstate and intrastate switched access revenue, network special access services and
end user access. Switched access revenue includes access services to other communications carriers to terminate or
41
originate long-distance calls on our network. Special access circuits provide dedicated lines and trunks to business
customers and interexchange carriers. Network access services revenue decreased $1.8 million during 2015 compared to
2014 and $5.7 million during 2014 compared to 2013. Excluding the addition of Enventis revenue of $6.0 million and
$1.7 million, respectively, network access services revenue decreased $7.8 million and $7.4 million, respectively,
primarily due to declines in switched and special access revenues. Special access revenue decreased primarily due to a
reduction in the number of our carrier circuits; however, a portion of the decrease can be attributed to carriers shifting to
our fiber Metro Ethernet product, contributing to the growth in that area. Switched access revenue decreased primarily
as a result of the continuing decline in minutes of use and voice connections.
Other Products and Services
Other products and services include revenues from telephone directory publishing, video advertising and billing and
support services. Other products and services revenue increased $3.5 million during 2015 compared to 2014 primarily
from the addition of Enventis revenue of $3.9 million for its billing and support services and an increase in video
advertising revenues, which was offset by a decline in directory publishing revenue.
Other products and services revenue decreased $0.1 million during 2014 compared to 2013. Excluding the addition of
Enventis revenue of $1.4 million, other products and services revenue decreased $1.5 million primarily due to a decline
in directory publishing revenue.
Operating Expenses
Cost of Services and Products
Cost of services and products increased $85.7 million during 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to the addition of the
operations for Enventis during 2014, which accounted for $80.3 million of the increase. Video programming costs also
increased $5.0 million as costs per program channel continue to rise. Video programming costs are impacted by license
fees charged by cable networks, the amount and quality of the content we provide and the number of video subscribers
we serve. We anticipate that programming costs will continue to increase due to the rising cost of license fees and as we
add additional content and offer video content to various platforms. Network access costs also increased as a result of
growth in carrier and wireless backhaul services. However, these increases were partially offset by a decline in
employee costs due to a reduction in headcount.
In 2014, cost of services and products increased $20.2 million compared to 2013. The addition of the operations for
Enventis during 2014 accounted for $18.8 million of the increase. Video programming costs also increased due to a
growth in video connections and an increase in costs per program channel. However, the increase in video programming
costs was largely offset by a decline in employee costs due to a reduction in headcount as a result of integration and cost
reduction efforts in 2013 as well as a reduction in pension expense in 2014.
Selling, General and Administrative Costs
Selling, general and administrative costs increased $37.6 million during 2015 compared to 2014. The acquisition of
Enventis in 2014 contributed $29.7 million of the increase. In addition, as part of the Company’s continued integration
efforts, an early retirement program was initiated during 2015 to a group of select employees who were 55 years of age
or older and who have provided 15 or more years of service. The employees were primarily in non-customer facing
positions or positions in which the Company believed the retiree’s workload could be absorbed internally as part of the
Company’s continuing cost saving initiatives. The early retirement package was accepted by approximately 60
employees and, as a result, one-time severance costs of $7.2 million were incurred in 2015. The Company expects
approximately $4.8 million in future annual savings as a result of the early retirement program. The remaining increase
in selling, general and administrative costs was primarily due to an increase in property taxes and regulatory fees and
increased pension costs in the current year. These increases were offset in part by a decline in employee-related costs
and a reduction in advertising expense in 2015.
Selling, general and administrative costs increased $5.2 million during 2014 compared to 2013 primarily as a result of
the addition of the operations for Enventis in 2014, which accounted for $7.2 million of the annual increase. Excluding
Enventis, selling, general and administrative expense decreased $2.0 million due to a decline in professional fees for
legal and billing services and a reduction in pension costs in 2014. These savings were offset in part by growth in our
42
commercial sales force as a result of the expansion of our commercial services in the Dallas market in 2014. Bad debt
expense also increased due to recoveries recognized in 2013.
Acquisition and Other Transaction Costs
Acquisition and other transaction costs decreased $10.4 million during 2015 compared to 2014 as a result of the
acquisition of Enventis, which closed in the fourth quarter of 2014. In 2014, we incurred $11.8 million in transaction
related fees in connection with the acquisition of Enventis. Transaction costs consist primarily of legal, finance and
other professional fees as well as expenses related to change-in-control payments to former employees of the acquired
companies.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $30.5 million during 2015 compared to 2014, primarily as a result of
the acquisition of Enventis during 2014 which accounted for $31.4 million of the increase. Excluding the addition of the
operations for Enventis, depreciation and amortization expense decreased $0.9 million in 2015 due to certain circuit,
network and terminal equipment becoming fully depreciated during 2015, which was offset in part by capital
expenditures for internally developed software and outside plant related to integration and success based projects.
In 2014, depreciation and amortization expense increased $10.1 million compared to 2013, primarily as a result of the
acquisition of Enventis during 2014 which accounted for $8.0 million of the increase. The remaining increase was
primarily associated with ongoing capital expenditures related to network enhancements and success based capital
projects for consumer and commercial services.
Regulatory Matters
Our revenues are subject to broad federal and/or state regulation, which include such telecommunications services as
local telephone service, network access service and toll service and are derived from various sources, including:
•
•
•
•
•
business and residential subscribers of basic exchange services;
surcharges mandated by state commissions;
long distance carriers for network access service;
competitive access providers and commercial customers for network access service; and
support payments from federal or state programs.
telecommunications
the
The
Telecommunications Act of 1996, federal and state regulators share responsibility for implementing and enforcing
statutes and regulations designed to encourage competition and to preserve and advance widely available, quality
telephone service at affordable prices.
to extensive federal, state and
local regulation. Under
is subject
industry
At the federal level, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) generally exercises jurisdiction over facilities
and services of local exchange carriers, such as our rural telephone companies, to the extent they are used to provide,
originate or terminate interstate or international communications. The FCC has the authority to condition, modify,
cancel, terminate or revoke our operating authority for failure to comply with applicable federal laws or FCC rules,
regulations and policies. Fines or penalties also may be imposed for any of these violations.
State regulatory commissions generally exercise jurisdiction over carriers’ facilities and services to the extent they are
used to provide, originate or terminate intrastate communications. In particular, state regulatory agencies have
substantial oversight over interconnection and network access by competitors of our rural telephone companies. In
addition, municipalities and other local government agencies regulate the public rights-of-way necessary to install and
operate networks. State regulators can sanction our rural telephone companies or revoke our certifications if we violate
relevant laws or regulations.
43
FCC Matters
In general, telecommunications service in rural areas is more costly to provide than service in urban areas. The lower
customer density means that switching and other facilities serve fewer customers and loops are typically longer,
requiring greater expenditures per customer to build and maintain. By supporting the high-cost of operations in rural
markets, Universal Service Fund (“USF”) subsidies promote widely available, quality telephone service at affordable
prices in rural areas. Revenues from the federal and certain states’ USFs increased $3.2 million in 2015 compared to
2014 primarily due to the acquisition of Enventis in October 2014.
In order for an eligible telecommunications carrier (“ETC”) to receive high-cost support, the USF/Intercarrier
Compensation (“ICC”) Transformation Order requires states to certify annually that USF support is used only for the
provision, maintenance and upgrading of facilities and services for which the support is intended. States, in turn, require
that ETCs file certifications with them as the basis for the state filings with the FCC. Failure to meet the annual data and
certification deadlines can result in reduced support to the ETC based on the length of the delay in certification. For
calendar year 2013, the California state certification was due to be filed with the FCC on or before October 1, 2012. We
were notified in January 2013 that SureWest Communications (“SureWest”) did not submit the required certification to
the California Public Utilities Commission (“CPUC”) in time to be included in its October 1, 2012 submission to the
FCC. In January 2013, we filed a certification with the CPUC and filed a petition with the FCC for a waiver of the filing
deadline for the annual state certification. In February 2013, the CPUC filed a certification with the FCC with respect to
SureWest. In October 2013, the Wireline Competition Bureau of the FCC denied our petition for a waiver of the annual
certification deadline. In November 2013, we applied for a review of the decision made by the FCC staff by the full
Commission. Management is optimistic that the Company may prevail in its application to the Commission and receive
USF funding for the period January 1, 2013 through June 30, 2013 based on the change in SureWest’s USF filing status
caused by the change in the ownership of SureWest, the lack of formal notice by the FCC regarding this change in filing
status, the fact that SureWest had a previously filed certification of compliance in effect with the FCC for the two
quarters for which USF was withheld and the FCC’s past practice of granting waivers to accept late filings in similar
situations. However, due to the denial of our petition by the Wireline Competition Bureau and the uncertainty of the
collectability of previously recognized revenues, in December 2013 we reversed $3.0 million of previously recognized
revenues until such time that the Commission has the opportunity to reach a decision on our application for review.
Our recently acquired Enventis ILEC properties are cost-based rate of return companies. Historically, under FCC
rules governing rate making, these ILECs were required to establish rates for their interstate telecommunications
services based on projected demand usage for the various services. We projected our earnings through the use of annual
cost separation studies, which utilized estimated total cost information and projected demand usage. Carriers were
required to follow FCC rules in the preparation of these annual studies. We determined actual earnings from our
interstate rates as actual volumes and costs became known. Effective January 1, 2015, our Enventis ILECs are treated as
price cap companies for universal service purposes. In March 2015, we filed a petition for waiver to keep them as rate
of return companies for switched and special access. The petition was granted in October 2015. We expect certain
adjustments to take place over 24 months as a result of exiting the National Exchange Carrier Association (“NECA”)
pool; however, we do not anticipate that they will be material to our consolidated financial statements or results of
operations.
An order adopted by the FCC in 2011 (the “Order”) will significantly impact the amount of support revenue we receive
from the USF, Connect America Fund (“CAF”) and ICC. The Order reformed core parts of the USF, broadly recast the
existing ICC scheme, established the CAF to replace support revenues provided by the current USF and redirected
support from voice services to broadband services. In 2012, CAF Phase I was implemented, which froze USF support to
price cap carriers until the FCC implemented a broadband cost model to shift support from voice services to broadband
services. The Order also modified the methodology used for ICC traffic exchanged between carriers. The initial phase
of ICC reform was effective on July 1, 2012, beginning the transition of our terminating switched access rates to bill-
and-keep over a seven year period, and as a result, our network access revenue decreased approximately $1.3 million
during 2015.
In December 2014, the FCC released a report and order that addressed, among other things, the transition to CAF Phase
II funding for price cap carriers and the acceptance criteria for CAF Phase II funding. For companies that accept the
CAF Phase II funding, there is a three year transition period in instances in which their current CAF Phase I funding
exceeds the CAF Phase II funding. If CAF Phase II funding exceeds CAF Phase I funding, the transitional support is
waived and CAF Phase II funding begins immediately. Companies are required to commit to a statewide build out
44
requirement to 10 Mbps downstream and 1 Mbps upstream in funded locations. We accepted the CAF Phase II funding
in August 2015. The annual funding under CAF Phase I of $36.6 million will be replaced by annual funding under CAF
Phase II of $13.9 million through 2020. In the state of Iowa, where CAF Phase II funding is greater than the CAF Phase
I funding, the CAF Phase II funding will be received with a retroactive payment back to January 1, 2015. For all other
states, funding under CAF Phase II is less than funding under CAF Phase I. The acceptance of funding at the lower level
will transition over a three year period based on the CAF Phase I funding levels at the rates of 75% in the first year, 50%
in the second year and 25% in the third year. For the period from August 2015 through December 2015, the Company
received and recognized approximately $6.4 million in total CAF Phase II funding, which includes the retroactive
payment for Iowa of approximately $0.6 million.
In March 2015, the FCC released its net neutrality order which applies to all wireline and wireless providers of
broadband internet access services. The net neutrality order addresses several areas that will be regulated and others that
are subject to forbearance. The regulations disallow blocking, throttling and paid prioritization by internet service
providers. The net neutrality order also requires providers to disclose certain information to consumers on rates, fees,
data allowances and packet loss. Finally, it gives the FCC codified enforcement authority and it forbears on certain Title
II regulations. We are evaluating the net neutrality order, and we currently do not believe the order will result in any
significant changes to the services we provide our customers, nor do we believe it will have a material impact on our
condensed consolidated financial position or results of operations.
State Matters
California
In an ongoing proceeding relating to the New Regulatory Framework, the CPUC adopted Decision 06-08-030 in 2006,
which grants carriers broader pricing freedom in the provision of telecommunications services, bundling of services,
promotions and customer contracts. This decision adopted a new regulatory framework, the Uniform Regulatory
Framework (“URF”), which among other things (i) eliminates price regulation and allows full pricing flexibility for all
new and retail services, (ii) allows new forms of bundles and promotional packages of telecommunication services,
(iii) allocates all gains and losses from the sale of assets to shareholders and (iv) eliminates almost all elements of rate of
return regulation, including the calculation of shareable earnings. In December 2010, the CPUC issued a ruling to
initiate a new proceeding to assess whether, or to what extent, the level of competition in the telecommunications
industry is sufficient to control prices for the four largest ILECs in the state. Subsequently, the CPUC issued a ruling
temporarily deferring the proceeding. When the CPUC may open this proceeding is unclear and on hold at this time.
The CPUC’s actions in this and future proceedings could lead to new rules and an increase in government
regulation. The Company will continue to monitor this matter.
Pennsylvania
In 2011, the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission (“PAPUC”) issued an intrastate access reform order reducing
intrastate access rates to interstate levels in a three-step process, which began in March 2012. With the release of the
FCC order in November 2011, the PAPUC temporarily issued a stay. A final stay was issued in 2012 to implement the
FCC ordered intrastate access rate changes. The PAPUC had indicated that it would address state universal funding in
2013, but delayed conducting a proceeding pending any state legislative activity that may occur in the 2015 legislative
session. The Company will continue to monitor this matter.
Texas
The Texas Public Utilities Regulatory Act (“PURA”) directs the Public Utilities Commission of Texas (“PUCT”) to
adopt and enforce rules requiring local exchange carriers to contribute to a state universal service fund that helps
telecommunications providers offer basic local telecommunications service at reasonable rates in high-cost rural
areas. The Texas Universal Service Fund is also used to reimburse telecommunications providers for revenues lost by
providing lifeline service. Our Texas rural telephone companies receive disbursements from this fund.
Our Texas ILECs have historically received support from two state funds, the small and rural incumbent local exchange
company plan High Cost Fund (“HCF”) and the High Cost Assistance Fund (“HCAF”). The HCF is a line-based fund
used to keep local rates low. The rate is applied on all residential lines and up to five single business lines. The amount
we receive from the HCAF is a frozen monthly amount that was originally developed to offset high intrastate toll rates.
45
In September 2011, the Texas state legislature passed Senate Bill No. 980/House Bill No. 2603 which, among other
things, mandated the PUCT to review the Universal Service Fund and issue recommendations by January 1, 2013 with
the intent to effectively reduce the size of the Universal Service Fund. This would be accomplished by implementing an
urban floor to offset state funding reductions with a phase-in period of four years. The PUCT recommended that
(i) frozen line counts be lifted effective September 1, 2013 and (ii) rural and urban local rate benchmarks be
developed. The large company fund review was completed in September 2012 and the PUCT addressed the small fund
participants in Docket 41097 Rate Rebalancing (“Docket 41097”), as discussed below.
In June 2013, the Texas state legislature passed Senate Bill No. 583 (“SB 583”). The provisions of SB 583 were
effective September 1, 2013 and froze HCF and HCAF support for the remainder of 2013. As of January 1, 2014, our
annual $1.4 million HCAF support was eliminated and the frozen HCF support returned to funding on a per line
basis. In July 2013, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with the PUCT on Docket 41097, which was
approved by the PUCT in August 2013. In accordance with the provisions of the settlement agreement, the HCF draw
will be reduced by approximately $1.2 million annually over a four year period beginning June 1, 2014 through
2018. However, we have the ability to fully offset this reduction with increases to residential rates where market
conditions allow, which the Company filed for in April 2014 and implemented in June 2014.
In addition, the PUCT is required to develop a needs test for post-2017 funding and has held workshops on various
proposals. The PUCT issued its recommendation to the Texas state commissioners in May 2014, which was approved in
December 2014. The needs test allows for a one-time disaggregation of line rates from a per line flat rate, then a
competitive test must be met to receive funding. The deadline for submission of the needs test is December 31,
2016. We expect to complete the needs test as required and file for continued funding by the 2016 deadline.
Other Regulatory Matters
We are also subject to a number of regulatory proceedings occurring at the federal and state levels that may have a
material impact on our operations. The FCC and state commissions have authority to issue rules and regulations related
to our business. A number of proceedings are pending or anticipated that are related to such telecommunications issues
as competition, interconnection, access charges, intercarrier compensation, broadband deployment, consumer protection
and universal service reform. Some proceedings may authorize new services to compete with our existing services.
Proceedings that relate to our cable television operations include rulemakings on set top boxes, carriage of programming,
industry consolidation and ways to promote additional competition. There are various on-going legal challenges to the
scope or validity of FCC orders that have been issued. As a result, it is not yet possible to fully determine the impact of
the related FCC rules and regulations on our operations.
Non-Operating Items
Interest Expense, Net
Interest expense, net of interest income, decreased $2.9 million during 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to a
reduction in the interest rate for our outstanding senior notes. In June 2015, we issued an additional $300.0 million in
6.50% Senior Notes due 2022, which were used, in part, to redeem our outstanding 10.875% Senior Notes due 2020, as
described below. The New Notes were issued as an add-on to the $200.0 million in 6.50% Senior Notes issued in
September 2014, the proceeds of which were used, in part, to fund the acquisition of Enventis in October 2014. Interest
expense was also reduced in 2015 by declines in non-cash interest expense related to our de-designated interest rate
swap agreements and additional financing costs in 2014 related to the bridge loan facility obtained for the Enventis
acquisition.
During 2014, interest expense, net of interest income, decreased $3.3 million compared to 2013 primarily due to a
reduction in interest expense related to our interest rate swap agreements as a result of the maturity of several agreements
during 2013. Interest rates on outstanding borrowings under our Credit Agreement also declined due to the amendment
of our Credit Agreement in December 2013. These reductions in interest expense were partially offset by an increase in
interest expense related to the issuance of a $200.0 million Senior Note offering in September 2014 used in part to fund
the acquisition of Enventis. 2014 also included additional amortization of deferred financing fees of $1.4 million related
to the bridge loan facility obtained for the Enventis acquisition.
46
In 2013, interest rate swaps previously designated as cash flow hedges were de-designated as a result of amendments to
our credit agreement. These interest rate swap agreements mature on various dates through September 2016. Prior to
de-designation, the effective portion of the change in fair value of the interest rate swaps were recognized in
accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”). The balance of the unrealized loss included in AOCI as of
the date the swaps were de-designated is being amortized to earnings over the remaining term of the swap agreements.
Changes in fair value of the de-designated swaps are immediately recognized in earnings as interest expense. During the
years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, gains of $0.8 million, $1.6 million and $2.2 million, respectively, were
recognized as a reduction to interest expense for the change in fair value of the de-designated swaps.
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt
In 2014, we redeemed $72.8 million of the original aggregate principal amount of our 10.875% Senior Notes due 2020,
as described in the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section below. In connection with the redemption of the 2020
Notes, we paid $84.1 million and recognized a loss of $13.8 million on the partial extinguishment of debt during the year
ended December 31, 2014. In 2015, we redeemed the remaining $227.2 million of the 2020 Notes for $261.9 million
and recognized a loss on the extinguishment of debt of $41.2 million during 2015.
In 2013, we amended our Credit Agreement to restate and amend our term loan credit facilities. In connection with
entering into the amended and restated credit agreement, we incurred a loss on the extinguishment of debt of $7.7
million during the year ended December 31, 2013.
Other Income
Investment income increased $2.2 million in 2015 compared to 2014, primarily due to an increase in earnings from our
wireless partnership interests, which was reduced in part by an other-than-temporary impairment loss of $0.8 million
during 2015 as a result of the sale of our equity interest in Central Valley Independent Network, LLC. Other, net
decreased $0.6 million compared to 2014 primarily due to additional reserves related to disputed tax assessments
recognized in 2015.
In 2014, investment income decreased $3.2 million in 2014 compared to 2013, primarily due to lower earnings from our
wireless partnership interests. Other, net decreased $0.5 million compared to 2013 due to bond solicitation fees of $0.5
million, and the sale of an office facility and other related assets in Pennsylvania that resulted in a non-cash loss of $0.8
million. Decreases were partially offset by a tentative settlement agreement of $0.9 million reached in a legal dispute in
the prior year.
Income Taxes
Income taxes decreased $10.2 million in 2015 compared to 2014. Our effective rate was 131.9% for 2015 compared to
45.8% for 2014. In 2015, we placed additional valuation allowances on state NOL and state tax credit carryforwards of
$3.9 million and $1.1 million, respectively, and related deferred tax asset of $0.2 million and $0.7 million, respectively.
We also recorded a net increase of $1.9 million to our net state deferred tax liabilities and a corresponding increase to
our state tax expense due to changes in state deferred income tax rates. In 2014, we released the full $1.5 million
valuation allowance and related deferred tax asset of $0.5 million maintained against the Federal NOL carryforwards
subject to separate return limitation year restrictions and placed a valuation allowance on the state tax credit
carryforwards of $0.5 million and related deferred tax asset of $0.3 million. The acquisition of Enventis on October 16,
2014 resulted in changes to our unitary state filings and correspondingly our state deferred income taxes. These changes
resulted in a net increase of $2.1 million to our net state deferred tax liabilities and a corresponding increase to our state
tax. In addition, we incurred non-deductible transaction costs in relation to the acquisition that resulted in an increase to
our tax provision of $0.7 million. Exclusive of these adjustments, our effective tax rate for 2015 would have been
approximately 7.9% compared to 36.6% for 2014. The 2015 effective tax rate differed from the federal and state
statutory rates primarily due to state tax credits and differences in allocable income for the Company’s state tax filings.
Income taxes decreased $4.5 million in 2014 compared to 2013. Our effective rate was 45.8% for 2014 compared to
36.9% for 2013. In 2014, we released the full $1.5 million valuation allowance and related deferred tax asset of $0.5
million maintained against the Federal NOL carryforwards subject to separate return limitation year restrictions and
placed a valuation allowance on the state tax credit carryforwards of $0.5 million and related deferred tax asset of $0.3
million. The acquisition of Enventis on October 16, 2014 resulted in changes to our unitary state filings and
correspondingly our state deferred income taxes. These changes resulted in a net increase of $2.1 million to our net state
47
deferred tax liabilities and a corresponding increase to our state tax. In addition, we incurred non-deductible transaction
costs in relation to the acquisition that resulted in an increase to our tax provision of $0.7 million. During 2013, we
recognized $1.2 million of our previously unrecognized tax benefits, which resulted in a decrease to our tax expense of
$0.8 million, due to the expiration of a state statute of limitations. We also recognized approximately $0.7 million of tax
expense during 2013 to adjust our 2012 provision to match our 2012 returns. Exclusive of these adjustments, our
effective tax rate for 2014 would have been approximately 36.6% compared to 37.1% for 2013.
Non-GAAP Measures
In addition to the results reported in accordance with US GAAP, we also use certain non-GAAP measures such as
EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA to evaluate operating performance and to facilitate the comparison of our historical
results and trends. These financial measures are not a measure of financial performance under US GAAP and should not
be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income as a measure of performance and net cash provided by
operating activities as a measure of liquidity. They are not, on their own, necessarily indicative of cash available to fund
cash needs as determined in accordance with GAAP. The calculation of these non-GAAP measures may not be
comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to the
most directly comparable financial measures presented in accordance with GAAP are provided below.
EBITDA is defined as net earnings before interest expense, income taxes, and depreciation and amortization. Adjusted
EBITDA is comprised of EBITDA, adjusted for certain items as permitted or required under our credit facility as
described in the reconciliations below. These measures are a common measure of operating performance in the
telecommunications industry and are useful, with other data, as a means to evaluate our ability to fund our estimated uses
of cash.
The following tables are a reconciliation of net cash provided by operating activities to adjusted EBITDA for the years
ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:
(In thousands, unaudited)
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations
Adjustments:
Non-cash, stock-based compensation
Loss on extinguishment of debt
Other adjustments, net
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Interest expense, net
Income taxes
EBITDA
Adjustments to EBITDA:
Other, net (1)
Investment distributions (2)
Loss on extinguishment of debt
Non-cash, stock-based compensation (3)
Adjusted EBITDA
Year Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2015
$ 219,179 $ 187,785 $ 168,530
(3,060)
(41,242)
(18,297)
22,671
79,618
2,775
261,644
(3,636)
(13,785)
(17,793)
12,252
82,537
13,027
260,387
(3,028)
(7,657)
(17,093)
28,486
85,767
17,512
272,517
(22,360)
45,316
41,242
3,060
(31,529)
34,833
7,657
3,028
$ 328,902 $ 288,488 $ 286,506
(23,920)
34,600
13,785
3,636
(1) Other, net includes the equity earnings from our investments, dividend income, income attributable to
noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries, acquisition and transaction related costs including severance and certain
other miscellaneous items.
(2) Includes all cash dividends and other cash distributions received from our investments.
(3) Represents compensation expenses in connection with issuance of stock awards, which because of the non-cash
nature of these expenses are excluded from adjusted EBITDA.
48
Outlook and Overview
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our operating requirements have historically been funded from cash flows generated from our business and borrowings
under our credit facilities. We expect that our future operating requirements will continue to be funded from cash flows
from operating activities, existing cash and cash equivalents, and, if needed, from borrowings under our revolving credit
facility and our ability to obtain future external financing. We anticipate that we will continue to use a substantial
portion of our cash flow to fund capital expenditures, meet scheduled payments of long-term debt, make dividend
payments and to invest in future business opportunities.
The following table summarizes our cash flows:
(In thousands)
Cash flows provided by (used in):
Operating activities:
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Investing activities
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Financing activities
Continuing operations
Years Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2015
$ 219,179 $ 187,785 $ 168,530
(4,174)
—
—
(119,540)
—
(246,861)
—
(107,436)
2,331
(90,440)
60,204
(71,554)
1,128 $ (12,303)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
$
9,199 $
Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations was $219.2 million in 2015, an increase of $31.4
million as compared to 2014. Cash provided by operating activities increased primarily as a result of the additional cash
flows provided by the addition of the Enventis operations as well as an increase in cash distributions from our wireless
partnerships in 2015. These increases were offset in part by changes in working capital primarily due to the timing in
receipts for accounts receivable, a decline in advance billings related to equipment sales and a decline in accounts
payable related to the timing in payments to suppliers.
Cash Flows Used In Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations was $119.5 million during 2015, a decrease of $127.3
million from 2014 primarily due to cash used for the acquisition of Enventis in 2014.
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures continue to be our primary recurring investing activity and were $133.9 million in 2015, an increase
of $24.9 million compared to 2014. Capital expenditures for 2016 are expected to be $125.0 million to $130.0 million,
of which approximately 63% is planned for success-based capital projects for consumer, commercial and carrier
initiatives. Capital expenditures in 2016 and subsequent years will depend on various factors, including competition,
changes in technology, regulatory changes and the timing in the deployment of new services. We expect to continue to
invest in existing and new services and the expansion of our fiber network in order to retain and acquire more customers
through a broader set of products and an expanded network footprint.
Acquisition of Enventis
In 2014, we acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of Enventis for shares of our common stock and cash in
lieu of fractional shares. The purchase price consisted of cash and the repayment of debt of $139.6 million, net of cash
acquired, and the issuance of shares of the Company’s common stock valued at $257.7 million. The funds required to
repay Enventis’ outstanding debt was financed in part with the sale of $200.0 million in aggregate principal amount of
6.50% Senior Notes due 2022, as described below.
49
Cash Flows Provided by (Used In) Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities from continuing operations consists primarily of our proceeds and principal
payments on long-term borrowings and the payment of dividends.
Long-term Debt
The following table summarizes our indebtedness as of December 31, 2015:
(In thousands)
6.50% Senior Notes, net of discount
Term loan 4, net of discount
Revolving loan
Capital leases
Balance
495,107
888,460
10,000
7,580
1,401,147
$
$
Maturity Date
October 1, 2022
December 23, 2020
December 23, 2018
May 31, 2021
(1)
Rate
6.50 %
LIBOR plus 3.25 %
LIBOR plus 3.00 %
9.36 % (2)
(1) At December 31, 2015, the 1-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) applicable to our borrowings was
0.42%. The Term 4 loan is subject to a 1.00% LIBOR floor.
(2) Weighted-average rate.
Credit Agreement
In December 2013, the Company, through certain of its wholly owned subsidiaries, entered into a Second Amended and
Restated Credit Agreement with various financial institutions (the “Credit Agreement”) to replace the Company’s
previously amended credit agreement. The Credit Agreement consists of a $75.0 million revolving credit facility and
initial term loans in the aggregate amount of $910.0 million (“Term 4”). The Credit Agreement also includes an
incremental term loan facility which provides the ability to request to borrow up to $300.0 million of incremental term
loans subject to certain terms and conditions. Borrowings under the senior secured credit facility are secured by
substantially all of the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, with the exception of Consolidated Communications
of Illinois Company (formerly known as Illinois Consolidated Telephone Company) and our majority-owned subsidiary,
East Texas Fiber Line Incorporated.
The Term 4 loan was issued in an original aggregate principal amount of $910.0 million with a maturity date of
December 23, 2020. The Term 4 loan contains an original issuance discount of $4.6 million, which is being amortized
over the term of the loan. The Term 4 loan requires quarterly principal payments of $2.3 million, which commenced
March 31, 2014, and has an interest rate of LIBOR plus 3.25% subject to a 1.00% LIBOR floor.
Our revolving credit facility has a maturity date of December 23, 2018 and an applicable margin (at our election) of
between 2.50% and 3.25% for LIBOR-based borrowings or between 1.50% and 2.25% for alternate base rate
borrowings, depending on our leverage ratio. Based on our leverage ratio at December 31, 2015, the borrowing margin
for the next three month period ending March 31, 2016 will be at a weighted-average margin of 3.00% for a LIBOR-
based loan or 2.00% for an alternate base rate loan. The applicable borrowing margin for the revolving credit facility is
adjusted quarterly to reflect the leverage ratio from the prior quarter-end. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014,
borrowings of $10.0 million and $39.0 million, respectively, were outstanding under the revolving credit facility. A
stand-by letter of credit of $1.6 million, issued in connection with the Company’s insurance coverage, was outstanding
under our revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2015. The stand-by letter of credit is renewable annually and
reduces the borrowing availability under the revolving credit facility. As of December 31, 2015, $63.4 million was
available for borrowing under the revolving credit facility.
The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings under our credit facility was 4.24% and 4.20% at
December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Interest is payable at least quarterly.
Net proceeds from asset sales exceeding certain thresholds, to the extent not reinvested, are required to be used to repay
loans outstanding under the credit agreement.
50
Credit Agreement Covenant Compliance
The credit agreement contains various provisions and covenants, including, among other items, restrictions on the ability
to pay dividends, incur additional indebtedness, and issue capital stock. We have agreed to maintain certain financial
ratios, including interest coverage and total net leverage ratios, all as defined in the credit agreement. As of
December 31, 2015, we were in compliance with the credit agreement covenants.
In general, our credit agreement restricts our ability to pay dividends to the amount of our Available Cash as defined in
our credit agreement. As of December 31, 2015 and including the $19.6 million dividend declared in November 2015
and paid on February 1, 2016, we had $245.9 million in dividend availability under the credit facility covenant.
Under our credit agreement, if our total net leverage ratio (as defined in the credit agreement), as of the end of any fiscal
quarter, is greater than 5.10:1.00, we will be required to suspend dividends on our common stock unless otherwise
permitted by an exception for dividends that may be paid from the portion of proceeds of any sale of equity not used to
fund acquisitions, or make other investments. During any dividend suspension period, we will be required to repay debt
in an amount equal to 50.0% of any increase in Available Cash, among other things. In addition, we will not be
permitted to pay dividends if an event of default under the credit agreement has occurred and is continuing. Among
other things, it will be an event of default if our total net leverage ratio and interest coverage ratio as of the end of any
fiscal quarter is greater than 5.25:1.00 and less than 2.25:1.00, respectively. As of December 31, 2015, our total net
leverage ratio under the credit agreement was 4.23:1.00, and our interest coverage ratio was 4.12:1.00.
Senior Notes
6.50% Senior Notes due 2022
On June 8, 2015, we completed an offering of $300.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.50% Senior Notes due
2022. The New Notes were priced at 98.26% of par with a yield to maturity of 6.80% and resulted in total gross
proceeds of approximately $294.8 million, excluding accrued interest. The discount and deferred debt issuance costs of
$4.5 million incurred in connection with the issuance of the New Notes are being amortized using the effective interest
method over the term of the notes. The net proceeds from the issuance of the New Notes were used, in part, to redeem
the remaining $227.2 million of our original $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of 10.875% Senior Notes due
2020 and to pay related fees and expenses and to reduce the amount outstanding on the revolving credit facility. In
connection with the redemption of the 2020 Notes, we paid $261.9 million and recognized a loss on extinguishment of
debt of $41.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2015.
The New Notes were issued as additional notes under the same indenture pursuant to which the $200.0 million aggregate
principal amount of 6.50% Senior Notes due 2022 were previously issued on September 18, 2014. The Existing Notes
were priced at par, which resulted in total gross proceeds of $200.0 million. The net proceeds from the issuance of the
Existing Notes were used to finance the acquisition of Enventis, including related fees and expenses, and to repay the
existing indebtedness of Enventis. A portion of the net proceeds, together with cash on hand and borrowings from the
revolving credit facility, were also used to redeem $72.8 million of the original aggregate principal amount of the 2020
Notes in 2014.
The 2022 Notes mature on October 1, 2022 and interest is payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year.
Consolidated Communications, Inc. (“CCI”) is the primary obligor under the 2022 Notes, and we and certain of our
wholly-owned subsidiaries have fully and unconditionally guaranteed the 2022 Notes. The 2022 Notes are senior
unsecured obligations of the Company.
On October 16, 2015, we completed an exchange offer to register all of the 2022 Notes under the Securities Act. The
terms of the registered notes are substantially identical to those of the 2022 Notes prior to the exchange, except that the
2022 Notes are now registered under the Securities Act and the transfer restrictions and registration rights previously
applicable to the original 2022 Notes do not apply to the registered 2022 Notes. The exchange offer did not impact the
aggregate principal amount or the remaining terms of the 2022 Notes outstanding.
Senior Notes Covenant Compliance
Subject to certain exceptions and qualifications, the indenture governing the 2022 Notes contains customary covenants
that, among other things, limits CCI’s and its restricted subsidiaries’ ability to: incur additional debt or issue certain
51
preferred stock; pay dividends or make other distributions on capital stock or prepay subordinated indebtedness;
purchase or redeem any equity interests; make investments; create liens; sell assets; enter into agreements that restrict
dividends or other payments by restricted subsidiaries; consolidate, merge or transfer all or substantially all of its assets;
engage in transactions with its affiliates; or enter into any sale and leaseback transactions. The indenture also contains
customary events of default.
Among other matters, the 2022 Notes indenture provides that CCI may not pay dividends or make other restricted
payments, as defined in the indenture, if its total net leverage ratio is 4.75:1.00 or greater. This ratio is calculated
differently than the comparable ratio under the Credit Agreement; among other differences, it takes into account, on a
pro forma basis, synergies expected to be achieved as a result of certain acquisitions not yet reflected in historical results.
At December 31, 2015, this ratio was 4.33:1.00. If this ratio is met, dividends and other restricted payments may be
made from cumulative consolidated cash flow since April 1, 2012, less 1.75 times fixed charges, less dividends and
other restricted payments made since May 30, 2012. Dividends may be paid and other restricted payments may also be
made from a “basket” of $50.0 million, none of which has been used to date, and pursuant to other exceptions identified
in the indenture. Since dividends of $253.1 million have been paid since May 30, 2012, including the quarterly dividend
declared in November 2015 and paid on February 1, 2016, there was $351.5 million of the $604.6 million of cumulative
consolidated cash flow since May 30, 2012 available to pay dividends as of December 31, 2015. At December 31, 2015,
the Company was in compliance with all terms, conditions and covenants under the indenture governing the 2022 Notes.
Capital Leases
We lease certain facilities and equipment under various capital leases which expire between 2015 and 2021. As of
December 31, 2015, the present value of the minimum remaining lease commitments was approximately $7.6 million, of
which $1.8 million was due and payable within the next twelve months. The leases require total remaining rental
payments of $9.4 million as of December 31, 2015, of which $4.3 million will be paid to LATEL LLC, a related party
entity.
Dividends
We paid $78.2 million and $62.3 million in dividend payments to shareholders during 2015 and 2014, respectively. In
November 2015, our board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.38738 per common share, which was paid on
February 1, 2016 to stockholders of record at the close of business on January 15, 2016. In addition, on February 19,
2016, our board of directors declared its next quarterly dividend of $0.38738 per common share, which is payable on
May 2, 2016 to stockholders of record at the close of business on April 15, 2016. Our current annual dividend rate is
approximately $1.55 per share.
The cash required to fund dividend payments is in addition to our other expected cash needs, which we expect to fund
with cash flows from our operations. In addition, we expect we will have sufficient availability under our revolving
credit facility to fund dividend payments in addition to any expected fluctuations in working capital and other cash
needs, although we do not intend to borrow under this facility to pay dividends.
We believe that our dividend policy will limit, but not preclude, our ability to grow. If we continue paying dividends at
the level currently anticipated under our dividend policy, we may not retain a sufficient amount of cash, and may need to
seek refinancing, to fund a material expansion of our business, including any significant acquisitions or to pursue growth
opportunities requiring capital expenditures significantly beyond our current expectations. In addition, because we
expect a significant portion of cash available will be distributed to holders of common stock under our dividend policy,
our ability to pursue any material expansion of our business will depend more than it otherwise would on our ability to
obtain third-party financing.
52
Sufficiency of Cash Resources
The following table sets forth selected information regarding our financial condition.
(In thousands, except for ratio)
Cash and cash equivalents
Working capital (deficit)
Current ratio
$
December 31,
2015
15,878
(17,892)
0.88
$
2014
6,679
(21,930)
0.86
Our net working capital position improved $4.0 million as of December 31, 2015 as compared to 2014 primarily as a
result of an increase in cash and cash equivalents due in part to a decline in accounts receivable and additional cash
distributions from our wireless partnerships in the current year. Income tax receivable also increased primarily due to
the loss on the extinguishment of debt recognized in 2015. The improvement in working capital was also due to a
decline in current liabilities as a result of a decrease in accrued compensation at December 31, 2015. The change in
working capital was also impacted by the adoption as of December 31, 2015 of Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-
17 (“ASU 2015-17”), Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, which requires all deferred tax assets and
liabilities to be classified as noncurrent in the consolidated balance sheet. The adoption of this guidance resulted in the
reclassification of approximately $12.4 million of net deferred tax assets from current assets to noncurrent net deferred
tax liabilities at December 31, 2015. Prior period amounts were not retrospectively adjusted.
Our most significant use of funds in 2016 is expected to be for: (i) dividend payments of between $78.0 million and
$80.0 million; (ii) interest payments on our indebtedness of between $73.0 million and $75.0 million and principal
payments on debt of $9.1 million; and (iii) capital expenditures of between $125.0 million and $130.0 million. In the
future, our ability to use cash may be limited by our other expected uses of cash, including our dividend policy, and our
ability to incur additional debt will be limited by our existing and future debt agreements.
We believe that cash flows from operating activities, together with our existing cash and borrowings available under our
revolving credit facility, will be sufficient for at least the next twelve months to fund our current anticipated uses of cash.
After that, our ability to fund these expected uses of cash and to comply with the financial covenants under our debt
agreements will depend on the results of future operations, performance and cash flow. Our ability to fund these
expected uses from the results of future operations will be subject to prevailing economic conditions and to financial,
business, regulatory, legislative and other factors, many of which are beyond our control.
We may be unable to access the cash flows of our subsidiaries since certain of our subsidiaries are parties to credit or
other borrowing agreements, or subject to statutory or regulatory restrictions, that restrict the payment of dividends or
making intercompany loans and investments, and those subsidiaries are likely to continue to be subject to such
restrictions and prohibitions for the foreseeable future. In addition, future agreements that our subsidiaries may enter
into governing the terms of indebtedness may restrict our subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends or advance cash in any
other manner to us.
To the extent that our business plans or projections change or prove to be inaccurate, we may require additional
financing or require financing sooner than we currently anticipate. Sources of additional financing may include
commercial bank borrowings, other strategic debt financing, sales of nonstrategic assets, vendor financing or the private
or public sales of equity and debt securities. There can be no assurance that we will be able to generate sufficient cash
flows from operations in the future, that anticipated revenue growth will be realized, or that future borrowings or equity
issuances will be available in amounts sufficient to provide adequate sources of cash to fund our expected uses of cash.
Failure to obtain adequate financing, if necessary, could require us to significantly reduce our operations or level of
capital expenditures which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and the results of operations.
Surety Bonds
In the ordinary course of business, we enter into surety, performance, and similar bonds as required by certain
jurisdictions in which we provide services. As of December 31, 2015, we had approximately $3.8 million of these bonds
outstanding.
53
Contractual Obligations
As of December 31, 2015, our contractual obligations were as follows:
(In thousands)
Long-term debt
Interest on long-term debt (1)
Interest rate swaps (2)
Capital leases
Operating leases
Unconditional purchase
obligations:
Unrecorded (3)
Recorded (4)
Pension funding
Less than
1 Year
$ 9,100
70,502
1,222
2,485
5,219
1 - 3
Years
$ 28,200
139,843
1,058
4,494
8,698
3 - 5
Years
$ 864,500
137,612
Thereafter
Total
$ 500,000 $ 1,401,800
412,957
2,280
9,440
26,062
65,000
—
370
5,532
—
2,091
6,613
56,729
40,398
3,882
34,249
16,070
—
—
—
—
14,539
—
—
121,587
40,398
3,882
(1) Interest on long-term debt includes amounts due on fixed and variable rate debt. As the rates on our variable debt
are subject to change, the rates in effect at December 31, 2015 were used in determining our future interest
obligations.
(2) Expected settlements estimated using yield curves in effect at December 31, 2015.
(3) Unrecorded purchase obligations include binding commitments for future capital expenditures and service and
maintenance agreements to support various computer hardware and software applications and certain equipment. If
we terminate any of the contracts prior to their expiration date, we would be liable for minimum commitment
payments as defined by the contractual terms of the contracts.
(4) Recorded obligations include amounts in accounts payable and accrued expenses for external goods and services
received as of December 31, 2015 and expected to be settled in cash.
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
As required, we contribute to qualified defined pension plans and non-qualified supplemental retirement plans
(collectively the “Pension Plans”) and other post-retirement benefit plans, which provide retirement benefits to certain
eligible employees. Contributions are intended to provide for benefits attributed to service to date. Our funding policy is
to contribute annually an actuarially determined amount consistent with applicable federal income tax regulations.
The cost to maintain our Pension Plans and future funding requirements are affected by several factors including the
expected return on investment of the assets held by the Pension Plan, changes in the discount rate used to calculate
pension expense and the amortization of unrecognized gains and losses. Returns generated on Plan assets have
historically funded a significant portion of the benefits paid under the Pension Plans. For 2015, the estimated long-term
rate of return of Plan assets was 8.00%. As of January 1, 2016, we estimate that the long-term rate of return of Plan
assets will be 7.75%. The Pension Plans invest in marketable equity securities which are exposed to changes in the
financial markets. If the financial markets experience a downturn and returns fall below our estimate, we could be
required to make a material contribution to the Pension Plan, which could adversely affect our cash flows from
operations.
Net pension and post-retirement (benefit)/costs were $(2.2) million, $(5.5) million and $0.7 million for the years ended
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. We contributed $12.2 million, $11.1 million and $11.5 million in
2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively to our pension plans. For our other post-retirement plans, we contributed $3.0
million, $2.7 million and $2.8 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. In 2016, we expect to make contributions
totaling approximately $0.3 million to our non-qualified supplemental retirement plans and $3.6 million to our other
post-retirement benefit plans. We do not expect to contribute to our qualified defined pension plans in 2016. Our
contribution amounts meet the minimum funding requirements as set forth in employee benefit and tax laws. See Note 9
to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a more detailed discussion regarding our pension and other post-retirement
plans.
54
Income Taxes
The timing of cash payments for income taxes, which is governed by the Internal Revenue Service and other taxing
jurisdictions, will differ from the timing of recording tax expense and deferred income taxes, which are reported in
accordance with GAAP. For example, tax laws in effect regarding accelerated or “bonus” depreciation for tax reporting
resulted in less cash payments than the GAAP tax expense. Acceleration of tax deductions could eventually result in
situations where cash payments will exceed GAAP tax expense.
Related Party Transactions
A portion of the 2020 Notes were sold to accredited investors consisting of certain members of the Company’s Board of
Directors or a trust of which a director is the beneficiary (“related parties”). In May 2012, the related parties purchased
$10.8 million of the 2020 Notes on the same terms available to other investors, except that the related parties were not
entitled to registration rights. In 2015, the 2020 Notes were fully redeemed and we paid an early redemption premium of
$1.5 million and recognized interest expense of approximately $0.7 million, $1.3 million and $1.2 million in 2015, 2014
and 2013, respectively, in the aggregate for the 2020 Notes purchased by related parties. In September 2014, $5.0
million of the 2022 Notes were sold to a trust, the beneficiary of which is a member of the Company’s Board of
Directors and in 2015 we recognized approximately $0.3 million in interest expense for the 2022 Notes purchased by the
related party.
In December 2010, we entered into new lease agreements with LATEL LLC (“LATEL”) for the occupancy of three
buildings on a triple net lease basis. Each of the three lease agreements have a maturity date of May 31, 2021, and have
been accounted for as capital leases. Each of the three lease agreements have two five-year options to extend the terms
of the lease after the expiration date. Our Board of Directors member, Richard A. Lumpkin, and his immediate family
had a beneficial ownership interest of 66.7% and 72.4% in 2015 and 2014, respectively, of LATEL, directly or through
Agracel, Inc. (“Agracel”). Agracel is real estate investment company of which Mr. Lumpkin, together with his family,
had a beneficial interest of 33.5% and 44.7% in 2015 and 2014, respectively. Agracel is the sole managing member and
50% owner of LATEL. In addition, Mr. Lumpkin is a director of Agracel. The three leases require total rental payments
to LATEL of approximately $7.9 million over the term of the leases. The carrying value of the capital leases at
December 31, 2015 and 2014 was approximately $3.0 million and $3.4 million, respectively. We recognized $0.4
million in interest expense in 2015 and $0.5 million in interest expense in each of 2014 and 2013 and amortization
expense of $0.4 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013 related to the capitalized leases.
Mr. Lumpkin also has a minority ownership interest in First Mid-Illinois Bancshares, Inc. (“First Mid-Illinois”). We
provide telecommunications products and services to First Mid-Illinois at standard prices as to other strategic business
customers and we received approximately $0.8 million in 2015 and $0.5 million in each of 2014 and 2013 for these
services.
Regulatory Matters
As discussed in the “Regulatory Matters” section above, in December 2014, the FCC released a report and order that
significantly impacts the amount of support revenue we receive from the USF, CAF and ICC by redirecting support from
voice services to broadband services. Our annual funding under CAF Phase I of $36.6 million will be replaced by annual
funding under CAF Phase II of $13.9 million through 2020. In the state of Iowa, where CAF Phase II funding is greater
than the CAF Phase I funding, the CAF Phase II funding will be received with a retroactive payment back to January 1,
2015. For all other states, funding under CAF Phase II is less than funding under CAF Phase I. The acceptance of
funding at the lower level will transition over a three year period, beginning in August 2015, at the rates of 75% of the
CAF Phase I funding level in the first year, 50% in the second year and 25% in the third year. For the period from
August 2015 through December 2015, the Company received and recognized approximately $6.4 million in total CAF
Phase II funding, which includes the retroactive payment for Iowa of approximately $0.6 million.
The Order also modifies the methodology used for ICC traffic exchanged between carriers. As a result of implementing
the provisions of the Order, our network access revenue decreased approximately $1.3 million during 2015. We
anticipate that network access revenue will continue to decline as a result of the Order through 2018 by as much as $1.9
million, $4.8 million and $6.8 million in 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively.
55
In accordance with the provisions of SB 583, as discussed in the “Regulatory Matters” section above, our annual $1.4
million Texas HCAF support was eliminated effective January 1, 2014. In addition, in accordance with the provisions of
the settlement agreement reached with the PUCT, the HCF draw will be reduced by approximately $1.2 million annually
over a four year period beginning June 1, 2014 through 2018. However, we have the ability to fully offset this reduction
with increases to residential rates where market conditions allow, which the Company filed for and implemented in 2014
and 2015.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our significant accounting policies and estimates are discussed in the Notes to our consolidated financial statements.
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the
United States. The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. These estimates and assumptions are affected by
management’s application of our accounting policies. Our judgments are based on historical experience and various
other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for
making estimates about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.
However, because future events and the related effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results may differ
from our estimates and assumptions and such differences could be material. Management believes that the following
accounting estimates are the most critical to understanding and evaluating our reported financial results.
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill and tradenames are intangible assets that are not subject to amortization and are tested for impairment annually
or more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. We evaluate the
carrying value of our indefinite-lived assets, tradenames and goodwill, as of November 30 of each year.
Goodwill
As discussed more fully in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, goodwill is not amortized but instead
evaluated for impairment annually, or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate
potential impairment, for impairment using a preliminary qualitative assessment and two-step quantitative process, if
deemed necessary. The evaluation of goodwill may first include a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more
likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Events and circumstances
integrated into the qualitative assessment process include a combination of macroeconomic conditions affecting equity
and credit markets, significant changes to the cost structure, overall financial performance and other relevant events
affecting the reporting unit. A company is permitted to skip the qualitative assessment at its election, and proceed to
step one of the quantitative test, which we chose to do in 2015.
Functional management within the organization evaluates the operations of our single reporting unit on a consolidated
basis rather than at a geographic level or on any other component basis. In general, product managers and cost managers
are responsible for managing costs and services across territories rather than treating the territories as separate business
units. The operations of our Illinois, Texas, Pennsylvania, California, Kansas and Missouri properties share network
operations monitoring call routing and research and development costs and share remittance, customer service and
billing systems. In connection with our recent acquisition of Enventis in October 2014, the functional realignment
occurred shortly after close. The continued integration of the various systems and processes in place at Enventis will
occur over the next several quarters. All of the properties are managed at a functional level. In addition, the
Pennsylvania territories receive their video programming from a video head-end located in the Illinois territory, and all
of the networks provide redundancy. As a result, we evaluate the operations for all our service territories as a single
reporting unit.
At our November 30, 2015 assessment date, the carrying value of goodwill was $764.6 million.
The estimated fair value of our single reporting unit is determined using a combination of market-based approaches and
a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) model. The assumptions used in the estimate of fair value are based upon a combination
of historical results and trends, new industry developments, future cash flow projections, as well as relevant comparable
company earnings multiples for the market-based approaches. Such assumptions are subject to change as a result of
changing economic and competitive conditions. The market-based approaches used in the valuation effort includes the
56
publicly-traded market capitalization, guideline public companies, and guideline transaction methods. We use a
weighting of the results derived from the valuation approaches to estimate the fair value of the single reporting unit. Key
assumptions used in the DCF model include the following:
•
•
•
cash flow assumptions regarding investment in network facilities, distribution channels and customer base
(the assumptions underlying these inputs are based upon a combination of historical results and trends,
new industry developments and the Company’s business plans);
6.0% weighted average cost of capital based on comparable public companies and adjusting for risks
unique to our business and the cash flow assumptions utilized in the analysis; and
1.0% terminal growth rate.
At November 30, 2015, the fair value of the single reporting unit’s total equity was estimated at approximately $1.3
billion on a control basis, and the associated carrying value of its equity was $269.8 million. For all valuation methods
used, the fair value of equity exceeds its carrying value. The use of different estimates or assumptions in the DCF model
could result in a different fair value conclusion. As a sensitivity calculation, if the discount rate in our DCF model was
increased 1.0 percentage point from 6.0% to 7.0%, the fair value would decrease from approximately $1.3 billion to
approximately $1.2 billion, which would not result in an impairment of goodwill, assuming there are no changes to the
market-based approaches used in the valuation. Assuming the discount rate in our DCF model was increased 2.0
percentage points, the terminal growth rate decreased by 0.05 percentage point, and each of the market-based valuation
approaches decreased in value by 5%, the fair value of approximately $1.3 billion would decrease by approximately
$314.0 million to approximately $995.0 million, which would not result in an impairment of goodwill. As discussed
above, the other market-based approaches are subject to change as a result of changing economic and competitive
conditions. Negative changes relating to the Company’s operations could result in potential impairment of goodwill.
Changes in the overall weighting of the DCF model and the market-based approach valuation models may also impact
the resulting fair value and could result in potential impairment of goodwill.
Tradenames
As discussed more fully in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, tradenames are generally not amortized but
instead evaluated annually, or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate potential
impairment, for impairment using a preliminary qualitative assessment and two-step process, if deemed necessary. We
estimate the fair value of our tradenames using DCFs based on a relief from royalty method. If the fair value of our
tradenames was less than the carrying amount, we would recognize an impairment charge for the difference between the
estimated fair value and the carrying value of the tradename. In accordance with Accounting Codification Standard 350
Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”) separately recorded indefinite-lived intangible assets, whether acquired
or internally developed, shall be combined into a single unit of accounting for purposes of testing impairment if they are
operated as a single asset and, as such, are essentially inseparable from one another. An indefinite-lived intangible asset
may need to be removed from the accounting unit if it is disposed of, the accounting unit is reconsidered or one or more
of the separate indefinite-lived intangible asset(s) within the accounting unit is now considered finite-lived rather than
indefinite-lived. We perform our impairment testing of our tradenames as single units of accounting based on their use
in our business.
The carrying value of our tradenames, excluding any finite lived tradenames, was $10.6 million at December 31, 2015
and 2014. For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, we completed our annual impairment test using a DCF
methodology based on a relief from royalty method and determined that there was no impairment of our tradename.
Revenue recognition
We recognize certain revenues pursuant to various cost recovery programs from federal and state USF. Revenues are
calculated based on our estimates and assumptions regarding various financial data, including operating expenses, taxes
and investment in property, plant and equipment. Non-financial data estimates are also utilized, including projected
demand usage and detailed network information. We must also make estimates of the jurisdictional separation of this
data to assign current financial and operating data to the interstate or intrastate jurisdiction. These estimates are finalized
in future periods as actual data becomes available to complete the separation studies. We have historically collected
revenues recognized through these programs; however, adjustments to estimated revenues in future periods are possible.
57
These adjustments could be necessitated by adverse regulatory developments with respect to these subsidies and revenue
sharing arrangements, changes in allowable rates of return and the determination of recoverable costs, or decreases in the
availability of funds in the programs due to increased participation by other carriers.
Derivatives
We use derivative financial instruments primarily to manage the risks associated with fluctuations in interest rates and to
convert a portion of future cash flows associated with the interest to be paid on our credit facility from a floating rate to a
fixed rate. All derivative financial statements are recognized in the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. For the
derivative financial instruments designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the changes in the fair value of
the derivative contracts are deferred in other comprehensive income, net of applicable income taxes, and recognized as a
component of interest expense in the period in which the hedged item affects earnings. Any ineffectiveness is
recognized immediately in earnings. For derivative financial instruments not designated as a cash flow hedge or have
been determined to no longer be effective at offsetting changes in the price of the hedged item and have been de-
designated, then the changes in the market value of these instruments are recorded in the statement of operations as a
component of interest expense.
Our interest rate swaps are measured using valuation models which rely on quoted market prices and observable market
data of similar instruments. The valuation models require estimates of future interest rates and judgments about the
future credit worthiness of the Company and each counterparty over the terms of the contracts.
Income taxes
Our current and deferred income taxes and associated valuation allowances are impacted by events and transactions
arising in the normal course of business as well as in connection with the adoption of new accounting standards,
acquisitions of businesses and non-recurring items. Assessment of the appropriate amount and classification of income
taxes is dependent on several factors, including estimates of the timing and realization of deferred income tax assets and
the timing of income tax payments. Actual amounts may materially differ from these estimates as a result of changes in
tax laws as well as unanticipated future transactions impacting related income tax balances. We account for tax benefits
taken or expected to be taken in our tax returns in accordance with the accounting guidance applicable for uncertainty in
income taxes, which requires the use of a two-step approach for recognizing and measuring tax benefits taken or
expected to be taken in a tax return.
Pension and postretirement benefits
The amounts recognized in our financial statements for pension and postretirement benefits are determined on an
actuarial basis utilizing several critical assumptions. We make significant assumptions in regards to our pension and
postretirement plans, including the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, the discount rate used to value the
periodic pension expense and liabilities, future salary increases and actuarial assumptions relating to mortality rates and
healthcare trend rates. Changes in these estimates and other factors could significantly impact our benefit cost and
obligations to maintain pension and postretirement plans.
Our pension investment strategy is to maximize long-term returns on invested plan assets while minimizing the risk of
volatility. Accordingly, we target our allocation percentage at approximately 60% in equity funds, with the remainder in
fixed income and cash equivalents. Our assumed rate considers this investment mix as well as past trends. We used an
expected long-term rate of return of 8.00% in 2015 and 2014. As of January 1, 2016, we estimate that the long-term rate
of return of pension plan assets will be 7.75%.
In determining the appropriate discount rate, we consider the current yields on high-quality corporate fixed-income
investments with maturities that correspond to the expected duration of our pension and postretirement benefit plan
obligations. For our 2015 and 2014 projected benefit obligations, we used a discount rate of 4.76% and 4.27%,
respectively, for our pension plans and 4.61% and 4.11%, respectively, for our other postretirement plans.
58
A one percentage-point increase or decrease in the discount rate would have the following effects on net periodic benefit
cost:
1-Percentage-
Point Increase
1-Percentage-
Point Decrease
$
(2,420)
$
4,133
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
For information regarding the impact of certain recent accounting pronouncements, see Note 1 “Business Description &
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to the consolidated Financial Statements included in this report in Part II -
Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Our exposure to market risk is primarily related to the impact of interest rate fluctuations on our debt obligations.
Market risk is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in market interest rates on our variable rate obligations. In
order to manage the volatility relating to changes in interest rates, we utilize derivative financial instruments such as
interest rate swaps to maintain a mix of fixed and variable rate debt. We do not use derivatives for trading or speculative
purposes. Our interest rate swap agreements effectively convert a portion of our floating-rate debt to a fixed-rate basis,
thereby reducing the impact of interest rate changes on future cash interest payments. We calculate the potential change
in interest expense caused by changes in market interest rates by determining the effect of the hypothetical rate increase
on the portion of our variable rate debt that is not subject to a variable rate floor or hedged through the interest rate swap
agreements.
At December 31, 2015, the majority of our variable rate debt was subject to a 1.00% London Interbank Offered Rate
(“LIBOR”) floor thereby reducing the impact of fluctuations in interest rates. As of December 31, 2015, LIBOR was
well below the 1.00% floor. Based on our variable rate debt outstanding at December 31, 2015 that is not subject to a
variable rate floor, a 1.0% change in market interest rates would increase or decrease annual interest expense by
approximately $0.1 million.
As of December 31, 2015, the fair value of our interest rate swap agreements amounted to a net liability of $1.3 million.
Pretax deferred losses related to our interest rate swap agreements included in accumulated other comprehensive loss
(“AOCI”) was $1.1 million at December 31, 2015.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
For information pertaining to our Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, refer to pages F-1 to F-49 of this report,
which are incorporated herein by reference.
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
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in
reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the
time periods specified in SEC rules and forms; and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management, including
our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required
disclosure. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures,
including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures.
Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their
59
control objectives. In connection with the filing of this Form 10-K, management evaluated, under the supervision and
with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the design to
provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of
December 31, 2015. Based upon that evaluation and subject to the foregoing, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of December 31, 2015.
Inherent Limitation of the Effectiveness of Internal Control
A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can only provide reasonable, not absolute, assurance that
the objectives of the internal control system are met. Because of the inherent limitations of any internal control system,
no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues, if any, within a company have been
detected.
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as
such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a–15(f). Management, with the participation of our Chief Executive
Officer and Chief Financial Officer, assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2015. In making this assessment, management used the framework set forth in Internal Control-
Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
Based upon this assessment, our management concluded that, as of December 31, 2015, our internal control over
financial reporting was effective to provide reasonable assurance that the desired control objectives were achieved.
The effectiveness of internal control on financial reporting has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent
registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included elsewhere in this Annual Report on
Form 10-K.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Based upon the evaluation performed by our management, which was conducted with the participation of our Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, there has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting
during the quarter ended December 31, 2015 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our
internal control over financial reporting.
60
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.
We have audited Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries’ (the Company’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). The Company’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.
In our opinion, Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries 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 consolidated balance sheets of Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries as of
December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss),
changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015, and
our report dated February 26, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
St. Louis, Missouri
February 26, 2016
61
Item 9B. Other Information
None.
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
PART III
Our Board of Directors adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (“the code”) that applies to all of our employees,
officers and directors, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting
officer. A copy of the code is posted on our investor relations website at www.consolidated.com. Information contained
on the website is not incorporated by reference in, or considered to be a part of, this document.
Additional information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our proxy statement for the annual
meeting of our shareholders to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after our fiscal year-end of
December 31, 2015.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Incorporated herein by reference to our proxy statement for the annual meeting of our shareholders to be filed pursuant
to Regulation 14A within 120 days after our fiscal year-end of December 31, 2015.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Incorporated herein by reference to our proxy statement for the annual meeting of our shareholders to be filed pursuant
to Regulation 14A within 120 days after our fiscal year-end of December 31, 2015.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Incorporated herein by reference to our proxy statement for the annual meeting of our shareholders to be filed pursuant
to Regulation 14A within 120 days after our fiscal year-end of December 31, 2015.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Incorporated herein by reference to our proxy statement for the annual meeting of our shareholders to be filed pursuant
to Regulation 14A within 120 days after our fiscal year-end of December 31, 2015.
62
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
PART IV
a) (1) All Financial Statements
Location
The following consolidating financial statements and independent auditors’ reports are filed
as part of this report on Form 10-K in Item 8–“Financial Statements and Supplementary
Data”:
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Statements of Operations for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 2015
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 2015
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 2015
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 2015
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-1
F-2
F-3
F-4
F-5
F-6
F-7
(2) Financial Statement Schedules
Location
Independent Auditors’ Report –Ernst & Young LLP
Pennsylvania RSA No. 6 (II) Limited Partnership Balance Sheets - As of December 31, 2015 and
2014
Pennsylvania RSA No. 6 (II) Limited Partnership Statements of Income and Comprehensive
Income – For the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
Pennsylvania RSA No. 6 (II) Limited Partnership Statements of Changes in Partners’ Capital
– Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
Pennsylvania RSA No. 6 (II) Limited Partnership Statements of Cash Flows – Years Ended
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
Pennsylvania RSA No. 6 (II) Limited Partnership - Notes to Financial Statements
Independent Auditors’ Report –Ernst & Young LLP
GTE Mobilnet of Texas RSA #17 Limited Partnership Balance Sheets - As of December 31, 2015
and 2014
GTE Mobilnet of Texas RSA #17 Limited Partnership Statements of Income and
Comprehensive Income – For the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
GTE Mobilnet of Texas RSA #17 Limited Partnership Statements of Changes in Partners’
Capital – Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
GTE Mobilnet of Texas RSA #17 Limited Partnership Statements of Cash Flows – Years
Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
GTE Mobilnet of Texas RSA #17 Limited Partnership - Notes to Financial Statements
All other financial statement schedules have been omitted because they are not required, not
applicable, or the information is otherwise included in the notes to the financial statements.
S-1
S-3
S-4
S-5
S-6
S-7
S-20
S-22
S-23
S-24
S-25
S-26
63
(3) Exhibits
The exhibits listed below on the accompanying Index to Exhibits are filed or furnished as
part of this report.
Exhibit
No.
2.1*
3.1
3.2
3.3
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
Description
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of June 29, 2014, by and among the Company, Enventis
Corporation and Sky Merger Sub Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to our Current Report
on Form 8-K dated June 29, 2014).
Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1
to Amendment No. 7 to Form S-1 dated July 19, 2005, file no. 333-121086)
Certificate of Amendment of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Consolidated
Communications Holdings, Inc., as filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on
May 3, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated
May 4, 2011)
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Consolidated Communications Holdings Inc., as amended as of
June 29, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated
June 29, 2014).
Specimen Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Amendment No. 7
to Form S-1 dated July 19, 2005, file no. 333-121086)
Indenture, dated as of September 18, 2014, between Consolidated Communications, Inc. (“CCI”) (as
successor to Consolidated Communications Finance II Co. (“CCFII Co.”) and Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on
Form 8-K dated September 18, 2014)
First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 16, 2014, among the Company, CCI, Consolidated
Communications Enterprise Services, Inc., (“CCES”), Consolidated Communications of Fort Bend
Company (“CCFBC”) Consolidated Communications of Pennsylvania Company, LLC (“CCPC”),
Consolidated Communications Services Company (“CCSC”), Consolidated Communications of Texas
Company (“CCTC”), SureWest Communications (“SW Communications”), SureWest Fiber Ventures,
LLC (“SW Fiber Ventures”), SureWest Kansas, Inc. (“SW Kansas”), SureWest Long Distance (“SW
Long Distance”), SureWest Telephone (“SW Telephone”), SureWest TeleVideo (“SW TeleVideo”),
and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Current
Report on Form 8-K dated October 16, 2014)
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 14, 2014, among Enventis Corporation, Cable
Network, Inc., Crystal Communications, Inc., Enventis Telecom, Inc., Heartland Telecommunications
Company of Iowa, Inc., Mankato Citizens Telephone Company, Mid-Communications, Inc., National
Independent Billing, Inc., IdeaOne Telecom
Integration Services, Inc.
(collectively, the “Enventis Subsidiaries”), CCI and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 14,
2014)
Inc. and Enterprise
Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 8, 2015, among CCES, CCFBC, CCPC, CCSC,
CCTC, SW Fiber Ventures, SW Kansas, SW Telephone, SW TeleVideo, each of the Enventis
Subsidiaries; the Company; CCI; and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 8, 2015)
Form of 6.50% Senior Note due 2022 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.1 to our
Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 18, 2014)
64
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4**
10.5
10.6
10.7
10.8***
10.9***
Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated December 23, 2013 by and among the
Company, the lenders named therein, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative
agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated
December 23, 2013) as amended by that certain First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated
Credit Agreement, dated as of October 16, 2014, by and among, Company, CCI, CCES, CCFBC,
CCPC, CCSC, CCTC, SW Communications, SW Fiber Ventures, SW Kansas, SW Long Distance,
SW Telephone and SW TeleVideo and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative
agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2014)
Form of Collateral Agreement, dated December 31, 2007, by and among the Company, CCI,
Consolidated Communications Acquisition Texas, Inc., Fort Pitt Acquisition Sub Inc., certain
subsidiaries of the Company identified on the signature pages thereto, in favor of Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association (successor by merger
to Wachovia Bank, National Association), as
Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the period ended December 31, 2007, file no. 000-51446)
Form of Guaranty Agreement, dated December 31, 2007, made by the Company and certain
subsidiaries of the Company identified on the signature pages thereto, in favor of Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association (successor by merger
to Wachovia Bank, National Association), as
Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the period ended December 31, 2007, file no. 000-51446)
Joinder Agreement (to Guaranty Agreement and Collateral Agreement), dated as of November 14,
2014, among each of the Enventis Subsidiaries, the Company, CCI, and Wells Fargo Bank, National
Association, a national banking association, as Administrative Agent for the Lenders under the Second
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated December 23, 2013 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 14, 2014)
Lease Agreement, dated December 22, 2010, between LATEL, LLC and Consolidated
Communications Services Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report
on Form 8-K dated December 22, 2010)
Lease Agreement, dated December 22, 2010, between LATEL, LLC and Illinois Consolidated
Telephone Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K
dated December 22, 2010)
Lease Agreement, dated December 22, 2010, between LATEL, LLC and Illinois Consolidated
Telephone Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K
dated December 22, 2010)
Amended and Restated Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. Restricted Share Plan
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to Amendment No. 7 to Form S-1 dated July 19, 2005, file
no. 333-121086)
Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan (as amended and
restated effective May 4, 2015) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to our definitive proxy
statement on Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on March 27, 2015)
10.10*** Form of Employment Security Agreement with certain of the Company’s employees (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30,
2012)
10.11*** Form of Employment Security Agreement with Robert J. Currey (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 4, 2009)
65
10.12*** Form of Employment Security Agreement with certain of the Company’s other executive officers
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 4,
2009)
10.13*** Form of Employment Security Agreement with the Company’s and its subsidiaries vice president and
director level employees (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to our Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2007, file no. 000-51446)
10.14*** Executive Long-Term Incentive Program, as revised March 12, 2007 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 12, 2007, file no. 000-51446)
10.15*** Form of 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan Performance Stock Grant Certificate (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 12, 2007, file no. 000-
51446)
10.16*** Form of 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Grant Certificate (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 12, 2007, file no. 000-51446)
10.17*** Form of 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Grant Certificate for Directors
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 12, 2007,
file no. 000-51446)
10.18*** Description of the Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. Bonus Plan (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.5 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 12, 2007, file no. 000-
51446)
10.19
10.20
21
23.1
23.2
31.1
31.2
32.1
101
Form of Indemnification Agreement with Directors and Executive Officers (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 7, 2013)
Commitment Letter, dated as of June 29, 2014, from Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., WF
Investment Holdings, LLC, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, RBS Securities, Inc. and the Royal Bank of
Scotland plc and agreed to and accepted by Consolidated Communications Inc. (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 29, 2014)
List of subsidiaries of the Registrant
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
Certificate of Chief Executive Officer of Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. pursuant to
Rule 13(a)-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Certificate of Chief Financial Officer of Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. pursuant to
Rule 13(a)-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
The following financial information from Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible
Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Statements of Operations, (ii) Consolidated
Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iii) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) Consolidated
Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity, (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and
(vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
66
*Schedules and other attachments to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, which are listed in the exhibit, are omitted.
The Company agrees to furnish a supplemental copy of any schedule or other attachment to the Securities and
Exchange Commission upon request.
** Annexes to the Joinder Agreement, which are listed in the exhibit, are omitted. The Company agrees to furnish a
supplemental copy of any annex to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.
***Compensatory plan or arrangement.
67
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly
caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Mattoon, Illinois on
February 26, 2016.
SIGNATURES
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
HOLDINGS, INC.
By: /s/ C. ROBERT UDELL JR.
C. Robert Udell Jr.
Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report 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
By: /s/ C. ROBERT UDELL JR.
President and
February 26, 2016
C. Robert Udell Jr.
Chief Executive Officer, Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
By: /s/ STEVEN L. CHILDERS
Steven L. Childers
Chief Financial Officer (Principal
Financial and Accounting Officer)
February 26, 2016
By: /s/ ROBERT J. CURREY
Executive Chairman
February 26, 2016
Robert J. Currey
By: /s/ RICHARD A. LUMPKIN
Director
February 26, 2016
Richard A. Lumpkin
By: /s/ ROGER H. MOORE
Roger H. Moore
Director
February 26, 2016
By: /s/ MARIBETH S. RAHE
Director
February 26, 2016
Maribeth S. Rahe
By: /s/ TIMOTHY D. TARON
Director
February 26, 2016
Timothy D. Taron
By: /s/ THOMAS A. GERKE
Thomas A. Gerke
Director
February 26, 2016
By: /s/ DALE E. PARKER
Director
February 26, 2016
Dale E. Parker
68
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. and
subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of operations,
comprehensive income (loss), changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 2015. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used
and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We
believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial
position of Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the
consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
2015, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States), Consolidated Communications Holdings, 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 26, 2016, expressed an
unqualified opinion thereon.
St. Louis, Missouri
February 26, 2016
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
F-1
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(amounts in thousands except per share amounts)
Year Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2015
Net revenues
Operating expense:
Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Acquisition and other transaction costs
Depreciation and amortization
Income from operations
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net of interest income
Loss on extinguishment of debt
Investment income
Other, net
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
Income tax expense
Income (loss) from continuing operations
Discontinued operations, net of tax:
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax
Total discontinued operations
Net income (loss)
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders
$ 775,737 $ 635,738 $ 601,577
328,400
178,227
1,413
179,922
87,775
242,661
140,636
11,817
149,435
91,189
222,452
135,414
776
139,274
103,661
(79,618)
(41,242)
36,690
(1,501)
2,104
(82,537)
(13,785)
34,516
(968)
28,415
(85,767)
(7,657)
37,695
(456)
47,476
2,775
13,027
17,512
(671)
15,388
29,964
—
—
—
—
—
—
(156)
1,333
1,177
31,141
15,388
(671)
210
330
321
(881) $ 15,067 $ 30,811
$
Net income (loss) per common share - basic and diluted
Income (loss) from continuing operations
Discontinued operations, net of tax
Net income (loss) per basic and diluted common shares attributable to common
shareholders
$
$
(0.02) $
—
0.35 $
—
0.73
0.03
(0.02) $
0.35 $
0.76
Dividends declared per common share
$
1.55 $
1.55 $
1.55
See accompanying notes.
F-2
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(amounts in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2015
$ (671) $ 15,388 $ 31,141
(5,547)
(31,191)
39,381
1,707
(637)
1,843
(1,072)
(81)
(381)
853
(4,730)
210
3,941
75,925
330
$ (4,940) $ (15,573) $ 75,595
1,269
(15,252)
321
Net income (loss)
Pension and post-retirement obligations:
Change in net actuarial loss and prior service credit, net of tax expense
(benefit) of $(3,533), $(20,039) and $24,604 in 2015, 2014 and 2013,
respectively
Amortization of actuarial losses (gains) and prior service credit to earnings,
net of tax expense (benefit) of $1,098, $(400) and $1,172 in 2015, 2014 and
2013, respectively
Derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges:
Change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax benefit of $672, $51 and $233
in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively
Reclassification of realized loss to earnings, net of tax expense of $518,
$781 and $1,934 in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively
Comprehensive income (loss)
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common shareholders
See accompanying notes.
F-3
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
December 31,
2015
2014
$
$
15,878
68,848
23,867
—
17,815
126,408
6,679
77,536
18,940
13,374
17,616
134,145
1,093,261
105,543
764,630
43,497
5,187
$ 2,138,526
1,137,478
115,376
764,630
56,322
3,892
$ 2,211,843
$
$
12,576
27,616
19,551
21,883
9,353
42,384
10,937
144,300
15,277
31,933
19,510
32,581
6,784
40,141
9,849
156,075
1,377,892
236,529
112,966
16,140
1,887,827
1,341,332
246,665
122,363
14,579
1,881,014
505
281,738
(881)
(35,699)
5,036
250,699
504
357,139
—
(31,640)
4,826
330,829
$ 2,138,526 $ 2,211,843
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts
Income tax receivable
Deferred income taxes
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Total current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net
Investments
Goodwill
Other intangible assets
Other assets
Total assets
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
Advance billings and customer deposits
Dividends payable
Accrued compensation
Accrued interest
Accrued expense
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations
Total current liabilities
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations
Deferred income taxes
Pension and other postretirement obligations
Other long-term liabilities
Total liabilities
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 100,000,000 shares authorized, 50,470,096 and
50,364,579 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014,
respectively
Additional paid-in capital
Retained earnings (deficit)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net
Noncontrolling interest
Total shareholders’ equity
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
See accompanying notes.
F-4
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(amounts in thousands)
Enventis
10,144
101
257,558
Balance at December 31, 2012
Cash dividends on common stock
Shares issued under employee plan, net
of forfeitures
Non-cash, share-based compensation
Purchase and retirement of common
stock
Tax on restricted stock vesting
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Net income
Balance at December 31, 2013
Cash dividends on common stock
Shares issued upon acquisition of
Shares issued under employee plan, net
of forfeitures
Non-cash, share-based compensation
Purchase and retirement of common
stock
Tax on restricted stock vesting
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Other
Net income
Balance at December 31, 2014
Cash dividends on common stock
Shares issued under employee plan, net
of forfeitures
Non-cash, share-based compensation
Purchase and retirement of common
stock
Tax on restricted stock vesting
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Net loss
Common Stock
Additional Retained
Paid-in
Amount Capital
Earnings
(Deficit)
Shares
39,878 $ 399 $ 177,315 $
—
(31,310)
—
(30,811)
— $
Accumulated
Other
Non-
Comprehensive controlling
Loss, net
Interest
Total
(45,784) $
—
4,175 $ 136,105
(62,121)
—
234
—
2
—
—
3,028
—
—
—
—
—
—
2
3,028
(46)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
40,066 $ 401 $ 148,433 $
—
(889)
289
—
—
(51,264)
—
—
—
—
30,811
— $
(15,067)
—
—
44,784
—
(1,000) $
—
—
—
—
330
(889)
289
44,784
31,141
4,505 $ 152,339
(66,331)
—
224
—
2
—
(2)
3,622
(69)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
50,365 $ 504 $ 357,139 $
—
(1,856)
879
—
(231)
—
(78,250)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
257,659
—
—
—
3,622
—
—
—
—
15,067
— $
—
—
—
(30,640)
—
—
(31,640) $
—
—
—
—
—
321
(1,856)
879
(30,640)
(231)
15,388
4,826 $ 330,829
(78,250)
—
161
—
(56)
—
—
—
1
—
—
—
—
—
770
2,994
(1,125)
210
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(881)
—
—
—
—
771
2,994
—
—
(4,059)
—
(35,699) $
—
—
—
210
(1,125)
210
(4,059)
(671)
5,036 $ 250,699
Balance at December 31, 2015
50,470 $ 505 $ 281,738 $ (881) $
See accompanying notes.
F-5
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(amounts in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2015
$
(671) $
—
(671)
15,388 $
—
15,388
31,141
(1,177)
29,964
179,922
5,828
8,585
3,060
3,378
41,242
506
8,688
(4,927)
163
(2,701)
(23,894)
219,179
—
219,179
149,435
10,244
212
3,636
4,364
13,785
2,973
11,896
(3,406)
1,953
(1,904)
(20,791)
187,785
—
187,785
139,274
16,045
(2,949)
3,028
2,209
7,657
1,788
5,937
2,224
(1,111)
(10,069)
(25,467)
168,530
(4,174)
164,356
—
(133,934)
—
13,548
846
(119,540)
—
(119,540)
(139,558)
(108,998)
(100)
1,795
—
(246,861)
—
(246,861)
—
(107,363)
(403)
330
—
(107,436)
2,331
(105,105)
294,780
69,000
(1,107)
(107,100)
(261,874)
(4,805)
(1,125)
(78,209)
—
(90,440)
9,199
6,679
15,878 $
200,000
80,000
(703)
(63,100)
(84,127)
(7,438)
(1,856)
(62,341)
(231)
60,204
1,128
5,551
6,679 $
—
989,450
(516)
(990,961)
—
(6,576)
(887)
(62,064)
—
(71,554)
(12,303)
17,854
5,551
$
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
Net income from continuing operations
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
Deferred income taxes
Cash distributions from wireless partnerships in excess of/(less than) current earnings
Stock-based compensation expense
Amortization of deferred financing costs
Loss on extinguishment of debt
Other, net
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquired businesses:
Accounts receivable, net
Income tax receivable
Prepaids and other assets
Accounts payable
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Net cash provided by continuing operations
Net cash used in discontinued operations
Net cash provided by operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Business acquisition, net of cash acquired
Purchases of property, plant and equipment, net
Purchase of investments
Proceeds from sale of assets
Proceeds from sale of investments
Net cash used in continuing operations
Net cash provided by discontinued operations
Net cash used in investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from bond offering
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
Payment of capital lease obligation
Payment on long-term debt
Redemption of senior notes
Payment of financing costs
Share repurchases for minimum tax withholding
Dividends on common stock
Other
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
See accompanying notes.
F-6
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013
1. BUSINESS DESCRIPTION & SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Business and Basis of Accounting
Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”, “we” or “our”) is a holding company with operating
subsidiaries (collectively “Consolidated”) that provide integrated communications services in consumer, commercial,
and carrier channels in California, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South
Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin. We operate as both an Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier (“ILEC”) and a Competitive
Local Exchange Carrier (“CLEC”), dependent upon the territory served. We provide a wide range of services and
products that include local and long-distance service, high-speed broadband Internet access, video services, Voice over
Internet Protocol (“VoIP”), private line services, carrier grade access services, network capacity services over our
regional fiber optic networks, cloud data services, data center and managed services, directory publishing and equipment
sales. As of December 31, 2015, we had approximately 483 thousand voice connections, 456 thousand data connections
and 118 thousand video connections.
Use of Estimates
Preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) requires management
to make estimates and assumptions that effect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ
materially from those estimates. Our critical accounting estimates include (i) impairment evaluations associated with
indefinite-lived intangible assets (Note 1), (ii) revenue recognition (Note 1), (iii) derivatives (Notes 1 and 7), (iv) the
determination of deferred tax asset and liability balances (Notes 1 and 10) and (v) pension plan and other post-retirement
costs and obligations (Notes 1 and 9).
Principles of Consolidation
Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and our wholly-owned subsidiaries and
subsidiaries in which we have a controlling financial interest. All significant intercompany transactions have been
eliminated.
Recent Business Developments
Enventis Merger
On October 16, 2014, we completed our acquisition of Enventis Corporation, a Minnesota corporation (“Enventis”), in
which we acquired all the issued and outstanding shares of Enventis in exchange for shares of our common stock. The
financial results for Enventis have been included in our consolidated financial statements as of the acquisition date. See
Note 3 for a more detailed discussion of the transaction.
Issuance of Additional Senior Notes
On June 8, 2015, we issued $300.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.50% Senior Notes due 2022 (the “New
Notes”). The New Notes were issued as additional notes under the same indenture pursuant to which our $200.0 million
aggregate principal amount of 6.50% Senior Notes due 2022 (the “Existing Notes” and together with the New Notes, the
“2022 Notes”) were previously issued on September 18, 2014. The New Notes were priced at 98.26% of par and
resulted in total gross proceeds of approximately $294.8 million, excluding accrued interest. The net proceeds from the
issuance of the New Notes were used, in part, to redeem the remaining $227.2 million then outstanding of the original
aggregate principal amount of the 10.875% Senior Notes due 2020 (the “2020 Notes”), to pay related fees and expenses
and to reduce the amount outstanding on our revolving credit facility. In connection with the redemption of the 2020
Notes, we paid $261.9 million and recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of $41.2 million during the year ended
December 31, 2015. See Note 6 for a more detailed discussion of the transaction.
F-7
On October 16, 2015, we completed an exchange offer to register all of the 2022 Notes under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended (the “Securities Act”). The terms of the registered 2022 Notes are substantially identical to the 2022 Notes
prior to the exchange, except that the notes are now registered under the Securities Act and the transfer restrictions and
registration rights applicable to the original 2022 Notes no longer apply to the registered 2022 Notes. The exchange
offer did not impact the aggregate principal amount or the remaining terms of the 2022 Notes outstanding.
Discontinued Operations
On September 13, 2013, we completed the sale of the assets and contractual rights used to provide communications
services to inmates in thirteen county jails located in Illinois for a total purchase price of $2.5 million. In accordance
with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 205-20,
Discontinued Operations, the financial results of the prison services business have been reported as a discontinued
operation in our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013. See Note 3 for a more detailed
discussion of the transaction.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Our
cash equivalents consist primarily of money market funds. The carrying amounts of our cash equivalents approximate
their fair value.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Accounts receivable consists primarily of amounts due to the Company from normal business activities. We maintain an
allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses that result from the inability of our customers to make required
payments. The allowance for doubtful accounts is maintained based on customer payment levels, historical experience
and management’s views on trends in the overall receivable agings. In addition, for larger accounts, we perform analyses
of risks on a customer-specific basis. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition and
management believes that an adequate allowance for doubtful accounts has been provided. Uncollectible accounts are
removed from accounts receivable and are charged against the allowance for doubtful accounts when internal collection
efforts have been unsuccessful. The following table summarizes the activity in allowance for doubtful accounts for the
years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:
(In thousands)
Balance at beginning of year
Provision charged to expense
Write-offs, less recoveries
Balance at end of year
Investments
Year Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2015
$ 2,752 $ 1,598 $ 4,025
515
(2,942)
$ 3,235 $ 2,752 $ 1,598
3,525
(3,042)
3,320
(2,166)
Our investments are primarily accounted for under either the equity or cost method. If we have the ability to exercise
significant influence over the operations and financial policies of an affiliated company, the investment in the affiliated
company is accounted for using the equity method. If we do not have control and also cannot exercise significant
influence, the investment in the affiliated company is accounted for using the cost method.
We review our investment portfolio periodically to determine whether there are identified events or circumstances that
would indicate there is a decline in the fair value that is considered to be other than temporary. If we believe the decline
is other than temporary, we evaluate the financial performance of the business and compare the carrying value of the
investment to quoted market prices (if available) or the fair value of similar investments. If an investment is deemed to
have experienced an impairment that is considered other-than temporary, the carrying amount of the investment is
reduced to its quoted or estimated fair value, as applicable, and an impairment loss is recognized in other income
(expense).
F-8
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
We account for certain assets and liabilities at fair value. Fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would
be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such,
fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants
would use in pricing an asset or a liability. A financial asset or liability’s classification within a three-tiered value
hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The hierarchy
prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques into three broad levels in order to maximize the use of observable inputs
and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
Level 1 – Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active
markets.
Level 2 – Inputs that reflect quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices for
identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets and inputs other than quoted prices that are
directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace.
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. We capitalize additions and substantial improvements and expense
repairs and maintenance costs as incurred.
We capitalize the cost of internal-use network and non-network software which has a useful life in excess of one year.
Subsequent additions, modifications or upgrades to internal-use network and non-network software are capitalized only
to the extent that they allow the software to perform a task it previously did not perform. Software maintenance and
training costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred. Also, we capitalize interest associated with the
development of internal-use network and non-network software.
Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:
December 31, December 31, Estimated
(In thousands)
Land and buildings
Central office switching and transmission
Outside plant cable, wire and fiber facilities
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
Assets under capital lease
Total plant in service
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
Plant in service
Construction in progress
Construction inventory
Totals
$
2014
2015
Useful Lives
105,728 $ 116,354 18 - 40 years
729,953 3 - 25 years
791,719
1,126,145 3 - 50 years
1,174,777
136,544 3 - 15 years
154,049
15,699
11,510 3 - 11 years
2,241,972
(1,185,054)
1,056,918
21,283
15,060
2,120,506
(1,025,665)
1,094,841
29,562
13,075
$ 1,093,261 $ 1,137,478
Construction inventory, which is stated at weighted average cost, consists primarily of network construction materials
and supplies that when issued are predominately capitalized as part of new customer installations and the construction of
the network.
We record depreciation using the straight line method over estimated useful lives using either the group or unit method.
The useful lives are estimated at the time the assets are acquired and are based on historical experience with similar
assets, anticipated technological changes and the expected impact of our strategic operating plan on our network
infrastructure. In addition, the ranges of estimated useful lives presented above are impacted by the accounting for
business combinations as the lives assigned to these acquired assets are generally much shorter than that of a newly
acquired asset. The group method is used for depreciable assets dedicated to providing regulated telecommunication
services, including the majority of the network, outside plant facilities and certain support assets. A depreciation rate for
each asset group is developed based on the average useful life of the group. The group method requires periodic revision
F-9
of depreciation rates. When an individual asset is sold or retired, the difference between the proceeds, if any, and the
cost of the asset is charged or credited to accumulated depreciation, without recognition of a gain or loss.
The unit method is primarily used for buildings, furniture, fixtures and other support assets. Each asset is depreciated on
the straight-line basis over its estimated useful life. When an individual asset is sold or retired, the cost basis of the asset
and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any associated gain or loss is recognized.
Depreciation and amortization expense was $167.1 million, $139.0 million and $129.9 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013,
respectively. Amortization of assets under capital leases is included in depreciation and amortization expense.
We evaluate the recoverability of our property, plant and equipment whenever events or substantive changes in
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable. Recoverability is measured
by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset group to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be
generated by the asset group. If the total of the expected future undiscounted cash flows were less than the carrying
amount of the asset group, we would recognize an impairment charge for the difference between the estimated fair value
and the carrying value of the asset group.
Intangible Assets
Indefinite-Lived Intangibles
Goodwill and tradenames are evaluated for impairment annually or more frequently when events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. We evaluate the carrying value of our indefinite-lived assets,
tradenames and goodwill, as of November 30 of each year.
Goodwill
Goodwill is the excess of the acquisition cost of a business over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired. As
noted above, goodwill is not amortized but instead evaluated annually for impairment using a preliminary qualitative
assessment and two-step quantitative process, if deemed necessary. The evaluation of goodwill may first include a
qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than
its carrying amount. Events and circumstances integrated into the qualitative assessment process include a combination
of macroeconomic conditions affecting equity and credit markets, significant changes to the cost structure, overall
financial performance and other relevant events affecting the reporting unit. A company is permitted to skip the
qualitative assessment at its election, and proceed to step one of the quantitative test, which we chose to do in 2015.
In the first step of the impairment test, the fair value of our reporting unit is compared to its carrying amount, including
goodwill. The estimated fair value of the reporting unit is determined using a combination of market-based approaches
and a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) model. The assumptions used in the estimate of fair value are based upon a
combination of historical results and trends, new industry developments and future cash flow projections, as well as
relevant comparable company earnings multiples for the market-based approaches. Such assumptions are subject to
change as a result of changing economic and competitive conditions. We use a weighting of the results derived from the
valuation approaches to estimate the fair value of the reporting unit. The fair value of the reporting unit exceeded the
carrying value at December 31, 2015 and we concluded that there was no impairment of goodwill. At December 31,
2015 and 2014, the carrying value of goodwill was $764.6 million.
If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the impairment test is performed to
measure the amount of impairment loss. In measuring the fair value of our reporting unit as previously described, we
consider the fair value of our reporting unit in relation to our overall enterprise value, measured as the publicly traded
stock price multiplied by the fully diluted shares outstanding plus the value of outstanding debt. Our reporting unit fair
value models are consistent with a range in value indicated by both the preceding three month average stock price and
the stock price on the valuation date, plus an estimated acquisition premium which is based on observable transactions of
comparable companies, if applicable.
The second step compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that
goodwill. The implied fair value is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets and
liabilities other than goodwill in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation. The excess of the fair value of a
F-10
reporting unit over the amounts assigned to its assets and liabilities is the implied fair value of goodwill. If the carrying
amount of goodwill is greater than the implied fair value of that goodwill, then an impairment charge would be recorded
equal to the difference between the implied fair value and the carrying value.
Tradenames
Our most valuable tradename is the federally registered mark CONSOLIDATED, a design of interlocking circles, which
is used in association with our telephone communication services. The Company’s corporate branding strategy leverages
a CONSOLIDATED naming structure. All of the Company’s business units and several of our products and services
incorporate the CONSOLIDATED name. Tradenames with indefinite useful lives are not amortized but are tested for
impairment at least annually. If facts and circumstances change relating to a tradename’s continued use in the branding
of our products and services, it may be treated as a finite-lived asset and begin to be amortized over its estimated
remaining life. We estimate the fair value of our tradenames using DCF based on a relief from royalty method. If the
fair value of our tradenames was less than the carrying amount, we would recognize an impairment charge for the
difference between the estimated fair value and the carrying value of the assets. We perform our impairment testing of
our tradenames as single units of accounting based on their use in our single reporting unit.
The carrying value of our tradenames, excluding any finite lived tradenames, was $10.6 million at December 31, 2015
and 2014. For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, we completed our annual impairment test using a DCF
methodology based on a relief from royalty method and determined that there was no impairment of our tradenames.
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Finite-lived intangible assets subject to amortization consist primarily of our customer lists of an established base of
customers that subscribe to our services, tradenames of acquired companies and other intangible assets. Finite-lived
intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. We evaluate the potential
impairment of finite-lived intangible assets when impairment indicators exist. If the carrying value is no longer
recoverable based upon the undiscounted future cash flows of the asset, an impairment equal to the difference between
the carrying amount and the fair value of the asset is recognized. We did not recognize any intangible impairment
charges in the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 or 2013.
The components of finite-lived intangible assets are as follows:
(In thousands)
Useful Lives
Amount
Amortization
Amount
Amortization
December 31, 2015
December 31, 2014
Gross Carrying Accumulated
Gross Carrying Accumulated
Customer relationships
Tradenames
Other intangible assets
Total
3 - 13 years
1 - 2 years
5 years
$
$
215,261 $
2,290
5,600
223,151
$
(187,146) $
(1,723)
(1,342)
(190,211)
$
215,261 $
2,290
5,600
223,151
$
(175,769)
(1,044)
(573)
(177,386)
Amortization expense related to the finite-lived intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
was $12.8 million, $10.4 million and $9.4 million, respectively. Expected future amortization expense of finite-lived
intangible assets is as follows:
(In thousands)
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Thereafter
Total
$ 12,834
6,097
3,491
3,227
1,902
5,389
$ 32,940
F-11
Derivative Financial Instruments
We use derivative financial instruments to manage our exposure to the risks associated with fluctuations in interest rates.
Our interest rate swap agreements effectively convert a portion of our floating-rate debt to a fixed-rate basis, thereby
reducing the impact of interest rate changes on future cash interest payments. At the inception of a hedge transaction, we
formally document the relationship between the hedging instruments including our objective and strategy for establishing
the hedge. In addition, the effectiveness of the derivative instrument is assessed at inception and on an ongoing basis
throughout the hedging period. Counterparties to derivative instruments expose us to credit-related losses in the event of
nonperformance. We execute agreements only with financial institutions we believe to be creditworthy and regularly
assess the credit worthiness of each of the counterparties. We do not use derivative instruments for trading or
speculative purposes.
Derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value in our consolidated balance sheet. Fair value is determined
based on publicly available interest rate yield curves and an estimate of our nonperformance risk or our counterparty’s
nonperformance credit risk, as applicable. We do not anticipate any nonperformance by any counterparty.
For derivative instruments designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the change in the fair value is
recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) and is recognized as an
adjustment to earnings over the period in which the hedged item impacts earnings. When an interest rate swap agreement
terminates, any resulting gain or loss is recognized over the shorter of the remaining original term of the hedging
instrument or the remaining life of the underlying debt obligation. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of
any hedging derivative is recognized immediately in earnings. If a derivative instrument is de-designated, the remaining
gain or loss in AOCI on the date of de-designation is amortized to earnings over the remaining term of the hedging
instrument. For derivative financial instruments that are not designated as a hedge, changes in fair value are recognized
on a current basis in earnings. Cash flows from hedging activities are classified under the same category as the cash
flows from the hedged items in our consolidated statement of cash flows. See Note 7 for further discussion of our
derivative financial instruments.
Share-based Compensation
We recognize share-based compensation expense for all restricted stock awards (“RSAs”) and performance share awards
(“PSAs”) (collectively, “stock awards”) based on the estimated fair value of the stock awards on the date of grant. We
recognize the expense associated with RSAs and PSAs on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which
generally ranges from immediate vesting to a four-year vesting period. See Note 8 for additional information regarding
share-based compensation.
Pension Plan and Other Post-Retirement Benefits
We maintain noncontributory defined benefit pension plans and provide certain post-retirement health care and life
insurance benefits to certain eligible employees. We also maintain two unfunded supplemental retirement plans to
provide incremental pension payments to certain former employees.
We recognize pension and post-retirement benefits expense during the current period in the consolidated statement of
operations using certain assumptions, including the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, interest cost implied
by the discount rate, expected health care cost trend rate and the amortization of unrecognized gains and losses. Refer to
Note 9 for further details regarding the determination of these assumptions.
We recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of our defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans as either an
asset or liability in the consolidated balance sheet. We recognize changes in the funded status in the year in which the
changes occur in accumulated comprehensive income (loss), net of applicable income taxes, including unrecognized
actuarial gains and losses and prior service costs and credits.
Income Taxes
Our estimates of income taxes and the significant items resulting in the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities
are disclosed in Note 10 and reflect our assessment of future tax consequences of transactions that have been reflected in
our financial statements or tax returns for each taxing jurisdiction in which we operate. We base our provision for
F-12
income taxes on our current period income, changes in our deferred income tax assets and liabilities, income tax rates,
changes in estimates of our uncertain tax positions and tax planning opportunities available in the jurisdictions in which
we operate. We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities when there are temporary differences between the financial
reporting basis and tax basis of our assets and liabilities and for the expected benefits of using net operating loss and tax
credit loss carryforwards. We establish valuation allowances when necessary to reduce the carrying amount of deferred
income tax assets to the amounts that we believe are more likely than not to be realized. We evaluate the need to retain
all or a portion of the valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets. When a change in the tax rate or tax law has an
impact on deferred taxes, we apply the change based on the years in which the temporary differences are expected to
reverse. As we operate in more than one state, changes in our state apportionment factors, based on operational results,
may affect our future effective tax rates and the value of our deferred tax assets and liabilities. We record a change in tax
rates in our consolidated financial statements in the period of enactment.
Income tax consequences that arise in connection with a business combination include identifying the tax basis of assets
and liabilities acquired and any contingencies associated with uncertain tax positions assumed or resulting from the
business combination. Deferred tax assets and liabilities related to temporary differences of an acquired entity are
recorded as of the date of the business combination and are based on our estimate of the appropriate tax basis that will be
accepted by the various taxing authorities.
We record unrecognized tax benefits as liabilities in accordance with ASC 740 and adjust these liabilities in the
appropriate period when our judgment changes as a result of the evaluation of new information. In certain instances, the
ultimate resolution may result in a payment that is materially different from our current estimate of the unrecognized tax
benefit liabilities. These differences will be reflected as increases or decreases to income tax expense in the period in
which new information is available. We classify interest and penalties, if any, associated with our uncertain tax positions
as a component of interest expense and general and administrative expense, respectively. See Note 10 for further
discussion on income taxes.
Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery of the product to the customer has
occurred or services have been rendered, the price to the customer is fixed or determinable and collectability of the sales
price is reasonably assured.
Services
Revenue based on a flat fee, dedicated network access, data communications, digital TV, Internet access service and
broadband service, or revenue derived principally from local telephone, is billed in advance and is recognized in
subsequent periods when the services have been provided, with the exception of certain governmental accounts which
are billed in arrears.
Certain of our bundled service packages may include multiple deliverables. We offer a base service bundle which
consists of voice services, including a phone line, calling features and long-distance. Customers may choose to add
additional services, including high-speed Internet and digital/IP television services, to the base service bundle. Separate
units of accounting within the bundled service package include voice services, high-speed Internet and digital/IP
television services. Revenue for all services included in our bundled service package is recognized over the same service
period in which service is provided to the customer. Bundled service package discounts are recognized concurrently with
the associated revenue and are allocated to the various services in the bundled service package based on the relative
selling price of the services included in each bundle.
Usage-based services, such as per-minute long-distance service and access charges billed to other telephone carriers for
originating and terminating long-distance calls on our network, are billed in arrears. We recognize revenue from these
services in the period in which service is provided to the customer.
Revenue related to nonrefundable, upfront service activation and setup fees is deferred and recognized over the estimated
customer life. Incremental direct costs of telecommunications service activation are charged to expense in the period in
which they are incurred, except when we maintain ownership of wiring installed during the activation process. In such
cases, the cost is capitalized and depreciated over the estimated useful life of the asset.
F-13
Print advertising and publishing revenue is recognized ratably over the life of the related directory, which is generally 12
months.
Equipment
Revenue is generated from the sale of equipment through the sale of voice and data communications equipment; design,
configuration and installation services related to voice and data equipment; the provision of Cisco maintenance support
contracts; and the sale of professional support services for customer voice and data systems. Equipment revenue
generated from retail channels is recognized when the equipment is sold. Equipment revenue generated from
telecommunications systems and structured cabling projects is recognized when the project is completed. Maintenance
services are provided on both a contract and time and material basis and are recognized in the period in which the service
is provided.
Equipment revenue generated from support services includes “24x7” support of a customer’s voice and data networks.
The majority of these contracts are billed on a time and materials basis and revenue is recognized either in the period in
which the services are provided or over the term of the contract. Support services also include professional support
services, which are typically sold on a time and materials basis, but may be sold as a prepaid block of time, and the
revenue is recognized in the period in which the services are provided.
Multiple Deliverable Arrangements
We often enter into arrangements which include multiple deliverables primarily relating to the sale of communications
equipment and associated support contracts and professional services, which include design, configuration and
installation consulting. When an equipment sale involves multiple deliverables, revenue is allocated to each respective
element. When multiple deliverables included in an arrangement are separable into different units of accounting, the
arrangement consideration is allocated to the identified separate units of accounting based on their relative selling price
on a stand-alone basis. Cisco equipment, maintenance contracts and professional services each qualify as separate units
of accounting. We utilize best estimate of selling price for stand-alone value for our equipment and maintenance
contracts, taking into consideration market conditions and entity-specific factors. We evaluate best estimate of selling
price by reviewing historical data related to sales of our deliverables.
Subsidies and Surcharges
Subsidies consist of both federal and state subsidies, which are designed to promote widely available, quality telephone
service at affordable prices in rural areas. These revenues are calculated by the administering government agency based
on information we provide. Subsidies are recognized in the period in which the service is provided. There is a
reasonable possibility that out-of-period subsidy adjustments may be recorded in the future, but they are expected to be
immaterial to our results of operations, financial position and cash flow.
We collect and remit Federal Universal Service contributions on a gross basis, which resulted in recorded revenue of
approximately $13.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2015. We account for all other taxes collected from
customers and remitted to the respective government agencies on a net basis.
Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense was $8.3 million, $8.2 million and $7.6 million in
2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Statement of Cash Flows Information
During 2015, 2014 and 2013, we made payments for interest and income taxes as follows:
(In thousands)
Interest, net of amounts capitalized ($1,373, $1,437 and $1,215
2015
2014
2013
in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively)
Income taxes paid, net
$76,823 $73,400 $ 80,693
960
$ 1,835 $ 5,311 $
F-14
Noncash investing and financing activities:
In 2014, we issued 10.1 million shares of the Company’s common stock with a market value of $257.7 million in
connection with the acquisition of Enventis as described in Note 3.
In 2015 and 2013, we acquired equipment of $4.1 million and $0.8 million, respectively, through capital lease
agreements.
Noncontrolling Interest
We have a majority-owned subsidiary, East Texas Fiber Line Incorporated (“ETFL”) which is a joint venture owned
63% by the Company and 37% by Eastex Telecom Investments, LLC. ETFL provides connectivity over a fiber optic
transport network to certain customers residing in Texas.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2015, FASB issued the Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-17 (“ASU 2015-17”), Balance Sheet
Classification of Deferred Taxes. ASU 2015-17 requires that all deferred tax liabilities and tax assets, and any related
valuation allowance, be classified as non-current in a classified balance sheet. ASU 2015-17 is effective for annual and
interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted, and may be applied either
prospectively or retrospectively. We early adopted this guidance prospectively as of December 31, 2015, and as a result,
we have classified all net deferred tax liabilities as non-current in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2015.
The prior period was not retrospectively adjusted.
In September 2015, FASB issued the Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-16 (“ASU 2015-16”), Simplifying the
Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments. ASU 2015-16 requires that the acquiring company in a business
combination recognize adjustments to provisional amounts identified during the measurement period in the reporting
period in which the adjustments are determined and record in the reporting period in which the adjustments are
determined the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization and other items resulting from the change to
the provisional amounts. ASU 2015-16 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015
and should be applied prospectively with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU 2015-16 is not expected to
have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In April 2015, FASB issued the Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03 (“ASU 2015-03”), Simplifying the
Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. ASU 2015-03 requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability to
be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that liability, consistent with debt
discounts. Amendments in this update are effective retrospectively for fiscal years and interim periods within those years
beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. We early adopted this guidance as of December 31,
2015 and retrospectively reclassified $15.4 million of deferred debt issuance costs associated with our long-term debt
from other non-current assets to long-term debt on our December 31, 2014 consolidated balance sheet.
In August 2014, FASB issued the Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-15 (“ASU 2014-15”), Disclosure of
Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. ASU 2014-15 requires management to evaluate
for each annual and interim reporting period whether conditions or events give rise to substantial doubt that an entity has
the ability to continue as a going concern within one year following issuance of the financial statements and requires
specific disclosures regarding the conditions or events leading to substantial doubt. The new guidance is effective for
annual and interim periods ending after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU 2014-
15 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.
In May 2014, FASB issued the Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 (“ASU 2014-09”), Revenue from Contracts
with Customers (Topic 606). ASU 2014-09 provides new, globally applicable converged guidance concerning the
recognition and measurement of revenue. As a result, significant additional disclosures are required about the nature,
amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. In August 2015, FASB
issued the Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-14 (“ASU 2015-14”), Deferral of the Effective Date. ASU 2015-14
defers the effective date of ASU 2014-09 for all entities by one year. Accordingly, the new guidance in ASU 2014-09 is
effective for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2017. Companies are allowed to transition
using either the modified retrospective or full retrospective adoption method. If full retrospective adoption is chosen,
F-15
three years of financial information must be presented in accordance with the new standard. We are currently evaluating
the alternative methods of adoption and the effect on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
Reclassifications
Certain amounts in our 2014 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year
presentation. In accordance with the early adoption of ASU 2015-03, as described above, deferred debt issuance costs
were reclassified from other non-current assets to long-term debt on our December 31, 2014 consolidated balance sheet.
2. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share (“EPS”) are computed using the two-class method, which is an earnings
allocation that determines EPS for each class of common stock and participating securities according to dividends
declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. The Company’s restricted stock awards are considered
participating securities because holders are entitled to receive non-forfeitable dividends during the vesting term. Diluted
EPS includes securities that could potentially dilute basic EPS during a reporting period. Dilutive securities are not
included in the computation of loss per share when a company reports a net loss from continuing operations as the
impact would be anti-dilutive.
The potentially dilutive impact of the Company’s restricted stock awards is determined using the treasury stock method.
Under the treasury stock method, awards are treated as if they had been exercised with any proceeds used to repurchase
common stock at the average market price during the period. Any incremental difference between the assumed number
of shares issued and purchased is included in the diluted share computation.
The computation of basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to common shareholders computed using the two-
class method is as follows:
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Income (loss) from continuing operations
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders
$
before allocation of earnings to participating securities
Less: earnings allocated to participating securities
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders,
after earning allocated to participating securities
Net income from discontinued operations
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders, after earnings allocated
2014
2015
(671) $ 15,388 $ 29,964
330
321
210
2013
(881)
—
15,067
546
29,634
466
(881)
—
14,521
—
29,168
1,177
to participating securities
$
(881) $ 14,521 $ 30,345
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding
50,176
41,998
39,764
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
Net income (loss) per common share attributable to common shareholders
$ (0.02) $
—
$ (0.02) $
0.35 $
—
0.35 $
0.73
0.03
0.76
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share attributable to common shareholders for the years ended December 31, 2015,
2014 and 2013 excludes 0.3 million, 0.4 million and 0.3 million weighted average shares outstanding, respectively, that
could be issued under our share-based compensation plan because the inclusion of the potential common shares would
have an antidilutive effect.
F-16
3. ACQUISITION AND DISPOSITIONS
Merger With Enventis
On October 16, 2014, we completed our merger with Enventis and acquired all the issued and outstanding shares of
Enventis in exchange for shares of our common stock. As a result, Enventis became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Company. Enventis is an advanced communications provider, which services business and residential customers
primarily in the upper Midwest. The Enventis fiber network spans more than 4,200 route miles across Minnesota and
into Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. The acquisition reflects our strategy to diversify revenue and
cash flows amongst multiple products and to expand our network to new markets.
At the effective time of the merger, each share of common stock, no par value, of Enventis owned immediately prior to
the effective time of the merger converted into and became the right to receive 0.7402 shares of our common stock, par
value of $0.01 per share, plus cash in lieu of fractional shares, as set forth in the merger agreement. Based on the closing
price of our common stock of $25.40 per share on the date preceding the merger, the total value of the purchase
consideration exchanged was $257.7 million, excluding the repayment of Enventis’ outstanding debt of $149.9 million.
On the date of the merger, we issued an aggregate total of 10.1 million shares of our common stock to the former
Enventis shareholders.
The acquisition was accounted for in accordance with the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations.
The tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at their estimated fair values as of the
date of the acquisition. The results of operations of Enventis have been reported in our consolidated financial statements
as of the effective date of the acquisition. For the period of October 16, 2014 through December 31, 2014, Enventis
contributed operating revenues of $37.6 million and a net loss of $1.4 million, which included $5.7 million in acquisition
related costs.
The final estimated fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed are as follows:
Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable
Other current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Other long-term assets
Total assets acquired
Current liabilities
Pension and other post-retirement obligations
Deferred income taxes
Other long-term liabilities
Total liabilities assumed
Net fair value of assets acquired
Goodwill
Total consideration transferred
(In thousands)
10,382
$
37,399
15,961
284,709
26,600
3,162
378,213
40,552
13,852
74,628
2,766
131,798
246,415
161,184
$ 407,599
Goodwill recognized from the acquisition primarily relates to the expected contributions of the entity to the overall
corporate strategy in addition to synergies and acquired workforce. This goodwill is not deductible for income tax
purposes. See Note 1 for additional information regarding the evaluation of goodwill.
The identifiable intangible assets acquired include customer relationships of $19.6 million, tradenames of $1.4 million
and non-compete agreements of $5.6 million. The identifiable intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line
method over their estimated useful lives, which is five to nine years for customer relationships, depending on the nature
of the customer, five years for non-compete agreements and two years for tradenames.
In 2015, we made certain adjustments to the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed which resulted in an
increase in property, plant and equipment of $2.1 million, intangible assets of $6.0 million, pension and other post-
retirement obligations of $6.3 million and deferred income taxes of $0.6 million. The net impact of the adjustments
F-17
increased net assets acquired and reduced goodwill by $1.2 million. These adjustments have been retrospectively
applied on the balance sheet as of the acquisition date. There was no material impact to amounts previously reported in
the statement of operations as a result of these adjustments.
In connection with the opening balance sheet adjustment for the pension and other post-retirement obligations discussed
above, we determined certain changes to Enventis’ post-retirement benefit plan should be recognized as a post-
acquisition event. As a result, the valuation of the post-retirement obligation was revised to appropriately reflect the
changes in the plan provisions as a result of the acquisition. These changes resulted in a decrease to the pension and
other post-retirement obligations liability of $6.3 million, an increase in deferred taxes of $2.4 million and a decrease in
accumulated other comprehensive loss of $3.9 million, which have been reflected in the consolidated balance sheet as of
December 31, 2014. The impact of the change to the results of operations was not material.
Unaudited Pro Forma Results
The following unaudited pro forma information presents our results of operations for 2014 and 2013 as if the acquisition
of Enventis occurred on January 1, 2013. The adjustments to arrive at the pro forma information below included:
additional depreciation and amortization expense for the fair value increases to property, plant and equipment and
intangible assets acquired; increase in interest expense to reflect the additional debt entered into to finance a portion of
the acquisition; and the exclusion of certain acquisition related costs. Shares used to calculate the basic and diluted
earnings per share were adjusted to reflect the additional shares of common stock issued to fund a portion of the
acquisition price.
(Unaudited; in thousands, except per share amounts)
Operating revenues
Income from operations
Net income from continuing operations
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
Net income attributable to common stockholders
Net income per common share-basic and diluted
Year Ended December 31,
2014
$ 790,745
$ 104,674
$ 18,648
321
$ 18,327
2013
$ 790,777
$ 103,178
$ 24,288
330
$ 23,958
$
0.37
$
0.48
Transaction costs related to the acquisition of Enventis were $11.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2014,
which are included in acquisition and other transaction costs in the consolidated statements of operations. These costs
are considered to be non-recurring in nature and therefore have been excluded from the pro forma results of operations.
The pro forma information does not purport to present the actual results that would have resulted if the acquisition had in
fact occurred at the beginning of the fiscal periods presented, nor does the information project results for any future
period. The pro forma information does not include the impact of any future cost savings or synergies that may be
achieved as a result of the acquisition.
Discontinued Operations
In September 2013, we completed the sale of the assets and contractual rights of our prison services business for a total
cash purchase price of $2.5 million, which included the settlement of any pending legal matters. The financial results of
the operations for prison services have been reported as a discontinued operation in our consolidated financial statements
for the year ended December 31, 2013.
The following table summarizes the financial information for the prison services operations for the year ended December
31, 2013:
(In thousands)
Operating revenues
Operating expenses including depreciation and amortization
Loss from operations
Income tax benefit
Loss from discontinued operations
2013
5,622
5,883
(261)
(105)
(156)
$
$
F-18
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax of $887
$
1,333
4.
INVESTMENTS
Our investments are as follows:
(In thousands)
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies
Cost method investments:
GTE Mobilnet of South Texas Limited Partnership (2.34% interest)
Pittsburgh SMSA Limited Partnership (3.60% interest)
CoBank, ACB Stock
Other
Equity method investments:
GTE Mobilnet of Texas RSA #17 Limited Partnership (20.51% interest)
Pennsylvania RSA 6(I) Limited Partnership (16.67% interest)
Pennsylvania RSA 6(II) Limited Partnership (23.67% interest)
CVIN, LLC
Totals
Cost Method
2015
2,149 $
2014
2,039
$
21,450
22,950
7,971
200
21,450
22,950
7,645
200
18,099
6,167
26,557
-
27,990
7,451
23,894
1,757
$ 105,543 $ 115,376
We own 2.34% of GTE Mobilnet of South Texas Limited Partnership (the “Mobilnet South Partnership”). The principal
activity of the Mobilnet South Partnership is providing cellular service in the Houston, Galveston, and Beaumont, Texas
metropolitan areas. We also own 3.60% of Pittsburgh SMSA Limited Partnership (“Pittsburgh SMSA”), which provides
cellular service in and around the Pittsburgh metropolitan area. Because of our limited influence over these partnerships,
we use the cost method to account for both of these investments. It is not practicable to estimate fair value of these
investments. We did not evaluate any of the investments for impairment as no factors indicating impairment existed
during the year. In 2015, 2014 and 2013, we received cash distributions from these partnerships totaling $14.6 million,
$14.8 million and $16.9 million, respectively.
CoBank, ACB (“CoBank”) is a cooperative bank owned by its customers. Annually, CoBank distributes patronage in
the form of cash and stock in the cooperative based on the Company’s outstanding loan balance with CoBank, which has
traditionally been a significant lender in the Company’s credit facility. The investment in CoBank represents the
accumulation of the equity patronage paid by CoBank to the Company.
Equity Method
We own 20.51% of GTE Mobilnet of Texas RSA #17 Limited Partnership (“RSA #17”), 16.67% of Pennsylvania RSA
6(I) Limited Partnership (“RSA 6(I)”) and 23.67% of Pennsylvania RSA 6(II) Limited Partnership (“RSA 6(II)”). RSA
#17 provides cellular service to a limited rural area in Texas. RSA 6(I) and RSA 6(II) provide cellular service in and
around our Pennsylvania service territory. Because we have significant influence over the operating and financial
policies of these three entities, we account for the investments using the equity method. In 2015, 2014 and 2013, we
received cash distributions from these partnerships totaling $30.7 million, $19.8 million and $17.9 million, respectively.
The carrying value of the investments exceeds the underlying equity in net assets of the partnerships by $32.8 million.
In 2015, we sold our 6.96% interest in Central Valley Independent Network, LLC (“CVIN”), a joint enterprise
comprised of affiliates of several independent telephone companies located in central and northern California. CVIN
provides network services and oversees a broadband infrastructure project designed to expand and improve the
availability of network services to counties in central California. As a result of the sale, we recognized an other-than-
temporary impairment loss of $0.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2015 to reduce the investment to its
estimated fair value. The impairment charge is included in investment income within other income (expense) in the
consolidated statements of operations. We did not receive any distributions from this partnership in 2015, 2014 or 2013.
F-19
The combined unaudited results of operations and financial position of our three equity investments in the cellular
limited partnerships are summarized below:
(In thousands)
Total revenues
Income from operations
Net income before taxes
Net income
Current assets
Non-current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Partnership equity
5. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Financial Instruments
2013
2015
2014
$ 348,595 $ 338,575 $ 321,555
98,962
105,495
99,024
104,568
99,024
104,568
96,606
96,763
96,763
$ 57,716 $ 52,866 $ 54,837
87,968
15,221
1,786
125,799
93,771
16,253
3,225
127,159
96,197
20,576
52,414
80,923
Our derivative instruments related to interest rate swap agreements are required to be measured at fair value on a
recurring basis. The fair values of the interest rate swaps are determined using valuation models and are categorized
within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy as the valuation inputs are based on quoted prices and observable market data
of similar instruments. See Note 7 for further discussion regarding our interest rate swap agreements.
Our interest rate swap liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as
follows:
As of December 31, 2015
Quoted Prices Significant
(In thousands)
Current interest rate swap liabilities
Long-term interest rate swap liabilities
Total
(In thousands)
Current interest rate swap liabilities
Long-term interest rate swap liabilities
Total
In Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
$
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
(190) $
- $
-
- $ (1,274) $
(1,084)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
-
-
-
Total
$ (190)
(1,084)
$ (1,274) $
As of December 31, 2014
Quoted Prices Significant
In Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Inputs
(Level 2)
Other
Significant
Observable Unobservable
— $
—
— $ (1,133) $
(443)
(690)
Inputs
(Level 3)
—
—
—
Total
$ (443)
(690)
$ (1,133) $
We have not elected the fair value option for any of our financial assets or liabilities. The carrying value of other
financial instruments, including cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair
value due to their short maturities or variable-rate nature of the respective balances. The following table presents the
other financial instruments that are not carried at fair value but which require fair value disclosure as of December 31,
2015 and 2014.
F-20
(In thousands)
Investments, equity basis
Investments, at cost
Long-term debt, excluding capital leases
Carrying Value
50,823
52,571
1,393,567 $
$
$
$
Cost & Equity Method Investments
Fair Value
n/a $
n/a $
1,312,383 $
Carrying Value Fair Value
61,092
52,245
n/a
n/a
1,362,049 $ 1,381,972
As of December 31, 2015
As of December 31, 2014
Our investments at December 31, 2015 and 2014 accounted for under both the equity and cost methods consists
primarily of minority positions in various cellular telephone limited partnerships and our investment in CoBank. These
investments are recorded using either the equity or cost methods. It is impracticable to determine fair value of these
investments.
Long-term Debt
The fair value of our long-term debt was estimated using a discounted cash flow analyses based on incremental
borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements. We have categorized the long-term debt as Level 2 within
the fair value hierarchy.
6. LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt outstanding, presented net of unamortized discounts, consisted of the following as of December 31, 2015
and 2014:
(In thousands)
Senior secured credit facility:
Term loan 4, net of discount of $3,340 and $3,948 at December 31, 2015 and
2014, respectively
Revolving loan
10.875% Senior notes due 2020, net of discount of $1,121 at December 31, 2014
6.50% Senior notes due 2022, net of discount of $4,893 at December 31, 2015
Capital leases
Less: current portion of long-term debt and capital leases
Less: deferred debt issuance costs
Total long-term debt
Credit Agreement
2015
2014
$
888,460
10,000
-
495,107
7,580
1,401,147
(10,937)
(12,318)
$ 1,377,892
$
896,952
39,000
226,097
200,000
4,553
1,366,602
(9,849)
(15,421)
$ 1,341,332
In December 2013, the Company, through certain of its wholly owned subsidiaries, entered into a Second Amended and
Restated Credit Agreement with various financial institutions (the “Credit Agreement”) to replace the Company’s
previously amended credit agreement. The Credit Agreement consists of a $75.0 million revolving credit facility and
initial term loans in the aggregate amount of $910.0 million (“Term 4”). The Credit Agreement also includes an
incremental term loan facility which provides the ability to request to borrow up to $300.0 million of incremental term
loans subject to certain terms and conditions. Borrowings under the senior secured credit facility are secured by
substantially all of the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, with the exception of Consolidated Communications
of Illinois Company (formerly Illinois Consolidated Telephone Company) and our majority-owned subsidiary, East
Texas Fiber Line Incorporated.
The Term 4 loan was issued in an original aggregate principal amount of $910.0 million with a maturity date of
December 23, 2020. The Term 4 loan contains an original issuance discount of $4.6 million, which is being amortized
over the term of the loan. The Term 4 loan requires quarterly principal payments of $2.3 million, which commenced
March 31, 2014, and has an interest rate of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 3.25% subject to a
1.00% LIBOR floor.
Our revolving credit facility has a maturity date of December 23, 2018 and an applicable margin (at our election) of
between 2.50% and 3.25% for LIBOR-based borrowings or between 1.50% and 2.25% for alternate base rate
F-21
borrowings, depending on our leverage ratio. Based on our leverage ratio at December 31, 2015, the borrowing margin
for the next three month period ending March 31, 2016 will be at a weighted-average margin of 3.00% for a LIBOR-
based loan or 2.00% for an alternate base rate loan. The applicable borrowing margin for the revolving credit facility is
adjusted quarterly to reflect the leverage ratio from the prior quarter-end. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014,
borrowings of $10.0 million and $39.0 million, respectively, were outstanding under the revolving credit facility. A
stand-by letter of credit of $1.6 million, issued in connection with the Company’s insurance coverage, was outstanding
under our revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2015. The stand-by letter of credit is renewable annually and
reduces the borrowing availability under the revolving credit facility. As of December 31, 2015, $63.4 million was
available for borrowing under the revolving credit facility.
The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings under our credit facility was 4.24% and 4.20% at
December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Interest is payable at least quarterly.
Net proceeds from asset sales exceeding certain thresholds, to the extent not reinvested, are required to be used to repay
loans outstanding under the credit agreement.
Financing Costs
In connection with entering into the restated credit agreement in December 2013, fees of $6.6 million were capitalized as
deferred debt issuance costs. These capitalized costs are amortized over the term of the debt and are included as a
component of interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations. We also incurred a loss on the
extinguishment of debt of $7.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2013 related to the repayment of outstanding
term loans under the previous credit agreement which were scheduled to mature in December 2017 and 2018.
Credit Agreement Covenant Compliance
The credit agreement contains various provisions and covenants, including, among other items, restrictions on the ability
to pay dividends, incur additional indebtedness, and issue capital stock. We have agreed to maintain certain financial
ratios, including interest coverage and total net leverage ratios, all as defined in the credit agreement. As of December
31, 2015, we were in compliance with the credit agreement covenants.
In general, our credit agreement restricts our ability to pay dividends to the amount of our Available Cash as defined in
our credit agreement. As of December 31, 2015, and including the $19.6 million dividend declared in November 2015
and paid on February 1, 2016, we had $245.9 million in dividend availability under the credit facility covenant.
Under our credit agreement, if our total net leverage ratio, as defined in the credit agreement, as of the end of any fiscal
quarter, is greater than 5.10:1.00, we will be required to suspend dividends on our common stock unless otherwise
permitted by an exception for dividends that may be paid from the portion of proceeds of any sale of equity not used to
fund acquisitions, or make other investments. During any dividend suspension period, we will be required to repay debt
in an amount equal to 50.0% of any increase in Available Cash, among other things. In addition, we will not be
permitted to pay dividends if an event of default under the credit agreement has occurred and is continuing. Among
other things, it will be an event of default if our total net leverage ratio and interest coverage ratio as of the end of any
fiscal quarter is greater than 5.25:1.00 and less than 2.25:1.00, respectively. As of December 31, 2015, our total net
leverage ratio under the credit agreement was 4.23:1.00, and our interest coverage ratio was 4.12:1.00.
Senior Notes
6.50% Senior Notes due 2022
On June 8, 2015, we completed an offering of $300.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.50% Senior Notes due
2022. The New Notes were priced at 98.26% of par with a yield to maturity of 6.80% and resulted in total gross
proceeds of approximately $294.8 million, excluding accrued interest. The discount and deferred debt issuance costs of
$4.5 million incurred in connection with the issuance of the New Notes are being amortized using the effective interest
method over the term of the notes. The net proceeds from the issuance of the New Notes were used, in part, to redeem
the remaining $227.2 million of our original $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of 10.875% Senior Notes due
2020, to pay related fees and expenses and to reduce the amount outstanding on the revolving credit facility. In
F-22
connection with the redemption of the 2020 Notes, we paid $261.9 million and recognized a loss on extinguishment of
debt of $41.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2015.
The New Notes were issued as additional notes under the same indenture pursuant to which the $200.0 million aggregate
principal amount of 6.50% Senior Notes due 2022 (the “Existing Notes” and together with the New Notes, the “2022
Notes”) were previously issued on September 18, 2014. The Existing Notes were priced at par, which resulted in total
gross proceeds of $200.0 million. Deferred debt issuance costs of $3.5 million incurred in connection with the issuance
of the 2022 Notes are amortized using the effective interest method over the term of the 2022 Notes. The net proceeds
from the issuance of the Existing Notes were used to finance the acquisition of Enventis including related fees and
expenses, and to repay the existing indebtedness of Enventis. A portion of the net proceeds, together with cash on hand
and borrowings from the revolving credit facility, were also used to redeem $72.8 million of the original aggregate
principal amount of the 2020 Notes in 2014. In connection with the redemption of the 2020 Notes, we paid $84.1
million and recognized a loss of $13.8 million on the partial extinguishment of debt during the year ended December 31,
2014.
The 2022 Notes mature on October 1, 2022 and interest is payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year.
Consolidated Communications, Inc. (“CCI”) is the primary obligor under the 2022 Notes, and we and certain of our
wholly-owned subsidiaries have fully and unconditionally guaranteed the 2022 Notes. The 2022 Notes are senior
unsecured obligations of the Company.
On October 16, 2015, we completed an exchange offer to register all of the 2022 Notes under the Securities Act. The
terms of the registered 2022 Notes are substantially identical to those of the 2022 Notes prior to the exchange, except
that the 2022 Notes are now registered under the Securities Act and the transfer restrictions and registration rights
previously applicable to the original 2022 Notes no longer apply to the registered 2022 notes. The exchange offer did
not impact the aggregate principal amount or the remaining terms of the 2022 Notes outstanding.
Senior Notes Covenant Compliance
Subject to certain exceptions and qualifications, the indenture governing the 2022 Notes contains customary covenants
that, among other things, limits CCI’s and its restricted subsidiaries’ ability to: incur debt or issue certain preferred stock;
pay dividends or make other distributions on capital stock or prepay subordinated indebtedness; purchase or redeem any
equity interests; make investments; create liens; sell assets; enter into agreements that restrict dividends or other
payments by restricted subsidiaries; consolidate, merge or transfer all or substantially all of its assets; engage in
transactions with its affiliates; or enter into any sale and leaseback transactions. The indenture also contains customary
events of default.
Among other matters, the 2022 Notes indenture provides that CCI may not pay dividends or make other “restricted
payments” to the Company if its total net leverage ratio is 4.75:1.00 or greater. This ratio is calculated differently than
the comparable ratio under the Credit Agreement; among other differences, it takes into account, on a pro forma basis,
synergies expected to be achieved as a result of certain acquisitions but not yet reflected in historical results. At
December 31, 2015, this ratio was 4.33:1.00. If this ratio is met, dividends and other restricted payments may be made
from cumulative consolidated cash flow since April 1, 2012, less 1.75 times fixed charges, less dividends and other
restricted payments made since May 30, 2012. Dividends may be paid and other restricted payments may also be made
from a “basket” of $50.0 million, none of which has been used to date, and pursuant to other exceptions identified in the
indenture. Since dividends of $253.1 million have been paid since May 30, 2012, including the quarterly dividend
declared in November 2015 and paid on February 1, 2016, there was $351.5 million of the $604.6 million of cumulative
consolidated cash flow since May 30, 2012 available to pay dividends at December 31, 2015. At December 31, 2015,
the Company was in compliance with all terms, conditions and covenants under the indenture governing the 2022 Notes.
Bridge Loan Facility
In connection with the acquisition of Enventis in 2014, the Company entered into a $140.0 million senior unsecured
bridge loan facility (“Bridge Facility”) on June 29, 2014 in order to fund the anticipated acquisition including the related
fees and expenses and to repay the existing indebtedness of Enventis. As anticipated, financing for the Enventis
acquisition was completed through the 2022 Note offering, as described above, replacing the Bridge Facility on the
closing date of the acquisition. No amounts were drawn or funded under the Bridge Facility prior to replacement. In
connection with entering into the Bridge Facility, commitment fees of $1.4 million were capitalized during the quarter
F-23
ended June 30, 2014 as deferred debt issuance costs and amortized over the expected life of the Bridge Facility through
October 2014.
Future Maturities of Debt
At December 31, 2015, the aggregate maturities of our long-term debt excluding capital leases were as follows:
(In thousands)
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Thereafter
Total maturities
Less: Unamortized discount
$
9,100
9,100
19,100
9,100
855,400
500,000
1,401,800
(8,233)
$1,393,567
See Note 11 regarding the future maturities of our obligations for capital leases.
7. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
We may utilize interest rate swap agreements to mitigate risk associated with fluctuations in interest rates related to our
variable rate debt. Derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value in our consolidated balance sheet.
The following interest rate swaps were outstanding at December 31, 2015:
(In thousands)
Cash Flow Hedges:
Notional
Amount
2015 Balance Sheet Location
Fair Value
Fixed to 1-month floating LIBOR (with floor)
$150,000 Other long-term liabilities
$ (1,084)
De-designated Hedges:
Fixed to 1-month floating LIBOR
Fixed to 1-month floating LIBOR (with floor)
$ 50,000 Accrued expense
$ 50,000 Accrued expense
Total Fair Values
(80)
(110)
$ (1,274)
The following interest rate swaps were outstanding at December 31, 2014:
(In thousands)
Cash Flow Hedges:
Notional
Amount
2014 Balance Sheet Location
Fair Value
Fixed to 1-month floating LIBOR (with floor)
$100,000 Other long-term liabilities
$
(133)
De-designated Hedges:
Fixed to 1-month floating LIBOR
Fixed to 1-month floating LIBOR
Fixed to 1-month floating LIBOR (with floor)
Total Fair Values
$125,000 Other long-term liabilities
$ 50,000 Accrued expense
$ 50,000 Other long-term liabilities
(410)
(443)
(147)
$ (1,133)
The counterparties to our various swaps are highly rated financial institutions. None of the swap agreements provide for
either us or the counterparties to post collateral nor do the agreements include any covenants related to the financial
condition of Consolidated or the counterparties. The swaps of any counterparty that is a lender, as defined in our credit
facility, are secured along with the other creditors under the credit facility. Each of the swap agreements provides that in
the event of a bankruptcy filing by either Consolidated or the counterparty, any amounts owed between the two parties
would be offset in order to determine the net amount due between parties. This provision allows us to partially mitigate
the risk of non-performance by a counterparty.
F-24
For interest rate swaps designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the unrealized gain or loss in fair value is
recorded in AOCI and reclassified into earnings when the underlying hedged item impacts earnings. The ineffective
portion of the change in fair value of the cash flow hedge is recognized immediately in earnings. For interest rate swaps
not designated as a hedge, changes in fair value are recognized in earnings as interest expense.
In 2013, interest rate swaps previously designated as cash flow hedges were de-designated as a result of amendments to
our credit agreement. These interest rate swap agreements mature on various dates through September 2016. Prior to
de-designation, the effective portion of the change in fair value of the interest rate swaps were recognized in AOCI. The
balance of the unrealized loss included in AOCI as of the date the swaps were de-designated is being amortized to
earnings over the remaining term of the swap agreements. Changes in fair value of the de-designated swaps are
immediately recognized in earnings as interest expense. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013,
gains of $0.8 million, $1.6 million and $2.2 million, respectively, were recognized as a reduction to interest expense for
the change in fair value of the de-designated swaps.
At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the pre-tax deferred losses related to our interest rate swap agreements included in
AOCI were $1.1 million and $0.8 million, respectively. The estimated amount of losses included in AOCI as of
December 31, 2015 that will be recognized in earnings in the next twelve months is approximately $0.9 million.
The following table presents the effect of interest rate derivatives designated as cash flow hedges on AOCI and on the
consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:
(In thousands)
Loss recognized in AOCI, pretax
Deferred losses reclassified from AOCI to interest expense
2015
2014
$ (1,744) $
(132) $
$ (1,371) $ (2,050) $
2013
(614)
(5,875)
8. EQUITY
Share-based Compensation
Our Board of Directors may grant share-based awards from our shareholder approved Amended and Restated
Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. 2005 Long-term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). The Plan permits the
issuance of awards in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock grants, stock unit grants and other
equity-based awards to eligible directors and employees at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board
of Directors. On May 4, 2015, the shareholders approved an amendment to the Plan to increase by 1,000,000 the number
of shares of our common stock authorized for issuance under the Plan. Approximately 2,650,000 shares of our common
stock are authorized for issuance under the Plan, provided that no more than 300,000 shares may be granted in the form
of stock options or stock appreciation rights to any eligible employee or director in any calendar year. Unless terminated
sooner, the Plan will continue in effect until May 5, 2019.
We measure the fair value of RSAs based on the market price of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. We
recognize the expense associated with RSAs on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which generally
ranges from immediate vesting to a four year vesting period.
We implemented an ongoing performance-based incentive program under the Plan. The performance-based incentive
program provides for annual grants of PSAs. PSAs are restricted stock that are issued, to the extent earned, at the end of
each performance cycle. Under the performance-based incentive program, each participant is given a target award
expressed as a number of shares, with a payout opportunity ranging from 0% to 120% of the target, depending on
performance relative to predetermined goals. An estimate of the number of PSAs that are expected to vest is made, and
the fair value of the PSAs is expensed utilizing the fair value on the date of grant over the requisite service period.
F-25
The following table summarizes grants of RSAs and PSAs under the Plan during the years ended December 31, 2015,
2014 and 2013:
RSAs Granted
PSAs Granted
Total
2015
83,571
77,786
161,357
Year Ended December 31,
Grant Date
Fair Value
Grant Date
2013
Fair Value
$ 19.74 168,516 $ 17.13
66,504 $ 17.13
$ 19.74
Grant Date
Fair Value
2014
$ 21.08 132,781
$ 20.86 91,127
223,908
235,020
The following table summarizes the RSA and PSA activity during the year ended December 31, 2015:
Non-vested shares outstanding - January 1, 2015
Shares granted
Shares vested
Non-vested shares outstanding - December 31, 2015
RSAs
Weighted
Average Grant
Shares
Date Fair Value
82,409 $
18.78
21.08
77,786 $
19.83 (76,971) $
PSAs
Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
18.94
20.86
18.79
83,224
Shares
141,565 $
83,571 $
(125,776) $
99,360
The total fair value of the RSAs and PSAs that vested during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was
$3.9 million, $3.5 million and $3.0 million, respectively.
Share-based Compensation Expense
The following table summarizes total compensation costs recognized for share-based payments during the years ended
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:
(In millions)
Restricted stock
Performance shares
Total
Year Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2015
$
$
1.7 $
1.3
3.0 $
2.1 $
1.5
3.6 $
1.8
1.2
3.0
Income tax benefits related to share-based compensation of approximately $1.2 million, $1.3 million and $1.1 million
were recorded for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Share-based compensation expense
is included in “selling, general and administrative expenses” in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
As of December 31, 2015, total unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested RSAs and PSAs was $3.6
million and will be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.5 years.
F-26
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The following table summarizes the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, by component during
2015 and 2014:
(In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2013
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive
income
Net current period other comprehensive income
Balance at December 31, 2014
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive
income
Net current period other comprehensive income
Balance at December 31, 2015
$
Pension and
Post-Retirement
Obligations
Derivative
Instruments
$
643
(31,191)
$
(1,643) $
(81)
Total
(1,000)
(31,272)
632
(30,640)
(31,640)
(6,619)
1,269
1,188
(455)
(1,072)
853
(219)
(674) $
2,560
(4,059)
(35,699)
(637)
(31,828)
(31,185)
(5,547)
1,707
(3,840)
(35,025) $
The following table summarizes reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss during 2015 and 2014:
(In thousands)
Amortization of pension and post-retirement items:
Prior service credit
Actuarial (loss) gain
Loss on cash flow hedges:
Interest rate derivatives
Amount Reclassified from
AOCI
Year Ended December 31,
Affected Line Item in the
2015
2014
Statement of Income
$
1,079
(3,884)
(2,805)
1,098
(1,707) $
494 (a)
543 (a)
1,037 Total before tax
(400) Tax benefit (expense)
637 Net of tax
(1,371) $
518
(853) $
(2,050) Interest expense
781 Tax benefit
(1,269) Net of tax
$
$
$
$
(a) These items are included in the components of net periodic benefit cost for our pension and post-retirement benefit
plans. See Note 9 for additional details.
9. PENSION PLANS AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS
Defined Benefit Plans
We sponsor a qualified defined benefit pension plan (“Retirement Plan”) that is non-contributory covering certain of our
hourly employees under collective bargaining agreements who fulfill minimum age and service requirements. Certain
salaried employees are also covered by the Retirement Plan, although these benefits have previously been frozen. The
Retirement Plan is closed to all new entrants. Benefits for eligible participants under collective bargaining agreements
are accrued based on a cash balance benefit plan.
We also have two non-qualified supplemental retirement plans (“Supplemental Plans”). The Supplemental Plans provide
supplemental retirement benefits to certain former employees by providing for incremental pension payments to partially
offset the reduction that would have been payable under the qualified defined benefit pension plans if it were not for
limitations imposed by federal income tax regulations. The Supplemental Plans have previously been frozen so that no
person is eligible to become a new participant. These plans are unfunded and have no assets. The benefits paid under
the Supplemental Plans are paid from the general operating funds of the Company.
F-27
The following tables summarize the change in benefit obligation, plan assets and funded status of the Retirement Plan
and Supplemental Plans (collectively the “Pension Plans”) as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.
(In thousands)
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at the beginning of the year
Service cost
Interest cost
Actuarial loss (gain)
Benefits paid
Benefit obligation at the end of the year
(In thousands)
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year
Employer contributions
Actual return on plan assets
Benefits paid
Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year
Funded status at year end
2015
2014
381,188
410
15,788
(22,951)
(22,229)
352,206
2015
297,118
12,224
(9,075)
(22,229)
278,038
(74,168)
$
$
$
$
$
337,343
560
16,295
48,620
(21,630)
381,188
2014
292,188
11,112
15,448
(21,630)
297,118
(84,070)
$
$
$
$
$
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2015 and 2014 consisted of:
(In thousands)
Current liabilities
Long-term liabilities
2015
2014
$
(246)
(245) $
$(73,923) $ (83,824)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014
consisted of:
(In thousands)
Unamortized prior service credit
Unamortized net actuarial loss
2015
2014
$ (3,512) $ (3,969)
66,561
$68,528 $ 62,592
72,040
The following table summarizes the components of net periodic pension cost recognized in the consolidated statements
of operations for the plans for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:
(In thousands)
Service cost
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Amortization of:
Net actuarial loss
Prior service credit
Net periodic pension (benefit) cost
$
$
2015
2014
2013
410 $
560 $
15,788
(23,372)
16,295
(23,106)
4,018
(457)
(3,613) $
20
(457)
(6,688) $
743
15,307
(20,654)
3,652
(457)
(1,409)
The following table summarizes other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive
loss, before tax effects, during 2015 and 2014.
(In thousands)
Actuarial loss, net
Recognized actuarial loss
Recognized prior service credit
Total amount recognized in other comprehensive loss, before tax effects
2015
2014
9,497 $ 56,279
(20)
(4,018)
457
457
5,936 $ 56,716
$
$
F-28
The estimated net actuarial gain and net prior service credit for the defined benefit pension plans that will be amortized
from accumulated other comprehensive loss in net periodic benefit cost in 2016 are $5.2 million and $(0.5) million,
respectively.
The assumptions used to determine the projected benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost for the years ended
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
Discount rate - net periodic benefit cost
Discount rate - benefit obligation
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets
Rate of compensation/salary increase
Other Non-qualified Deferred Compensation Agreements
2015
2013
2014
4.27 % 4.97 % 4.20 %
4.76 % 4.27 % 4.97 %
8.00 % 8.00 % 8.00 %
1.75 % 1.75 % 1.75 %
We also are liable for deferred compensation agreements with former members of the board of directors and certain other
former employees of acquired companies. Depending on the plan, benefits are payable in monthly or annual installments
for a period of time based on the terms of the agreement which range from five years up to the life of the participant or to
the beneficiary upon death of the participant and may begin as early as age 55. Participants accrue no new benefits as
these plans had previously been frozen. Payments related to the deferred compensation agreements totaled
approximately $0.3 million and $0.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The net
present value of the remaining obligations was approximately $2.1 million and $2.4 million at December 31, 2015 and
2014, respectively, and is included in pension and post-retirement benefit obligations in the accompanying balance
sheets.
We also maintain 28 life insurance policies on certain of the participating former directors and employees. We did not
recognize any insurance proceeds in 2015 and recognized $0.2 million in life insurance proceeds as other non-operating
income in 2014. The excess of the cash surrender value of the remaining life insurance policies over the notes payable
balances related to these policies is determined by an independent consultant, and totaled $2.1 million and $2.0 million at
December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. These amounts are included in investments in the accompanying
consolidated balance sheets. Cash principal payments for the policies and any proceeds from the policies are classified
as operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The aggregate death benefit payment payable under
these policies totaled $7.0 million and $6.9 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Post-retirement Benefit Obligations
We sponsor various healthcare and life insurance plans (“Post-retirement Plans”) that provide post-retirement medical
and life insurance benefits to certain groups of retired employees. Certain plans have previously been frozen so that no
person is eligible to become a new participant. Retirees share in the cost of healthcare benefits, making contributions
that are adjusted periodically—either based upon collective bargaining agreements or because total costs of the program
have changed. Covered expenses for retiree health benefits are paid as they are incurred. Post-retirement life insurance
benefits are fully insured. A majority of the plans are unfunded and have no assets, and benefits are paid from the
general operating funds of the Company. However, a plan acquired in the purchase of another company has assets that
are separately designated within the Retirement Plan for the sole purpose of providing payments of the retiree medical
benefits for this specific plan. The assets used to provide payment of these retiree medical benefits are the same as those
of the Retirement Plan. In connection with the acquisition of Enventis, its post-retirement benefit plan has been included
as of the date of acquisition.
F-29
The following tables summarize the change in benefit obligation, plan assets and funded status of the post-retirement
benefit obligations as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.
(In thousands)
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at the beginning of the year
Service cost
Interest cost
Plan participant contributions
Actuarial loss (gain)
Benefits paid
Amendments
Acquisition
Benefit obligation at the end of the year
(In thousands)
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year
Employer contributions
Plan participant’s contributions
Actual return on plan assets
Benefits paid
Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year
Funded status at year end
2015
2014
$42,135 $ 35,093
479
1,565
694
461
(3,434)
(5,980)
13,257
$40,538 $ 42,135
601
1,713
657
(910)
(3,658)
—
—
2015
2014
3,001
657
(344)
(3,658)
$ 3,329 $ 3,575
2,740
694
(246)
(3,434)
$ 2,985 $ 3,329
$(37,553) $(38,806)
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2015 and 2014 consist of:
(In thousands)
Current liabilities
Long-term liabilities
2015
2014
$
(566) $ (2,734)
$(36,987) $ (36,072)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 consist
of:
(In thousands)
Unamortized prior service credit
Unamortized net actuarial gain
2015
2014
$ (5,137) $ (5,759)
(6,375)
$(11,795) $ (12,134)
(6,658)
The following table summarizes the components of the net periodic costs for post-retirement benefits for the years ended
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:
2014
2015
2013
$ 601 $ 479 $ 925
1,565 1,575
(233)
1,713
(150)
(223)
(134)
(622)
—
(180)
$1,408 $ 1,221 $ 2,087
(563)
(37)
(In thousands)
Service cost
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Amortization of:
Net actuarial gain
Prior service credit
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost
F-30
The following table summarizes other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive
loss, before tax effects, during 2015 and 2014:
(In thousands)
Actuarial loss (gain), net
Recognized actuarial gain
Prior service credit
Recognized prior service credit
Total amount recognized in other comprehensive loss, before tax effects $
2015
$ (417) $
2014
931
563
134
(5,980)
—
622
37
339 $ (4,449)
The estimated net actuarial gain and net prior service credit that will be amortized from accumulated other
comprehensive loss in net periodic postretirement cost in 2016 are approximately $(0.4) million and $(0.5) million,
respectively.
The discount rate assumptions utilized for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
Net periodic benefit cost
Benefit obligation
2015 2014 2013
4.11 % 4.55 % 4.00 %
4.61 % 4.11 % 4.40 %
For purposes of determining the cost and obligation for pre-Medicare postretirement medical benefits, a 7.50% annual
rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered benefits (i.e., healthcare trend rate) was assumed for the plan in 2015,
declining to a rate of 5.00% in 2021. Assumed healthcare cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts
reported for healthcare plans. A one percent change in the assumed healthcare cost trend rate would have had the
following effects:
(In thousands)
Effect on total of service and interest cost
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation
1% Increase 1% Decrease
(149)
171 $
$
(1,970)
2,214 $
$
Plan Assets
Our investment strategy is designed to provide a stable environment to earn a rate of return over time to satisfy the
benefit obligations and minimize the reliance on contributions as a source of benefit security. The objectives are based
on a long-term (5 to 15 year) investment horizon, so that interim fluctuations should be viewed with appropriate
perspective. The assets of the fund are to be invested to achieve the greatest return for the pension plans consistent with
a prudent level of risk.
The asset return objective is to achieve, as a minimum over time, the passively managed return earned by managed index
funds, weighted in the proportions outlined by the asset class exposures identified in the pension plan’s strategic
allocation. We update our long-term, strategic asset allocations every few years to ensure they are in line with our fund
objectives. The target allocation of the Pension Plan assets is approximately 60% in equities with the remainder in fixed
income funds and cash equivalents. Currently, we believe that there are no significant concentrations of risk associated
with the pension plan assets.
The following is a description of the valuation methodologies for assets measured at fair value utilizing the fair value
hierarchy discussed in Note 1, which prioritizes the inputs used in the valuation methodologies in measuring fair value.
The fair value measurements used to value our plan assets as of December 31, 2015 were generated by using market
transactions involving identical or comparable assets. There were no changes in the valuation techniques used during
2015.
Common and Preferred Stocks: Includes domestic and international common and preferred stocks and are valued at the
closing price as of the measurement date as reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded.
Mutual Funds: Valued at the daily closing net asset value based on the closing price reported on the active market on
which the funds are traded (Level 1). Funds based on quoted market prices in markets that are considered not active are
classified as Level 2.
F-31
Common Collective Trusts and Commingled Funds: Valued as determined by the fund manager based on the underlying
net asset values and supported by the fair value of the underlying securities as of the valuation date, less its liabilities.
These funds are classified as Level 2.
U.S. Treasury and Government Agency Securities: Valued at the closing price reported on the active market on which
the individual securities are traded (Level 1). Government issued mortgage-backed securities are valued based on
external pricing indices and are classified as Level 2.
Corporate and Municipal Bonds: Valued based on yields currently available on comparable securities of issuers with
similar credit ratings.
Mortgage/Asset-backed Securities: Valued based on market prices from external pricing indices based on recent market
activity.
The fair values of our assets for our defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2015 and 2014, by asset category
were as follows:
(In thousands)
Cash equivalents:
Short-term investments(1)
Equities:
Stocks:
U.S. common stocks
International stocks
Funds:
U.S. small cap
U.S. mid cap
U.S. large cap
Emerging markets
International
Fixed Income:
U.S. treasury and government agency securities
Corporate and municipal bonds
Mortgage/asset-backed securities
Common Collective Trust
Mutual funds
Total investments
Other liabilities(2)
Net plan assets
Quoted Prices
In Active
As of December 31, 2015
Significant
Other
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Observable Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Inputs
(Level 3)
Total
$
6,720
$
1,692 $
5,028 $
—
27,192
9,173
11,018
7,956
22,119
19,410
63,662
27,192
9,173
—
7,956
8,297
12,822
47,966
—
—
11,018
—
13,822
6,588
15,696
8,895
—
—
—
24,871
148,864 $ 131,448 $
7,964
6,540
5,910
58,882
—
16,859
6,540
5,910
58,882
24,871
$ 280,312
(2,274)
$ 278,038
$
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
F-32
(In thousands)
Cash equivalents:
Short-term investments(1)
Equities:
Stocks:
U.S. common stocks
International stocks
Funds:
U.S. small cap
U.S. mid cap
U.S. large cap
Emerging markets
International
Fixed Income:
U.S. treasury and government agency securities
Corporate and municipal bonds
Mortgage/asset-backed securities
Common Collective Trust
Mutual funds
Total investments
Other liabilities(2)
Net plan assets
Quoted Prices
In Active
As of December 31, 2014
Significant
Other
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Observable Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Inputs
(Level 3)
Total
$
7,634
$
1,370 $
6,264 $
—
29,338
9,459
11,224
8,890
26,081
22,662
64,748
29,338
9,459
—
8,890
10,212
14,838
49,334
—
—
11,224
—
15,869
7,824
15,414
16,707
6,950
7,247
62,507
26,964
$ 300,411
(3,293)
$ 297,118
$
7,996
—
—
—
26,964
158,401 $ 142,010 $
8,711
6,950
7,247
62,507
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(1) Short-term investments includes cash and cash equivalents and an investment in a common collective trust which is principally
comprised of certificates of deposit, commercial paper and U.S. Treasury bills with maturities less than one year.
(2) Net amount due for securities purchased and sold.
F-33
The fair values of our assets for our post-retirement benefit plans at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
As of December 31, 2015
Quoted Prices Significant
(In thousands)
Cash equivalents:
Short-term investments(1)
Equities:
U.S. common stocks
International stocks
Funds:
U.S. small cap
U.S. mid cap
U.S. large cap
Emerging markets
International
Fixed Income:
U.S. treasury and government agency securities
Corporate and municipal bonds
Mortgage/asset-backed securities
Common Collective Trust
Mutual funds
Total investments
Benefit payments payable
Other liabilities(2)
Net plan assets
In Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Other
Significant
Observable Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Inputs
(Level 3)
Total
$
78
$
20 $
58 $
—
315
106
—
92
96
148
555
103
—
—
—
288
—
—
127
—
160
76
181
92
75
69
681
—
$
1,723 $ 1,519 $
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
315
106
127
92
256
224
736
195
75
69
681
288
$ 3,242
(230)
(27)
$2,985
F-34
(In thousands)
Total
As of December 31, 2014
Quoted Prices Significant
In Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Other
Significant
Observable Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Inputs
(Level 3)
Cash equivalents:
Short-term investments(1)
Equities:
U.S. common stocks
International stocks
Funds:
U.S. small cap
U.S. mid cap
U.S. large cap
Emerging markets
International
Fixed Income:
U.S. treasury and government agency securities
Corporate and municipal bonds
Mortgage/asset-backed securities
Common Collective Trust
Mutual funds
Total investments
Benefit payments payable
Other liabilities(2)
Net plan assets
$
97
17
80
372
120
—
113
129
188
625
102
—
—
—
342
—
—
142
–
201
99
196
110
88
92
792
—
$
2,008 $ 1,800 $
372
120
142
113
330
287
821
212
88
92
792
342
$ 3,808
(438)
(41)
$ 3,329
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(1) Short-term investments includes cash and cash equivalents and an investment in a common collective trust which is principally
comprised of certificates of deposit, commercial paper and U.S. Treasury bills with maturities less than one year.
(2) Net amount due for securities purchased and sold.
Cash Flows
Contributions
Our funding policy is to contribute annually an actuarially determined amount necessary to meet the minimum funding
requirements as set forth in employee benefit and tax laws. We expect to contribute approximately $0.3 million to our
Supplemental Plans and $3.6 million to our Post-retirement Plans in 2016. We do not expect to contribute to the
Retirement Plan in 2016.
F-35
Estimated Future Benefit Payments
As of December 31, 2015, benefit payments expected to be paid over the next ten years are outlined in the following
table:
(In thousands)
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021 - 2025
Defined Contribution Plans
Other
Post-retirement
Plans
Pension
Plans
$ 23,518 $
23,551
23,552
23,599
23,720
117,034
3,632
3,041
3,261
3,316
3,335
15,324
We offer defined contribution 401(k) plans to substantially all of our employees. Contributions made under the defined
contribution plans include a match, at the Company’s discretion, of employee contributions to the plans. We recognized
expense with respect to these plans of $6.9 million, $5.3 million and $5.2 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
The increase in 2015 is attributable to the acquisition of Enventis which accounted for $1.8 million of the total expense.
10. INCOME TAXES
Income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following components:
(In thousands)
Current:
Federal
State
Total current expense (benefit)
Deferred:
Federal
State
Total deferred expense
Total income tax expense
For the Year Ended
2014
2013
2015
$ (3,708) $ 1,769 $ 1,381
86
1,467
655
(3,053)
1,014
2,783
4,321
1,507
5,828
$ 2,775
8,136
15,929
2,108
116
16,045
10,244
$ 13,027 $ 17,512
The following is a reconciliation of the federal statutory tax rate to the effective tax rate for the years ended December
31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:
(In percentages)
Statutory federal income tax rate
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
Transaction costs
Other permanent differences
Change in uncertain tax positions
Change in deferred tax rate
Valuation allowance
Provision to return
Other
For the Year Ended
2015
2014
2013
35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 %
1.2
2.6
0.4
—
7.4
(0.7)
—
(0.1)
(37.9)
—
10.8
(8.2)
91.9
43.4
(1.5)
(1.6)
1.7
—
—
(1.7)
—
—
1.3
0.6
131.9 % 45.8 % 36.9 %
F-36
Deferred Taxes
In November 2015, FASB issued the Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of
Deferred Taxes. ASU 2015-17 requires that all deferred tax liabilities and tax assets, and any related valuation
allowance, be classified as non-current in a classified balance sheet. The classification change simplifies the Company’s
process as it eliminates the need to separately identify the net current and net non-current deferred tax asset or liability in
each jurisdiction and allocate valuation allowances. ASU 2015-17 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning
after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted, and may be applied either prospectively or retrospectively. We
early adopted this guidance prospectively as of December 31, 2015, and as a result, we have classified all net deferred
tax liabilities as non-current in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2015. The prior period was not
retrospectively adjusted.
The components of the net deferred tax liability are as follows:
(In thousands)
Current deferred tax assets:
Reserve for uncollectible accounts
Accrued vacation pay deducted when paid
Accrued expenses and deferred revenue
Non-current deferred tax assets:
Reserve for uncollectible accounts
Accrued vacation pay deducted when paid
Accrued expenses and deferred revenue
Net operating loss carryforwards
Pension and postretirement obligations
Share-based compensation
Derivative instruments
Financing costs
Tax credit carryforwards
Other
Valuation allowance
Net non-current deferred tax assets
Non-current deferred tax liabilities:
Goodwill and other intangibles
Basis in investment
Partnership investments
Property, plant and equipment
Net non-current deferred taxes
Net deferred income tax liabilities
Year Ended December 31,
2015
2014
$
—
—
—
—
$
1,062
2,381
9,931
13,374
1,268
2,112
9,051
31,695
44,266
268
421
310
3,973
23
93,387
(2,652)
90,735
—
—
—
12,591
46,829
998
276
2,151
4,193
28
67,066
(1,738)
65,328
(38,658)
(39)
(22,058)
(266,509)
(327,264)
(236,529)
$(236,529)
(45,457)
(282)
(25,813)
(240,441)
(311,993)
(246,665)
$ (233,291)
Deferred income taxes are provided for the temporary differences between assets and liabilities recognized for financial
reporting purposes and assets and liabilities recognized for tax purposes. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets
depends upon taxable income during the future periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. To
determine whether deferred tax assets can be realized, management assesses whether it is more likely than not that some
portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized, taking into consideration the scheduled reversal of deferred
tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax-planning strategies.
Based upon historical taxable income, taxable temporary differences, available and prudent tax planning strategies and
projections for future pre-tax book income over the periods that the deferred tax assets are deductible, management
believes it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefits of these temporary differences. However,
management may reduce the amount of deferred tax assets it considers realizable in the near term if estimates of future
taxable income during the carryforward period are reduced. Estimates of future taxable income are based on the
F-37
estimated recognition of taxable temporary differences, available and prudent tax planning strategies and projections of
future pre-tax book income. The amount of estimated future taxable income is expected to allow for the full utilization
of the net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforward, partial utilization of the state NOL carryforwards and partial utilization
of the state credit carryforwards, as described below.
Consolidated and its wholly owned subsidiaries, which file a consolidated federal income tax return, estimates it has
available federal NOL carryforwards as of December 31, 2015 of $62.9 million and related deferred tax assets of
$22.0 million. The amount of federal NOL carryforwards and related deferred tax assets for which a benefit would be
recorded in APIC when realized is $0.4 million and $0.1 million, respectively. The federal NOL carryforwards expire
from 2031 to 2035.
ETFL, a nonconsolidated subsidiary for federal income tax return purposes, estimates it has available NOL
carryforwards as of December 31, 2015 of $1.7 million and related deferred tax assets of $0.6 million. ETFL’s federal
NOL carryforwards expire from 2020 to 2024.
We estimate that we have available state NOL carryforwards as of December 31, 2015 of $187.3 million and related
deferred tax assets of $9.0 million. The amount of state NOL carryforwards and related deferred tax assets for which a
benefit would be recorded in APIC when realized is $0.7 million and less than $0.1 million, respectively. The state NOL
carryforwards expire from 2016 to 2035. Management believes that the future utilization of $30.9 million and related
deferred tax asset of $1.6 million is uncertain and has placed a valuation allowance on this amount of the available state
NOL carryforwards. The related NOL carryforwards expire from 2018 to 2035. If or when recognized, the tax benefits
related to any reversal of the valuation allowance will be accounted for as a reduction of income tax expense.
We estimate that we have available federal alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) credit carryforwards as of December 31,
2015 of $0.9 million and related deferred tax assets of $0.9 million. The AMT credits are available to offset future tax
liabilities only to the extent that the Company has regular tax liabilities in excess of AMT tax liabilities. The federal
AMT credit carryforward does not expire.
We estimate that we have available state tax credit carryforwards as of December 31, 2015 of $4.7 million and related
deferred tax assets of $3.1 million. The state tax credit carryforwards are limited annually and expire from 2016 to 2027.
Management believes that the future utilization of $1.6 million and related deferred tax asset of $1.1 million is uncertain
and has placed a valuation allowance on this amount of available state tax credit carryforwards. The related state tax
credit carryforwards expires from 2016 to 2020. If or when recognized, the tax benefits related to any reversal of the
valuation allowance will be accounted for as a reduction of income tax expense.
On September 13, 2013, Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service issued final regulations regarding the deduction and
capitalization of expenditures related to tangible property. The final regulations under Internal Revenue Code Sections
162, 167 and 263(a) apply to amounts paid to acquire, produce or improve tangible property as well as dispositions of
such property and are generally effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2014. We have adopted and
implemented these regulations with the filing of our 2014 returns.
Unrecognized Tax Benefits
Under the accounting guidance applicable to uncertainty in income taxes, we have analyzed filing positions in all of the
federal and state jurisdictions where we are required to file income tax returns as well as all open tax years in these
jurisdictions. This accounting guidance clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a
company’s financial statements; prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement
recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return; and provides guidance on
description, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.
Our unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 were $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively. The
net amount of unrecognized benefits that, if recognized, would result in an impact to the effective rate is less than $0.1
million. For the year ended December 31, 2015, we recognized a decrease of $0.2 million to our liability for
unrecognized tax benefits, which reduced our tax expense by a corresponding amount, due to reductions for tax positions
in prior years.
F-38
Our practice is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in interest expense and general and
administrative expense, respectively. During 2015 and 2014 we did not have a material liability for interest or penalties
and had no material interest or penalty expense.
The periods subject to examination for our federal return are years 2013 through 2014. The periods subject to
examination for our state returns are years 2011 through 2014. We are not currently under examination by federal or
state taxing authorities.
We do not expect that the total unrecognized tax benefits and related accrued interest will significantly change due to the
settlement of audits or the expiration of statute of limitations in the next twelve months. There were no material changes
to these amounts during 2015 and there were no material effects on the Company’s effective tax rate.
The following is a reconciliation of the unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014:
(In thousands)
Balance at January 1
Additions for tax positions of acquisition
Additions for tax positions in the current year
Additions for tax positions of prior years
Settlements with taxing authorities
Reduction for tax positions of prior years
Reduction for lapse of federal statute of limitations
Reduction for lapse of state statute of limitations
Balance at December 31
Liability for
Unrecognized
Tax Benefits
2015
2014
$
$
238
—
1
—
—
(158)
—
(15)
66
$
$
—
238
—
—
—
—
—
—
238
11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
We have certain other obligations for various contractual agreements to secure future rights to goods and services to be
used in the normal course of our operations. These include purchase commitments for planned capital expenditures,
agreements securing dedicated access and transport services, and service and support agreements. Additionally, we have
procured transport resale arrangements with several interexchange carriers for our long distance services.
As of December 31, 2015, future minimum contractual obligations, including capital and operating leases, and the
estimated timing and effect the obligations will have on our liquidity and cash flows in future periods are as follows:
(in thousands)
Operating lease agreements
Capital lease agreements
Capital expenditures (1)
Service and support agreements (2)
Transport and data connectivity
Total
2016
$ 5,219
2,485
3,000
35,720
18,009
$ 64,433
2017
$ 4,841
2,475
Minimum Annual Contractual Obligations
2019
$ 3,380
1,083
2018
$ 3,857
2,019
2020
—
—
—
6,035
17,339
$30,690
3,989
6,886
$16,751
2,141
6,293
$12,897
Thereafter
$ 3,233 $ 5,532
370
1,008
—
—
1,337
6,299
1,821
12,718
$11,877 $ 20,441
Total
$ 26,062
9,440
3,000
51,043
67,544
$157,089
(1) We have binding commitments with numerous suppliers for future capital expenditures.
(2) We have entered into service and maintenance agreements to support various computer hardware and software
applications and certain equipment.
Leases
Operating
We have entered into various non-cancelable operating leases with terms greater than one year for certain facilities and
equipment used in our operations. The facility leases generally require us to pay operating costs, including property
F-39
taxes, insurance and maintenance, and certain of them contain scheduled rent increases and renewal options. Leasehold
improvements are amortized over their estimated useful lives or lease period, whichever is shorter. We recognize rent
expense on a straight-line basis over the term of each lease.
We incurred rent expense of $12.1 million, $7.5 million and $7.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014,
and 2013, respectively.
Capital Leases
We lease certain facilities and equipment under various capital lease arrangements, all of which expire between 2015 and
2021. As of December 31, 2015, the present value of the minimum remaining lease commitments, net of imputed
interest of $1.9 million, was approximately $7.6 million, of which $1.8 million was due and payable within the next
twelve months. See Note 12 for information regarding the capital leases we have entered into with related parties.
Litigation, Regulatory Proceedings and Other Contingencies
In 2014, Sprint Corporation, Level 3 Communications, Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc. filed lawsuits against us
and many others in the industry regarding the proper charges to be applied between interexchange and local exchange
carriers for certain calls between mobile and wireline devices that are routed through an interexchange carrier. The
plaintiffs are refusing to pay these access charges in all states and are seeking refunds of past charges paid. The disputed
amounts total $2.4 million and cover periods dating back to 2006. CenturyLink, Inc. filed to bring all related suits to the
U.S. District Court’s Judicial Panel on multi district litigation. This panel is granted authority to transfer the pretrial
proceedings to a single court for civil cases involving common questions of fact. On November 17, 2015, the U.S.
District Court in Dallas, Texas ruled in favor of the defendants, although we expect that the plaintiffs will file an
appeal. We have interconnection agreements in place with all wireless carriers and the applicable traffic is being billed
at current access rates, therefore, we do not expect any potential settlement or judgment to have an adverse material
impact on our financial results or cash flows.
On April 14, 2008, Salsgiver Inc., a Pennsylvania-based telecommunications company, and certain of its affiliates
(“Salsgiver”) filed a lawsuit against us and our former subsidiaries North Pittsburgh Telephone Company and North
Pittsburgh Systems Inc. in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania alleging that we had
prevented Salsgiver from connecting their fiber optic cables to our utility poles. Salsgiver sought compensatory and
punitive damages as the result of alleged lost projected profits, damage to its business reputation and other
costs. Salsgiver originally claimed to have sustained losses of approximately $125.0 million. We believe that these
claims are without merit and that the alleged damages are completely unfounded. We had recorded approximately $0.4
million in 2011 in anticipation of the settlement of this case. During the quarter ended September 30, 2013, we recorded
an additional $0.9 million, which included estimated legal fees. A jury trial concluded on May 14, 2015 with the jury
ruling in our favor. Salsgiver subsequently filed a post-trial motion asking the judge to overturn the jury verdict. That
motion was denied. On June 17, 2015, Salsgiver filed an appeal in the Pennsylvania Superior Court. Salsgiver’s brief
was filed with the Superior Court on December 4, 2015, and the Company filed its response on January 18, 2016. We
anticipate that oral argument will be scheduled within the next six months. We believe that, despite the appeal, the $1.3
million currently accrued represents management’s best estimate of the potential loss if the verdict is overturned in
Salsgiver's favor.
Two of our subsidiaries, Consolidated Communications of Pennsylvania Company LLC (“CCPA”) and Consolidated
Communications Enterprise Services Inc. (“CCES”), have, at various times, received assessment notices from the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Revenue (“DOR”) increasing the amounts owed for Pennsylvania Gross
Receipt Taxes, and/or have had audits performed for the tax years of 2008 through 2013. In addition, a re-audit was
performed on CCPA for the 2010 calendar year. For the calendar years for which we received both additional
assessment notices and audit actions, those issues have been combined by the DOR into a single docket for each year.
Pennsylvania generally imposes tax on the gross receipts of telephone messages transmitted wholly within the state and
telephone messages transmitted in interstate commerce where such messages originate or terminate in Pennsylvania, and
the charges for such messages are billed to a service address in the state. In a 2013 decision involving Verizon Telephone
Company of Pennsylvania (“Verizon Pennsylvania”), the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania held that the gross
receipts tax applies to Verizon Pennsylvania’s installation of private phone lines because the sole purpose of private lines
is to transmit messages. Similarly, the court held that directory assistance is subject to the gross receipts tax because it
F-40
makes the transition of messages more effective. However, the court did not find Verizon Pennsylvania’s nonrecurring
charges for the installation of telephone lines, moves of and changes to telephone lines and services and repairs of
telephone lines to be subject to the gross receipts tax as no telephone messages are transmitted when Verizon
Pennsylvania performs nonrecurring services.
On appeal, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania recently held in Verizon Pennsylvania, Inc. v. Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania that charges for the installation of private phone lines, charges for directory assistance and certain
nonrecurring charges were all subject to the state’s gross receipt tax. The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania found that all
of the services, including those related to nonrecurring charges, in some way made transmission more effective or
communication more satisfactory even though such services did not involve actual transmission. This is a partial reversal
of the 2013 Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania decision described above, which had ruled that while the charges for
the installation of private phone lines and directory assistance were subject to the state’s gross receipts tax, the
nonrecurring charges in question were not. As a motion for reconsideration has not been filed with the Supreme Court of
Pennsylvania, and the period for such filing has expired, the case is now final.
For the CCES subsidiary, the total additional tax liability calculated by the auditors for the calendar years 2008 through
2013 is approximately $4.1 million. Appeals of cases for the audits in calendar years 2008 through 2010 have been filed
and received continuances pending the outcome of the Verizon Pennsylvania litigation described above. The preliminary
audit findings for the calendar years 2011 through 2013 were received on September 16, 2014. We are awaiting invoices
for each of these years, at which time we will prepare to file an appeal with the DOR.
For the CCPA subsidiary, the total additional tax liability calculated by the auditors for the calendar years 2008 through
2013 (using the re-audited 2010 number) is approximately $5.0 million. Appeals of cases for the audits in calendar years
2008, 2009 and the original 2010 audit have been filed and received continuances pending the outcome of the Verizon
Pennsylvania litigation described above. The preliminary audit findings for the calendar years 2011 through 2013, as
well as the re-audit of 2010, were received on September 16, 2014. We are awaiting invoices for each of these years, at
which time we will prepare to file an appeal with the DOR.
We believe that certain of the DOR’s findings regarding the Company’s additional tax liability for the calendar years
2008 through 2013, for which we have filed or plan to file appeals, continue to lack merit. However, in light of the
Supreme Court of Pennsylvania’s recent decision, we reassessed our accrual for the additional tax liability for both our
CCES and CCPA subsidiaries. During the quarter ended December 31, 2015, we accrued an additional $1.1 million and
$1.0 million for our CCES and CCPA subsidiaries, respectively, to other expense in our consolidated statements of
operations, which increased the total accruals to $1.4 million and $1.2 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2015.
These accruals also include the Company’s best estimate of the potential 2014 and 2015 additional tax liabilities. We do
not believe that the outcome of these claims will have a material adverse impact on our financial results or cash flows.
From time to time we may be involved in litigation that we believe is of the type common to companies in our industry,
including regulatory issues. While the outcome of these other claims cannot be predicted with certainty, we do not
believe that the outcome of any of these other legal matters will have a material adverse impact on our business, results
of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
12. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Capital Leases
Richard A. Lumpkin, a member of our Board of Directors, together with his family, beneficially owned 33.5% and
44.7% of Agracel, Inc. (“Agracel”), a real estate investment company, at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Mr. Lumpkin also is a director of Agracel. Agracel is the sole managing member and 50% owner of LATEL LLC
(“LATEL”). Mr. Lumpkin and his immediate family had a 66.7% and 72.4% beneficial ownership of LATEL at
December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
As of December 31, 2015, we had three capital lease agreements with LATEL for the occupancy of three buildings on a
triple net lease basis. In accordance with the Company’s related person transactions policy, these leases were approved
by our Audit Committee and Board of Directors (“BOD”).We have accounted for these leases as capital leases in
accordance with ASC Topic 840, Leases, and have capitalized the lower of the present value of the future minimum
lease payments or their fair value. The capital lease agreements require us to pay substantially all expenses associated
F-41
with general maintenance and repair, utilities, insurance, and taxes. Each of the three lease agreements have a maturity
date of May 31, 2021 and each have two five-year options to extend the terms of the lease after the initial expiration date.
We are required to pay LATEL approximately $7.9 million over the terms of the lease agreements. The carrying value
of the capital leases at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was approximately $3.0 million and $3.4 million, respectively. We
recognized $0.4 million in interest expense in 2015 and $0.5 million in interest expense in each of 2014 and 2013 and
amortization expense of $0.4 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013 related to the capitalized leases.
Long-Term Debt
A portion of the 2020 Notes was sold to accredited investors consisting of certain members of the Company’s Board of
Directors or a trust of which a director is the beneficiary (“related parties”). In May 2012, the related parties purchased
$10.8 million of the 2020 Notes on the same terms available to other investors, except that the related parties were not
entitled to registration rights. In 2015, the 2020 Notes were fully redeemed and we paid an early redemption premium of
$1.5 million and recognized approximately $0.7 million, $1.3 million, and $1.2 million in 2015, 2014, and 2013,
respectively, in interest expense in the aggregate for the 2020 Notes. In September 2014, $5.0 million of the 2022 Notes
were sold to a trust, the beneficiary of which is a member of the Company’s Board of Directors and in 2015 we
recognized approximately $0.3 million in interest expense for the 2022 Notes.
Other Services
Mr. Lumpkin also has a minority ownership interest in First Mid-Illinois Bancshares, Inc. (“First Mid-Illinois”). We
provide telecommunication products and services to First Mid-Illinois at standard prices as to other strategic business
customers and we received approximately $0.8 million in 2015 and $0.5 million in each of 2014 and 2013 for these
services.
13. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
2015
Net revenues
Operating income
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share
2014
Net revenues
Operating income
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share
Quarter Ended
March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31,
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
$ 192,578
$ 26,745
$ 7,810
0.15
$
$ 201,010
$ 27,675
$ (15,968)
(0.32)
$
$ 193,958 $ 188,191
13,648 $ 19,707
$
4,682
2,595 $
$
0.09
0.05 $
$
Quarter Ended
March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31,
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
$ 149,648
$ 25,942
$ 8,324
0.20
$
$ 151,036
$ 25,425
$ 9,807
0.24
$
$ 149,040 $ 186,014
24,249 $
$
15,573
7,642 $ (10,706)
$
(0.22)
$
0.19 $
In connection with the redemption of the 2020 Notes, as described in Note 6, we recognized a loss on extinguishment of
debt of $41.2 million and $13.8 million during the quarters ended June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
As part of the Company’s continued integration efforts, an early retirement program was initiated during the quarter
ended September 30, 2015 to a group of select employees who were 55 years of age or older and who have provided 15
or more years of service. The employees were primarily in non-customer facing positions or positions in which the
Company believed the retiree’s workload could be absorbed internally as part of the Company’s continuing cost saving
initiatives. The early retirement package was accepted by approximately 60 employees and, as a result, one-time
severance costs of $7.2 million were incurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2015. The Company expects
approximately $4.8 million in future annual savings as a result of the early retirement program.
During the fourth quarter of 2014, we acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of Enventis in exchange for
shares of our common stock. Enventis’ results of operations have been included in our consolidated financial statements
as of the acquisition date of October 16, 2014. As result of the Enventis acquisition, we incurred transaction costs of
F-42
$0.9 million, $0.7 million and $9.8 million during the quarters ended June 30, 2014, September 30, 2014 and December
31, 2014, respectively.
14. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Consolidated Communications, Inc. is the primary obligor under the unsecured 2022 Notes. We and substantially all of
our subsidiaries, excluding Consolidated Communications of Illinois Company (formerly Illinois Consolidated
Telephone Company, have jointly and severally guaranteed the 2022 Notes. All of the subsidiary guarantors are 100%
direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of the parent, and all guarantees are full, unconditional and joint and several
with respect to principal, interest and liquidated damages, if any. As such, we present condensed consolidating balance
sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and condensed consolidating statements of operations and cash flows for the
years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 for each of Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. (Parent),
Consolidated Communications, Inc. (Subsidiary Issuer), guarantor subsidiaries and other non-guarantor subsidiaries with
any consolidating adjustments. See Note 6 for more information regarding our 2022 Notes.
F-43
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
(amounts in thousands)
Parent
Subsidiary
Issuer
Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated
December 31, 2015
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable, net
Income taxes receivable
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
$
Total current assets
— $
—
23,390
—
23,390
$
5,877 $
—
—
—
5,877
7,629
62,460
352
17,456
87,897
2,372 $
6,388
125
359
9,244
—
—
—
—
—
$
15,878
68,848
23,867
17,815
126,408
Property, plant and equipment, net
—
—
1,043,594
49,667
—
1,093,261
Intangibles and other assets:
Investments
Investments in subsidiaries
Goodwill
Other intangible assets
Other assets
Total assets
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’
EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
Advance billings and customer deposits
Dividends payable
Accrued compensation
Accrued interest
Accrued expense
Current portion of long term debt and
capital lease obligations
Total current liabilities
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations
Advances due to/from affiliates, net
Deferred income taxes
Pension and postretirement benefit obligations
Other long-term liabilities
Total liabilities
Shareholders’ equity:
Common Stock
Other shareholders’ equity
Total Consolidated Communications
Holdings, Inc. shareholders’ equity
Noncontrolling interest
Total shareholders’ equity
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
—
2,189,142
—
—
—
97,372
13,567
698,449
34,410
5,187
$ 2,212,532 $ 2,032,520 $ 1,980,476
8,171
2,018,472
—
—
—
$
— $
—
19,551
—
136
35
— $
—
—
—
9,084
190
12,576
26,023
—
21,094
133
41,201
—
19,722
9,100
18,374
1,745
102,772
—
1,979,788
(32,641)
—
—
1,966,869
1,372,149
(1,548,990)
762
—
1,084
(156,621)
5,101
(360,715)
245,579
93,097
14,540
100,374
$
$
—
—
66,181
9,087
—
—
(4,221,181)
—
—
—
134,179 $ (4,221,181)
105,543
—
764,630
43,497
5,187
$ 2,138,526
— $
1,593
—
789
—
958
92
3,432
642
(70,083)
22,829
19,869
516
(22,795)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
$
12,576
27,616
19,551
21,883
9,353
42,384
10,937
144,300
1,377,892
—
236,529
112,966
16,140
1,887,827
505
245,158
—
2,189,141
17,411
1,857,655
30,000
126,974
(47,411)
(4,173,770)
505
245,158
245,663
—
245,663
1,875,066
5,036
1,880,102
$ 2,212,532 $ 2,032,520 $ 1,980,476
2,189,141
—
2,189,141
(4,221,181)
156,974
—
—
156,974
(4,221,181)
134,179 $ (4,221,181)
245,663
5,036
250,699
$ 2,138,526
$
F-44
Parent
Subsidiary
Issuer
Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated
December 31, 2014
ASSETS
Current assets:
$
Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable, net
Income taxes receivable
Deferred income taxes
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Total current assets
— $
—
12,665
(71)
—
12,594
4,940 $
—
—
158
—
5,098
820
70,543
6,232
12,807
17,285
107,687
$
919 $
6,993
43
480
331
8,766
—
—
—
—
—
—
$
6,679
77,536
18,940
13,374
17,616
134,145
Property, plant and equipment, net
—
—
1,088,196
49,282
—
1,137,478
Intangibles and other assets:
Investments
Investments in subsidiaries
Goodwill
Other intangible assets
Other assets
—
2,123,251
—
—
—
3,724
1,514,332
—
—
—
111,652
13,000
698,449
47,235
3,892
—
—
66,181
9,087
—
—
(3,650,583)
—
—
—
115,376
—
764,630
56,322
3,892
Total assets
$ 2,135,845 $ 1,523,154 $ 2,070,111
$
133,316 $ (3,650,583)
$ 2,211,843
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’
EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
Advance billings and customer deposits
Dividends payable
Accrued compensation
Accrued interest
Accrued expense
Current portion of long term debt and
capital lease obligations
Total current liabilities
$
— $
—
19,510
—
—
36
— $
—
—
—
6,775
443
15,277
30,250
—
30,737
6
38,211
—
19,546
9,100
16,318
671
115,152
$
— $
1,683
—
1,844
3
1,451
78
5,059
734
(58,050)
19,009
22,142
552
(10,554)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
$
15,277
31,933
19,510
32,581
6,784
40,141
9,849
156,075
1,341,332
—
246,665
122,363
14,579
1,881,014
—
1,805,129
(14,833)
1,337,528
(1,953,695)
(938)
—
—
1,809,842
—
690
(600,097)
3,070
206,616
243,427
100,221
13,337
681,823
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations
Advances due to/from affiliates, net
Deferred income taxes
Pension and postretirement benefit
obligations
Other long-term liabilities
Total liabilities
Shareholders’ equity:
Common Stock
Other shareholders’ equity
Total Consolidated Communications
Holdings, Inc. shareholders’ equity
Noncontrolling interest
Total shareholders’ equity
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
504
325,499
—
2,123,251
17,411
1,366,051
30,000
113,870
(47,411)
(3,603,172)
504
325,499
326,003
—
326,003
1,383,462
4,826
1,388,288
$ 2,135,845 $ 1,523,154 $ 2,070,111
2,123,251
—
2,123,251
(3,650,583)
143,870
—
—
143,870
(3,650,583)
133,316 $ (3,650,583)
326,003
4,826
330,829
$ 2,211,843
$
F-45
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
(amounts in thousands)
Net revenues
Operating expenses:
Cost of services and products (exclusive of
depreciation and amortization)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Acquisition and other transaction costs
Depreciation and amortization
Operating income (loss)
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net of interest income
Intercompany interest income (expense)
Loss on extinguishment of debt
Investment income
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net
Other, net
Income (loss) before income taxes
Income tax expense (benefit)
Net income (loss)
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling
interest
Net income (loss) attributable to Consolidated
Communications Holdings, Inc.
Year Ended December 31, 2015
Subsidiary
Issuer
Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated
— $
121
$ 728,910
$
60,094
$
(13,388)
$ 775,737
Parent
$
—
3,160
1,413
—
(4,573)
—
150
—
—
(29)
328,714
156,380
—
171,232
72,584
(104)
(153,713)
—
—
93,391
—
(64,999)
(64,118)
(881)
(79,680)
166,838
(41,242)
326
64,812
(26)
110,999
17,608
93,391
154
(15,917)
—
36,364
567
(1,346)
92,406
40,346
52,060
12,567
19,044
—
8,690
19,793
12
2,792
—
—
—
(129)
22,468
8,939
13,529
(12,881)
(507)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(158,770)
—
(158,770)
—
(158,770)
328,400
178,227
1,413
179,922
87,775
(79,618)
—
(41,242)
36,690
—
(1,501)
2,104
2,775
(671)
—
—
210
—
—
210
$
(881) $ 93,391
$ 51,850
$
$
13,529
$ (158,770)
$
(881)
13,105
$ (150,871)
$
(4,940)
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to
common shareholders
$
(4,940) $
89,332
$
48,434
F-46
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to
common shareholders
$
(15,573) $
63,818
$
43,418
Net revenues
Operating expenses:
Cost of services and products (exclusive of
depreciation and amortization)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Acquisition and other transaction costs
Depreciation and amortization
Operating income (loss)
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net of interest income
Intercompany interest income (expense)
Loss on extinguishment of debt
Investment income
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net
Other, net
Income (loss) before income taxes
Income tax expense (benefit)
Net income (loss)
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling
interest
Net income (loss) attributable to Consolidated
Communications Holdings, Inc.
Net revenues
Operating expenses:
Cost of services and products (exclusive of
depreciation and amortization)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Acquisition and other transaction costs
Depreciation and amortization
Operating income (loss)
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net of interest income
Intercompany interest income (expense)
Loss on extinguishment of debt
Investment income
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net
Other, net
Income (loss) from continuing operations before
income taxes
Income tax expense (benefit)
Income (loss) from continuing operations
Discontinued operations, net of tax
Net income (loss)
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling
interest
Net income (loss) attributable to Consolidated
Communications Holdings, Inc.
Parent
$
— $
Year Ended December 31, 2014
Subsidiary
Issuer
Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated
(7)
$ 585,148
$
64,380
$
(13,783)
$ 635,738
—
3,975
10,808
—
(14,783)
—
126
581
—
(714)
242,354
119,649
428
141,673
81,044
36
(108,366)
—
—
94,458
53
(28,602)
(43,669)
15,067
(82,617)
125,932
(13,785)
(5)
77,156
(553)
105,414
10,956
94,458
55
(19,677)
—
34,521
870
(236)
96,577
35,022
61,555
13,391
17,585
—
7,762
25,642
(11)
2,111
—
—
—
(232)
27,510
10,718
16,792
(13,084)
(699)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(172,484)
—
(172,484)
—
(172,484)
242,661
140,636
11,817
149,435
91,189
(82,537)
—
(13,785)
34,516
—
(968)
28,415
13,027
15,388
—
—
321
—
—
321
$
15,067 $ 94,458
$ 61,234
$
$
16,792
$ (172,484)
$
15,067
2,780
$ (110,016)
$ (15,573)
Year Ended December 31, 2013
Subsidiary
Issuer
Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated
— $
(60)
$ 547,635
$
68,128
$
(14,126)
$ 601,577
Parent
$
—
3,608
457
—
(4,065)
—
167
—
—
(227)
220,764
113,942
319
130,455
82,155
100
(103,588)
—
—
98,055
(18)
(9,516)
(40,327)
30,811
—
30,811
(86,090)
126,918
(7,657)
89
74,479
—
107,512
9,457
98,055
—
98,055
181
(24,662)
—
37,606
896
(448)
95,728
38,038
57,690
1,177
58,867
14,635
18,876
—
8,819
25,798
42
1,332
—
—
—
10
27,182
10,344
16,838
—
16,838
(12,947)
(1,179)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(173,430)
—
(173,430)
—
(173,430)
—
(173,430)
222,452
135,414
776
139,274
103,661
(85,767)
—
(7,657)
37,695
—
(456)
47,476
17,512
29,964
1,177
31,141
—
—
330
—
—
330
$
30,811 $ 98,055
$ 58,537
$
$
16,838
$ (173,430)
$
30,811
25,203
$ (173,430)
$
75,595
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to
common shareholders
$
30,811 $ 101,616
$
91,395
F-47
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
(amounts in thousands)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from sale of assets
Proceeds from sale of investments
Net cash used in investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from bond offering
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
Payment of capital lease obligation
Payment on long-term debt
Redemption of senior notes
Payment of financing costs
Share repurchases for minimum tax withholding
Dividends on common stock
Transactions with affiliates, net
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Business acquisition, net of cash acquired
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of investments
Proceeds from sale of assets
Net cash used in investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from bond offering
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
Payment of capital lease obligation
Payment on long-term debt
Partial redemption of senior notes
Payment of financing costs
Share repurchases for minimum tax withholding
Dividends on common stock
Transactions with affiliates, net
Other
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
Year Ended December 31, 2015
Parent
$ (119,472)
Subsidiary
Issuer
$
76,962
Guarantors
240,372
$
Non-Guarantors Consolidated
$
21,317
$
219,179
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(1,125)
(78,209)
198,806
119,472
—
—
— $
294,780
69,000
—
(107,100)
(261,874)
(4,805)
—
—
(66,026)
(76,025)
937
4,940
5,877
$
$
(126,168)
13,535
846
(111,787)
—
—
(1,029)
—
—
—
—
—
(120,747)
(121,776)
6,809
820
7,629
$
(7,766)
13
—
(7,753)
—
—
(78)
—
—
—
—
—
(12,033)
(12,111)
1,453
919
2,372
(133,934)
13,548
846
(119,540)
294,780
69,000
(1,107)
(107,100)
(261,874)
(4,805)
(1,125)
(78,209)
—
(90,440)
9,199
6,679
15,878
$
Year Ended December 31, 2014
Parent
(71,646)
$
Subsidiary
Issuer
$
37,972
Guarantors
196,186
$
Non-Guarantors Consolidated
187,785
25,273
$
$
(139,558)
—
—
—
(139,558)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(1,856)
(62,341)
275,632
(231)
211,204
—
—
— $
200,000
80,000
—
(63,100)
(84,127)
(7,438)
—
—
(158,453)
—
(33,118)
4,854
86
4,940
$
—
(103,509)
(100)
1,740
(101,869)
—
—
(638)
—
—
—
—
—
(95,225)
—
(95,863)
(1,546)
2,366
820
$
—
(5,489)
—
55
(5,434)
—
—
(65)
—
—
—
—
—
(21,954)
—
(22,019)
(2,180)
3,099
919
(139,558)
(108,998)
(100)
1,795
(246,861)
200,000
80,000
(703)
(63,100)
(84,127)
(7,438)
(1,856)
(62,341)
—
(231)
60,204
1,128
5,551
6,679
$
F-48
Net cash (used in) provided by continuing operations
Net cash used in discontinued operations
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
$
Parent
(88,251)
—
(88,251)
$
$
36,811
—
36,811
$
Non-Guarantors Consolidated
168,530
(4,174)
164,356
24,379
—
24,379
$
195,591
(4,174)
191,417
Subsidiary
Issuer
Guarantors
Year Ended December 31, 2013
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of investments
Proceeds from sale of assets
Net cash used in continuing operations
Net cash provided by discontinued operations
Net cash used in investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
Payment of capital lease obligation
Payment on long-term debt
Payment of financing costs
Share repurchases for minimum tax withholding
Dividends on common stock
Transactions with affiliates, net
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(887)
(62,064)
151,202
88,251
—
—
—
989,450
—
(990,961)
(6,576)
—
—
(35,215)
(43,302)
(6,491)
6,577
86
$
$
$
(100,139)
(403)
282
(100,260)
2,331
(97,929)
—
(462)
—
—
—
—
(99,190)
(99,652)
(6,164)
8,530
2,366
$
(7,224)
—
48
(7,176)
—
(7,176)
—
(54)
—
—
—
—
(16,797)
(16,851)
352
2,747
3,099
(107,363)
(403)
330
(107,436)
2,331
(105,105)
989,450
(516)
(990,961)
(6,576)
(887)
(62,064)
—
(71,554)
(12,303)
17,854
5,551
$
F-49
Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants
The Partners of Pennsylvania RSA No. 6 (II)
Limited Partnership
We have audited the accompanying financial statements of Pennsylvania RSA No. 6 (II) Limited
Partnership, which comprise the balance sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related
statements of income and comprehensive income, changes in partners’ capital and cash flows for the
years then ended, and the related notes to the financial statements.
Management's Responsibility for the Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in
accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles; this includes the design,
implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation
of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
Auditor's Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We
conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States.
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about
whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures
in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor's judgment, including the
assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or
error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity's
preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that
are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the
effectiveness of the entity's internal control. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also
includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of
significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation
of the financial statements.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis
for our audit opinion.
Opinion
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the
financial position of Pennsylvania RSA No. 6 (II) Limited Partnership at December 31, 2015 and
2014, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with
U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
December 31, 2013 Financial Statements
The accompanying statements of income and comprehensive income, changes in partners’ capital
and cash flows of Pennsylvania RSA No. 6 (II) Limited Partnership for the year ended December 31,
S-1
2013 were not audited, reviewed, or compiled by us and, accordingly, we do not express an opinion
or any other form of assurance on them.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Orlando, Florida
February 26, 2016
S-2
Pennsylvania RSA No. 6 (II) Limited Partnership
Balance Sheets - As of December 31, 2015 and 2014
(Dollars in Thousands)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Due from affiliate
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $938 and $498
Unbilled revenue
Prepaid expenses
Total current assets
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT - NET
OTHER ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ CAPITAL
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Advance billings and other
Financing obligation
Deferred rent
Total current liabilities
LONG TERM LIABILITIES:
Financing obligation
Deferred rent
Other liabilities
Total long term liabilities
Total liabilities
PARTNERS’ CAPITAL
General Partner's interest
Limited Partners' interest
Total partners' capital
$
$
$
2015
2014
$
$
$
2,621
18,136
1,031
259
22,047
18,525
6,718
47,290
4,141
4,397
46
13
8,597
423
352
678
1,453
10,050
19,040
18,200
37,240
8,341
12,077
961
244
21,623
15,752
1,973
39,348
4,195
5,121
-
-
9,316
-
-
639
639
9,955
15,029
14,364
29,393
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ CAPITAL
$
47,290
$
39,348
See notes to financial statements.
S-3
Pennsylvania RSA No. 6 (II) Limited Partnership
Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income – For the Years Ended
December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands)
OPERATING REVENUE:
Service revenue
Equipment revenue
Other
Total operating revenue
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Cost of service (exclusive of depreciation and
amortization)
Cost of equipment
Depreciation and amortization
Selling, general and administrative
Total operating expenses
OPERATING INCOME
INTEREST INCOME, NET
2015
2014
(Unaudited)
2013
$ 121,247 $ 125,490 $
28,121
8,007
157,375
17,135
9,177
151,802
120,364
14,063
9,297
143,724
47,596
35,448
3,223
36,075
122,342
44,109
30,428
2,520
38,682
115,739
41,062
25,150
2,500
37,387
106,099
35,033
36,063
37,625
114
94
21
NET INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
$
35,147 $
36,157 $
37,646
Allocation of Net Income:
General Partners
Limited Partners
See notes to financial statements.
$
$
17,969 $
17,178 $
18,486 $
17,671 $
19,248
18,398
S-4
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P
Pennsylvania RSA No. 6 (II) Limited Partnership
Statements of Cash Flows - Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net Income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
Imputed interest on financing obligation
Provision for losses on accounts receivable
Changes in certain assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable
Unbilled revenue
Prepaid expenses
Other assets
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Advance billings and other
Deferred rent
Long Term liabilities
Net cash provided by operating activities
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures
Fixed asset transfers out
Change in due from affiliate
Net cash used in investing activities
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from financing obligation
Repayments of financing obligation
Distributions
Net cash used in financing activities
CHANGE IN CASH
CASH—Beginning of year
CASH—End of year
2015
2014
(Unaudited)
2013
$ 35,147 $ 36,157 $
37,646
3,223
34
1,638
(7,698)
(70)
(15)
(4,748)
303
(724)
365
39
27,494
2,520
-
739
(640)
(42)
(244)
(1,783)
589
1,264
-
12
38,572
(6,886)
536
5,720
(630)
(5,759)
415
3,772
(1,572)
2,500
-
531
2,043
(29)
-
(163)
(177)
209
-
216
42,776
(3,645)
608
(4,739)
(7,776)
474
(38)
(27,300)
(26,864)
-
-
(37,000)
(37,000)
-
-
(35,000)
(35,000)
-
-
$
-
- $
-
- $
-
-
-
NONCASH TRANSACTIONS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Accruals for capital expenditures
$
22 $
379 $
102
See notes to financial statements
S-6
Pennsylvania RSA No. 6(II) Limited Partnership
Notes to Financial Statements - Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands)
1. ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT
Pennsylvania RSA No. 6(II) Limited Partnership, (the “Partnership”) was formed in
1991. The principal activity of the Partnership is providing cellular service in the
Pennsylvania 6(II) rural service area. Under the terms of the partnership agreement,
the partnership expires on January 1, 2091.
In accordance with the partnership agreement, Cellco Partnership (“Cellco”), doing
business as Verizon Wireless, is responsible for managing the operations of the
partnership (see Note 7).
The partners and their respective ownership percentages of the Partnership as of
December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 are as follows:
General Partner:
Cellco Partnership* (“General Partner”)
51.13 %
Limited Partners:
Cellco Partnership
Consolidated Communications Enterprise Services, Inc. *
Venus Cellular Telephone Company, Inc.
8.53 %
23.67 %
16.67 %
*Consolidated Communications Enterprise Services, Inc. (CCES) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Consolidated
Communications Holdings, Inc.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Use of estimates – The financial statements are prepared using U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles (GAAP), which require management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and disclosures. Actual
results could differ from those estimates.
Examples of significant estimates include: the allowance for doubtful accounts, the
recoverability of plant, property and equipment, the recoverability of intangible assets
and other long-lived assets, unbilled revenues, fair values of financial instruments,
accrued expenses and contingencies.
Revenue recognition – The Partnership offers products and services to customers
through bundled arrangements. These arrangements involve multiple deliverables
which may include products, services, or a combination of products and services.
S-7
The Partnership earns service revenue primarily by providing access to and usage of
its network as well as the sale of equipment. In general, access revenue is billed one
month in advance and recognized when earned. Usage revenue is generally billed in
arrears and recognized when service is rendered. Equipment sales revenue
associated with the sale of wireless devices and accessories is generally recognized
when the products are delivered to and accepted by the customer, as this is
considered to be a separate earnings process from providing wireless services. For
agreements involving the resale of third-party services in which the Partnership is
considered the primary obligor in the arrangements, the revenue is recorded gross at
the time of the sale.
Under the Verizon device payment program (formerly known as Verizon Edge),
eligible wireless customers purchase phones or tablets at unsubsidized prices on an
installment basis (a device installment plan). Certain devices are subject to
promotions that allow customers to upgrade to a new device after paying down the
minimum percentage of the device installment plan and trading in their device. When
a customer has the right to upgrade to a new device by paying down the minimum
percentage of the device installment plan and trading in their device, this trade-in
right is accounted for as a guarantee liability. The full amount of the trade-in right’s
fair value (not an allocated value) is recognized as a guarantee liability and the
remaining consideration is recorded as equipment revenue. The value of the
guarantee liability effectively results in a reduction to the revenue recognized for the
sale of the device.
In multiple element arrangements that bundle devices and monthly wireless service,
revenue is allocated to each unit of accounting using a relative selling price method.
At the inception of the arrangement, the amount allocable to the delivered units of
accounting is limited to the amount that is not contingent upon the delivery of the
monthly wireless service (the noncontingent amount). The Partnership effectively
recognizes revenue on the delivered device at the lesser of the amount allocated
based on the relative selling price of the device or the noncontingent amount owed
when the device is sold.
Roaming revenue reflects service revenue earned by the Partnership when
customers not associated with the Partnership operate in the service area of the
Partnership and use the Partnership’s network. The roaming rates with third party
carriers associated with those customers are based on agreements with such
carriers. The roaming rates charged by the Partnership to Cellco are established by
Cellco on a periodic basis and may not reflect current market rates (see Note 7).
Cellular service revenues resulting from a cellsite agreement with Cellco are
recognized based upon a rate per minute of use (see Note 7).
Operating expenses – Operating expenses include expenses incurred directly by
the Partnership, as well as an allocation of selling, general and administrative, and
operating costs incurred by Cellco or its affiliates on behalf of the Partnership.
Employees of Cellco provide services on behalf of the Partnership. These
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employees are not employees of the Partnership, therefore operating expenses
include direct and allocated charges of salary and employee benefit costs for the
services provided to the Partnership. Cellco believes such allocations, principally
based on the Partnership’s percentage of certain revenue streams, total customers,
customer gross additions or minutes-of-use, are calculated in accordance with the
Partnership Agreement and are a reasonable method of allocating such costs.
Cost of roaming reflects costs incurred by the Partnership when customers
associated with the Partnership operate in a service area not associated with the
Partnership and use a network not associated with the Partnership. The roaming
rates with third party carriers are based on agreements with such carriers. The
roaming rates charged to the Partnership by Cellco are established by Cellco on a
periodic basis and may not reflect current market rates (see Note 7).
Cost of equipment is recorded upon sale of the related equipment at Cellco’s cost
basis. Inventory is wholly owned by Cellco and is not recorded in the financial
statements of the Partnership.
Maintenance and repairs – The cost of maintenance and repairs, including the cost
of replacing minor items not constituting substantial betterments, is charged
principally to Cost of services as these costs are incurred.
Advertising costs – Costs for advertising products and services as well as other
promotional and sponsorship costs are charged to Selling, general and
administrative expense in the periods in which they are incurred. The Partnership
incurred $2,344, $2,525, and $2,328 (unaudited) in advertising costs for the years
ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Comprehensive income – Comprehensive income is the same as net income as
presented in the accompanying statements of income and comprehensive income.
Income taxes – The Partnership is treated as a pass through entity for income tax
purposes and, therefore, is not subject to federal, state or local income taxes.
Accordingly, no provision has been recorded for income taxes in the Partnership’s
financial statements. The results of operations, including taxable income, gains,
losses, deductions and credits, are allocated to and reflected on the income tax
returns of the respective partners.
The Partnership files federal and state tax returns. The 2012 through 2015 tax years
for the Partnership remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service
and state tax jurisdiction. Because the application of tax laws and regulations to
many types of transactions is susceptible to varying interpretations, amounts
reported in the financial statements could be changed at a later date upon final
determination by taxing authorities.
Due to/from affiliate – Due to/from affiliate principally represents the Partnership’s
cash position with Cellco. Cellco manages, on behalf of the Partnership, all cash,
investing and financing activities of the Partnership. As such, the change in due
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to/from affiliate is reflected as an investing activity or a financing activity in the
statements of cash flows depending on whether it represents a net asset or net
liability for the Partnership.
Additionally, cost of equipment, administrative and operating costs incurred by
Cellco on behalf of the Partnership, as well as property, plant and equipment
transactions with affiliates, are charged to the Partnership through this account.
Interest income is based on the Applicable Federal Rate which was approximately
0.5%, 0.3%, and 0.2% for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013,
respectively. Interest expense is calculated by applying Cellco’s average cost of
borrowing from Verizon Communications, Inc, which was approximately 4.8%, 5.0%,
and 7.4% for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively to
the outstanding due to/from affiliate balance. Included in interest income, net is $29,
$27, and $18 (unaudited) for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013,
respectively, related to due to/from affiliate.
Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts – Accounts receivable
are recorded in the financial statements at cost net of allowance for credit losses.
The Partnership maintains allowances for uncollectible accounts receivable,
including device installment plan receivables, for estimated losses resulting from the
failure or inability of customers to make required payments. Similar to traditional
service revenue accounting treatment, the device installment plan bad debt expense
is recorded based on an estimate of the percentage of equipment revenue that will
not be collected. This estimate is based on a number of factors including historical
write-off experience, credit quality of the customer base and other factors such as
macro-economic conditions. Due to the device installment plan being incorporated in
the standard Verizon Wireless bill, the collection and risk strategies continue to
follow historical practices. The Partnership monitors the aging of accounts with
device installment plan receivables and writes off account balances if collection
efforts are unsuccessful and future collection is unlikely.
Property, plant and equipment – Property, plant and equipment is recorded at
cost. Property, plant and equipment are generally depreciated on a straight-line
basis.
Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the estimated life of the
improvement or the remaining term of the related lease, calculated from the time the
asset was placed in service.
When the depreciable assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost
and accumulated depreciation are deducted from the property, plant and equipment
accounts, and any gains or losses on disposition are recognized in income.
Transfers of property, plant and equipment between Cellco and affiliates are
recorded at net book value on the date of the transfer with an offsetting entry
included in due to/from affiliate.
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Interest associated with the construction of network-related assets is capitalized.
Capitalized interest is reported as a reduction in interest expense and depreciated as
part of the cost of the network-related assets.
Impairment – All long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be
recoverable. If any indications were to become present, the Partnership would test
for recoverability by comparing the carrying amount of the asset group to the net
undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from the asset group. If those net
undiscounted cash flows do not exceed the carrying amount, the next step would be
to determine the fair value of the asset and record an impairment, if any. The
Partnership reevaluates the useful life determinations for these long-lived assets
each year to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to their
remaining useful lives.
Wireless licenses – Cellco maintains wireless licenses that provide the wireless
operations with exclusive right to utilize designated radio frequency spectrum to
provide wireless communication services. While licenses are issued for only a fixed
time, generally ten years, such licenses are subject to renewal by the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC). License renewals, which are managed by
Cellco, have historically occurred routinely and at nominal cost. Moreover, Cellco
management has determined that there are currently no legal, regulatory,
contractual, competitive, economic or other factors that limit the useful life of wireless
licenses. As a result, wireless licenses are treated as an indefinite-lived intangible
asset. The useful life determination for wireless licenses is reevaluated each year to
determine whether events and circumstances continue to support an indefinite useful
life.
Cellco tests the wireless licenses balance for potential impairment annually or more
frequently if impairment indicators are present. The most recent quantitative
assessment of wireless licenses at Cellco occurred in 2015. Cellco’s quantitative
assessment consisted of comparing the estimated fair value of wireless licenses to
the aggregated carrying amount as of the test date. Using the quantitative
assessment, the licenses were evaluated on an aggregate basis using the
Greenfield approach. The Greenfield approach is an income based valuation
approach that values the wireless licenses by calculating the cash flow generating
potential of a hypothetical start-up company that goes into business with no assets
except the wireless licenses to be valued. A discounted cash flow analysis is used to
estimate what a marketplace participant would be willing to pay to purchase the
aggregated wireless licenses as of the valuation date. If the fair value of the
aggregated wireless licenses is less than the aggregated carrying amount of the
licenses, an impairment is recognized. In 2014, Cellco performed a qualitative
assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the
wireless licenses was less than the carrying amount. As part of the assessment,
several qualitative factors were considered including market transactions, the
business enterprise value of Cellco, macroeconomic conditions (including changes
in interest rates and discount rates), industry and market considerations (including
industry revenue and EBITDA (Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and
S-11
amortization) margin projections), the projected financial performance of Cellco, as
well as other factors.
In addition, Cellco believes that under the Partnership agreement it has the right to
allocate, based on a reasonable methodology, any impairment loss recognized by
Cellco for licenses included in Cellco’s national footprint. Cellco evaluated their
wireless licenses for potential impairment as of December 15, 2015 and 2014. These
evaluations resulted in no impairment of wireless licenses.
Financial instruments – The Partnership’s trade receivables and payables are
short-term in nature, and accordingly, their carrying value approximates fair value.
Fair value measurements – Fair value of financial and non-financial assets and
liabilities is defined as an exit price, representing the amount that would be received
to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market
participants. The three-tier hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value, which
prioritizes the inputs used in the methodologies of measuring fair value for assets
and liabilities, is as follows:
Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 2 - Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical
assets and liabilities
Level 3 - No observable pricing inputs in the market
Financial assets and financial liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the
lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements. The
assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurements
requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of the assets and liabilities being
measured and their categorization within the fair value hierarchy.
Distributions – The Partnership is required to make distributions to its partners
based upon the Partnership’s operating results, due to/from affiliate status, and
financing needs as determined by the General Partner at the date of the distribution.
Recent accounting standards – In May 2014, the accounting standard update
related to the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers was issued. This
standard update clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue and develops a
common revenue standard for U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting
Standards. The standard update intends to provide a more robust framework for
addressing revenue issues; improve comparability of revenue recognition practices
across entities, industries, jurisdictions, and capital markets; and provide more
useful information to users of financial statements through improved disclosure
requirements. Upon adoption of this standard update, it is expected that the
allocation and timing of the Partnership’s revenue recognition will be impacted. In
August 2015, an accounting standard update was issued that delays the effective
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date of this standard update until the first quarter of 2018. Companies are permitted
to early adopt the standard update in the first quarter of 2017.
There are two adoption methods available for implementation of the standard update
related to the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. Under one
method, the guidance is applied retrospectively to contracts for each reporting
period presented, subject to allowable practical expedients. Under the other method,
the guidance is applied only to the most current period presented, recognizing the
cumulative effect of the change as an adjustment to the beginning balance of
retained earnings, and also requires additional disclosures comparing the results to
the previous guidance. Both adoption methods are currently being evaluated by
management as well as the impact that this standard update will have on the
financial statements.
Reclassifications – The Partnership reclassified certain prior year amounts to
conform to the current year presentation.
Subsequent events – Events subsequent to December 31, 2015 have been
evaluated through February 26, 2016, the date the financial statements were issued.
3. WIRELESS DEVICE INSTALLMENT PLANS
Under the Verizon device payment program, eligible wireless customers purchase
phones or tablets at unsubsidized prices on an installment basis (a device
installment plan). Customers that activate service on devices purchased under the
device payment program pay lower service fees as compared to those under fixed-
term service plans, and their installment charge is included in their standard wireless
monthly bill. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, the total portfolio of
device installment plan receivables the Partnership is servicing was $18,596 and
$6,170.
Wireless device installment plan receivables –The following table displays device
installment plan receivables, net, that are recognized in the accompanying balance
sheets:
Device installment plan receivables, gross
Unamortized imputed interest
Device installment plan receivables, net of unamortized
imputed interest
Allowance for credit losses
Device installment plan receivables, net
Classified on the balance sheets:
Accounts receivable, net
Other assets
Device installment plan receivables, net
At December 31,
2015
At December 31,
2014
$
$
$
$
$
18,596 $
(791)
17,805
(906)
16,899
$
10,277 $
6,622 $
16,899 $
6,170
(260)
5,910
(163)
5,747
3,824
1,923
5,747
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At the time of sale, the Partnership imputes risk adjusted interest on the device
installment plan receivables. Imputed interest is recorded as a reduction to the
related accounts receivable. Interest income, which is included within Interest
income, net on the statement of income and comprehensive income, is recognized
over the financed installment term.
The Partnership assesses collectability of device installment plan receivables based
upon a variety of factors, including the credit quality of the customer base, payment
trends and other qualitative factors. The credit quality of a customer and the
determination of eligibility for the device payment program is measured based on
custom, empirical, risk models. Based upon the risk assessed by the models, a
customer may be required to provide a down payment to enter into the program and
may be subject to lower limits on the total amount financed. The down payment will
vary in accordance with the risk assessed. The risk assessments are updated
monthly based on payment trends and other qualitative factors in order to monitor
the overall quality of receivables. The credit quality of customers was consistent
throughout the periods presented.
Activity in the allowance for credit losses for the device installment plan receivables
was as follows:
Balance at January 1, 2015
Bad debt expenses
Write-offs
Other
Balance at December 31, 2015
$
$
163
945
(138)
(64)
906
Customers entering into device installment agreements prior to May 31, 2015, have
the right to upgrade their device, subject to certain conditions, including making a
stated portion of the required device payments and trading in their device. Generally,
customers entering into device installment agreements on or after June 1, 2015 are
required to repay all amounts due under their device installment agreement before
being eligible to upgrade their device. However, certain devices are subject to
promotions that allow customers to upgrade to a new device after paying down the
minimum percentage of their device installment plan and trading in their device.
When a customer is eligible to upgrade to a new device, a guarantee liability is
recorded in accordance with the Partnership’s accounting policy. The current portion
of gross guarantee liability related to this program, which was $408 at December 31,
2015 and $1,052 at December 31, 2014, was primarily included in Advance billings
and other on the accompanying balance sheets. The long term portion of gross
guarantee liability related to this program, which was not material at December 31,
2015 and $87 at December 31, 2014, was primarily included in Other liabilities on
the accompanying balance sheets.
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4. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET
Property, plant and equipment consist of the following as of December 31, 2015 and
2014:
Buildings and improvements (20-45 years)
Wireless plant and equipment (3-50 years)
Furniture, fixtures and equipment (2-10 years)
Leasehold improvements (5 years)
Less: accumulated depreciation
Property, plant and equipment, net
2015
9,576
27,486
479
2,262
39,803
(21,278)
18,525
2014
9,450
26,782
568
1,608
38,408
(22,656)
15,752
$
$
$
$
Capitalized network engineering costs of $376 and $234 were recorded during the
years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Construction in progress
included in certain classifications shown above, principally consists of wireless plant
and equipment, amounted to $1,067 and $1,559 as of December 31, 2015 and
2014, respectively. Depreciation expense of $3,220, $2,520, and $2,473 (unaudited)
was incurred during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.
5. TOWER MONETIZATION TRANSACTION
During March 2015, Verizon Communications, the parent company of Cellco,
entered into an agreement with American Tower Corporation (ATC) giving ATC
exclusive rights to lease and operate approximately 11,300 wireless towers owned
and operated by Cellco and its subsidiaries for an upfront payment of $5.0 billion
(not in thousands). Verizon Communications also sold 162 towers to ATC for an
upfront payment of $0.1 billion (not in thousands). Under the terms of the lease
agreements, ATC has exclusive rights to lease and operate the towers over an
average term of approximately 28 years. As the leases expire, ATC has fixed-price
purchase options to acquire these towers based on their anticipated fair market
values at the end of the lease terms. The Partnership has subleased capacity on the
towers from ATC for a minimum of 10 years at current market rates, with options to
renew. The Partnership participated in this arrangement and has leased 2 towers to
ATC for an upfront payment of $849. The upfront payment is accounted for as
deferred rent and as a financing obligation. The $375 accounted for as deferred rent
is included in cash flows provided by operating activities and relates to the portion of
the towers for which the right-of-use has passed to ATC. The deferred rent is being
recognized on a straight-line basis over the Partnership’s average lease term of 30
years. The $474 accounted for as a financing obligation is included in cash flows
provided by financing activities and relates to the portion of the towers that is to be
occupied and used for the Partnership’s network operations. The Partnership makes
sublease payments to ATC for $1.9 per month per site, with annual increases of 2
percent. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Partnership made $38 of
sublease payments to ATC, which is recorded as Repayments of financing
obligation.
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At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the balance of deferred rent was $365 and $0,
respectively. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the balance of the financing
obligation was $469 and $0, respectively.
6. CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consist of the following as of December 31,
2015 and 2014:
Accounts payable
Accrued liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
2015
2014
$
$
3,902
239
4,141
$
$
3,964
231
4,195
Advance billings and other consist of the following as of December 31, 2015 and
2014:
Advance billings
Customer deposits
Guarantee liability
Advance billings and other
$
$
3,664
325
408
4,397
$
$
3,932
137
1,052
5,121
7. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES AND RELATED PARTIES
In addition to fixed asset purchases and right to use licenses (see Note 2),
substantially all of service revenues, equipment revenues, other revenues, cost of
service, cost of equipment, and selling, general and administrative expenses
represent transactions processed by affiliates (Cellco and its related parties) on
behalf of the Partnership or represent transactions with affiliates. These transactions
consist of (1) revenues and expenses that pertain to the Partnership which are
processed by Cellco and directly attributed to or directly charged to the Partnership;
(2) roaming revenue by customers of other Cellco affiliated markets within the
Partnership market or Partnership customers’ cost when roaming in other Cellco
affiliated markets; and (3) certain revenues and expenses that are processed or
incurred by Cellco which are allocated to the Partnership based on factors such as
the Partnership’s percentage of revenue streams, customers, gross customer
additions, or minutes of use. These transactions do not necessarily represent arm’s
length transactions and may not represent all revenues and costs that would be
present if the Partnership operated on a standalone basis. Cellco periodically
reviews the methodology and allocation bases for allocating certain revenues,
operating costs, selling, general and administrative expenses to the Partnership.
Resulting changes, if any, in the allocated amounts have historically not been
significant.
Service revenues – Service revenues include monthly customer billings processed
by Cellco on behalf of the Partnership and roaming revenues relating to customers
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of other affiliated markets that are specifically identified to the Partnership. For the
years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 roaming revenues were $25,063,
$23,732, and $22,394 (unaudited), respectively. Service revenue also includes long
distance, data, and certain revenue reductions including revenue concessions that
are processed by Cellco and allocated to the Partnership based on certain factors
deemed appropriate by Cellco.
Equipment revenues – Equipment revenue includes equipment sales processed by
Cellco and specifically identified to the Partnership, as well as certain handset and
accessory revenues, contra-revenues including equipment concessions, and coupon
rebates that are processed by Cellco and allocated to the Partnership based on
certain factors deemed appropriate by Cellco.
Other revenues – Other revenues include switch revenue, cell sharing revenue and
other fees and surcharges charged to the customer that are specifically identified to
the Partnership.
Cost of service – Cost of service includes roaming costs relating to the
Partnership’s customers roaming in other affiliated markets. For the years ended
December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 roaming costs were $36,313, $32,019, and
$29,029 (unaudited), respectively. Cost of service also includes cost of telecom, long
distance and application content that are incurred by Cellco and allocated to the
Partnership based on certain factors deemed appropriate by Cellco. The Partnership
has also entered into a lease agreement for the right to use additional spectrum
owned by Cellco. See Note 8 for further information regarding this arrangement.
Cost of equipment – Cost of equipment is recorded at Cellco’s cost basis (see Note
2). Cost of equipment also includes certain costs related to handsets, accessories
and other costs incurred by Cellco and allocated to the Partnership based on certain
factors deemed appropriate by Cellco.
Selling, general and administrative – Selling, general and administrative expenses
include commissions, customer billing, office telecom, customer care, salaries, sales
and marketing and advertising expenses that are specifically identified to the
Partnership as well as incurred by Cellco and allocated to the Partnership based on
certain factors deemed appropriate by Cellco.
Property, plant and equipment – Property, plant and equipment includes assets
purchased by Cellco and directly charged to the Partnership as well as assets
transferred between Cellco and the Partnership (see Note 2).
8. COMMITMENTS
Cellco, on behalf of the Partnership, and the Partnership itself have entered into
operating leases for facilities, and equipment used in its operations. Lease contracts
include renewal options that include rent expense adjustments based on the
Consumer Price Index as well as annual and end-of-lease term adjustments. Rent
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expense is recorded on a straight-line basis. The noncancellable lease term used to
calculate the amount of the straight-line rent expense is generally determined to be
the initial lease term, including any optional renewal terms that are reasonably
assured of occurring. Leasehold improvements related to these operating leases are
amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the noncancellable lease
term. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Partnership
incurred a total of $1,823, $1,478, and $1,388 (unaudited) respectively, as rent
expense related to these operating leases, which was included in Cost of service
and Selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying statements of
income and comprehensive income. Aggregate future minimum rental commitments
under noncancellable operating leases, excluding renewal options that are not
reasonably assured of occurring, for the years shown are as follows:
Years
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021 and thereafter
Total minimum payments
Amount
$ 1,543
1,465
1,381
1,198
1,085
4,504
$ 11,176
The Partnership has also entered into certain agreements with Cellco, whereas the
Partnership leases certain spectrum from Cellco that overlaps the Pennsylvania 6(II)
rural service area. Total rent expense under these spectrum leases amounted to
$658 in 2015, $583 in 2014, and $318 (unaudited) in 2013, respectively, which is
included in Cost of service in the accompanying consolidated statements of income
and comprehensive income.
Based on the terms of these leases as of December 31, 2015, future spectrum lease
obligations are expected to be as follows:
Years
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021 and thereafter
Total minimum payments
Amount
$
660
638
627
485
344
3,761
$ 6,515
The General Partner currently expects that the renewal option in the leases will be
exercised.
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9. CONTINGENCIES
Cellco and the Partnership are subject to lawsuits and other claims including class
actions, product liability, patent infringement, intellectual property, antitrust,
partnership disputes, and claims involving relations with resellers and agents. Cellco
is also currently defending lawsuits filed against it and other participants in the
wireless industry alleging various adverse effects as a result of wireless phone
usage. Various consumer class action lawsuits allege that Cellco violated certain
state consumer protection laws and other statutes and defrauded customers through
misleading billing practices or statements. These matters may involve
indemnification obligations by third parties and/or affiliated parties covering all or part
of any potential damage awards against Cellco and the Partnership and/or insurance
coverage. All of the above matters are subject to many uncertainties, and the
outcomes are not currently predictable.
The Partnership may be allocated a portion of the damages that may result upon
adjudication of these matters if the claimants prevail in their actions. In none of the
currently pending matters is the amount of accrual material to the Partnership. An
estimate of the reasonably possible loss or range of loss with respect to these
matters as of December 31, 2015 cannot be made at this time due to various factors
typical in contested proceedings, including (1) uncertain damage theories and
demands; (2) a less than complete factual record; (3) uncertainty concerning legal
theories and their resolution by courts or regulators; and (4) the unpredictable nature
of the opposing party and its demands. The Partnership continuously monitors these
proceedings as they develop and will adjust any accrual or disclosure as needed. It
is not expected that the ultimate resolution of any pending regulatory or legal matter
in future periods will have a material effect on the financial condition of the
Partnership, but it could have a material effect on the results of operations for a
given reporting period.
10. RECONCILIATION OF ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS
Balance at Additions Write-offs Balance at
Beginning Charged to
of the Year
Net of
Operations Recoveries of the Year
End
Accounts Receivable Allowances:
2015
2014
2013 (unaudited)
$
498 $
225
143
1,638 $
739
531
(1,198) $
(466)
(449)
938
498
225
******
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Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants
The Partners of GTE Mobilnet of Texas RSA #17
Limited Partnership
We have audited the accompanying financial statements of GTE Mobilnet of Texas RSA #17
Limited Partnership, which comprise the balance sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the
related statements of income and comprehensive income, changes in partners’ capital and cash
flows for the years then ended, and the related notes to the financial statements.
Management's Responsibility for the Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in
accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles; this includes the design,
implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation
of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
Auditor's Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We
conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States.
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about
whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures
in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor's judgment, including the
assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or
error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity's
preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that
are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the
effectiveness of the entity's internal control. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also
includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of
significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation
of the financial statements.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis
for our audit opinion.
Opinion
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the
financial position of GTE Mobilnet of Texas RSA #17 Limited Partnership at December 31, 2015
and 2014, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity
with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
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December 31, 2013 Financial Statements
The accompanying statements of income and comprehensive income, changes in partners’ capital
and cash flows of GTE Mobilnet of Texas RSA #17 Limited Partnership for the year then ended
December 31, 2013 were not audited, reviewed, or compiled by us and, accordingly, we do not
express an opinion or any other form of assurance on them.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Orlando, Florida
February 26, 2016
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GTE Mobilnet of Texas RSA #17 Limited Partnership
Balance Sheets - As of December 31, 2015 and 2014
(Dollars in Thousands)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Due from affiliate
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $691 and $666
Unbilled revenue
Prepaid expenses
Total current assets
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT -NET
WIRELESS LICENSES
OTHER ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ CAPITAL
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Advance billings and other
Financing obligation
Deferred rent
Total current liabilities
LONG TERM LIABILITIES:
Financing obligation
Deferred rent
Other liabilities
Total long term liabilities
Total liabilities
PARTNERS’ CAPITAL
General Partner's interest
Limited Partners' interest
Total partners' capital
2015
2014
$
$
$
$
$
$
11,610
7,957
2,311
444
22,322
57,180
441
1,954
81,897
3,895
1,848
2,364
702
8,809
21,478
18,482
1,683
41,643
50,452
6,289
25,156
31,445
14,306
6,166
2,131
131
22,734
65,194
-
631
88,559
3,642
2,078
-
-
5,720
-
-
1,276
1,276
6,996
16,313
65,250
81,563
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ CAPITAL
$
81,897
$
88,559
See notes to financial statements.
S-22
GTE Mobilnet of Texas RSA #17 Limited Partnership
Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income – For the Years Ended
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands)
OPERATING REVENUE:
Service revenue
Equipment revenue
Other
Total operating revenue
OPERATING EXPENSES:
2015
2014
2013
(Unaudited)
$ 117,289
7,011
4,900
129,200
$ 113,153
5,796
3,942
122,891
$ 107,693
4,634
3,725
116,052
Cost of service (exclusive of depreciation and
amortization)
Cost of equipment
Depreciation and amortization
Selling, general and administrative
Total operating expenses
39,702
10,606
11,348
23,356
85,012
36,454
12,892
11,874
23,655
84,875
33,732
9,524
10,126
24,596
77,978
OPERATING INCOME
44,188
38,016
38,074
OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME:
Interest (expense) income, net
Other
Total other (expense) income
(914)
(392)
(1,306)
36
-
36
28
-
28
NET INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
$
42,882
$
38,052
$
38,102
Allocation of Net Income:
General Partner
Limited Partners
See notes to financial statements.
$
$
8,576
34,306
$
$
7,611
30,441
$
$
7,620
30,482
S-23
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GTE Mobilnet of Texas RSA #17 Limited Partnership
Statements of Cash Flows - Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net Income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
by operating activities:
$
Depreciation and amortization
Imputed interest on financing obligation
Provision for losses on accounts receivable
Changes in certain assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable
Unbilled revenue
Prepaid expenses
Other assets
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Advance billings and other
Deferred rent
Other liabilities
Net cash provided by operating activities
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures
Fixed asset transfers out
Acquisition of wireless licenses
Change in due from affiliate
Net cash used in investing activities
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from financing obligation
Repayments of financing obligation
Distributions
Net cash used in financing activities
2015
2014
2013
(Unaudited)
42,882 $
38,052 $
38,102
11,348
1,704
1,546
(3,337)
(180)
(313)
(1,327)
315
(230)
19,184
407
71,999
(4,734)
1,341
(441)
2,696
(1,138)
24,077
(1,938)
(93,000)
(70,861)
11,874
-
1,421
(2,796)
(204)
(118)
(605)
515
498
-
250
48,887
(16,813)
4,403
-
(2,977)
(15,387)
-
-
(33,500)
(33,500)
10,126
-
1,549
(1,661)
(91)
(1)
(28)
(207)
13
-
194
47,996
(22,131)
3,926
-
209
(17,996)
-
-
(30,000)
(30,000)
CHANGE IN CASH
CASH—Beginning of year
CASH—End of year
-
-
- $
-
-
- $
-
-
-
$
NONCASH TRANSACTIONS FROM INVESTING
ACTIVITIES:
Accruals for capital expenditures
$
71 $
133 $
805
See notes to financial statements.
S-25
GTE Mobilnet of Texas RSA #17 Limited Partnership
Notes to Financial Statements - Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands)
1. ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT
GTE Mobilnet of Texas RSA #17 Limited Partnership, (the “Partnership”) was formed
in 1989. The principal activity of the Partnership is providing cellular service in the
Texas #17 rural service area.
In accordance with the partnership agreement, Cellco Partnership (“Cellco”), doing
business as Verizon Wireless, is responsible for managing the operations of the
partnership (see Note 8).
The partners and their respective ownership percentages of the Partnership as of
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
General Partner:
San Antonio MTA, L.P. *
Limited Partners:
Eastex Telecom Investments, LLC
Consolidated Communications Enterprise Services, Inc. **
ALLTEL Communications Investments, Inc. *
Verizon Wireless (VAW) LLC *
San Antonio MTA, L.P. *
20.000000 %
20.512855 %
20.512855 %
17.021300 %
10.038190 %
11.914800 %
*San Antonio MTA, L.P, (“General Partner”), Verizon Wireless (VAW), LLC and
ALLTEL Communications Investments, Inc. are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Cellco.
** Consolidated Communications Enterprise Services, Inc. (CCES) is a wholly-
owned subsidiary of Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Use of estimates – The financial statements are prepared using U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles (GAAP), which require management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and disclosures. Actual
results could differ from those estimates.
Examples of significant estimates include: the allowance for doubtful accounts, the
recoverability of plant, property and equipment, the recoverability of intangible assets
and other long-lived assets, unbilled revenues, fair values of financial instruments,
accrued expenses and contingencies.
S-26
Revenue recognition – The Partnership offers products and services to customers
through bundled arrangements. These arrangements involve multiple deliverables
which may include products, services, or a combination of products and services.
The Partnership earns service revenue primarily by providing access to and usage of
its network as well as the sale of equipment. In general, access revenue is billed one
month in advance and recognized when earned. Usage revenue is generally billed in
arrears and recognized when service is rendered. Equipment sales revenue
associated with the sale of wireless devices and accessories is generally recognized
when the products are delivered to and accepted by the customer, as this is
considered to be a separate earnings process from providing wireless services. For
agreements involving the resale of third-party services in which the Partnership is
considered the primary obligor in the arrangements, the revenue is recorded gross at
the time of the sale.
Under the Verizon device payment program (formerly known as Verizon Edge),
eligible wireless customers purchase phones or tablets at unsubsidized prices on an
installment basis (a device installment plan). Certain devices are subject to
promotions that allow customers to upgrade to a new device after paying down the
minimum percentage of the device installment plan and trading in their device. When
a customer has the right to upgrade to a new device by paying down the minimum
percentage of the device installment plan and trading in their device, this trade-in
right is accounted for as a guarantee liability. The full amount of the trade-in right’s
fair value (not an allocated value) is recognized as a guarantee liability and the
remaining consideration is recorded as equipment revenue. The value of the
guarantee liability effectively results in a reduction to the revenue recognized for the
sale of the device.
In multiple element arrangements that bundle devices and monthly wireless service,
revenue is allocated to each unit of accounting using a relative selling price method.
At the inception of the arrangement, the amount allocable to the delivered units of
accounting is limited to the amount that is not contingent upon the delivery of the
monthly wireless service (the noncontingent amount). The Partnership effectively
recognizes revenue on the delivered device at the lesser of the amount allocated
based on the relative selling price of the device or the noncontingent amount owed
when the device is sold.
Roaming revenue reflects service revenue earned by the Partnership when
customers not associated with the Partnership operate in the service area of the
Partnership and use the Partnership’s network. The roaming rates with third party
carriers associated with those customers are based on agreements with such
carriers. The roaming rates charged by the Partnership to Cellco are established by
Cellco on a periodic basis and may not reflect current market rates (see Note 8).
Operating expenses – Operating expenses include expenses incurred directly by
the Partnership, as well as an allocation of selling, general and administrative, and
operating costs incurred by Cellco or its affiliates on behalf of the Partnership.
Employees of Cellco provide services on behalf of the Partnership. These
S-27
employees are not employees of the Partnership, therefore operating expenses
include direct and allocated charges of salary and employee benefit costs for the
services provided to the Partnership. Cellco believes such allocations, principally
based on the Partnership’s percentage of certain revenue streams, total customers,
customer gross additions or minutes-of-use, are calculated in accordance with the
Partnership Agreement and are a reasonable method of allocating such costs.
Cost of roaming reflects costs incurred by the Partnership when customers
associated with the Partnership operate in a service area not associated with the
Partnership and use a network not associated with the Partnership. The roaming
rates with third party carriers are based on agreements with such carriers. The
roaming rates charged to the Partnership by Cellco are established by Cellco on a
periodic basis and may not reflect current market rates (see Note 8).
Cost of equipment is recorded upon sale of the related equipment at Cellco’s cost
basis. Inventory is wholly owned by Cellco and is not recorded in the financial
statements of the Partnership.
Maintenance and repairs – The cost of maintenance and repairs, including the cost
of replacing minor items not constituting substantial betterments, is charged
principally to Cost of services as these costs are incurred.
Advertising costs – Costs for advertising products and services as well as other
promotional and sponsorship costs are charged to Selling, general and
administrative expense in the periods in which they are incurred. The Partnership
incurred $1,715, $1,966 and $1,682 (unaudited) in advertising costs for the years
ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Comprehensive income – Comprehensive income is the same as net income as
presented in the accompanying statements of income and comprehensive income.
Income taxes – The Partnership is treated as a pass through entity for income tax
purposes and, therefore, is not subject to federal, state or local income taxes.
Accordingly, no provision has been recorded for income taxes in the Partnership’s
financial statements. The results of operations, including taxable income, gains,
losses, deductions and credits, are allocated to and reflected on the income tax
returns of the respective partners.
The Partnership files federal and state tax returns. The 2012 through 2015 tax years
for the Partnership remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service
and state tax jurisdiction. Because the application of tax laws and regulations to
many types of transactions is susceptible to varying interpretations, amounts
reported in the financial statements could be changed at a later date upon final
determination by taxing authorities.
Due to/from affiliate – Due to/from affiliate principally represents the Partnership’s
cash position with Cellco. Cellco manages, on behalf of the Partnership, all cash,
investing and financing activities of the Partnership. As such, the change in due
S-28
to/from affiliate is reflected as an investing activity or a financing activity in the
statements of cash flows depending on whether it represents a net asset or net
liability for the Partnership.
Additionally, cost of equipment, administrative and operating costs incurred by
Cellco on behalf of the Partnership, as well as property, plant and equipment
transactions and wireless license transactions with affiliates, are charged to the
Partnership through this account. Interest income is based on the Applicable Federal
Rate which was approximately 0.5%, 0.3% and 0.2% for the years ended December
31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Interest expense is calculated by applying
Cellco’s average cost of borrowing from Verizon Communications, Inc, which was
approximately 4.8%, 5.0% and 7.4% for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014
and 2013, respectively to the outstanding due to/from affiliate balance. Included in
interest (expense) income, net is $177, $25 and $33 (unaudited) for the years ended
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, related to due to/from affiliate.
Interest expense of $1,306 was incurred during the year ended December 31, 2015.
Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts – Accounts receivable
are recorded in the financial statements at cost net of allowance for credit losses.
The Partnership maintains allowances for uncollectible accounts receivable,
including device installment plan receivables, for estimated losses resulting from the
failure or inability of customers to make required payments. Similar to traditional
service revenue accounting treatment, the device installment plan bad debt expense
is recorded based on an estimate of the percentage of equipment revenue that will
not be collected. This estimate is based on a number of factors including historical
write-off experience, credit quality of the customer base and other factors such as
macro-economic conditions. Due to the device installment plan being incorporated in
the standard Verizon Wireless bill, the collection and risk strategies continue to
follow historical practices. The Partnership monitors the aging of accounts with
device installment plan receivables and writes off account balances if collection
efforts are unsuccessful and future collection is unlikely.
Property, plant and equipment – Property, plant and equipment is recorded at
cost. Property, plant and equipment are generally depreciated on a straight-line
basis.
Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the estimated life of the
improvement or the remaining term of the related lease, calculated from the time the
asset was placed in service.
When the depreciable assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost
and accumulated depreciation are deducted from the property, plant and equipment
accounts, and any gains or losses on disposition are recognized in income.
Transfers of property, plant and equipment between Cellco and affiliates are
recorded at net book value on the date of the transfer with an offsetting entry
included in due to/from affiliate.
S-29
Interest associated with the construction of network-related assets is capitalized.
Capitalized interest is reported as a reduction in interest expense and depreciated as
part of the cost of the network-related assets.
Impairment – All long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be
recoverable. If any indications were to become present, the Partnership would test
for recoverability by comparing the carrying amount of the asset group to the net
undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from the asset group. If those net
undiscounted cash flows do not exceed the carrying amount, the next step would be
to determine the fair value of the asset and record an impairment, if any. The
Partnership reevaluates the useful life determinations for these long-lived assets
each year to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to their
remaining useful lives.
Wireless licenses – A significant portion of intangible assets are wireless licenses
that provide wireless operations with the exclusive right to utilize designated radio
frequency spectrum to provide wireless communication services. The Partnership
aggregates wireless licenses into one single unit of accounting, as they are utilized
on an integrated basis. In addition, Cellco maintains wireless licenses that provide
the Partnership wireless spectrum with the exclusive right to utilize designated radio
frequency spectrum to provide wireless communication services. While licenses are
issued for only a fixed time, generally ten years, such licenses are subject to renewal
by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). License renewals, which are
managed by Cellco, have historically occurred routinely and at nominal cost.
Moreover, the Partnership determined that there are currently no legal, regulatory,
contractual, competitive, economic or other factors that limit the useful life of wireless
licenses. As a result, wireless licenses are treated as an indefinite-lived intangible
asset. The useful life determination for wireless licenses is reevaluated each year to
determine whether events and circumstances continue to support an indefinite useful
life.
Cellco and the Partnership test the wireless licenses balance for potential
impairment annually or more frequently if impairment indicators are present. The
most recent quantitative assessment of wireless licenses at Cellco occurred in 2015.
Cellco’s quantitative assessment consisted of comparing the estimated fair value of
wireless licenses to the aggregated carrying amount as of the test date. The
Partnership performs a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely
than not that the fair value of wireless licenses was less than the carrying amount.
Using the quantitative assessment, the licenses were evaluated on an aggregate
basis using the Greenfield approach. The Greenfield approach is an income based
valuation approach that values the wireless licenses by calculating the cash flow
generating potential of a hypothetical start-up company that goes into business with
no assets except the wireless licenses to be valued. A discounted cash flow analysis
is used to estimate what a marketplace participant would be willing to pay to
purchase the aggregated wireless licenses as of the valuation date. If the fair value
of the aggregated wireless licenses is less than the aggregated carrying amount of
the licenses, an impairment is recognized. In 2014 Cellco performed a qualitative
S-30
assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the
wireless licenses was less than the carrying amount. As part of the assessment,
several qualitative factors were considered including market transactions, the
business enterprise value of Cellco, macroeconomic conditions (including changes
in interest rates and discount rates), industry and market considerations (including
industry revenue and EBITDA (Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and
amortization) margin projections), the projected financial performance of Cellco, as
well as other factors
Interest expense incurred while qualifying activities are performed to ready wireless
licenses for their intended use is capitalized as part of wireless licenses (see note 4).
The capitalization period ends when the development is discontinued or substantially
complete and the license is ready for its intended use.
In addition, Cellco believes that under the Partnership agreement it has the right to
allocate, based on a reasonable methodology, any impairment loss recognized by
Cellco for licenses included in Cellco’s national footprint. Cellco and the Partnership
evaluated their wireless licenses for potential impairment as of December 15, 2015
and 2014. These evaluations resulted in no impairment of wireless licenses.
Financial instruments – The Partnership’s trade receivables and payables are
short-term in nature, and accordingly, their carrying value approximates fair value.
Fair value measurements – Fair value of financial and non-financial assets and
liabilities is defined as an exit price, representing the amount that would be received
to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market
participants. The three-tier hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value, which
prioritizes the inputs used in the methodologies of measuring fair value for assets
and liabilities, is as follows:
Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 2 - Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical
assets and liabilities
Level 3 - No observable pricing inputs in the market
Financial assets and financial liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the
lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements. The
assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurements
requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of the assets and liabilities being
measured and their categorization within the fair value hierarchy.
Distributions – The Partnership is required to make distributions to its partners
based upon the Partnership’s operating results, due to/from affiliate status, and
financing needs as determined by the General Partner at the date of the distribution.
S-31
Recent accounting standards – In May 2014, the accounting standard update
related to the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers was issued. This
standard update clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue and develops a
common revenue standard for U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting
Standards. The standard update intends to provide a more robust framework for
addressing revenue issues; improve comparability of revenue recognition practices
across entities, industries, jurisdictions, and capital markets; and provide more
useful information to users of financial statements through improved disclosure
requirements. Upon adoption of this standard update, it is expected that the
allocation and timing of the Partnership’s revenue recognition will be impacted. In
August 2015, an accounting standard update was issued that delays the effective
date of this standard update until the first quarter of 2018. Companies are permitted
to early adopt the standard update in the first quarter of 2017.
There are two adoption methods available for implementation of the standard update
related to the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. Under one
method, the guidance is applied retrospectively to contracts for each reporting
period presented, subject to allowable practical expedients. Under the other method,
the guidance is applied only to the most current period presented, recognizing the
cumulative effect of the change as an adjustment to the beginning balance of
retained earnings, and also requires additional disclosures comparing the results to
the previous guidance. Both adoption methods are currently being evaluated by
management as well as the impact that this standard update will have on the
financial statements.
Reclassifications –The Partnership reclassified certain prior year amounts to
conform to the current year presentation.
Subsequent events – Events subsequent to December 31, 2015 have been
evaluated through February 26, 2016, the date the financial statements were issued.
3. WIRELESS DEVICE INSTALLMENT PLANS
Under the Verizon device payment program, eligible wireless customers purchase
phones or tablets at unsubsidized prices on an installment basis (a device
installment plan). Customers that activate service on devices purchased under the
device payment program pay lower service fees as compared to those under fixed-
term service plans, and their installment charge is included in their standard wireless
monthly bill. The following table displays device installment plan receivables, net,
that are recognized in the accompanying balance sheets:
Device installment plan receivables, gross
Unamortized imputed interest
Device installment plan receivables, net of
unamortized imputed interest
Allowance for credit losses
Device installment plan receivables, net
$
$
S-32
At December 31, 2015
5,488 $
(230)
At December 31, 2014
1,890
(80)
5,258
(254)
5,004
$
1,810
(33)
1,777
Classified on the balance sheets:
Accounts receivable, net
Other assets
Device installment plan receivables, net
$
$
3,080 $
1,924
5,004 $
1,191
586
1,777
At the time of sale, the Partnership imputes risk adjusted interest on the device
installment plan receivables. Imputed interest is recorded as a reduction to the
related accounts receivable. Interest income, which is included within Interest
income, net on the statement of income and comprehensive income, is recognized
over the financed installment term.
The Partnership assesses’ collectability of device installment plan receivables based
upon a variety of factors, including the credit quality of the customer base, payment
trends and other qualitative factors. The credit quality of a customer and the
determination of eligibility for the device payment program is measured based on
custom, empirical, risk models. Based upon the risk assessed by the models, a
customer may be required to provide a down payment to enter into the program and
may be subject to lower limits on the total amount financed. The down payment will
vary in accordance with the risk assessed. The risk assessments are updated
monthly based on payment trends and other qualitative factors in order to monitor
the overall quality of receivables. The credit quality of customers was consistent
throughout the periods presented.
Activity in the allowance for credit losses for the device installment plan receivables
was as follows:
Balance at January 1, 2015
Bad debt expenses
Write-offs
Other
Balance at December 31, 2015
$
$
33
374
(155)
2
254
Customers entering into device installment agreements prior to May 31, 2015, have
the right to upgrade their device, subject to certain conditions, including making a
stated portion of the required device payments and trading in their device. Generally,
customers entering into device installment agreements on or after June 1, 2015 are
required to repay all amounts due under their device installment agreement before
being eligible to upgrade their device. However, certain devices are subject to
promotions that allow customers to upgrade to a new device after paying down the
minimum percentage of their device installment plan and trading in their device.
When a customer is eligible to upgrade to a new device, a guarantee liability is
recorded in accordance with accounting policy. The current portion of gross
guarantee liability related to this program, which was $149 at December 31, 2015
and $279 at December 31, 2014, was primarily included in Advance billings and
other on the accompanying balance sheets. The long term portion of gross
guarantee liability related to this program, which was not material at December 31,
S-33
2015 and $41 at December 31, 2014, was primarily included in Other liabilities on
the accompanying balance sheets.
4. WIRELESS LICENSES
On January 29, 2015, the FCC completed an auction of 65 MHz of spectrum, which
it identified as the AWS-3 band. Cellco participated in that auction and was the high
bidder on the license covering the Partnership service area. The licenses were
deemed to be right to use assets and were allocated and recorded by the
Partnership as wireless licenses. The cash payment made by the Partnership of
$441 is classified within Acquisitions of wireless licenses on the statement of cash
flows for the year ended December 31, 2015.
5. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET
Property, plant and equipment consist of the following as of December 31, 2015 and
2014:
Buildings and improvements (20-45 years)
Wireless plant and equipment (3-50 years)
Furniture, fixtures and equipment (2-10 years)
Leasehold improvements (5 years)
$
Less: accumulated depreciation
Property, plant and equipment, net
$
2015
27,956 $
96,011
296
7,146
131,409
(74,229)
57,180
$
2014
27,618
94,390
294
6,898
129,200
(64,006)
65,194
Capitalized network engineering costs of $233 and $991 were recorded during the
years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Construction in progress
included in certain classifications shown above, principally consists of wireless plant
and equipment, amounted to $806 and $1,143 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014,
respectively. Depreciation expense of $11,346, $11,871 and $10,126 (unaudited)
was incurred during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.
6. TOWER MONETIZATION TRANSACTIONS
During March 2015, Verizon Communications, the parent company of Cellco,
entered into an agreement with American Tower Corporation (ATC), giving ATC
exclusive rights to lease and operate approximately 11,300 wireless towers owned
and operated by Cellco and its subsidiaries for an upfront payment of $5.0 billion
(not in thousands). Verizon Communications also sold 162 towers to ATC for an
upfront payment of $0.1 billion (not in thousands). Under the terms of the lease
agreements, ATC has exclusive rights to lease and operate the towers over an
average term of approximately 28 years. As the leases expire, ATC has fixed-price
purchase options to acquire these towers based on their anticipated fair market
values at the end of the lease terms. There is subleased capacity on the towers from
ATC for a minimum of 10 years at current market rates, with options to renew. The
Partnership participated in this arrangement and has leased 102 towers to ATC for
S-34
an upfront payment of $43,786. The upfront payments, is accounted for as deferred
rent and as a financing obligation. The $19,709 accounted for as deferred rent is
included in cash flows provided by operating activities and relates to the portion of
the towers for which the right-of-use has passed to ATC. The deferred rent is being
recognized on a straight-line basis over the Partnership’s average lease term of 29
years. The $24,077 accounted for as a financing obligation is included in cash flows
provided by financing activities and relates to the portion of the towers that is to be
occupied and used for the Partnership’s network operations. The Partnership makes
a sublease payment to ATC for $1.9 per month per site, with annual increases of 2
percent. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Partnership made $1,938 of
sublease payments to ATC, which is recorded as Repayments of financing
obligation.
At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the balance of deferred rent was $19,184 and $0,
respectively. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the balance of the financing
obligation was $23,842 and $0, respectively.
7. CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consist of the following as of December 31,
2015 and 2014:
Accounts payable
Non-income based taxes and regulatory fees
Texas margin tax payable
Accrued commissions
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
2015
2014
$
$
1,954
789
233
919
3,895
$
$
1,510
771
470
891
3,642
Advance billings and other consist of the following as of December 31, 2015 and
2014:
Advance billings
Customer deposits
Guarantee liability
Advance billings and other
2015
2014
$
$
1,617
82
149
1,848
$
$
1,707
92
279
2,078
8. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES AND RELATED PARTIES
In addition to fixed asset purchases and right to use licenses (see Note 2),
substantially all of service revenues, equipment revenues, and other revenues, cost
of service, cost of equipment, and selling, general and administrative expenses
represent transactions processed by affiliates (Cellco and its related parties) on
behalf of the Partnership or represent transactions with affiliates. These transactions
consist of (1) revenues and expenses that pertain to the Partnership which are
processed by Cellco and directly attributed to or directly charged to the Partnership;
S-35
(2) roaming revenue by customers of other Cellco affiliated markets within the
Partnership market or Partnership customers’ cost when roaming in other Cellco
affiliated markets; and 3) certain revenues and expenses that are processed or
incurred by Cellco which are allocated to the Partnership based on factors such as
the Partnership’s percentage of revenue streams, customers, gross customer
additions, or minutes of use. These transactions do not necessarily represent arm’s
length transactions and may not represent all revenues and costs that would be
present if the Partnership operated on a standalone basis. Cellco periodically
reviews the methodology and allocation bases for allocating certain revenues,
operating costs, selling, general and administrative expenses to the Partnership.
Resulting changes, if any, in the allocated amounts have historically not been
significant.
Service revenues - Service revenues include monthly customer billings processed
by Cellco on behalf of the Partnership and roaming revenues relating to customers
of other affiliated markets that are specifically identified to the Partnership. For the
years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 roaming revenues were $53,031,
$47,483 and $45,548 (unaudited), respectively. Service revenue also includes long
distance, data, and certain revenue reductions including revenue concessions that
are processed by Cellco and allocated to the Partnership based on certain factors
deemed appropriate by Cellco.
Equipment revenues - Equipment revenue includes equipment sales processed by
Cellco and specifically identified to the Partnership, as well as certain handset and
accessory revenues, contra-revenues including equipment concessions, and coupon
rebates that are processed by Cellco and allocated to the Partnership based on
certain factors deemed appropriate by Cellco.
Other revenues - Other revenues include other fees and surcharges charged to the
customer that are specifically identified to the Partnership.
Cost of service - Cost of service includes roaming costs relating to the
Partnership’s customers roaming in other affiliated markets. For the years ended
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, roaming costs were $27,273, $24,116 and
$20,123 (unaudited), respectively. Cost of service also includes cost of telecom, long
distance and application content that are incurred by Cellco and allocated to the
Partnership based on certain factors deemed appropriate by Cellco. The Partnership
has also entered into a lease agreement for the right to use additional spectrum
owned by Cellco. See Note 9 for further information regarding this arrangement.
Cost of equipment - Cost of equipment is recorded at Cellco’s cost basis (see Note
2). Cost of equipment also includes certain costs related to handsets, accessories
and other costs incurred by Cellco and allocated to the Partnership based on certain
factors deemed appropriate by Cellco.
Selling, general and administrative - Selling, general and administrative expenses
include commissions, customer billing, office telecom, customer care, salaries, sales
and marketing and advertising expenses that are specifically identified to the
S-36
Partnership as well as incurred by Cellco and allocated to the Partnership based on
certain factors deemed appropriate by Cellco.
Property, plant and equipment - Property, plant and equipment includes assets
purchased by Cellco and directly charged to the Partnership as well as assets
transferred between Cellco and the Partnership (see Note 2).
Wireless Licenses – Wireless licenses include right to use assets that were
allocated by Cellco and recorded by the Partnership in exchange for a $441 payment
(see Note 4).
9. COMMITMENTS
Cellco, on behalf of the Partnership, and the Partnership itself have entered into
operating leases for facilities, and equipment used in its operations. Lease contracts
include renewal options that include rent expense adjustments based on the
Consumer Price Index as well as annual and end-of-lease term adjustments. Rent
expense is recorded on a straight-line basis. The noncancellable lease term used to
calculate the amount of the straight-line rent expense is generally determined to be
the initial lease term, including any optional renewal terms that are reasonably
assured of occurring. Leasehold improvements related to these operating leases are
amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the noncancellable lease
term. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Partnership
incurred a total of $5,010, $3,803 and $3,545 (unaudited) respectively, as rent
expense related to these operating leases, which was included in Cost of service
and in the accompanying statements of income and comprehensive income.
Aggregate future minimum rental commitments under noncancellable operating
leases, excluding renewal options that are not reasonably assured of occurring for
the years shown are as follows:
Years
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021 and thereafter
$
Amount
3,335
3,397
3,429
3,417
2,941
12,581
Total minimum payments
$
29,100
The Partnership has also entered into certain agreements with Cellco, whereas the
Partnership leases certain spectrum from Cellco that overlaps the Texas #17 rural
service area. Total rent expense under these leases amounted to $817, $817 and
$422 (unaudited) in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which is included in Cost of
service in the accompanying statements of income and comprehensive income.
Based on the terms of these leases as of December 31, 2015, future spectrum lease
obligations are expected to be as follows:
S-37
Years
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021 and thereafter
$
Amount
817
817
817
644
471
5,469
Total minimum payments
$
9,035
The General Partner currently expects that the renewal option in the leases will be
exercised.
10. CONTINGENCIES
Cellco and the Partnership are subject to lawsuits and other claims including class
actions, product liability, patent infringement, intellectual property, antitrust,
partnership disputes, and claims involving relations with resellers and agents. Cellco
is also currently defending lawsuits filed against it and other participants in the
wireless industry alleging various adverse effects as a result of wireless phone
usage. Various consumer class action lawsuits allege that Cellco violated certain
state consumer protection laws and other statutes and defrauded customers through
misleading billing practices or statements. These matters may involve
indemnification obligations by third parties and/or affiliated parties covering all or part
of any potential damage awards against Cellco and the Partnership and/or insurance
coverage. All of the above matters are subject to many uncertainties, and the
outcomes are not currently predictable.
The Partnership may be allocated a portion of the damages that may result upon
adjudication of these matters if the claimants prevail in their actions. In none of the
currently pending matters is the amount of accrual material to the Partnership. An
estimate of the reasonably possible loss or range of loss with respect to these
matters as of December 31, 2015 cannot be made at this time due to various factors
typical in contested proceedings, including (1) uncertain damage theories and
demands; (2) a less than complete factual record; (3) uncertainty concerning legal
theories and their resolution by courts or regulators; and (4) the unpredictable nature
of the opposing party and its demands. The Partnership continuously monitors these
proceedings as they develop and will adjust any accrual or disclosure as needed. It
is not expected that the ultimate resolution of any pending regulatory or legal matter
in future periods will have a material effect on the financial condition of the
Partnership, but it could have a material effect on the results of operations for a
given reporting period.
S-38
11. RECONCILIATION OF ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS
Balance at Additions Write-offs Balance at
Beginning Charged to
of the Year
Operations Recoveries
Net of
End
of the Year
Accounts Receivable Allowances:
2015
2014
2013 (Unaudited)
$
666 $
693
419
1,546 $
1,421
1,549
(1,521) $
(1,448)
(1,275)
691
666
693
******
S-39
SUBSIDIARIES OF THE COMPANY
Exhibit 21
The following is a list of subsidiaries of the Company, omitting subsidiaries which, considered in the aggregate, would
not constitute a significant subsidiary. Unless otherwise noted, all subsidiaries are 100% owned (directly or indirectly) by
Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.
Name
Consolidated Communications, Inc.
Consolidated Communications of California Company
Consolidated Communications Enterprise Services, Inc.
Consolidated Communications of Pennsylvania Company, LLC
East Texas Fiber Line, Inc. (63% ownership)
Consolidated Communications of Illinois Company
Consolidated Communications of Iowa Company
Consolidated Communications of Minnesota Company
Consolidated Communications of Mid-Comm Company
Consolidated Communications of Fort Bend Company
Consolidated Communications of Texas Company
Crystal Communications, Inc.
Enventis Telecom, Inc.
IdeaOne Telecom, Inc.
State of Incorporation
Illinois
California
Delaware
Delaware
Texas
Illinois
Minnesota
Minnesota
Minnesota
Texas
Texas
Minnesota
Minnesota
Minnesota
Exhibit 23.1
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements:
(i) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-135440) pertaining to the Consolidated Communications, Inc.
401(k) Plan and Consolidated Communications 401(k) Plan for Texas Bargaining Associates,
(ii) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-128934) pertaining to the Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.
2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan,
(iii) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-166757) pertaining to the Consolidated Communications, Inc. 2005
Long-Term Incentive Plan,
(iv) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-182597) pertaining to the SureWest Communications Employee Stock
Ownership Plan of Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.,
(v) Registration Statement (Form S-8 to Form S-4/A No. 333-198000) pertaining to the Hickory Tech Corporation
1993 Stock Award Plan;
(vi) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-203974) pertaining to the Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.
2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan, and
of our reports dated, February 26, 2016, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Consolidated
Communications Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of
Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) of
Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2015.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
St. Louis, Missouri
February 26, 2016
Exhibit 23.2
Consent of Independent Certified Public Accountants
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements:
(i) Form S-8 (No. 333-128934) pertaining to the Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. 2005 Long-
Term Incentive Plan,
(ii) Form S-8 (No. 333-135440) pertaining to the Consolidated Communications, Inc. 401(k) Plan and
Consolidated Communications 401(k) Plan for Texas Bargaining Associates,
(iii) Form S-8 (No. 333-166757) pertaining to the Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. 2005 Long-
Term Incentive Plan,
(iv) Form S-8 (No. 333-182597) pertaining to the SureWest Communications Employee Stock Ownership Plan
of Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.,
(v) Form S-8 to Form S-4/A (No. 333-198000) pertaining to the Hickory Tech Corporation 1993 Stock Award
Plan, and
(vi) Form S-8 (No. 333-203974) pertaining to the Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. 2005 Long-
Term Incentive Plan;
of our report dated February 26, 2016, with respect to the financial statements of GTE Mobilnet of Texas RSA #17
Limited Partnership and of our report dated February 26, 2016, with respect to the financial statements of Pennsylvania
RSA No. 6(II) Limited Partnership included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) of Consolidated Communications
Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2015.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Orlando, Florida
February 26, 2016
EXHIBIT 31.1
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER CERTIFICATION
I, C. Robert Udell Jr., certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Consolidated Communications Holdings, 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.
February 26, 2016
/s/ C. Robert Udell Jr.
C. Robert Udell Jr.
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
EXHIBIT 31.2
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER CERTIFICATION
I, Steven L. Childers, certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Consolidated Communications Holdings, 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.
February 26, 2016
/s/ Steven L. Childers
Steven L. Childers
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Chief Accounting 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
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(“Section 906”), C. Robert Udell Jr. and Steven L. Childers, President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer, respectively, of Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc., each certify that to his knowledge (i) the Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and (ii) the information contained in such report fairly presents, in all
material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.
/s/ C. Robert Udell Jr.
C. Robert Udell Jr.
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
February 26, 2016
/s/ Steven L. Childers
Steven L. Childers
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer)
February 26, 2016