PROSPECTUS
Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
Registration Nos. 333-130676 and 333-130676-01
Prospectus
Mediacom Broadband LLC
Mediacom Broadband Corporation
Offer to Exchange $200,000,000 of our
81/2% Senior
Notes due 2015
The notes being offered by this prospectus are being issued in
exchange for notes sold by us in a private placement on
August 30, 2005. The exchange notes will be governed by the
same indenture governing the initial notes. The exchange notes
will be substantially identical to the initial notes, except the
transfer restrictions and registration rights relating to the
initial notes will not apply to the exchange notes.
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The exchange offer expires at 5:00 p.m., New York City
time, on February 13, 2006, unless extended. |
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No public market exists for the initial notes or the exchange
notes. We do not intend to list the exchange notes on any
securities exchange or to seek approval for quotation through
any automated quotation system. |
Before you tender your initial notes, you should consider
carefully the section entitled Risk Factors
beginning on page 9 of this prospectus.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state
securities commission has approved or disapproved of these notes
or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any
representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
January 12, 2006
Table of Contents
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F-1 |
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We have not authorized any dealer, salesperson or other person
to give you written information other than this prospectus or to
make representations as to matters not stated in this
prospectus. You must not rely on unauthorized information. This
prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities or our
solicitation of your offer to buy these securities in any
jurisdiction where that would not be permitted or legal. Neither
the delivery of this prospectus or any sales made hereunder
after the date of this prospectus shall create an implication
that the information contained in this prospectus or the affairs
of Mediacom Broadband LLC and Mediacom Broadband Corporation
have not changed since the date hereof.
Each broker-dealer that receives the exchange notes offered by
this prospectus for its own account pursuant to this exchange
offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in
connection with any resale of the exchange notes. The letter of
transmittal accompanying this prospectus states that by so
acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer
will not be deemed to admit that it is an
underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act
of 1933. This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented
from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection
with resales of exchange notes received in exchange for initial
notes where such initial notes were acquired by such
broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other
trading activities. We have agreed that, starting on the
expiration date of this exchange offer and ending on the close
of business nine months after the expiration date of this
exchange offer, we will make this prospectus available to any
broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale. See
Plan of Distribution.
Industry and Market Data
In this prospectus, we rely on and refer to information
regarding the cable television industry and our competitors. We
obtained this information from various third party sources and
our own internal estimates. We believe that these sources and
estimates provided by third parties are reliable, but we have
not independently verified the information provided by third
parties and cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of
such information.
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
This summary highlights information appearing elsewhere in
this prospectus. This summary is not complete and does not
contain all the information you should consider before making a
decision to exchange the initial notes. You should read the
entire prospectus prior to deciding to exchange the initial
notes.
Our Manager
We are a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mediacom Communications
Corporation, which is also our manager. Mediacom Communications
is the nations eighth largest cable television company
based on customers served and the leading cable operator focused
on serving the smaller cities and towns in the
United States. Mediacom Communications was founded in July
1995 by Rocco B. Commisso, its Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer.
As of September 30, 2005, our managers cable systems,
which are owned and operated through our operating subsidiaries
and those of Mediacom LLC, which is also a wholly-owned
subsidiary of our manager, passed an estimated 2.80 million
homes and served approximately 1.43 million basic
subscribers and 2.36 million revenue generating units
(RGUs). A basic subscriber is a customer who
receives a package of cable television services. RGUs represent
the sum of basic subscribers, digital customers, high-speed data
customers and phone customers.
Our managers Class A common stock is traded on The
Nasdaq National Market under the symbol MCCC.
Mr. Commisso and the senior management team of Mediacom
Communications owned in the aggregate approximately 23.9% of
Mediacom Communications common stock outstanding as of
November 30, 2005.
Mediacom Broadband LLC
As of September 30, 2005, our cable systems passed an
estimated 1.46 million homes and served approximately
774,000 basic subscribers and 1.31 million RGUs. Through
our interactive broadband network we provide our customers with
a wide array of broadband products and services, including
analog and digital video services, such as
video-on-demand, high
definition television and digital video recorders, high-speed
Internet access and phone service. We currently offer
triple-play bundles of video, high-speed Internet access and
voice services.
Principal Executive Offices
Our principal executive offices are located at 100 Crystal Run
Road, Middletown, New York 10941. Our telephone number is
(845) 695-2600.
Initial Offering
The initial notes were originally issued by Mediacom Broadband
LLC and Mediacom Broadband Corporation on August 30, 2005
in a private offering. We are parties to a registration rights
agreement with the initial purchasers of the initial notes
pursuant to which we agreed, among other things, to file a
registration statement with respect to the exchange notes on or
before February 27, 2006 and to use our best efforts to
have the registration statement declared effective by
June 26, 2006.
1
Summary of Exchange Offer
We are offering to exchange $200.0 million aggregate
principal amount of our exchange notes for $200.0 million
aggregate principal amount of our initial notes. To exchange
your initial notes, you must properly tender them and we must
accept your tender. We will exchange all outstanding initial
notes, subject to certain restrictions, that are validly
tendered and not validly withdrawn.
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Expiration Date |
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The exchange offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City
time, on February 13, 2006, unless we extend it. |
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Registration Rights Agreement |
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You have the right, subject to certain restrictions, to exchange
the initial notes that you hold for exchange notes that are
substantially identical in all material respects to the initial
notes. This exchange offer is intended to satisfy these rights.
Once the exchange offer is complete, you will no longer be
entitled to any exchange or registration rights with respect to
your initial notes. |
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Accrued Interest on the Exchange Notes and Initial Notes |
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The exchange notes will bear interest from their issuance date.
Holders of initial notes which are accepted for exchange will
receive, in cash, accrued and unpaid interest on the initial
notes to, but not including, the issuance date of the exchange
notes. Such interest will be paid with the first interest
payment on the exchange notes. |
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Conditions to the Exchange Offer |
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The exchange offer is subject to customary conditions, which we
may waive. You should read the discussion under Exchange
Offer Conditions to the Exchange Offer for
more information regarding conditions of the exchange offer. |
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Procedures for Tendering Initial Notes |
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If you are a holder of initial notes and wish to accept the
exchange offer, you must either: |
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complete, sign and date the accompanying letter of
transmittal, or a facsimile of the letter of transmittal; or |
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arrange for The Depository Trust Company to transmit
required information to the exchange agent in connection with a
book-entry transfer. |
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The exchange agent must receive such documentation or
information and your initial notes on or prior to the expiration
date at the address set forth in the section of this prospectus
entitled Exchange Offer Exchange Agent. |
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Representation Upon Tender |
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By tendering your initial notes in this manner, you will be
representing, among other things, that: |
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the exchange notes you acquire in the exchange offer
are acquired in the ordinary course of your business; |
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you have no arrangement or understanding with any
person to participate, in the distribution of the exchange notes
issued to you in the exchange offer; and |
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you are not a party related to us. |
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Procedures for Beneficial Owners |
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If you are the beneficial owner of initial notes registered in
the name of a broker, dealer or other nominee and you wish to
tender your initial notes, you should contact the person in
whose name |
2
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your initial notes are registered and promptly instruct the
person to tender on your behalf within the time period set forth
in the section of this prospectus entitled Exchange
Offer. |
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Procedures for Broker-Dealers |
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Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own
account in exchange for initial notes, where such initial notes
were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making
activities or other trading activities, must acknowledge that it
will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such
exchange notes. |
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Material U.S. Federal Tax Consequences |
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The exchange of initial notes for exchange notes will not result
in any gain or loss to you for U.S. federal income tax
purposes. Your holding period for the exchange notes will
include the holding period for the initial notes and your
adjusted tax basis of the exchange notes will be the same as
your adjusted tax basis of the initial notes at the time of the
exchange. For additional information, you should read the
discussion under U.S. Federal Tax
Considerations. |
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Failure to Exchange Will Affect You Adversely |
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Initial notes that are not tendered, or that are tendered but
not accepted, will be subject to the existing transfer
restrictions on the initial notes after the exchange offer and,
subject to certain exceptions, we will have no further
obligation to register the initial notes under the Securities
Act of 1933. If you do not participate in the exchange offer,
the liquidity of your initial notes could be adversely affected. |
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Guaranteed Delivery Procedures |
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If you wish to tender your initial notes and time will not
permit your required documents to reach the exchange agent by
the expiration date, or the procedure for book-entry transfer
cannot be completed on or prior to the expiration date, you may
tender your initial notes according to the guaranteed delivery
procedures set forth in the section of this prospectus entitled
Exchange Offer Guaranteed Delivery
Procedure. |
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Acceptance of Initial Notes; Delivery of Exchange Notes |
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Subject to customary conditions, we will accept initial notes
which are properly tendered in the exchange offer and not
withdrawn, before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the
expiration date of the exchange offer. The exchange notes will
be delivered as promptly as practicable following the expiration
date. |
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Use of Proceeds |
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We will not receive any proceeds from the exchange offer. |
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Exchange Agent |
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Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas is the exchange agent for
the exchange offer. |
3
Summary of Terms of the Exchange Notes
For a more complete description of the terms of the exchange
notes, see Description of the Notes.
The exchange notes are substantially identical to the initial
notes, with limited exceptions. The exchange notes will evidence
the same debt as the initial notes and are subject to the same
indenture as the initial notes.
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Issuers |
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Mediacom Broadband LLC and Mediacom Broadband Corporation. |
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Securities Offered |
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$200,000,000 aggregate principal amount of
81/2% senior
notes due 2015. |
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Maturity |
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October 15, 2015 |
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Interest |
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Interest on the exchange notes will accrue at the rate of
81/2% per
year, payable semiannually in cash in arrears on each April 15
and October 15, commencing April 15, 2006. |
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Ranking |
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The exchange notes will be our senior unsecured obligations.
They will: |
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effectively rank behind any of our secured debt and
all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities of
our subsidiaries; |
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rank equally in right of payment with our
11% senior notes due 2013 and initial notes not exchanged
in the exchange offer; |
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rank equally in right of payment to all of our
unsecured debt that does not expressly provide that it is
subordinated to the exchange notes; and |
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rank ahead of all our future debt that expressly
provides that it is subordinated to the exchange notes. |
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As of September 30, 2005, we had approximately
$1,411.5 million of debt outstanding reflected on our
consolidated balance sheet (including approximately
$811.5 million of debt of our subsidiaries), and our
subsidiaries had $493.1 million of unused credit
commitments under the revolving credit portion of the bank
credit facility of our subsidiaries, referred to as our
subsidiary credit facility. |
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Neither our manager, any of our subsidiaries, other than
Mediacom Broadband Corporation, the co-issuer of the exchange
notes, nor any of our managers other subsidiaries,
including Mediacom LLC, will guarantee or otherwise be an
obligor under the exchange notes, unless the covenant described
in Description of the Notes-Covenants-Limitation on
Guarantees of Certain Indebtedness applies. |
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Optional Redemption |
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We may redeem some or all of the exchange notes at any time on
or prior to October 14, 2010 at a redemption price equal to
100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus an
applicable premium calculated as set forth in this prospectus.
We may redeem some or all of the exchange notes at any time
after that date at the redemption prices set forth in this
prospectus. The redemption prices are described in the section
Description of the Notes Optional
Redemption. |
4
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Change of Control |
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Upon a change of control, as defined under the section entitled
Description of the Notes, you will have the right,
as a holder of exchange notes, to require us to repurchase your
exchange notes at a repurchase price equal to 101% of their
principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date
of repurchase. |
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Restrictive Covenants |
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The indenture governing the exchange notes contains certain
covenants that limit, among other things, our ability and the
ability of our restricted subsidiaries to: |
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incur additional debt; |
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pay dividends on our equity interests or repurchase
our equity interests; |
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make certain investments; |
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enter into certain types of transactions with
affiliates; |
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limit dividends or other payments by our restricted
subsidiaries to us; |
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use assets as security in other
transactions; and |
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sell certain assets or merge with or into other
companies. |
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These restrictive covenants are subject to a number of important
qualifications. |
5
Summary Historical Consolidated Financial Data
The summary historical consolidated financial data set forth
below (except for operating data) for the three years ended
December 31, 2004 have been derived from our audited
consolidated financial statements. The summary historical
consolidated financial data set forth below (except for
operating data) for the nine month periods ended
September 30, 2004 and 2005 have been derived from our
unaudited consolidated financial statements, which include all
adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) that we
consider necessary for a fair presentation of the financial
position and result of operations for these periods.
The data should be read in conjunction with
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results Of Operations, our consolidated
financial statements and notes thereto, and other financial
information included in this prospectus.
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Mediacom Broadband LLC | |
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Nine Months Ended | |
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Year Ended December 31, | |
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September 30, | |
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2002 | |
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2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2004 | |
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2005 | |
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(Dollars in thousands) | |
Statement of Operations Data:
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Revenues
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$ |
512,792 |
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$ |
552,342 |
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$ |
585,039 |
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$ |
436,101 |
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$ |
455,725 |
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Costs and expenses:
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Service costs, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown
separately below
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207,053 |
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215,310 |
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225,764 |
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165,458 |
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|
177,283 |
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Selling, general and administrative expenses
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105,407 |
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118,918 |
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126,575 |
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96,489 |
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101,863 |
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Management fee expense
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6,967 |
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9,322 |
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10,585 |
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8,206 |
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8,981 |
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Depreciation and amortization
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123,704 |
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113,007 |
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107,592 |
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80,300 |
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85,575 |
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Operating income
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69,661 |
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|
95,785 |
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|
114,523 |
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|
85,648 |
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|
82,023 |
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Interest expense, net
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(76,790 |
) |
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|
(82,536 |
) |
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(86,125 |
) |
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(64,223 |
) |
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|
(71,481 |
) |
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net
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(15,049 |
) |
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|
2,807 |
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10,929 |
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6,700 |
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|
6,217 |
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Other expense
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(5,066 |
) |
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|
(5,974 |
) |
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(4,475 |
) |
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(3,560 |
) |
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(2,898 |
) |
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Net income (loss)
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$ |
(27,244 |
) |
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$ |
10,082 |
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$ |
34,852 |
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$ |
24,565 |
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$ |
13,861 |
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Balance Sheet Data (end of period):
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Total assets
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$ |
2,281,948 |
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$ |
2,287,784 |
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$ |
2,258,245 |
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$ |
2,253,781 |
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$ |
2,280,900 |
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Total debt
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1,298,000 |
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1,354,668 |
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1,363,955 |
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1,360,534 |
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1,411,461 |
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Total members equity
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610,522 |
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589,016 |
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595,157 |
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600,081 |
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|
580,127 |
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Other Data:
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Operating income before depreciation and amortization(1)
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$ |
193,365 |
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$ |
208,792 |
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$ |
222,115 |
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|
$ |
165,948 |
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$ |
167,598 |
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Ratio of earnings to fixed charges or deficiency of earnings
over fixed charges
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$ |
(31,186 |
) |
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|
1.08 |
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|
|
1.37 |
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|
|
1.35 |
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|
|
1.18 |
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Operating income before depreciation and amortization margin(2)
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|
37.7 |
% |
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37.8 |
% |
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38.0 |
% |
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|
38.1 |
% |
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|
36.8 |
% |
Net cash flows provided by (used in):
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|
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|
|
|
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Operating activities
|
|
|
125,059 |
|
|
|
96,627 |
|
|
|
106,304 |
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|
|
63,939 |
|
|
|
69,940 |
|
Investing activities
|
|
|
(239,310 |
) |
|
|
(116,613 |
) |
|
|
(85,394 |
) |
|
|
(62,186 |
) |
|
|
(84,758 |
) |
Financing activities
|
|
|
68,980 |
|
|
|
19,058 |
|
|
|
(21,159 |
) |
|
|
(7,634 |
) |
|
|
12,284 |
|
6
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Mediacom Broadband LLC | |
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| |
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Nine Months Ended | |
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|
Year Ended December 31, | |
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September 30, | |
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| |
|
| |
|
|
2002 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
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| |
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| |
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| |
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| |
|
| |
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(Dollars in thousands) | |
Operating Data (end of period):
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Estimated homes passed(3)
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|
1,463,000 |
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|
1,472,500 |
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1,456,000 |
|
|
|
1,453,000 |
|
|
|
1,458,000 |
|
Basic subscribers(4)
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|
|
840,000 |
|
|
|
819,300 |
|
|
|
783,000 |
|
|
|
780,000 |
|
|
|
774,000 |
|
Basic penetration(5)
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|
|
57.4 |
% |
|
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55.6 |
% |
|
|
53.8 |
% |
|
|
53.7 |
% |
|
|
53.1 |
% |
Digital customers(6)
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|
|
238,000 |
|
|
|
231,600 |
|
|
|
236,000 |
|
|
|
228,000 |
|
|
|
280,000 |
|
Data customers(7)
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|
|
110,000 |
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|
157,800 |
|
|
|
205,000 |
|
|
|
197,000 |
|
|
|
252,000 |
|
Phone customers(8)
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
Revenue generating units(9)
|
|
|
1,188,000 |
|
|
|
1,208,700 |
|
|
|
1,224,000 |
|
|
|
1,205,000 |
|
|
|
1,307,000 |
|
|
|
(1) |
Operating income before depreciation and amortization
(OIBDA) is not a financial measure calculated in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
(GAAP) in the United States of America. |
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|
|
However, OIBDA is one of the primary measures used by management
to evaluate our performance and to forecast future results. We
believe OIBDA is useful for investors because it enables them to
assess our performance in a manner similar to the method used by
management, and provides a measure that can be used to analyze,
value and compare the companies in the cable television
industry, which may have different depreciation and amortization
policies. |
|
|
A limitation of this measure, however, is that it excludes
depreciation and amortization, which represents the periodic
costs of certain capitalized tangible and intangible assets used
in generating revenues in our business. Management utilizes a
separate process to budget, measure and evaluate capital
expenditures. |
|
|
OIBDA should not be regarded as an alternative to either
operating income or net income (loss) as an indicator of
operating performance nor should it be considered in isolation
or as a substitute for financial measures prepared in accordance
with GAAP. We believe that operating income is the most directly
comparable GAAP financial measure to OIBDA. |
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|
Mediacom Broadband LLC | |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended | |
|
|
Year Ended December 31, | |
|
September 30, | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
2002 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(Dollars in thousands) | |
OIBDA
|
|
$ |
193,365 |
|
|
$ |
208,792 |
|
|
$ |
222,115 |
|
|
$ |
165,948 |
|
|
$ |
167,598 |
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
(123,704 |
) |
|
|
(113,007 |
) |
|
|
(107,592 |
) |
|
|
(80,300 |
) |
|
|
(85,575 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income
|
|
$ |
69,661 |
|
|
$ |
95,785 |
|
|
$ |
114,523 |
|
|
$ |
85,648 |
|
|
$ |
82,023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
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|
|
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|
(2) |
Represents OIBDA as a percentage of revenue. See Note 1
above. |
|
(3) |
Represents an estimate of the number of single residence homes,
apartments and condominium units passed by the cable
distribution network in a cable systems service area. |
|
(4) |
Represents a dwelling with one or more television sets that
receives a package of
over-the-air broadcast
stations, local access channels or certain satellite-delivered
cable television services. Accounts that are billed on a bulk
basis, which typically receive discounted rates, are converted
into full-price equivalent basic subscribers by dividing total
bulk billed basic revenues of a particular system by the
applicable combined limited and expanded cable rate charged to
basic subscribers in that system. Basic subscribers include
connections to schools, libraries, local government offices and
employee households that may not be charged for limited and
expanded cable services, but may be charged for digital cable,
video-on-demand,
high-definition television, digital video recorders or
high-speed Internet service. Customers who exclusively purchase
high-speed Internet service are not counted as basic
subscribers. Our methodology |
7
|
|
|
of calculating the number of basic subscribers may not be
identical to those used by other cable companies. |
|
(5) |
Represents basic subscribers as a percentage of estimated homes
passed. |
|
(6) |
Represents customers that receive digital cable services. |
|
(7) |
Represents residential high-speed Internet customers and small
to medium-sized commercial cable modem accounts billed at higher
rates than residential customers. Small to medium-sized
commercial accounts generally represent customers with bandwidth
requirements of up to 5 Mbps. These commercial accounts are
converted to equivalent residential data customers by dividing
their associated revenues by the applicable residential rate.
Our high-speed Internet customers exclude large commercial
accounts and include an insignificant number of
dial-up customers. Our
methodology of calculating high-speed Internet customers may not
be identical to those used by other cable companies. |
|
(8) |
Represents customers that receive phone service. |
|
(9) |
Represents the sum of basic subscribers, digital customers,
high-speed Internet customers and phone customers. |
8
RISK FACTORS
You should carefully consider the risk factors set forth
below, as well as the other information appearing elsewhere in
this prospectus before tendering your initial notes in exchange
for exchange notes.
Risks related to the exchange offer, the exchange notes and
our debt levels
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|
|
Your failure to participate in this exchange offer will
have adverse consequences. |
Holders of initial notes who do not tender their initial notes
in exchange for exchange notes pursuant to this exchange offer
will continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer of
the initial notes as a consequence of the issuance of the
initial notes pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction
not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities
Act of 1933. In general, initial notes may not be offered or
sold unless registered under the Securities Act, except pursuant
to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the
Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. We do not
anticipate that we will register the initial notes under the
Securities Act.
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|
Because of the lack of a public market for the exchange
notes, you may not be able to sell your exchange notes at all or
at an attractive price. |
We do not intend to have the exchange notes listed on a national
securities exchange, although we expect that they will be
eligible for trading on the PORTAL system. While several
financial companies have advised us that they currently intend
to make a market in the exchange notes, they are not obligated
to do so, and may discontinue market making at any time without
notice. In addition, market-making activity will be subject to
the limits imposed by the Securities Act and the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934. As a result, we cannot assure you that an
active trading market will develop for the exchange notes or, if
one does develop, that it will be maintained.
The liquidity of the trading market in the exchange notes, if
any active trading market develops, and the market price quoted
for the exchange notes, may be adversely affected by changes in
the overall market for debt securities generally or the interest
of securities dealers in making a market in the exchange notes
and by changes in our financial performance or prospects or in
the prospects for companies in our industry generally. In
addition, the market for non-investment grade debt has
historically been subject to disruptions that have caused
volatility in prices. It is possible that the market for the
exchange notes will be subject to disruptions. Any such
disruptions may have a negative effect on you, as a holder of
the exchange notes, regardless of our prospects and financial
performance. Accordingly, we cannot assure you as to the
liquidity of the market for the exchange notes or the prices at
which you may be able to sell the exchange notes.
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We have substantial existing debt and have significant
interest payment requirements, which could adversely affect our
ability to obtain financing in the future and require our
operating subsidiaries to apply a substantial portion of their
cash flow to debt service. |
We have a substantial amount of debt. As of September 30,
2005, we had approximately $1,411.5 million of debt
outstanding reflected on our consolidated balance sheet
(including approximately $811.5 million of debt of our
subsidiaries), and our subsidiaries had $493.1 million of
unused credit commitments under the revolving credit portion of
our subsidiary credit facility. In October 2005, we amended our
credit facility to (i) increase the revolving credit
commitment portion from approximately $543.0 million to
$650.5 million, of which approximately $430.3 million
is not subject to scheduled reductions prior to the termination
date, and (ii) extend the termination date of the
commitments not subject to reductions from March 2010 to
December 2012. Giving effect to this amendment, as of
September 30, 2005, we had $600.6 million of unused
credit commitments under the revolving credit portion of our
subsidiary credit facility, of which $581.9 million could
be borrowed and used for general corporate purposes based on the
terms and conditions of our debt arrangements. We expect to
continue to borrow under this facility.
Our ratio of earnings to fixed charges was 1.18 and 1.35 for the
nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2005,
respectively, and 1.37 and 1.08 for the years ended
December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Our
9
deficiency of earnings over fixed charges was $31.2 million
for the year ended December 31, 2002. The ratio of earnings
to fixed charges is often used by investors to evaluate a
companys capital structure and its ability to make
payments on its debt.
Subject to restrictions in our subsidiary credit facility, the
indenture governing our existing 11% senior notes due 2013
and the indenture governing the exchange notes, we may incur
significant amounts of additional debt for working capital,
capital expenditures, acquisitions and other purposes.
Our high level of combined debt could have important
consequences for you, including the following:
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Our ability to access new sources of financing for working
capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or other purposes
may be limited; |
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|
We will need to use a large portion of our revenues to pay
interest on borrowings under our subsidiary credit facility, our
existing senior notes and the exchange notes, which will reduce
the amount of money available to finance our operations, capital
expenditures and other activities; |
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|
Some of our debt has a variable rate of interest, which exposes
us to the risk of increased interest rates; |
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|
Borrowings under our subsidiary credit facility are secured and
will mature prior to the exchange notes; |
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We may be more vulnerable to economic downturns and adverse
developments in our business; |
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We may be less flexible in responding to changing business and
economic conditions, including increased competition and demand
for new products and services; |
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We may be at a disadvantage when compared to our competitors
that have less debt; and |
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We may not be able to implement our business strategy. |
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We and our subsidiaries may still be able to incur
substantially more debt which could exacerbate the risks
described in this section. |
We and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantial
additional debt in the future. If we or our subsidiaries do so,
the risks described above could intensify. The terms of the
indentures governing the existing senior notes and the exchange
notes do not fully prohibit us or our subsidiaries from doing
so. Giving effect to our recent credit facility amendment, as of
September 30, 2005, we had $600.6 million of unused
credit commitments under the revolving credit portion of our
subsidiary credit facility, of which $581.9 million could
be borrowed and used for general corporate purposes based on the
terms and conditions of our debt arrangements. We expect to
continue to borrow under this facility.
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|
The exchange notes will be effectively subordinated to all
debt and other liabilities of our subsidiaries. |
Mediacom Broadband LLC is a holding company. As a result, the
exchange notes are effectively subordinated to all existing and
future liabilities of our subsidiaries, including debt under our
subsidiary credit facility. If the maturity of the loans under
our subsidiary credit facility were accelerated, our
subsidiaries would have to repay all debt outstanding under that
credit facility before they could distribute any assets or cash
to us. Remedies to the lenders under our subsidiary credit
facility could constitute events of default under the indenture
governing the exchange notes. If these remedies were exercised,
the maturity of the exchange notes could be accelerated, and our
subsidiaries obligations under our subsidiary credit
facility could be accelerated also. In such circumstances, there
can be no assurance that our subsidiaries assets would be
sufficient to repay all of their debt and then to make
distributions to us to enable us to meet our obligations under
the indenture. Claims of creditors of our subsidiaries,
including general trade creditors, will generally have priority
over holders of the exchange notes as to the assets of our
subsidiaries. Additionally, any right we may have to receive
assets of any of our subsidiaries upon such subsidiarys
liquidation or reorganization will be effectively subordinated
to the claims of the subsidiarys creditors, except to the
extent, if any, that we ourselves are recognized as a creditor
of such subsidiary. If we are recognized as a creditor, our
claims would still be subordinate to the claims of such
creditors who hold security in the assets of such subsidiary to
the extent of such assets and to the claims of such creditors
who hold indebtedness of such subsidiary senior to
10
that held by us. As of September 30, 2005, giving effect to
our recent credit facility amendment, the aggregate amount of
the debt and other liabilities of our subsidiaries reflected on
our consolidated balance sheet as to which holders of the
exchange notes are effectively subordinated was approximately
$811.5 million and our subsidiaries had $600.6 million
of unused credit commitments under the revolving credit portion
of our subsidiary credit facility, of which $581.9 million
could be borrowed and used for general corporate purposes based
on the terms and conditions of our debt arrangements. Our
subsidiaries may incur additional debt or other obligations in
the future and the exchange notes are effectively subordinated
to such debt or other obligations.
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|
The exchange notes are obligations of a holding company
which has no operations and depends on its subsidiaries for
cash. |
As a holding company, we will not hold any assets other than our
investments in and our advances to our operating subsidiaries.
Consequently, our subsidiaries conduct all of our consolidated
operations and own substantially all of our consolidated assets.
Our only source of the cash we need to pay current interest on
the exchange notes and our other obligations and to repay the
principal amount of these obligations, including the exchange
notes, is the cash that our subsidiaries generate from their
operations and their borrowings. Our subsidiaries are not
obligated to make funds available to us.
Our subsidiaries ability to make payments to us will
depend upon their operating results and will be subject to
applicable laws and contractual restrictions. Our subsidiary
credit facility permits our subsidiaries to distribute cash to
us to pay interest on the exchange notes, but only so long as
there is no default under such credit facility. If there is a
default under our subsidiary credit facility, we would not have
any cash to pay interest on our obligations, including the
exchange notes.
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|
Our ownership interests in our subsidiaries are pledged as
collateral under our subsidiary credit facility and may not be
available to holders of the exchange notes. |
All of our ownership interests in our subsidiaries are pledged
as collateral under our subsidiary credit facility. Therefore,
if we were unable to pay principal or interest on the exchange
notes, the ability of the holders of the exchange notes to
proceed against the ownership interests in our subsidiaries to
satisfy such amounts would be subject to the prior satisfaction
in full of all amounts owing under our subsidiary credit
facility. Any action to proceed against such interests by or on
behalf of the holders of exchange notes would constitute an
event of default under our subsidiary credit facility entitling
the lenders thereunder to declare all amounts owing thereunder
to be immediately due and payable. In addition, as secured
creditors, the lenders under our subsidiary credit facility
would control the disposition and sale of our subsidiaries
interests after an event of default under our subsidiary credit
facility and would not be legally required to take into account
the interests of our unsecured creditors, such as the holders of
the exchange notes, with respect to any such disposition or
sale. There can be no assurance that our assets after the
satisfaction of claims of our secured creditors would be
sufficient to satisfy any amounts owing with respect to the
exchange notes.
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|
We may not be able to generate enough cash to service our
debt. |
Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our debt,
including the exchange notes, and to fund planned capital
expenditures will depend on our ability to generate cash. This
is subject, in part, to general economic, financial,
competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are
beyond our control. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that our
business will generate sufficient cash flows from operations or
that future distributions will be available to us in amounts
sufficient to enable us to pay our indebtedness, including the
exchange notes, or to fund our other liquidity needs.
We may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness,
including the exchange notes, on or before maturity. We cannot
assure you that we will be able to refinance any of our
indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all.
11
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Under certain circumstances, federal and state laws may
allow courts to void or subordinate claims with respect to the
exchange notes or to modify the contractual or structural
relationship between different classes of creditors. |
Under the federal Bankruptcy Code and comparable provisions of
state fraudulent transfer laws, a court could void claims with
respect to the exchange notes, or subordinate them, if, among
other things, we, at the time the exchange notes were issued:
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received less than reasonably equivalent value or fair
consideration for the exchange notes; and |
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were insolvent or rendered insolvent by reason of the incurrence; |
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were engaged in a business or transaction for which our
remaining assets constituted unreasonably small capital; or |
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intended to incur, or believed that we would incur, debts beyond
our ability to pay such debts as they became due. |
The measures of insolvency for purposes of these fraudulent or
preferential transfer laws vary depending upon the law applied
in any proceeding to determine whether a fraudulent or
preferential transfer has occurred. Generally, however, we would
be considered insolvent if:
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the sum of our debts, including contingent liabilities, was
greater than the fair saleable value of all of our assets; |
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the present fair saleable value of our assets was less than the
amount that would be required to pay our probable liability on
our existing debts, including contingent liabilities, as they
became absolute and mature; or |
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we could not pay our debts as they became due. |
Based upon information currently available to us, we believe
that the initial notes were incurred for proper purposes and in
good faith.
In addition, if there were to be a bankruptcy of our parent
and/or its subsidiaries, creditors of our parent may attempt to
make claims against us and our subsidiaries, including seeking
substantive consolidation of our and our subsidiaries
assets and liabilities with the liabilities of our parent,
which, if successful, could have an adverse effect on holders of
the exchange notes and their recoveries in any bankruptcy
proceeding.
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Our ability to purchase your exchange notes on a change of
control may be limited. |
If we undergo a change of control, we may need to refinance
large amounts of our debt, including our subsidiary credit
facility, and we must offer to buy back the exchange notes for a
price equal to 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and
unpaid interest to the repurchase date. We cannot assure you
that we will have sufficient funds available to make the
required repurchases of the exchange notes in that event, or
that we will have sufficient funds to pay our other debts.
In addition, our subsidiary credit facility prohibits our
subsidiaries from providing us with funds to finance a change of
control offer after a change of control until our subsidiaries
have repaid in full their debt under our subsidiary credit
facility. If we fail to repurchase the exchange notes upon a
change of control, we will be in default under the indenture
governing the exchange notes and the indenture governing our
existing senior notes. Any future debt that we incur may also
contain restrictions on repurchases in the event of a change of
control or similar event. These repurchase requirements may
delay or make it harder to obtain control of our company.
The change of control provisions may not protect you in a
transaction in which we incur a large amount of debt, including
a reorganization, restructuring, merger or other similar
transaction, because that kind of transaction may not involve
any shift in voting power or beneficial ownership, or may not
involve a shift large enough to trigger a change of control.
12
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You should not expect Mediacom Broadband Corporation to
participate in making payments on the exchange notes. |
Mediacom Broadband Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Mediacom Broadband LLC that was incorporated to accommodate the
issuance of the existing senior notes by Mediacom Broadband LLC.
Mediacom Broadband Corporation has no operations, revenues or
cash flows and has no assets, liabilities or stockholders
equity on its balance sheet, other than a one hundred dollar
receivable from an affiliate and the same dollar amount of
common stock on its consolidated balance sheets. You should not
expect Mediacom Broadband Corporation to participate in
servicing the interest or principal obligations on the notes.
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A default under the indentures governing our existing
senior notes and the exchange notes or under our subsidiary
credit facility could result in an acceleration of our
indebtedness and other material adverse effects. |
The agreements and instruments governing our own and our
subsidiaries indebtedness contain numerous financial and
operating covenants. The breach of any of these covenants could
cause a default, which could result in the indebtedness becoming
immediately due and payable. If this were to occur, we would be
unable to adequately finance our operations. In addition, a
default could result in a default or acceleration of our other
indebtedness subject to cross-default provisions. If this
occurs, we may not be able to pay our debts or borrow sufficient
funds to refinance them. Even if new financing is available, it
may not be on terms that are acceptable to us. The membership
interests of our operating subsidiaries are pledged as
collateral under our subsidiary credit facility. A default under
our subsidiary credit facility could result in a foreclosure by
the lenders on the membership interests pledged under that
facility. Because we are dependent upon our operating
subsidiaries for all of our revenues, a foreclosure would have a
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and
results of operations.
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We have a history of net losses. |
We have a history of net losses. Although we reported net income
of $13.9 million and $24.6 million for the nine months
ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively, and net
income of $34.9 million and $10.1 million for the
years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, we
reported net losses of $27.2 million and $50.6 million
for the year ended December 31, 2002 and for the period
from April 5, 2001 (date of inception) through
December 31, 2001, respectively. The principal reasons for
our prior net losses include the depreciation and amortization
expenses associated with our acquired assets and capital
expenditures related to expanding and upgrading our cable
systems, as well as interest costs on borrowed money.
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Our subsidiary credit facility imposes significant
restrictions. |
Our subsidiary credit facility contains covenants that restrict
our subsidiaries ability to:
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distribute funds or pay dividends to us; |
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incur additional indebtedness or issue additional equity; |
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repurchase or redeem equity interests and indebtedness; |
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pledge or sell assets or merge with another entity; |
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create liens; and |
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make certain capital expenditures, investments or acquisitions. |
The ability of our subsidiaries to comply with these provisions
may be affected by events beyond our control. If they were to
breach any of these covenants, they would be in default under
the credit facilities and they would be prohibited from making
distributions to us.
Under certain circumstances, lenders could elect to declare all
amounts borrowed under our subsidiary credit facility, together
with accrued interest and other fees, to be due and payable. If
that occurred, our
13
obligations under the existing senior notes and the exchange
notes could also become payable immediately. Under such
circumstances, we may not be able to repay such amounts or the
senior notes.
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The terms of our indebtedness could materially limit our
financial and operating flexibility. |
Several of the covenants contained in the agreements and
instruments governing our own and our subsidiaries
indebtedness could materially limit our financial and operating
flexibility by restricting, among other things, our ability and
the ability of our operating subsidiaries to:
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incur additional indebtedness; |
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create liens and other encumbrances; |
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pay dividends and make other payments, investments, loans and
guarantees; |
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enter into transactions with related parties; |
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sell or otherwise dispose of assets and merge or consolidate
with another entity; |
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repurchase or redeem capital stock, other equity interests or
debt; |
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pledge assets; and |
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issue capital stock or other equity interests. |
Complying with these covenants could cause us to take actions
that we otherwise would not take or cause us not to take actions
that we otherwise would take.
Risks relating to our business
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We may not be able to obtain additional capital to
continue the development of our business. |
We have invested substantial capital for the upgrade, expansion
and maintenance of our cable systems and the launch and
expansion of new or additional products and services. While we
have substantially completed our planned system upgrades, if
there is accelerated growth in our video, high-speed Internet
(HSD, data or cable modem
service) and voice products and services, or we decide to
introduce other new advanced products and services, or the cost
to provide these products and services increases, or we
consummate one or more acquisitions, we may need to make
unplanned additional capital expenditures. We may not be able to
obtain the funds necessary to finance additional capital
requirements through internally generated funds, additional
borrowings or other sources. If we are unable to obtain these
funds, we would not be able to implement our business strategy
and our results of operations would be adversely affected.
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If we are unsuccessful in implementing our growth
strategy, our business and results of operations could be
adversely affected. |
We currently expect that a substantial portion of our future
growth in revenues will come from the expansion of relatively
new services, the introduction of additional new services, and,
possibly, acquisitions. Relatively new services include HSD,
video-on-demand
(VOD), digital video recorders (DVRs),
high definition television (HDTV) and phone service.
We may not be able to successfully expand existing services due
to unpredictable technical, operational or regulatory
challenges. It is also possible that these services will not
generate significant revenue growth.
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The acquisition and integration of additional cable
systems could adversely affect our business and results of
operations. |
From time to time we evaluate opportunities to acquire
additional cable systems. If we make acquisitions in the future,
we may need to incur more debt and we may incur contingent
liabilities and amortization expenses, which could adversely
affect our operating results and financial condition. If we make
acquisitions in the future and the expected operating
efficiencies do not materialize, or if we fail to effectively
integrate
14
acquired cable systems into our existing business, or if the
costs of such integration exceed expectations, our operating
results and financial condition could be adversely affected.
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Our programming costs are increasing, and our business and
results of operations will be adversely affected if we cannot
pass through a sufficient part of the additional costs to
subscribers. |
Our programming costs have been, and are expected to continue to
be, one of our largest single expense items. In recent years,
the cable and satellite video industries have experienced a
rapid increase in the cost of programming, particularly sports
programming. This increase in programming costs is expected to
continue, and we may not be able to pass on all programming cost
increases to our customers. In addition, as we add programming
to our basic and expanded basic programming tiers, we may not be
able to pass on all of our costs of the additional programming
to our customers without the potential loss of basic
subscribers. To the extent that we may not be able to pass on
increased or additional programming costs, particularly sports
programming, to subscribers, our business and results of
operations will be adversely affected.
We also expect to be subject to increasing financial and other
demands by broadcasters to obtain the required consents for the
transmission of broadcast programming to our subscribers. We
cannot predict the impact of these negotiations on our business
and results of operations or the effect on our subscribers
should we be required to suspend the carriage of this
programming.
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We operate in a highly competitive business environment,
which affects our ability to attract and retain customers and
can adversely affect our business and operations. We have lost a
significant number of customers to direct broadcast satellite
competition, and further loss of customers could have a material
negative impact on our business. |
The industry in which we operate is highly competitive and is
often subject to rapid and significant changes and developments
in the marketplace and in the regulatory and legislative
environment. In some instances, we compete against companies
with fewer regulatory burdens, easier access to financing,
greater resources and operating capabilities, greater brand name
recognition and long-standing relationships with regulatory
authorities and customers.
Our video business faces competition primarily from DBS service
providers. The two largest DBS companies, DIRECTV, Inc. and
EchoStar Communications, are each among the four largest
providers of multichannel video programming services based on
reported customers. In addition, DIRECTVs affiliation with
News Corporation could strengthen that companys
competitive positioning, as News Corporation also owns Fox
Television Network and several cable programming services.
Competition from DBS has had an adverse effect on our ability to
retain customers. DBS has grown rapidly over the past several
years and continues to do so. We have lost a significant number
of customers to DBS competition, and will continue to face
significant challenges from DBS providers.
Local telephone companies are capable of offering video and
other services in competition with us and they may increasingly
do so in the future. Certain telephone companies have begun to
deploy fiber more extensively in their networks and some have
announced plans to deploy broadband services, including video
programming services, in a manner which avoids the same
regulatory burdens imposed on our business. These deployments
will enable them to begin providing video services, as well as
telephone and Internet access services, to residential and
business customers. New laws or regulations at the federal or
state level may clarify, modify or enhance the ability of the
local telephone companies to provide their services either
without obtaining state or local cable franchises or to obtain
such franchises under terms and conditions more favorable than
those imposed on us. If local telephone companies are not
required to obtain local cable franchises comparable to ours, it
would be adverse to our business.
Certain telephone companies, together with DBS service
providers, have launched bundled offerings of satellite
delivered video service combined with phone, Internet and
wireless service delivered by the telephone companies.
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We also face growing competition from municipal entities that
construct facilities and provide cable television, HSD,
telephony and/or other related services. In addition to
hard-wired facilities, some municipal entities are exploring
building wireless fidelity networks to deliver these services.
In Iowa, our largest market, an organization named Opportunity
Iowa began in early 2004 to actively encourage Iowa
municipalities to construct facilities that could be used to
provide services that compete with the services we offer.
Referenda were on the November 2005 ballot in thirty-two
municipalities to authorize the formation of a communications
utility, a prerequisite to funding and construction of
facilities that may compete with ours. Referenda were
successfully passed in seventeen of those communities. In many
of the communities that passed a referendum, proponents and
officials publicly stated that a second vote would be taken
prior to any actual construction or funding of a competitive
system, and only after a preliminary cost benefit analysis is
undertaken. Despite the public statements, it is possible that
certain of these communities may proceed with funding and
construction without holding a second referendum or completing a
cost-benefit analysis.
Other Iowa communities may also hold elections to authorize the
creation of a telecommunications utility in their communities.
Proponents or officials in those communities may not take the
same approach with regard to a second vote or a cost-benefit
analysis.
We also face competition from
over-the-air television
and radio broadcasters and from other communications and
entertainment media such as movie theaters, live entertainment
and sports events, newspapers and home video products. Further
losses of customers to DBS or other alternative video and HSD
services could also have a material adverse effect on our
business.
Our principal competitor in the HSD business, in markets where
it is available, is telephone service, or DSL. In our HSD
business, we face competition primarily from telephone companies
and other providers of
dial-up and
DSL which already have telephone lines into the household, an
existing customer base and other operational functions in place.
DSL service is competitive with HSD service over cable systems.
In addition, certain DBS providers are currently offering
two-way broadband data access services, which compete with our
ability to offer bundled services to our customers.
Our HSD business may also face competition in the future from
registered utility holding companies and subsidiaries. In 2004,
the FCC adopted rules: (i) that affirmed the ability of
electric service providers to provide broadband Internet access
services over their distribution systems; and (ii) that
seek to avoid interference with existing services. Electric
utilities could be formidable competitors to us.
Some of our competitors, including franchised, wireless or
private cable operators, satellite television providers and
local exchange carriers, may benefit from permanent or temporary
business combinations such as mergers, joint ventures and
alliances and the potential repeal of certain ownership rules,
either through access to financing, resources or efficiencies of
scale, or the ability to provide multiple services in direct
competition with us. Some of our present or future competitors
may have greater financial resources or, through their
affiliates, greater access to programming or other services,
than we do.
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If we are unable to keep pace with technological change,
our business and results of operations could be adversely
affected. |
Our industry is characterized by rapid technological change and
the introduction of new products and services. We cannot assure
you that we will be able to fund the capital expenditures
necessary to keep pace with future technological developments.
We also cannot assure you that we will successfully anticipate
the demand of our customers for products and services requiring
new technology. This type of rapid technological change could
adversely affect our ability to maintain, expand or upgrade our
systems and respond to competitive pressures. An inability to
maintain and expand our systems and provide advanced services in
a timely manner, or to anticipate the demands of the market
place, could adversely affect our ability to compete and our
results of operations.
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The loss of key personnel could have a material adverse
effect on our business. |
If any of our managers key personnel ceases to participate
in our business and operations, our profitability could suffer.
Our success is substantially dependent upon the retention of,
and the continued performance by, our managers key
personnel, including Rocco B. Commisso, the Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of our manager. Our manager has not entered
into a long-term employment agreement with Mr. Commisso.
Neither our manager nor we currently maintain key man life
insurance on Mr. Commisso or other key personnel.
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The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of our Manager
has the ability to control all major corporate decisions, which
could inhibit or prevent a change of control or change in
management. |
We are a wholly-owned subsidiary of our manager, Mediacom
Communications. Rocco B. Commisso, Mediacom Communications
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, controls approximately
75.4% of the combined voting power of Mediacom
Communications common stock. As a result,
Mr. Commisso will generally have the ability to control the
outcome of all matters requiring stockholder approval, including
the election of its entire board of directors, the approval of
any merger or consolidation and the sale of all or substantially
all of its assets.
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We may not be able to obtain critical items at a
reasonable cost or when required, which could adversely affect
business, financial condition and results of operations. |
We depend on third-party suppliers for equipment, software,
services and other items that are critical for the operation of
our cable systems and the provision of advanced services,
including digital set-top converter boxes, digital video
recorders and routers, fiber-optic cable, telephone circuits,
software, the backbone telecommunications network
for our high-speed data service and construction services for
expansion and upgrades of our cable systems. In certain cases,
these items are available from a limited number of suppliers.
Demand for these items has increased with the general growth in
demand for Internet and telecommunications services. We
typically do not carry significant inventories of equipment.
Moreover, if there are no suppliers that are able to provide
set-top converter boxes that comply with evolving Internet and
telecommunications standards or that are compatible with other
equipment and software that we use, our business, financial
condition and results of operations could be materially
adversely affected. If we are unable to obtain critical
equipment, software, communications or other services on a
timely basis and at an acceptable cost, our ability to offer our
products and services and roll out advanced services may be
impaired, and our business, financial condition and results of
operations could be materially adversely affected.
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We rely on our parent and affiliate companies for various
services and joint endeavors. |
We rely on our parent, Mediacom Communications, for various
services such as corporate and administrative support. In
addition, as permitted by the indenture governing the existing
senior notes and the exchange notes, we enter into many types of
transactions with Mediacom Communications or its subsidiaries,
such as Mediacom LLC, the primary purpose of which is to result
in cost savings and related synergies. These transactions relate
to, among other things:
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the sharing of centralized services, personnel, facilities,
headends and plant; |
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the joint procurement of goods and services; |
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the allocation of certain costs and expenses; and |
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other matters reasonably related to the foregoing. |
Our financial position, results of operations and cash flows
could differ from those that would have resulted had Mediacom
Broadband operated autonomously or as an entity independent of
Mediacom Communications. Similarly, our financial position,
results of operations and cash flows would be impacted if, for
any reason, transactions such as those described above were
unavailable to us or if we were required to fulfill any jointly
contracted obligations that an affiliate outside of our control
failed to perform. We are unable
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to predict or quantify the impact of any changes that would
result if joint transactions such as those described above were
unavailable to us.
Risks related to legislative and regulatory matters
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Our cable television business is subject to extensive
governmental regulation. |
The cable television industry is subject to extensive
legislation and regulation at the federal and local levels, and,
in some instances, at the state level. Many aspects of such
regulation are currently the subject of judicial and
administrative proceedings and legislative and administrative
proposals, and lobbying efforts by us and our competitors. We
expect that court actions and regulatory proceedings will
continue to refine our rights and obligations under applicable
federal, state and local laws. The results of these judicial and
administrative proceedings and legislative activities may
materially affect our business operations. Local authorities
grant us non-exclusive franchises that permit us to operate our
cable systems. We renew or renegotiate these franchises from
time to time. Local franchising authorities may demand
concessions, or other commitments, as a condition to renewal,
and these concessions or other commitments could be costly. The
Communications Act of 1934, as amended (Communications
Act) contains renewal procedures and criteria designed to
protect incumbent franchisees against arbitrary denials of
renewal, and although such Act requires the local franchising
authorities to take into account the costs of meeting such
concessions or commitments, there is no assurance that we will
not be compelled to meet their demands in order to obtain
renewals. We cannot predict whether any of the markets in which
we operate will expand the regulation of our cable systems in
the future or the impact that any such expanded regulation may
have upon our business.
Similarly, due to the increasing popularity and use of
commercial online services and the Internet, certain aspects
have become subject to regulation at the federal and state level
such as collection of information online from children,
disclosure of certain subscriber information to governmental
agencies, commercial emails or spam, privacy,
security and distribution of material in violation of
copyrights. In addition to the possibility that additional
federal laws and regulations may be adopted with respect to
commercial online services and the Internet, several individual
states have imposed such restrictions and others may also impose
similar restrictions, potentially creating an intricate
patchwork of laws and regulations. Future federal and/or state
laws may cover such issues as privacy, access to some types of
content by minors, pricing, encryption standards, consumer
protection, electronic commerce, taxation of
e-commerce, copyright
infringement and other intellectual property matters. The
adoption of such laws or regulations in the future may decrease
the growth of such services and the Internet, which could in
turn decrease the demand for our cable modem service, increase
our costs of providing such service or have other adverse
effects on our business, financial condition and results of
operations. Such laws or regulations may also require disclosure
of failures of our procedures or breaches to our system by third
parties, which can increase the likelihood of claims against us
by affected subscribers.
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Changes in channel carriage regulations could impose
significant additional costs on us. |
Cable operators face significant regulation of their channel
carriage. Currently, they can be required to devote substantial
capacity to the carriage of programming that they might not
carry voluntarily, including certain local broadcast signals,
local public, educational and government access programming, and
unaffiliated commercial leased access programming. If the
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or Congress
were to require cable systems to carry both the analog and
digital versions of local broadcast signals or to carry multiple
program streams included with a single digital broadcast
transmission, this carriage burden would increase substantially.
Recently, the FCC reaffirmed that cable operators need only
carry one programming service of each television broadcaster to
fulfill its must-carry obligation, however, changes in the
composition of the FCC as well as proposals currently under
consideration could result in an obligation to carry both the
analog and digital version of local broadcast stations and/or to
carry multiple digital program streams. Further, this decision
has been appealed to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Recently, the FCC indicated that it was reevaluating whether it
had the legal authority to, and whether it would, require cable
operators to offer, on an a-la-carte basis, video programming
that is currently offered only
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as part of a tier of programming. As an alternative to
a-la-carte programming, some commissioners at the FCC have also
publicly called for cable operators to create new tiers of
family-friendly programming that would provide a
tier devoid of cable programming that is alleged to be indecent
or inappropriate for children. Certain cable operators have
responded by announcing plans to create
family-friendly programming tiers. It is not certain
whether those efforts will ultimately be regarded as a
sufficient response. Congress may also consider legislation
regarding programming packaging, bundling or a-la-carte delivery
of programming. Any such requirements could fundamentally change
the way in which we package and price our services. We cannot
predict the outcome of any future FCC proceedings or litigation
in this area, or the impact of such proceedings on our business
at this time.
Recently, the FCC imposed reciprocal good faith
retransmission consent negotiation obligations extending the
rules that apply to broadcasters to cable operators. These rules
identify seven types of conduct that would constitute
per se violations of the new requirements.
Thus, even though we may have no interest in carrying a
particular broadcasters programming, we may be required
under the new rules to engage in negotiations within the
parameters of the FCCs rules. While noting that the
parties in retransmission consent negotiations were now subject
to a heightened duty of negotiation, the FCC
emphasized that failure to ultimately reach an agreement is not
a violation of the rules. The impact of these rules on our
business cannot be determined at this time.
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Our franchises are non-exclusive and local franchising
authorities may grant competing franchises in our
markets. |
Our cable systems are operated under non-exclusive franchises
granted by local franchising authorities. As a result, competing
operators of cable systems and other potential competitors, such
as municipal utility providers, may be granted franchises and
may build cable systems in markets where we hold franchises.
Some may not require local franchises at all, such as certain
municipal utility providers. Any such competition could
adversely affect our business. The existence of multiple cable
systems in the same geographic area is generally referred to as
an overbuild. As of September 30, 2005,
approximately 15.9% of the estimated homes passed by our cable
systems were overbuilt by other cable operators. We cannot
assure you that competition from overbuilders will not develop
in other markets that we now serve or will serve after any
future acquisitions.
Legislation recently passed in one state (in which we do not
currently operate cable systems) and similar legislation is
pending, or has been proposed in certain other states and in
Congress, that would allow local telephone companies to deliver
services that would compete with our cable service, without
obtaining equivalent local franchises. Such a legislatively
granted advantage to our competitors could adversely affect our
business. The effect of such initiatives, if any, on our
obligation to obtain local franchises in the future or on any of
our existing franchises, many of which have years remaining in
their terms, cannot be predicted.
The FCC recently issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking
comment on whether the current local franchising process
constitutes an impediment to widespread issuance of franchises
to competitive cable providers in terms of the sheer number of
franchising authorities, the impact of state-level franchising
authorities, the burdens some local franchising authorities seek
to impose as conditions of granting franchises and whether state
level-playing field statutes also create barriers to
entry. We cannot determine the outcome of any potential new
rules on our business; however, any change that would lessen the
local franchising burdens and requirements imposed on our
competitors relative to those that are or have been imposed on
us could harm our business.
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Pending FCC and court proceedings could adversely affect
our HSD service. |
The legal and regulatory status of providing high-speed Internet
access service by cable television companies is uncertain.
Although the United States Supreme Court recently held that
cable modem service was properly classified by the FCC as an
information service, freeing it from regulation as a
telecommunications service, it recognized that the
FCC has jurisdiction to impose regulatory obligations on
facilities based Internet Service Providers. The FCC has an
ongoing rulemaking to determine whether to impose regulatory
obligations on such providers, including us. The FCC has issued
a declaratory ruling that cable
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modem service, as it is currently offered, is properly
classified as an interstate information service that is not
subject to common carrier regulation. However, the FCC is still
considering the following: whether to require cable companies to
provide capacity on their systems to other entities to deliver
high-speed Internet directly to customers, also known as open
access; whether certain other regulatory requirements do or
should apply to cable modem service; and whether and to what
extent cable modem service should be subject to local franchise
authorities regulatory requirements or franchise fees. The
adoption of new rules by the FCC could place additional costs
and regulatory burdens on us, reduce our anticipated revenues or
increase our anticipated costs for this service, complicate the
franchise renewal process, result in greater competition or
otherwise adversely affect our business. While we cannot predict
the outcome of this proceeding, we do note that the FCC recently
removed the requirement that telecommunications carriers provide
access to competitors to resell their DSL Internet access
service citing the need for competitive parity with cable modem
service which has no similar access requirement.
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We may be subject to legal liability because of the acts
of our HSD customers or because of our own negligence. |
Our HSD service enables individuals to access the Internet and
to exchange information, generate content, conduct business and
engage in various online activities on an international basis.
The law relating to the liability of providers of these online
services for activities of their users is currently unsettled
both within the United States and abroad. Potentially, third
parties could seek to hold us liable for the actions and
omissions of our cable modem service customers, such as
defamation, negligence, copyright or trademark infringement,
fraud or other theories based on the nature and content of
information that our customers use our service to post, download
or distribute. We also could be subject to similar claims based
on the content of other Websites to which we provide links or
third-party products, services or content that we may offer
through our Internet service. Due to the global nature of the
Web, it is possible that the governments of other states and
foreign countries might attempt to regulate its transmissions or
prosecute us for violations of their laws.
It is also possible that information provided directly by us
will contain errors or otherwise be negligently provided to
users, resulting in third parties making claims against us. For
example, we offer Web-based email services, which expose us to
potential risks, such as liabilities or claims resulting from
unsolicited email, lost or misdirected messages, illegal or
fraudulent use of email, or interruptions or delays in email
service. Additionally, we host website portal pages
designed for use as a home page by, but not limited to, our HSD
customers. These portal pages offer a wide variety of content
from us and third parties which could contain errors or other
material that could give rise to liability.
To date, we have not been served notice that such a claim has
been filed against us. However, in the future someone may serve
such a claim on us in either a domestic or international
jurisdiction and may succeed in imposing liability on us. Our
defense of any such actions could be costly and involve
significant distraction of our management and other resources.
If we are held or threatened with significant liability, we may
decide to take actions to reduce our exposure to this type of
liability. This may require us to spend significant amounts of
money for new equipment and may also require us to discontinue
offering some features or our cable modem service.
Since we launched our proprietary Mediacom
Online®
HSD service in February 2002, from time to time, we receive
notices of claimed infringements by our cable modem service
users. The owners of copyrights and trademarks have been
increasingly active in seeking to prevent use of the Internet to
violate their rights. In many cases, their claims of
infringement are based on the acts of customers of an Internet
service provider-for example, a customers use of an
Internet service or the resources it provides to post, download
or disseminate copyrighted music, movies, software or other
content without the consent of the copyright owner or to seek to
profit from the use of the goodwill associated with another
persons trademark. In some cases, copyright and trademark
owners have sought to recover damages from the Internet service
provider, as well as or instead of the customer. The law
relating to the potential liability of Internet service
providers in these circumstances is unsettled. In 1996, Congress
adopted the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, which is intended
to grant ISPs protection against certain claims of copyright
infringement resulting from the actions of customers, provided
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that the ISP complies with certain requirements. So far,
Congress has not adopted similar protections for trademark
infringement claims.
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We may be required to provide access to our networks to
other Internet service providers, which could significantly
increase our competition and adversely affect our ability to
provide new products and services. |
Local authorities and the FCC have been asked to require cable
operators to provide nondiscriminatory access over their cable
systems to other Internet service providers. The recent decision
by the United State Supreme Court upholding the FCCs
classification of cable modem service as an information
service may effectively forestall efforts by competitors
to obtain access to the networks of cable operators to provide
Internet access services. As noted above, however, the FCC
continues to have jurisdiction over this issue and a rulemaking
initiated prior to the Supreme Courts decision remains
ongoing. While we cannot predict the outcome of this proceeding,
we do note that the FCC recently removed the requirement that
telecommunications carriers provide access to competitors to
resell their DSL internet access service citing the need for
competitive parity with cable modem service which has no similar
access requirement. If we are required to provide access in this
manner, it could have a significant adverse impact on our
financial results, including by: (i) increasing
competition; (ii) increasing the expenses we incur to
maintain our systems; and/or (iii) increasing the expense
of upgrading and/or expanding our systems.
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We may become subject to additional regulatory burdens
because we offer cable telephony service. |
The regulatory treatment of VoIP services like those we and
others offer remains uncertain. The FCC, Congress, the courts
and the states continue to look at issues surrounding the
provision of VoIP, including whether this service is properly
classified as a telecommunications service or an information
service. The regulatory classification decided will determine
the primary source of regulation, whether it be federal or state
government. Currently, the FCC requires providers of
interconnected VoIP services, such as ours, to file
a letter with the FCC certifying compliance with certain
E-911 functionality.
Disputes have also arisen with respect to the rights of VoIP
providers and their telecommunications provider partners to
obtain interconnection and other rights under the Act from
incumbent telephone companies. We cannot predict how these
issues will be resolved, but uncertainties in the existing law
as it applies to VoIP or any determination that results in
greater or different regulatory obligations than competing
services would result in increased costs, reduce anticipated
revenues and impede our ability to effectively compete or
otherwise adversely affect our ability to successfully roll-out
and conduct our telephony business.
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Actions by pole owners might subject us to significantly
increased pole attachment costs. |
Our cable facilities are often attached to or use public utility
poles, ducts or conduits. Historically, cable system attachments
to public utility poles have been regulated at the federal or
state level. Generally this regulation resulted in favorable
pole attachment rates for attachments used to provide cable
service. The FCC clarified that the provision of Internet access
does not endanger a cable operators favorable pole rates;
this approach ultimately was upheld by the Supreme Court of the
United States. That ruling, coupled with the recent Supreme
Court decision upholding the FCCs classification of cable
modem service as an information service, should strengthen our
ability to resist such rate increases based solely on the
delivery of cable modem services over our cable systems. As we
continue our deployment of cable telephony and certain other
advanced services, utilities may continue to invoke higher
rates. A formal hearing is currently before the FCC in which
Alabama Power is attempting to demonstrate that pole attachment
rates above its marginal costs meet the just compensation test
approved by the United States Court of Appeals for the
11th Circuit.
If successful, Alabama Power will be entitled to increase its
pole attachment rate above the FCC cable formula rate. Such a
decision could result in higher attachment rates for us in all
states where we operate if other utilities where we attach seek
to replicate those results.
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Proceedings by the FCC or changes in federal law may result in a
determination that our VoIP service is a telecommunication
service. As a result, our systems and/or facilities providing
VoIP services may be subject to the higher telecommunications
pole attachment rates.
Our financial results could suffer a material adverse impact
from any significant increased costs, and such increased pole
attachment costs could discourage system upgrades and the
introduction of new products and services.
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Changes in compulsory copyright regulations might
significantly increase our license fees. |
Filed petitions for rulemaking with the United States Copyright
Office propose revisions to certain compulsory copyright license
reporting requirements and seek clarification of certain issues
relating to the application of the compulsory license to the
carriage of digital broadcast stations. The petitions seek,
among other things: (i) clarification of the inclusion in
gross revenues of digital converter fees, additional set fees
for digital service and revenue from required buy
throughs to obtain digital service; (ii) reporting of
dual carriage and multicast signals; and
(iii) revisions to the Copyright Offices rules and
Statement of Account forms, including increased detail regarding
services, rates and subscribers, additional information
regarding non-broadcast tiers of service, cable headend location
information, community definition clarification and
identification of the county in which the cable community is
located and the effect of interest payments on potential
liability for late filing. The Copyright Office may open one or
more rulemakings in response to these petitions. We cannot
predict the outcome of any such rulemakings; however, it is
possible that certain changes in the rules or copyright
compulsory license fee computations could have an adverse affect
on our business by increasing our copyright compulsory license
fee costs or by causing us to reduce or discontinue carriage of
certain broadcast signals that we currently carry on a
discretionary basis.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus contains certain forward-looking statements
relating to future events and our future financial performance.
In some cases, you can identify those so-called
forward-looking statements by words such as
may, will, should,
expects, plans, anticipates,
believes, estimates,
predicts, potential, or
continues or the negative of those words and other
comparable words. These forward-looking statements are subject
to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to
differ materially from historical results or those we
anticipate. Factors that could cause actual results to differ
from those contained in the forward-looking statements include:
competition in our video, high-speed Internet access and
telephone businesses; our ability to achieve anticipated
customer and revenue growth and to successfully introduce new
products and services; increasing programming costs; changes in
laws and regulations; our ability to generate sufficient cash
flow to meet our debt service obligations and the other risks
and uncertainties discussed in this prospectus. Statements
included in this prospectus are based upon information known to
us as of the date that this prospectus, and we assume no
obligation to update or alter our forward-looking statements
made in this prospectus, whether as a result of new information,
future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by
applicable federal securities laws.
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USE OF PROCEEDS
This exchange offer is intended to satisfy our obligations under
the registration rights agreement we entered into with the
initial purchasers of the initial notes. We will not receive any
cash proceeds from the issuance of the exchange notes in this
exchange offer.
We received net proceeds of approximately $193.7 million
from the private offering of the initial notes, after deducting
discounts to the initial purchasers and the other fees and
expenses of the initial offering in the amount of approximately
$6.3 million. We applied the net proceeds to the repayment
of borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit portion of
our subsidiary credit facility, pending use of the net proceeds
for working capital and other general corporate purposes.
Borrowings under this revolving facility during the past twelve
months were used for general corporate purposes. The revolving
credit portion of our subsidiary credit facility expires in
December 2012 and, as of September 30, 2005, the average
interest rate for borrowings thereunder was LIBOR plus
1.25% per annum.
As of September 30, 2005, giving effect to our recent
credit facility amendment, our subsidiaries had
$600.6 million of unused credit commitments under the
revolving credit portion of our subsidiary credit facility, of
which $581.9 million could be borrowed and used for general
corporate purposes, based on the terms and conditions of our
debt arrangements. We expect to use these unused commitments
from time to time for working capital and general corporate
purposes. While no decision to do so has been made, one possible
use of borrowings under the revolving facility might be to
provide, as permitted by the terms of the indenture governing
the exchange notes, funds to Mediacom Communications to allow it
to redeem all of its $172.5 million outstanding principal
amount of 5.25% convertible senior notes due July 2006.
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SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
We were organized for the purpose of acquiring cable systems
from AT&T Broadband LLC in 2001. In the table below, we
provide you with:
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selected historical financial data for the period from
January 1, 2000 through July 18, 2001 and balance
sheet data as of December 31, 2000 and July 18, 2001,
which are derived from the audited financial statements (except
operating data) of the acquired cable systems (Predecessor
Company); |
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selected historical consolidated financial and operating data
for the period from our inception on April 5, 2001 through
December 31, 2004 and balance sheet data as of
December 31, 2001 through 2004, which are derived from our
audited consolidated financial statements (except operating
data); and |
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unaudited historical consolidated financial and operating data
for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2005 which
are derived from our unaudited consolidated financial statements
(except operating data). |
The data should be read in conjunction with
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results Of Operations, our consolidated
financial statements and notes thereto, and other financial
information included in this prospectus.
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mediacom | |
|
|
Mediacom Broadband LLC | |
|
|
Predecessor Company | |
|
|
Broadband LLC | |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
Inception | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(April 5, 2001) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period from | |
|
|
Nine Months Ended | |
|
|
through | |
|
Year Ended December 31, | |
|
|
Year Ended | |
|
January 1 | |
|
|
September 30, | |
|
|
December 31, | |
|
| |
|
|
December 31, | |
|
through | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2001 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
2000 | |
|
July 18, 2001 | |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(Dollars in thousands) | |
Statement of Operations Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$ |
215,900 |
|
|
$ |
512,792 |
|
|
$ |
552,342 |
|
|
$ |
585,039 |
|
|
|
$ |
439,541 |
|
|
$ |
249,238 |
|
|
|
$ |
436,101 |
|
|
$ |
455,725 |
|
Costs and expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Service costs
|
|
|
89,006 |
|
|
|
207,053 |
|
|
|
215,310 |
|
|
|
225,764 |
|
|
|
|
223,530 |
|
|
|
117,205 |
|
|
|
|
165,458 |
|
|
|
177,283 |
|
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses
|
|
|
42,442 |
|
|
|
105,407 |
|
|
|
118,918 |
|
|
|
126,575 |
|
|
|
|
39,892 |
|
|
|
42,449 |
|
|
|
|
96,489 |
|
|
|
101,863 |
|
|
Management fee expense(1)
|
|
|
2,875 |
|
|
|
6,967 |
|
|
|
9,322 |
|
|
|
10,585 |
|
|
|
|
22,267 |
|
|
|
18,625 |
|
|
|
|
8,206 |
|
|
|
8,981 |
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
88,463 |
|
|
|
123,704 |
|
|
|
113,007 |
|
|
|
107,592 |
|
|
|
|
137,182 |
|
|
|
83,610 |
|
|
|
|
80,300 |
|
|
|
85,575 |
|
|
Restructuring charge(2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
570 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income
|
|
|
(6,886 |
) |
|
|
69,661 |
|
|
|
95,785 |
|
|
|
114,523 |
|
|
|
|
16,670 |
|
|
|
(13,221 |
) |
|
|
|
85,648 |
|
|
|
82,023 |
|
|
Interest expense, net(3)
|
|
|
(41,430 |
) |
|
|
(76,790 |
) |
|
|
(82,536 |
) |
|
|
(86,125 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(64,223 |
) |
|
|
(71,481 |
) |
|
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(15,049 |
) |
|
|
2,807 |
|
|
|
10,929 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,700 |
|
|
|
6,217 |
|
|
Other expense
|
|
|
(2,270 |
) |
|
|
(5,066 |
) |
|
|
(5,974 |
) |
|
|
(4,475 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,560 |
) |
|
|
(2,898 |
) |
|
Gain on disposition of assets(4)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,183 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) before income taxes
|
|
|
(50,586 |
) |
|
|
(27,244 |
) |
|
|
10,082 |
|
|
|
34,852 |
|
|
|
|
16,670 |
|
|
|
(8,038 |
) |
|
|
|
24,565 |
|
|
|
13,861 |
|
Provision (benefit) for income taxes(5)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,646 |
|
|
|
(3,546 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
$ |
(50,586 |
) |
|
$ |
(27,244 |
) |
|
$ |
10,082 |
|
|
$ |
34,852 |
|
|
|
$ |
10,024 |
|
|
$ |
(4,492 |
) |
|
|
$ |
24,565 |
|
|
$ |
13,861 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance Sheet Data (end of period):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$ |
2,234,091 |
|
|
$ |
2,281,948 |
|
|
$ |
2,287,784 |
|
|
$ |
2,258,245 |
|
|
|
$ |
2,307,354 |
|
|
$ |
1,941,047 |
|
|
|
$ |
2,253,781 |
|
|
$ |
2,280,900 |
|
Total debt
|
|
|
1,200,000 |
|
|
|
1,298,000 |
|
|
|
1,354,668 |
|
|
|
1,363,955 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,360,534 |
|
|
|
1,411,461 |
|
Total members equity
|
|
|
666,294 |
|
|
|
610,522 |
|
|
|
589,016 |
|
|
|
595,157 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
600,081 |
|
|
|
580,127 |
|
24
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mediacom | |
|
|
Mediacom Broadband LLC | |
|
|
Predecessor Company | |
|
|
Broadband LLC | |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
Inception | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(April 5, 2001) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period from | |
|
|
Nine Months Ended | |
|
|
through | |
|
Year Ended December 31, | |
|
|
Year Ended | |
|
January 1 | |
|
|
September 30, | |
|
|
December 31, | |
|
| |
|
|
December 31, | |
|
through | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2001 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
2000 | |
|
July 18, 2001 | |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(Dollars in thousands) | |
Other Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income before depreciation and amortization(6)
|
|
$ |
81,577 |
|
|
$ |
193,365 |
|
|
$ |
208,792 |
|
|
$ |
222,115 |
|
|
|
$ |
153,852 |
|
|
$ |
70,389 |
|
|
|
$ |
165,948 |
|
|
$ |
167,598 |
|
Operating income before depreciation and amortization margin(7)
|
|
|
37.8 |
% |
|
|
37.7 |
% |
|
|
37.8 |
% |
|
|
38.0 |
% |
|
|
|
35.0 |
% |
|
|
28.2 |
% |
|
|
|
38.1 |
% |
|
|
36.8 |
% |
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges or deficiency of earnings
over fixed charges
|
|
$ |
NA |
|
|
|
(31,186 |
) |
|
|
1.08 |
|
|
|
1.37 |
|
|
|
|
NA |
|
|
|
NA |
|
|
|
|
1.35 |
|
|
|
1.18 |
|
Net cash flows provided by (used in):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating activities
|
|
$ |
161,651 |
|
|
$ |
125,059 |
|
|
$ |
96,627 |
|
|
$ |
106,304 |
|
|
|
$ |
119,756 |
|
|
$ |
(34,278 |
) |
|
|
$ |
63,939 |
|
|
$ |
69,940 |
|
|
Investing activities
|
|
|
(2,151,583 |
) |
|
|
(239,310 |
) |
|
|
(116,613 |
) |
|
|
(85,394 |
) |
|
|
|
(131,177 |
) |
|
|
(34,682 |
) |
|
|
|
(62,186 |
) |
|
|
(84,758 |
) |
|
Financing activities
|
|
|
2,045,510 |
|
|
|
68,980 |
|
|
|
19,058 |
|
|
|
(21,159 |
) |
|
|
|
14,493 |
|
|
|
47,806 |
|
|
|
|
(7,634 |
) |
|
|
12,284 |
|
Operating Data (end of period):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated homes
passed(8)
|
|
|
1,430,000 |
|
|
|
1,463,200 |
|
|
|
1,472,500 |
|
|
|
1,456,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,453,000 |
|
|
|
1,458,000 |
|
Basic subscribers(9)
|
|
|
824,000 |
|
|
|
840,000 |
|
|
|
819,300 |
|
|
|
783,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
780,000 |
|
|
|
774,000 |
|
Basic penetration(10)
|
|
|
57.6 |
% |
|
|
57.4 |
% |
|
|
55.6 |
% |
|
|
53.8 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
53.7 |
% |
|
|
53.1 |
% |
Digital customers(11)
|
|
|
233,000 |
|
|
|
238,000 |
|
|
|
231,600 |
|
|
|
236,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
228,000 |
|
|
|
280,000 |
|
Data customers(12)
|
|
|
77,000 |
|
|
|
110,000 |
|
|
|
157,800 |
|
|
|
205,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
197,000 |
|
|
|
252,000 |
|
Telephone customers(13)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
Revenue generating units(14)
|
|
|
1,134,000 |
|
|
|
1,188,000 |
|
|
|
1,208,700 |
|
|
|
1,224,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,205,000 |
|
|
|
1,307,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
For all periods presented prior to our inception on
April 5, 2001, management fees were paid to AT&T
Broadband, LLC. Upon our acquisition of cable systems, in June
and July of 2001, from AT&T Broadband, LLC, Mediacom
Communications Corporation replaced AT&T Broadband as
manager and AT&T Broadband was no longer entitled to receive
management fees from our cable systems. |
|
|
(2) |
As part of a cost reduction plan undertaken by our Predecessor
Company in 2001, approximately 63 employees were
terminated, resulting in a restructuring charge of approximately
$570,000. The entire charge was paid in cash by our Predecessor
Company. |
|
|
(3) |
For all periods presented prior to our inception on
April 5, 2001, our cable systems operated as fully
integrated businesses of AT&T Broadband and no debt or
interest expense was allocated to these operations. |
|
|
(4) |
Represents the gain on disposition form the sale of the Missouri
systems to Mediacom Broadband LLC on June 29, 2001 for cash
proceeds of approximately $308.1 million, before final
closing adjustments. |
|
|
(5) |
Provision (benefit) for income taxes in Predecessor Company
combined financial statements were based upon the AT&T cable
systems contribution to the overall tax liability or
benefit of A&T Corp. and its affiliates. Under our
ownership, these cable systems are organized as limited
liability companies and are subject to minimum income taxes. |
|
|
(6) |
Operating income before depreciation and amortization
(OIBDA) is not a financial measure calculated in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
(GAAP) in the United States of America. However,
OIBDA is one of the primary measures used by management to
evaluate our performance and to forecast future results. We
believe OIBDA is useful for investors because it enables them to
assess our performance in a manner similar to the method used by
management, and provides a measure that can be used to analyze,
value and compare the companies in the cable television
industry, which may have different depreciation and amortization
policies. |
25
|
|
|
|
|
A limitation of this measure, however, is that it excludes
depreciation and amortization, which represents the periodic
costs of certain capitalized tangible and intangible assets used
in generating revenues in our business. Management utilizes a
separate process to budget, measure and evaluate capital
expenditures. |
|
|
|
OIBDA should not be regarded as an alternative to either
operating income or net income (loss) as an indicator of
operating performance nor should it be considered in isolation
or as a substitute for financial measures prepared in accordance
with GAAP. We believe that operating income is the most directly
comparable GAAP financial measure to OIBDA. |
|
|
|
The following represents a reconciliation of OIBDA to operating
income (loss), which is the most directly comparable GAAP
measure: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mediacom | |
|
|
Mediacom Broadband LLC | |
|
|
Predecessor Company | |
|
|
Broadband LLC | |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
Inception | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period | |
|
|
|
|
|
(April 5, | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
from | |
|
|
|
|
|
2001) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
January 1 | |
|
|
Nine Months Ended | |
|
|
through | |
|
Year Ended December 31, | |
|
|
Year Ended | |
|
through | |
|
|
September 30, | |
|
|
December 31, | |
|
| |
|
|
December 31, | |
|
July 18, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2001 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
2000 | |
|
2001 | |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
OIBDA
|
|
$ |
81,577 |
|
|
$ |
193,365 |
|
|
$ |
208,792 |
|
|
$ |
222,115 |
|
|
|
$ |
153,852 |
|
|
$ |
70,389 |
|
|
|
$ |
165,948 |
|
|
$ |
167,598 |
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
(88,463 |
) |
|
|
(123,704 |
) |
|
|
(113,007 |
) |
|
|
(107,592 |
) |
|
|
|
(137,182 |
) |
|
|
(83,610 |
) |
|
|
|
(80,300 |
) |
|
|
(85,575 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income (loss)
|
|
$ |
(6,886 |
) |
|
$ |
69,661 |
|
|
$ |
95,785 |
|
|
$ |
114,523 |
|
|
|
$ |
16,670 |
|
|
$ |
(13,221 |
) |
|
|
$ |
85,648 |
|
|
$ |
82,023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(7) |
Represents OIBDA as a percentage of revenue. See Note 6
above. |
|
|
(8) |
Represents an estimate of the number of single residence homes,
apartments and condominium units passed by the cable
distribution network in a cable systems service area. |
|
|
(9) |
Represents a dwelling with one or more television sets that
receives a package of
over-the-air broadcast
stations, local access channels or certain satellite-delivered
cable television services. Accounts that are billed on a bulk
basis, which typically receive discounted rates, are converted
into full-price equivalent basic subscribers by dividing total
bulk billed basic revenues of a particular system by the
applicable combined limited and expanded cable rate charged to
basic subscribers in that system. Basic subscribers include
connections to schools, libraries, local government offices and
employee households that may not be charged for limited and
expanded cable services, but may be charged for digital cable,
VOD, HDTV, DVR or high-speed Internet service. Customers who
exclusively purchase high-speed Internet service are not counted
as basic subscribers. Our methodology of calculating the number
of basic subscribers may not be identical to those used by other
cable companies. |
|
|
(10) |
Represents basic subscribers as a percentage of estimated homes
passed. |
|
(11) |
Represents customers that receive digital cable services. |
|
(12) |
Represents residential data customers and small to medium-sized
commercial cable modem accounts billed at higher rates than
residential customers. Small to medium-sized commercial accounts
generally represent customers with bandwidth requirements of up
to 5 Mbps. These commercial accounts are converted to
equivalent residential data customers by dividing their
associated revenues by the applicable residential rate. Our data
customers exclude large commercial accounts and include an
insignificant number of
dial-up customers. Our
methodology of calculating data customers may not be identical
to those used by other cable companies. |
|
(13) |
Represents customers that receive telephone service. |
|
(14) |
Represents the sum of basic subscribers, digital customers, data
customers and phone customers. |
26
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our
unaudited consolidated financial statements as of, and for the
three and nine months ended, September 30, 2005 and 2004,
and with our annual report on
Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2004.
Overview
We are a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mediacom Communications
Corporation. Through our interactive broadband network, we
provide our customers with a wide array of broadband products
and services, including analog and digital video services, such
as VOD, HDTV, DVRs, HSD and phone service. We currently offer
triple-play bundles of video, HSD and voice. Bundled products
and services offer our customers a single provider contact for
provisioning, billing and customer care.
As of September 30, 2005, our cable systems passed an
estimated 1.46 million homes and served 774,000 basic
subscribers. We provide digital video services to 280,000
digital customers and HSD to 252,000 data customers,
representing a digital penetration of 36.2% of our basic
subscribers and a data penetration of 17.3% of our estimated
homes passed, respectively.
We have faced increasing levels of competition for our video
programming services over the past few years, mostly from direct
broadcast satellite (DBS) service providers. Since
they have been permitted to deliver local television broadcast
signals beginning in 1999, DirecTV, Inc. and Echostar
Communications Corporation, the two largest DBS service
providers, have increased the number of markets in which they
deliver these local television signals. These
local-into-local launches have been the primary
cause of our loss of basic subscribers in recent periods. As of
September 30, 2005 and year-end 2004, competitive
local-into-local services in our markets covered an estimated
92% of our basic subscribers, as compared to an estimated 75%
and 25% at year-end 2003 and 2002, respectively. We believe,
based on publicly announced new market launches, that DBS
service providers will launch local television channels in
additional markets during the rest of 2005 representing a modest
amount of our subscriber base.
Actual Results of Operations
|
|
|
Nine months ended September 30, 2005 Compared to Nine
months ended September 30, 2004 |
The following table sets forth the unaudited consolidated
statement of operations for the nine months ended
September 30, 2005 and 2004 (dollars in thousands and
percentage changes that are not meaningful are marked NM):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30, | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
$ Change | |
|
% Change | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Revenues
|
|
$ |
455,725 |
|
|
$ |
436,101 |
|
|
$ |
19,624 |
|
|
|
4.5 |
% |
Costs and expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Service costs
|
|
|
177,283 |
|
|
|
165,458 |
|
|
|
11,825 |
|
|
|
7.1 |
% |
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses
|
|
|
101,863 |
|
|
|
96,489 |
|
|
|
5,374 |
|
|
|
5.6 |
% |
|
Management fee expense
|
|
|
8,981 |
|
|
|
8,206 |
|
|
|
775 |
|
|
|
9.4 |
% |
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
85,575 |
|
|
|
80,300 |
|
|
|
5,275 |
|
|
|
6.6 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income
|
|
|
82,023 |
|
|
|
85,648 |
|
|
|
(3,625 |
) |
|
|
(4.2 |
)% |
Interest expense, net
|
|
|
(71,481 |
) |
|
|
(64,223 |
) |
|
|
(7,258 |
) |
|
|
11.3 |
% |
Gain on derivatives, net
|
|
|
6,217 |
|
|
|
6,700 |
|
|
|
(483 |
) |
|
|
NM |
|
Other expense
|
|
|
(2,898 |
) |
|
|
(3,560 |
) |
|
|
662 |
|
|
|
(18.6 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$ |
13,861 |
|
|
$ |
24,565 |
|
|
$ |
(10,704 |
) |
|
|
NM |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27
The following table sets forth revenue information for the nine
months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 (dollars in
thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended September 30, | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
% of | |
|
|
|
% of | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount | |
|
Revenues | |
|
Amount | |
|
Revenues | |
|
$ Change | |
|
% Change | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Video
|
|
$ |
348,348 |
|
|
|
76.4 |
% |
|
$ |
344,624 |
|
|
|
79.0 |
% |
|
$ |
3,724 |
|
|
|
1.1 |
% |
Data
|
|
|
79,313 |
|
|
|
17.4 |
% |
|
|
64,417 |
|
|
|
14.8 |
% |
|
|
14,896 |
|
|
|
23.1 |
% |
Advertising
|
|
|
28,064 |
|
|
|
6.2 |
% |
|
|
27,060 |
|
|
|
6.2 |
% |
|
|
1,004 |
|
|
|
3.7 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
455,725 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
$ |
436,101 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
$ |
19,624 |
|
|
|
4.5 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Video revenues represent monthly subscription fees charged to
customers for our core cable television products and services
(including basic, expanded basic and digital cable programming
services, wire maintenance, equipment rental and services to
commercial establishments), pay-per-view charges, installation,
reconnection and late payment fees, and other ancillary
revenues. Data revenues primarily represent monthly subscription
fees charged to customers, including commercial establishments,
for our data products and services and equipment rental fees.
Franchise fees charged to customers for payment to local
franchising authorities are included in their corresponding
revenue category.
Revenues rose 4.5%, primarily attributable to an increase in
data revenues and in part an increase in video and advertising
revenues.
Video revenues increased 1.1%, as a result of rate increases
applied on our subscribers and higher fees from our advanced
video products and services, offset in part by a 0.8% reduction
in basic subscribers from 780,000 as of September 30, 2004,
to 774,000 as of September 30, 2005. Average monthly video
revenue per basic subscriber increased 2.9% from $47.89 to
$49.72. Our loss of basic subscribers resulted from continuing
competitive pressures by other video providers.
To strengthen our competitiveness, we increased the emphasis on
product bundling and on enhancing and differentiating our video
products and services with new digital packages, VOD, HDTV, DVRs
and more local programming. We also extended the discount
periods of our promotional campaigns for digital and data
services from three and six months to six and twelve months.
This has impacted the growth of our video and data revenues.
Data revenues rose 23.1%, primarily due to a 27.9%
year-over-year increase in data customers from 197,000 to
252,000 and, to a lesser extent, the growth of our commercial
services and enterprise network businesses. Average monthly data
revenue per data customer decreased from $40.35 to $38.54,
largely due to promotional offers in 2005.
Advertising revenues increased 3.7%, as a result of stronger
national and regional advertising. This was offset in part by a
decline in political advertising, which is expected to be much
lower in 2005 when compared to the 2004 election year.
Service costs include: programming expenses; employee expenses
related to wages and salaries of technical personnel who
maintain our cable network, perform customer installation
activities, and provide customer support; data costs, including
costs of bandwidth connectivity and customer provisioning; and
field operating costs, including outside contractors, vehicle,
utilities and pole rental expenses. Programming expenses, which
are generally paid on a per subscriber basis, have historically
increased due to both increases in the rates charged for
existing programming services and the introduction of new
programming services to our customers.
28
Service costs increased 7.1%, primarily due to increases in
programming, field operating, data and employee costs.
Programming costs increased 5.2%, as a result of lower launch
support, which we receive from our programming suppliers in
return for our carriage of their services, and higher unit costs
charged by them, offset in part by a lower base of basic
subscribers during the nine months ended September 30,
2005. Field operating costs rose 22.1%, primarily due to the
greater use of outside contractors to service higher levels of
customer activity and, to a lesser extent, increases in vehicle
fuel costs. Employee related costs grew 6.0%, primarily due to
increased headcount and overtime of our technicians to prepare
our network for phone service and routine repairs and
maintenance, offset in part by a decrease in certain employee
insurance costs. Service costs as a percentage of revenues were
38.9% and 37.9% for the nine months ended September 30,
2005 and 2004, respectively.
Selling, general and administrative expenses include: wages and
salaries for our call center, customer service and support and
administrative personnel; franchise fees and taxes; and office
costs related to billing, telecommunications, marketing, bad
debt, advertising and office administration.
Selling, general and administrative expenses rose 5.6%,
principally due to higher employee costs, office costs, and
marketing expenses, offset in part by a decrease in bad debt
expense. Employee costs increased 15.3%, primarily due to higher
staffing, commissions and benefit costs of customer service and
direct sales personnel. Office costs increased by 16.3%
primarily from higher telephone expenses. Marketing costs grew
4.5%, as a result of an increase in contracted direct sales and
television and radio advertising, offset in part by a decrease
in print mail advertising campaigns. These increases were offset
in part by a 16.2% decrease in bad debt expense as a result of
more effective customer credit and collection activities and
better collection experience in our advertising business.
Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of
revenues were 22.4% and 22.1% for the nine months ended
September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
We expect continued revenue growth in advanced services, which
include digital video, HDTV, DVRs, HSD and phone. As a result,
we expect our service costs and selling, general and
administrative expenses to increase.
Management fee expense reflects charges incurred under our
management arrangements with our parent, Mediacom
Communications. Management fee expense increased 9.4%, which
reflects greater overhead costs charged by Mediacom
Communications during the nine month period ended
September 30, 2005. As a percentage of revenues, management
fee expense was 2.0% and 1.9% for the nine months ended
September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
Depreciation and amortization increased 6.6%, principally due to
increased depreciation for ongoing investments to continue the
rollout of products and services and for investments in our
cable network.
Interest expense, net, increased 11.3%, due to higher market
interest rates on variable rate debt and replacement of lower
cost bank debt with the issuance of our
81/2% Senior
Notes due 2015.
We enter into interest rate exchange agreements, or
interest rate swaps, with counterparties to fix the
interest rate on a portion of our variable rate debt to reduce
the potential volatility in our interest expense that would
otherwise result from changes in variable market interest rates.
As of September 30, 2005, we had interest rate swaps with
an aggregate principal amount of $400.0 million. The
changes in their
mark-to-market values
are derived from changes in market interest rates, the decrease
in their time to maturity and the creditworthiness of the
counterparties. As a result of the
mark-to-market
valuation of these interest rate swaps, we recorded a gain on
derivatives amounting to $6.2 million and $6.7 million
for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004,
respectively.
29
Other expense was $2.9 million and $3.6 million for
the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004,
respectively. Other expense primarily represents amortization of
deferred financing costs and fees on unused credit commitments.
As a result of the factors described above, we generated net
income for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 of
$13.9 million, as compared to net income of
$24.6 million for the nine months ended September 30,
2004.
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, 2004 Compared to Year Ended
December 31, 2003 |
The following table sets forth the consolidated statement of
operations for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003
(dollars in thousands and percentage changes that are not
meaningful are marked NM):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
$ Change | |
|
% Change | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Revenues
|
|
$ |
585,039 |
|
|
$ |
552,342 |
|
|
$ |
32,697 |
|
|
|
5.9 |
% |
Costs and expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Service costs
|
|
|
225,764 |
|
|
|
215,310 |
|
|
|
10,454 |
|
|
|
4.9 |
% |
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses
|
|
|
126,575 |
|
|
|
118,918 |
|
|
|
7,657 |
|
|
|
6.4 |
% |
|
Management fee expense
|
|
|
10,585 |
|
|
|
9,322 |
|
|
|
1,263 |
|
|
|
13.5 |
% |
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
107,592 |
|
|
|
113,007 |
|
|
|
(5,415 |
) |
|
|
(4.8 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income
|
|
|
114,523 |
|
|
|
95,785 |
|
|
|
18,738 |
|
|
|
19.6 |
% |
Interest expense, net
|
|
|
(86,125 |
) |
|
|
(82,536 |
) |
|
|
(3,589 |
) |
|
|
4.3 |
% |
Gain (loss) on derivatives, net
|
|
|
10,929 |
|
|
|
2,807 |
|
|
|
8,122 |
|
|
|
NM |
|
Other expense
|
|
|
(4,475 |
) |
|
|
(5,974 |
) |
|
|
1,499 |
|
|
|
(25.1 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$ |
34,852 |
|
|
$ |
10,082 |
|
|
$ |
24,770 |
|
|
|
NM |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following table sets forth revenue information for the years
ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 (dollars in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
% of | |
|
|
|
% of | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount | |
|
Revenues | |
|
Amount | |
|
Revenues | |
|
$ Change | |
|
% Change | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Video
|
|
$ |
457,513 |
|
|
|
78.2 |
% |
|
$ |
450,831 |
|
|
|
81.6 |
% |
|
$ |
6,682 |
|
|
|
1.5 |
% |
Data
|
|
|
88,060 |
|
|
|
15.1 |
% |
|
|
66,667 |
|
|
|
12.1 |
% |
|
|
21,393 |
|
|
|
32.1 |
% |
Advertising
|
|
|
39,466 |
|
|
|
6.7 |
% |
|
|
34,844 |
|
|
|
6.3 |
% |
|
|
4,622 |
|
|
|
13.3 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
585,039 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
$ |
552,342 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
$ |
32,697 |
|
|
|
5.9 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues rose 5.9%, largely attributable to an increase in
broadband data customers and basic rate increases applied on our
video customers, driven in large part by our own video
programming cost increases, offset by a reduction in basic
subscribers during the period.
Video revenues rose 1.5% as a result of the aforementioned basic
rate increases, substantially offset by a decline in basic
subscribers from 819,300 to 783,000. Digital customers increased
1.9% to 236,000 as compared to 231,600 a year ago. Our loss in
basic subscribers resulted primarily from increased competitive
pressures by DBS service providers, particularly in those
markets where we experienced their local-into-local
30
launches and, to a lesser extent, from our tighter customer
credit policies. In an effort to reverse this video subscriber
trend, we have been increasing our customer retention efforts
and our emphasis on product bundling, enhancing and
differentiating our video products and services with new digital
packages, VOD, HDTV, DVR and more local programming.
Data revenues rose 32.1%, due primarily to a 29.9% growth in
data customers from 157,800 to 205,000 and an increased
contribution from our relatively new commercial enterprise
business.
Advertising revenues increased 13.3%, primarily as a result of
political advertising and stronger local advertising. Political
advertising accounted for 82.6% of the growth. We do not expect
growth in advertising revenues to continue at the same rate in
2005, due to the likely reduction in political advertising.
Service costs increased 4.9%, primarily due to increases in
employee and plant operating costs and programming expenses.
Employee and plant operating costs rose 21.5%, primarily due to
greater expensing of such operational costs resulting from the
continued transition from upgrade construction in 2003 to
maintenance activities in 2004, and higher operational insurance
claims and employee benefits. Programming related expense, the
largest component of service costs, increased 1.3%, as a result
of rate increases on basic and premium services, significantly
offset by a reduction in basic subscribers and an increase in
launch support received from programmers in return for our
carriage of their programming services. Service costs as a
percentage of revenues were 38.6% for the year ended
December 31, 2004, as compared with 39.0% for the year
ended December 31, 2003.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 6.4%,
principally due to higher marketing, advertising and employee
costs, and higher taxes and fees, partially offset by a decrease
in bad debt expense. Marketing costs rose 25.1%, as a result of
mass media campaigns to support the rollout of new advanced
services, and to promote customer retention and acquisition
initiatives. Advertising costs rose 13.2%, primarily as a result
of employee commissions on increased revenues. Employee costs
increased 4.9%, as a result of increases in employee
compensation, benefit costs and customer service overtime,
driven by increased activity related to the rollout of new
products. Taxes and fees increased 5.1% due to higher state
property taxes. This increase in selling, general and
administrative expenses was partly offset by a 7.0% decrease in
bad debt expense as a result of improved customer credit and
collection policies. Selling, general and administrative
expenses as a percentage of revenues were 21.6% for the year
ended December 31, 2004, as compared with 21.5% for the
year ended December 31, 2003.
We expect continued revenue growth in advanced services, which
include digital cable and broadband data access and, in the
second quarter of 2005, the launch of cable telephony service.
As a result, we expect our service costs and selling, general
and administrative expenses to increase.
Management fee expense increased 13.5% due to greater overhead
costs charged by Mediacom Communications. As a percentage of
revenues, management fee expense was 1.8% for the year ended
December 31, 2004, as compared with 1.7% for the year ended
December 31, 2003.
Depreciation and amortization decreased 4.8%, primarily due to
changes, effective July 1, 2003, in the estimated useful
lives of our cable systems and equipment in conjunction with the
completion of our network upgrade and rebuild program, offset in
part by increased depreciation for investments in our cable
network and ongoing investments to continue the rollout of
products and services including VOD, HDTV, DVRs and HSD. See
Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements.
Interest expense, net, increased by 4.3%, primarily due to lower
interest expense capitalization associated with the substantial
reduction of upgrade/rebuild capital expenditures and slightly
higher market interest rates on variable rate debt.
31
We enter into interest rate exchange agreements, or
interest rate swaps, with counterparties to fix the
interest rate on a portion of our variable rate debt to reduce
the potential volatility in our interest expense that would
otherwise result from changes in market interest rates. As of
December 31, 2004 we had interest rate swaps with an
aggregate principal amount of $500.0 million. The changes
in their mark-to-market
values are derived from changes in market interest rates, the
decrease in their time to maturity and the creditworthiness of
the counterparties. As a result of the quarterly
mark-to-market
valuation of these interest rate swaps, we recorded a gain on
derivatives amounting to $10.9 million for the year ended
December 31, 2004, as compared to a gain on derivatives of
$2.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2003.
Other expense was $4.5 million and $6.0 million for
the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
Other expense primarily represents amortization of deferred
financing costs and fees on unused credit commitments.
As a result of the factors described above, we generated net
income for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 of
$34.9 million and $10.1 million, respectively.
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, 2003 Compared to Year Ended
December 31, 2002 |
The following table sets forth the consolidated statement of
operations for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002
(dollars in thousands and percentage changes that are not
meaningful are marked NM):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
$ Change | |
|
% Change | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Revenues
|
|
$ |
552,342 |
|
|
$ |
512,792 |
|
|
$ |
39,550 |
|
|
|
7.7 |
% |
Costs and expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Service costs
|
|
|
214,091 |
|
|
|
207,053 |
|
|
|
7,038 |
|
|
|
3.4 |
% |
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses
|
|
|
120,137 |
|
|
|
105,407 |
|
|
|
14,730 |
|
|
|
14.0 |
% |
|
Management fee expense
|
|
|
9,322 |
|
|
|
6,967 |
|
|
|
2,355 |
|
|
|
33.8 |
% |
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
113,007 |
|
|
|
123,704 |
|
|
|
(10,697 |
) |
|
|
(8.6 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income
|
|
|
95,785 |
|
|
|
69,661 |
|
|
|
26,124 |
|
|
|
37.5 |
% |
Interest expense, net
|
|
|
(82,536 |
) |
|
|
(76,790 |
) |
|
|
(5,746 |
) |
|
|
7.5 |
% |
Gain on derivatives, net
|
|
|
2,807 |
|
|
|
(15,049 |
) |
|
|
17,856 |
|
|
|
NM |
|
Other expense
|
|
|
(5,974 |
) |
|
|
(5,066 |
) |
|
|
(908 |
) |
|
|
17.9 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$ |
10,082 |
|
|
$ |
(27,244 |
) |
|
$ |
37,326 |
|
|
|
NM |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32
The following table sets forth revenue information for the years
ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 (dollars in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
% of | |
|
|
|
% of | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount | |
|
Revenues | |
|
Amount | |
|
Revenues | |
|
$ Change | |
|
% Change | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Video
|
|
$ |
450,831 |
|
|
|
81.6 |
% |
|
$ |
433,069 |
|
|
|
84.4 |
% |
|
$ |
17,762 |
|
|
|
4.1 |
% |
Data
|
|
|
66,667 |
|
|
|
12.1 |
% |
|
|
45,026 |
|
|
|
8.8 |
% |
|
|
21,641 |
|
|
|
48.2 |
% |
Advertising
|
|
|
34,844 |
|
|
|
6.3 |
% |
|
|
34,697 |
|
|
|
6.8 |
% |
|
|
147 |
|
|
|
0.4 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
552,342 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
$ |
512,792 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
$ |
39,550 |
|
|
|
7.7 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues rose 7.7% attributable to a 43% increase in high-speed
data customers and basic rate increases applied on our video
customers, driven in large part by our own programming cost
increases.
Video revenues increased 4.1% as a result of the aforementioned
basic rate increases, partially offset by a 2.2% decline in
basic subscribers, after adjusting for small acquisitions and
divestitures during 2003. Our loss in basic subscribers resulted
primarily from greater competitive pressures by DBS service
providers, particularly in those markets where we experienced
their local-to-local
launches.
Data revenues rose 48.2% due, in large part, to a 43% increase
in data customers from 110,000 to 157,800.
Advertising revenues increased slightly by 0.4% primarily as a
result of weak conditions in local markets.
Service costs increased 4.0% over the prior year, which included
$3.0 million of one-time incremental costs related to our
transition to our Mediacom Online high-speed Internet access
service. These costs represented the excess over the agreed-upon
charges owed to our former high-speed provider that were
incurred in the first quarter of 2002. Excluding these
incremental costs, service costs would have increased 5.5% or
$11.3 million. Approximately 68% of this increase was due
to the growth in our data customers of 47,800, with the balance
primarily represented by increases in unit costs for basic
programming. The increase in total programming costs, however,
was primarily offset by the aforementioned decline in basic
subscribers as well as a decrease in analog premium service
units. As a percentage of revenues, service costs were 39.0% for
the year ended December 31, 2003, as compared to 40.4% for
the year ended December 31, 2002.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 12.8%,
principally due to higher customer support, bad debt and
marketing expenses, and higher taxes and fees. Customer support
expenses increased 38.2% as a result of higher staffing levels
and employee commissions. Bad debt expense rose 23.6% primarily
as a result of higher customer churn and the implementation
throughout the year of tighter customer credit controls.
Marketing expenses rose 18.4% to support the digital television
and data products and services, to cover the costs of
advertising campaigns we deployed to counter competitive
pressures from DBS, and to pay commissions to our marketing
personnel. Expenses relating to taxes and fees increased 11.2%
due to higher levels of franchise fees and property taxes. As a
percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative
expenses were 21.5% for the year ended December 31, 2003,
as compared with 20.6% for the year ended December 31, 2002.
Management fee expense increased 33.8% due to greater overhead
costs charged by Mediacom Communications. As a percentage of
revenues, management fee expense was 1.7% for the year ended
December 31, 2003, as compared with 1.4% for the year ended
December 31, 2002.
Depreciation and amortization decreased 8.6%, primarily due to
changes, effective July 1, 2003, in the estimated useful
lives of our cable systems and equipment in conjunction with the
completion of our network upgrade and rebuild program. These
changes reduced depreciation by $22.3 million for the year
ended December 31, 2003. This decrease was offset in part
by increased depreciation for investments in our cable
33
network and ongoing investments to continue the rollout of
products and services such as
video-on-demand,
high-definition television and high-speed Internet access. See
Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements.
Interest expense, net, increased 7.5%, primarily due to higher
average indebtedness, offset in part by a decrease in market
interest rates on our variable rate debt.
|
|
|
Gain (loss) on Derivative Instruments, net |
As of December 31, 2003 we had interest rate swaps with an
aggregate principal amount of $500.0 million, compared to
$400.0 million as of December 31, 2002. As a result of
the quarterly
mark-to-market
valuations of these interest rate swaps, we recorded a gain on
derivatives amounting to $2.8 million for the year ended
December 31, 2003, as compared to loss on derivative
instruments, net of $15.0 million for the year ended
December 31, 2002.
Other expense was $6.0 million for the year ended
December 31, 2003, as compared to $5.1 million for the
year ended December 31, 2002. Other expense primarily
represents amortization of deferred financing costs and fees on
unused credit commitments.
Due to the factors described above, net income was
$10.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, as
compared to a net loss of $27.2 million for the year ended
December 31, 2002.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As an integral part of our business plan, we have invested, and
will continue to invest, significant amounts in our cable
systems to enhance their reliability and capacity, which allows
for the introduction of new advanced broadband services. Our
capital investments, however, have recently shifted away from
upgrading the cable systems broadband network to the
deployment of new products and services, including digital
video, VOD, HDTV, DVRs, HSD and phone service. In the nine
months ended September 30, 2005, we made $84.8 million
of capital expenditures.
We have a significant level of debt. As of September 30,
2005, our total debt was $1.41 billion. Of this amount,
$42.0 million matures within the twelve months ending
September 30, 2006. We continue to extend our debt
maturities through the refinancing of debt, as discussed below.
Given our level of indebtedness, we also have significant
interest expense obligations. During the nine months ended
September 30, 2005, we paid cash interest of
$81.4 million. Our cash interest payments have historically
been higher in the first and third calendar quarters of the year
due to the timing of the cash interest payments on our
11% senior note.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2005, we
generated $69.9 million of net cash flows from operating
activities, which together the cash provided by financing
activities of $12.3 million and the $2.5 million
decrease in our cash balances, funded net cash flows used in
investing activities of $84.8 million. Our cash
requirements for investing activities were predominantly capital
expenditures during the nine months ended September 30,
2005.
We have a $1.4 billion bank credit facility that expires in
2014 and consists of a revolving credit commitment, a
$300.0 million term loan and a $500.0 million term
loan. In October 2005, we amended our credit facility
(i) to increase the revolving credit commitment portion
from approximately $543.0 million to approximately
$650.5 million, of which approximately $430.3 million
is not subject to scheduled reductions prior to the termination
date, and (ii) to extend the termination date of the
commitments not subject to reductions from March 2010 to
December 2012.
34
As of September 30, 2005, we had unused credit commitments
of $493.1 million under our bank credit facility, all of
which could be borrowed and used for general corporate purposes
based on the terms and conditions of our debt arrangements. As
of that same date, giving effect to the amendment, we had unused
credit commitments of $600.6 million, of which
$581.9 million could be borrowed and used for general
corporate purposes based on the terms and conditions of our debt
arrangements. For all periods through September 30, 2005,
we were in compliance with all of the covenants under our debt
arrangements. Continued access to our credit facilities is
subject to our remaining in compliance with the covenants of
these credit facilities, including covenants tied to our
operating performance. We believe that we will not have any
difficulty in the foreseeable future complying with these
covenants and that we will meet our current and long-term debt
service, capital spending and other cash requirements through a
combination of our net cash flows from operating activities,
borrowing availability under our bank credit facilities and our
ability to secure future external financing. However, there can
be no assurance that we will be able to obtain sufficient future
financing, or, if we were able to do so, that the terms would be
favorable to us.
Net cash flows provided by operating activities were
$69.9 million and $63.9 million for the nine months
ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. This
increase was principally due to the timing of cash receipts and
expenses in our working capital accounts, offset in part by a
decline in operating income.
Net cash flows provided by operating activities were
$106.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2004,
as compared to $96.6 million for the prior year, and
reflected an increase in operating income before depreciation
and amortization, slightly offset by a decrease in working
capital.
Net cash flows used in investing activities were
$84.8 million and $62.2 million for the nine months
ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. All of the
cash flows used in investing activities have been for capital
expenditures. Capital expenditures rose $23.2 million from
$61.6 million for the nine months ended September 30,
2004 to $84.8 million for the same period in 2005,
resulting mainly from greater levels of customer connection
activities and, to a lesser extent, from network upgrades and
the planned investment in our regional fiber network. The
capital expenditures to cover the higher customer connection
activity include increased unit purchases of customer premise
equipment, including the more expensive HDTV and DVR set-tops,
and the related installation costs of our technicians and
outside contractors.
Net cash flows used in investing activities were
$85.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2004, as
compared to $116.6 million for the prior year, and
principally comprised capital expenditures. For the year ended
December 31, 2004, we made capital expenditures of
$83.7 million, including $2.2 million to fund our
cable telephony initiative. This compares to $118.0 million
and $234.8 million we invested in 2003 and 2002,
respectively, which reflected significantly higher levels of
capital expenditures for network upgrade and rebuild activities
than in 2004.
Net cash flows provided by financing activities were
$12.3 million compared to net cash flows used in financing
activities of $7.6 million for the nine months ended
September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. During the nine
months ended September 30, 2005, our financing activities
included the following:
|
|
|
|
|
In May 2005, we refinanced a $496.3 million term loan with
a new term loan in the amount of $500.0 million. Borrowings
under the new term loan bear interest at a rate that is 0.5%
less than the interest rate of the term loan it replaced. The
new term loan matures in February 2014, whereas the term loan it
replaced had a maturity of September 2010. |
|
|
|
In January 2005, we borrowed $88.0 million in the form of a
demand note from Mediacom LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Mediacom Communications. We repaid the demand note in April 2005. |
35
|
|
|
|
|
In August 2005, we issued $200.0 million aggregate
principal amount of
81/2% senior
notes due October 2015 (the
81/2% Senior
Notes). The
81/2% Senior
Notes are unsecured obligations of Mediacom Broadband, and the
indenture governing the
81/2% Senior
Notes stipulates, among other things, restrictions on incurrence
of Indebtedness, distributions, mergers and asset sales and has
cross-default provisions related to other debt of Mediacom
Broadband. The proceeds from this offering were used to reduce
outstanding balances under our revolving credit facilities. We
incurred approximately $6.3 million in financing costs
related to the issuance of the
81/2% Senior
Notes, which included $3.3 million of original issue
discount. |
During the nine months ended September 30, 2005, we paid
dividends of $15.4 million to Mediacom Communications and
dividends on preferred members interest of
$13.5 million to Mediacom LLC.
Net cash flows used in financing activities were
$21.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2004, as
compared to $19.1 million of net cash flows provided by
financing activities the prior year, primarily due to a decrease
in net borrowings under our credit facility. In 2004, our net
borrowings were $9.3 million, compared to
$51.3 million for the prior year.
We have entered into interest rate exchange agreements with
counterparties, which expire from July 2006 through March 2007,
to hedge $400.0 million of floating rate debt. Under the
terms of all of our interest rate exchange agreements, we are
exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the
other parties of the agreements. However, due to the high
creditworthiness of our counterparties, which are major banking
firms with investment grade ratings, we do not anticipate their
nonperformance. As of September 30, 2005, about 71.0% of
our outstanding indebtedness was at fixed interest rates or
subject to interest rate protection and our annualized cost of
debt capital was approximately 7.4%.
As of September 30, 2005, approximately $9.9 million
of letters of credit were issued to various parties as
collateral for our performance relating primarily to insurance
and franchise requirements.
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments
The following table summarizes our contractual obligations and
commercial commitments, and the effects they are expected to
have on our liquidity and cash flow, for the five years
subsequent to September 30, 2005 and thereafter (dollars in
thousands)*:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital | |
|
Operating | |
|
Interest | |
|
|
|
|
Debt | |
|
Leases | |
|
Leases | |
|
Expense | |
|
Total | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
October 1, 2005 to September 30, 2006
|
|
$ |
40,625 |
|
|
$ |
1,347 |
|
|
$ |
1,835 |
|
|
$ |
114,501 |
|
|
$ |
158,308 |
|
October 1, 2006 to September 30, 2007
|
|
|
59,375 |
|
|
|
1,016 |
|
|
|
1,363 |
|
|
|
112,363 |
|
|
|
174,117 |
|
October 1, 2007 to September 30, 2008
|
|
|
65,000 |
|
|
|
98 |
|
|
|
1,024 |
|
|
|
109,384 |
|
|
|
175,506 |
|
October 1, 2008 to September 30, 2009
|
|
|
81,875 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
872 |
|
|
|
105,812 |
|
|
|
188,559 |
|
October 1, 2009 to September 30, 2010
|
|
|
89,625 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
711 |
|
|
|
98,030 |
|
|
|
188,366 |
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
1,072,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,153 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,073,653 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total cash obligations
|
|
$ |
1,409,000 |
|
|
$ |
2,461 |
|
|
$ |
6,958 |
|
|
$ |
540,089 |
|
|
$ |
1,958,508 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
Refer to Note 7 to our consolidated financial statements
for a discussion of our long-term debt. |
|
|
(1) |
Interest payments on floating rate debt and interest rate swaps
are estimated using amounts outstanding as of September 30,
2005 and the average interest rates applicable under such debt
obligations. |
Critical Accounting Policies
The foregoing discussion and analysis of our financial condition
and results of operations is based upon our consolidated
financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance
with accounting principles
36
generally accepted in the United States of America. The
preparation of these financial statements requires us to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Periodically,
we evaluate our estimates, including those related to doubtful
accounts, long-lived assets, capitalized costs and accruals. We
base our estimates on historical experience and on various other
assumptions that we believe are reasonable. Actual results may
differ from these estimates under different assumptions or
conditions. We believe that the application of the critical
accounting policies discussed below requires significant
judgments and estimates on the part of management. For a summary
of our accounting policies, see Note 1 of our audited
consolidated financial statements.
Revenues from video, data and phone services are recognized when
the services are provided to the customers. Credit risk is
managed by disconnecting services to customers who are
delinquent. Installation revenues obtained from the connection
of customers to our communications network are less than direct
installation costs.
Therefore, installation revenues are recognized as connections
are completed. Advertising sales are recognized in the period
that the advertisements are exhibited. Under the terms of our
franchise agreements, we are required to pay up to 5% of our
gross revenues, derived from providing cable services, to the
local franchising authorities. We normally pass these fees
through to our customers. Franchise fees are collected on a
monthly basis and are periodically remitted to local franchise
authorities. Franchise fees are reported in their respective
revenue categories and included in selling, general and
administrative expenses.
|
|
|
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts |
The allowance for doubtful accounts represents our best estimate
of probable losses in the accounts receivable balance. The
allowance is based on the number of days outstanding, customer
balances, historical experience and other currently available
information. During the three months ended September 30,
2005, we revised our estimate of probable losses in the accounts
receivable of our advertising business to better reflect
historical experience. The change in the estimate of probable
losses resulted in a benefit to the consolidated statement of
operations of $0.9 million for the three and nine months
ended September 30, 2005.
We have various fixed-term carriage contracts to obtain
programming for our cable systems from content suppliers whose
compensation is generally based on a fixed monthly fee per
customer. These programming contracts are subject to negotiated
renewal. We recognize programming costs when we distribute the
related programming. These programming costs are usually payable
each month based on calculations performed by us and are subject
to adjustments based on the results of periodic audits by the
content suppliers. Historically, such audit adjustments have
been immaterial to our total programming costs. Some content
suppliers offer financial incentives to support the launch of a
channel and ongoing marketing support. When such financial
incentives are received, we defer them within non-current
liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet and recognize such
amounts as a reduction of programming costs (which are a
component of service costs in our consolidated statement of
operations) over the carriage term of the programming contract.
|
|
|
Property, Plant and Equipment |
We capitalize the costs of new construction and replacement of
our cable transmission and distribution facilities; the addition
of network and other equipment, and new customer service
installations. Capitalized costs include all direct labor and
materials as well as certain indirect costs and are based on
historical construction and installation costs. Capitalized
costs are recorded as additions to property, plant and equipment
and depreciate over the life of the related asset. We perform
periodic evaluations of certain estimates used to determine the
amount and extent of such costs that are capitalized. Any
changes to these
37
estimates, which may be significant, are applied prospectively
in the periods in which the evaluations were completed.
In accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting
for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,
we periodically evaluate the recoverability and estimated
lives of our long-lived assets, including property and equipment
and intangible assets subject to amortization, whenever events
or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount
may not be recoverable or the useful life has changed. When the
carrying amount is not recoverable, the measurement for such
impairment loss is based on the fair value of the asset,
typically based upon the future cash flows discounted at a rate
commensurate with the risk involved. Any loss is included as a
component of either depreciation expense or amortization
expense, as appropriate, unless it is material to the period in
question whereby we would present it separately.
In accordance with SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and
Other Intangible Assets, the amortization of goodwill
and indefinite-lived intangible assets is prohibited and
requires such assets to be tested annually for impairment, or
more frequently if impairment indicators arise. We have
determined that our cable franchise costs are indefinite-lived
assets. We completed our most recent annual impairment test as
of October 1, 2004, which reflected no impairment of our
franchise costs and goodwill. As of September 30, 2005,
there were no events since then that would require an analysis
to be completed before the next annual test date.
We account for derivative instruments in accordance with
SFAS No. 133 Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities, SFAS No. 138
Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain
Hedging Activities-an amendment of FASB Statement
No. 133, and SFAS No. 149 Amendment
of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities. Our primary objective for holding derivative
financial instruments is to manage interest rate risk. Our
derivative instruments are recorded at fair value and are
included in other current assets, other assets and other
liabilities. Our accounting policies for these instruments are
based on whether they meet our criteria for designation as
hedging transactions, which include the instruments
effectiveness in risk reduction and, in most cases, a
one-to-one matching of
the derivative instrument to its underlying transaction. We have
no derivative financial instruments designated as hedges. Gains
and losses from changes in the
mark-to-market values
are currently recognized in the consolidated statement of
operations. Short-term valuation changes derived from changes in
market interest rates, time to maturity and the creditworthiness
of the counterparties may increase the volatility of earnings.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123R,
Amendment of Statement 123 on Share-Based
Payment. SFAS No. 123R requires companies to
expense the value of employee stock options, stock granted
through the employee stock purchase program and similar awards.
SFAS No. 123R was originally effective for interim
periods beginning after June 15, 2005. On April 14,
2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission approved a new rule
delaying the effective date until the beginning of a
companys next fiscal year that commences after
June 15, 2005.
SFAS No. 123R permits companies to adopt its
requirements using either a modified prospective
method, or a modified retrospective method. Under
the modified prospective method, compensation cost is
recognized in the financial statements beginning with the
effective date, based on the requirements of SFAS 123R for
all share-based payments granted after that date, and based on
the requirements of SFAS 123 for all unvested awards
granted prior to the effective date of SFAS 123R. Under the
modified retrospective method, the requirements are
the same as under the modified prospective method,
but also permits entities to restate financial statements of
previous periods based on proforma disclosures made in
accordance with SFAS 123.
38
We will adopt SFAS No. 123R effective January 1,
2006 and plans to utilize the modified prospective
method. We believe the adoption of SFAS No. 123R will
have a material impact on our consolidated statement of
operations. We currently utilize the Black-Scholes option
pricing model to measure the fair value of stock options granted
to employees. While SFAS 123R permits entities to continue
to use such a model, the standard also permits the use of a
lattice model. We have not yet determined which
model we will use to measure the fair value of employee stock
options granted after the adoption of SFAS 123R.
Inflation and Changing Prices
Our systems costs and expenses are subject to inflation
and price fluctuations. Such changes in costs and expenses can
generally be passed through to subscribers. Programming costs
have historically increased at rates in excess of inflation and
are expected to continue to do so. We believe that under the
Federal Communications Commissions existing cable rate
regulations we may increase rates for cable television services
to more than cover any increases in programming. However,
competitive conditions and other factors in the marketplace may
limit our ability to increase rates.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
In the normal course of business, we use interest rate swaps to
fix the interest rate on our variable interest rate debt. As of
September 30, 2005, we had $400.0 million of interest
rate swaps with various banks at a weighted average fixed rate
of approximately 3.4%. The fixed rates of the interest rate
swaps are offset against the applicable three-month London
Interbank Offering Rate to determine the related interest
expense. Under the terms of the interest rate exchange
agreements, which expire from 2006 through 2007, we are exposed
to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other
parties. However, due to the high creditworthiness of our
counterparties, which are major banking firms with investment
grade ratings, we do not anticipate their nonperformance. At
September 30, 2005, based on the
mark-to-market
valuation, we would have received approximately
$4.9 million, including accrued interest, if we terminated
these agreements.
The table below provides the expected maturity and estimated
fair value of our debt as of September 30, 2005 (dollars in
thousands). See Note 7 to our consolidated financial
statements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bank Credit | |
|
Capital Lease | |
|
|
|
|
Senior Notes | |
|
Facilities | |
|
Obligations | |
|
Total | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Expected Maturity:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 1, 2005 to September 30, 2006
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
40,625 |
|
|
$ |
1,347 |
|
|
$ |
41,972 |
|
October 1, 2006 to September 30, 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
59,375 |
|
|
|
1,016 |
|
|
|
60,391 |
|
October 1, 2007 to September 30, 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
65,000 |
|
|
|
98 |
|
|
|
65,098 |
|
October 1, 2008 to September 30, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
81,875 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
81,875 |
|
October 1, 2009 to September 30, 2010
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
89,625 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
89,625 |
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
600,000 |
|
|
|
472,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,072,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$ |
600,000 |
|
|
$ |
809,000 |
|
|
|
2,461 |
|
|
|
1,411,461 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Value
|
|
|
627,750 |
|
|
$ |
809,000 |
|
|
|
2,461 |
|
|
|
1,439,211 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted Average Interest Rate
|
|
|
10.2 |
% |
|
|
5.5 |
% |
|
|
3.1 |
% |
|
|
7.5 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
39
BUSINESS
Our Manager
We are a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mediacom Communications
Corporation, who is also our manager. Mediacom Communications is
the nations eighth largest cable television company based
on customers served and the leading cable operator focused on
serving the smaller cities and towns in the United States. As of
September 30, 2005, our managers cable systems, which
are owned and operated through our operating subsidiaries and
those of Mediacom LLC, which is also a wholly-owned subsidiary
of our manager, passed an estimated 2.80 million homes and
served approximately 1.43 million basic subscribers and
2.36 million RGUs. A basic subscriber is a customer who
subscribes to a package of cable television services. RGUs
represent the sum of basic subscribers, digital customers, HSD
customers and phone customers. Our manager is a publicly-owned
company whose Class A common stock is listed on the Nasdaq
National Market under the symbol MCCC.
Our managers principal executive offices are located at
100 Crystal Run Road, Middletown, New York 10941 and our
managers telephone number at that address is
(845) 695-2600. Our managers website is located at
www.mediacomcc.com. The information on our managers
website is not part of this prospectus.
Mediacom Broadband LLC
As of September 30, 2005, our cable systems passed an
estimated 1.46 million homes and served approximately
774,000 basic subscribers and 1.31 million RGUs. Through
our interactive broadband network we provide our customers with
a wide array of products and services, including analog and
digital video services, advanced video services such as VOD,
HDTV, DVRs, HSD, and phone service. We currently offer video and
HSD bundles and, with the introduction of cable telephony in
certain markets, we have begun to offer triple-play bundles of
video, HSD and voice services.
Business Strategy
Our strategy is to be the leading single-source provider of
advanced video, data and voice products and services in our
markets, which will allow us to deepen relationships with our
existing customers, attract new customers and further diversify
our revenue streams. We believe that our interactive broadband
network is the superior platform today for the delivery of these
products and services within our service areas. We have a local
presence, with facilities and employees in the communities where
our customers live. We believe that offering products and
services in bundles, together with reliable customer service and
our local community presence, will enable us to execute our
strategy and compete effectively.
We operate high-capacity, fiber-optic cable systems,
substantially all of which are activated with two-way
communications capability. We have also interconnected more than
90% of our estimated homes passed with a regional fiber network.
This year, we deployed synchronous optical network
(SONET) technology to our regional fiber network to
create full redundancy. SONET is a fiber-optic transmission
system using a self-healing ring architecture to reroute traffic
if a break in communications occurs. This technology allows us
to extend the reach and expand the capabilities of our broadband
network.
|
|
|
Product Development and New Applications |
Our network technology allows us to offer an array of advanced
video, data and voice products and services. As of
September 30, 2005, our digital cable service was available
to substantially all of our basic subscribers, and we served
approximately 280,000 digital customers. Our VOD and HDTV
services were available to approximately 86% and 100% of our
digital customers, respectively, and DVRs were available to our
entire digital customer base. As of the same date, HSD was
marketed to substantially all of the estimated homes passed by
our cable systems, and we served approximately 252,000 data
customers. As of the same date, phone services were marketed to
approximately 1.0 million of the estimated homes passed by
our cable
40
systems, and we served approximately 1,000 phone customers. We
will continue to capitalize on the capabilities of our network
technology to develop new products and services that will
further differentiate us from our competitors.
|
|
|
Bundling of Broadband Products and Services |
We believe that bundled products and services offer our
customers the convenience of having a single provider contact
for ordering, scheduling, provisioning, billing and customer
care. Our customers can also realize greater value through
bundle discounts as they obtain additional products and services
from us. We currently offer triple-play bundles of video, HSD
and voice services. We also believe that, as we become more
effective in bundling products and services, it will help us to
attract new customers and reduce customer churn.
Attaining higher levels of customer satisfaction is critical to
our success in the increasingly competitive environment we face
today. We continue to invest in our customer care personnel and
call center technology to improve our capabilities in customer
service and have attained internal customer service measures
that generally meet or exceed those standards established by the
National Cable and Telecommunications Association on a
24 hour per day, seven day per week basis. In 2004, we
completed our investment in virtual contact center technology
across our call centers and, as a result, raised our level of
customer service and improved the productivity of our call
center personnel.
Historically, one of our key objectives was to bridge the
digital divide, or technology gap, that had
developed between the smaller cities and towns and the large
urban markets in the United States. Today, due to the
significant investments we have made in our cable systems,
substantially all of the communities we serve now have access to
the latest in broadband products and services.
We continue our efforts to build good relationships with the
communities we serve by participating in a wide range of local
educational and community service initiatives. Our major
company-wide programs include the Mediacom Cable in the
Classroom program which provides approximately 1,350
schools with free video service and 205 schools with free
high-speed Internet access. We also provide free cable service
to over 1,100 government buildings, libraries, and
not-for-profit hospitals in our franchise areas. We develop and
offer exclusive local programming in our communities in an
effort to foster community awareness. For example, in the
communities we serve in Iowa, the Mediacom Connections channel
currently airs 60 to 70 hours of programming per week,
including high school and college sporting events and statewide
public affairs programs.
Products and Services
We receive a majority of our revenues from video subscription
services. Subscribers typically pay us on a monthly basis and
generally may discontinue services at any time. We design our
channel line-ups for each system according to demographics,
programming preferences, channel capacity, competition, price
sensitivity and local regulation. Monthly subscription rates and
related charges vary according to the type of service selected
and the type of equipment used by subscribers. Our video
services include the following:
|
|
|
Basic Service. Our basic service includes, for a monthly
fee, local broadcast channels, network and independent stations,
limited satellite-delivered programming, and local public,
government, home-shopping and leased access channels. |
|
|
Expanded Basic Service. Our expanded basic service
includes, for an additional monthly fee, various
satellite-delivered channels such as CNN, MTV, USA Network,
ESPN, Lifetime, Nickelodeon and TNT. |
41
|
|
|
Pay-Per-View Service. Our pay-per-view services allow
customers to pay to view a single showing of a feature film,
live sporting event, concert and other special event, on an
unedited, commercial-free basis. |
|
|
Digital Cable Service. Customers who subscribe to our
digital cable offerings receive up to 230 digital channels
in many of our cable systems. We currently offer several digital
cable programming packages that include digital basic channels,
multichannel premium services, pay-per-view movie and sports
channels, digital music channels, and an interactive on-screen
program guide. Our digital offerings of multichannel premium
services include premium channels in HD format and unlimited
access to subscription-based VOD (SVOD). We believe
that these offerings highlight both the value of our digital
cable services and our technologically advanced broadband
network, and encourage basic subscribers to upgrade to digital
cable service. Customers pay a monthly fee for digital cable
service, which varies according to the level of service and the
number of digital converters selected by the subscriber. A
digital converter or cable card is required to receive our
digital cable service. |
|
|
Video-On-Demand. Our VOD service provides on-demand
access to approximately 1,200 hours of movies, special
events and general interest titles stored at our headend
facilities. With this service, our customers enjoy full
functionality, including the ability to pause, rewind and fast
forward selected programming. Our VOD service is either free of
charge, offered as part of an SVOD premium package, such as
Starz!, Showtime or HBO, or ordered on a pay-per-view basis. We
currently offer VOD service to approximately 86% of our digital
customers. |
|
|
High-Definition Television. HDTV features improved,
high-resolution picture quality, improved audio quality and a
wide-screen, theater-like display. Our HDTV service includes
high definition signals for local broadcast stations that make
these signals available to us, and, as part of premium channel
subscriptions, Starz! HD, Showtime HD and HBO HD. We also
provide, as part of our HD Pak tier for an additional monthly
fee, certain premium HDTV programming, such as ESPNHD, HDNet,
HDNet Movies, Universal HD and Discovery HD. As of
September 30, 2005, 78 local broadcast channels in our
service areas were transmitting in HDTV, and we had secured
agreements to carry 43 of them. We currently offer HDTV service
in markets serving substantially all of our digital customers.
Our HDTV service requires the use of an advanced digital
converter for which we charge a monthly fee. |
|
|
Digital Video Recorders. We offer our customers digital
converters that have digital video recording capability. Using
the interactive program guide, our customers with DVRs can
record programming on the hard drive component of the digital
converter and view the recorded programming using the play,
pause, rewind and fast forward functions. The DVR can also pause
live television, and rewind or fast-forward it, as well as
record one show while watching another, or record two shows
simultaneously. The DVRs we provide our customers are
HDTV-capable. |
We offer several packages of HSD services with differing speeds
and prices. Our HSD services are always activated, and as a
result, the customer does not need to dial into an Internet
service provider and await authorization. Our HSD services
include our interactive portal, which provides multiple
e-mail addresses and
personal webspace for customers, as well as local content, such
as community Chamber of Commerce news, which we solicit and
support.
Through our network technology, we provide a range of advanced
data and communications services for the commercial market. We
leverage our existing cable systems and cable modem services to
offer small and medium-sized businesses a range of high-speed
data access products. For larger enterprise customers, we
capitalize on the broad reach and capabilities of our regional
fiber network, with nearly 3,000 route miles of high-capacity
fiber optic cable, to build customized solutions, which may
include transparent LAN services, virtual private networks, and
high-volume, high-speed data access.
42
In June 2005, we launched phone service in certain of our cable
systems. Our service uses technology that makes it possible to
have a telephone conversation over a dedicated Internet Protocol
(IP) network instead of dedicated voice transmission
lines. This allows the elimination of circuit switching and the
associated waste of bandwidth. Instead, packet switching is
used, where IP packets with voice data are sent over the network
only when data needs to be sent, i.e. when a caller is talking.
Its advantages over traditional telephony include: lower costs
per call, especially for long-distance calls; lower
infrastructure costs because once the IP infrastructure is
installed, little or no additional telephony infrastructure is
needed; and new advanced features.
Our telephony service competes primarily with the phone service
offered by the incumbent local phone company. Its features
include: unlimited local and long-distance calling throughout
the U.S. and North America; ability to keep the existing phone
number where local number portability is supported; the ability
to access enhanced Emergency 911 dialing; and the ability to use
existing phones and in-home wiring.
As of September 30, 2005, we marketed phone service to
approximately 1.0 million of the estimated homes passed by
our cable systems.
We generate revenues from the sale of advertising time on up to
44 satellite-delivered channels such as CNN, Lifetime,
Discovery, ESPN, TBS and USA. We have an advertising sales
infrastructure that includes in-house production facilities,
production and administrative employees and a locally based
sales workforce. In 2004, we completed the process of extending
our advertising infrastructure to our cable systems that
previously had third-party advertising agreements. In many of
our markets, we have entered into agreements with other cable
operators to jointly sell local advertising, simplifying our
prospective clients purchase of local advertising and
expanding the reach of advertising they purchase. In some of
these markets, we represent the advertising sales efforts of
other cable operators; in other markets, other cable operators
represent us.
Description of Our Cable Systems
The following table provides an overview of selected operating
and cable network data for our cable systems as of and for the
years ended:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ended | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30, | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2001 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Operating Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Core Video
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated homes passed(1)
|
|
|
1,458,000 |
|
|
|
1,456,000 |
|
|
|
1,472,500 |
|
|
|
1,463,000 |
|
|
|
1,430,000 |
|
Basic subscribers(2)
|
|
|
774,000 |
|
|
|
783,000 |
|
|
|
819,300 |
|
|
|
840,000 |
|
|
|
824,000 |
|
Basic penetration(3)
|
|
|
53.1 |
% |
|
|
53.8 |
% |
|
|
55.6 |
% |
|
|
57.4 |
% |
|
|
57.6 |
% |
Digital Cable
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Digital customers(4)
|
|
|
280,000 |
|
|
|
236,000 |
|
|
|
231,600 |
|
|
|
238,000 |
|
|
|
233,000 |
|
Digital penetration(5)
|
|
|
36.2 |
% |
|
|
30.1 |
% |
|
|
28.3 |
% |
|
|
28.3 |
% |
|
|
28.3 |
% |
Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Data customers(6)
|
|
|
252,000 |
|
|
|
205,000 |
|
|
|
157,800 |
|
|
|
110,000 |
|
|
|
77,000 |
|
Data penetration(7)
|
|
|
17.3 |
% |
|
|
14.1 |
% |
|
|
10.7 |
% |
|
|
7.5 |
% |
|
|
5.4 |
% |
Phone Service
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Phone customers(8)
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue Generating Units(9)
|
|
|
1,307,000 |
|
|
|
1,224,000 |
|
|
|
1,208,700 |
|
|
|
1,188,000 |
|
|
|
1,134,000 |
|
Customer Relationships(10)
|
|
|
798,000 |
|
|
|
802,000 |
|
|
|
834,100 |
|
|
|
851,000 |
|
|
|
833,000 |
|
Cable Network Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Miles of plant
|
|
|
19,600 |
|
|
|
19,500 |
|
|
|
19,750 |
|
|
|
19,500 |
|
|
|
19,100 |
|
Density(11)
|
|
|
75 |
|
|
|
75 |
|
|
|
75 |
|
|
|
75 |
|
|
|
75 |
|
43
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Represents the estimated number of single residence homes,
apartments and condominium units passed by the cable
distribution network in a cable systems service area. |
|
|
(2) |
Represents a dwelling with one or more television sets that
receives a package of over-the-air broadcast stations, local
access channels or certain satellite-delivered cable television
services. Accounts that are billed on a bulk basis, which
typically receive discounted rates, are converted into
full-price equivalent basic subscribers by dividing total bulk
billed basic revenues of a particular system by the most
prevalent combined limited and expanded cable rate charged to
basic subscribers in that system. Basic subscribers include
connections to schools, libraries, local government offices and
employee households that may not be charged for limited and
expanded cable services, but may be charged for digital cable,
VOD, HDTV, DVR or high-speed Internet service. Customers who
exclusively purchase high-speed Internet service are not counted
as basic subscribers. Our methodology of calculating the number
of basic subscribers may not be identical to those used by other
cable companies. |
|
|
(3) |
Represents basic subscribers as a percentage of estimated homes
passed. |
|
|
(4) |
Represents customers that receive digital cable services. |
|
|
(5) |
Represents digital customers as a percentage of basic
subscribers. |
|
|
(6) |
Represents residential data customers and small to medium-sized
commercial cable modem accounts billed at higher rates than
residential customers. Small to medium-sized commercial accounts
generally represent customers with bandwidth requirements of up
to 5 Mbps. These commercial accounts are converted to equivalent
residential data customers by dividing their associated revenues
by the applicable residential rate. Our data customers exclude
large commercial accounts and include an insignificant number of
dial-up customers. Our methodology of calculating data customers
may not be identical to those used by other cable companies. |
|
|
(7) |
Represents the number of total data customers as a percentage of
estimated homes passed. |
|
|
(8) |
Represents customers receiving phone services. |
|
|
(9) |
Represents the sum of basic subscribers, digital customers, data
customers and phone customers. |
|
|
(10) |
Represents the total number of customers that receive at least
one level of service, encompassing video and data services,
without regard to which service(s) customers purchase. |
|
(11) |
Represents estimated homes passed divided by miles of plant. |
Technology Overview
We believe in investing in our broadband network, our facilities
and other equipment to improve our competitive position. During
our planned network upgrade, which was completed in 2003, we
made substantial investments in our cable network. The primary
features of our network are:
|
|
|
|
|
hybrid fiber-optic coaxial, or HFC, architecture; |
|
|
|
100% of the network miles with bandwidth capacity of 550MHz to
870MHz; |
|
|
|
100% of estimated homes passed with two-way communications
capability; and |
|
|
|
the ability to provide advanced broadband services across
virtually our entire footprint. |
A central feature of our cable network is the deployment of high
capacity, HFC architecture. The HFC architecture combines the
use of fiber optic cable, which can carry hundreds of video,
data and voice channels over extended distances, with coaxial
cable, which requires more extensive signal amplification in
order to obtain the desired levels for delivering channels. In
most systems, we deliver our signals via fiber optic cable to
individual nodes serving an average of 350 homes or commercial
buildings. A node is a single connection to a cable
systems main, high-capacity fiber optic cable. Coaxial
cable is then connected from each node to the individual homes
or buildings. Our network design generally provides for six
strands of fiber to each node, with two strands active and four
strands reserved for future services. We believe that our design
provides high capacity and superior signal quality, as well as
providing reserve capacity for the addition of future services.
44
The following table describes the technological state of our
cable network as of September 30, 2005:
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage of Cable Network |
|
|
|
|
|
Greater Than | |
|
Two-Way | |
|
550 MHz | |
|
550 MHz | |
|
Capable | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
0.2% |
|
|
|
99.8% |
|
|
100% |
|
A headend facility is the location where signals are received
and processed for distribution over a cable system. As of
September 30, 2005, our cable systems were operated from 19
headend facilities. Fiber optics and advanced transmission
technologies make it cost effective to consolidate our headend
facilities, allowing us to realize operating efficiencies and
resulting in lower fixed capital costs on a per home basis as we
introduce new products and services.
As part of our headend consolidation program, which was
substantially completed in 2003, we deployed nearly 3,000 route
miles of fiber optic cable, creating a large regional fiber
network with the potential to provide advanced
telecommunications services to over 90% of our estimated homes
passed. In 2005, we installed SONET technology on our regional
fiber network in order to create full redundancy. SONET is a
fiber-optic transmission system using a self-healing ring
architecture to reroute traffic if a break in communications
occurs. This regional network has excess fiber optic capacity
which (i) can accommodate new and expanded products and
services, such as our commercial data business, and
(ii) allows us to reach more households and commercial
establishments from a single head end, making it more efficient
for us to introduce new and advanced services.
Programming Supply
We have various fixed-term contracts, to obtain directly and
indirectly, programming for our cable systems from programming
suppliers whose compensation is typically based on a fixed
monthly fee per customer. We negotiate programming contract
renewals both directly and through a programming cooperative of
which we are a member. Most of our contracts are secured
directly due to the need to tailor contracts to our specific
business concerns. We attempt to secure longer-term programming
contracts which may include marketing support and incentives
from programming suppliers.
We expect our programming costs to remain our largest single
expense item for the foreseeable future. In recent years, we
have experienced a substantial increase in the cost of our
programming, particularly sports programming, well in excess of
the inflation rate or the change in the consumer price index.
Our programming costs will continue to rise in the future due to
increased costs to purchase programming and as we provide
additional programming to our customers.
We also have various retransmission consent arrangements with
commercial broadcast stations, which generally expire in
December 2005. In some cases, retransmission consents have been
contingent upon our carriage of satellite delivered cable
programming offered by companies affiliated with the
stations owners or the broadcast network carried by such
stations.
Customer Service
System reliability, a motivated and productive workforce and
customer satisfaction are cornerstones of our business strategy.
We expect that investments in our cable network and our regional
contact centers significantly strengthen customer service,
enhance the reliability of our cable network and allow us to
introduce new services to our customers. We benefit from
locally-based customer technical support staff who are available
to visit customers premises if problems arise. We maintain
three regional contact centers staffed with dedicated customer
service representatives, or CSRs, and technical service
representatives, or TSRs, who are available to respond to
customer calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We
believe our regional contact centers allow us to effectively
manage resources and reduce response times to customer
inquiries. TSRs handle our HSD customers, ensuring prompt and
efficient resolution of technical inquiries or issues.
45
In 2004, we completed the implementation of virtual contact
center technology to provide our customers with extensive
self-service capabilities, such as making a payment and
verifying service appointments, and to enable us to re-route
customer calls among our three regional contact centers and
other satellite offices to minimize hold times. Our virtual
contact centers also give our CSRs and TSRs instant access to
the calling customers file and our products and services
in the customers market. We believe our virtual contact
centers will help us ensure the most efficient utilization of
our call center personnel and the most effective customer
interactions. Reinforcing our commitment to customer service, we
have attained customer service standards that meet or exceed
those standards established by the National Cable and
Telecommunications Association. Also in 2004, we completed the
rollout of interactive voice response, or IVR, technology, and
today over 30% of all inbound calls to our customer contact
centers are handled through the IVR, further enhancing the
efficiencies of our customer service operations.
We continue to invest in personnel, equipment and technology to
improve our customer care. In 2004, we implemented a web-based
customer service platform called
e-Care for bill
presentment purposes, and we are currently expanding our
e-Care capabilities to
include customer self-fulfillment.
Community Relations
We are dedicated to fostering strong community relations in the
communities served by our cable systems. We support local
charities and community causes in various ways, including staged
events and promotional campaigns to raise funds and supplies for
persons in need and in-kind donations that include production
services and free airtime on cable networks. We participate in
the Cable in the Classroom program, which provides
approximately 1,350 schools with free video service and 205
schools with free high-speed Internet service. We also provide
free cable television service to over 1,100 government
buildings, libraries and not-for-profit hospitals in our
franchise areas.
We also develop and offer exclusive local programming to our
communities, a capability not available to direct broadcast
satellite service providers, our primary competition in the
video business. Several of our cable systems have production
facilities for the creation of local programming, which includes
local school sports events, fund-raising telethons by local
chapters of national charitable organizations, local concerts
and other entertainment. In Iowa, we are the exclusive
broadcaster of city council meetings, the Little League
Championships in Des Moines and the Iowa High School State
Football Championships. We believe increasing our emphasis on
local programming builds customer loyalty.
Franchises
Cable systems are generally operated under non-exclusive
franchises granted by local governmental authorities. These
franchises typically contain many conditions, such as: time
limitations on commencement and completion of construction;
conditions of service, including number of channels, types of
programming and the provision of free service to schools and
other public institutions; and the maintenance or posting of
insurance or indemnity bonds by the cable operator. Many of the
provisions of local franchises are subject to federal regulation
under the Communications Act of 1934, or Communications Act, as
amended.
As of September 30, 2005, we held 390 cable television
franchises. These franchises provide for the payment of fees to
the issuing authority. In most of the cable systems, such
franchise fees are passed through directly to the customers. The
Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984, or 1984 Cable Act,
prohibits franchising authorities from imposing franchise fees
in excess of 5% of gross revenues from specified cable services
and also permits the cable operator to seek renegotiation and
modification of franchise requirements if warranted by changed
circumstances.
46
Substantially all of the basic subscribers of our cable systems
are in service areas that require a franchise. The table below
groups the franchises of our cable systems by year of expiration
and presents the approximate number and percentage of basic
subscribers for each group as of September 30, 2005.
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
Number | |
|
Number | |
|
Number of | |
|
Percentage of | |
|
|
of | |
|
of Total | |
|
Basic | |
|
Total Basic | |
Year of Franchise Expiration |
|
Franchises | |
|
Franchises | |
|
Subscribers | |
|
Subscribers | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
September 30, 2005 through 2008
|
|
|
153 |
|
|
|
39.2% |
|
|
|
371,000 |
|
|
|
47.9% |
|
2009 and thereafter
|
|
|
237 |
|
|
|
60.8% |
|
|
|
403,000 |
|
|
|
52.1% |
|
Total
|
|
|
390 |
|
|
|
100.0% |
|
|
|
774,000 |
|
|
|
100.0% |
|
We have never had a franchise revoked or failed to have a
franchise renewed. In addition, substantially all of our
franchises eligible for renewal have been renewed or extended
prior to their stated expirations, and no franchise community
has refused to consent to a franchise transfer to us. The 1984
Cable Act provides, among other things, for an orderly franchise
renewal process in which franchise renewal will not be
unreasonably withheld or, if renewal is denied and the
franchising authority acquires ownership of the cable system or
effects a transfer of the cable system to another person, the
cable operator generally is entitled to the fair market
value for the cable system covered by such franchise. In
addition, the 1984 Cable Act established comprehensive renewal
procedures, which require that an incumbent franchisees
renewal application be assessed on its own merits and not as
part of a comparative process with competing applications. We
believe that we have satisfactory relationships with our
franchising communities.
Competition
Our manager is the eighth largest cable television company based
on subscribers and we compete with various communications and
entertainment providers. Our competitive positioning is
significantly influenced by several factors, such as changes in
technology and regulation and the corporate size and
affiliations of our competitors. We operate in a constantly
changing technological environment, and new technologies may
give rise to new products and services that compete against our
own. Recent regulatory policies have created a more favorable
operating environment for new and existing technologies that
provide, or may provide, both opportunities and threats.
Acquisitions or combinations that significantly change a
companys size, or permanent and temporary alliances also
impact competitiveness as these may provide benefits, such as
improved access to resources (including financing, content and
equipment), efficiencies of scale and the ability to provide
multiple services. We expect the number and types of our
competitors to increase as the expansion of our products and
services brings us into new businesses and as new providers of
alternative products and services enter our markets. We are
unable to predict the effects, if any, of such future
developments on our business.
We also face growing competition from municipal entities that
construct facilities and provide cable television, HSD,
telephony and/or other related services. In addition to
hard-wired facilities, some municipal entities are exploring
building wireless fidelity networks to deliver these services.
In Iowa, our largest market, an organization named Opportunity
Iowa, is actively encouraging Iowa municipalities to construct
facilities that could be used to provide services that compete
with the services we offer.
In video services our principal competitors are direct broadcast
satellite (DBS) services. In high-speed data we
compete with digital subscriber line (DSL) services
in markets where it has been made available by telephone
companies. In phone services we compete with providers of
various types of telephone services, including providers of
traditional circuit switched and wireless telephony. Telephone
companies now bundle voice and data and are currently marketing
DBS video as part of their product bundles. Major telephone
companies have also begun to carry out their announced plans to
construct new fiber networks over the next several years, which
will allow them to offer video services over their own networks.
These phone companies may become significant direct video
competitors if they deploy new fiber networks and offer video,
data and voice bundles on a large scale in our markets.
We seek to compete effectively by using our broadband network to
continue to provide a rich variety of video programming and new
products and services including VOD, HDTV, DVRs, HSD and,
beginning this
47
year, cable telephony. We believe our ability to deliver
multiple services from a single platform and to bundle these
services strengthens our competitive position. We also believe
it is important for us to continue to provide high quality
customer service and foster good community relationships through
our locally-based personnel and facilities.
Video
|
|
|
Direct Broadcast Satellite Providers |
DBS service providers are the cable industrys most
significant competitors, having grown their customer base
rapidly over the past several years, far exceeding the basic
subscriber growth rate of the cable industry. According to
recent industry reports, DBS service providers currently deliver
video programming services to over 24 million customers in
the United States. The two largest DBS companies, DIRECTV, Inc.,
or DIRECTV and EchoStar Communications Corporation, or EchoStar,
provide service to substantially all of these DBS customers and
are each among the four largest providers of multichannel video
programming services based on reported customers. The News
Corporation Limited, or News Corporation, which acquired a
controlling interest in DIRECTV in 2003, owns the Fox Television
Network and several cable programming services, as well as DBS
operations in Europe, Asia and Latin America. Affiliation with
News Corporation could provide DIRECTV with access to financial,
programming and other resources that strengthen its competitive
position. In early 2005, EchoStar entered into a definitive
agreement to acquire from Cablevision Systems Corporation the
broadcast satellite and certain related assets of VOOM, a
recently launched DBS service offering primarily HDTV services
on a national basis. DBS service providers have also entered
into alliances with certain telephone companies that allow the
telephone companies to bundle DBS video with their voice and
data services.
DBS differs from cable television in certain areas that impact
competitiveness. DBS service providers use high-powered
satellites to offer their customers services with typically more
than 300 channels of programming. DBS service can be received
virtually anywhere in the continental United States through the
installation of a small rooftop or side-mounted antenna, with
the only requirement being an unobstructed view of the southern
sky. DBS service providers do not pay the franchise fees of up
to 5% of revenues and property taxes that cable operators are
required by many localities to pay. These fundamental
differences allow DBS providers to offer uniform nationwide
service, pricing and branding, giving them greater operating
efficiencies overall and allowing them to compete effectively.
Furthermore, the initial investment by a DBS customer for
equipment has decreased substantially with offers by DBS service
providers of discounted or free equipment, installation and
multiple units.
DBS service providers have also benefited meaningfully from a
change in legislation in 1999 that allowed them to deliver local
broadcast signals, eliminating a significant competitive
advantage which we and other cable system operators had over
them. As of September 30, 2005, DBS service providers
delivered local broadcast stations in markets representing an
estimated 92% of our basic subscribers.
The technological limitations of DBS give us and other cable
operators certain advantages. DBS technology has limited two-way
interactivity, which restricts its ability to compete in
interactive video, HSD and voice services. In contrast, our
broadband network allows full two-way interactivity and greater
varieties of advanced services. In video, we are able to offer
VOD, SVOD and DVR products and services while DBS is limited to
DVRs. We also believe our cable-delivered VOD and SVOD services
are superior to DBS DVR service, as our VOD/ SVOD customer can
access and independently control thousands of titles stored at a
headend facility, while a DBS DVR customer is limited to the
much smaller number of titles that can be stored in the disk
drive of the DVR box sitting in the home. We are also able to
deliver greater quantities of HDTV programming for the
foreseeable future, as DBS service providers currently face
technological and other limitations on their ability to deliver
local HDTV broadcast signals in most of our markets.
Our broadband network allows single platform delivery of video,
HSD and cable telephony. DBS service providers and certain phone
companies have partnered to provide these services in bundles.
However, we believe our ability to deliver comparable bundles
from one platform is an advantage, as it allows us to provide
customers a single provider contact for ordering, provisioning,
billing and customer care.
48
We also believe our subscribers continue to prefer our
meaningful presence in their communities and the proprietary
local content we produce and broadcast in several of our
systems. DBS service providers are not locally-based and do not
have the ability to offer locally-produced programming.
Cable television systems are operated under non-exclusive
franchises granted by local authorities. More than one cable
system may legally be built in the same area by another cable
operator, a local utility or another service provider. Some of
these competitors, such as municipally-owned entities, may be
granted franchises on more favorable terms or conditions or
enjoy other advantages such as exemptions from taxes or
regulatory requirements to which we are subject. Well-financed
businesses from outside the cable industry, such as utilities
which already possess or are developing fiber optic and other
transmission facilities in the areas they serve, are also
competitors. We believe that various entities are currently
offering cable service to an estimated 15.9% of the estimated
homes passed in the service areas of our franchises.
We also face growing competition from municipal entities that
construct facilities and provide cable television, HSD,
telephone and/or other related services. In addition to
hard-wired facilities, some municipal entities are exploring
building wireless fidelity networks to deliver these services.
In Iowa, our largest market, an organization named Opportunity
Iowa began in early 2004 to actively encourage Iowa
municipalities to construct facilities that could be used to
provide services that compete with the services we offer.
Referenda were on the November 2005 ballot in thirty-two
municipalities to authorize the formation of a communications
utilities, a prerequisite to funding and construction of systems
that may compete with ours. Referenda were successfully passed
in seventeen of those communities. In many of the communities
that passed a referendum, proponents and officials publicly
stated that a second vote would be taken prior to any actual
construction or funding of a competitive system, and only after
a preliminary cost-benefit analysis is undertaken. Despite the
public statements, it is possible that certain of these
communities may proceed to with funding and construction without
holding a second referendum or completing a cost benefit
analysis.
Other Iowa communities may also hold elections to authorize the
creation of a telecommunications utility in their communities.
Proponents or officials in those communities may not take the
same approach with regard to a second vote or a cost-benefit
analysis.
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|
|
Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Systems |
Multichannel multipoint distribution systems (MMDS),
or wireless cable systems, deliver programming services over
microwave channels licensed by the FCC and received by
subscribers with special antennas. These wireless cable systems
are less capital intensive and subject to fewer regulatory
requirements than cable systems, and are not required to obtain
local franchises or pay franchise fees. Although relatively few
wireless cable systems in the United States are currently in
operation or under construction, virtually all markets have been
licensed or tentatively licensed. The use of digital compression
technology, and the FCCs recent amendment to its rules to
permit reverse path or two-way transmission over wireless
facilities, enable multichannel multipoint distribution systems
to deliver more channels and additional services, including
Internet related services. Digital compression technology refers
to the conversion of the standard video signal into a digital
signal and the compression of that signal to facilitate multiple
channel transmissions through a single channels signal.
Generally, wireless cable operators are now concentrated on data
transmission services rather than video-service. We have very
limited competition from MMDS operators.
|
|
|
Private Cable Television Systems |
Private cable television systems, known as satellite master
antenna television (SMATV) systems, compete with
conventional cable television systems for the right to service
condominiums, apartment complexes and other multiple dwelling
unit facilities. SMATV systems typically use a single satellite
dish for an entire building or complex to provide improved
reception of local television stations and many of the same
satellite-delivered programming services offered by franchised
cable systems. SMATV systems typically are not subject to
regulation like local franchised cable operators.
49
Under the Telecommunications Act of 1996, or 1996 Telecom Act,
SMATV systems can interconnect non-commonly owned buildings
without having to comply with local, state and federal
regulatory requirements that are imposed upon cable systems
providing similar services, as long as they do not use public
rights of way. The FCC has held that the latter provision is not
violated so long as interconnection across public rights of way
is provided by a third party.
SMATV system operators often enter into exclusive agreements
with apartment building owners or homeowners associations
that preclude franchised cable television operators from serving
residents of such private complexes. However, the 1984 Cable Act
gives franchised cable operators the right to use existing
compatible easements within their franchise areas on
nondiscriminatory terms and conditions. Accordingly, where there
are preexisting dedicated compatible easements, cable operators
may not be unfairly denied access or discriminated against with
respect to access to the premises served by those easements.
Conflicting judicial decisions have been issued interpreting the
scope of the access right granted by the 1984 Cable Act with
respect to easements located entirely on private property.
|
|
|
Providers of Broadcast Television and Other
Entertainment |
The extent to which a cable system competes with
over-the-air
broadcasting, which provides signals that a viewer is able to
receive directly, depends upon the quality and quantity of the
broadcast signals available by direct antenna reception compared
to the quality and quantity of such signals and alternative
services offered by a cable system. As local
over-the-air
broadcasters continue their federally-mandated transition to
digital-only signal formats, the extent to which those local
broadcasters offer digital feeds of their analog programming,
additional programming on other digital channels and/or HDTV
signals may increase competition for customers with digital or
HDTV receivers where such signals are not carried on the cable
system. The FCC has issued digital television (DTV)
licenses that give traditional broadcasters the ability to
deliver HDTV and advanced digital services such as data
transmission and subscription video.
Over-the-air DTV
subscription service is now available in a few cities in the
United States.
Cable systems also face competition from other sources of
entertainment such as live sporting events, movie theaters and
home video products, including videotape recorders and videodisc
players.
Telephone companies
The 1996 Telecom Act eliminated many restrictions on the ability
of local telephone companies to offer video programming. In
addition to their joint-marketing alliances with DBS service
providers, certain local telephone companies have recently
announced that they are now constructing new fiber networks to
replace their existing networks, which will enhance their
ability to offer video services in addition to improved voice
and high speed data services. If these and other telephone
companies decide to rebuild their networks in our markets and
offer video services they will compete with us and other video
providers, which includes DBS service providers.
Local telephone companies may have a number of different ways to
enter the video programming business, some of which do not
require obtaining a local franchise. Local telephone companies
and other potential competitors have the ability to certify
their competing video service as an open video
system. Open video system operators are not subject to certain
requirements imposed by the 1984 Cable Act upon more traditional
cable operators. Legislation recently passed in one state (in
which we do not currently operate cable systems) and similar
legislation is pending or has been proposed in certain other
states and in Congress that could allow local telephone
companies to deliver services that would compete with our cable
service without obtaining equivalent local franchises.
High speed data
We offer HSD, or cable modem service, in many of our cable
systems. Our cable modem service competes mainly with the
high-speed Internet access services offered by local and long
distance telephone companies. These competitors have substantial
resources.
50
DSL services offered by telephone companies provide Internet
access at data transmission speeds greater than that of standard
telephone line or
dial-up
modems, putting DSL service in direct competition with our cable
modem service. Telephone companies that have made the necessary
plant investment have introduced DSL services in many of our
markets, however, we believe their serviceable areas currently
do not match our network reach in those markets. The FCC has an
ongoing rulemaking proceeding that may materially reduce
existing regulation of DSL service, essentially freeing such
service from traditional telecommunications regulation. Federal
legislation or judicial decisions may also reduce regulation of
Internet services offered by incumbent telephone companies.
As discussed above, certain major telephone companies are
currently constructing new fiber networks. These companies have
indicated that this will create a new platform that will allow
them to offer significantly faster high-speed data services
compared to the offerings available under current DSL technology.
DBS service providers are currently offering two alternatives of
satellite-delivered high-speed data. The first is a one-way
service that utilizes a telephone return path, in contrast to
our two-way, high-speed service, which does not require a
telephone line. The other alternative is a two-way, high-speed
service, which requires additional equipment purchases by the
customer and is offered at higher prices than our own equivalent
service. Due to these differences we believe our high-speed data
service is superior to the satellite-delivered service.
Some Internet service providers or ISPs offer
dial-up Internet access
service over standard telephone lines in our markets.
Dial-up service
operates at much lower speeds than cable modem service and is
therefore not competitive with our high-speed data service. A
number of these ISPs have asked local authorities and the FCC to
give them rights of access to cable systems broadband
infrastructure so that they can deliver their services directly
to cable systems customers. This kind of access is often
called open access. Many local franchising
authorities have examined the issue of open access and a few
have required cable operators to provide such access. Several
Federal courts have ruled that localities are not authorized to
require open access. The FCC has classified cable modem service
as an information service, not as a
telecommunications service. As an information
service, the FCC has held that cable systems are not required to
open their networks for use by others to provide ISP services.
Although the United States Supreme Court recently held that
cable modem service was properly classified by the FCC as an
information service, freeing it from regulation as a
telecommunications service, it recognized that the
FCC has jurisdiction to impose regulatory obligations on
facilities based Internet Service Providers. The FCC has an
ongoing rulemaking to determine whether to impose regulatory
obligations on such providers, including us. While we cannot
predict the outcome of this proceeding, we do note that the FCC
recently removed the requirement that telecommunications
carriers provide access to competitors to resell their DSL
Internet access service citing the need for competitive parity
with cable modem service which has no similar access
requirement. If we were required to provide open access to ISPs
as a result of FCC action, other companies could use our cable
system infrastructure to offer Internet services competitive
with our own.
Certain telecommunications companies are seeking to provide
high-speed broadband services, including interactive online
services, using wireless technologies that may transcend present
service boundaries and avoid certain regulatory restrictions.
Moreover, some electric utilities have announced plans to
deliver broadband services over their electrical distribution
networks. The FCC has an on-going rulemaking which, to date,
appears limited to basic regulations to avoid technical
interference with existing services. If electric utilities
provide broadband services over their existing electrical
distribution networks, they could become formidable competitors
given their resources.
We began to roll out our cable telephony service in certain
markets beginning in the second quarter of 2005 and plan to
expand to additional markets through the end of 2006. Our phone
service provides both local and long distance calling. As such,
it directly competes with the incumbent local phone company and
long-distance service providers. Other competitors include
competitive local exchange carriers, which are non-incumbent
local phone companies that provide local services and access to
long distance services over their
51
own networks or over leased networks, wireless telephone
carriers and IP-based service providers. IP phone is becoming
more widely deployed by an increasing number of
telecommunication service providers, which may result in
heightened competition for our cable telephony service. We
believe the addition of cable telephony to our video and data
service bundles helps us compete with other providers of bundled
services, including telephone companies that bundle DBS video
with their voice and data services, and the new providers of IP
phone service.
Advances in communications technology, as well as changes in the
marketplace and the regulatory and legislative environment, are
constantly occurring. The FCC has authorized a new interactive
television service that permits non-video transmission of
information between an individuals home and entertainment
and information service providers. This service, which can be
used by DBS systems, television stations and other video
programming distributors, including cable systems, is an
alternative technology for the delivery of interactive video
services. It does not appear at the present time that this
service will have a material impact on the operations of cable
systems.
The FCC has allocated spectrum in the 28GHz range for a new
multichannel wireless service called Local Multipoint
Distribution Service that can be used to provide video and
telecommunications services. The FCC completed the process of
awarding licenses to use this spectrum via a market-by-market
auction. We do not know whether such a service would have a
material impact on the operations of cable systems.
The 1996 Telecom Act directed the FCC to establish, and the FCC
has adopted, regulations and policies for the issuance of
licenses for digital television to incumbent television
broadcast licensees. Digital television can deliver
high-definition television pictures and multiple digital-quality
program streams, as well as
CD-quality audio
programming and advanced digital services, such as data transfer
or subscription video. The FCC also has authorized television
broadcast stations to transmit text and graphic information that
may be useful to both consumers and businesses. The FCC also
permits commercial and non-commercial FM stations to use their
subcarrier frequencies to provide non-broadcast services,
including data transmission.
The quality of real-time or streaming of video over the Internet
and into homes and businesses continues to improve. These
services are also becoming more available as the use of high
speed Internet access becomes more widespread. In the future, it
is possible that video streaming will compete with the video
services offered by cable operators and other providers of video
services. For instance, certain broadcast and cable programming
suppliers have announced agreements to market their content on a
per-episode basis directly to consumers through video streaming
over the Internet, bypassing cable operators or DBS providers as
video distributors, although the cable operators may remain as
the providers of high speed Internet access service.
Employees
As of September 30, 2005, we employed 2,140 full-time
employees and 34 part-time employees. Approximately 30 of
our employees have organized but are not covered by a collective
bargaining agreement. We consider our relations with our
employees to be satisfactory.
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LEGISLATION AND REGULATION
General
Federal, state and local laws regulate the development and
operation of cable communications systems. In the following
paragraphs, we summarize the federal laws and regulations
materially affecting us and other cable operators and the level
of competition that we face. We also provide a brief description
of certain relevant state and local laws. Currently few laws or
regulations apply to Internet services. Existing federal, state
and local laws and regulations and state and local franchise
requirements are currently the subject of judicial proceedings,
legislative hearings and administrative proceedings that could
change, in varying degrees, the manner in which cable systems
operate. Neither the outcome of these proceedings nor their
impact upon the cable industry or our business or operations can
be predicted at this time.
Federal regulation
The principal federal statutes governing the cable industry, the
Communications Act of 1934, as amended by the Cable
Communications Policy Act of 1984, the Cable Television Consumer
Protection and Competition Act of 1992 and the
Telecommunications Act of 1996 (collectively, the Cable
Act), establish the federal regulatory framework for the
industry. The Cable Act allocates principal responsibility for
enforcing the federal policies among the Federal Communications
Commission, or FCC and state and local governmental authorities.
The Cable Act and the regulations and policies of the FCC affect
significant aspects of our cable system operations, including:
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subscriber rates; |
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the content of the programming we offer to subscribers, as well
as the way we sell our program packages to subscribers; |
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the use of our cable systems by the local franchising
authorities, the public and other unrelated companies; |
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our franchise agreements with local governmental authorities; |
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cable system ownership limitations and prohibitions; and |
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our use of utility poles and conduit. |
The FCC and some state regulatory agencies regularly conduct
administrative proceedings to adopt or amend regulations
implementing the statutory mandate of the Cable Act. At various
times, interested parties to these administrative proceedings
challenge the new or amended regulations and policies in the
courts with varying levels of success. Further court actions and
regulatory proceedings may occur that might affect the rights
and obligations of various parties under the Cable Act. The
results of these judicial and administrative proceedings may
materially affect the cable industry and our business and
operations.
Subscriber rates
The Cable Act and the FCCs regulations and policies limit
the ability of cable systems to raise rates for basic services
and customer equipment. No other rates are subject to
regulation. Federal law exempts cable systems from all rate
regulation in communities that are subject to effective
competition, as defined by federal law and where affirmatively
declared by the FCC. Federal law defines effective competition
as existing in a variety of circumstances that historically were
rarely satisfied but are increasingly likely to be satisfied
with the recent increase in DBS penetration and the announced
plans of some local phone companies to offer comparable video
service. Although the FCC is conducting a proceeding that may
streamline the process for obtaining effective competition
determinations, neither the outcome of this proceeding nor its
impact upon the cable industry or our business or operations can
be predicted at this time.
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Where there is no effective competition to the cable
operators services, federal law gives local franchising
authorities the ability to regulate the rates charged by the
operator for:
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the lowest level of programming service offered by the cable
operator, typically called basic service, which includes, at a
minimum, the local broadcast channels and any public access or
governmental channels that are required by the operators
franchise; |
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the installation of cable service and related service
calls; and |
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the installation, sale and lease of equipment used by
subscribers to receive basic service, such as converter boxes
and remote control units. |
Local franchising authorities who wish to regulate basic service
rates and related equipment rates must first affirmatively seek
and obtain FCC certification to regulate by following a
simplified FCC certification process and agreeing to follow
established FCC rules and policies when regulating the cable
operators rates. Currently, the majority of the
communities we serve have not sought such certification to
regulate our rates.
Several years ago, the FCC adopted detailed rate regulations,
guidelines and rate forms that a cable operator and the local
franchising authority must use in connection with the regulation
of basic service and equipment rates. The FCC adopted a
benchmark methodology as the principal method of regulating
rates. However, if this methodology produces unacceptable rates,
the operator may also justify rates using either a detailed
cost-of-service
methodology or an add-on to the benchmark rate based on the
additional capital cost and certain operating expenses resulting
from qualifying upgrades to the cable plant. The Cable Act and
FCC rules also allow franchising authorities to regulate
equipment rates on the basis of actual cost plus a reasonable
profit, as defined by the FCC.
If the local franchising authority concludes that a cable
operators rates are too high under the FCCs rate
rules, the local franchising authority may require the cable
operator to reduce rates and to refund overcharges to
subscribers, with interest. The cable operator may appeal
adverse local rate decisions to the FCC.
The FCCs regulations allow a cable operator to modify
regulated rates on a quarterly or annual basis to account for
changes in:
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the number of regulated channels; |
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inflation; and |
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certain external costs, such as franchise and other governmental
fees, copyright and retransmission consent fees, taxes,
programming fees and franchise-imposed obligations. |
The Cable Act and/or the FCCs regulations also:
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require cable operators to charge uniform rates throughout each
franchise area that is not subject to effective competition; |
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prohibit regulation of non-predatory bulk discount rates offered
by cable operators to subscribers in multiple dwelling
units; and |
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permit regulated equipment rates to be computed by aggregating
costs of broad categories of equipment at the franchise, system,
regional or company level. |
The FCC recently conducted an inquiry into the advisability of
mandating the a-la-carte offering of programming, as opposed to
the cable industrys practice of packaging numerous
channels into tiers. Although the FCC recommended against an
a-la-carte mandate, more recently, it indicated that it was
reevaluating whether it had the legal authority to, and whether
it would, require cable operators to offer, on an a-la-carte
basis, video programming that is currently offered only as part
of a tier of programming. As an alternative to a-la-carte
programming, some commissioners at the FCC have also publicly
called for cable operators to create new tiers of
family-friendly programming that would provide a
tier devoid of cable programming that is alleged to be indecent
or inappropriate for children. Certain cable operators have
responded by creating family-friendly programming
tiers. It is not certain whether those efforts will ultimately
be regarded as a
54
sufficient response. Congress may also consider legislation
regarding programming packaging, bundling or a-la-carte delivery
of programming. Any such requirements could fundamentally change
the way in which we package and price our services. We cannot
predict the outcome of any future FCC proceedings or litigation
in this area, or the impact of such proceedings on our business
at this time.
Content requirements
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Must carry and retransmission consent |
The FCCs regulations contain broadcast signal carriage
requirements that allow local commercial television broadcast
stations to elect once every three years whether to require a
cable system:
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to carry the station, subject to certain exceptions; or |
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to negotiate the terms by which the cable system may carry the
station on its cable systems, commonly called retransmission
consent. |
The Cable Act and the FCCs regulations require a cable
operator to devote up to one-third of its activated channel
capacity for the carriage of local commercial television
stations. The Cable Act and the FCCs rules also give
certain local non-commercial, educational television stations
mandatory carriage rights, but not the option to negotiate
retransmission consent. Additionally, cable systems must obtain
retransmission consent for carriage of:
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all distant commercial television stations, except for certain
commercial satellite-delivered independent superstations such as
WGN; |
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commercial radio stations; and |
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certain low-power television stations. |
Under legislation enacted in 1999, Congress barred broadcasters
from entering into exclusive retransmission consent agreements
(through 2006) and required that broadcasters negotiate
retransmission consent agreements in good faith. In
November 2004, Congress extended the ban on exclusive
retransmission consent agreements to cover all multi-channel
video programming distributors, including cable operators.
In the Satellite Home Viewer Extension and Reauthorization Act
of 2004 (SHVERA), Congress directed the FCC to
conduct an inquiry and submit a report to Congress regarding the
impact on competition in the multichannel video programming
distribution market of the Cable Acts provisions and the
FCCs rules on retransmission consent,
network-non-duplication, syndicated exclusivity, and sports
blackouts. The FCC completed this inquiry and submitted the
required report to Congress in September 2005. While generally
recommending that Congress continue its efforts to
harmonize the rules applicable to cable, DBS and
other multichannel video programming distributors to the extent
feasible in light of technological differences, the FCC found
that it was unnecessary to recommend any specific statutory
amendments at this time. Rather, the FCC concluded
that specific suggestions for change should await the results of
a pair of companion studies to be conducted by the Copyright
Office pursuant to SHVERA. The Copyright Offices reports
are due December 31, 2005 and June 30, 2008 and
neither the outcome of those proceedings nor their impact on
subsequent legislation, regulations, the cable industry, or our
business and operations can be predicted at this time.
Recently, the FCC imposed reciprocal good faith
retransmission consent negotiation obligations extending the
rules that apply to broadcasters to cable operators. These rules
identify seven types of conduct that would constitute
per se violations of the new requirements.
Thus, even though we may have no interest in carrying a
particular broadcasters programming, we may be required
under the new rules to engage in negotiations within the
parameters of the FCCs rules. While noting that the
parties in retransmission consent negotiations were now subject
to a heightened duty of negotiation, the FCC
emphasized that failure to ultimately reach an agreement is not
a violation of the rules. The impact of these rules on our
business cannot be determined at this time.
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Must-carry obligations may decrease the attractiveness of the
cable operators overall programming offerings by including
less popular programming on the channel line-up, while cable
operators may need to provide some form of consideration to
broadcasters to obtain retransmission consent to carry more
popular programming. We carry both broadcast stations based on
must-carry obligations and others that have granted
retransmission consent.
The FCC has issued a decision that effectively requires
mandatory carriage of local television stations that surrender
their analog channel and broadcast only digital signals. These
stations are entitled to request carriage in their choice of
digital or converted analog format. Stations transmitting in
both digital and analog formats (Dual Format Broadcast
Stations), which is permitted during the current
several-year transition period, have no carriage rights for the
digital format during the transition unless and until they turn
in their analog channel. The FCC has recently reaffirmed that
cable operators are not required to carry the digital signal of
Dual Format Broadcast Stations that currently have must-carry
rights for their analog signals, however, changes in the
composition of the Commission as well as proposals currently
under consideration could result in an obligation to carry both
the analog and digital version of local broadcast stations or to
carry multiple digital program streams. In addition to rejecting
a dual carriage requirement during the transition,
the FCC also confirmed that a cable operator need only carry a
broadcasters primary video service (rather
than all of the digital multi-cast services), both
during and after the transition. In addition, in November 2004,
Congress passed a non-binding resolution urging that legislation
be considered in 2005 that would set a firm date for the
broadcasters to return their analog spectrum. The adoption, by
legislation or FCC regulation, of additional must-carry
requirements would have a negative impact on us because it would
reduce available channel capacity and thereby could require us
to either discontinue other channels of programming or restrict
our ability to carry new channels of programming that may be
more desirable to our customers.
The Cable Act and the FCCs regulations require our cable
systems, other than those systems which are subject to effective
competition, to permit subscribers to purchase video programming
we offer on a per channel or a per program basis without the
necessity of subscribing to any tier of service other than the
basic service tier.
The FCC has opened a matter with respect to another cable
operator to determine whether certain charges routinely assessed
by many cable operators, including us, to obtain access to
digital services, violate this anti-buy-through
provision. An adverse decision that could require us to
restructure or eliminate such charges would have an adverse
effect on our business.
To increase competition between cable operators and other video
program distributors, the Cable Act and the FCCs
regulations:
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preclude any satellite video programmer affiliated with a cable
company, or with a common carrier providing video programming
directly to its subscribers, from favoring an affiliated company
over competitors; |
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require such programmers to sell their programming to other
unaffiliated video program distributors; and |
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limit the ability of such programmers to offer exclusive
programming arrangements to their related parties. |
Federal law actively regulates other aspects of our programming,
involving such areas as:
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our use of syndicated and network programs and local sports
broadcast programming; |
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advertising in childrens programming; |
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political advertising; |
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origination cablecasting; |
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adult programming; |
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sponsorship identification; and |
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closed captioning of video programming. |
Use of our cable systems by the government and unrelated
third parties
The Cable Act allows local franchising authorities and unrelated
third parties to obtain access to a portion of our cable
systems channel capacity for their own use. For example,
the Cable Act:
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permits franchising authorities to require cable operators to
set aside channels for public, educational and governmental
access programming; and |
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requires a cable system with 36 or more activated channels to
designate a significant portion of its channel capacity for
commercial leased access by third parties to provide programming
that may compete with services offered by the cable operator. |
The FCC regulates various aspects of third party commercial use
of channel capacity on our cable systems, including:
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the maximum reasonable rate a cable operator may charge for
third party commercial use of the designated channel capacity; |
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the terms and conditions for commercial use of such
channels; and |
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the procedures for the expedited resolution of disputes
concerning rates or commercial use of the designated channel
capacity. |
Franchise matters
We have non-exclusive franchises in virtually every community in
which we operate that authorize us to construct, operate and
maintain our cable systems. Although franchising matters are
normally regulated at the local level through a franchise
agreement and/or a local ordinance, the Cable Act provides
oversight and guidelines to govern our relationship with local
franchising authorities.
For example, the Cable Act and/or FCC regulations and
determinations:
Provide guidelines for the exercise of local regulatory
authority that:
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affirm the right of franchising authorities, which may be state
or local, depending on the practice in individual states, to
award one or more franchises within their jurisdictions; |
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generally prohibit us from operating in communities without a
franchise; |
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permit local authorities, when granting or renewing our
franchises, to establish requirements for cable-related
facilities and equipment, but prohibit franchising authorities
from establishing requirements for specific video programming or
information services other than in broad categories; and |
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permit us to obtain modification of our franchise requirements
from the franchise authority or by judicial action if warranted
by commercial impracticability. |
Generally prohibit franchising authorities from:
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imposing requirements during the initial cable franchising
process or during franchise renewal that require, prohibit or
restrict us from providing telecommunications services; |
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imposing franchise fees on revenues we derive from providing
telecommunications or information services over our cable
systems; |
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restricting our use of any type of subscriber equipment or
transmission technology; and |
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requiring payment of franchise fees to the local franchising
authority in excess of 5.0% of our gross revenues derived from
providing cable services over our cable system. |
Encourage competition with existing cable systems by:
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allowing municipalities to operate their own cable systems
without franchises; and |
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preventing franchising authorities from granting exclusive
franchises or from unreasonably refusing to award additional
franchises covering an existing cable systems service area. |
Provide renewal procedures:
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The Cable Act contains renewal procedures designed to protect us
against arbitrary denials of renewal of our franchises although,
under certain circumstances, the franchising authority could
deny us a franchise renewal. Moreover, even if our franchise is
renewed, the franchising authority may seek to impose upon us
new and more onerous requirements, such as significant upgrades
in facilities and services or increased franchise fees as a
condition of renewal to the extent permitted by law. Similarly,
if a franchising authoritys consent is required for the
purchase or sale of our cable system or franchise, the
franchising authority may attempt to impose more burdensome or
onerous franchise requirements on the purchaser in connection
with a request for such consent. Historically, cable operators
providing satisfactory services to their subscribers and
complying with the terms of their franchises have almost always
obtained franchise renewals. We believe that we have generally
met the terms of our franchises and have provided quality levels
of service. We anticipate that our future franchise renewal
prospects generally will be favorable. |
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Various courts have considered whether franchising authorities
have the legal right to limit the number of franchises awarded
within a community and to impose substantive franchise
requirements. These decisions have been inconsistent and, until
the U.S. Supreme Court rules definitively on the scope of
cable operators First Amendment protections, the legality
of the franchising process generally and of various specific
franchise requirements is likely to be in a state of flux.
Furthermore, the FCC recently issued a Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking seeking comment on whether the current local
franchising process constitutes an impediment to widespread
issuance of franchises to competitive cable providers in terms
of the sheer number of franchising authorities, the impact of
state-level franchising authorities, the burdens some local
franchising authorities seek to impose as conditions of granting
franchises and whether state level-playing field
statutes also create barriers to entry. We cannot determine the
outcome of any potential new rules on our business; however, any
change that would lessen the local franchising burdens and
requirements imposed on our competitors relative to those that
are or have been imposed on us could harm our business. |
The Cable Act and the FCC allow cable operators to pass
franchise fees on to subscribers and to separately itemize them
on subscriber bills. In 2003 an appellate court affirmed an FCC
ruling that franchise fees paid by cable operators on
non-subscriber related revenue (such as cable advertising
revenue and home shopping commissions) may be passed through to
subscribers and itemized on subscriber bills regardless of the
source of the revenues on which they were assessed.
In connection with its decision in March 2002 classifying
high-speed Internet services provided over a cable system as
interstate information services, the FCC stated that revenues
derived from cable operators Internet services should not
be included in the revenue base from which franchise fees are
calculated. Although the United States Supreme Court recently
held that cable modem service was properly classified by the FCC
as an information service, freeing it from
regulation as a telecommunications service, it
recognized that the FCC has jurisdiction to impose regulatory
obligations on facilities based Internet Service Providers. The
FCC has an ongoing rulemaking to determine whether to impose
regulatory obligations on such providers, including us. Because
of the FCCs decision, we are no longer collecting and
remitting franchise fees on our high-speed Internet service
revenues. We are unable to predict the ultimate resolution of
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these matters but do not expect that any additional franchise
fees we may be required to pay will be material to our business
and operations.
Ownership limitations
The FCC previously adopted nationwide limits on the number of
subscribers under the control of a cable operator and on the
number of channels which can be occupied on a cable system by
video programming in which the cable operator has an interest.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia
Circuit overturned the FCCs rules implementing these
statutory provisions and remanded the case to the FCC for
further proceedings.
The 1996 amendments to the Cable Act eliminated the statutory
prohibition on the common ownership, operation or control of a
cable system and a television broadcast station in the same
service area. The identical FCC regulation has been invalidated
by a federal appellate court. The FCC has eliminated its
regulatory restriction on cross-ownership of cable systems and
national broadcasting networks.
The 1996 amendments to the Cable Act made far-reaching changes
in the relationship between local telephone companies and cable
service providers. These amendments:
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eliminated federal legal barriers to competition in the local
telephone and cable communications businesses, including
allowing local telephone companies to offer video services in
their local telephone service areas; |
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preempted legal barriers to telecommunications competition that
previously existed in state and local laws and regulations; |
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set basic standards for relationships between telecommunications
providers; and |
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generally limited acquisitions and prohibited joint ventures
between local telephone companies and cable operators in the
same market. |
Pursuant to these changes in federal law, local telephone
companies may now provide service as traditional cable operators
with local franchises or they may opt to provide their
programming over open video systems, subject to certain
conditions, including, but not limited to, setting aside a
portion of their channel capacity for use by unaffiliated
program distributors on a non-discriminatory basis. Open video
systems are exempt from certain regulatory obligations that
currently apply to cable operators. The decision as to whether
an operator of an open video system must obtain a local
franchise is left to each community.
The 1996 amendments to the Cable Act allow registered utility
holding companies and subsidiaries to provide telecommunications
services, including cable television, notwithstanding the Public
Utilities Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended. In 2004, the
FCC adopted rules: 1) that affirmed the ability of electric
service providers to provide broadband Internet access services
over their distribution systems; and 2) that seek to avoid
interference with existing services. Electric utilities could be
formidable competitors to cable system operators.
Legislation was recently passed in one state (in which we do not
currently operate cable systems) and similar legislation is
pending or has been proposed in certain other states and in
Congress to allow local telephone companies to deliver services
would compete with our cable service without obtaining
equivalent local franchises. Such a legislatively granted
advantage to our competitors could adversely affect our
business. The effect of such initiatives, if any, on our
obligation to obtain local franchises in the future or on any of
our existing franchises, many of which have years remaining in
their terms, cannot be predicted.
The Cable Act generally prohibits us from owning or operating a
satellite master antenna television system or multichannel
multipoint distribution system in any area where we provide
franchised cable service and do not have effective competition,
as defined by federal law. We may, however, acquire and operate
a satellite master antenna television system in our existing
franchise service areas if the programming and other services
provided to the satellite master antenna television system
subscribers are offered according to the terms and conditions of
our local franchise agreement.
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Cable equipment
The Cable Act and FCC regulations seek to promote competition in
the delivery of cable equipment by giving consumers the right to
purchase set-top converters from third parties as long as the
equipment does not harm the network, does not interfere with
services purchased by other customers and is not used to receive
unauthorized services. Over a multi-year phase-in period, the
rules also require multichannel video programming distributors,
other than direct broadcast satellite operators, to separate
security from non-security functions in set-top converters to
allow third party vendors to provide set-tops with basic
converter functions. Beginning July 1, 2007 cable operators
will be prohibited from leasing digital set-top terminals that
integrate security and basic navigation functions.
To promote compatibility of cable television systems and
consumer electronics equipment the FCC recently adopted rules
implementing plug and play specifications for
one-way digital televisions. The rules require cable operators
to provide CableCard security modules and support
for digital televisions equipped with built-in set-top
functionality.
Pole attachment regulation
The Cable Act requires certain public utilities, defined to
include all local telephone companies and electric utilities
except those owned by municipalities and co-operatives, to
provide cable operators and telecommunications carriers with
nondiscriminatory access to poles, ducts, conduit and
rights-of-way at just
and reasonable rates. This right to access is beneficial to us.
Federal law also requires the FCC to regulate the rates, terms
and conditions imposed by such public utilities for cable
systems use of utility pole and conduit space unless state
authorities have demonstrated to the FCC that they adequately
regulate pole attachment rates, as is the case in certain states
in which we operate. In the absence of state regulation, the FCC
will regulate pole attachment rates, terms and conditions only
in response to a formal complaint. The FCC adopted a new rate
formula that became effective in 2001 which governs the maximum
rate certain utilities may charge for attachments to their poles
and conduit by companies providing telecommunications services,
including cable operators.
Increases in attachment rates due to the FCCs new rate
formula are phased in over a five-year period in equal annual
increments, beginning in February 2001. This new formula will
result in higher attachment rates than at present, but they will
apply only to cable television systems which elect to offer
telecommunications services. The FCC ruled that the provision of
Internet services will not, in and of itself, trigger use of the
new formula. The Supreme Court affirmed this decision and also
held that the FCCs authority to regulate rates for
attachments to utility poles extended to attachments by cable
operators and telecommunications carriers that are used to
provide Internet service or for wireless telecommunications
service. The recent Supreme Court decision upholding the
FCCs classification of cable modem service as an
information service, should strengthen our ability to resist
such rate increases based solely on the delivery of cable modem
services over our cable systems. As we continue our deployment
of cable telephony and certain other advanced services,
utilities may continue to invoke the higher rates.
At present there is a formal hearing before the FCC in which
Alabama Power is attempting to demonstrate that pole attachment
rates above its marginal costs meet the just compensation test
approved by the United States Court of Appeals for the
11th Circuit.
As a result of the Supreme Court case upholding the FCCs
classification of cable modem service as an information service,
the
11th Circuit
has considered whether there are circumstances in which a
utility can ask for and receive rates from cable operators over
and above the rates set by FCC regulation. If successful,
Alabama Power and perhaps all utilities in areas served by us
may have a similar claim thereby increasing their ability to
raise rates. It is not known at this time what, if any financial
impact could occur.
Other regulatory requirements of the Cable Act and the FCC
The FCC has adopted cable inside wiring rules to provide a more
specific procedure for the disposition of residential home
wiring and internal building wiring that belongs to an incumbent
cable operator that is forced by the building owner to terminate
its cable services in a building with multiple dwelling units.
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The Cable Act and/or FCC rules include provisions, among others,
regulating other parts of our cable operations, involving such
areas as:
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equal employment opportunity; |
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consumer protection and customer service; |
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technical standards and testing of cable facilities; |
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consumer electronics equipment compatibility; |
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registration of cable systems; |
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maintenance of various records and public inspection files; |
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microwave frequency usage; and |
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antenna structure notification, marking and lighting. |
The FCC may enforce its regulations through the imposition of
fines, the issuance of cease and desist orders or the imposition
of other administrative sanctions, such as the revocation of FCC
licenses needed to operate transmission facilities often used in
connection with cable operations. The FCC routinely conducts
rulemaking proceedings that may change its existing rules or
lead to new regulations. We are unable to predict the impact
that any further FCC rule changes may have on our business and
operations.
Copyright
Our cable systems typically include in their channel line-ups
local and distant television and radio broadcast signals, which
are protected by the copyright laws. We generally do not obtain
a license to use this programming directly from the owners of
the programming, but instead comply with an alternative federal
compulsory copyright licensing process. In exchange for filing
certain reports and contributing a percentage of our revenues to
a federal copyright royalty pool, we obtain blanket permission
to retransmit the copyrighted material carried on these
broadcast signals. The nature and amount of future copyright
payments for broadcast signal carriage cannot be predicted at
this time.
In a report to Congress, the U.S. Copyright Office
recommended that Congress make major revisions to both the cable
television and satellite compulsory licenses. In 1999, Congress
modified the satellite compulsory license in a manner that
permits DBS service providers to become more competitive with
cable operators. Congress recently adopted legislation extending
this authority through 2009. The possible simplification,
modification or elimination of the cable communications
compulsory copyright license is the subject of continuing
legislative review. The elimination or substantial modification
of the cable compulsory license could adversely affect our
ability to obtain suitable programming and could substantially
increase the cost of programming that remains available for
distribution to our subscribers. We are unable to predict the
outcome of this legislative activity related to either the cable
compulsory license or the right of direct broadcast satellite
providers to deliver local broadcast signals.
Two recently filed petitions for rulemaking with the United
States Copyright Office propose revisions to certain compulsory
copyright license reporting requirements and seek clarification
of certain issues relating to the application of the compulsory
license to the carriage of digital broadcast stations. The
petitions seek, among other things: (i) clarification of
the inclusion in gross revenues of digital converter fees,
additional set fees for digital service and revenue from
required buy throughs to obtain digital service;
(ii) reporting of dual carriage and multicast
signals; and (iii) revisions to the Copyright Offices
rules and Statement of Account forms, including increased detail
regarding services, rates and subscribers, additional
information regarding non-broadcast tiers of service, cable
headend location information, community definition clarification
and identification of the county in which the cable community is
located and the effect of interest payments on potential
liability for late filing. The Copyright Office may open one or
more rulemakings in response to these petitions. We cannot
predict the outcome of any such rulemakings; however, it is
possible that certain changes in the rules or copyright
compulsory license fee computations could have an adverse
61
affect on our business by increasing our copyright compulsory
license fee costs or by causing us to reduce or discontinue
carriage of certain broadcast signals that we currently carry on
a discretionary basis.
Copyrighted material in programming supplied to cable television
systems by pay cable networks and basic cable networks is
licensed by the networks through private agreements with the
copyright owners. These entities generally offer through
to-the-viewer licenses
to the cable networks that cover the retransmission of the cable
networks programming by cable television systems to their
customers.
Our cable systems also utilize music in other programming and
advertising that we provide to subscribers. The rights to use
this music are controlled by various music performing rights
organizations from which performance licenses must be obtained.
Cable industry representatives negotiated standard license
agreements with the largest music performing rights
organizations covering locally originated programming, including
advertising inserted by the cable operator in programming
produced by other parties. These standard agreements require the
payment of music license fees for earlier time periods, but such
license fees have not had a significant impact on our business
and operations.
Interactive television
The FCC has issued a Notice of Inquiry covering a wide range of
issues relating to interactive television (ITV).
Examples of ITV services are interactive electronic program
guides and access to a graphic interface that provides
supplementary information related to the video display. In the
near term, cable systems are likely to be the platform of choice
for the distribution of ITV services. The FCC posed a series of
questions including the definition of ITV, the potential for
discrimination by cable systems in favor of affiliated ITV
providers, enforcement mechanisms, and the proper regulatory
classification of ITV service.
Privacy
The Cable Act imposes a number of restrictions on the manner in
which cable television operators can collect, disclose and
retain data about individual system customers and requires cable
operators to take such actions as necessary to prevent
unauthorized access to such information. The statute also
requires that the system operator periodically provide all
customers with written information about its policies including
the types of information collected; the use of such information;
the nature, frequency and purpose of any disclosures; the period
of retention; the times and places where a customer may have
access to such information; the limitations placed on the cable
operator by the Cable Act; and a customers enforcement
rights. In the event that a cable television operator is found
to have violated the customer privacy provisions of the Cable
Act, it could be required to pay damages, attorneys fees
and other costs. Certain of these Cable Act requirements have
been modified by certain more recent federal laws. Other federal
laws currently impact the circumstances and the manner in which
we disclose certain customer information and future federal
legislation may further impact our obligations. In addition,
some states in which we operate have also enacted customer
privacy statutes that are in some cases more restrictive than
those in federal law.
Cable modem service
There are currently few laws or regulations that specifically
regulate communications or commerce over the Internet.
Section 230 of the Communications Act declares it to be the
policy of the United States to promote the continued development
of the Internet and other interactive computer services and
interactive media, and to preserve the vibrant and competitive
free market that presently exists for the Internet and other
interactive computer services, unfettered by federal or state
regulation. One area in which Congress did attempt to regulate
content over the Internet involved the dissemination of obscene
or indecent materials.
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act is intended to reduce the
liability of online service providers for listing or linking to
third-party Websites that include materials that infringe
copyrights or other rights or if customers use the service to
publish or disseminate infringing materials. The Childrens
Online Protection Act and the Childrens Online Privacy
Protection Act are intended to restrict the distribution of
certain materials deemed harmful to children and impose
additional restrictions on the ability of online services to
collect user information from minors. In addition, the
Protection of Children From Sexual Predators Act of 1998 requires
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online service providers to report evidence of violations of
federal child pornography laws under certain circumstances.
A number of ISPs have asked local authorities and the FCC to
give them rights of access to cable systems broadband
infrastructure so that they can deliver their services directly
to cable systems customers, which is often called
open access. Many local franchising authorities have
examined the issue of open access and a few have required cable
operators to provide such access, although several federal
courts have ruled that localities are not authorized to require
open access. The FCC, in connection with its review of the
AOL-Time Warner merger, imposed, together with the Federal Trade
Commission, limited multiple access and other requirements
related to the merged companys Internet and Instant
Messaging platforms.
In March of 2002, the FCC announced that it was classifying
Internet access service provided through cable modems as an
interstate information service, a classification that is
currently under review by the United States Supreme Court.
At the same time, the FCC initiated a rulemaking proceeding
designed to address a number of issues resulting from this
regulatory classification, including the following:
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the FCC confirmed that there is no current legal requirement for
cable operators to grant open access now that cable modem
service is classified as an information service. The FCC is
considering, however, whether it has the authority to impose
open access requirements and, if so, whether it should do so, or
whether to permit local authorities to impose such a requirement. |
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the FCC found that cable modem service is an information
service, not a cable service, which has resulted in several
court rulings that local franchise authorities may not collect
franchise fees on cable modem service revenues under existing
laws and regulations. |
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the FCC concluded that federal law does not permit local
franchise authorities to impose additional franchise
requirements on cable modem service. It is considering, however,
whether local franchise authorities nonetheless have the
authority to impose restrictions, requirements or fees because
cable modem service is delivered over cable using public rights
of way. |
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the FCC is considering whether cable operators providing cable
modem service should be required to contribute to a
universal service fund designed to support making
service available to all consumers, including those in low
income, rural and high-cost areas at rates that are reasonably
comparable to those charged in urban areas. |
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the FCC is considering whether it should take steps to ensure
that the regulatory burdens on cable systems providing cable
modem service are comparable to those of other providers of
Internet access service, such as telephone companies. One method
of achieving comparability would be to make cable operators
subject to some of the regulations that do not now apply to
them, but are applicable to telephone companies. |
Challenges to the FCCs classification of cable Internet
access service as an information service and not a cable service
or a telecommunications service have been filed in federal
court. Although the United States Supreme Court recently held
that cable modem service was properly classified by the FCC as
an information service, freeing it from regulation
as a telecommunications service, it recognized that
the FCC has jurisdiction to impose regulatory obligations on
facilities based Internet Service Providers. The FCC has an
ongoing rulemaking to determine whether to impose regulatory
obligations on such providers, including us. The adoption of new
rules by the FCC could impose additional costs and regulatory
burdens on us, reduce our anticipated revenues or increase our
anticipated costs for this service, complicate the franchise
renewal process, result in greater competition or otherwise
adversely affect our business. While we cannot predict the
outcome of this proceeding, we do note that the FCC recently
removed the requirement that telecommunications carriers provide
access to competitors to resell their DSL Internet access
service citing the need for competitive parity with cable modem
service which has no similar access requirement. Any such
requirements could adversely affect our results of operations.
63
Voice-over-Internet protocol telephony
The 1996 amendments to the Cable Act created a more favorable
regulatory environment for cable operators to enter the phone
business. Currently, numerous cable operators are exploring,
planning or have commenced offering Voice-over-Internet-Protocol
(VoIP) telephony as a competitive alternative to
traditional circuit-switched telephone service. Various states,
including states where we operate, have adopted or are
considering differing regulatory treatment, ranging from minimal
or no regulation to full-blown common carrier status. As part of
the proceeding to determine any appropriate regulatory
obligations for VoIP telephony, the FCC recently decided that
alternative voice technologies, like certain types of VoIP
telephony, should be regulated only at the federal level, rather
than by individual states. Many implementation details remain
unresolved, and there are substantial regulatory changes being
considered that could either benefit or harm VoIP telephony as a
business operation. While the final outcome of the FCC
proceedings cannot be predicted, it is generally believed that
the FCC favors a light touch regulatory approach for
VoIP telephony, which might include preemption of certain state
or local regulation.
State and local regulation
Our cable systems use local streets and
rights-of-way.
Consequently, we must comply with state and local regulation,
which is typically imposed through the franchising process. Our
cable systems generally are operated in accordance with
non-exclusive franchises, permits or licenses granted by a
municipality or other state or local government entity. Our
franchises generally are granted for fixed terms and in many
cases are terminable if we fail to comply with material
provisions. The terms and conditions of our franchises vary
materially from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Each franchise
generally contains provisions governing:
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franchise fees; |
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franchise term; |
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system construction and maintenance obligations; |
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system channel capacity; |
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design and technical performance; |
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customer service standards; |
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sale or transfer of the franchise; |
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territory of the franchise; |
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indemnification of the franchising authority; |
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use and occupancy of public streets; and |
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types of cable services provided. |
In the process of renewing franchises, a franchising authority
may seek to impose new and more onerous requirements, such as
upgraded facilities, increased channel capacity or enhanced
services, although protections available under the Cable Act
require the municipality to take into account the cost of
meeting such requirements. The Cable Act also contains renewal
procedures and criteria designed to protect incumbent
franchisees against arbitrary denials of renewal.
64
A number of states subject cable systems to the jurisdiction of
centralized state governmental agencies, some of which impose
regulation of a character similar to that of a public utility.
Attempts in other states to regulate cable systems are
continuing and can be expected to increase. To date, other than
Delaware, no state in which we operate has enacted such state
level regulation. State and local franchising jurisdiction is
not unlimited; it must be exercised consistent with federal law.
The Cable Act immunizes franchising authorities from most
monetary damage awards arising from regulation of cable systems
or decisions made on franchise grants, renewals, transfers and
amendments.
Legislation was recently passed in one state (in which we do not
currently operate cable systems) and similar legislation is
pending or has been proposed in certain other states and in
Congress to allow local telephone companies to deliver services
that would compete with our cable service without obtaining
equivalent local franchises. Such a legislatively granted
advantage to our competitors could adversely affect our
business. The effect of such initiatives, if any, on our
obligation to obtain local franchises in the future or on any of
our existing franchises, many of which have years remaining in
their terms, cannot be predicted.
65
MANAGEMENT
Mediacom Communications is our sole voting member and manager.
Mediacom Communications serves as manager of our operating
subsidiaries. Our executive officers and the directors and
executive officers of Mediacom Communications and Mediacom
Broadband Corporation are:
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Rocco B. Commisso
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56 |
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Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Mediacom Communications; Manager, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Mediacom Broadband LLC; and President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Mediacom Broadband Corporation |
Mark E. Stephan
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49 |
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Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Director of Mediacom Communications; Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Mediacom Broadband LLC; and Treasurer and Secretary of Mediacom Broadband Corporation |
John G. Pascarelli
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44 |
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Executive Vice President, Operations of Mediacom Communications |
Italia Commisso Weinand
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52 |
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Senior Vice President, Programming and Human Resources of Mediacom Communications |
Joseph E. Young
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57 |
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Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Mediacom Communications |
Charles J. Bartolotta
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50 |
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Senior Vice President, Customer Operations of Mediacom Communications |
Calvin G. Craib
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51 |
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Senior Vice President, Business Development of Mediacom Communications |
Brian Walsh
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39 |
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Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller of Mediacom Communications |
Craig S. Mitchell
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46 |
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Director of Mediacom Communications |
William S. Morris III
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71 |
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Director of Mediacom Communications |
Thomas V. Reifenheiser
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70 |
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Director of Mediacom Communications |
Natale S. Ricciardi
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56 |
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Director of Mediacom Communications |
Robert L. Winikoff
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59 |
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Director of Mediacom Communications |
Rocco B. Commisso has 27 years of experience with
the cable television industry and has served as our Manager,
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since our inception in
April 2001 and our managers Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer since founding its predecessor company in July 1995.
Mr. Commisso has served as President, Chief Executive
Officer and Director of Mediacom Broadband Corporation since its
inception in May 2001. From 1986 to 1995, he served as Executive
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and a director of
Cablevision Industries Corporation. Prior to that time,
Mr. Commisso served as Senior Vice President of Royal Bank
of Canadas affiliate in the United States from 1981, where
he founded and directed a specialized lending group to media and
communications companies. Mr. Commisso began his
association with the cable industry in 1978 at The Chase
Manhattan Bank, where he managed the banks lending
activities to communications firms including the cable industry.
He serves on the board of directors and executive committees of
the National Cable Television Association and Cable Television
Laboratories, Inc., and on the board of directors of C-SPAN.
Mr. Commisso holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial
Engineering and a Master of Business Administration from
Columbia University.
Mark E. Stephan has 18 years of experience with the
cable television industry and has served as our Executive Vice
President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since November
2003. Prior to that, he was Senior Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer and Treasurer since the commencement of our
operations in
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March 1996. Before joining us, Mr. Stephan served as Vice
President, Finance for Cablevision Industries from July 1993.
Prior to that time, Mr. Stephan served as Manager of the
telecommunications and media lending group of Royal Bank of
Canada.
John G. Pascarelli has 24 years of experience in the
cable television industry and has served as our managers
Executive Vice President, Operations since November 2003. Prior
to that he was our managers Senior Vice President,
Marketing and Consumer Services from June 2000 and our
managers Vice President of Marketing from 1998. Before
joining our manager in March 1998, Mr. Pascarelli served as
Vice President, Marketing for Helicon from January 1996 to
February 1998 and as Corporate Director of Marketing for
Cablevision Industries from 1988 to 1995. Prior to that time,
Mr. Pascarelli served in various marketing and system
management capacities for Continental Cablevision, Cablevision
Systems and Storer Communications. Mr. Pascarelli is a
member of the board of directors of the Cable and
Telecommunications Association for Marketing.
Italia Commisso Weinand has 28 years of experience
in the cable television industry. Before joining our manager in
April 1996, Ms. Weinand served as Regional Manager for
Comcast Corporation from July 1985. Prior to that time,
Ms. Weinand held various management positions with
Tele-Communications, Inc, Times Mirror Cable and Time Warner
Inc. Ms. Weinand is the sister of Mr. Commisso.
Joseph E. Young has 20 years of experience with the
cable television industry. Before joining our manager in
November 2001 as Senior Vice President and General Counsel,
Mr. Young served as Executive Vice President, Legal and
Business Affairs, for LinkShare Corporation, an Internet-based
provider of marketing services, from September 1999 to October
2001. Prior to that time, he practiced corporate law with
Baker & Botts, LLP from January 1995 to September 1999.
Previously, Mr. Young was a partner with the Law Offices of
Jerome H. Kern and a partner with Shea & Gould.
Charles J. Bartolotta has 22 years of experience in
the cable television industry. Before joining our manager in
October 2000, Mr. Bartolotta served as Division President
for AT&T Broadband, LLC from July 1998, where he was
responsible for managing an operating division serving nearly
three million customers. Prior to that time, he served as
Regional Vice President of Tele-Communications, Inc. from
January 1997 and as Vice President and General Manager for TKR
Cable Company from 1989. Prior to that time, Mr. Bartolotta
held various management positions with Cablevision Systems
Corporation.
Calvin G. Craib has 23 years of experience in the
cable television industry and has served as our managers
Senior Vice President, Business Development since August 2001.
Prior to that he was our managers Vice President, Business
Development since April 1999. Before joining us in April 1999,
Mr. Craib served as Vice President, Finance and
Administration for Interactive Marketing Group from June 1997 to
December 1998 and as Senior Vice President, Operations, and
Chief Financial Officer for Douglas Communications from January
1990 to May 1997. Prior to that time, Mr. Craib served in
various financial management capacities at Warner Amex Cable and
Tribune Cable.
Brian M. Walsh has 17 years of experience in the
cable television industry and has served as our managers
Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller since February
2005. Prior to that he was our managers Senior Vice
President, Financial Operations from November 2003, our
managers Vice President, Finance and Assistant to the
Chairman from November 2001, our managers Vice President
and Corporate Controller from February 1998 and our
managers Director of Accounting from April 1996. Before
joining us in April 1996, Mr. Walsh held various management
positions with Cablevision Industries from 1988 to 1995.
Craig S. Mitchell has held various management positions
with Morris Communications Company LLC for more than the past
five years. He currently serves as its Senior Vice President of
Finance, Treasurer and Secretary and is also a member of its
board of directors.
William S. Morris III has served as the Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer of Morris Communications for more than
the past five years. He was the Chairman of the board of
directors of the Newspapers Association of America for 1999-2000.
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Thomas V. Reifenheiser served for more than five years as
a Managing Director and Group Executive of the Global Media and
Telecom Group of Chase Securities Inc. until his retirement in
September 2000. He joined Chase in 1963 and had been the Global
Media and Telecom Group Executive since 1977. He also had been a
director of the Management Committee of The Chase Manhattan
Bank. Mr. Reifenheiser is also a member of the board of
directors of Cablevision Systems Corporation and Lamar
Advertising Company.
Natale S. Ricciardi has held various management positions
with Pfizer Inc. for more than the past five years.
Mr. Ricciardi joined Pfizer in 1972 and currently serves as
its President/ Team Leader, Global Manufacturing, with
responsibility for all of Pfizers manufacturing facilities.
Robert L. Winikoff has been a partner of the law firm of
Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP since August 2000.
Prior thereto, he was a partner of the law firm of Cooperman
Levitt Winikoff Lester & Newman, P.C. for more
than five years. Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP
currently serves as Mediacom Communications outside
general counsel, and prior to such representation, Cooperman
Levitt Winikoff Lester & Newman, P.C. served as
Mediacom Communications outside general counsel from 1995.
Since we are not a listed company, we are not required to
establish an audit committee. Rather, the functions of an audit
committee for our company are performed by Mediacom
Communications audit committee. The audit committee of
Mediacom Communications consists of three directors, all of whom
are independent directors as defined by the listing standards of
the Nasdaq Stock Market. The current members of the audit
committee are Thomas V. Reifenheiser (Chairman), Craig S.
Mitchell, and Natale S. Ricciardi. The board of directors of
Mediacom Communications has determined that
Mr. Reifenheiser meets the Securities and Exchange
Commission definition of an audit committee financial expert.
The board of directors of Mediacom Communications has adopted a
code of ethics applicable to all of our employees, including our
chief executive officer, chief financial officer and chief
accounting officer. This code of ethics was filed as an exhibit
to our annual report on
Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2003.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The executive officers and directors of Mediacom Communications
are compensated exclusively by Mediacom Communications and do
not receive any separate compensation from us or Mediacom
Broadband Corporation. Mediacom Communications acts as our
manager and in return receives a management fee.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND
MANAGEMENT
AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Mediacom Broadband Corporation is our wholly-owned subsidiary.
Mediacom Communications is our sole voting member. The address
of Mediacom Communications is 100 Crystal Run Road, Middletown,
New York 10941.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Pursuant to management agreements between Mediacom
Communications and our operating subsidiaries, Mediacom
Communications is entitled to receive annual management fees in
amounts not to exceed 4.0% of our gross operating revenues. For
the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 and the
nine months ended September 30, 2005, Mediacom
Communications received $10.6 million, $9.3 million,
$7.0 million and $9.0 million, respectively, of such
management fees.
On June 29, 2001, we received a $336.4 million equity
contribution from Mediacom Communications. We received an
additional $388.6 million equity contribution from Mediacom
Communications on July 18, 2001.
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On July 18, 2001, we received a $150.0 million
preferred equity investment from Mediacom LLC. The preferred
equity investment has a 12% annual dividend, payable quarterly
in cash. For the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and
2002 and the nine months ended September 30, 2005, we paid
in aggregate $18.0 million, $18.0 million,
$18.0 million and $13.5 million, respectively, in cash
dividends on the preferred equity.
In July and October 2002, we paid cash dividends of
$4.5 million and $6.0 million, respectively, to
Mediacom Communications.
On January 25, 2005, we borrowed $88.0 million from
Mediacom LLC. The loan was funded with borrowings under Mediacom
LLCs bank credit facility. The loan was in the form of a
demand note, which had a 6.7% annual interest rate, payable
semi-annually in cash. The proceeds from the loan were used to
repay outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit
facility. We repaid this loan and accrued interest in April 2005.
Investment banking firms or their affiliates have in the past
engaged in transactions with and performed services for us and
our affiliates in the ordinary course of business, including
commercial banking, financial advisory and investment banking
services. Furthermore, these companies or their affiliates may
perform similar services for us and our affiliates in the
future. Affiliates of certain of these companies are agents and
lenders under our subsidiary credit facility.
DESCRIPTION OF GOVERNING DOCUMENTS
Mediacom Broadband Operating Agreement
Mediacom Broadband was formed as a limited liability company on
April 5, 2001, pursuant to the provisions of the Delaware
Limited Liability Company Act. The following is a summary of the
material provisions of the operating agreement of Mediacom
Broadband.
The operating agreement provides that the overall management,
operation, and control of the business, activities, and affairs
of Mediacom Broadband be vested exclusively in its managing
member, Mediacom Communications. The managing member serves
without compensation, but is entitled to reimbursement for all
costs and expenses incurred by it in performing its duties under
the operating agreement. The managing member may delegate any of
the duties, powers, and authority vested in it under the
operating agreement. Anyone to whom it delegates any duties is
subject to removal at any time at the managing members
discretion and must report to and consult with the managing
member.
The operating agreement provides for the establishment of a
three member executive committee. Pursuant to the operating
agreement, Rocco B. Commisso, the Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of the managing member, serves as Chairman of the
executive committee and is entitled to designate the other
members, each of whom must be a member of senior management or a
director of Mediacom Communications or its subsidiaries. The
other current members of the executive committee are Mark E.
Stephan and John Pascarelli. Approval of the executive committee
(acting by majority vote) is required for certain actions,
including certain affiliate transactions. See Description
of the Notes. None of the members of the executive
committee are compensated for their services as such members,
but are entitled to reimbursement for travel expenses.
As of the date of this prospectus, Mediacom Communications is
our sole voting member. Upon the consummation of the AT&T
acquisitions, (i) Mediacom Communications made capital
contributions to us in an aggregate amount of
$725.0 million and (ii) operating subsidiaries of
Mediacom LLC purchased preferred membership interests in us
aggregating $150.0 million. The preferred membership
interests entitle the holders to receive, in preference to any
distributions to be made to other holders of membership
interests, dividends on the investment at a rate per annum equal
to 12.0%, payable in cash in quarterly installments. The
preferred membership interests are non-voting interests.
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No member has the right to withdraw its capital contribution or
to demand and receive property of Mediacom Broadband or any
distribution in return for its capital, prior to dissolution of
Mediacom Broadband. The holders of the preferred membership
interests have the right to have us redeem these interests at
any time following the maturity of the notes offered hereby.
Under the operating agreement, members may not transfer their
interests without the consent of the managing member.
Management Agreements
Mediacom Communications manages each of our operating
subsidiaries pursuant to a management agreement with each
operating subsidiary. Pursuant to the management agreements,
Mediacom Communications has full and exclusive authority to
manage the day to day operations and conduct the business of our
operating subsidiaries. Our operating subsidiaries remain
responsible for all expenses and liabilities relating to the
construction, development, operation, maintenance, repair, and
ownership of their systems.
As compensation for the performance of its services, subject to
certain restrictions contained in the notes and in our
subsidiary credit facility, Mediacom Communications is entitled
under each management agreement to receive management fees in an
amount not to exceed 4.0% of the annual gross operating revenues
of each of our operating subsidiaries. Mediacom Communications
is also entitled to the reimbursement of all expenses
necessarily incurred in its capacity as manager.
The management agreements will terminate upon the dissolution or
liquidation of the respective operating subsidiary, and are also
terminable by any operating subsidiary as follows:
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if Mediacom Communications materially breaches the management
agreement and fails to cure the breach within 20 days of
receipt of written notice of the breach (or, if the breach is
not susceptible to cure within 20 days, if Mediacom
Communications fails to cure the breach as promptly as possible,
but in any event, within 60 days of the written notice); |
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if Mediacom Communications engages in any act of gross
negligence, dishonesty, willful malfeasance or gross misconduct
that is materially injurious to the respective operating
subsidiary; |
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if any lender consummates foreclosure proceedings following
default under any loan agreement with respect to the equity
interests or assets of the respective operating
subsidiary; and |
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if Mediacom Communications is unable to pay its debts as such
debts become due. |
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DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN INDEBTEDNESS
Subsidiary Credit Facility
Our operating subsidiaries have a bank credit facility (the
subsidiary credit facility) consisting of a
$650.5 million revolving credit facility, a
$300.0 million tranche A term loan and a
$500.0 million tranche C term loan. The following is a
summary of the principal terms of our subsidiary credit facility.
Commitments of $220.2 million under the revolving credit
facility will expire on March 31, 2010 and such commitments
are subject to reduction in quarterly installments. Commitments
of $430.3 million under the revolving credit facility will
expire on December 31, 2012 and such commitments are not
subject to scheduled reductions. A portion of the revolving
credit facility is available for the issuance of letters of
credit.
The tranche A term loan will mature on March 31, 2010
and the tranche C term loan will mature in February 2014.
The term loans are payable in quarterly installments beginning
on September 30, 2004.
Our subsidiary credit facility provides us with two interest
rate options, at our election, to which a margin is added: a
base rate, the higher of the federal funds effective rate plus
1/2
of 1% and the prime commercial lending rate, and a eurodollar
rate, based on the London interbank eurodollar interest rate.
Interest rate margins for our subsidiary credit facility depend
upon the performance of our operating subsidiaries measured by
its leverage ratio, or the ratio of indebtedness to the
immediately preceding quarters system cash flow,
multiplied by four. The interest rate margins for our subsidiary
credit facility are as follows:
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interest on outstanding revolving loans and the tranche A
term loan is payable at either the eurodollar rate plus a
floating percentage ranging from 1.00% to 2.50% depending on the
leverage ratio or the base rate plus a floating percentage
ranging from 0.25% to 1.50% depending on the leverage
ratio; and |
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interest on the tranche C term loan is payable at either
the eurodollar rate plus 2.00% or the base rate plus 1.00%. |
We may enter into interest rate swap agreements to hedge any
underlying eurodollar rate exposure under our subsidiary credit
facility.
In general, our subsidiary credit facility requires our
operating subsidiaries to use the proceeds from specified
insurance condemnation awards, debt issuances and asset
dispositions to prepay borrowings under our subsidiary credit
facility and to reduce permanently commitments thereunder. Our
subsidiary credit facility also requires mandatory prepayments
of amounts outstanding and, with respect to $220.2 million
of the commitments under the revolving credit facility,
permanent reductions of such commitments, based on a percentage
of excess cash flow for the prior year.
Our subsidiary credit facility is secured by a pledge of our
ownership interests in our operating subsidiaries, and will be
guaranteed by us on a limited recourse basis to the extent of
such ownership interests. In addition, the holders of certain
intercompany indebtedness of Mediacom Broadband and our
operating subsidiaries have pledged such intercompany
indebtedness on a non-recourse basis to secure the proposed new
subsidiary credit facility.
Our subsidiary credit facility contains covenants, including:
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maintenance of specified financial ratios; |
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limitations on incurrence of additional indebtedness; |
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limitations on restricted payments; |
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limitations on mergers, consolidations, liquidations and
dissolutions and sales of assets; |
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limitations on acquisitions and investments; |
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limitations on liens; |
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limitations on other lines of business; |
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limitations on transactions with affiliates; |
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limitations on restrictive agreements; and |
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limitations on modification of specified documents. |
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In addition, our subsidiary credit facility contains customary
events of default. |
11% Senior Notes due 2013
We have outstanding $400.0 million in aggregate principal
amount of 11% senior notes due July 15, 2013. Interest
on such notes is payable semiannually on January 15 and July 15
of each year.
The 11% senior notes are our senior unsecured obligations.
The 11% senior notes:
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effectively rank behind any of our secured debt and all existing
and future indebtedness and other liabilities of our
subsidiaries (including the subsidiary credit facility); |
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rank equally in right of payment with the notes and the exchange
notes; |
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rank equally in right of payment to all of our unsecured debt
that does not expressly provide that it is subordinated to the
11% senior notes; and |
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rank ahead of all our future debt that expressly provides that
it is subordinated to the 11% senior notes. |
On or after July 15, 2006, we may redeem some or all of the
11% senior notes at specified redemption prices, plus
accrued and unpaid interest.
If we sell specified assets or if we experience specific kinds
of changes of control, holders of the 11% senior notes will
have the opportunity to sell their notes to us at 100% or at
101%, respectively, of the principal amount of such notes plus
accrued and unpaid interest and liquidated damages, if any, to
the date of purchase.
The indenture governing the 11% senior notes contains
covenants that are substantially similar to the covenants of the
exchange notes.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES
General
The initial notes (the Initial Notes) were issued,
and the exchange notes (the Notes) will be issued,
under an Indenture (the Indenture) dated as of
August 30, 2005, among Mediacom Broadband LLC and Mediacom
Broadband Corporation, as joint and several obligors (the
Issuers), Law Debenture Trust Company of New York,
as Trustee (the Trustee) and Deutsche Bank Trust
Company Americas, as registrar and paying agent. The Notes will
not be guaranteed by any Subsidiary of Mediacom
Broadband LLC, but Mediacom Broadband LLC agreed in the
Indenture to cause a Restricted Subsidiary to guarantee payment
of the Notes in certain limited circumstances specified therein.
The Notes will be issued in fully registered form only, in
denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof. The
Notes will be represented by one or more registered Notes in
global form and in limited circumstances may be represented by
Notes in certificated form.
The form and terms of the Notes are the same in all material
respects as the form and terms of the Initial Notes, except that
the Notes will have been registered under the Securities Act and
therefore will not bear legends restricting their transfer. The
Initial Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act
and are subject to transfer restrictions.
The following statements are subject to the detailed provisions
of the Indenture and are qualified in their entirety by
reference to the Indenture, including, without limitation, the
terms made a part thereof by the Trust Indenture Act of
1939, as amended (the Trust Indenture Act). A copy
of the Indenture will be provided upon request without charge to
each person to whom a copy of this prospectus is delivered.
Capitalized terms used herein which are not otherwise defined
shall have the meaning assigned to them in the Indenture.
Principal, Maturity And Interest
The Notes will be issued in an aggregate principal amount of up
to $200.0 million and will mature on October 15, 2015.
Interest on the Notes will accrue at the rate per annum shown on
the front cover of this prospectus from October 15, 2005,
or from the most recent date on which interest has been paid or
provided for, payable semi-annually to holders of record at the
close of business on the April 1 or October 1 (whether
or not such day is a business day) immediately preceding the
interest payment date on April 15 and October 15 of each year
during which any portion of the Notes shall be outstanding,
commencing April 15, 2006. Interest will be computed on the
basis of a 360-day year
comprised of twelve
30-day months.
Principal of, premium, if any, and interest, including
Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes will be payable, and
the Notes may be exchanged or transferred, at the office or
agency of the Issuers maintained for such purpose in the Borough
of Manhattan, The City of New York (which initially shall be the
principal corporate trust office of Deutsche Bank Trust Company
Americas, the Paying Agent and Registrar), except that, at the
option of the Issuers, payment of interest and Additional
Interest, if any, may be made by check mailed to the registered
holders of the Notes at their registered addresses; provided
that all payments with respect to global Notes and certificated
Notes the holders of which have given written wire transfer
instructions to the Trustee by no later than five business days
prior to the relevant payment date will be required to be made
by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts
specified by the holders thereof.
Ranking
The Notes will be unsecured, senior obligations of the Issuers,
ranking pari passu in right of payment with all existing and
future unsecured Indebtedness of the Issuers, other than any
Subordinated Obligations. The Notes will be effectively
subordinated to any secured Indebtedness of the Issuers. Since
Mediacom Broadband LLC is an intermediate holding company
and will conduct its business through its Subsidiaries, the
Notes will be effectively subordinated to all existing and
future Indebtedness and other liabilities (including
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trade payables) of the Subsidiaries. Mediacom Communications is
not and will not be an obligor or guarantor of the Notes.
As of September 30, 2005, giving effect to the recent
amendment of its Subsidiary Credit Facility, Mediacom Broadband
LLC had approximately $1,411.5 million of Indebtedness
outstanding (including approximately $811.5 million of
Indebtedness of the Subsidiaries), and the Subsidiaries would
have had $600.6 million of unused credit commitments under
the Subsidiary Credit Facility, of which $581.9 million
could be borrowed and used for general corporate purposes based
on the terms and conditions of the issuers debt
arrangements.
Optional Redemption
Except as set forth below, the Notes are not redeemable prior to
October 15, 2010. Thereafter, the Notes will be redeemable,
in whole or in part, from time to time at the option of the
Issuers, on not less than 30 and not more than
60 days notice prior to the redemption date by first
class mail to each holder of Notes to be redeemed at such
holders address appearing in the register of Notes
maintained by the Registrar at the following redemption prices
(expressed as percentages of principal amount) if redeemed
during the twelve-month period beginning with October 15 of the
year indicated below, in each case together with accrued and
unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, thereon to the
date of redemption:
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Redemption | |
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Price | |
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2010
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104.250% |
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2011
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102.833% |
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2012
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101.417% |
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2013 and thereafter
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100.000% |
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time prior to
October 15, 2010, the Issuers may also redeem the Notes, in
whole or in part from time to time, at the option of the
Issuers, upon not less than 30 and not more than
60 days notice prior to the redemption date by first
class mail to each holder of Notes to be redeemed at such
holders address appearing in the register of Notes
maintained by the Registrar, at a redemption price equal to 100%
of the principal amount of the Notes redeemed plus the
Applicable Premium as of, and accrued and unpaid interest and
Additional Interest, if any, thereon to, the date of redemption.
In addition, at any time and from time to time, on or prior to
October 15, 2008 the Issuers may redeem up to 35% of the
original principal amount of the Notes (calculated to give
effect to any issuance of Additional Notes) with the Net Cash
Proceeds of one or more Equity Offerings, at a redemption price
in cash equal to 108.50% of the principal to be redeemed plus
accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any,
thereon to the date of redemption; provided that at least 65% of
the original principal amount of Notes (as so calculated)
remains outstanding immediately after each such redemption. Any
such redemption will be required to occur within 90 days
following the closing of any such Equity Offering.
If fewer than all the Notes are to be redeemed, the Trustee will
select the Notes to be redeemed, if the Notes are listed on a
national securities exchange, in accordance with the rules of
such exchange or, if the Notes are not so listed, on a pro rata
basis or by lot or by such other method that the Trustee deems
to be fair and equitable to holders; provided that, if a partial
redemption is made with the proceeds of any Equity Offering,
selection of the Notes or portions thereof for redemption shall
be made by the Trustee only on a pro rata basis or on as nearly
a pro rata basis as is practicable (subject to DTC procedures).
If any Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of
redemption that relates to such Note shall state the portion of
the principal amount thereof to be redeemed and a new Note or
Notes in principal amount equal to the unredeemed principal
portion thereof will be issued; provided that no Notes of a
principal amount of $1,000 or less shall be redeemed in part. On
and after the redemption date, interest will cease to accrue on
Notes or portions thereof called for redemption as long as the
Issuers have deposited with the Paying Agent for the Notes funds
in satisfaction of the applicable redemption price pursuant to
the Indenture.
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Repurchase At The Option Of Holders
The Indenture provides that upon the occurrence of a Change of
Control, each holder of Notes shall have the right to require
the Issuers to repurchase all or any part of such holders
Notes pursuant to an offer described below (the Change of
Control Offer) at a purchase price equal to 101% of the
principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest and
Additional Interest, if any, thereon to the date of repurchase
(the Change of Control Payment).
A Change of Control means the occurrence of any of
the following events:
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(i) any Person (as such term is used in Sections 13(d)
and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
(Exchange Act), including any group acting for the
purpose of acquiring, holding or disposing of securities within
the meaning of
Rule 13d-5(b)(1)
under the Exchange Act), other than one or more Permitted
Holders, is or becomes the beneficial owner (as
defined in
Rule 13d-3 and
13d-5 under the
Exchange Act, except that a Person shall be deemed to have
beneficial ownership of all shares that any such
Person has the right to acquire, whether such right is
exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time, upon
the happening of an event or otherwise), directly or indirectly,
of more than 50% of the total voting power of the then
outstanding Voting Equity Interests in Mediacom Broadband LLC; |
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(ii) Mediacom Broadband LLC consolidates with, or merges
with or into, another Person (other than a Wholly Owned
Restricted Subsidiary) or Mediacom Broadband LLC or any of its
Subsidiaries sells, assigns, conveys, transfers, leases or
otherwise disposes of all or substantially all of the assets of
Mediacom Broadband LLC and its Subsidiaries (determined on a
consolidated basis) to any Person (other than Mediacom Broadband
LLC or any Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary), other than any
such transaction where immediately after such transaction the
Person or Persons that beneficially owned (as
defined in
Rule 13d-3 and
13d-5 under the
Exchange Act, except that a Person shall be deemed to have
beneficial ownership of all shares that any such
Person has the right to acquire, whether such right is
exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time, upon
the happening of an event or otherwise) immediately prior to
such transaction, directly or indirectly, a majority of the
total voting power of the then outstanding Voting Equity
Interests in Mediacom Broadband LLC, beneficially
own (as so determined), directly or indirectly, more than
50% of the total voting power of the then outstanding Voting
Equity Interests in the surviving or transferee Person; |
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(iii) Mediacom Broadband LLC is liquidated or dissolved or
adopts a plan of liquidation or dissolution (whether or not
otherwise in compliance with the provisions of the Indenture); |
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(iv) a majority of the members of the Executive Committee
of Mediacom Broadband LLC shall consist of Persons who are not
Continuing Members; or |
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(v) Mediacom Broadband LLC ceases to own 100% of the issued
and outstanding Equity Interests in Mediacom Broadband
Corporation, other than by reason of a merger of Mediacom
Broadband Corporation into and with a corporate successor to
Mediacom Broadband LLC; |
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provided, however, that a Change of Control will be deemed not
to have occurred in any of the circumstances described in
clauses (i) through (iv) above if after the occurrence
of any such circumstance (A) Mediacom Communications (or
any successor thereto), or a Person (or successor thereto) more
than 50% of the total voting power of the then outstanding
Voting Equity Interests of which is beneficially owned, directly
or indirectly, by Mediacom Communications (or any successor
thereto), continues to be the manager of Mediacom Broadband LLC
(or the surviving or transferee Person in the case of
clause (ii) above) pursuant to the Operating Agreement and
Rocco B. Commisso continues to be the chief executive officer or
chairman of Mediacom Communications (or any successor thereto),
(B) Rocco B. Commisso, or a Person more than 50% of the
total voting power of the then outstanding Voting Equity
Interests of which is beneficially owned, directly or
indirectly, by Rocco B. Commisso and the other Permitted Holders
together with their respective designees, becomes the |
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manager of Mediacom Broadband LLC (or the surviving or
transferee Person in the case of clause (ii) above) or
(C) Rocco B. Commisso becomes and thereafter continues to
be the chief executive officer or chairman of Mediacom Broadband
LLC (or the surviving or transferee Person in the case of
clause (ii) above). |
Within 30 days of the occurrence of a Change of Control,
the Issuers shall send by first class mail, postage prepaid, to
the Trustee and to each holder of the Notes, at the address
appearing in the register of Notes maintained by the Registrar,
a notice stating:
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(1) that the Change of Control Offer is being made pursuant
to this covenant and that all Notes tendered will be accepted
for payment; |
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(2) the purchase price and the purchase date, which shall
be a business day no earlier than 30 days nor later than
60 days from the date such notice is mailed (the
Change of Control Payment Date); |
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(3) that any Note not tendered will continue to accrue
interest; |
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(4) that, unless the Issuers default in the payment of the
Change of Control Payment, any Notes accepted for payment
pursuant to the Change of Control Offer shall cease to accrue
interest after the Change of Control Payment Date; |
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(5) that holders accepting the offer to have their Notes
purchased pursuant to a Change of Control Offer will be required
to surrender the Notes to the Paying Agent at the address
specified in the notice prior to the close of business on the
business day preceding the Change of Control Payment Date; |
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(6) that holders will be entitled to withdraw their
acceptance if the Paying Agent receives, not later than the
close of business on the third business day preceding the Change
of Control Payment Date, a facsimile transmission or letter
setting forth the name of the holder, the principal amount of
the Notes delivered for purchase, and a statement that such
holder is withdrawing its election to have such Notes purchased; |
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(7) that holders whose Notes are being purchased only in
part will be issued new Notes equal in principal amount to the
unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered, provided that each
Note purchased and each such new Note issued shall be in an
original principal amount in denominations of $1,000 and
integral multiples thereof; |
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(8) any other procedures that a holder must follow to
accept a Change of Control Offer or effect withdrawal of such
acceptance; and |
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(9) the name and address of the Paying Agent. |
On the Change of Control Payment Date, the Issuers shall, to the
extent lawful (i) accept for payment Notes or portions
thereof tendered pursuant to the Change of Control Offer,
(ii) deposit with the Paying Agent money sufficient to pay
the purchase price of all Notes or portions thereof so tendered
and (iii) deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee
Notes so accepted together with an officers certificate
stating the Notes or portions thereof tendered to the Issuers.
The Paying Agent shall promptly mail to each holder of Notes so
accepted payment in an amount equal to the purchase price for
such Notes, and the Issuers shall execute and issue, and the
Trustee shall promptly authenticate and mail to such holder, a
new Note equal in principal amount to any unpurchased portion of
the Notes surrendered; provided that each such new Note shall be
issued in an original principal amount in denominations of
$1,000 and integral multiples thereof. The Issuers will send to
the Trustee and the holders of Notes on or as soon as
practicable after the Change of Control Payment Date a notice
setting forth the results of the Change of Control Offer.
The Issuers will not be required to make a Change of Control
Offer if a third party makes the Change of Control Offer in the
manner, at the time and otherwise in compliance with the
requirements set forth in the Indenture applicable to a Change
of Control Offer made by the Issuers and purchases all Notes or
portions thereof validly tendered and not withdrawn under such
Change of Control Offer. In addition, the Issuers will not be
required to make a Change of Control Offer in the event of a
highly leveraged transaction that does not constitute a Change
of Control.
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The Issuers will comply, to the extent applicable, with the
requirements of Section 14(e) of the Exchange Act and any
other securities laws or regulations in connection with the
repurchase of Notes pursuant to this covenant.
The Subsidiary Credit Facility includes a change of
control provision that permits the lenders thereunder to
accelerate the repayment of Indebtedness thereunder. The
Subsidiary Credit Facility will not permit the Subsidiaries of
Mediacom Broadband LLC to make distributions to the Issuers so
as to permit the Issuers to effect a purchase of the Notes upon
the Change of Control without the prior satisfaction of certain
financial tests and other conditions. Any future credit
facilities or other agreements relating to Indebtedness to which
the Issuers or Subsidiaries of Mediacom Broadband LLC become a
party may contain similar restrictions and provisions. If a
Change of Control were to occur, the Issuers may not have
sufficient available funds to pay the Change of Control Payment
for all Notes that might be delivered by holders of the Notes
seeking to accept the Change of Control Offer after first
satisfying its obligations under the Subsidiary Credit Facility
or other agreements relating to Indebtedness, if accelerated.
The failure of the Issuers to make or consummate the Change of
Control Offer or to pay the Change of Control Payment when due
will give the Trustee and the holders of the Notes the rights
described under Events of Default below.
The definition of Change of Control includes a phrase relating
to the sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer, lease or other
disposition of all or substantially all of the
assets of Mediacom Broadband LLC and its Subsidiaries. Although
there is a developing body of case law interpreting the phrase
substantially all, there is not a precise or
established definition of the phrase under applicable law.
Accordingly, the ability of a holder of the Notes to require the
Issuers to repurchase such Notes as a result of a sale,
assignment, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition of
less than all of the assets of Mediacom Broadband LLC and its
Subsidiaries to another Person or group may be uncertain.
The Indenture provides that Mediacom Broadband LLC shall not,
and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, consummate an
Asset Sale unless:
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(i) Mediacom Broadband LLC or such Restricted Subsidiary,
as the case may be, receives consideration at the time of such
sale or other disposition at least equal to the fair market
value thereof (as determined in good faith by the Executive
Committee, whose determination shall be conclusive and evidenced
by a Committee Resolution); |
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(ii) not less than 75% of the consideration received by
Mediacom Broadband LLC or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the
case may be, is in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents; and |
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(iii) the Asset Sale Proceeds received by Mediacom
Broadband LLC or such Restricted Subsidiary are applied: |
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(a) first, to the extent Mediacom Broadband LLC elects, or
is required, to prepay, repay or purchase debt under any then
existing Indebtedness of Mediacom Broadband LLC or any
Restricted Subsidiary within 360 days following the receipt
of the Asset Sale Proceeds from any Asset Sale or, to the extent
Mediacom Broadband LLC elects to make, or commits pursuant to a
written agreement to make, an investment in assets (including,
without limitation, Equity Interests or other securities
purchased in connection with the acquisition of Equity Interests
or property of another Person) used or useful in a Related
Business, to make such an investment, provided that such
investment occurs and such Asset Sale Proceeds are so applied
within 360 days following the receipt of such Asset Sale
Proceeds or, in the case of funds committed to be reinvested in
such assets pursuant to a written agreement dated within
360 days following the receipt of such Asset Sale Proceeds,
such investment occurs within 540 days following the
receipt of such Asset Sale Proceeds (such 360th day or
540th day, as the case may be, the Reinvestment
Date), and |
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(b) second, on a pro rata basis (1) to the repayment
of an amount of Other Pari Passu Debt not exceeding the Other
Pari Passu Debt Pro Rata Share (provided that any such repayment
shall result in a permanent reduction of any commitment in
respect thereof in an amount equal to the |
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principal amount so repaid) and (2) if on the Reinvestment
Date with respect to any Asset Sale the Excess Proceeds exceed
$15.0 million, the Issuers shall apply an amount equal to
such Excess Proceeds to an offer to repurchase the Notes, at a
purchase price in cash equal to 100% of the principal amount
thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional
Interest, if any, thereon to the date of repurchase (an
Excess Proceeds Offer). |
If an Excess Proceeds Offer is not fully subscribed, the Issuers
may retain the portion of the Excess Proceeds not required to
repurchase Notes. For purposes of determining in
clause (ii) above the percentage of cash consideration
received by Mediacom Broadband LLC or any Restricted Subsidiary,
the amount of any (x) liabilities (as shown on Mediacom
Broadband LLCs or such Restricted Subsidiarys most
recent balance sheet) of Mediacom Broadband LLC or any
Restricted Subsidiary that are actually assumed by the
transferee in such Asset Sale and from which Mediacom Broadband
LLC and the Restricted Subsidiaries are fully released shall be
deemed to be cash, and (y) securities, notes or other
similar obligations received by Mediacom Broadband LLC or such
Restricted Subsidiary from such transferee that are immediately
converted (or are converted within 30 days of the related
Asset Sale) by Mediacom Broadband LLC or such Restricted
Subsidiary into cash shall be deemed to be cash in an amount
equal to the net cash proceeds realized upon such conversion.
If the Issuers are required to make an Excess Proceeds Offer,
within 30 days following the Reinvestment Date, the Issuers
shall send by first class mail, postage prepaid, to the Trustee
and to each holder of the Notes, at the address appearing in the
register of the Notes maintained by the Registrar, a notice
stating, among other things:
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(1) that such holders have the right to require the Issuers
to apply the Excess Proceeds to repurchase such Notes at a
purchase price in cash equal to 100% of the principal amount
thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional
Interest, if any, thereon to the date of purchase; |
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(2) the purchase date, which shall be a business day no
earlier than 30 days nor later than 60 days from the
date such notice is mailed; |
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(3) the instructions, determined by the Issuers, that each
holder must follow in order to have such Notes
repurchased; and |
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(4) the calculations used in determining the amount of
Excess Proceeds to be applied to the repurchase of such Notes. |
If the aggregate principal amount of Notes surrendered by
holders thereof exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the
Trustee shall select the Notes to be purchased on a pro rata
basis or by lot or by such other method that the Trustee deems
to be fair and equitable to holders. Upon completion of the
Excess Proceeds Offer, the amount of Excess Proceeds shall be
reset to zero.
The Issuers will comply, to the extent applicable, with the
requirements of Section 14(e) of the Exchange Act and any
other securities laws or regulations in connection with the
repurchase of Notes pursuant to this covenant.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Indenture provides that
Mediacom Broadband LLC or any Restricted Subsidiary will be
permitted to consummate an Asset Swap if (i) at the time of
entering into the related Asset Swap Agreement or immediately
after giving effect to such Asset Swap no Default or Event of
Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as
a consequence thereof and (ii) such Asset Swap shall have
been approved in good faith by the Executive Committee, whose
approval shall be conclusive and evidenced by a Committee
Resolution, which states that such Asset Swap is fair to
Mediacom Broadband LLC or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the
case may be, from a financial point of view.
If a Restricted Subsidiary were to consummate an Asset Sale, the
Subsidiary Credit Facility would not permit such Restricted
Subsidiary to make a distribution to the Issuers of the related
Asset Sale Proceeds so as to permit the Issuers to effect an
Excess Proceeds Offer with such Asset Sale Proceeds without the
prior satisfaction of certain financial tests and other
conditions. Any future credit agreements or other agreements
relating to Indebtedness to which the Issuers or Subsidiaries of
Mediacom Broadband LLC become a party
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may contain similar restrictions or other provisions which would
prohibit the Issuers from purchasing any Notes from Asset Sale
Proceeds. In the event an Excess Proceeds Offer occurs at a time
when the Issuers are prohibited from receiving Asset Sale
Proceeds or purchasing the Notes, the Issuers could seek the
consent of their lenders to the distribution of Asset Sales
Proceeds or the purchase of Notes or could attempt to refinance
the Indebtedness that contains such prohibition. If the Issuers
do not obtain such a consent or repay such Indebtedness, the
Issuers may remain prohibited from purchasing the Notes. In such
case, the Issuers failure to purchase tendered Notes when
due will give the Trustee and the holders of the Notes the
rights described under Events of Default below.
Events of Default
An Event of Default is defined in the Indenture as being:
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(a) default in payment of any principal of, or premium, if
any, on the Notes when due; |
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(b) default for 30 days in payment of any interest or
Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes when due; |
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(c) default by the Issuers for 60 days after written
notice by holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of
the Notes then outstanding in the observance or performance of
any other covenant in the Notes or the Indenture; |
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(d) default in the payment at maturity (continued for the
longer of any applicable grace period or 30 days) of any
Indebtedness aggregating $25.0 million or more of the
Issuers or any Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted
Subsidiaries of Mediacom Broadband LLC which, if merged into
each other, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, or the
acceleration of any such Indebtedness which default shall not be
cured or waived, or such acceleration shall not be rescinded or
annulled, within 30 days after written notice by holders of
not less than 25% in principal amount of the Notes then
outstanding; |
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(e) any final judgment or judgments for the payment of
money in excess of $25.0 million (net of amounts covered by
insurance) shall be rendered against the Issuers or any
Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries
of Mediacom Broadband LLC which, if merged into each other,
would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, and shall not be
discharged for any period of 60 consecutive days, during which a
stay of enforcement of such judgment shall not be in effect; |
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(f) certain events involving bankruptcy, insolvency or
reorganization of the Issuers or a Significant Subsidiary or any
group of Restricted Subsidiaries of Mediacom Broadband LLC
which, if merged into each other, would constitute a Significant
Subsidiary; or |
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(g) the guarantee of any Guarantor ceases to be in full
force and effect (except as contemplated by the terms of the
Indenture) or any Guarantor shall deny or disaffirm its
obligations under the Indenture or the guarantee of such
Guarantor. |
The Indenture provides that the Trustee may withhold notice to
the holders of Notes of any default (except in payment of
principal of or premium, if any, or interest or Additional
Interest on the Notes) if the Trustee considers it to be in the
best interest of the holders of the Notes to do so.
The Indenture provides that if an Event of Default (other than
an Event of Default resulting from certain events of bankruptcy,
insolvency or reorganization) shall have occurred and be
continuing, the Trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in
principal amount of the Notes then outstanding may declare the
principal of all the Notes to be due and payable immediately,
but if the Issuers shall cure (or the holders of a majority in
principal amount of the Notes then outstanding, if permitted by
the Indenture, shall waive) all defaults (except the nonpayment
of principal, interest and premium, if any, on any Notes which
shall have become due by acceleration) and certain other
conditions are met, such declaration may be annulled by the
holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes then
outstanding. In case an Event of Default resulting from certain
events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization shall occur,
such amount with respect to all of the Notes
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shall be due and payable immediately without any declaration or
other act on the part of the Trustee or the holders of the Notes.
The holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes then
outstanding shall have the right to direct the time, method and
place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to
the Trustee subject to certain limitations specified in the
Indenture. Subject to the provisions of the Indenture relating
to the duties of the Trustee, in case an Event of Default shall
occur and be continuing, the Trustee will be under no obligation
to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at
the request or direction of any of the holders of the Notes,
unless such holders have offered to the Trustee indemnity
satisfactory to it.
Covenants
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Limitation on Restricted Payments |
The Indenture provides that, so long as any of the Notes remain
outstanding, Mediacom Broadband LLC shall not, and shall not
permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, make any Restricted Payment
if:
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(i) at the time of such proposed Restricted Payment, a
Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing or shall occur as a consequence of such Restricted
Payment; |
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(ii) immediately after giving effect to such proposed
Restricted Payment, Mediacom Broadband LLC would not be
able to Incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness under the Debt to
Operating Cash Flow Ratio of the first paragraph of
Limitation on Indebtedness below; or |
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(iii) immediately after giving effect to any such
Restricted Payment, the aggregate of all Restricted Payments
which shall have been made on or after the Existing
Notes Issue Date (the amount of any Restricted Payment, if
other than cash, to be based upon the fair market value thereof
on the date of such Restricted Payment (without giving effect to
subsequent changes in value) as determined in good faith by the
Executive Committee, whose determination shall be conclusive and
evidenced by a Committee Resolution) would exceed an amount
equal to the difference between (a) the Cumulative Credit
and (b) 1.2 times Cumulative Interest Expense. |
As of September 30, 2005, the total amount available for
making Restricted Payments under the foregoing clause (iii)
was approximately $383.9 million.
The provisions of the first paragraph of this covenant shall not
prevent any of the following, each of which shall be given
independent effect:
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(1) the retirement of any of Mediacom Broadband LLCs
Equity Interests in exchange for, or out of the proceeds of, the
substantially concurrent sale (other than to a Subsidiary of
Mediacom Broadband LLC or an employee stock ownership plan
or to a trust established by Mediacom Broadband LLC or any
Subsidiary of Mediacom Broadband LLC for the benefit of its
employees) of Equity Interests (other than Equity Interests
issued in connection with the AT&T Acquisitions
Contributions) in Mediacom Broadband LLC; |
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(2) the payment of any dividend or distribution on, or
redemption of Equity Interests within 60 days after the
date of declaration of such dividend or distribution or the
giving of formal notice of such redemption, if at the date of
such declaration or giving of such formal notice such payment or
redemption would comply with the provisions of the Indenture; |
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(3) Investments constituting Restricted Payments made as a
result of the receipt of non-cash consideration from any Asset
Sale made pursuant to and in compliance with the provisions
described under Repurchase at the Option of
Holders Asset Sales above; |
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(4) payments of compensation to officers, directors and
employees of Mediacom Broad-band LLC or any Restricted
Subsidiary so long as the Executive Committee or the manager of
Mediacom Broadband LLC in good faith shall have approved the
terms thereof; |
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(5) (a) the payment of dividends on any Equity
Interests in Mediacom Broadband LLC following the issuance
thereof in an amount per annum of up to 6% of the net proceeds
received by Mediacom Broadband LLC from an Equity Offering of
such Equity Interests and (b) the payment of cash dividends
on the amount of the Mediacom Broadband Preferred Membership
Interest at a rate not to exceed 6.0% per annum; |
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(6) (a) the payment of management fees, and any
related reimbursement of expenses, to Mediacom Communications or
any Affiliate thereof pursuant to the Management Agreements and
(b) the reimbursement of expenses and the making of
payments in respect of indemnification obligations to Mediacom
Communications or any Affiliate thereof pursuant to the
Operating Agreement; |
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(7) the payment of amounts in connection with any merger,
consolidation, or sale of assets effected in accordance with the
Merger or Sales of Assets covenant
below, provided that no such payment may be made pursuant to
this clause (7) unless, after giving effect to such
transaction (and the Incurrence of any Indebtedness in
connection therewith and the use of the proceeds thereof),
Mediacom Broadband LLC would be able to Incur $1.00 of
additional Indebtedness under the Debt to Operating Cash Flow
Ratio of the first paragraph of Limitation on
Indebtedness below such that after incurring that $1.00 of
additional Indebtedness, the Debt to Operating Cash Flow Ratio
would be less than or equal to 6.5 to 1.0; |
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(8) the redemption, repurchase, retirement, defeasance or
other acquisition of any Subordinated Obligations in exchange
for, or out of net cash proceeds of the substantially concurrent
sale (other than to a Subsidiary of Mediacom Broadband LLC or an
employee stock ownership plan or to a trust established by
Mediacom Broadband LLC or any Subsidiary of Mediacom Broadband
LLC for the benefit of its employees) of Equity Interests (other
than Equity Interests issued in connection with the AT&T
Acquisitions Contributions) in Mediacom Broadband LLC or
Subordinated Obligations of Mediacom Broadband LLC; |
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(9) the payment of any dividend or distribution on or with
respect to any Equity Interests in any Restricted Subsidiary to
the holders of its Equity Interests on a pro rata basis; |
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(10) the making and consummation of (A) an Excess
Proceeds Offer in accordance with the provisions of the
Indenture with any Excess Proceeds or (B) a Change of
Control Offer with respect to the Notes in accordance with the
provisions of the Indenture or (C) any offer similar to the
offer described in clause (A) or (B) set forth in
any other indenture governing debt securities; |
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(11) during the period Mediacom Broadband LLC is treated as
a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes and
after such period to the extent relating to the liability for
such period, the payment of distributions in respect of
members or partners income tax liability with respect to
Mediacom Broadband LLC in an amount not to exceed the aggregate
amount of tax distributions, if any, permitted to be made by
Mediacom Broadband LLC to its members under the Operating
Agreement (such amount not to include amounts in respect of
taxes resulting from Mediacom Broadband LLCs
reorganization as or change in the status to a corporation); |
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(12) the payment by any Restricted Subsidiary to Mediacom
Broadband LLC or another Restricted Subsidiary of principal and
interest due in respect of intercompany Indebtedness and
dividends and other distributions in respect of Preferred Equity
Interests in such Restricted Subsidiary; |
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(13) the distribution of any Investment originally made by
Mediacom Broadband LLC or any Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to
the first paragraph of this covenant to holders of Equity
Interests in Mediacom Broadband LLC or such Restricted
Subsidiary, as the case may be; |
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(14) payments to Mediacom Communications to effect the
redemption, repurchase, retirement or defeasance of up to
$172.5 million in the aggregate of the
5.25% convertible senior notes due July 2006 of Mediacom
Communications, in any case at a price not to exceed 100% of the
outstanding principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid
interest thereon through the date of such redemption,
repurchase, retirement or defeasance; and |
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(15) additional Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount
not to exceed $25.0 million; |
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provided, however, that in the case of clauses (2), (5),
(7), (9), (10), (13), (14) and (15) of this paragraph,
no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing at the time of such Restricted Payment or as a result
thereof. In calculating the aggregate amount of Restricted
Payments made on or after the Existing Notes Issue Date for
purposes of clause (iii) of the first paragraph of this
covenant, (x) Restricted Payments made pursuant to
clauses (1), (2) and (8) and any Restricted
Payment deemed to have been made pursuant to the
Limitation on Transactions with
Affiliates covenant below shall be included in such
calculation and (y) Restricted Payments made pursuant to
any of clauses (3) through (7) or (9) through
(15) shall be excluded from such calculation. |
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Limitation on Indebtedness |
The Indenture provides that Mediacom Broadband LLC shall not,
and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or
indirectly, Incur any Indebtedness (including Acquired
Indebtedness) or issue any Disqualified Equity Interests except
for Permitted Indebtedness; provided, however, that Mediacom
Broadband LLC or any Restricted Subsidiary may Incur
Indebtedness or issue Disqualified Equity Interests if, at the
time of and immediately after giving pro forma effect to such
Incurrence of Indebtedness or issuance of Disqualified Equity
Interests and the application of the proceeds therefrom, the
Debt to Operating Cash Flow Ratio would be less than or equal to
8.5 to 1.0.
The foregoing limitations will not apply to the Incurrence of
any of the following (collectively, Permitted
Indebtedness), each of which shall be given independent
effect:
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(a) Indebtedness under the Notes issued on the date of the
Indenture, the Exchange Notes and the Indenture; |
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(b) Indebtedness of and Disqualified Equity Interests in
Mediacom Broadband LLC and the Restricted Subsidiaries
outstanding on August 30, 2005 other than Indebtedness
described in clause (a), (c), (d) or (f) of this
paragraph; |
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(c) (i) Indebtedness of the Restricted Subsidiaries
under the Subsidiary Credit Facility (including, without
limitation, any refinancing thereof), and (ii) Indebtedness
of the Restricted Subsidiaries (including, without limitation,
any refinancing thereof) if (solely for purposes of this
clause (ii)), at the time of and immediately after giving
pro forma effect to the Incurrence of such Indebtedness and the
application of the proceeds therefrom, the Debt to Operating
Cash Flow Ratio would be less than or equal to 6.5 to 1.0;
provided, however, that for purposes of the calculation of such
Ratio, the term Consolidated Total Indebtedness
shall refer only to the Consolidated Total Indebtedness of the
Restricted Subsidiaries (including, without limitation,
Indebtedness Incurred under the Subsidiary Credit Facility and
the Future Subsidiary Credit Facilities, but not including
Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary payable solely to
Mediacom Broadband LLC that qualifies as Affiliate
Subordinated Indebtedness (as defined in the Subsidiary
Credit Facility in effect as of August 30, 2005))
outstanding as of the Determination Date (as defined hereafter
in the term Debt to Operating Cash Flow Ratio) and
the term Operating Cash Flow shall refer only to the
Subsidiary Operating Cash Flow of the Restricted Subsidiaries
for the related Measurement Period (as defined hereafter in the
term Debt to Operating Cash Flow Ratio); |
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(d) Indebtedness of and Disqualified Equity Interests in
(x) any Restricted Subsidiary owed to or issued to and held
by Mediacom Broadband LLC or any other Restricted Subsidiary and
(y) Mediacom Broadband LLC owed to and held by any
Restricted Subsidiary which is unsecured and subordinated in
right of payment to the payment and performance of the
Issuers obligations under the Indenture and the Notes;
provided, however, that an Incurrence of Indebtedness and
Disqualified Equity Interests that is not permitted by this
clause (d) shall be deemed to have occurred upon
(i) any sale or other disposition of any Indebtedness or
Disqualified Equity Interests in Mediacom Broadband LLC or a
Restricted Subsidiary referred to in this clause (d) to any
Person (other than Mediacom Broadband LLC or a Restricted
Subsidiary), (ii) any sale or other disposition of Equity
Interests in a Restricted Subsidiary |
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which holds Indebtedness or Disqualified Equity Interests in
Mediacom Broadband LLC or another Restricted Subsidiary such
that such Restricted Subsidiary ceases to be a Restricted
Subsidiary or (iii) any designation of a Restricted
Subsidiary which holds Indebtedness or Disqualified Equity
Interests in Mediacom Broadband LLC as an Unrestricted
Subsidiary; |
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(e) guarantees by any Restricted Subsidiary of Indebtedness
of Mediacom Broadband LLC or any other Restricted Subsidiary
Incurred in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture; |
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(f) Hedging Agreements of Mediacom Broadband LLC or any
Restricted Subsidiary relating to any Indebtedness of Mediacom
Broadband LLC or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be,
Incurred in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture;
provided that such Hedging Agreements have been entered into for
bona fide business purposes and not for speculation; |
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(g) Indebtedness or Disqualified Equity Interests in
Mediacom Broadband LLC or any Restricted Subsidiary to the
extent representing a replacement, renewal, refinancing or
extension (collectively, a refinancing) of
outstanding Indebtedness or Disqualified Equity Interests in
Mediacom Broadband LLC or any such Restricted Subsidiary,
as the case may be, Incurred in compliance with the Debt to
Operating Cash Flow Ratio of the first paragraph of this
covenant or clause (a) or (b) of this paragraph of
this covenant; provided, however, that (i) Indebtedness or
Disqualified Equity Interests in Mediacom Broadband LLC may not
be refinanced under this clause (g) with Indebtedness or
Disqualified Equity Interests in any Restricted Subsidiary,
(ii) any such refinancing shall not exceed the sum of the
principal amount or liquidation preference or redemption payment
value (or, if such Indebtedness or Disqualified Equity Interests
provides for a lesser amount to be due and payable upon a
declaration of acceleration thereof at the time of such
refinancing, an amount no greater than such lesser amount) of
the Indebtedness or Disqualified Equity Interests being
refinanced plus the amount of accrued interest or dividends
thereon and the amount of any reasonably determined prepayment
premium necessary to accomplish such refinancing and such
reasonable fees and expenses incurred in connection therewith,
(iii) Indebtedness representing a refinancing of
Indebtedness of Mediacom Broadband LLC shall have a Weighted
Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater than the Weighted
Average Life to Maturity of the Indebtedness being refinanced,
(iv) Subordinated Obligations of Mediacom
Broadband LLC or Disqualified Equity Interests in Mediacom
Broadband LLC may only be refinanced with Subordinated
Obligations of Mediacom Broadband LLC or Disqualified Equity
Interests in Mediacom Broadband LLC, and (v) Other
Pari Passu Debt which is unsecured may only be refinanced with
unsecured Indebtedness, which is either Other Pari Passu Debt or
Subordinated Obligations, or with Disqualified Equity Interests; |
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(h) Indebtedness of Mediacom Broadband LLC or a Restricted
Subsidiary Incurred as a result of the pledge by Mediacom
Broadband LLC or such Restricted Subsidiary of intercompany
Indebtedness or Equity Interests in another Restricted
Subsidiary or Equity Interests in an Unrestricted Subsidiary in
the circumstance where recourse to Mediacom Broadband LLC or
such Restricted Subsidiary is limited to the value of the
intercompany Indebtedness or the Equity Interests so pledged; |
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(i) Indebtedness of Mediacom Broadband LLC or a Restricted
Subsidiary represented by Capitalized Lease Obligations,
mortgage financings, purchase money obligations or letters of
credit, in each case Incurred for the purpose of financing all
or any part of the purchase price or cost of construction or
improvement of property, plant or equipment used in the business
of Mediacom Broadband LLC or such Restricted Subsidiary or a
Related Business in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed
$25.0 million at any time outstanding; |
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(j) Indebtedness of Mediacom Broadband LLC or a Restricted
Subsidiary in an aggregate amount not to exceed two times the
sum of (i) the aggregate Net Cash Proceeds to Mediacom
Broadband LLC from (x) the issuance (other than to a
Subsidiary of Mediacom Broadband LLC or an employee stock
ownership plan or a trust established by Mediacom Broadband LLC
or any Subsidiary of Mediacom Broadband LLC (for the benefit of
its employees)) of any class of Equity Interests in Mediacom
Broadband LLC (other than Disqualified Equity Interests and
other than Equity Interests issued in connection with the
AT&T Acquisitions Contributions) on or after the Existing
Notes Issue Date or |
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(y) contributions (other than the AT&T Acquisitions
Contributions) to the equity capital of Mediacom Broadband LLC
on or after the Existing Notes Issue Date which do not
themselves constitute Disqualified Equity Interests and
(ii) the fair market value, as determined by an independent
nationally recognized accounting, appraisal or investment
banking firm experienced in similar types of transactions, of
any assets (other than cash or Cash Equivalents) that are used
or useful in a Related Business or Equity Interests in a Person
engaged in a Related Business that is or becomes a Restricted
Subsidiary of Mediacom Broadband LLC, in each case received by
Mediacom Broadband LLC after the Existing Notes Issue Date
in exchange for the issuance (other than to a Subsidiary of
Mediacom Broadband LLC) of its Equity Interests (other than
Disqualified Equity Interests and other than Equity Interests
issued in connection with the AT&T Acquisitions
Contributions); provided that (A) the amount of such Net
Cash Proceeds with respect to which Indebtedness is incurred
pursuant to this clause (j) shall not be deemed Net Cash
Proceeds from the issue or sale of Equity Interests for purposes
of clause (ii) of the definition of Cumulative
Credit and (B) the issuance of Equity Interests with
respect to which Indebtedness is incurred pursuant to this
clause (j) shall not also be used to effect a Restricted
Payment pursuant to clauses (1) or (8) of the third
paragraph of Limitation on Restricted
Payments above; and |
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(k) in addition to any Indebtedness described in
clauses (a) through (j) above, Indebtedness of
Mediacom Broadband LLC or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries so
long as the aggregate principal amount of all such Indebtedness
incurred pursuant to this clause (k) does not exceed
$50.0 million at any one time outstanding. |
For purposes of determining compliance with this covenant, in
the event that an item of Indebtedness meets the criteria of
more than one of the categories of Permitted Indebtedness
described in clauses (a) through (k) above or is
entitled to be incurred pursuant to the first paragraph of this
covenant, Mediacom Broadband LLC will, in its sole discretion,
be permitted to classify such item of Indebtedness, or to later
reclassify all or a portion of such item of Indebtedness, in any
manner that complies with this covenant and such item of
Indebtedness shall be treated as having been Incurred as so
classified or reclassified as the case may be.
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Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates |
The Indenture provides that Mediacom Broadband LLC shall not,
and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or
indirectly, engage in any transaction (or series of related
transactions) involving in the aggregate $5.0 million or
more with any Affiliate unless such transaction (or series of
related transactions) shall have been approved pursuant to a
Committee Resolution rendered in good faith by the Executive
Committee or, if applicable, a committee comprising the
disinterested members of the Executive Committee, which approval
in each case shall be conclusive, to the effect that such
transaction (or series of related transactions) is (a) in
the best interest of Mediacom Broadband LLC or such Restricted
Subsidiary and (b) upon terms which would be obtainable by
Mediacom Broadband LLC or such Restricted Subsidiary in a
comparable arms-length transaction with a Person which is
not an Affiliate, except that the foregoing shall not apply in
the case of any of the following transactions (the
Specified Affiliate Transactions):
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(i) the making of any Restricted Payment (including,
without limitation, the making of any Restricted Payment that is
permitted pursuant to clauses (1) through (15) of the
second paragraph of Limitation on Restricted
Payments) and the making of any Permitted Investment; |
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(ii) any transaction or series of transactions between
Mediacom Broadband LLC and one or more Restricted Subsidiaries
or between two or more Restricted Subsidiaries; |
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(iii) the payment of compensation (including, without
limitation, amounts paid pursuant to employee benefit plans) for
the personal services of, and indemnity provided on behalf of,
officers, members, directors and employees of Mediacom Broadband
LLC or any Restricted Subsidiary, and management, consulting or
advisory fees and reimbursements of expenses and indemnity in
each case so long as the Executive Committee in good faith shall
have approved the terms thereof and deemed the |
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services theretofore or thereafter to be performed for such
compensation or fees to be fair consideration therefor; |
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(iv) any payments for goods or services purchased in the
ordinary course of business, upon terms which would be
obtainable by Mediacom Broadband LLC or a Restricted Subsidiary
in a comparable arms-length transaction with a Person
which is not an Affiliate; |
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(v) any transaction pursuant to any agreement with any
Affiliate in effect on the date of the Indenture (including, but
not limited to, the Management Agreements, the Operating
Agreement and other agreements relating to the payment of
management fees, acquisition fees and expense reimbursements),
including, without limitation, any amendments thereto entered
into after the date of the Indenture, provided, that the terms
of any such amendment are not less favorable to Mediacom
Broadband LLC than the terms of the relevant agreement in effect
prior to any such amendment, as determined in good faith by the
Executive Committee whose determination shall be conclusive and
evidenced by a Committee Resolution; |
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(vi) any transaction or series of transactions between
Mediacom Broadband or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, on the
one hand, and Mediacom Communications or any of its direct or
indirect Subsidiaries, on the other hand, which relate to
(a) the sharing of centralized services, personnel,
facilities, headends and plant, (b) the joint procurement
of goods and services, (c) the allocation of costs and
expenses (other than taxes based on income) and (d) matters
reasonably related to any of the foregoing, in each case, which
are undertaken pursuant to an established plan of Mediacom
Communications the primary purpose of which is to result in cost
savings and related synergies for Mediacom Broadband LLC, its
Restricted Subsidiaries, Mediacom Communications and each of
Mediacom Communications other direct or indirect
Subsidiaries involved in such transaction or series of
transactions; provided that, in the case of this
clause (vi), such plan shall have been approved pursuant to
a Committee Resolution, rendered in good faith by the Executive
Committee, which approval in each case shall be conclusive, to
the effect that such plan is in the best interest of Mediacom
Broadband LLC or such Restricted Subsidiary; and provided,
further, that such transaction or series of related transactions
is fair and reasonable to Mediacom Broadband LLC or such
Restricted Subsidiary, on the one hand, and to Mediacom
Communications and each such other Subsidiary of Mediacom
Communications, on the other hand; and |
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(vii) the receipt from any Affiliate of any payment,
Investment, distribution, loan or other extension of credit or
any other consideration if the payment or making thereof would,
if made by Mediacom Broadband LLC or by any Restricted
Subsidiary to an Affiliate thereof, constitute a Specified
Affiliate Transaction under any of the foregoing
clauses (i) through (vi) of this paragraph or would
comply with the last two sentences of this description of the
Limitation on Transactions With
Affiliates covenant. |
The Indenture further provides that, except in the case of a
Specified Affiliate Transaction, Mediacom Broadband LLC shall
not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly
or indirectly, engage in any transaction (or series of related
transactions) involving in the aggregate
(y) $25.0 million or more in all instances except in
the case of Asset Sales or Asset Swaps and
(z) $50.0 million or more in the case of any Asset
Sale or Asset Swap, in each case, with any Affiliate unless
(i) such transaction (or series of related transactions)
shall have been approved pursuant to a Committee Resolution
rendered in good faith by the Executive Committee or, if
applicable, a committee comprising the disinterested members of
the Executive Committee to the effect set forth in
clauses (a) and (b) above, which approval in each case
shall be conclusive and evidenced by a Committee Resolution; and
(ii) Mediacom Broadband LLC shall have received an opinion
from an independent nationally recognized accounting, appraisal
or investment banking firm experienced in the review of similar
types of transactions stating that the terms of such transaction
(or series of related transactions) are fair to Mediacom
Broadband LLC or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be,
from a financial point of view, which opinion shall be
conclusive. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any transaction (or
series of related transactions) entered into by Mediacom
Broadband LLC or any Restricted Subsidiary with any Affiliate
without complying with the foregoing provisions of this covenant
shall not constitute a violation of the provisions of this
covenant if Mediacom Broadband LLC or such Restricted
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Subsidiary would be permitted to make a Restricted Payment
pursuant to the first paragraph of Limitation
on Restricted Payments above at the time of the completion
of such transaction (or series of related transactions) in an
amount equal to the fair market value of such transaction (or
series of related transactions), as determined in good faith by
the Executive Committee, whose determination shall be conclusive
and evidenced by a Committee Resolution. In such a case,
Mediacom Broadband LLC or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the
case may be, shall be deemed to have made a Restricted Payment
in an amount equal to the fair market value of such transaction
for purposes of the calculation of Restricted Payments pursuant
to clause (iii) of the first paragraph of
Limitation on Restricted Payments above.
The Indenture provides that Mediacom Broadband LLC shall not
Incur any Indebtedness secured by a Lien against or on any of
its property or assets now owned or hereafter acquired by
Mediacom Broadband LLC unless contemporaneously therewith
effective provision is made to secure the Notes equally and
ratably with such secured Indebtedness. This restriction does
not, however, apply to Indebtedness secured by:
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(i) Liens, if any, in effect on the date of the Indenture; |
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(ii) Liens in favor of governmental bodies to secure
progress or advance payments; 53 |
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(iii) Liens on Equity Interests or Indebtedness existing at
the time of the acquisition thereof (including, without
limitation, acquisition through merger or consolidation);
provided that such Liens were not Incurred in anticipation of
such acquisition; |
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(iv) Liens securing industrial revenue or pollution control
bonds; |
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(v) Liens securing the Notes; |
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(vi) Liens securing Indebtedness of Mediacom Broadband LLC
in an amount not to exceed $10.0 million at any time
outstanding; |
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(vii) Other Permitted Liens; and |
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(viii) any extension, renewal or replacement of any Lien
referred to in the foregoing clauses (i) through (vii),
inclusive. |
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Limitation on Business Activities of Mediacom Broadband
Corporation |
The Indenture provides that Mediacom Broadband Corporation shall
not hold any material assets, become liable for any material
obligations, engage in any trade or business, or conduct any
business activity, other than the issuance of Equity Interests
to Mediacom Broadband LLC or any Wholly Owned Restricted
Subsidiary, the Incurrence of Indebtedness as a co-obligor or
guarantor of Indebtedness Incurred by Mediacom Broadband LLC,
including, without limitation, the Notes and the Exchange Notes,
if any, that is permitted to be Incurred by Mediacom Broadband
LLC under Limitation on Indebtedness
above (provided that the net proceeds of such Indebtedness are
retained by Mediacom Broadband LLC or loaned to or contributed
as capital to one or more of the Restricted Subsidiaries other
than Mediacom Broadband Corporation), and activities incidental
thereto. Neither Mediacom Broadband LLC nor any Restricted
Subsidiary shall engage in any transactions with Mediacom
Broadband Corporation in violation of the immediately preceding
sentence.
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Designation of Unrestricted Subsidiaries |
The Indenture provides that Mediacom Broadband LLC may designate
any Subsidiary (including, without limitation, any newly
acquired or newly formed Subsidiary or a Person becoming a
Subsidiary through merger or consolidation or Investment
therein) as an Unrestricted Subsidiary under the
Indenture (a Designation) only if:
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(a) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and
be continuing at the time of or after giving effect to such
Designation; |
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(b) at the time of and after giving effect to such
Designation, Mediacom Broadband LLC would be able to Incur $1.00
of additional Indebtedness under the Debt to Operating Cash Flow
Ratio of the first paragraph of Limitation on
Indebtedness above; and |
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(c) Mediacom Broadband LLC would be permitted to make a
Restricted Payment at the time of Designation (assuming the
effectiveness of such Designation) pursuant to the first
paragraph of Limitation on Restricted
Payments above in an amount equal to Mediacom Broadband
LLCs proportionate interest in the fair market value of
such Subsidiary on such date (as determined in good faith by the
Executive Committee, whose determination shall be conclusive and
evidenced by a Committee Resolution). Notwithstanding the
foregoing, neither Mediacom Broadband Corporation nor any of its
Subsidiaries may be designated as Unrestricted Subsidiaries. |
The Indenture will further provide that at the time of
Designation all of the Indebtedness of such Unrestricted
Subsidiary shall consist of, and will at all times thereafter
consist of, Non-Recourse Indebtedness, and that neither Mediacom
Broadband LLC nor any Restricted Subsidiary shall at any time
have any direct or indirect obligation to:
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(x) make additional Investments (other than Permitted
Investments) in any Unrestricted Subsidiary; |
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(y) maintain or preserve the financial condition of any
Unrestricted Subsidiary or cause any Unrestricted Subsidiary to
achieve any specified levels of operating results; or |
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(z) be party to any agreement, contract, arrangement or
understanding with any Unrestricted Subsidiary unless the terms
of any such agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding
are no less favorable to Mediacom Broadband LLC or such
Restricted Subsidiary than those that might be obtained, in
light of all the circumstances, at the time from Persons who are
not Affiliates of Mediacom Broadband LLC. |
If, at any time, any Unrestricted Subsidiary would violate the
foregoing requirements, it shall thereafter cease to be an
Unrestricted Subsidiary for purposes of the Indenture and any
Indebtedness of such Subsidiary shall be deemed to be Incurred
as of such date.
Mediacom Broadband LLC may revoke any Designation of a
Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary (a
Revocation) if:
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(a) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and
be continuing at the time of or after giving effect to such
Revocation; |
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(b) at the time of and after giving effect to such
Revocation, Mediacom Broadband LLC would be able to Incur $1.00
of additional Indebtedness under the Debt to Operating Cash Flow
Ratio of the first paragraph of Limitation on
Indebtedness above; and |
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(c) all Liens and Indebtedness of such Unrestricted
Subsidiary outstanding immediately following such Revocation
would, if Incurred at such time, have been permitted to be
Incurred for all purposes of the Indenture. |
All Designations and Revocations must be evidenced by Committee
Resolutions delivered to the Trustee certifying compliance with
the foregoing provisions.
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Limitation on Guarantees of Certain Indebtedness |
The Indenture provides that Mediacom Broadband LLC shall not
(a) permit any Restricted Subsidiary to guarantee any
Indebtedness of either Issuer other than the Notes (the
Other Indebtedness) or (b) pledge any
intercompany Indebtedness representing obligations of any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries to secure the payment of Other
Indebtedness, in each case unless such Restricted Subsidiary,
the Issuers and the Trustee execute and deliver a supplemental
indenture causing such Restricted Subsidiary to guarantee the
Issuers obligations under the Indenture and the Notes to
the same extent that such Restricted Subsidiary guaranteed the
Issuers obligations under the Other Indebtedness
(including, without limitation, waiver of
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subrogation, if any). Thereafter, such Restricted Subsidiary
shall be a Guarantor for all purposes of the Indenture.
The guarantee of a Restricted Subsidiary will be released upon:
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(i) the sale of all of the Equity Interests, or all or
substantially all of the assets, of the applicable Guarantor (in
each case other than to Mediacom Broadband LLC or a Subsidiary); |
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(ii) the designation by Mediacom Broadband LLC of the
applicable Guarantor as an Unrestricted Subsidiary; or |
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(iii) the release of the guarantee of such Guarantor with
respect to the obligations which caused such Guarantor to
deliver a guarantee of the Notes in accordance with the
preceding paragraph, in each case in compliance with the
Indenture (including, without limitation, in the event of a sale
of Equity Interests or assets described in clause (i)
above, that the Net Cash Proceeds are applied in accordance with
the requirements of the applicable provision of the Indenture
described under Repurchase at the Option of
Holders Asset Sales above). |
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Limitation on Dividends and Other Payment Restrictions
Affecting Subsidiaries |
The Indenture provides that Mediacom Broadband LLC shall not,
and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or
indirectly, create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or
become effective any consensual encumbrance or restriction of
any kind on the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary to:
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(a) pay dividends or make any other distributions to
Mediacom Broadband LLC or any other Restricted Subsidiary on its
Equity Interests; |
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(b) pay any Indebtedness owed to Mediacom Broadband LLC or
any other Restricted Subsidiary; |
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(c) make loans or advances, or guarantee any such loans or
advances, to Mediacom Broadband LLC or any other Restricted
Subsidiary; |
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(d) transfer any of its properties or assets to Mediacom
Broadband LLC or any other Restricted Subsidiary; |
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(e) grant Liens on the assets of Mediacom Broadband LLC or
any other Restricted Subsidiary in favor of the holders of the
Notes; or |
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(f) guarantee the Notes or any renewals or refinancings
thereof |
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(any of the actions described in clauses (a) through
(f) above is referred to herein as a Specified
Action), except for |
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(i) such encumbrances or restrictions arising by reason of
Acquired Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary existing at
the time such Person became a Restricted Subsidiary; provided
that such encumbrances or restrictions were not created in
anticipation of such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary and
are not applicable to Mediacom Broadband LLC or any other
Restricted Subsidiary, |
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(ii) such encumbrances or restrictions arising under
refinancing Indebtedness permitted by clause (g) of the
second paragraph under Limitation on
Indebtedness above; provided that the terms and conditions
of any such restrictions are no less favorable to the holders of
Notes than those under the Indebtedness being refinanced, |
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(iii) customary provisions restricting the assignment of
any contract or interest of Mediacom Broadband LLC or any
Restricted Subsidiary, |
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(iv) restrictions contained in the Indenture or any other
indenture governing debt securities that are no more restrictive
than those contained in the Indenture, and |
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(v) restrictions under the Subsidiary Credit Facility and
under the Future Subsidiary Credit Facilities; provided that, in
the case of any Future Subsidiary Credit Facility, Mediacom
Broadband LLC |
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shall have used commercially reasonable efforts to include in
the agreements relating to such Future Subsidiary Credit
Facility provisions concerning the encumbrance or restriction on
the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary to take any Specified
Action that are no more restrictive than those in effect in the
Subsidiary Credit Facility on the date of the creation of the
applicable restriction in such Future Subsidiary Credit Facility
(Comparable Restriction Provisions); and provided,
further, that if Mediacom Broadband LLC shall conclude in its
sole discretion based on then prevailing market conditions that
it is not in the best interest of Mediacom Broadband LLC and the
Restricted Subsidiaries to comply with the foregoing proviso,
the failure to include Comparable Restriction Provisions in the
agreements relating to such Future Subsidiary Credit Facility
shall not constitute a violation of the provisions of this
covenant. |
The Indenture provides that, commencing with the fiscal quarter
of the Issuers ending on September 30, 2005, whether or not
the Issuers are then subject to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of
the Exchange Act or any successor provision thereto, the Issuers
shall file with the SEC (if permitted by SEC practice and
applicable law and regulations) so long as the Notes are
outstanding the annual reports, quarterly reports and other
periodic reports which the Issuers would have been required to
file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) or any
successor provision thereto if the Issuers were so subject on or
prior to the respective dates (the Required Filing
Dates) by which the Issuers would have been required to
file such documents if the Issuers were so subject. The Issuers
shall also in any event within 15 days of each Required
Filing Date (whether or not permitted or required to be filed
with the SEC) file with the Trustee, copies of the annual
reports, quarterly reports and other documents described in the
preceding sentence. In addition, for so long as any Notes remain
outstanding and prior to the later of the consummation of the
Exchange Offer and the effectiveness of the Shelf Registration
Statement, if required, the Issuers shall furnish to holders and
to securities analysts and prospective investors, upon their
request, the information required to be delivered pursuant to
Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act.
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Merger or Sales of Assets |
The Indenture provides that neither of the Issuers shall
consolidate or merge with or into, or transfer all or
substantially all of its assets to, another Person unless:
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(i) either (A) such Issuer shall be the continuing
Person, or (B) the Person formed by or surviving any such
consolidation or merger (if other than such Issuer), or to which
any such transfer shall have been made, is a corporation,
limited liability company or limited partnership organized and
existing under the laws of the United States, any State thereof
or the District of Columbia (provided that for so long as
Mediacom Broadband LLC or any successor Person is a limited
liability company or partnership there must be a co-issuer of
the Notes that is a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of
Mediacom Broadband LLC and that is a corporation organized
and existing under the laws of the United States, any State
thereof or the District of Columbia); |
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(ii) the surviving Person (if other than such Issuer)
expressly assumes by supplemental indenture all the obligations
of such Issuer under the Notes and the Indenture; |
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(iii) immediately after giving effect to such transaction,
no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing; |
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(iv) immediately after giving effect to such transaction,
the surviving Person would be able to Incur $1.00 of additional
Indebtedness under the Debt to Operating Cash Flow Ratio of the
first paragraph of Limitation on
Indebtedness above; and |
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(v) Mediacom Broadband LLC shall have delivered to the
Trustee prior to the proposed transaction an officers
certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that the
proposed consolidation, merger or transfer and such supplemental
indenture will comply with the Indenture. |
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The Indenture provides that no Guarantor shall consolidate or
merge with or into, or transfer all or substantially all of its
assets to, another Person unless either the guarantee of such
Guarantor is being released in accordance with
Limitation on Guarantees of Certain
Indebtedness above or:
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(i) either (A) such Guarantor shall be the continuing
Person, or (B) the Person formed by or surviving any such
consolidation or merger (if other than such Guarantor), or to
which any such transfer shall have been made, is a corporation,
limited liability company or limited partnership organized and
existing under the laws of the United States, any State thereof
or the District of Columbia; |
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(ii) the surviving Person (if other than such Guarantor)
expressly assumes by supplemental indenture all the obligations
of such Guarantor under its guarantee of the Notes and the
Indenture; |
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(iii) immediately after giving effect to such transaction,
no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing; and |
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(iv) Mediacom Broadband LLC shall have delivered to the
Trustee prior to the proposed transaction an officers
certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that the
proposed consolidation, merger or transfer and such supplemental
indenture will comply with the Indenture. |
Certain definitions
Set forth below is a summary of certain of the defined terms
used in the covenants contained in the Indenture. Reference is
made to the Indenture for the full definition of all such terms
as well as any other capitalized terms used herein for which no
definition is provided.
Acquired Indebtedness means Indebtedness of a
Person existing at the time such Person becomes a Restricted
Subsidiary or assumed in connection with an Asset Acquisition
from such Person and not Incurred in connection with, or in
anticipation of, such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary or
such Asset Acquisition.
Additional Interest has the meaning specified
in the section of this prospectus entitled Exchange
Offer.
Affiliate of any specified Person means any
other Person which directly or indirectly through one or more
intermediaries controls, or is controlled by, or is under common
control with, such specified Person. For purposes of this
definition, control (including, with correlative
meaning, the terms controlling, controlled
by, and under common control with), when used
with respect to any Person, means the possession, directly or
indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the
management and policies of such Person, whether by contract,
through the ownership of voting securities or otherwise.
Applicable Premium means, with respect to the
applicable principal amount of Notes on any applicable
redemption date, the greater of:
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(1) 1.0% of the then outstanding principal amount of such
Notes; and |
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(2) the excess of: |
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(a) the present value at such redemption date of
(i) the redemption price of such Notes at October 15,
2010 (such redemption price being specified in the table
appearing above under Optional
Redemption) plus (ii) all required interest payments
due on such Notes through October 15, 2010 (excluding
accrued but unpaid interest), computed using a discount rate
equal to the Treasury Rate as of such redemption date plus
50 basis points; over |
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(b) the then outstanding principal amount of such Notes. |
Asset Acquisition means (i) an
Investment by Mediacom Broadband LLC or any Restricted
Subsidiary in any other Person pursuant to which such Person
shall become a Restricted Subsidiary or shall be consolidated or
merged with or into Mediacom Broadband LLC or any Restricted
Subsidiary or (ii) any acquisition by Mediacom Broadband
LLC or any Restricted Subsidiary of the assets of any Person
which
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constitute substantially all of an operating unit, a division or
a line of business of such Person or which is otherwise outside
of the ordinary course of business.
Asset Sale means any direct or indirect sale,
conveyance, transfer, lease (that has the effect of a
disposition) or other disposition (including, without
limitation, any merger, consolidation or sale-leaseback
transaction) to any Person other than Mediacom Broadband LLC or
any Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary or any Controlled
Subsidiary, in one transaction or a series of related
transactions, of:
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(i) any Equity Interest in any Restricted Subsidiary: |
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(ii) any material license, franchise or other authorization
of Mediacom Broadband LLC or any Restricted Subsidiary; |
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(iii) any assets of Mediacom Broadband LLC or any
Restricted Subsidiary which constitute substantially all of an
operating unit, a division or a line of business of Mediacom
Broadband LLC or any Restricted Subsidiary; or |
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(iv) any other property or asset of Mediacom Broadband LLC
or any Restricted Subsidiary outside of the ordinary course of
business. |
For the purposes of this definition, the term Asset
Sale shall not include:
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(i) any transaction consummated in compliance with
Repurchase at the Option of Holders Change of
Control above and Covenants Merger or
Sales of Assets above, and the creation of any Lien not
prohibited under Covenants Limitation on
Liens above; |
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(ii) the sale of property or equipment that has become worn
out, obsolete or damaged or otherwise unsuitable for use in
connection with the business of Mediacom Broadband LLC or any
Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be; |
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(iii) any transaction consummated in compliance with
Covenants Limitation on Restricted
Payments above; and |
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(iv) Asset Swaps permitted pursuant to Repurchase at
the Option of Holders Asset Sales above. |
In addition, solely for purposes of Repurchase at the
Option of Holders Asset Sales above, any sale,
conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition, whether in one
transaction or a series of related transactions, involving
assets with a fair market value not in excess of
$5.0 million in any fiscal year shall be deemed not to be
an Asset Sale.
Asset Sale Proceeds means, with respect to
any Asset Sale:
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(i) cash received by Mediacom Broadband LLC or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries from such Asset Sale (including cash
received as consideration for the assumption of liabilities
incurred in connection with or in anticipation of such Asset
Sale), after |
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(a) provision for all income or other taxes measured by or
resulting from such Asset Sale, |
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(b) payment of all brokerage commissions, underwriting,
legal, accounting and other fees and expenses related to such
Asset Sale, and any relocation expenses incurred as a result
thereof, |
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(c) provision for minority interest holders in any
Restricted Subsidiary as a result of such Asset Sale by such
Restricted Subsidiary, |
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(d) payment of amounts required to be applied to the
repayment of Indebtedness secured by a Lien on the asset or
assets that were the subject of such Asset Sale (including,
without limitation, payments made to obtain or avoid the need
for the consent of any holder of such Indebtedness), and |
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(e) deduction of appropriate amounts to be provided by
Mediacom Broadband LLC or such Restricted Subsidiary as a
reserve, in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles consistently applied, against any liabilities
associated with the assets sold or disposed of in such Asset |
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Sale and retained by Mediacom Broadband LLC or such Restricted
Subsidiary after such Asset Sale, including, without limitation,
pension and other post employment benefit liabilities and
liabilities related to environmental matters or against any
indemnification obligations associated with the assets sold or
disposed of in such Asset Sale; and |
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(ii) promissory notes and other non-cash consideration
received by Mediacom Broadband LLC or any Restricted Subsidiary
from such Asset Sale or other disposition upon the liquidation
or conversion of such notes or non-cash consideration into cash. |
Asset Swap means the substantially concurrent
purchase and sale, or exchange, of Productive Assets between
Mediacom Broadband LLC or any Restricted Subsidiary and another
Person or group of affiliated Persons (including, without
limitation, any Person or group of affiliated Persons that is an
Affiliate of Mediacom Broadband LLC and the Restricted
Subsidiaries, provided that such transaction is otherwise in
compliance with Covenants Limitation on
Transactions with Affiliates above) pursuant to an Asset
Swap Agreement; it being understood that an Asset Swap may
include a cash equalization payment made in connection
therewith; provided that such cash payment, if received by
Mediacom Broadband LLC or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries,
shall be deemed to be proceeds received from an Asset Sale and
shall be applied in accordance with Repurchase at the
Option of Holders Asset Sales above.
Asset Swap Agreement means a definitive
agreement, subject only to customary closing conditions that
Mediacom Broadband LLC in good faith believes will be satisfied,
providing for an Asset Swap; provided, however, that any
amendment to, or waiver of, any closing condition that
individually or in the aggregate is material to such Asset Swap
shall be deemed to be a new Asset Swap.
AT&T Acquisitions means the acquisitions
by subsidiaries of Mediacom Broadband LLC on June 29, 2001
and July 18, 2001 of cable systems previously owned by
AT&T Broadband, LLC.
AT&T Acquisitions Contributions means the
capital contributions and preferred equity investment in the
amount of $873.7 million made in Mediacom Broadband LLC by
Mediacom Communications and/or one or more of its direct or
indirect Subsidiaries in connection with the AT&T
Acquisitions; provided that AT&T Acquisitions
Contributions shall be deemed not to include any
additional amounts contributed by Mediacom Communications to the
extent that such amounts represent proceeds received by Mediacom
Communications from the issuance of its securities upon the
exercise of over-allotment options relating to the issuance of
its Class A common stock and convertible senior notes.
Available Asset Sale Proceeds means, with
respect to any Asset Sale, the aggregate Asset Sale Proceeds
from such Asset Sale that have not been applied in accordance
with clause (iii)(a) and that have not yet been the basis
for application in accordance with clause (iii)(b) of the
first paragraph of Repurchase at the Option of
Holders Asset Sales above.
Capitalized Lease Obligations means
Indebtedness represented by obligations under a lease that is
required to be capitalized for financial reporting purposes in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
consistently applied and the amount of such Indebtedness shall
be the capitalized amount of such obligations determined in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
consistently applied.
Cash Equivalents means:
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(i) United States dollars; |
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(ii) securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or
insured by the United States government or any agency or
instrumentality thereof having maturities of not more than six
months from the date of acquisition; |
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(iii) certificates of deposit and eurodollar time deposits
with maturities of six months or less from the date of
acquisition, bankers acceptances with maturities not
exceeding six months and overnight bank deposits, in each case
with any lender party to the Subsidiary Credit Facility or any
Future Subsidiary Credit Facility or with any domestic
commercial bank having capital and surplus in excess of
$500.0 million; |
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(iv) repurchase obligations with a term of not more than
seven days for underlying securities of the types described in
clauses (ii) and (iii) above entered into with any
financial institution meeting the qualifications specified in
clause (iii) above; |
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(v) commercial paper having a rating of at least P-1 from
Moodys or a rating of at least A-1 from S&P; and |
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(vi) money market mutual or similar funds having assets in
excess of $100.0 million, at least 95% of the assets of
which are comprised of assets specified in clauses (i)
through (v) above. |
Committee Resolution means with respect to
Mediacom Broadband LLC, a duly adopted resolution of the
Executive Committee of Mediacom Broadband LLC.
Consolidated Income Tax Expense means, with
respect to Mediacom Broadband LLC for any period, the provision
for federal, state, local and foreign income taxes payable by
Mediacom Broadband LLC and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such
period as determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied.
Consolidated Interest Expense means, with
respect to Mediacom Broadband LLC and the Restricted
Subsidiaries for any period, without duplication, the sum of:
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(i) the interest expense of Mediacom Broadband LLC and the
Restricted Subsidiaries for such period as determined on a
consolidated basis in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles consistently applied, including, without
limitation, amortization of original issue discount on any
Indebtedness and the interest portion of any deferred payment
obligation and after taking into account the effect of elections
made under any Hedging Agreements, however denominated, with
respect to such Indebtedness; |
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(ii) the interest component of Capitalized Lease
Obligations paid, accrued and/or scheduled to be paid or accrued
by Mediacom Broadband LLC and the Restricted Subsidiaries during
such period as determined on a consolidated basis in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles consistently
applied; and |
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(iii) dividends and distributions in respect of
Disqualified Equity Interests actually paid in cash by Mediacom
Broadband LLC and the Restricted Subsidiaries during such period
as determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied. |
For purposes of this definition, interest on a Capitalized Lease
Obligation shall be deemed to accrue at an interest rate
reasonably determined by Mediacom Broadband LLC to be the rate
of interest implicit in such Capitalized Lease Obligation in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
consistently applied.
Consolidated Net Income means, with respect
to any period, the net income (loss) of Mediacom Broadband LLC
and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period determined on a
consolidated basis in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles consistently applied, adjusted, to the
extent included in calculating such net income (loss), by
excluding, without duplication:
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(i) all extraordinary, unusual or nonrecurring items of
income or expense and of gains or losses and all gains and
losses from the sale or other disposition of assets out of the
ordinary course of business (net of taxes, fees and expenses
relating to the transaction giving rise thereto) for such period; |
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(ii) that portion of such net income (loss) derived from or
in respect of Investments in Persons other than any Restricted
Subsidiary, except to the extent actually received in cash by
Mediacom Broadband LLC or any Restricted Subsidiary; |
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(iii) the portion of such net income (loss) allocable to
minority interests in unconsolidated Persons for such period,
except to the extent actually received in cash by Mediacom
Broadband LLC or any Restricted Subsidiary; |
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(iv) net income (loss) of any other Person combined with
Mediacom Broadband LLC or any Restricted Subsidiary on a
pooling of interests basis attributable to any
period prior to the date of combination; |
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(v) net income (loss) of any Restricted Subsidiary to the
extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar
distributions by that Restricted Subsidiary of that net income
(loss) is not at the date of determination permitted without any
prior governmental approval (which has not been obtained) or,
directly or indirectly, by operation of the terms of its charter
or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute,
rule or governmental regulation applicable to that Restricted
Subsidiary or the holders of its Equity Interests; |
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(vi) the cumulative effect of a change in accounting
principles after the Existing Notes Issue Date; |
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(vii) net income (loss) attributable to discontinued
operations; |
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(viii) management fees payable to Mediacom Communications
and its Affiliates pursuant to management agreements with
Mediacom Broadband LLC or its Subsidiaries accrued for such
period that have not been paid during such period; and |
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(ix) any other item of expense, other than interest
expense, which appears on Mediacom Broadband LLCs
consolidated statement of income (loss) below the line item
Operating Income, determined on a consolidated basis
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
consistently applied. |
Consolidated Total Indebtedness means, as at
any date of determination, an amount equal to the aggregate
amount of all outstanding Indebtedness and the aggregate
liquidation preference or redemption payment value of all
Disqualified Equity Interests in Mediacom Broadband LLC and the
Restricted Subsidiaries outstanding as of such date of
determination, less the obligations of Mediacom Broadband LLC or
any Restricted Subsidiary under any Hedging Agreement as of such
date of determination that would appear as a liability on the
balance sheet of such Person, in each case determined on a
consolidated basis in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles consistently applied.
Continuing Member means, as of the date of
determination, any Person who:
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(i) was a member of the Executive Committee of Mediacom
Broadband LLC on the date of the Indenture; |
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(ii) was nominated for election or elected to the Executive
Committee of Mediacom Broadband LLC with the affirmative
vote of a majority of the Continuing Members who were members of
the Executive Committee at the time of such nomination or
election; or |
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(iii) is a representative of, or was approved by, a
Permitted Holder. |
Controlled Subsidiary means a Restricted
Subsidiary which is engaged in a Related Business:
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(i) 80% or more of the outstanding Equity Interests of
which (other than Equity Interests constituting directors
qualifying shares to the extent mandated by applicable law) are
owned by Mediacom Broadband LLC or by one or more Wholly Owned
Restricted Subsidiaries or Controlled Subsidiaries or by
Mediacom Broadband LLC and one or more Wholly Owned Restricted
Subsidiaries or Controlled Subsidiaries; |
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(ii) of which Mediacom Broadband LLC possesses, directly or
indirectly, the power to direct or cause the direction of the
management or policies, whether through the ownership of Voting
Equity Interests, by agreement or otherwise; and |
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(iii) all of whose Indebtedness is Non-Recourse
Indebtedness. |
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Cumulative Credit means the sum of:
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(i) $25.0 million; plus |
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(ii) the aggregate Net Cash Proceeds received by Mediacom
Broadband LLC or a Restricted Subsidiary from the issue or sale
(other than to a Restricted Subsidiary) of Equity Interests in
Mediacom Broadband LLC or a Restricted Subsidiary (other than
Disqualified Equity Interests and other than Equity Interests
issued in connection with the AT&T Acquisitions
Contributions) on or after the Existing Notes Issue Date;
plus |
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(iii) the principal amount (or accreted amount (determined
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles), if
less) of any Indebtedness, or the liquidation preference or
redemption payment value of any Disqualified Equity Interests,
of Mediacom Broadband LLC or any Restricted Subsidiary which has
been converted into or exchanged for Equity Interests in
Mediacom Broadband LLC or a Restricted Subsidiary (other than
Disqualified Equity Interests and other than Equity Interests
issued in connection with the AT&T Acquisitions
Contributions) on or after the Existing Notes Issue Date;
plus |
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(iv) cumulative Operating Cash Flow from and after the
Existing Notes Issue Date, to the end of the fiscal quarter
immediately preceding the date of the proposed Restricted
Payment, or, if cumulative Operating Cash Flow for such period
is negative, minus the amount by which cumulative Operating Cash
Flow is less than zero; plus |
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(v) to the extent not already included in Operating Cash
Flow, if any Investment constituting a Restricted Payment that
was made after the Existing Notes Issue Date is sold or
otherwise liquidated or repaid or any Unrestricted Subsidiary
which was designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary after the
Existing Notes Issue Date is sold or otherwise liquidated,
the fair market value of such Restricted Payment (less the cost
of disposition, if any) on the date of such sale, liquidation or
repayment, as determined in good faith by the Executive
Committee, whose determination shall be conclusive and evidenced
by a Committee Resolution; plus |
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(vi) if any Unrestricted Subsidiary is redesignated as a
Restricted Subsidiary, the value of the Restricted Payment that
would result if such Subsidiary were redesignated as an
Unrestricted Subsidiary at such time, determined in accordance
with the provisions described under Covenants
Designation of Unrestricted Subsidiaries above. |
Cumulative Interest Expense means the
aggregate amount of Consolidated Interest Expense paid or
accrued by the Issuers and the Restricted Subsidiaries from and
after the Existing Notes Issue Date, to the end of the
fiscal quarter immediately preceding the proposed Restricted
Payment.
Debt to Operating Cash Flow Ratio means the
ratio of (i) the Consolidated Total Indebtedness as of the
date of calculation (the Determination Date) to
(ii) four times the Operating Cash Flow for the latest
three months for which financial information is available
immediately preceding such Determination Date (the
Measurement Period). For purposes of calculating
Operating Cash Flow for the Measurement Period immediately prior
to the relevant Determination Date:
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(I) any Person that is a Restricted Subsidiary on the
Determination Date (or would become a Restricted Subsidiary on
such Determination Date in connection with the transaction that
requires the determination of such Operating Cash Flow) will be
deemed to have been a Restricted Subsidiary at all times during
such Measurement Period; |
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(II) any Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary on such
Determination Date (or would cease to be a Restricted Subsidiary
on such Determination Date in connection with the transaction
that requires the determination of such Operating Cash Flow)
will be deemed not to have been a Restricted Subsidiary at any
time during such Measurement Period; and |
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(III) if Mediacom Broadband LLC or any Restricted
Subsidiary shall have in any manner (x) acquired
(including, without limitation, through an Asset Acquisition or
the commencement of activities constituting such operating
business) or (y) disposed of (including by way of an Asset
Sale or |
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the termination or discontinuance of activities constituting
such operating business) any operating business during such
Measurement Period or after the end of such period and on or
prior to such Determination Date, such calculation will be made
on a pro forma basis in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles consistently applied as if, in the case of
an Asset Acquisition or the commencement of activities
constituting such operating business, all such transactions had
been consummated on the first day of such Measurement Period,
and, in the case of an Asset Sale or termination or
discontinuance of activities constituting such operating
business, all such transactions had been consummated prior to
the first day of such Measurement Period. |
Disqualified Equity Interest means
(i) any Equity Interest issued by Mediacom Broadband LLC
which, by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which
it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable at the option
of the holder thereof), or upon the happening of any event,
matures or is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund
obligation or otherwise, or is redeemable at the option of the
holder thereof (except, in each such case, upon the occurrence
of a Change of Control) in whole or in part, or is exchangeable
into Indebtedness, on or prior to the earlier of the maturity
date of the Notes or the date on which no Notes remain
outstanding; and (ii) any Equity Interest issued by any
Restricted Subsidiary which, by its terms (or by the terms of
any security into which it is convertible or for which it is
exchangeable at the option of the holder thereof), or upon the
happening of any event, matures or is mandatorily redeemable,
pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or is
redeemable at the option of the holder thereof, in whole or in
part, or is exchangeable into Indebtedness.
Equity Interest in any Person means any and
all shares, interests, rights to purchase, warrants, options,
participations or other equivalents of or interests in (however
designated) corporate stock or other equity participations,
including, without limitation, partnership interests, whether
general or limited, and membership interests in such Person,
including, without limitation, any Preferred Equity Interests.
Equity Offering means a public or private
offering or sale (including, without limitation, to any
Affiliate) by Mediacom Broadband LLC or a Restricted Subsidiary
for cash of its respective Equity Interests (other than
Disqualified Equity Interests) or options, warrants or rights
with respect to such Equity Interests.
Excess Proceeds means, with respect to any
Asset Sale, the then Available Asset Sale Proceeds less any such
Available Asset Sale Proceeds that are required to be applied
and are applied in accordance with clause (iii)(b)(1) of
the first paragraph of Repurchase at the Option of
Holders Asset Sales above.
Exchange Notes means the
81/2% Notes
due 2015 to be issued pursuant to the Indenture in connection
with a registration pursuant to the Registration Rights
Agreement.
Executive Committee means:
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(i) so long as Mediacom Broadband LLC is a limited
liability company, (x) while the Operating Agreement is in
effect, the Executive Committee authorized there under, and
(y) at any other time, the manager or board of managers of
Mediacom Broadband LLC, or management committee, board of
directors or similar governing body responsible for the
management of the business and affairs of Mediacom Broadband LLC
or any committee of such governing body; |
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(ii) if Mediacom Broadband LLC were to be reorganized as a
corporation, the board of directors of Mediacom Broadband
LLC; and |
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(iii) if Mediacom Broadband LLC were to be reorganized as a
partnership, the board of directors of the corporate general
partner of such partnership (or if such general partner is
itself a partnership, the board of directors of such general
partners corporate general partner). |
Existing Notes Issue Date means
June 29, 2001.
Future Subsidiary Credit Facilities means one
or more debt facilities (other than the Subsidiary Credit
Facility) entered into from time to time after the date of the
Indenture by one or more Restricted Subsidiaries or groups of
Restricted Subsidiaries with banks or other institutional
lenders, together with all loan documents and instruments
thereunder (including, without limitation, any guarantee
agreements and security docu-
96
ments), including, without limitation, any amendment (including,
without limitation, any amendment and restatement), modification
or supplement thereto or any refinancing, refunding, deferral,
renewal, extension or replacement thereof (including, in any
such case and without limitation, adding or removing
Subsidiaries of Mediacom Broadband LLC as borrowers or
guarantors thereunder), whether by the same or any other lender
or group of lenders.
Guarantor means any Subsidiary of Mediacom
Broadband LLC that guarantees the Issuers obligations
under the Indenture and the Notes issued after the date of the
Indenture pursuant to Covenants Limitation on
Guarantees of Certain Indebtedness above.
Hedging Agreement means any interest rate
swap agreement, interest rate cap agreement, interest rate
collar agreement or other similar agreement providing for the
transfer or mitigation of interest rate risks either generally
or under specific contingencies.
Incur means, with respect to any Indebtedness
or other obligation of any Person, to create, issue, incur
(including by conversion, exchange or otherwise), assume,
guarantee or otherwise become liable in respect of such
Indebtedness or other obligation or the recording, as required
pursuant to generally accepted accounting principles or
otherwise, of any such Indebtedness or other obligation on the
balance sheet of such Person (and Incurrence,
Incurred and Incurring shall have
meanings correlative to the foregoing). Indebtedness of any
Person or any of its Subsidiaries existing at the time such
Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary (or is merged into or
consolidates with Mediacom Broadband LLC or any Restricted
Subsidiary), whether or not such Indebtedness was incurred in
connection with, or in contemplation of, such Person becoming a
Restricted Subsidiary (or being merged into or consolidated with
Mediacom Broadband LLC or any Restricted Subsidiary), shall be
deemed Incurred at the time any such Person becomes a Restricted
Subsidiary or merges into or consolidates with Mediacom
Broadband LLC or any Restricted Subsidiary.
Indebtedness means, with respect to any
Person, without duplication, any indebtedness, secured or
unsecured, contingent or otherwise, in respect of borrowed money
(whether or not the recourse of the lender is to the whole of
the assets of such Person or only to a portion thereof), or
evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments or
letters of credit or representing the deferred and unpaid
balance of the purchase price of property or services (but
excluding trade payables incurred in the ordinary course of
business and noninterest bearing installment obligations and
other accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary course of
business) if and to the extent any of the foregoing indebtedness
would appear as a liability upon a balance sheet of such Person
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles consistently applied, and shall also include, to the
extent not otherwise included (but without duplication):
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(i) any Capitalized Lease Obligations; |
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(ii) obligations secured by a lien to which any property or
assets owned or held by such Person is subject, whether or not
the obligation or obligations secured thereby shall have been
assumed; |
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(iii) guarantees of items of other Persons which would be
included within this definition for such other Persons (whether
or not such items would appear upon the balance sheet of the
guarantor); and |
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(iv) obligations of Mediacom Broadband LLC or any
Restricted Subsidiary under any Hedging Agreement applicable to
any of the foregoing (if and only to the extent any amount due
in respect of such Hedging Agreement would appear as a liability
upon a balance sheet of such Person prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied). |
Indebtedness (i) shall not include obligations under
performance bonds, performance guarantees, surety bonds and
appeal bonds, letters of credit or similar obligations, Incurred
in the ordinary course of business, including in connection with
pole rental or conduit attachments and the like or the
requirements of cable television franchising authorities, and
otherwise consistent with industry practice; (ii) shall not
include obligations of any Person (x) arising from the
honoring by a bank or other financial institution of a check,
draft or other similar instrument inadvertently drawn against
insufficient funds in the ordinary course of business, provided
such obligations are extinguished within five business days of
their Incurrence, (y) resulting from the endorsement of
negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of
business
97
and consistent with past practice and (z) under stand-by
letters of credit to the extent collateralized by cash or Cash
Equivalents; and (iii) which provides that an amount less
than the principal amount thereof shall be due upon any
declaration of acceleration thereof shall be deemed to be
Incurred or outstanding in an amount equal to the accreted value
thereof at the date of determination.
Investment means, directly or indirectly, any
advance, loan or other extension of credit (including, without
limitation, by means of a guarantee) or capital contribution to
(by means of transfers of property to others, payments for
property or services for the account or use of others or
otherwise), the acquisition, by purchase or otherwise, of any
stock, bonds, notes, debentures, partnership, membership or
joint venture interests or other securities or other evidence of
beneficial interest of any Person; provided that the term
Investment shall not include any such advance, loan
or extension of credit having a term not exceeding 90 days
arising in the ordinary course of business or any pledge of
Equity Interests pursuant to the Subsidiary Credit Facility or
any Future Subsidiary Credit Facility. If Mediacom Broadband LLC
or any Restricted Subsidiary sells or otherwise disposes of any
Voting Equity Interest in any direct or indirect Restricted
Subsidiary such that, after giving effect to such sale or
disposition, Mediacom Broadband LLC no longer owns, directly or
indirectly, greater than 50% of the outstanding Voting Equity
Interests in such Restricted Subsidiary, Mediacom Broadband LLC
shall be deemed to have made an Investment on the date of any
such sale or disposition equal to the fair market value of the
Voting Equity Interests in such former Restricted Subsidiary not
sold or disposed of.
Lien means any mortgage, pledge, lien,
charge, security interest, hypothecation, assignment for
security or encumbrance of any kind (including any conditional
sale or capital lease or other title retention agreement, any
lease in the nature thereof or any agreement to give a security
interest).
Management Agreements means the Management
Agreements dated as of June 6, 2001 by and between Mediacom
Communications and each of MCC Georgia LLC, MCC Illinois LLC,
MCC Iowa LLC and MCC Missouri LLC, as the same may be amended,
supplemented or modified from time to time.
Mediacom Broadband Group Credit Agreement
means the credit agreement dated as of July 18, 2001,
as amended and restated as of December 16, 2004 and as
further modified and supplemented by that certain incremental
facility agreement dated as of May 3, 2005, all by and
among MCC Georgia LLC, MCC Illinois LLC, MCC Iowa LLC and
MCC Missouri LLC and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as
Administrative Agent, and the Lenders party thereto establishing
a reducing revolving credit facility and term loans.
Mediacom Broadband Preferred Membership Interest
means the $150.0 million 12.0% preferred membership
interest of Mediacom Broadband LLC issued to Mediacom
Communications and/or one or more of its direct or indirect
subsidiaries in connection with the AT&T Acquisitions.
Mediacom Communications means Mediacom
Communications Corporation, a Delaware corporation.
Moodys means Moodys Investors
Service, Inc.
Net Cash Proceeds means, with respect to any
issuance or sale of Equity Interests, the proceeds in the form
of cash or Cash Equivalents received by Mediacom Broadband LLC
or any Restricted Subsidiary of such issuance or sale and net of
attorneys fees, accountants fees, underwriters or
placement agents fees, discounts or commissions and
brokerage, consultant and other fees actually incurred in
connection with such issuance or sale and net of taxes paid or
payable as a result thereof.
Non-Recourse Indebtedness means Indebtedness
of a Person (i) as to which neither the Issuers nor any of
the Restricted Subsidiaries (other than such Person or any
Subsidiaries of such Person) (a) provides any guarantee or
credit support of any kind (including any undertaking,
guarantee, indemnity, agreement or instrument that would
constitute Indebtedness) or (b) is directly or indirectly
liable (as a guarantor or otherwise); and (ii) the
incurrence of which will not result in any recourse against any
of the assets of either the Issuers or the Restricted
Subsidiaries (other than to such Person or to any Subsidiaries
of such Person and other than to the Equity Interests in such
Person or in another Restricted Subsidiary or an Unrestricted
Subsidiary pledged by Mediacom Broadband LLC, a Restricted
Subsidiary or an Unrestricted Subsidiary); provided, however,
that Mediacom Broadband LLC or any Restricted Subsidiary may
make a loan to a
98
Controlled Subsidiary or an Unrestricted Subsidiary, or
guarantee a loan made to a Controlled Subsidiary or an
Unrestricted Subsidiary, if such loan or guarantee is permitted
by Covenants Limitation on Restricted
Payments above at the time of the making of such loan or
guarantee, and such loan or guarantee shall not constitute
Indebtedness which is not Non-Recourse Indebtedness.
Notes means the
81/2% Senior
Notes due 2015 to be issued by Mediacom Broadband LLC and
Mediacom Broadband Corporation.
Operating Agreement means the Operating
Agreement of Mediacom Broadband LLC dated as of June 29,
2001, as the same may be amended, supplemented or modified from
time to time.
Operating Cash Flow means, with respect to
Mediacom Broadband LLC and the Restricted Subsidiaries on a
consolidated basis, for any period, an amount equal to
Consolidated Net Income for such period increased (without
duplication) by the sum of:
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(i) Consolidated Income Tax Expense accrued for such period
to the extent deducted in determining Consolidated Net Income
for such period; |
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(ii) Consolidated Interest Expense for such period to the
extent deducted in determining Consolidated Net Income for such
period; and |
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(iii) depreciation, amortization and any other non-cash
items for such period to the extent deducted in determining
Consolidated Net Income for such period (other than any non-cash
item (other than the management fees referred to in
clause (viii) of the definition of Consolidated
Net Income) which requires the accrual of, or a reserve
for, cash charges for any future period) of Mediacom
Broadband LLC and the Restricted Subsidiaries, including,
without limitation, amortization of capitalized debt issuance
costs for such period and any non-cash compensation expense
realized from grants of equity instruments or other rights
(including, without limitation, stock options, stock
appreciation or other rights, restricted stock, restricted stock
units, deferred stock and deferred stock units) to officers,
directors and employees of such Person, all of the foregoing
determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles consistently applied, and
de-creased by non-cash items to the extent they increase
Consolidated Net Income (including the partial or entire
reversal of reserves taken in prior periods) for such period. |
Other Pari Passu Debt means Indebtedness of
Mediacom Broadband LLC or any Restricted Subsidiary that does
not constitute Subordinated Obligations and that is not senior
in right of payment to the Notes.
Other Pari Passu Debt Pro Rata Share means
the amount of the applicable Available Asset Sale Proceeds
obtained by multiplying the amount of such Available Asset Sale
Proceeds by a fraction, (i) the numerator of which is the
aggregate principal amount and/or accreted value, as the case
may be, of all Other Pari Passu Debt outstanding at the time of
the applicable Asset Sale with respect to which Mediacom
Broadband LLC or any Restricted Subsidiary is required to use
Available Asset Sale Proceeds to repay or make an offer to
purchase, prepay or repay and (ii) the denominator of which
is the sum of (a) the aggregate principal amount of all
Notes outstanding at the time of the applicable Asset Sale and
(b) the aggregate principal amount and/or accreted value,
as the case may be, of all Other Pari Passu Debt outstanding at
the time of the applicable Asset Sale Offer with respect to
which Mediacom Broadband LLC or any Restricted Subsidiary is
required to use the applicable Available Asset Sale Proceeds to
offer to repay or make an offer to purchase, prepay or repay.
Other Permitted Liens means:
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(i) Liens imposed by law, such as carriers,
warehousemens and mechanics liens and other similar
liens arising in the ordinary course of business which secure
payment of obligations that are not yet delinquent or that are
being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings
promptly instituted and diligently conducted and for which an
appropriate reserve or provision shall have been made in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
consistently applied; |
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(ii) Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges
or claims that are not yet delinquent or that are being
contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly
instituted and diligently conducted and for which an appropriate
reserve or provision shall have been made in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied; |
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(iii) easements, rights of way, and other restrictions on
use of property or minor imperfections of title that in the
aggregate are not material in amount and do not in any case
materially detract from the property subject thereto or
interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of Mediacom
Broadband LLC or its Subsidiaries; |
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(iv) Liens related to Capitalized Lease Obligations,
mortgage financings or purchase money obligations (including
refinancings thereof), in each case Incurred for the purpose of
financing all or any part of the purchase price or cost of
construction or improvement of property, plant or equipment used
in the business of Mediacom Broadband LLC or any Restricted
Subsidiary or a Related Business, provided that any such Lien
encumbers only the asset or assets so financed, purchased,
constructed or improved; |
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(v) Liens resulting from the pledge by Mediacom Broadband
LLC of Equity Interests in a Restricted Subsidiary in connection
with the Subsidiary Credit Facility or a Future Subsidiary
Credit Facility or in an Unrestricted Subsidiary in any
circumstance, in each such case where recourse to Mediacom
Broadband LLC is limited to the value of the Equity Interests so
pledged; |
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(vi) Liens resulting from the pledge by Mediacom Broadband
LLC of intercompany indebtedness owed to Mediacom Broadband LLC
in connection with the Subsidiary Credit Facility or a Future
Subsidiary Credit Facility; |
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(vii) Liens incurred or deposits made in the ordinary
course of business in connection with workers
compensation, unemployment insurance and other types of social
security; |
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(viii) Liens to secure the performance of statutory
obligations, surety or appeal bonds, performance bonds, deposits
to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts, government
contracts, leases or licenses or other obligations of a like
nature incurred in the ordinary course of business (including,
without limitation, landlord Liens on leased properties); |
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(ix) leases or subleases granted to third Persons not
interfering with the ordinary course of business of Mediacom
Broadband LLC; |
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(x) deposits made in the ordinary course of business to
secure liability to insurance carriers; |
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(xi) Liens securing reimbursement obligations with respect
to letters of credit which encumber documents and other property
relating to such letters of credit and the products and proceeds
thereof; |
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(xii) Liens on the assets of Mediacom Broadband LLC to
secure hedging agreements with respect to Indebtedness permitted
by the Indenture to be Incurred; |
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(xiii) attachment or judgment Liens not giving rise to a
Default or an Event of Default; and |
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(xiv) any interest or title of a lessor under any capital
lease or operating lease. |
Permitted Holder means:
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(i) Rocco B. Commisso or his spouse or siblings, any of
their lineal descendants and their spouses; |
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(ii) any controlled Affiliate of any individual described
in clause (i) above; |
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(iii) in the event of the death or incompetence of any
individual described in clause (i) above, such
Persons estate, executor, administrator, committee or
other personal representative, in each case who at any
particular date will beneficially own or have the right to
acquire, directly or indirectly, Equity Interests in Mediacom
Broadband LLC; |
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(iv) any trust or trusts created for the benefit of each
Person described in this definition, including, without
limitation, any trust for the benefit of the parents or siblings
of any individual described in clause (i) above; or |
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(v) any trust for the benefit of any such trust. |
Permitted Investments means:
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(i) Cash Equivalents; |
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(ii) Investments in prepaid expenses, negotiable
instruments held for collection and lease, utility and
workers compensation, performance and other similar
deposits; |
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(iii) the extension of credit to vendors, suppliers and
customers in the ordinary course of business; |
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(iv) Investments existing as of the date of the Indenture,
and any amendment, modification, extension or renewal thereof to
the extent such amendment, modification, extension or renewal
does not require Mediacom Broadband LLC or any Restricted
Subsidiary to make any additional cash or non-cash payments or
provide additional services in connection therewith; |
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(v) Hedging Agreements; |
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(vi) any Investment for which the sole consideration
provided is Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity
Interests) of Mediacom Broadband LLC; |
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(vii) any Investment consisting of a guarantee permitted
under clause (e) of the second paragraph of
Covenants Limitation on Indebtedness
above; |
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(viii) Investments in Mediacom Broadband LLC, in any Wholly
Owned Restricted Subsidiary or in any Controlled Subsidiary or
any Person that, as a result of or in connection with such
Investment, becomes a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary or a
Controlled Subsidiary or is merged with or into or consolidated
with Mediacom Broadband LLC or a Wholly Owned Restricted
Subsidiary or a Controlled Subsidiary; |
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(ix) loans and advances to officers, directors and
employees of Mediacom Communications, Mediacom Broadband LLC and
the Restricted Subsidiaries for business-related travel
expenses, moving expenses and other similar expenses in each
case incurred in the ordinary course of business; |
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(x) any acquisition of assets solely in exchange for the
issuance of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity
Interests) of Mediacom Broadband LLC; |
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(xi) Related Business Investments; and |
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(xii) other Investments made pursuant to this
clause (xii) at any time, and from time to time, after
the date of the Indenture, in addition to any Permitted
Investments described in clauses (i) through
(xi) above, in an aggregate amount at any one time
outstanding not to exceed $25.0 million. |
Person means any individual, corporation,
partnership, limited liability company, joint venture,
association, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated
organization, government or agency or political subdivision
thereof or any other entity.
Preferred Equity Interest means, in any
Person, an Equity Interest of any class or classes, however
designated, which is preferred as to the payment of dividends or
distributions, or as to the distribution of assets upon any
voluntary or involuntary liquidation or dissolution of such
Person, over Equity Interests of any other class in such Person.
Productive Assets means assets of a kind used
or useable by Mediacom Broadband LLC and the Restricted
Subsidiaries in any Related Business and specifically includes
assets acquired through Asset Acquisitions (it being understood
that assets may include Equity Interests in a Person
that owns such Productive Assets; provided that after giving
effect to such transaction, such Person would be a Restricted
Subsidiary).
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Related Business means a cable television,
media and communications, telecommunications or data
transmission business, and businesses ancillary, complementary
or reasonably related thereto, and reasonable extensions thereof.
Related Business Investment means:
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(i) any Investment related to the business of Mediacom
Broadband LLC and its Restricted Subsidiaries as conducted on
the date of the Indenture and as such business may thereafter
evolve in the fields of Related Businesses; |
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(ii) any Investment in any other Person (including, without
limitation, any Affiliate of Mediacom Broadband LLC) primarily
engaged in a Related Business; and |
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(iii) any customary deposits or earnest money payments made
by Mediacom Broadband LLC or any Restricted Subsidiary in
connection with or in contemplation of the acquisition of a
Related Business. |
Restricted Payment means:
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(i) any dividend (whether made in cash, property or
securities) on or with respect to any Equity Interests in
Mediacom Broadband LLC or of any Restricted Subsidiary (other
than with respect to Disqualified Equity Interests and other
than any dividend made to Mediacom Broadband LLC or another
Restricted Subsidiary or any dividend payable in Equity
Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests) in Mediacom
Broadband LLC or any Restricted Subsidiary); |
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(ii) any distribution (whether made in cash, property or
securities) on or with respect to any Equity Interests in
Mediacom Broadband LLC or of any Restricted Subsidiary (other
than with respect to Disqualified Equity Interests and other
than any distribution made to Mediacom Broadband LLC or another
Restricted Subsidiary or any distribution payable in Equity
Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests) in Mediacom
Broadband LLC or any Restricted Subsidiary); |
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(iii) any redemption, repurchase, retirement or other
direct or indirect acquisition of any Equity Interests in
Mediacom Broadband LLC (other than Disqualified Equity
Interests), or any warrants, rights or options to purchase or
acquire any such Equity interests or any securities exchangeable
for or convertible into any such Equity Interests; |
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(iv) any redemption, repurchase, retirement or other direct
or indirect acquisition for value or other payment of principal,
prior to any scheduled final maturity scheduled repayment or
scheduled sinking fund payment, of any Subordinated
Obligations; or |
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(v) any Investment other than a Permitted Investment. |
Restricted Subsidiary means any Subsidiary of
Mediacom Broadband LLC that has not been designated by the
Executive Committee of Mediacom Broadband LLC by a Committee
Resolution delivered to the Trustee as an Unrestricted
Subsidiary pursuant to Covenants Designation
of Unrestricted Subsidiaries above. Any such designation
may be revoked by a Committee Resolution delivered to the
Trustee, subject to the provisions of such covenant.
S&P means Standard &
Poors, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Significant Subsidiary means any Restricted
Subsidiary which at the time of determination had:
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(A) total assets which, as of the date of Mediacom
Broadband LLCs most recent quarterly consolidated balance
sheet, constituted at least 10% of Mediacom Broadband LLCs
total assets on a consolidated basis as of such date; |
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(B) revenues for the three-month period ending on the date
of Mediacom Broadband LLCs most recent quarterly
consolidated statement of income which constituted at least 10%
of Mediacom Broadband LLCs total revenues on a
consolidated basis for such period; or |
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(C) Subsidiary Operating Cash Flow for the three-month
period ending on the date of Mediacom Broadband LLCs most
recent quarterly consolidated statement of income which
constituted at least 10% of Mediacom Broadband LLCs total
Operating Cash Flow on a consolidated basis for such period. |
Subordinated Obligations means with respect
to either of the Issuers, any Indebtedness of either of the
Issuers which is expressly subordinated in right of payment to
the Notes.
Subsidiary means with respect to any Person,
any other Person the majority of whose voting stock, membership
interests or other Voting Equity Interests is or are owned by
such Person or another Subsidiary of such Person. Voting stock
in a corporation is Equity Interests having voting power under
ordinary circumstances to elect directors.
Subsidiary Credit Facility means the Mediacom
Broadband Group Credit Agreement, together with all loan
documents and instruments thereunder (including, without
limitation, any guarantee agreements and security documents),
including, without limitation, any amendment (including, without
limitation, any amendment and restatement), modification or
supplement thereto or any refinancing, refunding, deferral,
renewal, extension or replacement thereof (including, in any
such case and without limitation, adding or removing
Subsidiaries of Mediacom Broadband LLC as borrowers or
guarantors thereunder), whether by the same or any other lender
or group of lenders, pursuant to which (i) an aggregate
amount of Indebtedness up to $1.4 billion may be Incurred
pursuant to clause (c)(i) of the second paragraph of
Covenants Limitation on Indebtedness
above and (ii) any additional amount of Indebtedness in
excess of $1.4 billion may be Incurred pursuant to the
first paragraph or pursuant to clause (c)(ii) or any other
applicable clause (other than clause (c)(i)) of the
second paragraph of Covenants Limitation on
Indebtedness above.
Subsidiary Operating Cash Flow means, with
respect to any Subsidiary for any period, the Operating
Cash Flow of such Subsidiary and its Subsidiaries for such
period determined by utilizing all of the elements of the
definition of Operating Cash Flow in the Indenture,
including the defined terms used in such definition,
consistently applied only to such Subsidiary and its
Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for such period.
Treasury Rate means, as of the applicable
redemption date, the yield to maturity as of such redemption
date of United States Treasury securities with a constant
maturity (as compiled and published in the most recent Federal
Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) that has become
publicly available at least two Business Days prior to such
redemption date (or, if such Statistical Release is no longer
published, any publicly available source of similar market
data)) most nearly equal to the period from such redemption date
to October 15, 2010; provided, however, that if the period
from such redemption date to October 15, 2010 is less than
one year, the weekly average yield on actually traded United
States Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of
one year will be used.
Unrestricted Subsidiary means any Subsidiary
of Mediacom Broadband LLC designated as such pursuant to the
provisions of Covenants Designation of
Unrestricted Subsidiaries above, and any Subsidiary of an
Unrestricted Subsidiary. Any such designation may be revoked by
a Committee Resolution delivered to the Trustee, subject to the
provisions of such covenant.
Voting Equity Interests means Equity
Interests in any Person with voting power under ordinary
circumstances entitling the holders thereof to elect the
Executive Committee, the board of managers, board of directors
or other governing body of such Person.
Weighted Average Life to Maturity means, when
applied to any Indebtedness at any date, the number of years
obtained by dividing (i) the sum of the products obtained
by multiplying (a) the amount of each then remaining
installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required
scheduled payment of principal, including payment at final
maturity, in respect thereof by (b) the number of years
(calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) that will elapse between
such date and the making of such payment, by (ii) the then
outstanding aggregate principal amount of such Indebtedness.
Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary means a
Restricted Subsidiary 99% or more of the outstanding Equity
Interests of which (other than Equity Interests constituting
directors qualifying shares to the extent
103
mandated by applicable law) are owned by Mediacom Broadband LLC
or by one or more Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiaries or by
Mediacom Broadband LLC and one or more Wholly Owned Restricted
Subsidiaries.
No Liability of Managers, Officers, Employees, or
Shareholders
No manager, director, officer, employee, member, shareholder,
partner or incorporator of either Issuer or any Subsidiary, as
such, will have any liability for any obligations of the Issuers
under the Initial Notes, if any, the Notes or the Indenture or
for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such
obligations or their creation. Each holder of Notes by accepting
a Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and
release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes.
Such waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the
Federal securities laws and the SEC is of the view that such a
waiver is against public policy.
Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance
The Indenture provides that the Issuers may elect either
(a) to defease and be discharged from any and all
obligations with respect to the Notes (except for the
obligations to register the transfer or exchange of such Notes,
to replace temporary or mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen
Notes, to maintain an office or agency in respect of the Notes
and to hold moneys for payment in trust) (legal
defeasance) or (b) to be released from its
obligations with respect to the Notes under certain covenants
(and related Events of Default) contained in the Indenture,
including but not limited to those described above under
Covenants (covenant defeasance), upon
the deposit with the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee), in
trust for such purpose, of money and/or U.S. government
obligations which through the payment of principal and interest
in accordance with their terms will provide money, in an amount
sufficient to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and
interest and Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes, on the
scheduled due dates therefor. Such a trust may only be
established if, among other things, (x) no Default or Event
of Default has occurred and is continuing or would arise
therefrom (or, with respect to Events of Default resulting from
certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization,
would occur at any time in the period ending on the
91st day after the date of deposit) and (y) Mediacom
Broadband LLC has delivered to the Trustee an opinion of counsel
(as specified in the Indenture) to the effect that
(i) legal defeasance or covenant defeasance, as the case
may be, will not require registration of the Issuers, the
Trustee or the trust fund under the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended, or the Investment Advisors Act of 1940, as
amended, and (ii) the holders of the Notes will recognize
income, gain or loss for Federal income tax on the same amounts,
in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the
case if such legal defeasance or covenant defeasance had not
occurred. Such opinion, in the case of legal defeasance under
clause (a) above, must refer to and be based upon a private
ruling concerning the Notes of the Internal Revenue Service or a
ruling of general effect published by the Internal Revenue
Service.
Modification of Indenture
From time to time, the Issuers and the Trustee may, without the
consent of holders of the Notes, enter into one or more
supplemental indentures for certain specified purposes,
including:
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(a) providing for a successor or successors to the Issuers; |
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(b) adding guarantees; |
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(c) releasing Guarantors when permitted by the Indenture; |
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(d) providing for security for the Notes; |
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(e) adding to the covenants of the Issuers; |
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(f) surrendering any right or power conferred upon the
Issuers; |
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(g) providing for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in
place of certificated Notes; |
104
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(h) making any change that does not adversely affect the
rights of any Noteholder; and |
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(i) complying with any requirement of the Trust Indenture
Act or curing certain ambiguities, defects or inconsistencies. |
The Indenture contains provisions permitting the Issuers and the
Trustee, with the consent of holders of at least a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the Notes at the time outstanding,
to modify the Indenture or any supplemental indenture or the
rights of the holders of the Notes, except that no such
modification shall, without the consent of each holder affected
thereby:
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(i) change or extend the fixed maturity of any Notes,
reduce the rate or extend the time of payment of interest or
Additional Interest thereon, reduce the principal amount thereof
or premium, if any, thereon or change the currency in which the
Notes are payable; |
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(ii) reduce the premium payable upon any redemption of
Notes in accordance with the optional redemption provisions of
the Notes or change the time before which no such redemption may
be made; |
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(iii) waive a default in the payment of principal or
interest or Additional Interest on the Notes (except that
holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes
at the time outstanding may (a) rescind an acceleration of
the Notes that resulted from a non-payment default and
(b) waive the payment default that resulted from such
acceleration) or alter the rights of holders of the Notes to
waive defaults; |
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(iv) adversely affect the ranking of the Notes or the
guarantees, if any; or |
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(v) reduce the percentage of Notes, the consent of the
holders of which is required for any such modification. |
Any existing Event of Default, other than a default in the
payment of principal or interest or Additional Interest on the
Notes, or compliance with any provision of the Notes or the
Indenture, other than any provision related to the payment of
principal or interest or Additional Interest on the Notes, may
be waived with the consent of holders of at least a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the Notes at the time outstanding.
Compliance Certificate
The Indenture provides that Mediacom Broadband LLC will deliver
to the Trustee within 120 days after the end of each fiscal
year of Mediacom Broadband LLC an officers certificate
stating whether or not the signers know of any Event of Default
that has occurred. If they do, the certificate will describe the
Event of Default and its status.
105
UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
Internal Revenue Service Circular 230 Notice
THIS SUMMARY IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND IS NOT
INTENDED TO CONSTITUTE LEGAL ADVICE. THE DISCUSSION OF
U.S. FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS CONTAINED HEREIN IS NOT
WRITTEN TO BE USED FOR, AND THE RECIPIENT CANNOT USE SUCH
DISCUSSION FOR, THE PURPOSE OF AVOIDING ANY PENALTIES ASSERTED
UNDER THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED (THE
CODE). EACH HOLDER IS NOTIFIED THAT SUCH DISCUSSION
WAS WRITTEN TO SUPPORT THE PROMOTION OR MARKETING (WITHIN THE
MEANING OF INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE CIRCULAR 230) OF THE
TRANSACTION OR MATTER ADDRESSED HEREIN. EACH HOLDER SHOULD SEEK
ADVICE FROM AN INDEPENDENT TAX ADVISOR WITH RESPECT TO THE
TRANSACTION OR MATTER ADDRESSED HEREIN BASED ON SUCH
HOLDERS PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.
The following is a general discussion of the material
U.S. federal income tax consequences of the exchange offer.
There can be no assurance that the U.S. Internal Revenue
Service (the IRS) will take a similar view of such
consequences. This summary deals only with exchange notes held
as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the
Code and does not deal with special situations, such as those of
dealers in securities, insurance companies, financial
institutions, tax-exempt entities, expatriates, partnerships or
other pass-through entities for U.S. federal income tax
purposes or investors in such entities, regulated investment
companies, real estate investment trusts, taxpayers subject to
the alternative minimum tax, persons holding exchange notes as
part of a straddle or a hedge against currency risk or a
conversion transaction, or persons whose functional currency is
not the U.S. dollar. In addition, except as otherwise
indicated, the following does not consider the effect of any
applicable foreign, state, local or other tax laws or estate or
gift tax considerations. The discussion assumes that the initial
notes were acquired for cash at original issue for their
original issue price. The issue price of
a note is the first price at which a substantial amount of the
notes are sold to the public (excluding sales to bond houses,
brokers or similar persons or organizations acting in the
capacity as underwriters, placement agents, or wholesalers). The
discussion below is based on the Code, existing and proposed
U.S. Treasury regulations, and judicial decisions and
administrative interpretations now in effect, all of which are
subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis.
As used herein, a U.S. Holder means a
beneficial owner of an exchange note, for U.S. federal
income tax purposes, that is (1) an individual who is a
citizen or resident of the United States; (2) a corporation
or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal
tax purposes created or organized in or under the laws of the
United States or any political subdivision thereof; (3) an
estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal
income tax regardless of its source; or (4) a trust which
is either subject to the supervision of a court within the
United States and the control of one or more U.S. persons,
or has a valid election in effect under applicable
U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a
U.S. person.
As used herein, a
Non-U.S. Holder
means a beneficial owner of an exchange note that is, for
U.S. federal income tax purposes, a nonresident alien
individual or a corporation, trust or estate that is not a
U.S. Holder. If a partnership (or any entity treated as a
partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds the
exchange notes, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a
partner generally will depend upon the status of the partner and
the activities of the partnership. Partners of partnerships
holding the exchange notes are urged to consult their tax
advisors.
106
Exchange of Notes
The exchange of notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer will not be
treated as a taxable sale, exchange or other disposition of the
corresponding initial notes because the terms of the exchange
notes are not materially different from the terms of the initial
notes. Accordingly:
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a holder will not recognize gain or loss upon receipt of an
exchange note; |
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the holding period of an exchange note will include the holding
period of the initial note exchanged therefor; and |
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the adjusted tax basis of an exchange note will be the same as
the adjusted tax basis of the initial note exchanged. |
The filing of a shelf registration statement will not result in
a taxable exchange to us or to any holder of a note.
U.S. federal income taxation of U.S. Holders
Interest payable on an exchange note generally will be taxable
to a U.S. Holder as ordinary income at the time it accrues
or is actually or constructively received in accordance with the
U.S. Holders regular method of accounting for
U.S. federal income tax purposes.
We have the option to redeem all or a portion of the exchange
notes on certain dates. Under certain circumstances, a holder
may be entitled to require us to repurchase all or any part of
such holders exchange notes at a premium upon the
occurrence of a change in control. The U.S. Treasury
regulations contain special rules for determining the payment
schedule, and the yield and maturity of a debt instrument in the
event the debt instrument provides for a contingency that could,
for example, result in the acceleration or deferral of one or
more payments. For purposes of determining the yield and
maturity of the exchange notes, it should be presumed on the
issue date that we will not exercise our unconditional
redemption option because such exercise would not minimize the
yield of the exchange notes. The payment schedule of the
exchange notes without taking into account a holders
conditional option to require us to repurchase its exchange
notes at a premium should be used for purposes of determining
the yield and maturity of the exchange notes because such
payment schedule is significantly more likely than not to occur
and/or because such contingencies should be viewed as remote or
incidental. However, if we exercise our redemption option or are
otherwise required to pay additional amounts on the exchange
notes, or if a holder exercises its option to require us to
repurchase its exchange notes upon the occurrence of a change of
control, the yield and maturity of the exchange notes should be
redetermined using the new payment schedule by treating the
exchange notes as retired and reissued on that date.
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Sale, exchange or retirement of exchange notes |
Upon the sale, exchange, retirement or other disposition of an
exchange note, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize
taxable gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount
realized on the disposition (not including amounts attributable
to accrued but unpaid interest which is taxable as described
above) and such holders adjusted tax basis in the exchange
note. A U.S. Holders adjusted tax basis in an
exchange note will generally equal the purchase price paid by
such holder for the exchange note.
In general, gain or loss realized on the sale, exchange,
retirement or other disposition of an exchange note by a
U.S. Holder will be capital gain or loss, and will be
long-term capital gain or loss if, at the time of disposition,
the U.S. Holder has held the exchange note for more than
one year. The maximum U.S. federal income tax rate on
long-term capital gains with respect to exchange notes held by
non-corporate holders is 15%. The deductibility of capital
losses is subject to certain limitations.
107
U.S. federal income taxation of
Non-U.S. Holders
The payment to a
Non-U.S. Holder of
interest on an exchange note that is not effectively connected
with the conduct by such
Non-U.S. Holder of
a trade or business within the United States generally will not
be subject to a 30% U.S. federal withholding tax provided
that the
Non-U.S. Holder
(1) does not actually or constructively own 10% or more of
the total combined voting power of all classes of the voting
stock of Mediacom Communications within the meaning of the Code
and U.S. Treasury regulations; (2) is not a controlled
foreign corporation that is related to us through stock
ownership as provided in the Code and U.S. Treasury
regulations; (3) is not a bank whose receipt of interest on
the exchange notes is in connection with an extension of credit
made pursuant to a loan agreement entered into in the ordinary
course of its trade or business; and (4)(a) provides its name
and address on an IRS Form W-8BEN and certifies under
penalties of perjury that it is not a U.S. person or
(b) a bank, brokerage house, or other financial institution
that holds the exchange notes on behalf of the
Non-U.S. Holder in
the ordinary course of its trade or business (financial
institutions) certifies to us, under penalty of perjury,
that it has received an IRS Form W-8BEN from the beneficial
owner and furnishes us with a copy thereof. In the case of
financial institutions that have entered into a withholding
agreement with the IRS to become qualified intermediaries, an
alternative method may be applicable for satisfying the
certification requirement described in (4)(b).
If a
Non-U.S. Holder
cannot satisfy the requirements described in the immediately
preceding paragraph, payments of interest made to the
Non-U.S. Holder
will be subject to a 30% U.S. federal withholding tax
unless the
Non-U.S. Holder
provides us with a properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN
claiming an exemption from or reduction in the rate of
withholding under the benefit of a tax treaty. The 30%
U.S. federal withholding tax will not apply to interest
that is effectively connected with the conduct by a
Non-U.S. Holder of
a trade or business within the United States if the
Non-U.S. Holder
provides us with a properly executed IRS Form W-8ECI. To
provide the foregoing certifications, the
Non-U.S. Holder
may, under certain circumstances, be required to obtain a
U.S. taxpayer identification number (TIN).
If a
Non-U.S. Holder of
an exchange note is engaged in a trade or business in the United
States and interest on the exchange note is effectively
connected with the conduct of such trade or business, the
Non-U.S. Holder
will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on such interest
in the same manner as if it were a U.S. Holder unless the
Non-U.S. Holder
can claim an exemption under an applicable income tax treaty. In
addition, if such
Non-U.S. Holder is
a foreign corporation, it may be subject to a branch profits tax
equal to 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate) of its earnings
and profits for the taxable year, subject to adjustments, that
are effectively connected with its conduct of a trade or
business in the United States.
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Sale, exchange or retirement of exchange notes |
Generally, a
Non-U.S. Holder
will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax with respect
to gain realized on the sale, exchange, retirement or other
disposition of an exchange note unless (1) the gain is
effectively connected with the conduct by the
Non-U.S. Holder of
a trade or business in the United States; or (2) in the
case of a
Non-U.S. Holder
who is a nonresident alien individual, such individual is
present in the United States for 183 days or more in
the taxable year of disposition and certain other conditions are
met. Notwithstanding (1) and (2), a
Non-U.S. Holder
will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax if an
applicable treaty exemption applies and the appropriate
documentation is provided.
U.S. federal estate taxation of
Non-U.S. Holders
Subject to applicable estate tax treaty provisions, an exchange
note that is held by an individual who, at the time of death, is
not a citizen or resident of the United States generally will
not be subject to U.S. federal estate tax if, at the time
of the individuals death, (1) the individual does not
own actually or constructively 10% or more of the total combined
voting power of the voting stock of Mediacom Communications and
(2) interest on the exchange note would not have been, if
received at the time of such holders death, effectively
connected with such holders conduct of a trade or business
within the United States.
108
Information reporting and backup withholding
U.S. Holders, unless otherwise exempt as noted below, will
be subject to information reporting with respect to payments of
principal, interest, and the gross proceeds from the sale,
exchange, retirement or other disposition of an exchange note.
Backup withholding at the applicable rate (currently 28%) may
apply to payments of interest and to the gross proceeds from the
sale, exchange, retirement or other disposition of an exchange
note if the U.S. Holder (1) fails to furnish its TIN
on an IRS Form W-9
(or suitable substitute form) within a reasonable time after a
request therefor; (2) furnishes an incorrect TIN;
(3) fails to report properly any interest or dividends; or
(4) fails, under certain circumstances, to provide a
certified statement signed under penalty of perjury that the TIN
provided is its correct number and that it is not subject to
backup withholding. Certain persons are exempt from information
reporting and backup withholding, including corporations and
financial institutions. U.S. Holders of the exchange notes
should consult their tax advisors as to their qualification for
exemption from backup withholding and the procedure for
obtaining such exemption.
Non-U.S. Holders
generally will not be subject to backup withholding with respect
to payments of interest made on the exchange notes if we do not
have actual knowledge or reason to know that the
Non-U.S. Holder is
a U.S. person and such holder provides the requisite
certification on IRS Form W-8BEN or otherwise establishes
an exemption from backup withholding. Such payments, however,
generally would be subject to reporting requirements.
Non-U.S. Holders
will be subject to backup withholding and information reporting
with respect to payments of the gross proceeds from the sale,
exchange, retirement or other disposition of an exchange note
effected by or through a U.S. office of a broker unless the
Non-U.S. Holder
certifies as to its
non-U.S. status on
IRS Form W-8BEN or otherwise establishes an exemption.
Non-U.S. Holders
generally will not be subject to information reporting and
backup withholding with respect to payments of disposition
proceeds if the sale is effected outside the United States
through a
non-U.S. office of
a non-U.S. broker
and payment is not received in the United States. However,
information reporting will generally apply to a payment of
disposition proceeds where the sale is effected outside the
United States by or through an office outside the United States
of a broker which fails to maintain documentary evidence that
the holder is a
Non-U.S. Holder or
that the holder otherwise is entitled to an exemption, if the
broker is (1) a U.S. person; (2) a foreign person
which derives 50% or more of its gross income for defined
periods from the conduct of a trade or business in the United
States; (3) a controlled foreign corporation for
U.S. federal income tax purposes; or (4) a foreign
partnership (a) more than 50% of the capital or profits
interest of which is owned by U.S. persons or
(b) which is engaged in a U.S. trade or business.
Backup withholding will apply to a payment of those disposition
proceeds if the broker has actual knowledge that the holder is a
U.S. person.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. The amount of
any backup withholding imposed on a payment to a
U.S. Holder or a
Non-U.S. Holder of
the exchange notes will be allowed as a refund or a credit
against such holders U.S. federal income tax
liability, provided that the required information is timely
furnished to the IRS.
109
EXCHANGE OFFER
Registration Rights Agreement
The initial notes were originally issued on August 30, 2005
to J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., Banc of America Securities
LLC, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Credit Suisse First Boston
LLC, Wachovia Capital Markets LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities
Inc., and Harris Nesbitt Corp., pursuant to a purchase agreement
dated August 16, 2005. The initial purchasers subsequently
resold the initial notes in the United States to qualified
institutional buyers in reliance on Rule 144A under the
Securities Act, and outside the United States in accordance with
Regulation S under the Securities Act. We are parties to a
registration rights agreement with the initial purchasers
entered into as a condition to the closing of the offering of
the initial notes under the purchase agreement. Pursuant to the
registration rights agreement, we agreed, for the benefit of the
holders of the initial notes, at our cost to:
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file an exchange offer registration statement on or before
February 27, 2006 with the Securities and Exchange
Commission with respect to the exchange offer for the initial
notes; and |
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use our best efforts to have the registration statement declared
effective under the Securities Act by June 26, 2006. |
Upon the registration statement being declared effective, we
will offer the exchange notes in exchange for surrender of the
initial notes. We will keep the exchange offer open for not less
than 20 business days and not more than 30 business days, or, in
each case, longer if required by applicable law, after the date
on which notice of the exchange offer is mailed to the holders
of the initial notes. A holder of initial notes that are
surrendered to us pursuant to the exchange offer will receive
exchange notes having an aggregate principal amount equal to
that of the surrendered initial notes. The exchange notes will
be identical to the initial notes in all material respects,
except that the cash interest rate
step-up provisions
shall be modified or eliminated, as appropriate, and the
transfer restrictions and registration rights relating to the
initial notes will not apply to the exchange notes.
Under existing interpretations of the staff of the Securities
and Exchange Commission contained in several no-action letters
to third parties, we believe that the exchange notes will in
general be freely tradable after the exchange offer without
further registration under the Securities Act. However, any
broker-dealer and any such holder of the initial notes using the
exchange offer to participate in a distribution of the exchange
notes:
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will not be able to rely on these interpretations of the staff
of the Securities and Exchange Commission; |
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will not be able to tender its initial notes in the exchange
offer; and |
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must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery
requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any sale
or transfer of the initial notes, unless such sale or transfer
is made pursuant to an exemption from such requirements. |
As contemplated by the no-action letters discussed above and the
registration rights agreement, each holder accepting the
exchange offer is required to represent to us in the letter of
transmittal that at the time of the consummation of the exchange
offer:
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the exchange notes received by the holder are acquired in the
ordinary course of business; |
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the holder has no arrangement or understanding with any person
to participate in the distribution of the initial notes or the
exchange notes; and |
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the holder is not an affiliate of ours within the
meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act. |
Each holder participating in the exchange offer for the purpose
of distributing the exchange notes must acknowledge and agree
that it will comply with the registration and prospectus
delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with
any resale of the exchange notes and cannot rely on the
no-action letters discussed above.
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Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own
account pursuant to the exchange offer in exchange for initial
notes, where the initial notes were acquired by the
broker-dealer as a result of market-making or other trading
activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus
in connection with any resale of such exchange notes. The
accompanying letter of transmittal states that by acknowledging
that it will deliver and by delivering a prospectus, a
broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an
underwriter within the meaning of the Securities
Act. This prospectus, as it may be amended and supplemented from
time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with
any resale of exchange notes received in exchange for initial
notes where such initial notes were acquired by the
broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other
trading activities. We have agreed that for the nine month
period after the consummation of this exchange offer, exclusive
of any period during which any stop order shall be in effect
suspending the effectiveness of the exchange offer registration
statement, we will make this prospectus, as it may be amended
and supplemented from time to time, available to any such
broker-dealer for use in connection with any resale of such
exchange notes.
In the event that:
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we have not filed an exchange offer registration statement (or,
if applicable, the resale registration discussed below under
Shelf Registration Statement) on or
before February 27, 2006 (or, if we are otherwise required
to file a registration statement relating to the resale
registration, we do not so file such registration statement
within the time period provided for in the registration rights
agreement); or |
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such registration statement has not become effective by
June 26, 2006 (or, in the case of any such registration
statement relating to the resale registration, we do not so file
such registration statement within 120 days following the
date such registration statement was required to be
filed); or |
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the Exchange Offer has not been consummated by August 30,
2006; or |
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any registration statement required by the registration rights
agreement is filed and declared effective but shall thereafter
cease to be effective (except as specifically permitted therein)
without being succeeded immediately by an additional
registration statement filed and declared effective |
(any such event referred to in clauses (1) through (4), the
Registration Default), then the per annum interest
rate on the applicable notes will increase, for the period from
the occurrence of the Registration Default until such time as
the Registration Default is no longer in effect (at which time
the interest rate will be reduced to its initial rate), by .25%
during the first 90-day
period following the occurrence and during the continuation of
such Registration Default, which rate shall increase by an
additional .25% for each subsequent
90-day period during
which such Registration Default continues up to a maximum of
1.0% (Additional Interest).
Shelf Registration Statement
The registration rights agreement provides that if:
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due to any change of law or applicable interpretations by the
Securities and Exchange Commissions staff, we determine
upon advice of our outside counsel that we are not permitted to
effect the exchange offer; |
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for any other reason the exchange offer is not consummated by
August 25, 2006; |
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an initial purchaser so requests with respect to initial notes
that are not eligible to be exchanged for exchange notes in this
exchange offer and that are held by such initial purchaser
following consummation of this exchange offer; |
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any holder of initial notes, other than an initial purchaser, is
not eligible to participate in this exchange offer; or |
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any initial purchaser does not receive freely tradable exchange
notes in exchange for initial notes constituting any portion of
an unsold allotment, |
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then we will as promptly as practicable, but in no event more
than 180 days after so required or requested, file with the
Commission a shelf registration statement relating to all such
initial notes. We will use our best efforts to cause the shelf
registration statement to be declared effective by the
Commission and keep the shelf registration statement
continuously effective, supplemented and amended for a period of
two years from the date the initial notes or exchange notes
exchanged privately, as applicable, have been sold. |
Holders of securities to be sold pursuant to any shelf
registration statement will be required to furnish to us such
information regarding the holder and the distribution of such
securities as we may reasonably require for inclusion in such
registration statement. Each holder of securities covered by a
registration statement will be deemed to have agreed to
indemnify us, our directors, our officers who sign such
registration statement and each person who controls us within
the meaning of the Securities Act and the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 against certain losses arising out of information
furnished by such holder in writing for inclusion in such
registration statement. Holders of securities covered by a
registration statement will also be required to suspend their
use of the prospectus included in the shelf registration
statement under certain circumstances upon receipt of written
notice to that effect from us.
Expiration Date; Extensions; Amendments; Termination
This exchange offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City
time, on February 13, 2006, unless we extend it in our
reasonable discretion. The expiration date of this exchange
offer will be at least 20 business days but not more than 30
business days (or, in each case, longer, if required by
applicable law) after the date on which we mail notice of the
exchange offer to holders as provided in
Rule 14e-1(a)
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the registration
rights agreement.
To extend the expiration date, we will need to notify the
exchange agent of any extension by oral, promptly confirmed in
writing, or written notice, before 9:00 a.m., New York City
time, on the next business day after the previously scheduled
expiration date. We will also need to notify the holders of the
initial notes by mailing an announcement to such holders or by
means of a press release or other public announcement, unless
otherwise required by applicable law or regulation.
We expressly reserve the right:
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to delay acceptance of any initial notes, to extend the exchange
offer or to terminate the exchange offer and not permit
acceptance of initial notes not previously accepted if any of
the conditions described below under
Conditions to the Exchange Offer have
occurred and have not been waived by us, if permitted to be
waived, by giving oral or written notice of the delay, extension
or termination to the exchange agent; or |
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to amend the terms of the exchange offer in any manner. |
If we amend the exchange offer in a manner determined by us to
constitute a material change, we will promptly disclose the
amendment in a manner reasonably calculated to inform the
holders of the initial notes of the amendment including
providing public announcement, or giving oral or written notice
to the holders of the initial notes. A material change in the
terms of the exchange offer could include a change in the timing
of the exchange offer, a change in the exchange agent and other
similar changes in the terms of the exchange offer. If any
material change is made to the terms of the exchange offer, we
will disclose the change by means of a post-effective amendment
to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part
and will distribute an amended or supplemented prospectus to
each registered holder of initial notes. In addition, we will
also extend the exchange offer for an additional five to ten
business days as required by the Securities Exchange Act,
depending on the significance of the amendment, if the exchange
offer would otherwise expire during that period. Any delay in
acceptance, extension, termination or amendment will be followed
as promptly as practicable by oral, promptly confirmed in
writing, or written notice to the exchange agent.
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Procedures for Tendering Initial Notes
To tender your initial notes in this exchange offer, you must
use one of the three alternative procedures described below:
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Regular Delivery Procedure: |
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Complete, sign and date the letter of transmittal, or a
facsimile of the letter of transmittal. Have the signatures on
the letter of transmittal guaranteed if required by the letter
of transmittal. Mail or otherwise deliver the completed letter
of transmittal or the facsimile, together with the certificates
representing your initial notes being tendered and any other
required documents, to the exchange agent so that the exchange
agent receives such documents and initial notes on or before
5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date. |
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Book-Entry Delivery Procedure: |
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Send a timely confirmation of a book-entry transfer of your
initial notes, if this procedure is available, into the exchange
agents account at The Depository Trust Company
(DTC) as contemplated by the procedures for
book-entry transfer described below under
Book- Entry Delivery Procedure, for
receipt in such account on or before 5:00 p.m., New York
City time, on the expiration date. |
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Guaranteed Delivery Procedure: |
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If time will not permit you to complete your tender by using the
procedures described above before the expiration date, comply
with the guaranteed delivery procedures described below under
Guaranteed Delivery Procedure. |
The method of delivery of initial notes, the letter of
transmittal and all other required documents is at your election
and risk. Instead of delivery by mail, we recommend that you use
an overnight or hand-delivery service. If you choose the mail,
we recommend that you use registered mail, properly insured,
with return receipt requested. In all cases, you should allow
sufficient time to assure timely delivery. You should not send
any letters of transmittal or initial notes to us. You must
deliver all documents to the exchange agent at its address
provided below. You may also request your respective brokers,
dealers, commercial banks, trust companies or nominees to tender
your initial notes on your behalf.
Only a holder of initial notes may tender initial notes in this
exchange offer. For purposes of this exchange offer, a holder is
any person in whose name initial notes are registered on our
books or any other person who has obtained a properly completed
bond power from the registered holder.
If you are the beneficial owner of initial notes that are
registered in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank,
trust company or other nominee and you wish to tender your
notes, you must contact this registered holder promptly and
instruct this registered holder to tender these notes on your
behalf. If you wish to tender these initial notes on your own
behalf, you must, before completing and executing the letter of
transmittal and delivering your initial notes, either make
appropriate arrangements to register the ownership of these
notes in your name or obtain a properly completed bond power
from the registered holder. The transfer of registered ownership
may take considerable time.
You must have any signatures on a letter of transmittal or a
notice of withdrawal guaranteed by an eligible institution. An
eligible institution means an eligible guarantor institution
within the meaning of Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities
Exchange Act, including:
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a bank; |
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a broker, dealer, municipal securities broker or dealer or
government securities broker or dealer; |
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a credit union; |
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a national securities exchange, registered securities
association or clearing agency; or |
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certain savings associations. |
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However, signatures on a letter of transmittal do not have to be
guaranteed if initial notes are tendered:
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by a registered holder, or by a participant in DTC in the case
of book-entry transfers, whose name appears on a security
position listing as the owner, who has not completed the box
entitled Special Issuance Instructions or
Special Delivery Instructions on the letter of
transmittal and only if the exchange notes are being issued
directly to this registered holder, or deposited into this
participants account at DTC in the case of book-entry
transfers; or |
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for the account of an eligible institution. |
If the letter of transmittal or any bond powers are signed by:
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the recordholder(s) of the initial notes tendered: The signature
must correspond with the name(s) written on the face of the
initial notes without alteration, enlargement or any change
whatsoever; |
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a participant in DTC: The signature must correspond with the
name as it appears on the security position listing as the
holder of the initial notes; |
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a person other than the registered holder of any initial notes:
These initial notes must be endorsed or accompanied by bond
powers and a proxy that authorize this person to tender the
initial notes on behalf of the registered holder, in
satisfactory form to us as determined in our sole discretion, in
each case, as the name of the registered holder or holders
appears on the initial notes; |
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trustees, executors, administrators, guardians,
attorneys-in-fact,
officers of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or
representative capacity: These persons should so indicate such
capacities when signing. Unless waived by us, evidence
satisfactory to us of their authority to so act must also be
submitted with the letter of transmittal. |
Book-Entry Delivery Procedure
Any financial institution that is a participant in DTCs
system may make book-entry deliveries of initial notes by
causing DTC to transfer these initial notes into the exchange
agents account at DTC according to DTCs procedures
for transfer. To effectively tender notes through DTC, the
financial institution that is a participant in DTC will
electronically transmit its acceptance through the Automatic
Tender Offer Program. DTC will then edit and verify the
acceptance and send an agents message to the exchange
agent for its acceptance. An agents message is a message
transmitted by DTC to the exchange agent stating that DTC has
received an express acknowledgment from the participant in DTC
tendering the initial notes that the participant has received
and agrees to be bound by the terms of the letter of
transmittal, and that we may enforce this agreement against the
participant. The exchange agent will make a request to establish
an account for the initial notes at DTC for purposes of the
exchange offer within two business days after the date of this
prospectus.
A delivery of initial notes through a book-entry transfer into
the exchange agents account at DTC will only be effective
if an agents message or the letter of transmittal or a
facsimile of the letter of transmittal with any required
signature guarantees and any other required documents are
transmitted to and received by the exchange agent at the address
indicated below under Exchange Agent on
or before the expiration date unless the guaranteed delivery
procedures described below are complied with. Delivery of
documents to DTC does not constitute delivery to the exchange
agent.
Guaranteed Delivery Procedure
If you are a registered holder of initial notes and desire to
tender your notes, and (1) these notes are not immediately
available, (2) time will not permit your notes, the letter
of transmittal or other required documents to reach the exchange
agent before the expiration date, or (3) the procedures for
book-entry
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transfer cannot be completed, and an agents message (or
letter of transmittal (or facsimile thereof)) cannot be
delivered, on or prior to the expiration date, you may still
tender in this exchange offer if:
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you tender through an eligible institution; |
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on or before the expiration date the exchange agent receives
from the holder and the eligible institution a properly
completed and duly executed notice of guaranteed delivery,
substantially in the form provided by us, with your name and
address as holder of the initial notes, the certificate numbers
of the initial notes and the principal amount of initial notes
tendered, stating that the tender is being made pursuant to the
notice of guaranteed delivery and guaranteeing that within three
New York Stock Exchange trading days after the expiration date a
properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal (or
facsimile thereof) and the certificates for all the initial
notes tendered, in proper form for transfer, or a book-entry
confirmation with an agents message (or letter of
transmittal (or facsimile thereof)), as the case may be, and the
letter of transmittal and any other documents required by the
letter of transmittal will be deposited by the eligible
institution with the exchange agent; and |
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a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal (or
facsimile thereof) and the certificates for all your tendered
initial notes in proper form for transfer, or a book-entry
confirmation with an agents message (or letter of
transmittal (or facsimile thereof)), as the case may be, and all
other documents required by the letter of transmittal are
received by the exchange agent within three New York Stock
Exchange trading days after the expiration date. |
Acceptance of Initial Notes for Exchange; Delivery of
Exchange Notes
Your tender of initial notes will constitute an agreement
between you and us governed by the terms and conditions provided
in this prospectus and in the letter of transmittal.
We will be deemed to have received your tender as of the date
when the exchange agent receives:
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your duly signed letter of transmittal accompanied by your
initial notes; |
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a timely confirmation of a book-entry transfer of these notes
into the exchange agents account at DTC with an
agents message (or a letter of transmittal (or facsimile
thereof)); or |
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a notice of guaranteed delivery from an eligible institution. |
All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility, including
time of receipt, acceptance and withdrawal of tenders will be
determined by us in our sole discretion. Our determination will
be final and binding.
We reserve the absolute right to reject any and all initial
notes not properly tendered or any initial notes which, if
accepted, would, in our opinion or our counsels opinion,
be unlawful. We also reserve the absolute right to waive any
conditions of this exchange offer or irregularities or defects
in tender as to particular notes. Our interpretation of the
terms and conditions of this exchange offer, including the
instructions in the letter of transmittal, will be final and
binding on all parties. Unless waived, any defects or
irregularities in connection with tenders of initial notes must
be cured within the time that we shall determine. Neither the
exchange agent, any other person or we will be under any duty to
give notification of defects or irregularities with respect to
tenders of initial notes. Neither the exchange agent nor we will
incur any liability for any failure to give notification of
these defects or irregularities. Tenders of initial notes will
not be deemed to have been made until the irregularities have
been cured or waived. The exchange agent will return without
cost to their holders any initial notes that are not properly
tendered and as to which the defects or irregularities have not
been cured or waived as promptly as practicable following the
expiration date.
If all the conditions to the exchange offer are satisfied or
waived on the expiration date, we will accept all initial notes
properly tendered and will issue the exchange notes promptly
thereafter. Please refer below to Conditions
to the Exchange Offer. For purposes of this exchange
offer, initial notes will be deemed to have been accepted as
validly tendered for exchange when, as and if, we give oral or
written notice of acceptance to the exchange agent.
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We will issue the exchange notes in exchange for the initial
notes tendered by a notice of guaranteed delivery by an eligible
institution only against delivery to the exchange agent of the
letter of transmittal, the tendered initial notes and any other
required documents, or the receipt by the exchange agent of a
timely confirmation of a book-entry transfer of initial notes
into the exchange agents account at DTC with an
agents message (or a letter of transmittal (or facsimile
thereof)), in each case, in form satisfactory to us and the
exchange agent.
If any tendered initial notes are not accepted for any reason or
if initial notes are submitted for a greater principal amount
than the holder desires to exchange, the unaccepted or
non-exchanged initial notes will be returned without expense to
the tendering holder, or, in the case of initial notes tendered
by book-entry transfer procedures described above, will be
credited to an account maintained with the book-entry transfer
facility, as promptly as practicable after withdrawal, rejection
of tender or the expiration or termination of the exchange offer.
In addition, we reserve the right in our sole discretion, but in
compliance with the provisions of the indenture, to:
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purchase or make offers for any initial notes that remain
outstanding after the expiration date, or, as described below
under Expiration Date; Extensions; Amendments;
Termination, to terminate the exchange offer as provided
by the terms of our registration rights agreement; and |
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purchase initial notes in the open market, in privately
negotiated transactions or otherwise, to the extent permitted by
applicable law. |
The terms of any of the purchases or offers described above
could differ from the terms of the exchange offer.
Withdrawal of Tenders
Except as otherwise provided in this prospectus, you may
withdraw tenders of initial notes at any time before
5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date.
For a withdrawal to be effective, you must send a written or
facsimile transmission notice of withdrawal to the exchange
agent before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the
expiration date at the address provided below under
Exchange Agent and before acceptance of
your tendered initial notes for exchange by us.
Any notice of withdrawal must:
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specify the name of the person having tendered the initial notes
to be withdrawn; |
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identify the initial notes to be withdrawn, including, if
applicable, the registration number or numbers and the total
principal amount of these notes; |
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be signed by the person having tendered the initial notes to be
withdrawn in the same manner as the original signature on the
letter of transmittal by which these initial notes were
tendered, including any required signature guarantees, or be
accompanied by documents of transfer sufficient to permit the
trustee for the initial notes to register the transfer of these
notes into the name of the person having made the original
tender and withdrawing the tender; and |
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state that you are withdrawing your tender of initial notes. |
We will determine all questions as to the validity, form and
eligibility, including time of receipt, of all notices of
withdrawal and our determination will be final and binding on
all parties. Initial notes that are withdrawn will be deemed not
to have been validly tendered for exchange in this exchange
offer.
You may re-tender properly withdrawn initial notes in this
exchange offer by following one of the procedures described
above under Procedures for Tendering Initial
Notes at any time before the expiration date.
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Conditions to the Exchange Offer
With exceptions, we will not be required to accept initial notes
for exchange, or issue exchange notes in exchange for any
initial notes, and we may terminate or amend the exchange offer
as provided in this prospectus before the acceptance of the
initial notes, if:
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the exchange offer violates applicable law or any interpretation
of the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission; |
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any required governmental approval has not been obtained; or |
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a court or any governmental authority has issued an injunction,
order or decree that would prevent or impair our ability to
proceed with the exchange offer. |
These conditions are for our sole benefit. We may assert any of
these conditions regardless of the circumstances giving rise to
any of them. We may also waive these conditions, in whole or in
part, at any time and from time to time, if we determine in our
reasonable discretion, but within the limits of applicable law,
that any of the foregoing events or conditions has occurred or
exists or has not been satisfied. Our failure at any time to
exercise any of our rights will not be deemed a waiver of these
rights and these rights will be deemed ongoing rights which we
may assert at any time and from time to time.
If we determine that we may terminate the exchange offer, as
provided above, we may:
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refuse to accept any initial notes and return any initial notes
that have been tendered to their holders; |
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extend the exchange offer and retain all initial notes tendered
before the expiration date, allowing, however, the holders of
tendered initial notes to exercise their rights to withdraw
their tendered initial notes; or |
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waive any termination event with respect to the exchange offer
and accept all properly tendered initial notes that have not
been withdrawn or otherwise amend the terms of the exchange
offer in any respect as provided above under
Expiration Date; Extensions; Amendments;
Termination. |
If we determine that we may terminate the exchange offer, we may
be required to file a shelf registration statement with the
Securities and Exchange Commission as described under
Shelf Registration Statement. The
exchange offer is not dependent upon any minimum principal
amount of initial notes being tendered for exchange.
Accounting Treatment
We will record the exchange notes at the same carrying value as
the initial notes, as reflected in our accounting records on the
date of the exchange. Accordingly, we will not recognize any
gain or loss for accounting purposes. We will amortize the costs
of the exchange offer and the unamortized expenses related to
the issuance of the initial exchange notes over the term of the
exchange notes.
Exchange Agent
We have appointed Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas as
exchange agent for the exchange offer. You should direct all
questions and requests for assistance or additional copies of
this prospectus or the letter of transmittal to the exchange
agent as follows:
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Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas |
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60 Wall Street |
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27th Floor |
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NYC60-2710 |
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New York, NY 10005 |
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Attention: Trust and Securities Services |
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Telephone: (800) 735-7777 |
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Fax Number: (615) 835-3701 |
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Fees and Expenses
We will bear the expenses of soliciting tenders under the
exchange offer. The principal solicitation for tenders under the
exchange offer is being made by mail; however, our officers and
other employees may make additional solicitations by telegraph,
telephone, telecopy or in person.
We will not make any payments to brokers, dealers or other
persons soliciting acceptances of the exchange offer. However,
we will pay the exchange agent reasonable and customary fees for
its services and will reimburse the exchange agent for its
reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses
in connection with the exchange offer. We may also pay brokerage
houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries the
reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses
incurred by them in forwarding copies of the prospectus, letters
of transmittal and related documents to the beneficial owners of
the initial notes, and in handling or forwarding tenders for
exchange.
We will pay the expenses incurred in connection with the
exchange offer, including fees and expenses of the exchange
agent and trustee and accounting, legal, printing and related
fees and expenses.
We will generally pay all transfer taxes, if any, applicable to
the exchange of initial notes under the exchange offer. However,
tendering holders will pay the amount of any transfer taxes,
whether imposed on the registered holder or any other person, if:
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certificates representing exchange notes or initial notes for
principal amounts not tendered or accepted for exchange are to
be delivered to, or are to be registered or issued in the name
of, any person other than the registered holder of the initial
notes tendered; or |
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tendered initial notes are registered in the name of any person
other than the person signing the letter of transmittal; or |
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a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the exchange
of initial notes under the exchange offer. |
If satisfactory evidence of payment of these taxes or exemption
therefrom is not submitted with the letter of transmittal, the
amount of the transfer taxes will be billed directly to the
tendering holder.
Your Failure to Participate in the Exchange Offer Will Have
Adverse Consequences
If you do not properly tender your initial notes in the exchange
offer, your initial notes will remain outstanding and continue
to accrue interest. However, you will not be able to resell,
offer to resell or otherwise transfer the initial notes unless
they are registered under the Securities Act or unless you
resell them, offer to resell or otherwise transfer them under an
exemption from the registration requirements of, or in a
transaction not governed by, the Securities Act. In addition,
you will no longer be able to obligate us to register the
initial notes under the Securities Act, except in the limited
circumstances provided under our exchange and registration
rights agreement. To the extent the initial notes are tendered
and accepted in the exchange offer, the trading market, if any,
for the initial notes would be adversely affected. You should
refer to Risk Factors Your failure to
participate in this exchange offer will have adverse
consequences.
BOOK-ENTRY; DELIVERY AND FORM
Principal and interest payments on global securities registered
in the name of DTCs nominee will be made in immediate
available funds to DTCs nominee as the registered owner of
the global securities. We and the trustee will treat DTCs
nominee as the owner of the global securities for all other
purposes as well. Accordingly, we, the trustee, any paying agent
and any of the initial purchasers will have no direct
responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records
relating to payments made on account of beneficial interests in
the global securities or for maintaining, supervising or
reviewing any records relating to these beneficial interests. It
is DTCs current practice, upon receipt of any payment of
principal or interest, to credit direct participants
accounts on the payment date according to their respective
holdings of beneficial interests
118
in the global securities. These payments will be the
responsibility of the direct and indirect participants and not
of DTC, the trustee or us.
So long as DTC or its nominee is the registered owner or holder
of the global security, DTC or its nominee, as the case may be,
will be considered the sole owner or holder of the notes
represented by the global security for the purposes of:
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receiving payment on the notes; |
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receiving notices; and |
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for all other purposes under the Indenture and the notes. |
Beneficial interests in the notes will be evidenced only by, and
transfers of the notes will be effected only through, records
maintained by DTC and its participants.
Except as described below, owners of beneficial interests in a
global security will not be entitled to receive physical
delivery of certificated notes in definitive form and will not
be considered the holders of the global security for any
purposes under the Indenture. Accordingly, each person owning a
beneficial interest in a global security must rely on the
procedures of DTC. And, if that person is not a participant in
DTC, the person must rely on the procedures of the participant
in DTC through which that person owns its interest, to exercise
any rights of a holder under the Indenture. Under existing
industry practices, if we request any action of holders or an
owner of a beneficial interest in a global security desires to
take any action under the Indenture, DTC would authorize the
participants holding the relevant beneficial interest to take
that action. The participants then would authorize beneficial
owners owning through the participants to take the action or
would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners
owning through them.
DTC has advised us that it will take any action permitted to be
taken by a holder of notes only at the direction of one or more
participants to whose account with DTC interests in the global
security are credited. Further, DTC will take action only as to
the portion of the aggregate principal amount at maturity of the
notes as to which the participant or participants has or have
given the direction.
Although DTC, the Euroclear System (Euroclear) and
Clearstream Banking, S.A. of Luxembourg
(Clearstream) have agreed to the procedures
described above in order to facilitate transfers of interests in
global securities among participants in DTC, Euroclear and
Clearstream, they are under no obligation to perform these
procedures, and the procedures may be discontinued at any time.
None of us, the trustee, any agent of an initial purchaser or
ours will have any responsibility for the performance by DTC,
Euroclear and Clearstream or their respective participants or
indirect participants of their respective obligations under the
rules and procedures governing their operations.
DTC has provided the following information to us. DTC is a:
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limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York
Banking Law; |
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a banking organization within the meaning of the New York
Banking Law; |
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a member of the U.S. Federal Reserve System; |
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a clearing corporation within the meaning of the New York
Uniform Commercial Code; and |
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a clearing agency registered under the provisions of
Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act. |
Certificated Notes
Notes represented by a global security are exchangeable for
certificated notes only if:
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DTC notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as
depository or if DTC ceases to be a registered clearing agency,
and a successor depository is not appointed by us within
90 days; |
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we determine not to require all of the notes to be represented
by a global security and notifies the trustee of their
decision; or |
119
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an event of default or an event which, with the giving of notice
or lapse of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default
relating to the notes represented by the global security has
occurred and is continuing. |
Any global security that is exchangeable for certificated notes
in accordance with the preceding sentence will be transferred
to, and registered and exchanged for, certificated notes in
authorized denominations and registered in the names as DTC or
its nominee may direct. However, a global security is only
exchangeable for a global security of like denomination to be
registered in the name of DTC or its nominee. If a global
security becomes exchangeable for certificated notes:
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certificated notes will be issued only in fully registered form
in denominations of $1,000 or integral multiples of $1,000; |
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payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest on the
certificated notes will be payable, and the transfer of the
certificated notes will be registrable, at the office or agency
we maintain for these purposes; and |
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no service charge will be made for any issuance of the
certificated notes, although the issuers may require payment of
a sum sufficient to cover any tax or governmental charge imposed
in connection with the issuance. |
Transfers between participants in DTC will be effected in
accordance with DTCs procedures, and will be settled in
same-day funds. Transfers between participants in Euroclear or
Clearstream will be effected in the ordinary way in accordance
with their respective rules and operating procedures.
Subject to compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable
to the notes, cross-market transfers between the participants in
DTC, on the one hand, and Euroclear or Clearstream participants,
on the other hand, will be effected through DTC in accordance
with DTCs rules on behalf of Euroclear or Clearstream, as
the case may be, by its respective depositary; however, such
cross-market transactions will require delivery of instructions
to Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, by the
counterparts in such system in accordance with the rules and
procedures and within the established deadlines, Brussels time,
of such system. Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be,
will, if the transaction meets its settlement requirements,
deliver instructions to its respective depositary to take action
to effect final settlement on its behalf by delivering or
receiving interests in the relevant global securities in DTC,
and making or receiving payment in accordance with normal
procedures for same-day funds settlement applicable to DTC.
Euroclear participants and Clearstream participants may not
deliver instructions directly to the depositories for Euroclear
or Clearstream.
Because of time zone differences, the securities account of a
Euroclear or Clearstream participant purchasing an interest in a
global security from a participant in DTC will be credited, and
any such crediting will be reported to the relevant Euroclear or
Clearstream participant, during the securities settlement
processing day, which must be a business day for Euroclear and
Clearstream, immediately following the settlement date of DTC.
Cash received in Euroclear or Clearstream as a result of sales
of an interest in a global security by or through a Euroclear or
Clearstream participant to a participant in DTC will be received
with value on the settlement date of DTC but will be available
in the relevant Euroclear or Clearstream cash account only as of
the business day for Euroclear or Clearstream following
DTCs settlement date.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own
account pursuant to the exchange offer must acknowledge that it
will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such
exchange notes. This prospectus, as it may be amended or
supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer
in connection with resales of exchange notes received in
exchange for initial notes where such initial notes were
acquired as a result of market-making activities or other
trading activities. We have agreed that, starting on the
expiration date of the exchange offer and ending on the close of
business one year after the expiration date of the exchange
offer, we will make this prospectus, as amended or supplemented,
available to any broker-
120
dealer for use in connection with any such resale. In addition,
until April 12, 2006, all dealers effecting transactions in
the exchange notes may be required to deliver a prospectus.
We will not receive any proceeds from any sale of exchange notes
by brokers-dealers. Exchange notes received by broker-dealers
for their own account pursuant to the exchange offer may be sold
from time to time in one or more transactions in the
over-the-counter
market, in negotiated transactions, through the writing of
options on the exchange notes or a combination of such methods
of resale, at market prices prevailing at the time of resale, at
prices related to such prevailing market prices or negotiated
prices. Any such resale may be made directly to purchasers or to
or through brokers or dealers who may receive compensation in
the form of commissions or concessions from any such
broker-dealer and/or the purchasers of any such exchange notes.
Any broker-dealer that resells exchange notes that were received
by it for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer and any
broker or dealer that participates in a distribution of such
exchange notes may be deemed to be an underwriter
within the meaning of the Securities Act and any profit of any
such resale of exchange notes and any commissions or concessions
received by any such persons may be deemed to be underwriting
compensation under the Securities Act. The letter of transmittal
accompanying this prospectus states that by acknowledging that
it will deliver and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer
will not be deemed to admit that it is an
underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act.
For a period of one year after the expiration date of the
exchange offer, we will promptly send additional copies of this
prospectus and any amendment or supplement to this prospectus to
any broker-dealer that requests such documents in the letter of
transmittal. We have agreed to pay all expenses incident to the
exchange offer (including the expenses of one counsel for the
holder of the initial notes) other than commissions or
concessions of any brokers or dealers and will indemnify the
holders of the initial notes (including any broker-dealers)
against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the notes offered hereby will be passed upon for
us by Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP, New York,
New York. Robert L. Winikoff, a member of the board of directors
of Mediacom Communications, is a partner of Sonnenschein
Nath & Rosenthal LLP. Mr. Winikoff beneficially
owns 26,200 shares of Class A common stock.
Mr. Winikoff also has 5,000 restricted stock units and
options to purchase 51,400 shares of Class A
common stock of Mediacom Communications.
EXPERTS
The financial statements as of December 31, 2004 and 2003
and for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 2004 of Mediacom Broadband LLC and its
subsidiaries included in this prospectus have been so included
in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an
independent registered public accounting firm, given on the
authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
We have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a
registration statement on
Form S-4,
including all amendments, exhibits, schedules and supplements,
to register the exchange notes. Although this prospectus, which
forms a part of the registration statement, contains all
material information included in the registration statement,
parts of the registration statement have been omitted as
permitted by the rules of the Commission. For further
information about us and the exchange notes offered in this
prospectus, you should refer to the registration statement and
its exhibits. You may read and copy any materials we file with
the Commission at the Commissions Public Reference Room at
100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain
information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by
calling the Commission at (800) SEC-0330. You can also
review such material by accessing the Commissions Internet
web site at http://www.sec.gov. This site contains reports,
proxy and information statements and other information regarding
issuers that file electronically with the Commission.
121
We are currently subject to the periodic reporting and other
informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act. So
long as we are subject to these periodic reporting requirements,
we will continue to furnish the information required thereby to
the Commission. We are required to file periodic reports with
the Commission pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act during
our current fiscal year and thereafter so long as the exchange
notes are held by at least 300 registered holders. We do not
anticipate that, for periods following December 31, 2005,
the exchange notes will be held of record by more than 300
registered holders. Therefore, we do not expect to be required
to comply with the periodic reporting requirements imposed under
the Securities Exchange Act after that date. However, we have
agreed that, whether or not we are required to do so by the
rules and regulations of the Commission, for so long as any of
the notes remain outstanding, we will furnish to the holders of
the notes and file with the Commission, unless the Commission
will not accept such a filing:
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all quarterly and annual financial information that would be
required to be contained in such a filing with the Commission on
Forms 10-Q
and 10-K if we
were required to file such forms, including a
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations and, regarding a
discussion of the annual information only, a report thereon by
our certified independent public accountants; and |
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all reports that would be required to be filed with the
Commission on
Form 8-K if we
were required to file such reports. |
In addition, for so long as any of the notes remain outstanding,
we have agreed to make available to any prospective purchaser of
the notes or beneficial owner of the notes in connection with
any sale thereof, the information required by
Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act.
122
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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Mediacom Broadband LLC
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F-2 |
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F-3 |
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F-4 |
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|
F-5 |
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F-6 |
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F-7 |
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F-20 |
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F-21 |
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F-22 |
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|
F-24 |
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F-25 |
|
F-1
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Member of Mediacom Broadband LLC:
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in
the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects,
the financial position of Mediacom Broadband LLC and its
subsidiaries at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results
of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years
in the period ended December 31, 2004 in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America. In addition, in our opinion, the consolidated financial
statement schedule listed in the accompanying index present
fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth
therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated
financial statements. These consolidated financial statements
and consolidated financial statement schedule are the
responsibility of the Companys management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated
financial statements and financial statement schedule based on
our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements 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 consolidated financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test
basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the
consolidated financial statements, assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management,
and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We
believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
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/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP |
New York, New York
March 15, 2005
F-2
MEDIACOM BROADBAND LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
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December 31, | |
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| |
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2004 | |
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2003 | |
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| |
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| |
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|
(All dollar amounts in | |
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thousands) | |
ASSETS |
CURRENT ASSETS
|
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|
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|
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|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$ |
9,130 |
|
|
$ |
9,379 |
|
|
Subscriber accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful
accounts of $2,803 and $2,455, respectively
|
|
|
31,287 |
|
|
|
34,522 |
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other assets
|
|
|
2,787 |
|
|
|
9,278 |
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|
|
|
|
|
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|
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Total current assets
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|
|
43,204 |
|
|
|
53,179 |
|
Investment in cable television systems:
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|
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|
|
|
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|
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation
of $306,894 and $204,305, respectively
|
|
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723,248 |
|
|
|
743,120 |
|
|
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $55,934
and $53,377, respectively
|
|
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1,471,884 |
|
|
|
1,473,854 |
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|
|
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Total investment in cable television systems
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2,195,132 |
|
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2,216,974 |
|
Other assets, net of accumulated amortization of $7,026 and
$5,176, respectively
|
|
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19,909 |
|
|
|
17,631 |
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|
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|
Total assets
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|
$ |
2,258,245 |
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$ |
2,287,784 |
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|
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS EQUITY |
CURRENT LIABILITIES
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Accrued liabilities
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|
$ |
115,379 |
|
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$ |
148,969 |
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Deferred revenue
|
|
|
20,831 |
|
|
|
20,202 |
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|
Current portion of long-term debt
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|
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36,316 |
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|
|
9,771 |
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|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
Total current liabilities
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|
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172,526 |
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|
|
178,942 |
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Long-term debt, less current portion
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|
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1,327,639 |
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|
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1,344,897 |
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Other non-current liabilities
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|
|
12,923 |
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|
|
24,929 |
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Total liabilities
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|
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1,513,088 |
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1,548,768 |
|
PREFERRED MEMBERS INTEREST
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150,000 |
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|
150,000 |
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MEMBERS EQUITY
|
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|
|
|
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|
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Capital contributions
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|
|
725,000 |
|
|
|
725,000 |
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|
Accumulated deficit
|
|
|
(129,843 |
) |
|
|
(135,984 |
) |
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|
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|
Total members equity
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595,157 |
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|
|
589,016 |
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Total liabilities, preferred members interests and
members equity
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$ |
2,258,245 |
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$ |
2,287,784 |
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The accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
are an integral part of these statements.
F-3
MEDIACOM BROADBAND LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
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Years Ended December 31, | |
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| |
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2004 | |
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2003 | |
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2002 | |
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| |
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| |
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| |
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(All dollar amounts in thousands) | |
Revenues
|
|
$ |
585,039 |
|
|
$ |
552,342 |
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$ |
512,792 |
|
Costs and expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Service costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization of
$107,592, $113,007 and $123,704, respectively, shown separately
below)
|
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225,764 |
|
|
|
215,310 |
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|
207,053 |
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Selling, general and administrative expenses
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|
|
126,575 |
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|
|
118,918 |
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|
|
105,407 |
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Management fee expense
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|
|
10,585 |
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|
|
9,322 |
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|
|
6,967 |
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
107,592 |
|
|
|
113,007 |
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|
|
123,704 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
Operating income
|
|
|
114,523 |
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|
|
95,785 |
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|
69,661 |
|
Interest expense, net
|
|
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(86,125 |
) |
|
|
(82,536 |
) |
|
|
(76,790 |
) |
Gain (loss) on derivatives, net
|
|
|
10,929 |
|
|
|
2,807 |
|
|
|
(15,049 |
) |
Other expense
|
|
|
(4,475 |
) |
|
|
(5,974 |
) |
|
|
(5,066 |
) |
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
$ |
34,852 |
|
|
$ |
10,082 |
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|
$ |
(27,244 |
) |
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The accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
are an integral part of these statements.
F-4
MEDIACOM BROADBAND LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN MEMBERS EQUITY
|
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|
Capital | |
|
Accumulated | |
|
|
|
|
Contributions | |
|
Deficit | |
|
Total | |
|
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| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
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(All dollar amounts in thousands) | |
Balance, December 31, 2001
|
|
$ |
725,000 |
|
|
$ |
(58,706 |
) |
|
$ |
666,294 |
|
Net loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(27,244 |
) |
|
|
(27,244 |
) |
Dividend payments to related party on Preferred Members Interest
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(18,000 |
) |
|
|
(18,000 |
) |
Dividend payments to MCC
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(10,528 |
) |
|
|
(10,528 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2002
|
|
$ |
725,000 |
|
|
$ |
(114,478 |
) |
|
$ |
610,522 |
|
Net income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,082 |
|
|
|
10,082 |
|
Dividend payments to related party on Preferred Members Interest
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(18,000 |
) |
|
|
(18,000 |
) |
Dividend payments to MCC
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(13,588 |
) |
|
|
(13,588 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2003
|
|
$ |
725,000 |
|
|
$ |
(135,984 |
) |
|
$ |
589,016 |
|
Net income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34,852 |
|
|
|
34,852 |
|
Dividend payments to related party on Preferred Members Interest
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(18,000 |
) |
|
|
(18,000 |
) |
Dividend payments to MCC
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(10,711 |
) |
|
|
(10,711 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2004
|
|
$ |
725,000 |
|
|
$ |
(129,843 |
) |
|
$ |
595,157 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
are an integral part of these statements.
F-5
MEDIACOM BROADBAND LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(All dollar amounts in thousands) | |
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
$ |
34,852 |
|
|
$ |
10,082 |
|
|
$ |
(27,244 |
) |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided
by operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
107,592 |
|
|
|
113,007 |
|
|
|
123,704 |
|
|
(Gain) loss on derivatives, net
|
|
|
(10,929 |
) |
|
|
(2,807 |
) |
|
|
15,049 |
|
|
Amortization of deferred financing costs
|
|
|
2,099 |
|
|
|
2,365 |
|
|
|
2,248 |
|
|
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects from
acquisitions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subscriber accounts receivable, net
|
|
|
3,235 |
|
|
|
927 |
|
|
|
(9,521 |
) |
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other assets
|
|
|
6,491 |
|
|
|
(955 |
) |
|
|
(1,723 |
) |
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
|
|
|
(33,590 |
) |
|
|
(29,134 |
) |
|
|
18,627 |
|
|
|
Deferred revenue
|
|
|
629 |
|
|
|
1,831 |
|
|
|
2,369 |
|
|
|
Other non-current liabilities
|
|
|
(4,075 |
) |
|
|
1,311 |
|
|
|
1,550 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash flows provided by operating activities
|
|
|
106,304 |
|
|
|
96,627 |
|
|
|
125,059 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures
|
|
|
(83,656 |
) |
|
|
(118,039 |
) |
|
|
(234,832 |
) |
|
Acquisitions of cable television systems
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5,047 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from sale of cable television systems
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,989 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other investing activities
|
|
|
(1,738 |
) |
|
|
(5,516 |
) |
|
|
(4,478 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash flows used in investing activities
|
|
|
(85,394 |
) |
|
|
(116,613 |
) |
|
|
(239,310 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS (USED IN) PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New borrowings
|
|
|
126,750 |
|
|
|
144,554 |
|
|
|
183,000 |
|
|
Repayment of debt
|
|
|
(117,463 |
) |
|
|
(93,659 |
) |
|
|
(85,000 |
) |
|
Dividend payments on preferred members interests
|
|
|
(18,000 |
) |
|
|
(18,000 |
) |
|
|
(18,000 |
) |
|
Dividend payment to parent
|
|
|
(10,711 |
) |
|
|
(13,588 |
) |
|
|
(10,528 |
) |
|
Financing costs
|
|
|
(1,735 |
) |
|
|
(249 |
) |
|
|
(492 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities
|
|
|
(21,159 |
) |
|
|
19,058 |
|
|
|
68,980 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
(249 |
) |
|
|
(928 |
) |
|
|
(45,271 |
) |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period
|
|
|
9,379 |
|
|
|
10,307 |
|
|
|
55,578 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period
|
|
$ |
9,130 |
|
|
$ |
9,379 |
|
|
$ |
10,307 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid during the period for interest, net of amounts
capitalized
|
|
$ |
86,388 |
|
|
$ |
83,673 |
|
|
$ |
81,015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING
ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures financed through capital leases
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
5,773 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
are an integral part of these statements.
F-6
MEDIACOM BROADBAND LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Mediacom Broadband LLC (Mediacom Broadband, and
collectively with its subsidiaries, the Company), a
Delaware limited liability company wholly-owned by Mediacom
Communications Corporation (MCC), was organized for
the purpose of acquiring cable systems from AT&T Broadband,
LLC in 2001. As of December 31, 2004, the Company was
operating cable systems in the states of Georgia, Illinois, Iowa
and Missouri.
Mediacom Broadband relies on its parent, MCC, for various
services such as corporate and administrative support. The
financial position, results of operations and cash flows of
Mediacom Broadband could differ from those that would have
resulted had Mediacom Broadband operated autonomously or as an
entity independent of MCC. See Notes 7, 8 and 9.
Mediacom Broadband Corporation, a Delaware corporation
wholly-owned by Mediacom Broadband, co-issued, jointly and
severally, with Mediacom Broadband $400.0 million aggregate
principal amount of the 11% senior notes due July 15,
2013. Mediacom Broadband Corporation has no assets (other than a
$100 receivable from affiliate), operations, revenues or cash
flows. Therefore, separate financial statements have not been
presented for this entity.
|
|
(2) |
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies |
|
|
|
Basis of Preparation of Consolidated Financial
Statements |
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
Mediacom Broadband and its subsidiaries. All significant
intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. The
preparation of the consolidated financial statements in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the
United States of America requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and
liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the
reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting
period. The accounting estimates that require managements
most difficult and subjective judgments include assessment and
valuation of intangibles, useful lives of property, plant and
equipment and the valuation of programming liabilities. Actual
results could differ from those and other estimates.
Effective July 1, 2003, the Company changed the estimated
useful lives of its cable systems and equipment. The changes in
estimated useful lives were made to reflect managements
evaluation of the longer economic lives of the Companys
upgraded and rebuilt network. The new asset lives are consistent
with those used by companies in the cable television industry.
The weighted average useful lives of such fixed assets changed
from approximately 7 years to approximately 12 years.
These changes were made on a prospective basis and resulted in
an increase in net income of approximately $46.0 million
for the year ended December 31, 2004, as compared to
approximately $22.3 for the year ended December 31, 2003
Revenues include amounts billed to customers for services
provided, installations, advertising and other services.
Revenues from video and data services are recognized when the
services are provided to the customers. Installation revenues
are less than direct installation costs. Therefore, installation
revenues are recognized as connects are completed. Advertising
sales are recognized in the period that the advertisements are
exhibited. Franchise fees are collected on a monthly basis and
are periodically remitted to local franchise authorities.
Franchise fees collected and paid are reported as revenues and
expenses as a component of selling, general and administrative.
F-7
MEDIACOM BROADBAND LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
|
|
|
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts |
The allowance for doubtful accounts represents the
Companys best estimate of probable losses in the accounts
receivable balance. The allowance is based on the number of days
outstanding, customer balances, historical experience and other
currently available information.
|
|
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents |
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with
original maturities of three months or less to be cash
equivalents.
|
|
|
Concentration of Credit Risk |
The Companys accounts receivable are comprised of amounts
due from subscribers in varying regions throughout the United
States. Concentration of credit risk with respect to these
receivables is limited due to the large number of customers
comprising the Companys customer base and their geographic
dispersion. The Company invests its cash with high quality
financial institutions.
|
|
|
Property, Plant and Equipment |
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Additions to
property, plant and equipment generally include material, labor
and indirect costs. Depreciation is calculated on a
straight-line basis over the following useful lives:
|
|
|
|
|
Buildings
|
|
|
40 years |
|
Leasehold improvements
|
|
|
Life of respective lease |
|
Cable systems and equipment and subscriber devices
|
|
|
4 to 20 years |
|
Vehicles
|
|
|
5 years |
|
Furniture, fixtures and office equipment
|
|
|
5 years |
|
The Company capitalizes improvements that extend asset lives and
expenses repairs and maintenance as incurred. At the time of
retirements, sales or other dispositions of property, the
original cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed
from the respective accounts and the gains or losses are
presented as a separate component on the statement of operations.
The Company capitalizes the costs associated with the
construction of cable transmission and distribution facilities,
new customer installations and indirect costs associated with
our telephony product. Costs include direct labor and material,
as well as certain indirect costs including interest. The
Company performs periodic evaluations of certain estimates used
to determine the amount and extent that such costs that are
capitalized. Any changes to these estimates, which may be
significant, are applied in the period in which the evaluations
were completed. The costs of disconnecting service at a
customers dwelling or reconnecting to a previously
installed dwelling are charged as expense in the period
incurred. Costs associated with subsequent installations of
additional services not previously installed at a
customers dwelling are capitalized to the extent such
costs are incremental and directly attributable to the
installation of such additional services.
|
|
|
Capitalized Software Costs |
The Company accounts for internal-use software development and
related costs in accordance with AICPA Statement of Position
No. 98-1 Accounting for the Costs of Computer
Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use.
Software development and other related costs consist of external
and internal costs incurred in the application development stage
to purchase and implement the software that will be used in the
Companys telephony business. Costs incurred in the
development of application and infrastructure of the
F-8
MEDIACOM BROADBAND LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
software is capitalized and will be amortized over its
respective estimated useful life. During the year ended
December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company capitalized
approximately $0.7 million and $0.4 million,
respectively of software development costs. Amortization will
begin when the Company launches its telephony product.
In accordance with FASB No. 142 Goodwill and Other
Intangible Assets, the amortization of goodwill and
indefinite-lived intangible assets is prohibited and requires
such assets to be tested annually for impairment, or more
frequently if impairment indicators arise. The Company has
determined that its cable franchise costs and goodwill are
indefinite-lived assets and therefore not amortizable. Other
finite-lived intangible assets, which consist primarily of
subscriber lists and covenants not to compete, continue to be
amortized over their useful lives of 5 to 10 years and
5 years, respectively.
Other assets, net represent debt financing costs incurred to
raise debt and are deferred and amortized as other expense over
the expected term of such financings.
SFAS No. 131, Disclosure about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information, requires the
disclosure of factors used to identify an enterprises
reportable segments. The Companys operations are organized
and managed on the basis of cable system clusters that represent
operating segments responsible for certain geographical regions.
Each operating segment derives its revenues from the delivery of
similar products and services to a customer base that is also
similar. Each operating segment deploys similar technology to
deliver our products and services and operates within a similar
regulatory environment. In addition, each operating segment has
similar economic characteristics. Management evaluated the
criteria for aggregation of the geographic operating segments
under SFAS No. 131 and believes the Company meets each
of the respective criteria set forth. Accordingly, management
has identified broadband services as the Companys one
reportable segment.
|
|
|
Accounting for Derivative Instruments |
The Company accounts for derivative instruments in accordance
with SFAS No. 133, SFAS No. 138 and
SFAS No. 149. These pronouncements require that all
derivative instruments be recognized on the balance sheet at
fair value. The Companys stated strategy is to manage its
interest expense using a combination of fixed and variable
interest rate debt. The Company enters into interest rate
exchange agreements to fix the interest rate on a portion of its
variable interest rate debt to reduce the potential volatility
in its interest expense that would otherwise result from changes
in market interest rates. The Companys derivative
instruments are recorded at fair value and are included in other
current assets, other assets and other liabilities. The
Companys accounting policies for these instruments are
based on whether they meet the Companys criteria for
designation as hedging transactions. The criteria for
designating a derivative as a hedge include the
instruments effectiveness in risk reduction and, in most
cases, a one-to-one
matching of the derivative instrument to its underlying
transaction. Gains and losses from changes in fair values of
derivatives that are not designated as hedges for accounting
purposes are recognized currently in earnings. During 2004, 2003
and 2002, none of the Companys derivative financial
instruments were designated as hedges. Therefore, changes in
fair value for the respective periods were recognized in
earnings.
F-9
MEDIACOM BROADBAND LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
|
|
|
Accounting for Asset Retirement |
The Company adopted SFAS No. 143, Accounting
for Asset Retirement Obligations, on January 1,
2003. SFAS No. 143 addresses financial accounting and
reporting for obligations associated with the retirement of
tangible long-lived assets and the associated asset retirement
costs. The Company reviewed its asset retirement obligations to
determine the fair value of such liabilities and if a reasonable
estimate of fair value could be made. This entailed the review
of leases covering tangible long-lived assets as well as the
Companys
rights-of-way under
franchise agreements. In determining the fair value of the
Companys asset retirement obligation, consideration was
given to given to the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984,
which generally entitles the cable operator to the fair
market value for the cable system covered by a franchise,
if renewal is denied and the franchising authority acquires
ownership of the cable system or effects a transfer of the cable
system to another person. Changes in these assumptions based on
future information could result in adjustments to estimated
liabilities.
Upon adoption of SFAS No. 143, the Company determined
that in certain instances, it is obligated by contractual terms
or regulatory requirements to remove facilities or perform other
remediation activities upon the retirement of its assets. The
Company has recorded a $1.8 million asset in property,
plant and equipment and a corresponding liability of
$1.8 million.
|
|
|
Accounting for Long-Lived Assets |
In accordance with SFAS No. 144 Accounting
for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,
the Company periodically evaluates the recoverability and
estimated lives of its long-lived assets, including property and
equipment and intangible assets subject to amortization,
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the
carrying amount may not be recoverable or the useful life has
changed. The measurement for such impairment loss is based on
the fair value of the asset, typically based upon the future
cash flows discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk
involved. Unless presented separately, the loss is included as a
component of either depreciation expense or amortization
expense, as appropriate.
|
|
|
Comprehensive Income/ Loss |
In June 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 130,
Reporting Comprehensive Income. This statement
requires companies to classify items of other comprehensive
income/loss by their nature in the financial statements and
display the accumulated balance of other comprehensive
income/loss separately from retained earnings and additional
paid-in capital in the equity section of a statement of
financial position. The Company has had no other comprehensive
income/loss to report.
Since the Company is a limited liability company, it is not
subject to federal or state income taxes and no provision for
income taxes relating to its operations has been reflected in
the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Income or
loss of the limited liability company is reported in MCCs
income tax returns.
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years
amounts to conform to the current years presentation.
|
|
|
Recent Accounting Pronouncements |
The FASB issued SFAS No. 148, Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation Transition and
Disclosure, in December 2002, which amended:
(i) SFAS No. 123, Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation, to provide alternative
methods of transition for an entity that voluntarily changes to
the fair value based
F-10
MEDIACOM BROADBAND LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation;
(ii) the disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 123 to
require prominent disclosure about the effects on reported net
income of an entitys accounting policy decisions with
respect to stock-based employee compensation; and (iii) APB
Opinion No. 28, Interim Financial Reporting,
to require disclosure about those effects in interim
financial information. The Company adopted
SFAS No. 148 on January 1, 2003.
The Company did not change to the fair value-based expense
recognition method of accounting for stock-based employees
compensation. Accordingly, the adoption of
SFAS No. 148 did not affect the Companys
financial condition or results of operations. However,
SFAS No. 148 requires that information be provided as
if the Company had accounted for employee stock options under
the fair value method of this statement, including disclosing
pro forma information regarding net income (loss) and net income
(loss) per share beginning with the first quarter of 2003. The
Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with
APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees, as permitted by SFAS No. 123.
Compensation expense for stock options is measured as the
excess, if any, of the quoted market price of MCCs stock
at the date of the grant over the amount the employee must pay
to acquire the stock.
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123R,
Amendment of Statement 123 on Share-Based
Payment. SFAS No. 123R requires companies to
expense the value of employee stock options, stock granted
through the employee stock purchase program and similar awards.
SFAS No. 123R is effective for periods beginning after
June 15, 2005. The Company plans on adopting
SFAS No. 123R effective July 1, 2005 and expects
that the adoption of SFAS No. 123R will have a
material impact on its consolidated results of operations.
There are three methods of adopting SFAS No. 123R. The
first method is called modified prospective method, which allows
companies to avoid recording additional compensation expense for
vested awards that are outstanding on the effective date of the
SFAS No. 123R. Unvested awards outstanding on the
effective date would be charged to expense over the remaining
vesting period. The second method is similar to the modified
prospective method, except it allows companies to restate
earlier interim periods in the year of adoption using the
applicable SFAS No. 123R pro forma amounts. The third
method is the modified retrospective method, which directs
companies to apply the modified prospective method and to
restate prior financial statements. The Company is currently
evaluating these transitional methods.
In March 2004, the FASB approved the consensus reached on the
EITF Issue
No. 03-1,
The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its
Application to Certain Investments. The Issues
objective is to provide guidance for identifying
other-than-temporarily impaired investments.
EITF 03-1 also
provides new disclosure requirements for investments that are
deemed to be temporarily impaired. In September 2004, the FASB
issued a FASB Staff Position
(FSP) EITF 03-1
that delays the effective date of the measurement and
recognition guidance in
EITF 03-1 until
further notice. The disclosure requirements of
EITF 03-1 are
effective with this annual report for fiscal 2004. Once the FASB
reaches a final decision on the measurement and recognition
provisions, the Company will evaluate the impact of the adoption
of the accounting provision of
EITF 03-1.
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 153,
Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets, an amendment of APB
Opinion No. 29. The guidance in APB Opinion
No. 29, Accounting for Nonmonetary
Transactions, is based on the principle that exchanges
of nonmonetary assets should be measured based on the fair value
of assets exchanged. The guidance in that Opinion, however,
included certain exceptions to that principle. This Statement
amends Opinion 29 to eliminate the exception for nonmonetary
exchanges of similar productive assets that do not have
commercial substance. A nonmonetary exchange has commercial
substance if the future cash flows of the entity are expected to
change significantly as a result of the exchange.
SFAS No. 153 is effective for nonmonetary exchanges
occurring in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005.
The adoption of SFAS No. 153 is not expected to have a
material impact on the Companys financial position and
results of operations.
F-11
MEDIACOM BROADBAND LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
|
|
(3) |
Property, Plant and Equipment |
As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, property, plant and
equipment consisted of (dollars in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Land and land improvements
|
|
$ |
4,577 |
|
|
$ |
4,518 |
|
Buildings and leasehold improvements
|
|
|
24,026 |
|
|
|
22,941 |
|
Cable systems, equipment and subscriber devices
|
|
|
959,096 |
|
|
|
878,600 |
|
Vehicles
|
|
|
31,662 |
|
|
|
33,491 |
|
Furniture, fixtures and office equipment
|
|
|
10,781 |
|
|
|
7,875 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,030,142 |
|
|
|
947,425 |
|
Accumulated depreciation
|
|
|
(306,894 |
) |
|
|
(204,305 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and equipment, net
|
|
$ |
723,248 |
|
|
$ |
743,120 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2004,
2003 and 2002 was approximately $105.0 million,
$109.6 million and $117.5 million, respectively. As of
December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company had property under
capitalized leases of $5.5 million and $5.3 million,
respectively, before accumulated depreciation, and
$3.7 million and $4.7 million, respectively, net of
accumulated depreciation. During the years ended
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, the Company incurred
gross interest expense of $87.4 million, $86.0 million
and $80.9 million, respectively of which $1.3 million,
$3.4 million and $4.1 million was capitalized. See
Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements.
The Company operates its cable systems under non-exclusive cable
franchises that are granted by state or local government
authorities for varying lengths of time. As of December 31,
2004, the company held 377 franchises in areas located
throughout the United States. The Company acquired these cable
franchises through acquisitions of cable systems and they were
accounted for using the purchase method of accounting.
On January 1, 2002, the Company adopted
SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible
Assets, which eliminates amortization of goodwill and
certain intangibles that have indefinite lives but requires that
such assets be tested for impairment at least annually. The
Company evaluated the expected useful life of its cable
franchises, also referred to as franchise costs, upon adoption
of SFAS No. 142 and determined that all of its cable
franchises have an indefinite useful life. As such, the Company
ceased amortizing its cable franchises effective January 1,
2002.
The Company has assessed franchise value for impairment under
SFAS No. 142 by utilizing a discounted cash flow
methodology. In performing an impairment test in accordance with
SFAS No. 142, the Company considers the guidance
contained in EITF Issue No. 02-7, Recognition of
Customer Relationship Intangible Assets acquired in a Business
Combination, whereby the Company considers
assumptions, such as future cash flow expectations and other
future benefits related to the intangible assets, when measuring
the fair value of each cable systems other net assets. If the
determined fair value of the Companys franchise costs is
less the carrying amount on the financial statements, an
impairment charge would be recognized for the difference between
the fair value and the carrying value of the assets. To test the
impairment of the goodwill carried on the Companys
financial statements, the fair value of the cable system
clusters tangible and intangible assets (includes
franchise costs) other than goodwill is deducted from the cable
system clusters fair value. The balance represents the
fair value of goodwill which is then compared to the carrying
value of goodwill to determine if there is any impairment. The
Company completed its last impairment test in accordance with
SFAS No. 142 as of October 1, 2004, which
reflected no impairment of franchise costs or goodwill. There
have been no events since then that would require an analysis to
be completed before the next annual test date.
F-12
MEDIACOM BROADBAND LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
The following table summarizes the net asset value for each
intangible asset category as of December 31, 2004 and 2003
(dollars in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross Asset | |
|
Accumulated | |
|
Net Asset | |
2004 |
|
Value | |
|
Amortization | |
|
Value | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Franchise costs
|
|
$ |
1,290,113 |
|
|
$ |
38,752 |
|
|
$ |
1,251,361 |
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
204,582 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
204,582 |
|
Subscriber lists
|
|
|
33,123 |
|
|
|
17,182 |
|
|
|
15,941 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,527,818 |
|
|
$ |
55,934 |
|
|
$ |
1,471,884 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross Asset | |
|
Accumulated | |
|
Net Asset | |
2003 |
|
Value | |
|
Amortization | |
|
Value | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Franchise costs
|
|
$ |
1,289,526 |
|
|
$ |
38,752 |
|
|
$ |
1,250,774 |
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
204,582 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
204,582 |
|
Subscriber lists
|
|
|
33,123 |
|
|
|
14,625 |
|
|
|
18,498 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,527,231 |
|
|
$ |
53,377 |
|
|
$ |
1,473,854 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2004,
2003 and 2002 was approximately $2.6 million,
$3.4 million and $6.2 million, respectively. The
Companys estimated aggregate amortization expense for the
year of 2005 through 2009 and beyond are $2.1 million,
$2.1 million, $2.1 million, $2.1 million and
$7.5 million, respectively.
The net asset value as of December 31, 2004 decreased
approximately $2.0 million from December 31, 2003,
primarily due to the recording of amortization expense.
|
|
(5) |
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses |
Accounts payable and accrued expenses consist of the following
as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 (dollars in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, | |
|
December 31, | |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Accrued interest
|
|
$ |
24,342 |
|
|
$ |
24,012 |
|
Accrued payroll and benefits
|
|
|
10,477 |
|
|
|
10,588 |
|
Accrued programming costs
|
|
|
36,356 |
|
|
|
63,152 |
|
Accrued property, plant and equipment
|
|
|
5,822 |
|
|
|
12,899 |
|
Accrued taxes and fees
|
|
|
12,804 |
|
|
|
16,303 |
|
Accrued telecommunications
|
|
|
9,160 |
|
|
|
8,214 |
|
Other accrued expenses
|
|
|
16,418 |
|
|
|
13,801 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
115,379 |
|
|
$ |
148,969 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-13
MEDIACOM BROADBAND LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, debt consisted of
(dollars in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Bank credit facilities
|
|
$ |
960,500 |
|
|
$ |
950,000 |
|
11% senior notes
|
|
|
400,000 |
|
|
|
400,000 |
|
Capital lease obligations
|
|
|
3,455 |
|
|
|
4,668 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,363,955 |
|
|
$ |
1,354,668 |
|
Less: Current portion
|
|
|
36,316 |
|
|
|
9,771 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total long-term debt
|
|
$ |
1,327,639 |
|
|
$ |
1,344,897 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Company maintains a $1.4 billion senior secured credit
facility (the Broadband credit facility) consisting
of a revolving credit facility (the Broadband
revolver) with an initial commitment of $600 million,
a $300 million term loan A (the Broadband term
loan A) and a $500 million term loan B (the
Broadband term loan B). On December 16,
2004, the Company amended the credit agreement of the Broadband
credit facility (the Broadband credit agreement) to
conform its definitions, financial covenants and other terms
(including those relating to letters of credit, mandatory
prepayment, representations and warranties, negative covenants
and events of default) to those of the Mediacom LLC credit
agreement dated October 21, 2004. The Broadband revolver
expires on March 31, 2010 and, beginning on
December 31, 2004, its commitments were subject to
quarterly reductions ranging from 2.00% to 8.00% of the original
commitment amount. The Broadband term loan A matures on
March 31, 2010 and, beginning on September 30, 2004,
has been subject to quarterly reductions ranging from 1.00% to
8.00% of the original amount. The Broadband term loan B
matures on September 30, 2010 and is subject to quarterly
reductions of 0.25% from September 30, 2004 to
June 30, 2010, and 94.00% on maturity, of the original
amount. As of December 31, 2004, the maximum commitment
available under the Broadband revolver was $588.0 million
and the revolver had an outstanding balance of
$169.0 million, the Broadband term loan A had an
outstanding balance of $294.0 million, and the Broadband
term loan B had an outstanding balance of
$497.5 million.
The Broadband credit agreement provides for interest at varying
rates based upon various borrowing options and certain financial
ratios, and for commitment fees of
3/8%
to
5/8% per
annum on the unused portion of the available revolving credit
commitment. Interest on outstanding Broadband revolver and
Broadband term loan A balances are payable at either the
Eurodollar rate plus a floating percentage ranging from 1.00% to
2.50% or the base rate plus a floating percentage ranging from
0.25% to 1.50%. Interest on the Broadband term loan B is
payable at either the Eurodollar rate plus a floating percentage
ranging from 2.50% to 2.75% or the base rate plus a floating
percentage ranging from 1.50% to 1.75%.
For the year ended December 31, 2005, the maximum
commitment amount under the Broadband revolver will be reduced
by $60.0 million or 10.0% of the original commitment
amount, the outstanding debt under the Broadband term
loan A will be reduced by $30.0 million or 10.0% of
the original amount, and the Broadband term loan B will be
reduced by $5.0 million or 1.0% of the original amount.
The Broadband credit agreement requires compliance with certain
financial covenants including, but not limited to, leverage,
interest coverage and debt service coverage ratios, as defined
therein. The Broadband credit agreement also requires compliance
with other covenants including, but not limited to, limitations
on mergers and acquisitions, consolidations and sales of certain
assets, liens, the incurrence of additional indebtedness,
certain restricted payments, and certain transactions with
affiliates. The Company was in
F-14
MEDIACOM BROADBAND LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
compliance with all covenants of the Broadband credit agreement
as of and for all periods in the year ended December 31,
2004.
The Broadband credit agreement is collateralized by Mediacom
Broadbands pledge of all its ownership interests in its
operating subsidiaries and is guaranteed by Mediacom Broadband
on a limited recourse basis to the extent of such ownership
interests.
The average interest rate on debt outstanding under the
Broadband credit agreement was 4.3% and 3.3% for the year ended
December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, before giving
effect to the interest rate exchange agreements discussed below.
As of December 31, 2004, the Company had approximately
$410.9 million of unused bank commitments under the
Broadband credit agreement.
The Company uses interest rate exchange agreements in order to
fix the interest rate on its floating rate debt. As of
December 31, 2004, the Company had interest rate exchange
agreements with various banks pursuant to which the interest
rate on $500.0 million is fixed at a weighted average rate
of approximately 3.4%, plus the average applicable margin over
the Eurodollar rate option under the Companys bank credit
agreements. Under the terms of the interest rate exchange
agreements, which expire from 2005 through 2007, the Company is
exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the
other parties. However, due to high creditworthiness of its
counterparties, which are major banking firms with investment
grade ratings, the Company does not anticipate their
nonperformance.
The fair value of the interest rate exchange agreements is the
estimated amount that the Company would receive or pay to
terminate such agreements, taking into account interest rates,
the remaining time to maturities and the creditworthiness of the
Companys counterparties. At December 31, 2004, based
on the mark-to-market
valuation, the Company recorded an investment in derivatives of
$2.4 million, offset by a $3.7 million derivative
liability. As a result of the quarterly
mark-to-market
valuation of these interest rate swaps, the Company recorded a
gain on derivative instruments amounting to $10.9 million
and $2.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2004
and 2003, respectively.
On June 29, 2001, Mediacom Broadband and Mediacom Broadband
Corporation (the Issuers) jointly issued
$400.0 million in aggregate principal amount of
11% senior notes due July 2013 (the 11% Senior
Notes). The 11% Senior Notes are unsecured
obligations of the Issuers, and the indenture for the
11% Senior Notes stipulates, among other things,
restrictions on incurrence of indebtedness, distributions,
mergers and asset sales and has cross-default provisions related
to other debt of the Issuers. Interest accrues at 11% per
annum, beginning from the date of issuance and is payable
semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 of each year, which
commenced on January 15, 2002. The Issuers were in
compliance with the indenture governing the 11% Senior
Notes as of and for all periods in the year ended
December 31, 2004.
|
|
|
Fair Value and Debt Maturities |
The fair value of the Companys bank credit facility
approximates the carrying value. The fair value at
December 31, 2004 of the 11% Senior Notes was
approximately $430.0 million.
F-15
MEDIACOM BROADBAND LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
The stated maturities of all debt outstanding as of
December 31, 2004 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
$ |
36,316 |
|
2006
|
|
|
43,857 |
|
2007
|
|
|
65,740 |
|
2008
|
|
|
65,042 |
|
2009
|
|
|
208,500 |
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
944,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,363,955 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(7) |
Preferred Members Interests |
On July 18, 2001, the Company received a
$150.0 million preferred equity investment from
Mediacom LLC. The preferred equity investment has a 12%
annual dividend, payable quarterly in cash. During each of the
years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company paid in
aggregate $18.0 million in cash dividends on the preferred
equity.
As a wholly-owned subsidiary of MCC, the Companys business
affairs, including its financing decisions, are directed by MCC.
For the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, the
Company paid cash dividends to MCC of approximately
$10.7 million, $13.6 million and $10.5 million,
respectively, as permitted under the Companys debt
arrangements.
|
|
(9) |
Related Party Transactions |
MCC manages the Company pursuant to a management agreement with
each operating subsidiary. Under such agreements, MCC has full
and exclusive authority to manage the day to day operations and
conduct the business of the Company. The Company remains
responsible for all expenses and liabilities relating to
construction, development, operation, maintenance, repair, and
ownership of its systems. Management fees for the years ended
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, amounted to approximately
$10.6 million, $9.3 million and $7.0 million,
respectively.
As compensation for the performance of its services, subject to
certain restrictions, MCC is entitled under each management
agreement to receive management fees in an amount not to exceed
4.0% of the annual gross operating revenues of each of the
operating subsidiaries. MCC is also entitled to the
reimbursement of all expenses necessarily incurred in its
capacity as manager.
Mediacom LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of MCC, is a preferred
equity investor in the Company. See Note 7 for a discussion
on the transactions between these two parties.
|
|
(10) |
Employee Benefit Plans |
Substantially all employees of the Company are eligible to
participate in a defined contribution plan pursuant to the
Internal Revenue Code Section 401(k) (the
Plan). Under such Plan, eligible employees may
contribute up to 15% of their current pretax compensation. The
Plan permits, but does not require, matching contributions and
non-matching (profit sharing) contributions to be made by the
Company up to a maximum dollar amount or maximum percentage of
participant contributions, as determined annually by the
Company. The Company presently matches 50% on the first 6% of
employee contributions. The Companys
F-16
MEDIACOM BROADBAND LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
contributions under the Plan totaled approximately
$1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 and
$1.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2003 and
2002.
|
|
(11) |
MCC Stock Options and Employee Stock Purchase Program |
Under MCCs 2003 Incentive Plan, certain employees of the
Company received grants of MCC stock options.
The following table summarizes information concerning stock
option activity for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003
and 2002:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted | |
|
|
|
|
Average | |
|
|
Shares | |
|
Exercise Price | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Outstanding at December 31, 2001
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted
|
|
|
496,785 |
|
|
$ |
11.96 |
|
Exercised
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited
|
|
|
(48,486 |
) |
|
|
11.96 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2002
|
|
|
448,299 |
|
|
$ |
11.96 |
|
Granted
|
|
|
112,000 |
|
|
|
6.96 |
|
Exercised
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited
|
|
|
(22,330 |
) |
|
|
11.48 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2003
|
|
|
537,969 |
|
|
$ |
10.94 |
|
Granted
|
|
|
2,000 |
|
|
|
8.82 |
|
Exercised
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited
|
|
|
(34,954 |
) |
|
|
10.90 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2004
|
|
|
505,015 |
|
|
$ |
10.93 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Companys employees had options exercisable on
underlying MCC shares amounting to 185,126 and 85,620, with
average prices of $11.24 and $10.94 at December 31, 2004
and 2003, respectively. The Company had no options exercisable
at December 31, 2002. The weighted average fair value of
options granted was $4.25, $3.37 and $6.04 per share for
the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002,
respectively.
The following table summarizes information concerning stock
options outstanding as of December 31, 2004:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options Outstanding | |
|
Options Exercisable | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Number | |
|
Weighted | |
|
|
|
Number | |
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at | |
|
Average | |
|
Weighted | |
|
Exercisable at | |
|
Weighted | |
|
|
December 31, | |
|
Remaining | |
|
Average | |
|
December 31, | |
|
Average | |
Range of Exercise Prices |
|
2004 | |
|
Contractual Life | |
|
Exercise Price | |
|
2004 | |
|
Exercise Price | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
$6.94 to $11.96
|
|
|
505,015 |
|
|
|
7.57 years |
|
|
$ |
10.89 |
|
|
|
185,126 |
|
|
$ |
11.24 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Company accounts for the stock option plans and employee
stock purchase program under APB No. 25. Accordingly, no
compensation expense has been recognized for any option grants
in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations since
the price of the options was at their fair market value at the
date of grant. SFAS No. 148 requires that information
be determined as if the Company had accounted for employee stock
options under the fair value method of this statement, including
disclosing pro forma information regarding net loss and loss per
share. The weighted average fair value of all of the employee
options was estimated on the date of grant using the
Black-Scholes model with the following weighted average
assumptions: (i) risk free average interest rate of 3.8%,
3.6% and 5.0% for the years ended December 31, 2004,
F-17
MEDIACOM BROADBAND LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
2003 and 2002, respectively; (ii) expected dividend yields
of 0%; (iii) expected lives of 6 years; and
(iv) expected volatility of 45%. Had compensation expense
been recorded for the employee options under
SFAS No. 148, the compensation expense would have been
$600,000, $500,000, and $400,000 for the years ended
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
MCC maintains an employee stock purchase plan
(ESPP). Under the plan, all of the Companys
employees are allowed to participate in the purchase of
MCCs Class A Common Stock at a 15% discount on the
date of the allocation. MCC shares purchased by the
Companys employees amounted to 117,279, 131,367 and
117,644 in 2004, 2003 and 2002 respectively. The net proceeds to
MCC were approximately $700,000, $700,000 and $800,000 in 2004,
2003 and 2002 respectively. Compensation expense was not
recorded on the distribution of these shares in accordance with
APB No. 25. The weighted average fair value of all of the
stock issued under the ESPP was estimated on the purchase date
using the Black-Scholes model with the following assumptions:
(i) discount rate equal to the six year bond rate on the
stock purchase date; (ii) expected dividend yields of 0%;
(iii) expected lives of six months; and (iv) expected
volatility of 45%. Had compensation expense been recorded for
the stock issued for the ESPP under SFAS No. 148, the
compensation costs would have been approximately $221,000,
$223,000 and $257,000 for the years ended December 31,
2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
Had the Company applied the fair value recognition provisions of
SFAS No. 123 to stock-based compensation, the
Companys net income (loss) would have been changed from
the as reported amounts to the pro forma
amounts as follows (dollars in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Net income (loss), as reported
|
|
$ |
34,852 |
|
|
$ |
10,082 |
|
|
$ |
(27,244 |
) |
Deduct: Total stock based compensation expense determined under
fair value based method of all awards
|
|
|
(821 |
) |
|
|
(723 |
) |
|
|
(657 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma net income (loss)
|
|
$ |
34,031 |
|
|
$ |
9,359 |
|
|
$ |
(27,901 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(12) |
Commitments and Contingencies |
Under various lease and rental agreements for offices,
warehouses and computer terminals, the Company had rental
expense of approximately $1.7 million, $2.4 million
and $2.2 million for the years ended December 31,
2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Future minimum annual rental
payments are as follows (dollars in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
$ |
1,728 |
|
2006
|
|
|
651 |
|
2007
|
|
|
486 |
|
2008
|
|
|
307 |
|
2009
|
|
|
234 |
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
433 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
3,839 |
|
|
|
|
|
In addition, the Company rents utility poles in its operations
generally under short-term arrangements, but the Company expects
these arrangements to recur. Total rental expense for utility
poles was approximately $4.3 million, $4.0 million and
$2.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2004,
2003 and 2002 respectively.
As of December 31, 2004, approximately $8.1 million of
letters of credit were issued in favor of various parties to
secure the Companys performance relating to franchise and
lease requirements. The fair value of such letters of credit
were not material.
F-18
MEDIACOM BROADBAND LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
On April 5, 2004, a lawsuit was filed against the
Companys parent, MCC, MCC Georgia LLC, one of the
Companys subsidiaries, and other, currently unnamed
potential defendants in the United States District Court for the
District of Colorado by Echostar Satellite LLC, which operates a
direct broadcast satellite business under the name Dish
Network. Echostar alleges that systems operated by MCC
Georgia LLC have used, without authorization, Dish Network
satellite dishes activated under residential accounts to receive
the signals of certain broadcast television stations in one or
more locations in Georgia and that it has then been
redistributing those signals, through its cable systems, to its
subscribers. Among other claims, the complaint filed by Echostar
alleges that these actions violate a provision of the
Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. Sec. 605) that
prohibits unauthorized interception of radio communications. The
plaintiff seeks injunctive relief, actual and statutory damages,
disgorgement of profits, punitive damages and litigation costs,
including attorneys fees.
On June 29, 2004, Echostar amended its complaint to also
allege that this conduct amounted to a breach of the contract
between Echostar and one of MCCs employees, who allegedly
acted as an agent for MCC, by which MCC received the Echostar
satellite signal. On September 7, 2004, the
U.S. District Court granted MCCs motion to transfer
the case to the Middle District of Georgia, where venue is
proper and where personal jurisdiction over MCC exists. There
have been no further proceedings since that date. MCC
Georgia LLC and MCC have advised the Company that they
intend to vigorously defend against these claims. They also have
informed the Company that they are unable to reasonably evaluate
the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome or quantify the
possible damages, if any, associated with these matters, or
whether or not the those damages would be material.
The Company, its parent company and its subsidiaries or other
affiliated companies are also involved in various other legal
actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In the
opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these matters
will not have a material adverse effect on the Companys
consolidated financial position, results of operations, cash
flows or business.
In January 2005, the Company received an $88.0 million loan
from Mediacom LLC. The investment is in the form of demand
notes, which have a 6.7% annual interest rate, payable
semi-annually in cash.
F-19
Schedule II
MEDIACOM BROADBAND LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additions | |
|
Deductions | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Balance at | |
|
Charged to | |
|
Charged to | |
|
Charged to | |
|
Charged to | |
|
Balance at | |
|
|
Beginning of | |
|
Costs and | |
|
Other | |
|
Costs and | |
|
Other | |
|
End of | |
|
|
Period | |
|
Expenses | |
|
Accounts | |
|
Expenses | |
|
Accounts | |
|
Period | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(All dollar amounts in thousands) | |
December 31, 2002
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allowance for doubtful accounts
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current receivables
|
|
$ |
2,148 |
|
|
$ |
6,909 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
6,374 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
2,683 |
|
Acquisition reserves(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued expenses
|
|
$ |
36,579 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
300 |
|
|
$ |
4,613 |
|
|
$ |
31,966 |
|
|
$ |
300 |
|
December 31, 2003
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allowance for doubtful accounts
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current receivables
|
|
$ |
2,683 |
|
|
$ |
4,534 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
4,762 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
2,455 |
|
Acquisition reserves
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued expenses
|
|
$ |
300 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
300 |
|
December 31, 2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allowance for doubtful accounts
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current receivables
|
|
$ |
2,455 |
|
|
$ |
1,323 |
|
|
$ |
347 |
|
|
$ |
1,322 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
2,803 |
|
Acquisition reserves
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued expenses
|
|
$ |
300 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
300 |
|
|
|
(1) |
Additions were charged in connection with purchase accounting. |
F-20
MEDIACOM BROADBAND LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30, | |
|
December 31, | |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(All dollar amounts in | |
|
|
thousands) | |
|
|
(Unaudited) | |
ASSETS |
CURRENT ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$ |
6,596 |
|
|
$ |
9,130 |
|
|
Subscriber accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful
accounts of $2,237 and $2,803, respectively
|
|
|
33,021 |
|
|
|
31,287 |
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other assets
|
|
|
18,810 |
|
|
|
2,787 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
58,427 |
|
|
|
43,204 |
|
Investment in cable television systems:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation
of $387,945 and $306,894, respectively
|
|
|
724,089 |
|
|
|
723,248 |
|
|
Franchise cost, net of accumulated amortization of $38,752 and
$38,752, respectively
|
|
|
1,251,361 |
|
|
|
1,251,361 |
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
204,582 |
|
|
|
204,582 |
|
|
Subscriber lists, net of accumulated of $18,734 and $17,182,
respectively
|
|
|
14,389 |
|
|
|
15,941 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total investment in cable television systems
|
|
|
2,194,421 |
|
|
|
2,195,132 |
|
Other assets, net of accumulated amortization of $8,756 and
$7,026, respectively
|
|
|
28,052 |
|
|
|
19,909 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$ |
2,280,900 |
|
|
$ |
2,258,245 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS DEFICIT |
CURRENT LIABILITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued liabilities
|
|
$ |
108,077 |
|
|
$ |
115,379 |
|
|
Deferred revenue
|
|
|
21,880 |
|
|
|
20,831 |
|
|
Current portion of long-term debt
|
|
|
41,972 |
|
|
|
36,316 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
171,929 |
|
|
|
172,526 |
|
Long-term debt, less current portion
|
|
|
1,369,489 |
|
|
|
1,327,639 |
|
Other non-current liabilities
|
|
|
9,355 |
|
|
|
12,923 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
1,550,773 |
|
|
|
1,513,088 |
|
PREFERRED MEMBERS INTEREST
|
|
|
150,000 |
|
|
|
150,000 |
|
MEMBERS EQUITY
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital contributions
|
|
|
725,000 |
|
|
|
725,000 |
|
|
Accumulated deficit
|
|
|
(144,873 |
) |
|
|
(129,843 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total members equity
|
|
|
580,127 |
|
|
|
595,157 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities, preferred members interest and
members equity
|
|
$ |
2,280,900 |
|
|
$ |
2,258,245 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial
statements are an integral part of these statements.
F-21
MEDIACOM BROADBAND LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended | |
|
|
September 30, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(All dollar amounts in | |
|
|
thousands) | |
|
|
(Unaudited) | |
Revenues
|
|
$ |
152,685 |
|
|
$ |
144,977 |
|
Costs and expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Service costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization of
$28,488 and $26,957, respectively, shown separately below)
|
|
|
60,204 |
|
|
|
55,411 |
|
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses
|
|
|
34,115 |
|
|
|
32,850 |
|
|
Management fee expense
|
|
|
3,002 |
|
|
|
2,798 |
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
28,488 |
|
|
|
26,957 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income
|
|
|
26,876 |
|
|
|
26,961 |
|
Interest expense, net
|
|
|
(24,628 |
) |
|
|
(21,875 |
) |
Gain (loss) on derivatives, net
|
|
|
2,156 |
|
|
|
(2,146 |
) |
Other expense
|
|
|
(857 |
) |
|
|
(1,319 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
3,547 |
|
|
|
1,621 |
|
Dividend to preferred members
|
|
|
4,500 |
|
|
|
4,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss available to members
|
|
$ |
(953 |
) |
|
$ |
(2,879 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial
statements are an integral part of these statements.
F-22
MEDIACOM BROADBAND LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
OPERATIONS (Continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended | |
|
|
September 30, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(All dollar amounts in | |
|
|
thousands) | |
|
|
(Unaudited) | |
Revenues
|
|
$ |
455,725 |
|
|
$ |
436,101 |
|
Costs and expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Service costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization of
$85,575 and $80,300, respectively, shown separately below)
|
|
|
177,283 |
|
|
|
165,458 |
|
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses
|
|
|
101,863 |
|
|
|
96,489 |
|
|
Management fee expense
|
|
|
8,981 |
|
|
|
8,206 |
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
85,575 |
|
|
|
80,300 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income
|
|
|
82,023 |
|
|
|
85,648 |
|
Interest expense, net
|
|
|
(71,481 |
) |
|
|
(64,223 |
) |
Gain on derivatives, net
|
|
|
6,217 |
|
|
|
6,700 |
|
Other expense
|
|
|
(2,898 |
) |
|
|
(3,560 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
13,861 |
|
|
|
24,565 |
|
Dividend to preferred members
|
|
|
13,500 |
|
|
|
13,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income available to members
|
|
$ |
361 |
|
|
$ |
11,065 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial
statements are an integral part of these statements.
F-23
MEDIACOM BROADBAND LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended | |
|
|
September 30, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(All dollar amounts in | |
|
|
thousands) | |
|
|
(Unaudited) | |
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$ |
13,861 |
|
|
$ |
24,565 |
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
85,575 |
|
|
|
80,300 |
|
|
|
Gain on derivatives, net
|
|
|
(6,217 |
) |
|
|
(6,700 |
) |
|
|
Amortization of deferred financing costs
|
|
|
1,729 |
|
|
|
1,610 |
|
|
|
Amortization of deferred compensation
|
|
|
154 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects from
acquisitions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subscriber accounts receivable, net
|
|
|
(1,734 |
) |
|
|
1,906 |
|
|
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other assets
|
|
|
(16,715 |
) |
|
|
7,126 |
|
|
|
|
Accrued liabilities
|
|
|
(6,831 |
) |
|
|
(43,189 |
) |
|
|
|
Deferred revenue
|
|
|
1,049 |
|
|
|
246 |
|
|
|
|
Other non-current liabilities
|
|
|
(931 |
) |
|
|
(1,925 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash flows provided by operating activities
|
|
|
69,940 |
|
|
|
63,939 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures
|
|
|
(84,758 |
) |
|
|
(61,558 |
) |
|
Other investment activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(628 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash flows used in investing activities
|
|
|
(84,758 |
) |
|
|
(62,186 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New borrowings
|
|
|
285,750 |
|
|
|
116,000 |
|
|
Repayment of debt
|
|
|
(438,245 |
) |
|
|
(110,134 |
) |
|
Issuance of senior notes
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financing costs
|
|
|
(6,330 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Dividend payment on preferred members interest
|
|
|
(13,500 |
) |
|
|
(13,500 |
) |
|
Dividend payment to parent
|
|
|
(15,391 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities
|
|
|
12,284 |
|
|
|
(7,634 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
(2,534 |
) |
|
|
(5,881 |
) |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period
|
|
|
9,130 |
|
|
|
9,379 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period
|
|
$ |
6,596 |
|
|
$ |
3,498 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid during the period for interest, net of amounts
capitalized
|
|
$ |
81,420 |
|
|
$ |
75,794 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial
statements are an integral part of these statements.
F-24
MEDIACOM BROADBAND LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Mediacom Broadband LLC (Mediacom Broadband, and
collectively with its subsidiaries, the Company), a
Delaware limited liability company wholly-owned by Mediacom
Communications Corporation (MCC), is involved in the
acquisition and operation of cable systems serving smaller
cities and towns in the United States.
Mediacom Broadband relies on its parent, MCC, for various
services such as corporate and administrative support. The
financial position, results of operations and cash flows of
Mediacom Broadband could differ from those that would have
resulted had Mediacom Broadband operated autonomously or as an
entity independent of MCC.
Mediacom Broadband Corporation (Broadband
Corporation), a Delaware corporation wholly-owned by
Mediacom Broadband, co-issued, jointly and severally with
Mediacom Broadband, public debt securities. Broadband
Corporation has no operations, revenues or cash flows and has no
assets, liabilities or stockholders equity on its balance
sheet, other than a one-hundred dollar receivable from an
affiliate and the same dollar amount of common stock on its
consolidated balance sheets. Therefore, separate financial
statements have not been presented for this entity.
|
|
(2) |
Statement of Accounting Presentation and Other Information |
|
|
|
Basis of Preparation of Unaudited Consolidated Financial
Statements |
Mediacom Broadband has prepared these unaudited consolidated
financial statements as of September 30, 2005 and 2004. In
the opinion of management, such statements include all
adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals and
adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the
Companys consolidated results of operations and financial
position for the interim periods presented. The accounting
policies followed during such interim periods reported are in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the
United States of America and are consistent with those applied
during annual periods. For additional disclosures, including a
summary of the Companys accounting policies, the interim
unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in
conjunction with the Companys Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2004 (File Nos.
333-72440 and
333-72440-01). The
results of operations for the interim periods are not
necessarily indicative of the results that might be expected for
future interim periods or for the full year ending
December 31, 2005.
Revenues from video, data and phone services are recognized when
the services are provided to the customers. Credit risk is
managed by disconnecting services to customers who are
delinquent. Installation revenues are recognized as customer
connections are completed because installation revenues are less
than direct installation costs. Advertising sales are recognized
in the period that the advertisements are exhibited. Under the
terms of its franchise agreements, the Company is required to
pay local franchising authorities up to 5% of its gross revenues
derived from providing cable services. The Company normally
passes these fees through to its customers. Franchise fees are
reported in their respective revenue categories and included in
selling, general and administrative expenses.
|
|
|
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts |
The allowance for doubtful accounts represents the
Companys best estimate of probable losses in the accounts
receivable balance. The allowance is based on the number of days
outstanding, customer balances, historical experience and other
currently available information. During the three months ended
September 30, 2005, the Company revised its estimate of
probable losses in the accounts receivable of its advertising
business
F-25
MEDIACOM BROADBAND LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)
to better reflect historical experience. The change in the
estimate of probable losses resulted in a benefit to the
consolidated statement of operations of $0.9 million for
the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005.
The Company has various fixed-term carriage contracts to obtain
programming for its cable systems from content suppliers whose
compensation is generally based on a fixed monthly fee per
customer. These programming contracts are subject to negotiated
renewal. The Company recognizes programming costs when it
distributes the related programming. These programming costs are
usually payable each month based on calculations performed by
the Company and are subject to adjustments based on the results
of periodic audits by the content suppliers. Historically, such
audit adjustments have been immaterial to the Companys
total programming costs. Some content suppliers offer financial
incentives to support the launch of a channel and ongoing
marketing support. When such financial incentives are received,
the Company records them as liabilities in its consolidated
balance sheets and recognizes such amounts as a reduction of
programming costs (which are a component of service costs in the
consolidated statement of operations) over the carriage term of
the programming contract.
|
|
|
Property, Plant and Equipment |
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Additions to
property, plant and equipment generally include material, labor
and indirect costs. Depreciation is calculated on a
straight-line basis over the following useful lives:
|
|
|
Buildings
|
|
40 years |
Leasehold improvements
|
|
Life of respective lease |
Cable systems and equipment and subscriber devices
|
|
4 to 20 years |
Vehicles
|
|
5 years |
Furniture, fixtures and office equipment
|
|
5 years |
The Company capitalizes the costs associated with the
construction of cable transmission and distribution facilities,
the addition of network and other equipment and new customer
installations. Repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.
Capitalized costs include direct labor and material as well as
certain indirect costs including interest. The Company performs
periodic evaluations of certain estimates used to determine the
amount and extent that such costs are capitalized. Any changes
to these estimates, which may be significant, are applied
prospectively in the period in which the evaluations were
completed. The costs of disconnecting service at a
customers dwelling or reconnecting to a previously
installed dwelling are charged as expense in the period
incurred. Costs associated with subsequent installations of
additional services not previously installed at a
customers dwelling are capitalized to the extent such
costs are incremental and directly attributable to the
installation of such additional services. At the time of
retirements, sales or other dispositions of property, the
original cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed
from the respective accounts and the gains and losses are
presented as a separate component in the consolidated statement
of operations.
In accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting
for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,
the Company periodically evaluates the recoverability and
estimated lives of its long-lived assets, including property and
equipment and intangible assets subject to amortization,
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the
carrying amount may not be recoverable or the useful life has
changed. When the carrying amount is not recoverable, the
measurement for such impairment loss is based on the fair value
of
F-26
MEDIACOM BROADBAND LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)
the asset, typically based upon the future cash flows discounted
at a rate commensurate with the risk involved. Unless presented
separately, the loss is included as a component of either
depreciation expense or amortization expense, as appropriate.
In accordance with SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and
Other Intangible Assets, the amortization of goodwill
and indefinite-lived intangible assets is prohibited and
requires such assets to be tested annually for impairment, or
more frequently if impairment indicators arise. The Company has
determined that its cable franchise costs and goodwill are
indefinite-lived assets and therefore not amortizable. Other
finite-lived intangible assets, which consist primarily of
subscriber lists and covenants not to compete, continue to be
amortized over their useful lives of 5 to 10 years and
5 years, respectively.
The Company annually tests its franchise value for impairment
under SFAS No. 142 by utilizing a discounted cash flow
methodology. In performing an impairment test in accordance with
SFAS No. 142, the Company uses the guidance contained
in EITF Issue No. 02-7, Unit of Accounting for
Testing Impairment of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets,
whereby the Company considers assumptions, such as future
cash flow expectations and other future benefits related to the
intangible assets, when measuring the fair value of each cable
systems clusters other net assets. If the determined fair
value of the Companys franchise costs is less than the
carrying amount on the financial statements, an impairment
charge would be recognized for the difference between the fair
value and the carrying value of the assets. To test the
impairment of the goodwill carried on the Companys
financial statements, the fair value of the cable system
clusters tangible and intangible assets (including
franchise costs) other than goodwill is deducted from the cable
system clusters fair value. The balance represents the
fair value of goodwill which is then compared to the carrying
value of goodwill to determine if there is any impairment.
The Company accounts for derivative instruments in accordance
with SFAS No. 133 Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities,
SFAS No. 138 Accounting for Certain
Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities-an
amendment of FASB Statement No. 133, and
SFAS No. 149 Amendment of Statement 133
on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.
These pronouncements require that all derivative instruments
be recognized on the balance sheet at fair value. The Company
enters into interest rate exchange agreements to fix the
interest rate on a portion of its variable interest rate debt to
reduce the potential volatility in its interest expense that
would otherwise result from changes in market interest rates.
The Companys derivative instruments are recorded at fair
value and are included in other current assets, other assets and
other liabilities in its consolidated balance sheet. The
Companys accounting policies for these instruments are
based on whether they meet its criteria for designation as
hedging transactions, which include the instruments
effectiveness in risk reduction and, in most cases, a
one-to-one matching of
the derivative instrument to its underlying transaction. Gains
and losses from changes in fair values of derivatives that are
not designated as hedges for accounting purposes are recognized
in the consolidated statement of operations. The Company has no
derivative financial instruments designated as hedges.
Therefore, changes in fair value for the respective periods were
recognized in the consolidated statement of operations.
Since the Company is a limited liability company, it is not
subject to federal or state income taxes and no provision for
income taxes relating to its operations has been reflected in
the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Income or
loss of the Company is reported in MCCs income tax returns.
F-27
MEDIACOM BROADBAND LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)
SFAS No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive
Income, requires companies to classify items of other
comprehensive income by their nature in the financial statements
and display the accumulated balance of other comprehensive
income separately from retained earnings and paid-in capital in
the equity section of a statement of financial position. The
Company has had no other comprehensive income items to report.
Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior
years amounts to conform to the current years
presentation.
|
|
(3) |
Recent Accounting Pronouncements |
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123R,
Amendment of Statement 123 on Share-Based
Payment. SFAS No. 123R requires companies to
expense the value of employee stock options, stock granted
through the employee stock purchase program and similar awards.
On April 14, 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC) approved a new rule delaying the effective
date until the beginning of a companys next fiscal year
that commences after June 15, 2005. The Company plans on
adopting SFAS No. 123R effective January 1, 2006
and expects that the adoption of SFAS No. 123R will
have a material impact on its consolidated statement of
operations and earnings per share.
SFAS No. 123R permits companies to adopt its
requirements using either a modified prospective
method or a modified retrospective method. Under the
modified prospective method, compensation cost is
recognized in the financial statements beginning with the
effective date, based on the requirements of SFAS 123R for
all share-based payments granted after that date, and based on
the requirements of SFAS 123 for all unvested awards
granted prior to the effective date of SFAS 123R. Under the
modified retrospective method, the requirements are
the same as under the modified prospective method,
but also permits entities to restate financial statements of
previous periods based on proforma disclosures made in
accordance with SFAS 123.
The Company will adopt SFAS No. 123R effective
January 1, 2006 and plans to utilize the modified
prospective method. The Company currently utilizes the
Black-Scholes option pricing model to measure the fair value of
stock options granted to employees. While SFAS 123R permits
entities to continue to use such a model, the standard also
permits the use of a lattice model. The Company has
not yet determined which model it will use to measure the fair
value of employee stock options granted after the adoption of
SFAS 123R.
F-28
MEDIACOM BROADBAND LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)
|
|
(4) |
Property, Plant and Equipment |
As of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004,
property, plant and equipment consisted of (dollars in
thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30, | |
|
December 31, | |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Land and land improvements
|
|
$ |
4,567 |
|
|
$ |
4,577 |
|
Buildings and leasehold improvements
|
|
|
24,343 |
|
|
|
24,026 |
|
Cable systems, equipment and subscriber devices
|
|
|
1,036,895 |
|
|
|
959,096 |
|
Vehicles
|
|
|
33,861 |
|
|
|
31,662 |
|
Furniture, fixtures and office equipment
|
|
|
12,368 |
|
|
|
10,781 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,112,034 |
|
|
|
1,030,142 |
|
Accumulated depreciation
|
|
|
(387,945 |
) |
|
|
(306,894 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and equipment, net
|
|
$ |
724,089 |
|
|
$ |
723,248 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation expenses for the three and nine months ended
September 30, 2005 were approximately $27.9 million
and $84.0 million, respectively, and $26.5 million and
$78.4 million, for the respective periods in 2004. As of
September 30, 2005 and 2004, the Company had property under
capitalized leases of $5.5 million and $5.5 million,
respectively, before accumulated depreciation, and
$2.7 million and $4.1 million, respectively, net of
accumulated depreciation. During the three and nine months ended
September 30, 2005, the Company capitalized interest
expense of $0.5 million and $1.1 million,
respectively. For the three and nine months ended
September 30, 2004, the Company capitalized interest
expense of $0.3 million and $0.9 million, respectively.
The Company operates its cable systems under non-exclusive cable
franchises that are granted by state or local government
authorities for varying lengths of time. The Company acquired
these cable franchises through acquisitions of cable systems and
the acquisitions were accounted for using the purchase method of
accounting.
Amortization expense for the three and nine months ended
September 30, 2005 were approximately $0.6 million and
$1.6 million, as compared to $0.5 million and
$2.0 million for the respective periods in 2004. The
Companys estimated future aggregate amortization expense
for 2005 through 2009 and beyond are $0.6 million,
$2.1 million, $2.1 million, $2.1 million and
$7.5 million, respectively.
Pursuant to SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other
Intangible Assets, the Company completed its last
annual impairment test as of October 1, 2004, which
reflected no impairment of franchise costs or goodwill. As of
September 30, 2005, there have been no events since then
that would require an impairment analysis to be completed before
the next annual test date.
F-29
MEDIACOM BROADBAND LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)
Accrued liabilities consist of the following as of
September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004 (dollars in
thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30, | |
|
December 31, | |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Accrued interest
|
|
$ |
13,765 |
|
|
$ |
24,342 |
|
Accrued payroll and benefits
|
|
|
13,128 |
|
|
|
10,477 |
|
Accrued programming costs
|
|
|
35,815 |
|
|
|
36,356 |
|
Accrued property, plant and equipment
|
|
|
7,394 |
|
|
|
5,822 |
|
Accrued taxes and fees
|
|
|
11,965 |
|
|
|
12,804 |
|
Accrued telecommunications
|
|
|
8,794 |
|
|
|
9,160 |
|
Other accrued expenses
|
|
|
17,216 |
|
|
|
16,418 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
108,077 |
|
|
$ |
115,379 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, debt
consisted of (dollars in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30, | |
|
December 31, | |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Bank credit facilities
|
|
$ |
809,000 |
|
|
$ |
960,500 |
|
11% senior notes
|
|
|
400,000 |
|
|
|
400,000 |
|
81/2% senior
notes
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Capital lease obligations
|
|
|
2,461 |
|
|
|
3,455 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,411,461 |
|
|
$ |
1,363,955 |
|
Less: current portion
|
|
|
41,972 |
|
|
|
36,316 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total long-term debt
|
|
$ |
1,369,489 |
|
|
$ |
1,327,639 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The average interest rate on outstanding debt under the bank
credit facility as of September 30, 2005 and 2004 was 5.5%
and 3.7%, respectively, before giving effect to the interest
rate exchange agreements discussed below. As of
September 30, 2005, the Company had unused credit
commitments of approximately $493.1 million under its bank
credit facility, all of which could be borrowed and used for
general corporate purposes based on the terms and conditions of
the Companys debt arrangements. The Company was in
compliance with all covenants under its debt arrangements as of
and for all periods through September 30, 2005.
The Company uses interest rate exchange agreements in order to
fix the interest rate on its floating rate debt. As of
September 30, 2005, the Company had interest rate exchange
agreements with various banks pursuant to which the interest
rate on $400.0 million is fixed at a weighted average rate
of approximately 3.4%. Under the terms of the interest rate
exchange agreements, which expire from 2006 through 2007, the
Company is exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance
by the other parties. However, due to the creditworthiness of
the Companys counterparties, which are major banking firms
with investment grade ratings, the Company does not anticipate
their nonperformance. At the end of each quarterly reporting
period, the carrying values of these swap agreements are marked
to market. The fair values of these agreements are the estimated
amount that the Company would receive or pay to terminate such
agreements, taking into account market interest rates, the
remaining time to maturity and the creditworthiness of the
Companys
F-30
MEDIACOM BROADBAND LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)
counterparties. At September 30, 2005, based on the
mark-to-market
valuation, the Company recorded on its consolidated balance
sheet an accumulated investment in derivatives of
$5.3 million, which is a component of prepaid expenses and
other assets and non-current other assets, and a derivative
liability of $0.4 million, which is recorded in accrued
liabilities and other non-current liabilities.
As a result of the
mark-to-market
valuations of these interest rate swaps, the Company recorded a
gain of $2.2 million and a loss of $6.2 million for
the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, and a
loss of $2.1 million and a gain of $6.7 million, for
the respective three and nine months periods in 2004.
In August 2005, the Company issued $200.0 million aggregate
principal amount of
81/2% senior
notes due October 2015 (the
81/2% Senior
Notes). The
81/2% Senior
Notes are unsecured obligations and the indenture for the
81/2% Senior
Notes stipulates, among other things, restrictions on incurrence
of indebtedness, distributions, mergers and asset sales and has
cross-default provisions related to other debt of the Company.
The Company incurred approximately $6.3 million in
financing costs related to issuance of the
81/2% Senior
Notes, which included $3.3 million of original issue
discount.
As of September 30, 2005, approximately $9.9 million
of letters of credit were issued to various parties as
collateral for the Companys performance relating primarily
to insurance and franchise requirements.
|
|
(8) |
Stock-Based Compensation |
The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance
with APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock
Issued to Employees, and related interpretations, as
permitted by SFAS No. 123, Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation,
(SFAS No. 123) as amended.
Compensation expense for stock options, restricted stock units
and other equity awards to employees is recorded by measuring
the intrinsic value, defined as the excess, if any, of the
quoted market price of the stock at the date of the grant over
the amount an employee must pay to acquire the stock, and
amortizing the intrinsic value to compensation expense over the
vesting period of the award.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2005, certain
employees received 36,000 grants of stock options exercisable on
underlying MCC shares with an exercise price of $5.42 that vest
equally over four years. No compensation cost has been
recognized for any option grants in the accompanying
consolidated statements of operations since the exercise price
of the options was at fair market value at the date of grant.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2005, certain
employees received 187,600 restricted stock units on underlying
MCC shares. The restricted stock units were issued at a weighted
average price of $5.48 per share, with a weighted average
vesting period of 3.7 years. During the three and nine
months ended September 30, 2005, the Company recorded
$64,000 and $154,000, respectively, of compensation expense in
its consolidated statements of operations related to the grants
of restricted stock units. During the nine months ended
September 30, 2005, 1,800 restricted stock units were
forfeited.
F-31
MEDIACOM BROADBAND LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)
Had the Company applied the fair value recognition provisions of
SFAS No. 123 to stock-based compensation, the
Companys net income would have been changed from the
as reported amounts to the pro forma
amounts as follows (dollars in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months | |
|
Nine Months | |
|
|
Ended | |
|
Ended | |
|
|
September 30, | |
|
September 30, | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Net income as reported
|
|
$ |
3,547 |
|
|
$ |
1,621 |
|
|
$ |
13,861 |
|
|
$ |
24,565 |
|
|
Add: Total stock-based compensation expense included in net
income as reported above
|
|
|
64 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
154 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deduct: Total stock-based compensation expense determined under
fair value based method for all awards
|
|
|
(314 |
) |
|
|
(143 |
) |
|
|
(791 |
) |
|
|
(795 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma net income
|
|
$ |
3,297 |
|
|
$ |
1,478 |
|
|
$ |
13,224 |
|
|
$ |
23,770 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The effects of applying SFAS No. 123 in the pro forma
net (loss) income disclosure above are not likely to be
representative of the effects on the pro forma disclosure in the
future.
|
|
(9) |
Related Party Transactions |
The Company paid dividends to MCC in the amount of
$4.5 million and $15.4 million, for the three and nine
months ended September 30, 2005, respectively. The Company
recorded management fee expense due to MCC of $3.0 and $9.0 for
the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005,
respectively.
Mediacom LLC has a $150.0 million preferred equity
investment in the Company. The preferred equity investment has a
12% annual dividend, payable quarterly in cash. During the nine
months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, the Company paid
$13.5 million in cash dividends on the preferred equity.
The Company, MCC and its subsidiaries or other affiliated
companies are also involved in various other legal actions
arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of
management, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not
have a significant or adverse effect on the Companys
financial position, operations or cash flows.
In October 2005, the Company amended the revolving credit
portion of its senior secured credit facility: (i) to
increase the revolving credit commitment from approximately
$543.0 million to approximately $650.5 million, of
which approximately $430.3 million is not subject to
scheduled reductions prior to the termination date; and
(ii) to extend the of the termination date of the
commitments not subject to reductions from March 31, 2010
to December 31, 2012. The Company incurred
$4.7 million in financing costs associated with this
amendment, which will be amortized over the term of the credit
facility.
F-32
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