Document

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2016
or
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 
 
 
 

logo21616a08.jpg

Exact name of registrant
as specified in its charter
 
State or other
jurisdiction of 
incorporation or organization
 
Commission
File Number
 
I.R.S. Employer Identification No.
 
 
 
Windstream Holdings, Inc.
 
Delaware
 
001-32422
 
46-2847717
Windstream Services, LLC
 
Delaware
 
001-36093
 
20-0792300


 
 
 
 
 
4001 Rodney Parham Road
 
 
 
Little Rock, Arkansas
 
72212
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(501) 748-7000
 
 
 
(Registrants’ telephone number, including area code)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  
Windstream Holdings, Inc.
ý  YES   ¨ NO
 
 
 
Windstream Services, LLC
ý  YES   ¨ NO
 
 
 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Windstream Holdings, Inc.
ý  YES   ¨ NO
 
 
 
Windstream Services, LLC
ý  YES   ¨ NO
 
 
 
 


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Windstream Holdings, Inc.
 
 
Large accelerated filer  ý
Accelerated filer  ¨ 
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer  ¨
Smaller reporting company  ¨
Windstream Services, LLC
 
 
Large accelerated filer  ¨
Accelerated filer  ¨ 
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer  ý
Smaller reporting company  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Windstream Holdings, Inc.
¨  YES  ý NO
 
 
 
Windstream Services, LLC
¨  YES  ý NO
 
 
 

As of October 31, 2016, 96,114,653 shares of common stock of Windstream Holdings, Inc.were outstanding. Windstream Holdings, Inc. holds a 100 percent interest in Windstream Services, LLC.

This Form 10-Q is a combined quarterly report being filed separately by two registrants: Windstream Holdings, Inc. and Windstream Services, LLC. Windstream Services, LLC is a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Windstream Holdings, Inc. Accordingly, Windstream Services, LLC meets the conditions set forth in general instruction H(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and is therefore filing this form with the reduced disclosure format. Unless the context indicates otherwise, the use of the terms “Windstream,” “we,” “us” or “our” shall refer to Windstream Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including Windstream Services, LLC, and the term “Windstream Services” shall refer to Windstream Services, LLC and its subsidiaries.
The Exhibit Index is located on page 77.
 
 

Table of Contents


WINDSTREAM HOLDINGS, INC.
WINDSTREAM SERVICES, LLC
FORM 10-Q
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
Page No.
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
*
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
*
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
*
Item 5.
Other Information
*
Item 6.
 _____________
*
No reportable information under this item.





1


Table of Contents



WINDSTREAM HOLDINGS, INC.
WINDSTREAM SERVICES, LLC
FORM 10-Q
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION


Item 1. Financial Statements

WINDSTREAM HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(Millions, except per share amounts)
 
2016
 
2015

 
2016

 
2015

Revenues and sales:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service revenues
 
$
1,318.9

 
$
1,451.2

 
$
3,990.8

 
$
4,210.2

Product sales
 
26.0

 
47.4

 
87.1

 
128.1

Total revenues and sales
 
1,344.9

 
1,498.6

 
4,077.9

 
4,338.3

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization
   included below)
 
677.5

 
703.9

 
2,013.5

 
2,069.1

Cost of products sold
 
21.5

 
41.5

 
74.6

 
111.8

Selling, general and administrative
 
190.1

 
215.8

 
590.8

 
656.5

Depreciation and amortization
 
321.0

 
350.5

 
934.0

 
1,033.0

Merger and integration costs
 
2.9

 
3.1

 
10.5

 
74.5

Restructuring charges
 
2.5

 
5.3

 
12.8

 
15.7

Total costs and expenses
 
1,215.5

 
1,320.1

 
3,636.2

 
3,960.6

Operating income
 
129.4

 
178.5

 
441.7

 
377.7

Dividend income on CS&L common stock
 
—

 
17.6

 
17.6

 
30.6

Other income (expense), net
 
0.6

 
(0.2
)
 
(2.5
)
 
7.9

Net (loss) gain on disposal of investment in CS&L
   common stock
 
(2.1
)
 
—

 
15.2

 
—

Net (loss) gain on early extinguishment of debt
 
(20.1
)
 
7.6

 
(18.0
)
 
(35.8
)
Other-than-temporary impairment loss on investment in CS&L
   common stock
 
—

 
—

 
(181.9
)
 
—

Interest expense
 
(216.4
)
 
(230.2
)
 
(653.5
)
 
(588.8
)
Loss before income taxes
 
(108.6
)
 
(26.7
)
 
(381.4
)
 
(208.4
)
Income tax benefit
 
(42.4
)
 
(19.5
)
 
(84.8
)
 
(95.3
)
Net loss
 
$
(66.2
)
 
$
(7.2
)
 
$
(296.6
)
 
$
(113.1
)
Basic and diluted loss per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss
 

($.72
)
 

($.08
)
 

($3.19
)
 

($1.16
)












See the accompanying notes to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

2


Table of Contents


WINDSTREAM HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED)
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(Millions)
 
2016

 
2015

 
2016

 
2015

Net loss
 
$
(66.2
)
 
$
(7.2
)
 
$
(296.6
)
 
$
(113.1
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized holding (loss) gain arising during the period
 
—

 
(200.4
)
 
156.1

 
(309.7
)
Gain on disposal recognized in the period
 
—

 
—

 
(51.5
)
 
—

Other-than-temporary impairment loss recognized in the
   period
 
—

 
—

 
181.9

 
—

Change in available-for-sale securities
 
—

 
(200.4
)
 
286.5

 
(309.7
)
Interest rate swaps:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized loss on designated interest rate swaps
 
(5.9
)
 
(25.4
)
 
(17.5
)
 
(13.1
)
Amortization of net unrealized losses on de-designated
   interest rate swaps
 
0.8

 
2.9

 
3.0

 
10.0

Income tax benefit
 
1.9

 
8.7

 
5.6

 
1.2

Change in interest rate swaps
 
(3.2
)
 
(13.8
)
 
(8.9
)
 
(1.9
)
Postretirement and pension plans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in net actuarial gain (loss) for employee benefit
   plans
 
0.1

 
—

 
0.5

 
(0.6
)
Plan curtailment
 
—

 
(3.0
)
 
(5.5
)
 
(16.4
)
Amounts included in net periodic benefit cost:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of net actuarial loss
 
0.1

 
0.2

 
0.2

 
0.7

Amortization of prior service credits
 
(0.3
)
 
(0.8
)
 
(0.9
)
 
(3.4
)
Income tax benefit
 
—

 
1.6

 
2.2

 
7.5

Change in postretirement and pension plans
 
(0.1
)
 
(2.0
)
 
(3.5
)
 
(12.2
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income
 
(3.3
)
 
(216.2
)
 
274.1

 
(323.8
)
Comprehensive loss
 
$
(69.5
)
 
$
(223.4
)
 
$
(22.5
)
 
$
(436.9
)





















See the accompanying notes to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

3


Table of Contents


WINDSTREAM HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
(Millions, except par value)
 
September 30,
2016

 
December 31,
2015

Assets
 
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
61.4

 
$
31.3

Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful
 
 
 
 
accounts of $29.3 and $33.1, respectively)
 
649.7

 
643.9

Inventories
 
80.3

 
79.5

Prepaid expenses and other
 
129.6

 
120.6

Total current assets
 
921.0

 
875.3

Goodwill
 
4,213.6

 
4,213.6

Other intangibles, net
 
1,365.3

 
1,504.7

Net property, plant and equipment
 
5,238.8

 
5,279.8

Investment in CS&L common stock
 
—

 
549.2

Other assets
 
84.9

 
95.5

Total Assets
 
$
11,823.6

 
$
12,518.1

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Current maturities of long-term debt
 
$
13.4

 
$
5.9

Current portion of long-term lease obligations
 
164.5

 
152.7

Accounts payable
 
327.8

 
430.1

Advance payments and customer deposits
 
183.9

 
193.9

Accrued taxes
 
77.6

 
84.1

Accrued interest
 
93.1

 
78.4

Other current liabilities
 
288.1

 
322.0

Total current liabilities
 
1,148.4

 
1,267.1

Long-term debt
 
4,852.7

 
5,164.6

Long-term lease obligations
 
4,875.7

 
5,000.4

Deferred income taxes
 
199.7

 
287.4

Other liabilities
 
496.8

 
492.2

Total liabilities
 
11,573.3

 
12,211.7

Commitments and Contingencies (See Note 14)
 


 


Shareholders’ Equity:
 
 
 
 
Common stock, $.0001 par value, 166.7 shares authorized,
 
 
 
 
96.1 and 96.7 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
 
—

 
—

Additional paid-in capital
 
569.3

 
602.9

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(10.3
)
 
(284.4
)
Accumulated deficit
 
(308.7
)
 
(12.1
)
Total shareholders’ equity
 
250.3

 
306.4

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
 
$
11,823.6

 
$
12,518.1










See the accompanying notes to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

4


Table of Contents


WINDSTREAM HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
 
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(Millions)
 
2016

 
2015

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
 
 
 
 
Net loss
 
$
(296.6
)
 
$
(113.1
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided from operations:
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
934.0

 
1,033.0

Provision for doubtful accounts
 
33.1

 
37.1

Share-based compensation expense
 
31.8

 
42.9

Deferred income taxes
 
(80.0
)
 
(103.3
)
Net gain on disposal of investment in CS&L common stock
 
(15.2
)
 
—

Noncash portion of net loss on early extinguishment of debt
 
(51.9
)
 
(15.0
)
Other-than-temporary impairment loss on investment in CS&L common stock
 
181.9

 
—

Amortization of unrealized losses on de-designated interest rate swaps
 
3.0

 
10.0

Plan curtailment
 
(5.5
)
 
(16.5
)
Other, net
 
1.2

 
(13.0
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
 
(35.9
)
 
(58.9
)
Prepaid income taxes
 
(9.7
)
 
4.3

Prepaid expenses and other
 
17.9

 
(9.1
)
Accounts payable
 
(91.3
)
 
(37.9
)
Accrued interest
 
14.8

 
34.2

Accrued taxes
 
(6.4
)
 
(2.0
)
Other current liabilities
 
18.3

 
8.2

Other liabilities
 
(10.9
)
 
(3.8
)
Other, net
 
(10.5
)
 
(40.8
)
Net cash provided from operating activities
 
622.1

 
756.3

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
 
 
 
 
Additions to property, plant and equipment
 
(753.4
)
 
(744.4
)
Proceeds from the sale of property
 
6.3

 
—

Grant funds received for broadband stimulus projects
 
—

 
23.5

Network expansion funded by Connect America Fund - Phase I
 
—

 
(67.4
)
Change in restricted cash
 
—

 
6.7

Other, net
 
(6.5
)
 
8.9

Net cash used in investing activities
 
(753.6
)
 
(772.7
)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
 
 
 
 
Dividends paid to shareholders
 
(44.1
)
 
(354.1
)
Payment received from CS&L in spin-off
 
—

 
1,035.0

Repayments of debt and swaps
 
(2,919.6
)
 
(2,098.6
)
Proceeds of debt issuance
 
3,340.0

 
1,620.0

Debt issuance costs
 
(12.3
)
 
(4.3
)
Stock repurchases
 
(28.9
)
 
(20.0
)
Payments under long-term lease obligations
 
(113.2
)
 
(59.3
)
Payments under capital lease obligations
 
(53.1
)
 
(24.7
)
Other, net
 
(7.2
)
 
(8.2
)
Net cash provided from financing activities
 
161.6

 
85.8

Increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
30.1

 
69.4

Cash and Cash Equivalents:
 
 
 
 
Beginning of period
 
31.3

 
27.8

End of period
 
$
61.4

 
$
97.2

Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures:
 
 
 
 
Interest paid, net of interest capitalized
 
$
629.3

 
$
545.0

Income taxes paid, net
 
$
8.3

 
$
0.8


See the accompanying notes to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

5


Table of Contents


WINDSTREAM HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
(Millions, except per share amounts)
 
Common Stock
and Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Accumulated Deficit
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2015
 
$
602.9

 
$
(284.4
)
 
$
(12.1
)
 
$
306.4

Net loss
 
—

 
—

 
(296.6
)
 
(296.6
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in available-for-sale securities
 
—

 
286.5

 
—

 
286.5

Change in postretirement and pension plans
 
—

 
(3.5
)
 
—

 
(3.5
)
Amortization of unrealized losses on de-designated
   interest rate swaps
 
—

 
1.9

 
—

 
1.9

Change in designated interest rate swaps
 
—

 
(10.8
)
 
—

 
(10.8
)
Comprehensive income (loss)
 
—

 
274.1

 
(296.6
)
 
(22.5
)
Share-based compensation
 
16.8

 
—

 
—

 
16.8

Stock options exercised
 
0.5

 
—

 
—

 
0.5

Stock issued for management incentive compensation plans
 
5.6

 
—

 
—

 
5.6

Stock issued to employee savings plan (See Note 5)
 
24.0

 
—

 
—

 
24.0

Stock repurchases
 
(28.9
)
 
—

 
—

 
(28.9
)
Taxes withheld on vested restricted stock and other
 
(8.0
)
 
—

 
—

 
(8.0
)
Dividends of $.45 per share declared to shareholders
 
(43.6
)
 
—

 
—

 
(43.6
)
Balance at September 30, 2016
 
$
569.3

 
$
(10.3
)
 
$
(308.7
)
 
$
250.3































See the accompanying notes to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

6


Table of Contents



WINDSTREAM SERVICES, LLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(Millions)
 
2016

 
2015

 
2016

 
2015

Revenues and sales:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service revenues
 
$
1,318.9

 
$
1,451.2

 
$
3,990.8

 
$
4,210.2

Product sales
 
26.0

 
47.4

 
87.1

 
128.1

Total revenues and sales
 
1,344.9

 
1,498.6

 
4,077.9

 
4,338.3

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization
   included below)
 
677.5

 
703.9

 
2,013.5

 
2,069.1

Cost of products sold
 
21.5

 
41.5

 
74.6

 
111.8

Selling, general and administrative
 
189.8

 
215.5

 
589.4

 
654.9

Depreciation and amortization
 
321.0

 
350.5

 
934.0

 
1,033.0

Merger and integration costs
 
2.9

 
3.1

 
10.5

 
74.5

Restructuring charges
 
2.5

 
5.3

 
12.8

 
15.7

Total costs and expenses
 
1,215.2

 
1,319.8

 
3,634.8

 
3,959.0

Operating income
 
129.7

 
178.8

 
443.1

 
379.3

Dividend income on CS&L common stock
 
—

 
17.6

 
17.6

 
30.6

Other income (expense), net
 
0.6

 
(0.2
)
 
(2.5
)
 
7.9

Net (loss) gain on disposal of investment in CS&L
   common stock
 
(2.1
)
 
—

 
15.2

 
—

Net (loss) gain on early extinguishment of debt
 
(20.1
)
 
7.6

 
(18.0
)
 
(35.8
)
Other-than-temporary impairment loss on investment in CS&L
   common stock
 
—

 
—

 
(181.9
)
 
—

Interest expense
 
(216.4
)
 
(230.2
)
 
(653.5
)
 
(588.8
)
Loss before income taxes
 
(108.3
)
 
(26.4
)
 
(380.0
)
 
(206.8
)
Income tax benefit
 
(42.3
)
 
(19.4
)
 
(84.3
)
 
(94.7
)
Net loss
 
$
(66.0
)
 
$
(7.0
)
 
$
(295.7
)
 
$
(112.1
)





















See the accompanying notes to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

7


Table of Contents


WINDSTREAM SERVICES, LLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED)
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(Millions)
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016

 
2015

Net loss
 
$
(66.0
)
 
$
(7.0
)
 
$
(295.7
)
 
$
(112.1
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized holding (loss) gain arising during the period
 
—

 
(200.4
)
 
156.1

 
(309.7
)
Gain on disposal recognized in the period
 
—

 
—

 
(51.5
)
 
—

Other-than-temporary impairment loss recognized in the
   period
 
—

 
—

 
181.9

 
—

Change in available-for-sale securities
 
—

 
(200.4
)
 
286.5

 
(309.7
)
Interest rate swaps:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized loss on designated interest rate swaps
 
(5.9
)
 
(25.4
)
 
(17.5
)
 
(13.1
)
Amortization of net unrealized losses on de-designated
   interest rate swaps
 
0.8

 
2.9

 
3.0

 
10.0

Income tax benefit
 
1.9

 
8.7

 
5.6

 
1.2

Change in interest rate swaps
 
(3.2
)
 
(13.8
)
 
(8.9
)
 
(1.9
)
Postretirement and pension plans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in net actuarial gain (loss) for employee benefit
   plans
 
0.1

 
—

 
0.5

 
(0.6
)
Plan curtailment
 
—

 
(3.0
)
 
(5.5
)
 
(16.4
)
Amounts included in net periodic benefit cost:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of net actuarial loss
 
0.1

 
0.2

 
0.2

 
0.7

Amortization of prior service credits
 
(0.3
)
 
(0.8
)
 
(0.9
)
 
(3.4
)
Income tax benefit
 
—

 
1.6

 
2.2

 
7.5

Change in postretirement and pension plans
 
(0.1
)
 
(2.0
)
 
(3.5
)
 
(12.2
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income
 
(3.3
)
 
(216.2
)
 
274.1

 
(323.8
)
Comprehensive loss
 
$
(69.3
)
 
$
(223.2
)
 
$
(21.6
)
 
$
(435.9
)





















See the accompanying notes to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

8


Table of Contents


WINDSTREAM SERVICES, LLC
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
(Millions)
 
September 30,
2016

 
December 31,
2015

Assets
 
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
61.4

 
$
31.3

Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful
 
 
 
 
accounts of $29.3 and $33.1, respectively)
 
649.7

 
643.9

Inventories
 
80.3

 
79.5

Prepaid expenses and other
 
129.6

 
120.6

Total current assets
 
921.0

 
875.3

Goodwill
 
4,213.6

 
4,213.6

Other intangibles, net
 
1,365.3

 
1,504.7

Net property, plant and equipment
 
5,238.8

 
5,279.8

Investment in CS&L common stock
 
—

 
549.2

Other assets
 
84.9

 
95.5

Total Assets
 
$
11,823.6

 
$
12,518.1

Liabilities and Member Equity
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Current maturities of long-term debt
 
$
13.4

 
$
5.9

Current portion of long-term lease obligations
 
164.5

 
152.7

Accounts payable
 
327.8

 
430.1

Advance payments and customer deposits
 
183.9

 
193.9

Payable to Windstream Holdings, Inc.
 
14.9

 
15.1

Accrued taxes
 
77.6

 
84.1

Accrued interest
 
93.1

 
78.4

Other current liabilities
 
273.2

 
306.9

Total current liabilities
 
1,148.4

 
1,267.1

Long-term debt
 
4,852.7

 
5,164.6

Long-term lease obligations
 
4,875.7

 
5,000.4

Deferred income taxes
 
199.7

 
287.4

Other liabilities
 
496.8

 
492.2

Total liabilities
 
11,573.3

 
12,211.7

Commitments and Contingencies (See Note 14)
 

 


Member Equity:
 
 
 
 
Additional paid-in capital
 
565.8

 
600.3

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(10.3
)
 
(284.4
)
Accumulated deficit
 
(305.2
)
 
(9.5
)
Total member equity
 
250.3

 
306.4

Total Liabilities and Member Equity
 
$
11,823.6

 
$
12,518.1











See the accompanying notes to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

9


Table of Contents


WINDSTREAM SERVICES, LLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
 
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(Millions)
 
2016

 
2015

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
 
 
 
 
Net loss
 
$
(295.7
)
 
$
(112.1
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided from operations:
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
934.0

 
1,033.0

Provision for doubtful accounts
 
33.1

 
37.1

Share-based compensation expense
 
31.8

 
42.9

Deferred income taxes
 
(80.0
)
 
(103.3
)
Net gain on disposal of investment in CS&L common stock
 
(15.2
)
 
—

Noncash portion of net loss on early extinguishment of debt
 
(51.9
)
 
(15.0
)
Other-than-temporary impairment loss on investment in CS&L common stock
 
181.9

 
—

Amortization of unrealized losses on de-designated interest rate swaps
 
3.0

 
10.0

Plan curtailment
 
(5.5
)
 
(16.5
)
Other, net
 
1.2

 
(13.0
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
 
(35.9
)
 
(58.9
)
Prepaid income taxes
 
(9.7
)
 
4.3

Prepaid expenses and other
 
17.9

 
(9.1
)
Accounts payable
 
(91.3
)
 
(37.9
)
Accrued interest
 
14.8

 
34.2

Accrued taxes
 
(6.4
)
 
(2.0
)
Other current liabilities
 
18.3

 
8.2

Other liabilities
 
(10.9
)
 
(3.8
)
Other, net
 
(10.5
)
 
(40.8
)
Net cash provided from operating activities
 
623.0

 
757.3

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
 
 
 
 
Additions to property, plant and equipment
 
(753.4
)
 
(744.4
)
Proceeds from the sale of property
 
6.3

 
—

Grant funds received for broadband stimulus projects
 
—

 
23.5

Network expansion funded by Connect America Fund - Phase I
 
—

 
(67.4
)
Change in restricted cash
 
—

 
6.7

Other, net
 
(6.5
)
 
8.9

Net cash used in investing activities
 
(753.6
)
 
(772.7
)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
 
 
 
 
Distributions to Windstream Holdings, Inc.
 
(73.9
)
 
(375.1
)
Payment received from CS&L in spin-off
 
—

 
1,035.0

Repayments of debt and swaps
 
(2,919.6
)
 
(2,098.6
)
Proceeds of debt issuance
 
3,340.0

 
1,620.0

Debt issuance costs
 
(12.3
)
 
(4.3
)
Payments under long-term lease obligations
 
(113.2
)
 
(59.3
)
Payments under capital lease obligations
 
(53.1
)
 
(24.7
)
Other, net
 
(7.2
)
 
(8.2
)
Net cash provided from financing activities
 
160.7

 
84.8

Increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
30.1

 
69.4

Cash and Cash Equivalents:
 
 
 
 
Beginning of period
 
31.3

 
27.8

End of period
 
$
61.4

 
$
97.2

Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures:
 
 
 
 
Interest paid, net of interest capitalized
 
$
629.3

 
$
545.0

Income taxes paid (refunded), net
 
$
8.3

 
$
0.8



See the accompanying notes to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

10


Table of Contents


WINDSTREAM SERVICES, LLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF MEMBER EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
(Millions)
 
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Accumulated Deficit
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2015
 
$
600.3

 
$
(284.4
)
 
$
(9.5
)
 
$
306.4

Net loss
 
—

 
—

 
(295.7
)
 
(295.7
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in available-for-sale securities
 
—

 
286.5

 
—

 
286.5

Change in postretirement and pension plans
 
—

 
(3.5
)
 
—

 
(3.5
)
Amortization of unrealized losses on de-designated
   interest rate swaps
 
—

 
1.9

 
—

 
1.9

Change in designated interest rate swaps
 
—

 
(10.8
)
 
—

 
(10.8
)
Comprehensive income (loss)
 
—

 
274.1

 
(295.7
)
 
(21.6
)
Share-based compensation
 
16.8

 
—

 
—

 
16.8

Stock options exercised
 
0.5

 
—

 
—

 
0.5

Stock issued for management incentive compensation plans
 
5.6

 
—

 
—

 
5.6

Stock issued to employee savings plan (See Note 5)
 
24.0

 
—

 
—

 
24.0

Taxes withheld on vested restricted stock and other
 
(8.0
)
 
—

 
—

 
(8.0
)
Distributions payable to Windstream Holdings, Inc.
 
(73.4
)
 
—

 
—

 
(73.4
)
Balance at September 30, 2016
 
$
565.8

 
$
(10.3
)
 
$
(305.2
)
 
$
250.3
































See the accompanying notes to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

11


Table of Contents


NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

1. Preparation of Interim Financial Statements:

In these consolidated financial statements, unless the context requires otherwise, the use of the terms “Windstream,” “we,” “us” or “our” shall refer to Windstream Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including Windstream Services, LLC, and the term “Windstream Services” shall refer to Windstream Services, LLC and its subsidiaries.
 
Organizational Structure –Windstream Holdings, Inc. (“Windstream Holdings”) is a publicly traded holding company and the parent of Windstream Services, LLC (“Windstream Services”). Windstream Holdings common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (“NASDAQ”) under the ticker symbol “WIN”. Windstream Holdings owns a 100 percent interest in Windstream Services. Windstream Services and its guarantor subsidiaries are the sole obligors of all outstanding debt obligations and, as a result also file periodic reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Windstream Holdings is not a guarantor of nor subject to the restrictive covenants included in any of Windstream Services’ debt agreements. The Windstream Holdings board of directors and officers oversee both companies.

Description of Business – We are a leading provider of advanced network communications and technology solutions for consumers, businesses, enterprise organizations and wholesale customers across the United States. We offer bundled services, including broadband, security solutions, voice and digital television to consumers. We also provide data, cloud solutions, unified communications and managed services to business and enterprise clients. We supply core transport solutions on a local and long-haul fiber-optic network spanning approximately 129,000 miles.

Consumer service revenues are generated from the provisioning of high-speed Internet, voice and video services to consumers. Small business service revenues include revenues from integrated voice and data services, advanced data and traditional voice and long-distance services provided to small business customers. Wholesale revenues include revenues from other communications services providers for special access circuits and fiber connections, voice and data transport services, and revenues from the reselling of our services. Enterprise service revenues include revenues from integrated voice and data services, advanced data, traditional voice and long-distance services provided to enterprise customers. Regulatory revenues include switched access revenues, federal and state Universal Service Fund (“USF”) revenues and amounts received from Connect America Fund - Phase II. Other service revenues include USF surcharge revenues, other miscellaneous services and consumer revenues generated in markets where we lease the connection to the customer premise.

Basis of Presentation – The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared based upon SEC rules that permit reduced disclosure for interim periods. Certain information and footnote disclosures have been condensed or omitted in accordance with those rules and regulations. The accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015, was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. In our opinion, these financial statements reflect all adjustments that are necessary for a fair statement of results of operations and financial condition for the interim periods presented including normal recurring accruals and other items. The results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. For a more complete discussion of significant accounting policies and certain other information, this report should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, which was filed with the SEC on February 25, 2016.

Windstream Holdings and its domestic subsidiaries, including Windstream Services, file a consolidated federal income tax return. As such, Windstream Services and its subsidiaries are not separate taxable entities for federal and certain state income tax purposes. In instances when Windstream Services does not file a separate return, income taxes as presented within the accompanying consolidated financial statements attribute current and deferred income taxes of Windstream Holdings to Windstream Services and its subsidiaries in a manner that is systematic, rational and consistent with the asset and liability method. Income tax provisions presented for Windstream Services and its subsidiaries are prepared under the “separate return method.” The separate return method represents a hypothetical computation assuming that the reported revenue and expenses of Windstream Services and its subsidiaries were incurred by separate taxable entities.

The preparation of financial statements, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”), requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. The estimates and assumptions used in the accompanying consolidated financial statements are based upon management’s evaluation of the relevant facts and circumstances as of the date of the consolidated financial statements. Actual results may differ from the estimates and assumptions used in preparing the accompanying consolidated financial statements, and such differences could be material.

12
NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
____


1. Preparation of Interim Financial Statements, Continued:

There are no significant differences between the consolidated results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows of Windstream Holdings and those of Windstream Services other than for certain expenses incurred directly by Windstream Holdings principally consisting of audit, legal and board of director fees, NASDAQ listing fees, other shareholder-related costs, income taxes, common stock activity, and payables from Windstream Services to Windstream Holdings. Earnings per share data has not been presented for Windstream Services, because that entity has not issued publicly held common stock as defined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Unless otherwise indicated, the note disclosures included herein pertain to both Windstream Holdings and Windstream Services.

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year financial statement presentation. These changes and reclassifications did not impact net loss or comprehensive loss.

Recently Issued Authoritative Guidance

Revenue Recognition – In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The standard outlines a single comprehensive revenue recognition model for entities to follow in accounting for revenue from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the revenue model is that an entity should recognize revenue for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to receive for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 also includes new accounting principles related to the deferral and amortization of contract acquisition and fulfillment costs. ASU 2014-09 may be adopted by applying the provisions of the new standard on a retrospective basis to all periods presented in the financial statements or on a modified retrospective basis which would result in the recognition of a cumulative effect adjustment in the year of adoption. When issued, ASU 2014-09 was to be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption was not permitted.

In July 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year to December 15, 2017 for annual reporting periods beginning after that date, or January 1, 2018, for calendar companies like Windstream. Entities are permitted to early adopt the standard, but not before the original effective date of December 15, 2016. We are in the process of determining the method of adoption and assessing the impact the new standard will have on our consolidated financial statements. We expect to adopt this standard effective January 1, 2018.

In March 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net). The amendments are intended to improve the operability and understandability of the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. The effective date for this ASU is the same as the effective date for ASU 2014-09. In conjunction with our assessment of ASU 2014-09, we are currently evaluating the impacts of this new guidance.

In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-11, Revenue Recognition (Topic 605) and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Rescission of SEC Guidance Because of Accounting Standards Updates 2014-09 and 2014-16 Pursuant to Staff Announcements at the March 3, 2016 EITF Meeting. In May 2016, the FASB also issued ASU 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients. ASU 2016-10 provides more detailed guidance with respect to identifying performance obligations and accounting for licensing arrangements, including intellectual property licenses, royalties, license restrictions and renewals. ASU 2016-11 rescinds several SEC Staff announcements that are codified in Topic 605: Revenue Recognition, including, among other items, guidance relating to accounting for consideration given by a vendor to a customer, as well as accounting for shipping and handling fees and freight services. ASU 2016-12 provides clarification to Topic 606 on how to assess collectability, present sales tax, treat noncash consideration, and account for completed and modified contracts at the time of transition. ASU 2016-12 also clarifies that an entity retrospectively applying the guidance in Topic 606 is not required to disclose the effect of the accounting change in the period of adoption. The effective date and transition requirements for each of these amendments are the same as the effective date and transition requirements of ASU 2014-09. In conjunction with our assessment of ASU 2014-09, we are currently evaluating the impacts that these amendments will have on our consolidated financial statements.


13


NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
____


1. Preparation of Interim Financial Statements, Continued:

Fair Value Measurement Disclosures – In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-07, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share (or Its Equivalent), which amends certain fair value measurement disclosures. The standard removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient and also removes certain related disclosure requirements. ASU 2015-07 is effective retrospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 31, 2015, with early adoption permitted. Adoption of ASU 2015-07 will impact certain annual disclosures related to our qualified pension plan assets, but otherwise is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Valuation of Inventory – In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory. The updated guidance requires that an entity should measure inventory valued using a first-in, first-out or average cost method at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is defined as the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. ASU 2015-11 should be applied on a prospective basis and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect that the adoption of ASU 2015-11 will have a material impact to our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

Leases – In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which will require that virtually all lease arrangements that do not meet the criteria of a short-term lease be presented on the lessee’s balance sheet by recording a right-of-use asset and a lease liability equal to the present value of the related future lease payments. The income statement impacts of the leases will depend on the nature of the leasing arrangement and will be similar to existing accounting for operating and capital leases. The new standard does not substantially change the accounting for lessors. The new standard will also require additional disclosures regarding an entity’s leasing arrangements and will be effective for the first interim reporting period within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, although early adoption is permitted. Lessees and lessors will be required to apply the new standard at the beginning of the earliest period presented in the financial statements in which they first apply the new guidance, using a modified retrospective transition method. We are currently assessing the timing of adoption and the impact the new standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.

Derivatives and Hedging – In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-05, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Effect of Derivative Contract Novations on Existing Hedge Accounting Relationships (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force). ASU 2016-05 clarifies that a change in the counterparty to a derivative instrument that has been designated as the hedging instrument does not, in and of itself, require de-designation of that hedging relationship provided that all other hedge accounting criteria continue to be met. ASU 2016-05 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We do not expect that the adoption of ASU 2016-05 will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting – In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows.  Under the new guidance all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies, including tax benefits of dividends on share-based payment awards, should be recognized as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement, eliminating the notion of the APIC pool. The excess tax benefits will be classified as operating activities along with other income tax cash flows rather than financing activities in the statement of cash flows. The tax effects of exercised or vested awards should be treated as discrete items in the reporting period in which they occur. ASU 2016-19 also allows entities to elect to either estimate the total number of awards that are expected to vest or account for forfeitures when they occur. Additionally, ASU 2016-09 clarifies that cash payments to tax authorities in connection with shares withheld to meet statutory tax withholding requirements should be presented as a financing activity in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those annual reporting periods. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the timing of adoption and the impact the new standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.

14


NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
____


1. Preparation of Interim Financial Statements, Continued:

Financial Instruments - Credit Losses – In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. This standard introduces a new forward-looking approach, based on expected losses, to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments, including trade receivables. The estimate of expected credit losses will require entities to incorporate considerations of historical information, current information and reasonable and supportable forecasts. This new standard also expands the disclosure requirements to enable users of financial statements to understand the entity’s assumptions, models and methods for estimating expected credit losses. ASU 2016-13 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and the guidance is to be applied using a modified retrospective transition approach. Early adoption is permitted for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. We are currently assessing the timing of adoption and the impact the new standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.

Statement of Cash Flows – In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. This standard provides guidance on how certain cash receipts and cash payments should be presented and classified in the statement of cash flows, including among others, debt prepayment and extinguishment costs, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims and distributions received from equity method investees. The standard also clarifies that when cash receipts and cash payments have aspects of more than one class of cash flows and cannot be separated, classification will depend on the predominant source or use of the underlying cash flows. ASU 2016-15 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. We are currently assessing the timing of adoption and the impact the new standard will have on our consolidated statement of cash flows.

2. Long-term Debt:

Windstream Holdings has no debt obligations. All debt, including the senior secured credit facility described below, have been incurred by Windstream Services and its subsidiaries. Windstream Holdings is neither a guarantor of nor subject to the restrictive covenants imposed by such debt.

Long-term debt was as follows at:
(Millions)
 
September 30,
2016

 
December 31,
2015

Issued by Windstream Services:
 
 
 
 
Senior secured credit facility, Tranche B5 – variable rates, due August 8, 2019
 
$
573.8

 
$
578.2

Senior secured credit facility, Tranche B6 – variable rates, due March 29, 2021 (a)
 
747.0

 
—

Senior secured credit facility, Revolving line of credit – variable rates, due
   April 24, 2020
 
625.0

 
300.0

Debentures and notes, without collateral:
 
 
 
 
2017 Notes – 7.875%, due November 1, 2017
 
—

 
904.1

2020 Notes – 7.750%, due October 15, 2020
 
700.0

 
700.0

2021 Notes – 7.750%, due October 1, 2021
 
809.3

 
920.4

2022 Notes – 7.500%, due June 1, 2022
 
441.2

 
485.9

2023 Notes – 7.500%, due April 1, 2023
 
343.5

 
540.1

2023 Notes – 6.375%, due August 1, 2023
 
585.7

 
700.0

Issued by subsidiaries of Windstream Services:
 
 
 
 
Windstream Holdings of the Midwest, Inc. – 6.75%, due April 1, 2028 (b)
 
100.0

 
100.0

(Discount) premium on long-term debt, net (c)
 
(5.9
)
 
4.6

Unamortized debt issuance costs (c)
 
(53.5
)
 
(62.8
)
 
 
4,866.1

 
5,170.5

Less current maturities
 
(13.4
)
 
(5.9
)
Total long-term debt
 
$
4,852.7

 
$
5,164.6


15


NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
____


2. Long-term Debt, Continued:

(a)
If the maturity of the revolving line of credit is not extended prior to April 24, 2020, the maturity date of the Tranche B6 term loan will be April 24, 2020; provided further, if the 2020 Notes have not been repaid or refinanced prior to July 15, 2020 with indebtedness having a maturity date no earlier than March 29, 2021, the maturity date of the Tranche B6 term loan will be July 15, 2020.

(b)
These bonds are secured equally with the senior secured credit facility with respect to the assets of Windstream Holdings of the Midwest, Inc.
 
(c)
The net (discount) premium balance and unamortized debt issuance costs are amortized using the interest method over the life of the related debt instrument.

Senior Secured Credit Facility - On March 29, 2016, Windstream Services executed an incremental amendment to its existing senior secured credit facility to provide for the issuance of an aggregate principal amount $600.0 million term loan under Tranche B6 due March 29, 2021, the proceeds of which were used to repurchase $441.1 million of outstanding 7.875 percent notes due November 1, 2017 (the “2017 Notes”) pursuant to a tender offer and to repay other debt obligations of Windstream Services along with related fees and expenses. The Tranche B6 term loan was issued at a discount of $15.0 million. Debt issuance costs associated with the Tranche B6 borrowings were $10.7 million, which were capitalized and will be amortized over the life of the term loan.

On September 30, 2016, Windstream Services repriced at par $597.0 million of borrowings outstanding under Tranche B6 and issued at par an incremental $150.0 million of borrowings under Tranche B6. In connection with the repricing, Windstream Services incurred $6.7 million in arrangement, legal and other fees. Based on an analysis of participating creditors, Windstream Services concluded that a portion of the repricing transaction should be accounted for as a new debt issuance, a portion as a debt modification, and the remainder as a debt extinguishment. As a result, $0.6 million of the arrangement, legal and other fees were recorded as debt issuance costs, with the remaining $6.1 million charged to interest expense in accordance with debt modification accounting. At the time of the repricing transaction, unamortized debt issuance and discount related to the original issuance of Tranche B6 term loan totaled $24.4 million, of which $3.1 million were included in the loss on debt extinguishment recognized in the third quarter of 2016, while the remaining $21.3 million continue to be deferred and amortized to interest expense over the remaining life of the term loan in accordance with debt modification accounting.

On April 24, 2015, Windstream Services had previously amended its existing senior secured credit facility to include a revolving line of credit in an aggregate principal amount of $1,250.0 million and Tranche B5 term loan. The amended credit facility provides that Windstream Services may seek to obtain incremental revolving or term loans in an unlimited amount subject to maintaining a maximum secured leverage ratio and other customary conditions, including obtaining commitments and pro forma compliance with financial maintenance covenants consisting of a maximum debt to consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) ratio and a minimum interest coverage ratio. In addition, Windstream Services may request extensions of the maturity date under any of its existing revolving or term loan facilities.
 
Interest rates applicable to the Tranche B5 term loan are, at Windstream Services’ option, equal to either a base rate plus a margin of 1.75 percent per annum or London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus a margin of 2.75 percent per annum. LIBOR and the base rate for the Tranche B5 term loan shall at no time be less than 0.75 percent and 1.75 percent, respectively. As a result of the September 30, 2016 repricing discussed above, interest rates applicable to the Tranche B6 decreased 1.00 percent from LIBOR plus 5.00 percent per annum to LIBOR plus 4.00 percent per annum. Windstream Services retained the option to have interest on Tranche B6 be equal to a base rate plus a margin of 4.00 percent per annum. LIBOR and the base rate for the Tranche B6 term loan shall at no time be less than 0.75 percent and 4.00 percent, respectively. Tranche B5 and B6 term loans made under the credit facility are subject to quarterly amortization payments in an aggregate amount equal to 0.25 percent of the initial principal amount of such term loans, with the remaining balance payable on August 8, 2019 and March 29, 2021, respectively. The senior secured credit facility is guaranteed, jointly and severally, by certain of Windstream Services’ wholly owned subsidiaries.

16


NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
____


2. Long-term Debt, Continued:

Revolving line of credit - As a result of the April 24, 2015 amendment to the credit facility, the maturity date of the revolving line of credit was extended to April 24, 2020. Windstream Services may obtain revolving loans and may issue up to $30.0 million of letters of credit, which upon issuance reduce the amount available for other extensions of credit. Accordingly, the total amount outstanding under the letters of credit and the indebtedness incurred under the revolving line of credit may not exceed $1,250.0 million. Borrowings under the revolving line of credit may be used for permitted acquisitions, working capital and other general corporate purposes of Windstream Services and its subsidiaries. Windstream Services will pay a commitment fee on the unused portion of the commitments under the revolving credit facility that will range from 0.40 percent to 0.50 percent per annum, depending on the debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio of Windstream Services and its subsidiaries. Revolving loans made under the credit facility are not subject to interim amortization and such loans are not required to be repaid prior to April 24, 2020, other than to the extent the outstanding borrowings exceed the aggregate commitments under the revolving credit facility. Interest rates applicable to loans under the revolving line of credit are, at Windstream Services’ option, equal to either a base rate plus a margin ranging from 0.25 percent to 1.00 percent per annum or LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.25 percent to 2.00 percent per annum, based on the debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio of Windstream Services and its subsidiaries.

During the first nine months of 2016, Windstream Services borrowed $2,605.0 million under the revolving line of credit in its senior secured credit facility and retired $2,280.0 million of these borrowings through September 30, 2016. Considering letters of credit of $24.2 million, the amount available for borrowing under the revolving line of credit was $600.8 million at September 30, 2016.

During the first nine months of 2016, the variable interest rate on the revolving line of credit ranged from 2.25 percent to 4.50 percent, and the weighted average rate on amounts outstanding was 2.54 percent during the period. Comparatively, the variable interest rate ranged from 2.19 percent to 4.50 percent during the first nine months of 2015, with a weighted average rate on amounts outstanding during the period of 2.44 percent.

Completion of Debt-for-Equity Exchange - In connection with the spin-off of certain telecommunications network assets, including fiber and copper networks and other real estate, into an independent, publicly-traded real estate investment trust (“REIT”), Communications Sales & Leasing, Inc. (“CS&L”), completed on April 24, 2015, Windstream Services retained a passive ownership interest in approximately 19.6 percent of the common stock of CS&L. In two separate transactions completed in June 2016, Windstream Services transferred all of its shares of CS&L common stock to its bank creditors in exchange for the retirement of $672.0 million of aggregate borrowings outstanding under its revolving line of credit and to satisfy transaction-related expenses. In completing the debt for equity exchange, Windstream Services recognized a net gain on the disposal of the CS&L common stock (see Note 9).

Debentures and Notes Repaid in 2016
2017 Notes - On September 30, 2016, Windstream Services redeemed the remaining $369.5 million aggregate principal amount outstanding of its 7.875 percent senior unsecured notes due November 1, 2017, (the “2017 Notes”) at a redemption price of $396.4 million, which included a premium payable to creditors of $26.9 million. At the time of redemption, there was $2.7 million in unamortized net discount and debt issuance costs related to these notes.

During the first nine months of 2016, Windstream Services also repurchased $93.5 million aggregate principal amount of the 2017 Notes at a repurchase price of $97.8 million, including accrued and unpaid interest, under a debt repurchase program authorized by Windstream Services’ board of directors. In addition, on March 29, 2016, Windstream Services repurchased $441.1 million aggregate principal amount of the 2017 Notes for total consideration of $477.5 million, plus accrued interest, pursuant to a cash tender offer. Under the tender offer, Windstream Services paid total consideration of $1,082.50 per $1,000 principal amount of the 2017 Notes, which included a $30 early tender payment, plus accrued and unpaid interest. At the time of the repurchases, there was $5.7 million in unamortized net discount and debt issuance costs related to the repurchased notes.

Proceeds from the issuance of the Tranche B6 term loan and available borrowings under the amended revolving line of credit were used to fund the redemption and repurchases of the 2017 Notes, which were accounted for as debt extinguishments.


17


NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
____


2. Long-term Debt, Continued:

Partial Repurchase of Senior Notes - Pursuant to the debt repurchase program discussed above, during the first nine months of 2016, Windstream Services also repurchased in the open market $466.8 million aggregate principal amount of its senior unsecured notes consisting of the following:

•
$111.1 million aggregate principal amount of 7.750 percent senior unsecured notes due October 1, 2021, (the “2021 Notes”), at a repurchase price of $93.7 million, including accrued and unpaid interest;

•
$44.8 million aggregate principal amount of 7.500 percent senior unsecured notes due June 1, 2022, (the “2022 Notes”), at a repurchase price of $36.2 million, including accrued and unpaid interest; and

•
$196.6 million aggregate principal amount of 7.500 percent senior unsecured notes due April 1, 2023 and $114.3 million aggregate principal amount of 6.375 percent senior unsecured notes due August 1, 2023, (collectively the “2023 Notes”) at a repurchase price of $168.5 million and $99.6 million, including accrued and unpaid interest, respectively.

The repurchases were funded utilizing available borrowings under the amended revolving line of credit.
 
At the time of repurchase, there was $5.3 million in unamortized premium and debt issuance costs related to the repurchased notes. The partial repurchases were accounted for under the extinguishment method of accounting, and as a result, Windstream Services recognized a net gain on the early extinguishment of these debt obligations.

Debentures and Notes Repaid in 2015

During the third quarter of 2015, Windstream Services repurchased in the open market an aggregate principal amount of $253.7 million of its 2017, 2021, 2022 and 2023 Notes. At the time of repurchase, there was $3.3 million in unamortized net discount and debt issuance costs related to the repurchased notes. The partial repurchase was accounted for under the extinguishment method of accounting, and as a result, Windstream Services recognized a total pretax gain of $7.6 million during the third quarter of 2015.

2018 Notes - On May 27, 2015, Windstream Services redeemed all of its $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of 8.125 percent senior unsecured notes due September 1, 2018 (the “2018 Notes”), at a redemption price payable in cash equal to $1,040.63 per $1,000 principal amount of the notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest. At the time of redemption, there was $1.4 million and $4.0 million in unamortized discount and debt issuance costs, respectively, related to the 2018 Notes.

PAETEC 2018 - On May 27, 2015, PAETEC Holding, LLC (“PAETEC”), a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Windstream Services, redeemed all $450.0 million of the outstanding aggregate principal amount of 9.875 percent notes due 2018 (the “PAETEC 2018 Notes”), at a redemption price payable in cash equal to $1,049.38 per $1,000 principal amount of the notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest. At the time of redemption, there was $16.9 million in unamortized premium related to the PAETEC 2018 Notes.

Cinergy Communications Company - On April 24, 2015, Windstream Services repaid all $1.9 million of the outstanding aggregate principal amount of these unsecured notes utilizing available borrowings under the amended revolving line of credit.

Windstream used a portion of the $1.035 billion cash payment received from CS&L in the spin-off of certain telecommunication network assets to redeem the 2018 Notes and the PAETEC 2018 Notes. The redemptions were accounted for as extinguishments and Windstream Services recognized a loss in connection with the early extinguishment of these two debt obligations.

In conjunction with the spin-off, Windstream completed a debt-for-debt exchange retiring $1.7 billion aggregate principal amount of borrowings outstanding under Tranches A3, A4 and B4 of Windstream Services’ senior credit facility and $752.2 million aggregate principal amount of borrowings outstanding under the revolving line of credit. Following the completion of the debt-for-debt exchange, Windstream Services repaid the remaining $241.8 million aggregate principal amount of borrowings under Tranche B4. The debt-for-debt exchange and repayment were accounted for under the extinguishment method of accounting and, as a result, Windstream Services recognized a loss due to the extinguishment of the aforementioned debt obligations of $15.9 million in both the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015.


18


NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
____


2. Long-term Debt, Continued:

Net (Loss) Gain on Early Extinguishment of Debt

The net (loss) gain on early extinguishment of debt was as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(Millions)
 
2016

 
2015

 
2016

 
2015

Senior secured credit facility:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premium on early redemption
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
(6.6
)
Third-party fees for early redemption
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(0.7
)
Unamortized discount on original issuance
 
(1.7
)
 
—

 
(1.7
)
 
—

Unamortized debt issuance costs on original issuance
 
(1.4
)
 
—

 
(1.4
)
 
(8.6
)
Loss on early extinguishment of senior secured credit
   facility
 
(3.1
)
 
—

 
(3.1
)
 
(15.9
)
2017 Notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premium on early redemption
 
$
(26.9
)
 
$
—

 
$
(26.9
)
 
$
—

Premium on repurchases
 
—

 
(7.0
)
 
(40.6
)
 
(7.0
)
Third-party fees for repurchases
 
—

 
—

 
(2.4
)
 
—

Unamortized discount on original issuance
 
(1.0
)
 
(0.8
)
 
(3.0
)
 
(0.8
)
Unamortized debt issuance costs on original issuance
 
(1.7
)
 
(1.5
)
 
(5.4
)
 
(1.5
)
Loss on early extinguishment of 2017 Notes
 
(29.6
)
 
(9.3
)
 
(78.3
)
 
(9.3
)
2018 Notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premium on early redemption
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(16.3
)
Unamortized discount on original issuance
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(1.4
)
Unamortized debt issuance costs on original issuance
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(4.0
)
Loss on early extinguishment of 2018 Notes
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(21.7
)
Partial repurchases of 2021, 2022 and 2023 Notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discount on repurchases
 
14.8

 
17.9

 
68.7

 
17.9

Unamortized premium on original issuance
 
0.1

 
0.3

 
0.9

 
0.3

Unamortized debt issuance costs on original issuance
 
(2.3
)
 
(1.3
)
 
(6.2
)
 
(1.3
)
Gain on early extinguishment from partial repurchases of
   2021, 2022 and 2023 Notes
 
12.6

 
16.9

 
63.4

 
16.9

PAETEC 2018 Notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premium on early redemption
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(22.2
)
Unamortized premium on original issuance
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
16.9

Loss on early extinguishment of PAETEC 2018 Notes
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(5.3
)
Cinergy Communications Company Notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premium on early redemption
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(0.5
)
Loss on early extinguishment of Cinergy Communication
   Company Notes
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(0.5
)
Net (loss) gain on early extinguishment of debt
 
$
(20.1
)
 
$
7.6

 
$
(18.0
)
 
$
(35.8
)


19


NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
____


2. Long-term Debt, Continued:

Maturities for long-term debt outstanding as of September 30, 2016, excluding $(5.9) million of unamortized net discount and $53.5 million of unamortized debt issuance costs, were as follows:
Twelve month period ended:
(Millions)
September 30, 2017
$
13.4

September 30, 2018
13.4

September 30, 2019
569.4

September 30, 2020
632.5

September 30, 2021
1,417.1

Thereafter
2,279.7

Total
$
4,925.5


Interest Expense

Interest expense was as follows:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(Millions)
 
 
2016

 
2015

 
2016

 
2015

Interest expense - long-term debt
 
 
$
89.6

 
$
98.2

 
$
270.7

 
$
347.0

Interest expense - long-term lease obligations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Telecommunications network assets
 
 
124.8

 
128.2

 
377.1

 
224.2

   Real estate contributed to pension plan
 
 
1.5

 
1.7

 
4.6

 
5.1

Impact of interest rate swaps
 
 
2.2

 
4.7

 
7.9

 
17.2

Interest on capital leases and other
 
 
—

 
0.6

 
1.6

 
2.0

Less capitalized interest expense
 
 
(1.7
)
 
(3.2
)
 
(8.4
)
 
(6.7
)
Total interest expense
 
 
$
216.4

 
$
230.2

 
$
653.5

 
$
588.8


Debt Compliance

The terms of Windstream Services’ credit facility and indentures include customary covenants that, among other things, require maintenance of certain financial ratios and restrict Windstream Services’ ability to incur additional indebtedness. These financial ratios include a maximum leverage ratio of 4.5 to 1.0 and a minimum interest coverage ratio of 2.75 to 1.0. In addition, the covenants include restrictions on dividend and certain other types of payments. As of September 30, 2016, Windstream Services was in compliance with all of these covenants.

In addition, certain of Windstream Services’ debt agreements contain various covenants and restrictions specific to the subsidiary that is the legal counterparty to the agreement. Under Windstream Services’ long-term debt agreements, acceleration of principal payments would occur upon payment default, violation of debt covenants not cured within 30 days, a change in control including a person or group obtaining 50 percent or more ownership interest in Windstream Services, or breach of certain other conditions set forth in the borrowing agreements. Windstream Services and its subsidiaries were in compliance with these covenants as of September 30, 2016.


20


NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
____


3. Derivatives:

Windstream Services enters into interest rate swap agreements to mitigate the interest rate risk inherent in its variable rate senior secured credit facility. Derivative instruments are accounted for in accordance with authoritative guidance for recognition, measurement and disclosures about derivative instruments and hedging activities, including when a derivative or other financial instrument can be designated as a hedge. This guidance requires recognition of all derivative instruments at fair value, and accounting for the changes in fair value depends on whether the derivative has been designated as, qualifies as and is effective as a hedge. Changes in fair value of the effective portions of cash flow hedges are recorded as a component of other comprehensive (loss) income in the current period. Any ineffective portion of the hedges is recognized in earnings in the current period.

Prior to September 21, 2016, Windstream Services was party to three pay fixed, receive variable interest rate swap agreements to serve as cash flow hedges of the interest rate risk inherent in its senior secured credit facility. The swaps had a notional value of $675.0 million and were scheduled to mature on October 17, 2019. The average fixed interest rate paid was 3.604 percent and included a component which served to settle the liability existing on Windstream Services swaps at the time of the transaction. The variable rate received reset on the seventeenth day of each month to the one-month LIBOR. In transactions completed on September 21, 2016 and September 23, 2016, Windstream Services renegotiated its three existing swaps and reduced the average fixed interest rate it pays on the interest rate swaps from 3.604 percent to 2.984 percent, effective October 17, 2016, and extended the maturity of swaps to October 17, 2021. The variable interest rate on the swaps continues to be based on one-month LIBOR and resets on the seventeenth day of each month. On September 21, 2016, Windstream also entered into an additional pay fixed, receive variable interest rate swap agreement with a bank counterparty with a notional value of $200.0 million, fixed interest rate paid of 1.1275 percent and a maturity date of October 17, 2021. Similar to Windstream Services’ other swaps, the variable rate received on the new swap is the one-month LIBOR and resets on the seventeenth day of each month. Windstream Services has designated each of its four swaps as cash flow hedges of the interest rate risk inherent in borrowings outstanding under its senior secured credit facility due to changes in the LIBOR benchmark interest rate.

All of the swaps are hedging probable variable cash flows which extend up to one year beyond the maturity of certain components of Windstream Services’ variable rate debt. Consistent with past practice, Windstream Services expects to extend or otherwise replace these components of its debt with variable rate debt. The three renegotiated swaps are off-market swaps, meaning they contain an embedded financing element, which the swap counterparties recover through an incremental charge in the fixed rate over what would be charged for an at-market swap. As such, a portion of the cash payment on the swaps represents the rate that Windstream Services would pay on a hypothetical at-market interest rate swap and is recognized in interest expense. The remaining portion represents the repayment of the embedded financing element and reduces the initial swap liability.

As a result of refinancing transactions completed in 2013, April 2015 and September 2016, Windstream Services de-designated certain interest rate swaps and froze the accumulated net gains and losses in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to those swaps. The frozen balance is amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense over the remaining life of the original swaps.
 
All derivative instruments are recognized at fair value in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as either assets or liabilities, depending on the rights or obligations under the related contracts.

Set forth below is information related to interest rate swap agreements:
(Millions, except for percentages)
 
September 30,
2016

 
December 31,
2015

Designated portion, measured at fair value:
 
 
 
 
Other current liabilities
 
$
15.4

 
$
18.3

Other non-current liabilities
 
$
44.1

 
$
33.4

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
$
(3.2
)
 
$
(0.9
)
De-designated portion, unamortized value:
 
 
 
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
$
(12.4
)
 
$
(0.2
)
Weighted average fixed rate paid
 
2.93
%
 
2.99
%
Variable rate received
 
0.53
%
 
0.35
%


21


NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
____


3. Derivatives, Continued:

Derivatives are assessed for effectiveness each quarter and any ineffectiveness is recognized in other (expense) income, net in our consolidated statements of operations. Ineffectiveness recognized on the cash flow hedges was $0.5 million and $(0.6) million for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016, respectively. Comparatively, ineffectiveness on the cash flow hedges was $(0.4) million and $(3.9) million for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015, respectively.

All or a portion of the change in fair value of Windstream Services’ interest rate swap agreements recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss may be recognized in earnings in certain situations. If Windstream Services extinguishes all of its variable rate debt, or a portion of its variable rate debt such that the variable rate interest received on the swaps exceeds the variable rate interest paid on its debt, all or a portion of the change in fair value of the swaps may be recognized in earnings. In addition, the change in fair value of the swaps may be recognized in earnings if Windstream Services determines it is no longer probable that it will have future variable rate cash flows to hedge against or if a swap agreement is terminated prior to maturity. Windstream Services has assessed the counterparty risk and determined that no substantial risk of default exists as of September 30, 2016. Each counterparty is a bank with a current credit rating at or above A, as determined by Moody’s Investors Service, Standard & Poor’s Corporation and Fitch Ratings.

Windstream Services expects to recognize losses of $(7.5) million, net of taxes, in interest expense in the next twelve months related to the unamortized value of the de-designated portion of interest rate swap agreements and the interest settlements for the three remaining interest swap agreements at September 30, 2016. Payments on the swaps are presented in the financing activities section of the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows due to the embedded financing element discussed above.

Changes in derivative instruments were as follows for the nine month periods ended September 30:
(Millions)
 
2016

 
2015

Changes in fair value of effective portion, net of tax (a)
 
$
(10.8
)
 
$
(8.0
)
Amortization of unrealized losses on de-designated interest rate swaps, net of tax (a)
 
$
1.9

 
$
6.1


(a)
Included as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) and will be reclassified into earnings as the hedged transaction affects earnings.

The agreements with each of the derivative counterparties contain cross-default provisions, whereby if Windstream Services were to default on certain indebtedness, it could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations and may be required to net settle any outstanding derivative liability positions with its counterparties at the swap termination value of $63.8 million including accrued interest and excluding the credit valuation adjustment to measure non-performance risk. In addition, certain of the agreements with the counterparties contain provisions where if a specified event or condition, such as a merger, occurs that materially changes Windstream Services’ creditworthiness in an adverse manner, Windstream Services may be required to fully collateralize its derivative obligations. At September 30, 2016, Windstream Services had not posted any collateral related to its interest rate swap agreements.

Balance Sheet Offsetting

Windstream Services is party to master netting arrangements, which are designed to reduce credit risk by permitting net settlement of transactions with counterparties. For financial statement presentation purposes, Windstream Services does not offset assets and liabilities under these arrangements.

The following table presents the liabilities subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, all swap agreements with counterparties were in a liability position and, accordingly, there were no assets to be recognized in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of those dates.


22


NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
____


3. Derivatives, Continued:

Information pertaining to derivative liabilities was as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated
Balance Sheets
 
 
(Millions)
Gross Amount of Recognized Liabilities
 
Net Amount of Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
Financial Instruments
 
Cash Collateral Received
 
Net Amount
September 30, 2016:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
$
59.5

 
$
59.5

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
59.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2015:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
$
51.7

 
$
51.7

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
51.7


4. Fair Value Measurements:

Fair value of financial and non-financial assets and liabilities is defined as an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Authoritative guidance defines the following three tier hierarchy for assessing the inputs used in fair value measurements:

Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs

The highest priority is given to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority is given to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurement). Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the determination of fair value of assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels.

Our non-financial assets and liabilities, including property, plant and equipment, goodwill, intangible assets and asset retirement obligations, are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. No event occurred during the nine month period ended September 30, 2016 requiring our non-financial assets and liabilities to be subsequently recognized at fair value. Our financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, investment in CS&L common stock, accounts payable, long-term debt and interest rate swaps. The carrying amount of cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable was estimated by management to approximate fair value due to the relatively short period of time to maturity for those instruments. Cash equivalents, investment in CS&L common stock, long-term debt and interest rate swaps are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Cash equivalents were not significant as of September 30, 2016 or December 31, 2015.

The fair values of the investment in CS&L common stock, interest rate swaps and long-term debt were determined using the following inputs at:
(Millions)
 
September 30,
2016

 
December 31,
2015

Recorded at Fair Value in the Financial Statements:
 
 
 
 
Investment in CS&L common stock - Level 1
 
$
—

 
$
549.2

Derivatives - Interest rate swap liabilities - Level 2
 
$
59.5

 
$
51.7

Not Recorded at Fair Value in the Financial Statements: (a)
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt, including current maturities - Level 2
 
$
4,849.1

 
$
4,452.7


(a)
Recognized at carrying value of $4,919.6 million and $5,233.3 million in long-term debt, including current maturities, and excluding unamortized debt issuance costs, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.


23


NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
____


4. Fair Value Measurements, Continued:

The fair value of CS&L common stock was based on the quoted market price of the shares on the last day of the reporting period. The CS&L common stock trades on NASDAQ.

The fair values of interest rate swaps are determined based on the present value of expected future cash flows using observable, quoted LIBOR swap rates for the full term of the swaps and also incorporate credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both Windstream Services’ own non-performance risk and non-performance risk of the respective counterparties. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the fair values of the interest rate swaps were reduced by $3.6 million and $2.9 million, respectively, to reflect non-performance risk.

In calculating the fair value of Windstream Services’ long-term debt, the fair value of the debentures and notes was calculated based on quoted market prices of the specific issuances in an active market when available. The fair value of the other debt obligations was estimated based on appropriate market interest rates applied to the debt instruments. In calculating the fair value of the Windstream Holdings of the Midwest, Inc. notes, an appropriate market price of similar instruments in an active market considering credit quality, nonperformance risk and maturity of the instrument was used.

We do not have any assets or liabilities measured for purposes of the fair value hierarchy at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). We recognize transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy as of the end of the reporting period. There were no transfers within the fair value hierarchy during the nine month period ended September 30, 2016.

5. Employee Benefit Plans and Postretirement Benefits:

We maintain a non-contributory qualified defined benefit pension plan. Future benefit accruals for all eligible nonbargaining employees covered by the pension plan have ceased. We also maintain supplemental executive retirement plans that provide unfunded, non-qualified supplemental retirement benefits to a select group of management employees. Additionally, we provide postretirement healthcare and life insurance benefits for eligible employees. Employees share in, and we fund, the costs of these plans as benefits are paid.

The components of pension benefit (income) expense (including provision for executive retirement agreements) were as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(Millions)
 
2016

 
2015

 
2016

 
2015

Benefits earned during the period
 
$
2.1

 
$
2.4

 
$
6.3

 
$
7.1

Interest cost on benefit obligation
 
13.8

 
13.3

 
41.5

 
40.0

Net actuarial loss (gain)
 
—

 
—

 
2.4

 
(2.8
)
Amortization of prior service credit
 
—

 
(0.1
)
 
(0.2
)
 
(0.1
)
Expected return on plan assets
 
(16.2
)
 
(17.5
)
 
(48.6
)
 
(52.6
)
Net periodic benefit (income) expense
 
$
(0.3
)
 
$
(1.9
)
 
$
1.4

 
$
(8.4
)

The components of postretirement benefits expense (income) were as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(Millions)
 
2016

 
2015

 
2016

 
2015

Interest cost on benefit obligation
 
$
0.4

 
$
0.3

 
$
1.0

 
$
0.9

Amortization of net actuarial loss
 
0.1

 
0.2

 
0.2

 
0.7

Amortization of prior service credit
 
(0.3
)
 
(0.7
)
 
(0.7
)
 
(3.3
)
Plan curtailment
 
—

 
(3.0
)
 
(5.5
)
 
(16.5
)
Net periodic benefit expense (income)
 
$
0.2

 
$
(3.2
)
 
$
(5.0
)
 
$
(18.2
)

During the first quarter of 2016, we made changes to our postretirement medical plan, eliminating medical and prescription drug subsidies primarily for certain active participants effective March 14, 2016. As a result, we remeasured the plan and recognized curtailment gains totaling $5.5 million, which was recognized in cost of services and selling, general and administrative expenses, with the offsetting effect recorded as a reduction in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

24


NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
____


5. Employee Benefit Plans and Postretirement Benefits, Continued:

During the third quarter of 2015, we made changes to our postretirement medical plan, eliminating medical and prescription drug subsidies primarily for certain active participants effective October 1, 2015. As a result, we remeasured the plan and recognized curtailment gains totaling $3.0 million, of which $2.4 million was recognized in cost of services expenses and $0.6 million was recognized in selling, general and administrative expenses, with the offsetting effect recorded as a reduction in accumulated other comprehensive income of $3.0 million.

During the second quarter of 2015, we made changes to our postretirement medical plan, eliminating medical and prescription drug subsidies primarily for certain active participants effective June 8, 2015. As a result, we remeasured the plan and recognized curtailment gains totaling $13.5 million, of which $10.7 million was recognized in cost of services expenses and $2.8 million was recognized in selling, general and administrative expenses, with the offsetting effect recorded as a reduction in accumulated other comprehensive loss of $13.4 million and other liabilities of $0.1 million.

We contributed $1.9 million to the postretirement plan during the nine month period ended September 30, 2016, and expect to contribute an additional $0.2 million for postretirement benefits throughout the remainder of 2016, excluding amounts that will be funded by participant contributions to the plan. In October 2016, we made an employer contribution of $1.3 million in cash to the qualified pension plan to meet our 2016 funding requirements and to avoid certain benefit restrictions. We also expect to make cash contributions in 2016 totaling $0.9 million to fund the expected benefit payments of our unfunded supplemental executive retirement pension plans. The amount and timing of future contributions to our qualified pension plan are based on a myriad of factors including investment performance, changes in future discount rates and changes in the demographics of the population participating in the plan.

We also sponsor an employee savings plan under section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, which covers substantially all salaried employees and certain bargaining unit employees. Windstream matches on an annual basis up to a maximum of 4.0 percent of employee pre-tax contributions to the plan for employees contributing up to 5.0 percent of their eligible pre-tax compensation. We recorded expenses of $5.0 million and $15.7 million in the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016, respectively, as compared to $4.7 million and $14.9 million for the same periods in 2015 related to our matching contribution under the employee savings plan, which was included in cost of services and selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. Expense related to our 2016 matching contribution expected to be made in Windstream Holdings common stock is included in share-based compensation expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flow. Additionally, we contributed 3.2 million shares of our common stock to the plan for the 2015 annual matching contribution during the nine month period ended September 30, 2016. At the time of our contribution, the shares had a fair value of approximately $24.0 million as determined by the plan trustee.

6. Share-Based Compensation Plans:

Under the Amended and Restated 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Incentive Plan”), we may issue a maximum of 24.3 million equity stock awards in the form of restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights or stock options. As of September 30, 2016, the Incentive Plan had remaining capacity of approximately 6.1 million awards. As of September 30, 2016, we had additional remaining capacity of approximately 0.3 million awards from a similar equity incentive plan assumed in a prior acquisition.

Our Board of Directors approves grants of restricted stock and restricted stock units to officers, executives, non-employee directors and certain management employees. These grants include the standard annual grants to these employee and director groups as a key component of their annual incentive compensation plan and one-time grants may include time-based and performance-based awards. Time-based awards granted to employees vest over a service period of two or three years. Each recipient of the performance-based restricted stock units may vest in a number of shares from zero to 150.0 percent of their award based on attainment of certain operating targets, some of which are indexed to the performance of Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index, over a three-year period. The 2016 annual and three-year operating targets for these performance based restricted stock units were approved by the Board of Directors in February 2016. For equity awards that contain only service conditions for vesting, we calculate to the fair value of the award based on Windstream Holdings’ closing price on the grant date determined in accordance with the applicable authoritative guidance.

25


NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
____


6. Share-Based Compensation Plans, Continued:

The vesting periods and grant date fair value for restricted stock and restricted stock units issued were as follows for the nine month period ended September 30, 2016:
(Number of shares in thousands, dollars in millions)
 
 
Restricted stock:
 
 
Vest ratably over a three-year service period
 
1,343.3

Vest two years from date of grant, service based
 
53.2

Vest three years from date of grant, service based
 
53.6

Vest one year from date of grant, service based - granted to non-employee directors
 
198.0

Total granted
 
1,648.1

Grant date fair value
 
$
9.7

Restricted stock units:
 
 
Vest contingently at the end of a three-year performance period
 
1,277.4

Grant date fair value
 
$
6.8


Restricted stock activity for the nine month period ended September 30, 2016 was as follows: 
 
 
(Thousands)
Underlying Number of
Shares
 
Per Share
Weighted
Average Fair
Value
Non-vested at December 31, 2015
 
3,252.4

 
$
15.36

Granted
 
1,648.1

 
$
5.88

Vested
 
(1,102.3
)
 
$
17.30

Forfeited
 
(476.4
)
 
$
10.99

Non-vested at September 30, 2016
 
3,321.8

 
$
10.64


Restricted stock unit activity for the nine month period ended September 30, 2016 was as follows: 
 
 
(Thousands)
Underlying Number of
Shares
 
Per Share
Weighted
Average Fair
Value
Non-vested at December 31, 2015
 
216.3

 
$
16.16

Granted
 
1,277.4

 
$
5.34

Vested
 
(113.7
)
 
$
21.67

Forfeited
 
(167.2
)
 
$
6.10

Non-vested at September 30, 2016
 
1,212.8

 
$
5.63


At September 30, 2016, unrecognized compensation expense for restricted stock and restricted stock units totaled $25.7 million and is expected to be recognized over the weighted average vesting period of 1.8 years. Unrecognized compensation expense is included in additional paid-in capital in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and statements of shareholders’ and member equity. Share-based compensation expense for restricted stock and restricted stock units was $4.2 million and $15.5 million for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016, respectively, as compared to $6.6 million and $17.1 million for the same periods in 2015.

In addition to including amounts related to restricted stock and restricted units, share-based compensation expense presented in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flow also includes amounts related to certain executive and management incentive compensation plans and the matching contribution to the employee savings plan for which payments to eligible participants are expected to be made in Windstream Holdings common stock.





26


NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
____


6. Share-Based Compensation Plans, Continued:

A summary of share-based compensation expense was as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(Millions)
 
2016

 
2015

 
2016

 
2015

Restricted stock and restricted units
 
$
4.2

 
$
6.6

 
$
15.5

 
$
17.1

Employee savings plan (See Note 5)
 
5.0

 
4.7

 
15.7

 
14.9

Executive and management incentive
   compensation plans
 
—

 
3.3

 
0.6

 
10.9

Share-based compensation expense
 
$
9.2

 
$
14.6

 
$
31.8

 
$
42.9


7. Merger, Integration and Restructuring Charges:

We incur costs to complete a merger or acquisition and integrate its operations into our business, which are presented as merger and integration expense in our consolidated results of operations. These costs include transaction costs, such as accounting, legal and broker fees; severance and related costs; IT and network conversion; rebranding; and consulting fees. We also incurred investment banking fees, legal, accounting and other consulting fees related to the spin-off of certain network and real estate assets into an independent, publicly traded REIT. During the fourth quarter of 2015, we began a network optimization project designed to consolidate traffic onto network facilities operated by us and reduce the usage of other carriers’ networks, including service areas acquired in the acquisition of PAETEC Holding, Corp. (“PAETEC”). In undertaking this initiative, which we expect to complete during 2016, we incurred costs to migrate traffic to lower cost circuits and to terminate existing contracts prior to their expiration. Costs related to the network optimization project and the REIT spin-off primarily account for the merger and integration costs incurred for the periods presented.

Restructuring charges are primarily incurred as a result of evaluations of our operating structure. Among other things, these evaluations explore opportunities to provide greater flexibility in managing and financing existing and future strategic operations, for task automation and the balancing of our workforce based on the current needs of our customers. Severance, lease exit costs and other related charges are included in restructuring charges.

During the first nine months of 2016, restructuring charges primarily consisted of severance and other employee-related costs totaling $11.3 million related to the completion of several small workforce reductions. Restructuring charges in the first nine months of 2015 principally consisted of $10.8 million of severance and other employee-related costs incurred in connection with completing several small workforce reductions and $3.1 million related to a special shareholder meeting held on February 20, 2015 to approve a one-for-six reverse stock split of Windstream Holdings’ common stock and the conversion of Windstream Corporation to Windstream Services.

A summary of the merger, integration and restructuring charges recorded was as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(Millions)
 
2016

 
2015

 
2016

 
2015

Merger and integration costs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Information technology conversion costs
 
$
—

 
$
1.3

 
$
—

 
$
7.4

Costs related to REIT spin-off
 
—

 
0.2

 
—

 
65.2

Network optimization and conversion costs
 
2.9

 
—

 
9.5

 
—

Consulting and other costs
 
—

 
1.6

 
1.0

 
1.9

Total merger and integration costs
 
2.9

 
3.1

 
10.5

 
74.5

Restructuring charges
 
2.5

 
5.3

 
12.8

 
15.7

Total merger, integration and restructuring
   charges
 
$
5.4

 
$
8.4

 
$
23.3

 
$
90.2


After giving consideration to tax benefits on deductible items, merger, integration and restructuring charges decreased net income $3.3 million and $14.3 million for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016, as compared to $5.2 million and $44.5 million for the same periods in 2015.

27


NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
____


7. Merger, Integration and Restructuring Charges, Continued:

The following is a summary of the activity related to the liabilities associated with merger, integration and restructuring charges at September 30:
(Millions)
 
2016

Balance, beginning of period
 
$
5.1

Merger, integration and restructuring charges
 
23.3

Cash outlays during the period
 
(23.2
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
5.2


As of September 30, 2016, unpaid merger, integration and restructuring liabilities consisted of $3.2 million associated with the restructuring initiatives and $2.0 million related to merger and integration activities. Payments of these liabilities will be funded through operating cash flows.

8. Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Loss on Investment in CS&L Common Stock:

In connection with the spin-off of certain telecommunications network assets to CS&L completed on April 24, 2015, Windstream Services retained a passive ownership interest in approximately 19.6 percent of the common stock of CS&L. Shares of CS&L retained by Windstream Services were classified as available-for-sale and recorded at fair value. During the first quarter of 2016, we recorded an other-than-temporary impairment loss of $(181.9) million for the difference between the fair value of the CS&L common stock as of March 31, 2016 and our cost basis, which had been based on the market value of the shares on the date of spin-off. We recorded the other-than-temporarily impairment due to the duration in which the CS&L shares had traded at a market price below our initial cost basis. Following the recognition of the other-than-temporary impairment loss, the cost basis of the CS&L shares was adjusted to equal the March 31, 2016 market value of $653.8 million. Subsequent changes in the market value of the CS&L shares were recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. No deferred income taxes were recorded with respect to the unrealized gain or loss due to the tax-free qualification of the spin-off.

9. Net Gain on Disposal of Investment in CS&L Common Stock:

As previously discussed in Note 2, in June 2016, Windstream Services disposed of all of its shares of CS&L common stock through the completion of two debt-for-equity exchanges, pursuant to which Windstream Services transferred the CS&L shares to its bank creditors in exchange for the retirement of $672.0 million of borrowings outstanding under its revolving line of credit and to satisfy transaction-related expenses. During the third quarter of 2016, Windstream Services recorded legal and other fees related to the completion of the debt-for-equity exchanges. Net of expenses, Windstream Services recognized a net gain on disposal of $15.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Unrealized gains related to the CS&L common stock at the time of consummating the debt-for-equity exchanges were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income and included in the determination of the net gain on disposal.

10. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss: 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss balances, net of tax, were as follows:
(Millions)
 
September 30,
2016

 
December 31,
2015

Pension and postretirement plans
 
$
(0.7
)
 
$
2.8

Unrealized holding loss on available-for-sale securities
 
—

 
(286.5
)
Unrealized holding losses on interest rate swaps:
 
 
 
 
Designated portion
 
(2.0
)
 
(0.6
)
De-designated portion
 
(7.6
)
 
(0.1
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
$
(10.3
)
 
$
(284.4
)


28


NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
____


10. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Continued:

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss balances, net of tax, were as follows:
(Millions)
 
Unrealized Holding Loss on Available-for-Sale Securities
 
 (Losses) Gains on Interest
Rate Swaps
 
Pension and
Postretirement
Plans
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2015
 
$
(286.5
)
 
$
(0.7
)
 
$
2.8

 
$
(284.4
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before
   reclassifications
 
156.1

 
(10.8
)
 
0.3

 
145.6

Amounts reclassified from other accumulated
   comprehensive loss (a)
 
130.4

 
1.9

 
(3.8
)
 
128.5

Balance at September 30, 2016
 
$
—

 
$
(9.6
)
 
$
(0.7
)
 
$
(10.3
)

(a)
See separate table below for details about these reclassifications.

Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows:
 
 
(Millions)
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Loss
 
 
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
Affected Line Item in the
Consolidated Statements
of Operations
 
2016

 
2015

 
2016

 
2015

 
Available-for-sale securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gain on disposal recognized in the
   period
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
(51.5
)
 
$
—

 
Net (loss) gain on disposal of investment
   in CS&L common stock
Other-than-temporary impairment
   recognized in the period
 
—

 
—

 
181.9

 
—

 
Other-than-temporary impairment loss on
   investment in CS&L common stock
 
 
—

 
—

 
130.4

 
—

 
Net loss
Interest rate swaps:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of unrealized losses on
   de-designated interest rate swaps
 
0.8

 
2.9

 
3.0

 
10.0

 
Interest expense
 
 
0.8

 
2.9

 
3.0

 
10.0

 
Loss before income taxes
 
 
(0.3
)
 
(1.2
)
 
(1.1
)
 
(3.9
)
 
Income tax benefit
 
 
0.5

 
1.7

 
1.9

 
6.1

 
Net loss
Pension and postretirement plans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Plan curtailment
 
—

 
(3.0
)
 
(5.5
)
 
(16.4
)
(a)
 
Amortization of net actuarial loss
 
0.1

 
0.2

 
0.2

 
0.7

(a)
 
Amortization of prior service credits
 
(0.3
)
 
(0.8
)
 
(0.9
)
 
(3.4
)
(a)
 
 
 
(0.2
)
 
(3.6
)
 
(6.2
)
 
(19.1
)
 
Loss before income taxes
 
 
—

 
1.6

 
2.4

 
7.3

 
Income tax benefit
 
 
(0.2
)
 
(2.0
)
 
(3.8
)
 
(11.8
)
 
Net loss
Total reclassifications for the period,
   net of tax
 
$
0.3

 
$
(0.3
)
 
$
128.5

 
$
(5.7
)
 
Net loss
(a)
These accumulated other comprehensive loss components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit (income) expense (see Note 5).


29


NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
____


11. Loss per Share:

We compute basic earnings (loss) per share by dividing net income (loss) applicable to common shares by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Our non-vested restricted shares containing a non-forfeitable right to receive dividends on a one-to-one per share ratio to common shares are considered participating securities, and the impact is included in the computation of earnings (loss) per share pursuant to the two-class method. Calculations of earnings (loss) per share under the two-class method exclude from the numerator any dividends paid or owed on participating securities and any undistributed earnings considered to be attributable to participating securities. The related participating securities are similarly excluded from the denominator.

Diluted earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) applicable to common shares by the weighted average number of common shares adjusted to include the effect of potentially dilutive securities. Potentially dilutive securities include incremental shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options and warrants. Diluted earnings (loss) per share excludes all potentially dilutive securities if their effect is anti-dilutive.

We also issue performance-based restricted stock units as part of our share-based compensation plan. Certain of these restricted stock units contain a forfeitable right to receive dividends. Because dividends attributable to these shares are forfeited if the vesting provisions are not met, they are considered non-participating restricted shares and are not dilutive under the two-class method until the performance conditions have been satisfied. As of September 30, 2016, the performance conditions for the outstanding restricted stock units have not yet been satisfied. Options and warrants granted in conjunction with past acquisitions are included in the computation of dilutive earnings per share using the treasury stock method.

A reconciliation of net loss and number of shares used in computing basic and diluted loss per share was as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(Millions, except per share amounts)
 
2016

 
2015

 
2016

 
2015

Basic and diluted loss per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Numerator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss
 
$
(66.2
)
 
$
(7.2
)
 
$
(296.6
)
 
$
(113.1
)
Income allocable to participating securities
 
(0.6
)
 
(0.5
)
 
(1.9
)
 
(3.0
)
Net loss attributable to common shares
 
$
(66.8
)
 
$
(7.7
)
 
$
(298.5
)
 
$
(116.1
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Denominator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic and diluted shares outstanding
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Weighted average shares outstanding
 
96.2

 
102.9

 
98.7

 
102.6

  Weighted average participating securities
 
(3.4
)
 
(3.6
)
 
(5.1
)
 
(2.7
)
Weighted average basic and diluted shares
   outstanding
 
92.8

 
99.3

 
93.6

 
99.9

Basic and diluted loss per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss
 

($.72
)
 

($.08
)
 

($3.19
)
 

($1.16
)

Options to purchase shares of stock issuable under stock-based compensation plans that were excluded from the computation of diluted shares outstanding because the exercise prices were greater than the average market price of our common stock and, therefore, the effect would be anti-dilutive, totaled 0.4 million shares for both the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016, as compared to 0.5 million and 0.4 million shares for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015, respectively.


30


NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
____


12. Segment Information:
 
Our business unit organizational structure is focused on our core customer relationships. During the third quarter of 2016, we changed the name of our Carrier segment to Wholesale to better reflect our customer base and the products and services we are selling in the marketplace. Historically, we were solely focused on serving telecom companies based in the United States, but over the past year, we have expanded our focus to sell our products and services to non-traditional telecom companies, including content providers, data center operators and international carriers requiring voice and data transport services in the United States. Following this name change, we operate and report these four customer-based segments:

•
Consumer and Small Business - ILEC - We manage as one business our residential and small business operations in those markets in which we are the incumbent local exchange carrier (“ILEC”) due to the similarities with respect to service offerings, marketing strategies and customer service delivery. Products and services offered to these customers include traditional local and long-distance voice services and high-speed Internet services, which are delivered primarily over network facilities operated by us. We offer consumer video services primarily through a relationship with Dish Network LLC and we also own and operate cable television franchises in some of our service areas. During 2015, we launched Kinetic, a complete video entertainment offering in our Lincoln, Nebraska and Lexington, Kentucky markets, and we launched this service in Sugar Land, Texas in April 2016.

Residential customers can bundle voice, high-speed Internet and video services, to provide one convenient billing solution and receive bundle discounts. Small Business - ILEC services offer a wide range of advanced Internet, voice, and web conferencing products. These services are equipped to deliver high-speed Internet with competitive speeds, value added services to enhance business productivity and options to bundle services for a global business solution to meet our small business customer needs.

•
Wholesale - Our wholesale operations are focused on providing products and services to other communications services providers. Our service offerings leverage Windstream’s extensive fiber network to provide wave transport services, carrier Ethernet services, fiber-to-tower connections to support backhaul services to wireless carriers, and high speed Internet access.  We also offer traditional services including special access services and Time Division Multiplexing (“TDM”) private line transport. The combination of these services allow wholesale customers to provide voice and data services to their customers through the use of our network or in combination with their own networks.

•
Enterprise - Our enterprise operations consist of our business customer relationships that generate $1,500 or more in revenue per month. Products and services offered to these customers include integrated voice and data services, which deliver voice and broadband services over a single Internet connection, multi-site networking services which provide a fast and private connection between business locations, as well as a variety of other data services, including cloud computing and collocation and managed services as an alternative to traditional information technology infrastructure.

•
Small Business - CLEC - These operations consist of our business customer relationships that generate less than $1,500 in revenue per month and are located in services areas in which we are a competitive local exchange carrier (“CLEC”) and provide services over network facilities primarily leased from other carriers. Products and services provided to these customers include integrated voice and data services, advanced data and traditional voice and long-distance services, as well as value added services including online backup, managed web design and web hosting, and various e-mail services.

We evaluate performance of the segments based on segment income, which is computed as segment revenues and sales less segment operating expenses. As further discussed below, certain operating revenues and expenses are not assigned to our segments.

Segment revenues are based upon each customer’s classification to an individual segment and include all services provided to that customer. Certain operating revenues are derived from activities that are centrally-managed by us and, accordingly, these revenues are not included in any of our four segments presented below. These other operating revenues include revenue from federal and state universal service funds, CAF Phase II support, and funds received from federal access recovery mechanisms. We also generate other service revenues from providing switched access services, which include usage-based revenues from long-distance companies and other carriers for access to our network to complete long-distance calls, as well as reciprocal compensation received from wireless and other local connecting carriers for the use of network facilities. Other operating revenues also include certain surcharges assessed to our customers, including billings for our required contributions to federal and state USF programs, product sales to contractors and consumer revenues generated in markets where we lease the connection to the customer premise. Revenues attributable to disposed businesses are not assigned to the segments and are also included in other service revenues for all periods prior to the dates of disposal. For the periods presented, the disposed operations consist of the sold data center and directory publishing businesses completed in December and April of 2015, respectively, as well as, the consumer CLEC business transferred to CS&L in connection with the REIT spin-off.

31


NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
____


12. Segment Information, Continued:

Segment expenses include specific expenses incurred as a direct result of providing services and products to segment customers; selling, general and administrative expenses that are directly associated with specific segment customers or activities; and certain allocated expenses which include network expenses, facilities expenses and other expenses, such as vehicle and real estate-related expenses. We do not assign depreciation and amortization expense, merger and integration costs, restructuring charges, stock-based compensation and pension costs to our segments, because these expenses are centrally managed and are not monitored by or reported to the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) by segment. Similarly, certain regulatory fees, cost of products sold to contractors, interconnection costs in consumer markets where we lease the connection to the customer premise and centrally-managed administrative functions, such as accounting and finance, information technology, engineering, network management, legal and human resources, are not assigned to our segments. Interest expense and net (loss) gain on early extinguishment of debt have also been excluded from segment operating results because we manage our financing activities on a total company basis and have not assigned any long-term debt obligations to the segments. Amounts related to our investment in CS&L common stock consisting of dividend income, net gain on disposal and other-than-temporary impairment loss, as well as other income (expense), net, and income tax benefit are not monitored as a part of our segment operations and, therefore, these items also have been excluded from our segment operating results.

Asset information by segment is not monitored or reported to the CODM and therefore has not been presented. All of our customers are located in the United States and we do not have any single customer that provides more than 10 percent of our total consolidated revenues and sales.

The following table summarizes our segment results:
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(Millions)
 
2016

 
2015

 
2016

 
2015

Consumer and Small Business - ILEC:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues and sales
 
$
395.6

 
$
401.8

 
$
1,188.0

 
$
1,207.7

Costs and expenses
 
183.5

 
178.0

 
522.4

 
503.0

Segment income
 
212.1

 
223.8

 
665.6

 
704.7

Wholesale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
 
155.2

 
168.7

 
478.3

 
517.2

Costs and expenses
 
44.3

 
44.8

 
135.0

 
139.2

Segment income
 
110.9

 
123.9

 
343.3

 
378.0

Enterprise:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues and sales
 
511.2

 
527.1

 
1,533.6

 
1,540.3

Costs and expenses
 
428.1

 
463.8

 
1,300.2

 
1,377.5

Segment income
 
83.1

 
63.3

 
233.4

 
162.8

Small Business - CLEC:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
 
118.7

 
139.0

 
372.7

 
427.5

Costs and expenses
 
81.4

 
92.7

 
252.9

 
288.0

Segment income
 
37.3

 
46.3

 
119.8

 
139.5

Total segment revenues and sales
 
1,180.7

 
1,236.6

 
3,572.6

 
3,692.7

Total segment costs and expenses
 
737.3

 
779.3

 
2,210.5

 
2,307.7

Total segment income
 
$
443.4

 
$
457.3

 
$
1,362.1

 
$
1,385.0



32


NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
____


12. Segment Information, Continued:

The following table reconciles total segment revenues and sales to total consolidated revenues and sales:
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(Millions)
 
2016

 
2015

 
2016

 
2015

Total segment revenues and sales
 
$
1,180.7

 
$
1,236.6

 
$
3,572.6

 
$
3,692.7

Regulatory and other operating revenues and sales
 
164.2

 
230.6

 
505.3

 
542.8

Revenue and sales related to disposed businesses
 
—

 
31.4

 
—

 
102.8

Total consolidated revenues and sales
 
$
1,344.9

 
$
1,498.6

 
$
4,077.9

 
$
4,338.3


The following table reconciles segment income to consolidated net loss:
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(Millions)
 
2016

 
2015

 
2016

 
2015

Total segment income
 
$
443.4

 
$
457.3

 
$
1,362.1

 
$
1,385.0

Revenues and sales related to disposed businesses
 
—

 
31.4

 
—

 
102.8

Regulatory and other operating revenues and sales
 
164.2

 
230.6

 
505.3

 
542.8

Depreciation and amortization
 
(321.0
)
 
(350.5
)
 
(934.0
)
 
(1,033.0
)
Other unassigned operating expenses
 
(157.2
)
 
(168.3
)
 
(491.7
)
 
(550.7
)
Operating expenses related to disposed businesses
 
—

 
(22.0
)
 
—

 
(69.2
)
Dividend income on CS&L common stock
 
—

 
17.6

 
17.6

 
30.6

Other income (expense), net
 
0.6

 
(0.2
)
 
(2.5
)
 
7.9

Net (loss) gain on disposal of investment in CS&L
   common stock
 
(2.1
)
 
—

 
15.2

 
—

Net (loss) gain on early extinguishment of debt
 
(20.1
)
 
7.6

 
(18.0
)
 
(35.8
)
Other-than-temporary impairment loss on
   investment in CS&L common stock
 
—

 
—

 
(181.9
)
 
—

Interest expense
 
(216.4
)
 
(230.2
)
 
(653.5
)
 
(588.8
)
Income tax benefit
 
42.4

 
19.5

 
84.8

 
95.3

Net loss
 
$
(66.2
)
 
$
(7.2
)
 
$
(296.6
)
 
$
(113.1
)

13. Supplemental Guarantor Information:

Debentures and notes, without collateral, issued by Windstream Services, LLC
In connection with the issuance of the 7.750 percent senior notes due October 15, 2020, the 7.750 percent senior notes due October 1, 2021, the 7.500 percent senior notes due June 1, 2022, the 7.500 percent senior notes due April 1, 2023 and the 6.375 percent senior notes due August 1, 2023 (“the guaranteed notes”), certain of Windstream Services’ wholly-owned subsidiaries (the “Guarantors”), provide guarantees of those debentures. These guarantees are full and unconditional, subject to certain customary release provisions, as well as joint and several. All personal property assets and related operations of the Guarantors are pledged as collateral on the senior secured credit facility of Windstream Services. Certain Guarantors may be subject to restrictions on their ability to distribute earnings to Windstream Services. The remaining subsidiaries of Windstream Services (the “Non-Guarantors”) are not guarantors of the guaranteed notes. Windstream Holdings is not a guarantor of any Windstream Services debt instruments.

Effective July 1, 2016, the guaranteed notes were amended to include a subsidiary as a Guarantor. Previously, this subsidiary was classified as a Non-Guarantor. As a result, prior period information has been revised to reflect the change in the guarantor reporting structure.


33


NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
____


13. Supplemental Guarantor Information, Continued:

In addition to revising the condensed consolidating financial statements for the change in the guarantor reporting structure, we also made revisions to correct certain errors that were not material to the condensed consolidating balance sheet as of December 31, 2015, which impacted Windstream Services, the Guarantors and Non-Guarantors with applicable offsetting adjustments in the Eliminations column. These revisions had no impact to the condensed consolidating statements of comprehensive income (loss) or cash flows for any period. The effects of the revisions were as follows: For Windstream Services, we reduced investment in consolidated subsidiaries and affiliates payable, net by $118.3 million. For Guarantors, we increased investment in consolidated subsidiaries by $43.0 million, decreased affiliates receivable, net by $166.1 million and increased accumulated deficit by $123.1 million. For Non-Guarantors, we increased investment in consolidated subsidiaries by $0.8 million, increased affiliates receivable, net by $61.1 million and increased retained earnings by $61.9 million. The applicable offsetting effects of these corrections were included in the Eliminations column.

The following information presents condensed consolidating and combined statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, condensed consolidating and combined balance sheets as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, and condensed consolidating and combined statements of cash flows for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 of Windstream Services, the Guarantors and the Non-Guarantors. Investments consist of investments in net assets of subsidiaries held by Windstream Services and other subsidiaries, and have been presented using the equity method of accounting.
 
 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2016
(Millions)
 
Windstream Services
 
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Revenues and sales:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service revenues
 
$
—

 
$
253.6

 
$
1,074.1

 
$
(8.8
)
 
$
1,318.9

Product sales
 
—

 
24.0

 
2.0

 
—

 
26.0

Total revenues and sales
 
—

 
277.6

 
1,076.1

 
(8.8
)
 
1,344.9

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of services
 
—

 
108.2

 
577.6

 
(8.3
)
 
677.5

Cost of products sold
 
—

 
19.0

 
2.5

 
—

 
21.5

Selling, general and administrative
 
—

 
32.1

 
158.2

 
(0.5
)
 
189.8

Depreciation and amortization
 
3.3

 
76.0

 
241.7

 
—

 
321.0

Merger and integration costs
 
—

 
—

 
2.9

 
—

 
2.9

Restructuring charges
 
—

 
—

 
2.5

 
—

 
2.5

Total costs and expenses
 
3.3

 
235.3

 
985.4

 
(8.8
)
 
1,215.2

Operating (loss) income
 
(3.3
)
 
42.3

 
90.7

 
—

 
129.7

Losses from consolidated subsidiaries
 
(15.5
)
 
(26.4
)
 
(6.3
)
 
48.2

 
—

Other (expense) income, net
 
0.5

 
0.3

 
(0.2
)
 
—

 
0.6

Net loss on disposal of investment in CS&L
   common stock
 
(2.1
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(2.1
)
Net loss on early extinguishment of debt
 
(20.1
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(20.1
)
Intercompany interest income (expense)
 
31.7

 
(12.3
)
 
(19.4
)
 
—

 
—

Interest expense
 
(90.1
)
 
(37.7
)
 
(88.6
)
 
—

 
(216.4
)
Loss before income taxes
 
(98.9
)
 
(33.8
)
 
(23.8
)
 
48.2

 
(108.3
)
Income tax benefit
 
(32.9
)
 
(2.8
)
 
(6.6
)
 
—

 
(42.3
)
Net loss
 
$
(66.0
)
 
$
(31.0
)
 
$
(17.2
)
 
$
48.2

 
$
(66.0
)
Comprehensive loss
 
$
(69.3
)
 
$
(31.0
)
 
$
(17.2
)
 
$
48.2

 
$
(69.3
)




34


NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
____


13. Supplemental Guarantor Information, Continued:
 
 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2015
(Millions)
 
Windstream Services
 
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Revenues and sales:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service revenues
 
$
—

 
$
314.7

 
$
1,142.5

 
$
(6.0
)
 
$
1,451.2

Product sales
 
—

 
41.6

 
5.8

 
—

 
47.4

Total revenues and sales
 
—

 
356.3

 
1,148.3

 
(6.0
)
 
1,498.6

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of services
 
—

 
111.7

 
597.6

 
(5.4
)
 
703.9

Cost of products sold
 
—

 
36.6

 
4.9

 
—

 
41.5

Selling, general and administrative
 
—

 
41.0

 
175.1

 
(0.6
)
 
215.5

Depreciation and amortization
 
4.4

 
86.6

 
259.5

 
—

 
350.5

Merger and integration costs
 
—

 
—

 
3.1

 
—

 
3.1

Restructuring charges
 
—

 
1.8

 
3.5

 
—

 
5.3

Total costs and expenses
 
4.4

 
277.7

 
1,043.7

 
(6.0
)
 
1,319.8

Operating (loss) income
 
(4.4
)
 
78.6

 
104.6

 
—

 
178.8

Earnings (losses) from consolidated subsidiaries
 
15.4

 
(138.3
)
 
(5.9
)
 
128.8

 
—

Dividend income on CS&L common stock
 
17.6

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
17.6

Other (expense) income, net
 
(0.4
)
 
0.3

 
(0.1
)
 
—

 
(0.2
)
Net gain on early extinguishment of debt
 
7.6

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
7.6

Intercompany interest income (expense)
 
28.3

 
(9.5
)
 
(18.8
)
 
—

 
—

Interest expense
 
(101.2
)
 
(38.1
)
 
(90.9
)
 
—

 
(230.2
)
Loss before income taxes
 
(37.1
)
 
(107.0
)
 
(11.1
)
 
128.8

 
(26.4
)
Income tax (benefit) expense
 
(30.1
)
 
2.2

 
8.5

 
—

 
(19.4
)
Net loss
 
$
(7.0
)
 
$
(109.2
)
 
$
(19.6
)
 
$
128.8

 
$
(7.0
)
Comprehensive loss
 
$
(223.2
)
 
$
(109.2
)
 
$
(19.6
)
 
$
128.8

 
$
(223.2
)

35


NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
____


13. Supplemental Guarantor Information, Continued:
 
 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited)
 
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2016
(Millions)
 
Windstream Services
 
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Revenues and sales:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service revenues
 
$
—

 
$
763.7

 
$
3,248.2

 
$
(21.1
)
 
$
3,990.8

Product sales
 
—

 
77.6

 
9.5

 
—

 
87.1

Total revenues and sales
 
—

 
841.3

 
3,257.7

 
(21.1
)
 
4,077.9

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of services
 
—

 
309.7

 
1,723.1

 
(19.3
)
 
2,013.5

Cost of products sold
 
—

 
66.5

 
8.1

 
—

 
74.6

Selling, general and administrative
 
—

 
107.6

 
483.6

 
(1.8
)
 
589.4

Depreciation and amortization
 
10.5

 
225.2

 
698.3

 
—

 
934.0

Merger and integration costs
 
—

 
—

 
10.5

 
—

 
10.5

Restructuring charges
 
—

 
1.8

 
11.0

 
—

 
12.8

Total costs and expenses
 
10.5

 
710.8

 
2,934.6

 
(21.1
)
 
3,634.8

Operating (loss) income
 
(10.5
)
 
130.5

 
323.1

 
—

 
443.1

Losses from consolidated subsidiaries
 
(11.2
)
 
(73.4
)
 
(20.4
)
 
105.0

 
—

Dividend income on CS&L common stock
 
17.6

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
17.6

Other expense, net
 
(0.3
)
 
(0.2
)
 
(2.0
)
 
—

 
(2.5
)
Net gain on disposal of investment in CS&L
   common stock
 
15.2

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
15.2

Net loss on early extinguishment of debt
 
(18.0
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(18.0
)
Other-than-temporary impairment loss on
   investment in CS&L common stock
 
(181.9
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(181.9
)
Intercompany interest income (expense)
 
89.3

 
(33.1
)
 
(56.2
)
 
—

 
—

Interest expense
 
(273.5
)
 
(112.3
)
 
(267.7
)
 
—

 
(653.5
)
Loss before income taxes
 
(373.3
)
 
(88.5
)
 
(23.2
)
 
105.0

 
(380.0
)
Income tax benefit
 
(77.6
)
 
(5.8
)
 
(0.9
)
 
—

 
(84.3
)
Net loss
 
$
(295.7
)
 
$
(82.7
)
 
$
(22.3
)
 
$
105.0

 
$
(295.7
)
Comprehensive loss
 
$
(21.6
)
 
$
(82.7
)
 
$
(22.3
)
 
$
105.0

 
$
(21.6
)


36


NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
____


13. Supplemental Guarantor Information, Continued:
 
 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited)
 
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2015
(Millions)
 
Windstream Services
 
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Revenues and sales:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service revenues
 
$
—

 
$
883.6

 
$
3,346.1

 
$
(19.5
)
 
$
4,210.2

Product sales
 
—

 
112.2

 
15.9

 
—

 
128.1

Total revenues and sales
 
—

 
995.8

 
3,362.0

 
(19.5
)
 
4,338.3

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Cost of services
 
—

 
344.8

 
1,741.0

 
(16.7
)
 
2,069.1

Cost of products sold
 
—

 
97.2

 
14.6

 
—

 
111.8

Selling, general and administrative
 
—

 
115.9

 
541.8

 
(2.8
)
 
654.9

Depreciation and amortization
 
13.7

 
255.1

 
764.2

 
—

 
1,033.0

Merger and integration costs
 
—

 
—

 
74.5

 
—

 
74.5

Restructuring charges
 
—

 
4.1

 
11.6

 
—

 
15.7

Total costs and expenses
 
13.7

 
817.1

 
3,147.7

 
(19.5
)
 
3,959.0

Operating (loss) income
 
(13.7
)
 
178.7

 
214.3

 
—

 
379.3

Earnings (losses) from consolidated subsidiaries
 
19.4

 
(192.0
)
 
(5.7
)
 
178.3

 
—

Dividend income on CS&L common stock
 
30.6

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
30.6

Other (expense) income, net
 
(2.9
)
 
0.5

 
10.3

 
—

 
7.9

Net loss on early extinguishment of debt
 
(30.0
)
 
(5.3
)
 
(0.5
)
 
—

 
(35.8
)
Intercompany interest income (expense)
 
92.7

 
(37.8
)
 
(54.9
)
 
—

 
—

Interest expense
 
(343.5
)
 
(84.4
)
 
(160.9
)
 
—

 
(588.8
)
(Loss) income before income taxes
 
(247.4
)
 
(140.3
)
 
2.6

 
178.3

 
(206.8
)
Income tax (benefit) expense
 
(135.3
)
 
9.5

 
31.1

 
—

 
(94.7
)
Net loss
 
$
(112.1
)
 
$
(149.8
)
 
$
(28.5
)
 
$
178.3

 
$
(112.1
)
Comprehensive loss
 
$
(435.9
)
 
$
(149.8
)
 
$
(28.5
)
 
$
178.3

 
$
(435.9
)




37


NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
____


13. Supplemental Guarantor Information, Continued:
 
 
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (Unaudited)
 
 
As of September 30, 2016
(Millions)
 
Windstream Services
 
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
22.0

 
$
1.8

 
$
37.6

 
$
—

 
$
61.4

Accounts receivable, net
 
—

 
199.2

 
450.5

 
—

 
649.7

Notes receivable - affiliate
 
—

 
4.8

 
—

 
(4.8
)
 
—

 Affiliates receivable, net
 
—

 
529.7

 
1,915.5

 
(2,445.2
)
 
—

Inventories
 
—

 
68.4

 
11.9

 
—

 
80.3

Prepaid expenses and other
 
16.8

 
38.0

 
74.8

 
—

 
129.6

Total current assets
 
38.8

 
841.9

 
2,490.3

 
(2,450.0
)
 
921.0

Investments in consolidated subsidiaries
 
6,199.8

 
290.0

 
229.4

 
(6,719.2
)
 
—

Notes receivable - affiliate
 
—

 
311.4

 
—

 
(311.4
)
 
—

Goodwill
 
1,636.7

 
1,364.4

 
1,212.5

 
—

 
4,213.6

Other intangibles, net
 
525.0

 
264.4

 
575.9

 
—

 
1,365.3

Net property, plant and equipment
 
7.3

 
1,225.6

 
4,005.9

 
—

 
5,238.8

Deferred income taxes
 
—

 
317.4

 
236.6

 
(554.0
)
 
—

Other assets
 
12.9

 
16.3

 
55.7

 
—

 
84.9

Total Assets
 
$
8,420.5

 
$
4,631.4

 
$
8,806.3

 
$
(10,034.6
)
 
$
11,823.6

Liabilities and Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current maturities of long-term debt
 
$
13.4

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
13.4

Current portion of long-term lease obligations
 
—

 
48.3

 
116.2

 
—

 
164.5

Accounts payable
 
—

 
105.3

 
222.5

 
—

 
327.8

Affiliates payable, net
 
2,460.1

 
—

 
—

 
(2,445.2
)
 
14.9

Notes payable - affiliate
 
—

 
—

 
4.8

 
(4.8
)
 
—

Advance payments and customer deposits
 
—

 
42.0

 
141.9

 
—

 
183.9

Accrued taxes
 
0.8

 
17.4

 
59.4

 
—

 
77.6

Accrued interest
 
88.6

 
3.5

 
1.0

 
—

 
93.1

Other current liabilities
 
42.8

 
47.1

 
183.3

 
—

 
273.2

Total current liabilities
 
2,605.7

 
263.6

 
729.1

 
(2,450.0
)
 
1,148.4

Long-term debt
 
4,753.1

 
99.6

 
—

 
—

 
4,852.7

Long-term lease obligations
 
—

 
1,418.1

 
3,457.6

 
—

 
4,875.7

Notes payable - affiliate
 
—

 
—

 
311.4

 
(311.4
)
 
—

Deferred income taxes
 
753.7

 
—

 
—

 
(554.0
)
 
199.7

Other liabilities
 
57.7

 
41.5

 
397.6

 
—

 
496.8

Total liabilities
 
8,170.2

 
1,822.8

 
4,895.7

 
(3,315.4
)
 
11,573.3

Commitments and Contingencies (See Note 14)
 


 


 


 


 


Equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock
 
—

 
39.4

 
81.9

 
(121.3
)
 
—

Additional paid-in capital
 
565.8

 
3,150.8

 
825.3

 
(3,976.1
)
 
565.8

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(10.3
)
 
—

 
(0.7
)
 
0.7

 
(10.3
)
(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings
 
(305.2
)
 
(381.6
)
 
3,004.1

 
(2,622.5
)
 
(305.2
)
Total equity
 
250.3

 
2,808.6

 
3,910.6

 
(6,719.2
)
 
250.3

Total Liabilities and Equity
 
$
8,420.5

 
$
4,631.4

 
$
8,806.3

 
$
(10,034.6
)
 
$
11,823.6



38


NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
____


13. Supplemental Guarantor Information, Continued:
 
 
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (Unaudited)
 
 
As of December 31, 2015
(Millions)
 
Windstream Services
 
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
—

 
$
1.1

 
$
33.5

 
$
(3.3
)
 
$
31.3

Accounts receivable, net
 
—

 
219.4

 
424.5

 
—

 
643.9

Notes receivable - affiliate
 
—

 
4.8

 
—

 
(4.8
)
 
—

Affiliates receivable, net
 
—

 
449.4

 
2,486.8

 
(2,936.2
)
 
—

Inventories
 
—

 
69.1

 
10.4

 
—

 
79.5

Prepaid expenses and other
 
321.8

 
32.6

 
64.4

 
(298.2
)
 
120.6

Total current assets
 
321.8

 
776.4

 
3,019.6

 
(3,242.5
)
 
875.3

Investments in consolidated subsidiaries
 
6,214.0

 
363.5

 
256.7

 
(6,834.2
)
 
—

Notes receivable - affiliate
 
—

 
314.1

 
—

 
(314.1
)
 
—

Goodwill
 
1,636.7

 
1,364.4

 
1,212.5

 
—

 
4,213.6

Other intangibles, net
 
554.3

 
282.8

 
667.6

 
—

 
1,504.7

Net property, plant and equipment
 
8.4

 
1,249.7

 
4,021.7

 
—

 
5,279.8

Investment in CS&L common stock
 
549.2

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
549.2

Deferred income taxes
 
—

 
299.4

 
217.1

 
(516.5
)
 
—

Other assets
 
14.2

 
56.3

 
25.0

 
—

 
95.5

Total Assets
 
$
9,298.6

 
$
4,706.6

 
$
9,420.2

 
$
(10,907.3
)
 
$
12,518.1

Liabilities and Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current maturities of long-term debt
 
$
5.9

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
5.9

Current portion of long-term lease obligations
 
—

 
44.4

 
108.3

 
—

 
152.7

Accounts payable
 
—

 
93.2

 
336.9

 
—

 
430.1

Affiliates payable, net
 
2,951.3

 
—

 
—

 
(2,936.2
)
 
15.1

Notes payable - affiliate
 
—

 
—

 
4.8

 
(4.8
)
 
—

Advance payments and customer deposits
 
—

 
27.0

 
166.9

 
—

 
193.9

Accrued taxes
 
0.3

 
11.3

 
370.7

 
(298.2
)
 
84.1

Accrued interest
 
75.3

 
1.9

 
1.2

 
—

 
78.4

Other current liabilities
 
42.6

 
47.8

 
216.5

 
—

 
306.9

Total current liabilities
 
3,075.4

 
225.6

 
1,205.3

 
(3,239.2
)
 
1,267.1

Long-term debt
 
5,065.1

 
99.5

 
—

 
—

 
5,164.6

Long-term lease obligations
 
—

 
1,455.2

 
3,545.2

 
—

 
5,000.4

Notes payable - affiliate
 
—

 
—

 
314.1

 
(314.1
)
 
—

Deferred income taxes
 
803.9

 
—

 
—

 
(516.5
)
 
287.4

Other liabilities
 
47.8

 
25.2

 
419.2

 
—

 
492.2

Total liabilities
 
8,992.2

 
1,805.5

 
5,483.8

 
(4,069.8
)
 
12,211.7

Commitments and Contingencies (See Note 14)
 


 


 


 


 

Equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock
 
—

 
39.4

 
81.9

 
(121.3
)
 
—

Additional paid-in capital
 
600.3

 
3,150.9

 
825.3

 
(3,976.2
)
 
600.3

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
 
(284.4
)
 
—

 
2.8

 
(2.8
)
 
(284.4
)
(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings
 
(9.5
)
 
(289.2
)
 
3,026.4

 
(2,737.2
)
 
(9.5
)
Total equity
 
306.4

 
2,901.1

 
3,936.4

 
(6,837.5
)
 
306.4

Total Liabilities and Equity
 
$
9,298.6

 
$
4,706.6

 
$
9,420.2

 
$
(10,907.3
)
 
$
12,518.1



39


NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
____


13. Supplemental Guarantor Information, Continued:
 
 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
 
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2016
(Millions)
 
Windstream Services
 
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash provided from operating
   activities
 
$
123.7

 
$
297.2

 
$
202.1

 
$
—

 
$
623.0

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additions to property, plant and equipment
 
(0.5
)
 
(132.5
)
 
(620.4
)
 
—

 
(753.4
)
Proceeds from sale of property
 
—

 
1.0

 
5.3

 
—

 
6.3

Other, net
 
(4.0
)
 
—

 
(2.5
)
 
—

 
(6.5
)
Net cash used in investing activities
 
(4.5
)
 
(131.5
)
 
(617.6
)
 
—

 
(753.6
)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Distributions to Windstream Holdings, Inc.
 
(73.9
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(73.9
)
Repayments of debt and swaps
 
(2,919.6
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(2,919.6
)
Proceeds of debt issuance
 
3,340.0

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
3,340.0

Debt issuance costs
 
(12.3
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(12.3
)
Intercompany transactions, net
 
(424.2
)
 
(134.0
)
 
554.9

 
3.3

 
—

Payments under long-term lease obligations
 
—

 
(33.3
)
 
(79.9
)
 
—

 
(113.2
)
Payments under capital lease obligations
 
—

 
(0.4
)
 
(52.7
)
 
—

 
(53.1
)
Other, net
 
(7.2
)
 
2.7

 
(2.7
)
 
—

 
(7.2
)
Net cash (used in) provided from financing
   activities
 
(97.2
)
 
(165.0
)
 
419.6

 
3.3

 
160.7

Increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
22.0

 
0.7

 
4.1

 
3.3

 
30.1

Cash and Cash Equivalents:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning of period
 
—

 
1.1

 
33.5

 
(3.3
)
 
31.3

End of period
 
$
22.0

 
$
1.8

 
$
37.6

 
$
—

 
$
61.4








40


NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
____


13. Supplemental Guarantor Information, Continued:
 
 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
 
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2015
(Millions)
 
Windstream Services
 
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash (used in) provided from
   operating activities
 
$
(46.7
)
 
$
206.2

 
$
597.8

 
$
—

 
$
757.3

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additions to property, plant and equipment
 
(0.8
)
 
(122.9
)
 
(620.7
)
 
—

 
(744.4
)
Grant funds received for broadband
   stimulus projects
 
23.5

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
23.5

Network expansion funded by Connect America
   Fund - Phase I
 
—

 
(16.5
)
 
(50.9
)
 
—

 
(67.4
)
Change in restricted cash
 
6.7

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
6.7

Other, net
 
(4.1
)
 
0.1

 
12.9

 
—

 
8.9

Net cash provided from (used in)
   investing activities
 
25.3

 
(139.3
)
 
(658.7
)
 
—

 
(772.7
)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Distributions to Windstream Holdings, Inc.
 
(375.1
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(375.1
)
Payment received from CS&L in spin-off
 
1,035.0

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
1,035.0

Repayments of debt and swaps
 
(1,646.7
)
 
(450.0
)
 
(1.9
)
 
—

 
(2,098.6
)
Proceeds of debt issuance
 
1,620.0

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
1,620.0

Debt issuance costs
 
(4.3
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(4.3
)
Intercompany transactions, net
 
(550.0
)
 
394.0

 
130.0

 
26.0

 
—

Payments under long-term lease obligations
 
—

 
(11.3
)
 
(48.0
)
 
—

 
(59.3
)
Payments under capital lease obligations
 
—

 
(4.2
)
 
(20.5
)
 
—

 
(24.7
)
Other, net
 
(8.2
)
 
2.7

 
(2.7
)
 
—

 
(8.2
)
Net cash provided from (used in)
   financing activities
 
70.7

 
(68.8
)
 
56.9

 
26.0

 
84.8

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
49.3

 
(1.9
)
 
(4.0
)
 
26.0

 
69.4

Cash and Cash Equivalents:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning of period
 
—

 
3.8

 
50.0

 
(26.0
)
 
27.8

End of period
 
$
49.3

 
$
1.9

 
$
46.0

 
$
—

 
$
97.2



41


NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
____


14. Commitments and Contingencies:
 
On February 9, 2015, a putative stockholder filed a Shareholder Class Action Complaint in the Delaware Court of Chancery (the “Court”), captioned Doppelt v. Windstream Holdings, Inc., et al., C.A. No. 10629-VCN, against the Company and its Board of Directors.  This complaint was accompanied by a motion for a preliminary injunction seeking to enjoin the spin-off. The Court, ruling from the bench on February 19, 2015 - the day before a special meeting of stockholders was scheduled to vote on a reverse stock split and amended governing documents (the “Proposals”) - denied plaintiff’s motion for a preliminary injunction, reasoning that much of the information sought by plaintiff had been disclosed in public filings available on the United States Securities and Exchange Commission’s website, the Windstream Holdings’ board of directors was in no way conflicted, and while approval of the Proposals would facilitate the spin-off, approval was not necessary to effect the spin-off. On March 16, 2015, plaintiff, joined by a second putative Windstream stockholder, filed an Amended Shareholder Class Action Complaint alleging breaches of fiduciary duty by the Company and its Board concerning Windstream’s disclosures and seeking to rescind the spin-off and unspecified monetary damages. On February 5, 2016, the Court granted in part and denied in part defendants’ motion to dismiss the amended complaint. The Court dismissed Windstream, and plaintiffs’ demand to rescind the spin-off, but otherwise denied the motion. 

In addition, numerous copyright holders represented by RightsCorp, Inc. (“RightsCorp”) have asserted that our customers have utilized our services to allegedly illegally download and share alleged copyrighted material via peer-to-peer or “filesharing” programs. These holders maintain that Windstream is responsible for alleged infringement because after notification, Windstream did not shut off service to customers alleged to be repeat infringers, and, further, that Windstream may not claim safe harbor pursuant to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998. On June 27, 2016, Windstream filed a complaint for declaratory judgment in the United States District Court - Southern District of New York against RightsCorp and BMG Rights Management (US) LLC, a client of RightsCorp, seeking a declaration that it is not liable under applicable laws for any alleged copyright infringement and that the defendants are not entitled to any alleged damages from Windstream for alleged copyright infringement.

We believe that we have valid defenses to the claims asserted in the lawsuit and the claims asserted by RightsCorp and its client that are the subject matter of Windstream’s declaratory action, and we plan to vigorously defend the claims being pursued against us in both matters. While the ultimate resolution of the matters is not currently predictable, if there are adverse rulings against Windstream in either of these two matters, either ruling could constitute a material adverse outcome on the future consolidated results of our income, cash flows, or financial condition.
We are party to various legal proceedings and the ultimate resolution of these legal proceedings cannot be determined at this time. However, based on current circumstances, management does not believe such proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the future consolidated results of our income, cash flows or financial condition.
Finally, management is currently not aware of any environmental matters, individually or in the aggregate, that would have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of our operations.
 
15. Subsequent Events:

During October 2016, Windstream Services settled $138.5 million of its pension benefit obligations by irrevocably transferring the retiree pension liabilities to an insurance company through the purchase of group annuity contracts. The purchase of the annuity contracts was funded with pension plan assets and resulted in a pretax settlement gain of $0.9 million. In connection with the settlement, Windstream Services is required to re-measure its pension benefit obligations as of the settlement date. In accordance with our accounting policy, we immediately recognize as net periodic benefit expense any actuarial gains or losses arising due to changes in actuarial assumptions at year-end or whenever an interim re-measurement is required. As a result, Windstream Services will recognize a pretax actuarial loss of $68.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2016. The actuarial loss primarily resulted from a reduction in the discount rate used to measure the pension benefit obligations from 4.55 percent at January 1, 2016 to 3.80 percent as of the settlement date.

42


NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
____


15. Subsequent Events, Continued:

On November 5, 2016, Windstream Holdings entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “'Merger Agreement”') with EarthLink Holdings Corp (“EarthLink”'), Europa Merger Sub, Inc. (“Merger Sub 1”) and Europa Merger Sub, LLC (“Merger Sub 2”). Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub 1 will merge with and into EarthLink with EarthLink surviving as an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Windstream (the “Initial Merger”) and, immediately following the effective time of the Initial Merger, EarthLink will merge with and into Merger Sub 2, with Merger Sub 2 surviving as an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Windstream (the “'Merger”'). EarthLink provides data, voice and managed network services to retail and wholesale business customers and nationwide Internet access and related value-added services to residential customers. Upon completion of the Merger, Windstream will add more than 700,000 customers and approximately 16,000 incremental route fiber miles. In the Merger, each share of EarthLink common stock will be exchanged for .818 shares of Windstream Holdings common stock. In the aggregate, Windstream Holdings will issue approximately 93 million shares of its common stock. Windstream will also assume approximately $436 million of EarthLink’s long-term debt, which Windstream expects to refinance. The transaction is valued at approximately $1.1 billion.

Consummation of the Merger is subject to certain conditions, including the approval of the Merger by the stockholders of both Windstream Holdings and EarthLink and the receipt of regulatory approvals, including, without limitation, the approval of the FCC and the expiration of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended. The transaction is expected to close during the first half of 2017.




43


Table of Contents


WINDSTREAM HOLDINGS, INC.
WINDSTREAM SERVICES, LLC
FORM 10-Q
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

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

Unless the context indicates otherwise, the terms “Windstream,” “we,” “us” or “our” refer to Windstream Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including Windstream Services, LLC, and the term “Windstream Services” refers to Windstream Services, LLC and its subsidiaries.

The following sections provide an overview of our results of operations and highlight key trends and uncertainties in our business. Certain statements constitute forward-looking statements. See “Forward-Looking Statements” at the end of this discussion for additional factors relating to such statements, and see “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 25, 2016, for a discussion of certain risk factors applicable to our business, financial condition and results of operations.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
 
Windstream Holdings, Inc. (“Windstream Holdings”) is a publicly traded holding company and the parent of Windstream Services, LLC (“Windstream Services”). Windstream Holdings common stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (“NASDAQ”) under the ticker symbol “WIN”. Windstream Holdings owns a 100 percent interest in Windstream Services. Windstream Services and its guarantor subsidiaries are the sole obligors of all outstanding debt obligations and, as a result, also file periodic reports with the SEC. Windstream Holdings is not a guarantor of nor subject to the restrictive covenants included in any of Windstream Services’ debt agreements. The Windstream Holdings board of directors and officers oversee both companies.

There are no significant differences between the consolidated results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows of Windstream Holdings and those of Windstream Services other than for certain expenses directly incurred by Windstream Holdings principally consisting of audit, legal and board of director fees, NASDAQ listing fees, other shareholder-related costs, income taxes, common stock activity, and payables from Windstream Services to Windstream Holdings. For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016, the amount of pretax expenses directly incurred by Windstream Holdings were approximately $0.3 million and $1.4 million, respectively, compared to $0.3 million and $1.6 million for the same periods in 2015. On an after-tax basis, expenses incurred directly by Windstream Holdings were approximately $0.2 million and $0.9 million for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 compared to $0.2 million and $1.0 million in 2015. Unless otherwise indicated, the following discussion of our business strategy, trends and results of operations pertain to both Windstream Holdings and Windstream Services.

OVERVIEW

We are a leading provider of advanced network communications and technology solutions for consumers, businesses, enterprise organizations and wholesale customers across the United States. We provide data, cloud solutions, unified communications and managed services to small business and enterprise clients. We also offer bundled services, including broadband, security solutions, voice and digital television to consumers. We supply core transport solutions on a local and long-haul fiber network spanning approximately 129,000 miles, the sixth largest fiber network in the nation.

Our vision is to provide a best-in-class customer experience through a world-class network. Our “network first” strategy entails leveraging our existing infrastructure and investing in the latest technologies to create significant value for both our customers and our shareholders. Our business unit organizational structure is focused on our four core customer groups: Consumer and Small Business - ILEC, Wholesale, Enterprise, and Small Business - CLEC, as further defined below. During the third quarter of 2016, we changed the name of our Carrier segment to Wholesale to better reflect our customer base and the products and services we are selling in the marketplace. Historically, we were solely focused on serving telecom companies based in the United States, but over the past year, we have expanded our focus to sell our products and services to non-traditional telecom companies, including content providers, data center operators and international carriers requiring voice and data transport services in the United States. This organizational structure aligns all aspects of the customer relationship (sales, service delivery, and customer service) to improve accountability to the customer and sharpen our operational focus.


44



We differentiate our business customers between enterprise and small business primarily based on the monthly recurring revenue generated from the customer with enterprise customers comprising those relationships that generate $1,500 or more in monthly recurring revenue and small business customers comprising those relationships that generate less than $1,500 per month. Our small business customer base is further disaggregated between those customers located in service areas in which we are the incumbent local exchange carrier (“ILEC”) and provide services over network facilities operated by us and those customers located in service areas in which we are a competitive local exchange carrier (“CLEC”) and provide services over network facilities primarily leased from other carriers. Under our organizational structure, we combined our Consumer and Small Business - ILEC operations due to similarities between these customers with respect to service offerings, marketing strategies and customer service delivery, as both of these businesses are focused on broadband revenue growth driven by our continued investment in our broadband network.

We have a focused operational strategy for each business segment with the overall objective to improve our consolidated operational and financial results and reach our goal of stabilizing and growing adjusted OIBDA, which is defined as operating income plus depreciation and amortization, adjusted to exclude the impact of restructuring charges, pension expense and share-based compensation.

Our operational strategy for each of our business segments are as follows:
firstslide102516001.jpg
See “Segment Operating Results” for further discussion of our business segments.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Our operational focus for 2016 is on enhancing our high-speed capabilities, increasing the profitability of our enterprise business, expanding our fiber network, and effectively managing our costs. During the third quarter of 2016, we achieved the following related to these initiatives:

•
Grew our Enterprise contribution margin by approximately $20 million, or 31 percent, compared to the same period in 2015. Maintained stable contribution margins in our other businesses through targeted price increases and strong expense management.

•
Continued to invest in our network to advance our broadband network capabilities, to expand our fiber network and to enhance our fixed-wireless capabilities.

•
Improved our debt maturity profile through the completion of the following transactions:
◦
redeemed the remaining $369.5 million of unsecured notes due in 2017;
◦
utilizing available borrowings under our revolving line of credit, repurchased in the open market $165.7 million million of long-term debt, reducing our total debt outstanding by approximately $15.0 million; and
◦
refinanced our Tranche B6 term loan reducing future cash interest.

•
Returned value to our shareholders through the payment of our quarterly dividend.

45



During the nine month period ended September 30, 2016, we achieved the following:

•
Grew our Enterprise contribution margin by approximately $71 million, or 43 percent, compared to the same period in 2015, while maintaining stable contribution margins in our other businesses.

•
Consolidated operating income increased by approximately $64 million or 17 percent.

•
Continued our commitment to invest in innovative technologies that address our customers’ current and future needs by launching 1-Gigabit Internet service in four market areas including Lincoln, Nebraska; Lexington, Kentucky; Sugar Land, Texas and several areas surrounding Charlotte, North Carolina. We also launched Kinetic, our next-generation television service, in Sugar Land, Texas.

•
Completed two debt-for-equity exchanges in which we transferred all of our shares of Communications Sales & Leasing, Inc. (“CS&L”) common stock to our bank creditors in exchange for the retirement of $672.0 million of aggregate borrowings outstanding under the revolving line of credit and to satisfy transaction-related expenses. We also completed various open market purchases, cash tender offers and redemptions of long-term debt funded from proceeds from a new Tranche B6 term loan and available borrowings under our revolving line of credit. Through the combination of these activities, we reduced our total debt outstanding by approximately $304 million.

•
Completed a $75.0 million share repurchase program, which resulted in the retirement of approximately 12.6 million of our common shares.

Our consolidated operating results for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 were favorably impacted by revenue growth in consumer high-speed Internet and enterprise data and integrated services, primarily due to continued migration of customers to higher speeds and increased demand, respectively. Additionally, reductions in interconnect expense, enterprise salaries and other benefits, and depreciation and amortization expense positively contributed to both the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016. Operating results for the nine month period of 2016 also includes a net gain on the disposal of our investment in CS&L common stock and discrete income tax benefits associated with the disposition of this investment. Conversely, the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 were adversely impacted by reductions in small business, wholesale, and switched access revenues due to customer losses from business closures and competition, declining demand for copper-based circuits to towers and the adverse effects of inter-carrier compensation reform, respectively. In addition, operating results for the three month period of 2016 reflected a reduction in Connect America Fund (“CAF”) Phase II and frozen Universal Service Fund (“USF”) support of $48.8 million primarily due to the absence of a one-time cumulative CAF Phase II payment of $72.8 million received in the third quarter of 2015, which was retroactive to January 1, 2015. Operating results for the nine month period of 2016 also reflected additional interest expense of $152.9 million attributable to our long-term lease obligation under the master lease with CS&L. Year-over-year comparisons of revenues and expenses also reflect the disposal of certain businesses completed in 2015, as further discussed below.

As further discussed in Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements, on November 5, 2016, Windstream Holdings entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with EarthLink Holdings Corp (“EarthLink”') to merge in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $1.1 billion. EarthLink provides data, voice and managed network services to retail and wholesale business customers and nationwide Internet access and related value-added services to residential customers. Upon completion of the merger, Windstream will add more than 700,000 customers and approximately 16,000 incremental route fiber miles. In the merger, each share of EarthLink common stock will be exchanged for .818 shares of Windstream Holdings common stock. In the aggregate, Windstream Holdings will issue approximately 93 million shares of its common stock. Windstream will also assume approximately $436 million of EarthLink’s long-term debt, which Windstream expects to refinance. Consummation of the merger is subject to certain conditions, including the approval of the merger by the stockholders of both Windstream Holdings and EarthLink and the receipt of all required regulatory approvals. The transaction is expected to close during the first half of 2017.


46



CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table reflects the consolidated operating results of Windstream Holdings as of:
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
Increase (Decrease)
(Millions)
 
2016

 
2015

 
Amount

 
%

 
2016

 
2015

 
Amount

 
%

Revenues and sales:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service revenues
 
$
1,318.9

 
$
1,451.2

 
$
(132.3
)
 
(9
)
 
$
3,990.8

 
$
4,210.2

 
$
(219.4
)
 
(5
)
Product sales
 
26.0

 
47.4

 
(21.4
)
 
(45
)
 
87.1

 
128.1

 
(41.0
)
 
(32
)
Total revenues and sales
 
1,344.9

 
1,498.6

 
(153.7
)
 
(10
)
 
4,077.9

 
4,338.3

 
(260.4
)
 
(6
)
Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of services (a)
 
677.5

 
703.9

 
(26.4
)
 
(4
)
 
2,013.5

 
2,069.1

 
(55.6
)
 
(3
)
Cost of products sold
 
21.5

 
41.5

 
(20.0
)
 
(48
)
 
74.6

 
111.8

 
(37.2
)
 
(33
)
Selling, general and
   administrative
 
190.1

 
215.8

 
(25.7
)
 
(12
)
 
590.8

 
656.5

 
(65.7
)
 
(10
)
Depreciation and amortization
 
321.0

 
350.5

 
(29.5
)
 
(8
)
 
934.0

 
1,033.0

 
(99.0
)
 
(10
)
Merger and integration costs
 
2.9

 
3.1

 
(0.2
)
 
(6
)
 
10.5

 
74.5

 
(64.0
)
 
(86
)
Restructuring charges
 
2.5

 
5.3

 
(2.8
)
 
(53
)
 
12.8

 
15.7

 
(2.9
)
 
(18
)
Total costs and expenses
 
1,215.5

 
1,320.1

 
(104.6
)
 
(8
)
 
3,636.2

 
3,960.6

 
(324.4
)
 
(8
)
Operating income
 
129.4

 
178.5

 
(49.1
)
 
(28
)
 
441.7

 
377.7

 
64.0

 
17

Dividend income on CS&L
   common stock
 
—

 
17.6

 
(17.6
)
 
(100
)
 
17.6

 
30.6

 
(13.0
)
 
(42
)
Other income (expense), net
 
0.6

 
(0.2
)
 
0.8

 
*

 
(2.5
)
 
7.9

 
(10.4
)
 
(132
)
Net (loss) gain on disposal of
   investment in CS&L common
   stock (b)
 
(2.1
)
 
—

 
(2.1
)
 
*

 
15.2

 
—

 
15.2

 
*

Net (loss) gain on early
   extinguishment of debt
 
(20.1
)
 
7.6

 
(27.7
)
 
*

 
(18.0
)
 
(35.8
)
 
17.8

 
(50
)
Other-than-temporary impairment
   loss on investment in CS&L
   common stock (c)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
*

 
(181.9
)
 
—

 
(181.9
)
 
*

Interest expense
 
(216.4
)
 
(230.2
)
 
13.8

 
(6
)
 
(653.5
)
 
(588.8
)
 
(64.7
)
 
11

Loss before income taxes
 
(108.6
)
 
(26.7
)
 
(81.9
)
 
*

 
(381.4
)
 
(208.4
)
 
(173.0
)
 
83

Income tax benefit
 
(42.4
)
 
(19.5
)
 
(22.9
)
 
117

 
(84.8
)
 
(95.3
)
 
10.5

 
(11
)
Net loss
 
$
(66.2
)
 
$
(7.2
)
 
$
(59.0
)
 
*

 
$
(296.6
)
 
$
(113.1
)
 
$
(183.5
)
 
*

* Not meaningful

(a)
Excludes depreciation and amortization included below.

(b)
See Note 9 for further discussion related to the net gain realized on the disposal of investment in CS&L common stock.

(c)
See Note 8 for further discussion of this impairment loss.

A detailed discussion and analysis of our consolidated operating results is presented below.


47



Service Revenues

The following table presents the primary drivers of the changes in service revenues compared to the same periods a year ago:
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2016
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2016
 
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
Increase (Decrease)
(Millions)
 
Amount

 
%

 
Amount

 
%

Changes in Enterprise revenues (a)
 
$
(0.7
)
 
 
 
$
28.1

 
 
Decreases in Consumer and Small Business - ILEC revenues (b)
 
(5.9
)
 
 
 
(18.3
)
 
 
Decreases in Wholesale revenues (c)
 
(13.5
)
 
 
 
(38.9
)
 
 
Decreases in Small Business - CLEC revenues (d)
 
(20.3
)
 
 
 
(54.8
)
 
 
Net decreases in segment service revenues
 
(40.4
)
 
 
 
(83.9
)
 
 
Decreases in regulatory and other revenues (e)
 
(60.5
)
 
 
 
(32.7
)
 
 
Decreases attributable to disposed businesses (f)
 
(31.4
)
 
 
 
(102.8
)
 
 
Net decreases in service revenues
 
$
(132.3
)
 
(9
)
 
$
(219.4
)
 
(5
)

(a)
The increase in the nine month period of 2016 primarily resulted from continued demand for advanced data services, partially offset by decreases in traditional voice and long-distance revenues due to lower usage and the effects of competition.

(b)
Decreases were primarily from reductions in both Consumer and Small Business - ILEC voice-only revenues attributable to lower usage and a decline in customers due to the impacts of competition, partially offset by the effects of targeted price increases.

(c)
Decreases were primarily due to declining demand for dedicated copper-based circuits, as carriers continue to migrate traffic to fiber-based connections.

(d)
Decreases were primarily due to a decline in the number of customers served as a result of business closures and competition.

(e)
Regulatory revenues include switched access revenues, federal and state USF revenues, CAF Phase II support, and funds received from the access recovery mechanism (“ARM”). Switched access revenues include usage sensitive revenues from long-distance companies and other carriers for access to our network in connection with the completion of long-distance calls, as well as reciprocal compensation received from wireless and other local connecting carriers for the use of our network facilities. USF revenues are government subsidies designed to partially offset the cost of providing wireline services in high-cost areas. CAF Phase II funding is administered by the FCC for the purpose of expanding and supporting broadband service in rural areas and effectively replaces frozen USF support in those states in which we elected to receive the CAF Phase II funding. The ARM is additional federal universal service support available to help mitigate revenue losses from inter-carrier compensation reform not covered by the access recovery charge (“ARC”). See Regulatory Matters for further discussion.

Other service revenues include USF surcharge revenues, revenues from other miscellaneous services, wholesale reseller revenues generated from the master services agreement with CS&L, and consumer revenues generated in markets where we lease the connection to the customer premise.

The decrease in regulatory and other revenues during the three month period ended September 30, 2016 was primarily due to a reduction in CAF Phase II and frozen USF support of $48.8 million when compared to the same period a year ago. The reduction reflects the absence of a one-time cumulative CAF Phase II payment of $72.8 million received in the third quarter of 2015, which was retroactive to January 1, 2015. Decreases in ARM support of $3.9 million and switched access revenues of $6.6 million also contributed to the decrease in regulatory and other revenues during the three month period ended September 30, 2016. Comparatively, CAF Phase II support increased $52.6 million in the nine month period of 2016 compared to the same period a year ago. This increase was offset by declines in frozen USF support of $54.5 million, ARM support of $11.0 million and switched access revenues of $22.0 million during the nine month period ended September 30, 2016. The decreases in switched access revenues and ARM support in both the three and nine month periods of 2016 were primarily due to the impacts of inter-carrier compensation reform.  

48



(f)
Represents revenues attributable to the data center and directory publishing businesses sold in December and April of 2015, respectively, as well as the consumer CLEC business transferred to CS&L in connection with the spin-off completed on April 24, 2015.

See “Segment Operating Results” for a further discussion of changes in Enterprise, Consumer and Small Business - ILEC, Wholesale, and Small Business - CLEC revenues.

Product Sales

Product sales consist of sales of various types of communications equipment to our customers. We also sell network equipment to contractors on a wholesale basis. Enterprise product sales includes high-end data and communications equipment which facilitate the delivery of advanced data and voice services to our enterprise customers. Consumer product sales include high-speed Internet modems, home networking equipment, computers and phones. Sales of high-speed Internet modems to consumers have declined as a result of our implementation of a modem rental program.
 
The following table presents the primary drivers of the changes in product sales compared to the same periods a year ago:
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2016
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2016
 
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
Increase (Decrease)
(Millions)
 
Amount

 
%

 
Amount

 
%

Decreases in consumer product sales
 
$
(0.4
)
 
 
 
$
(1.4
)
 
 
Decreases in contractor sales
 
(5.8
)
 
 
 
(4.8
)
 
 
Decreases in enterprise product sales (a)
 
(15.2
)
 
 
 
(34.8
)
 
 
Net decreases in product sales
 
$
(21.4
)
 
(45
)
 
$
(41.0
)
 
(32
)

(a)
Decreases for both periods in 2016 were primarily due to our efforts to improve profitability by streamlining our product offerings and shifting our focus to high-value solutions for our customers designed to produce higher margins and recurring revenue streams.

Cost of Services

Cost of services expense primarily consists of charges incurred for network operations, interconnection, bad debt and business taxes. Network operations charges include salaries and wages, materials, contractor costs, IT support and costs to lease certain network facilities. Interconnection consists of charges incurred to access the public switched network and transport traffic to the Internet, including charges paid to other carriers for access points where we do not own the primary network infrastructure. Other expenses consist of third-party costs for ancillary voice and data services, business and financial services, bad debt and business taxes.

The following table presents the primary drivers of the changes in cost of services compared to the same periods a year ago:
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2016
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2016
 
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
Increase (Decrease)
(Millions)
 
Amount

 
%

 
Amount

 
%

Increases in network operations (a)
 
$
4.8

 
 
 
$
12.3

 
 
Increases in postretirement and pension (b)
 
3.9

 
 
 
18.2

 
 
Increases in other expenses
 
2.0

 
 
 
2.9

 
 
Increases in federal USF expense (c)
 
0.3

 
 
 
5.3

 
 
Decreases in medical insurance (d)
 
(3.9
)
 
 
 
(16.7
)
 
 
Decreases in interconnection expense (e)
 
(15.5
)
 
 
 
(21.4
)
 
 
Decreases attributable to disposed businesses
 
(18.0
)
 
 
 
(56.2
)
 
 
Net decreases in cost of services
 
$
(26.4
)
 
(4
)
 
$
(55.6
)
 
(3
)
 

49



(a)
The increases in network operations were primarily due to contract labor and overtime costs incurred to deploy and support premium high-speed Internet service to our customers.

(b)
The increases in postretirement and pension expense primarily resulted from differences in the amount of curtailment gains recognized during the first nine months of 2015 and the first quarter of 2016 related to the elimination of medical and prescription subsidies for certain active employees. The curtailment gains reduced cost of services by $2.4 million and $13.1 million in the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 compared to a reduction of $4.5 million during the nine month period ended September 30, 2016. In addition, we also recognized a net actuarial loss of $2.4 million in the first nine months of 2016 compared to a net actuarial gain of $2.8 million recognized during the same period of 2015, primarily due to changes in estimated and actual mortality rates. See Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding our pension and postretirement benefit plans.

(c)
Increases in federal USF contributions were driven by an increase in the USF contribution factor for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016, compared to the same periods a year ago.

(d)
Decreases in medical insurance were primarily due to a reduction in healthcare benefit costs driven primarily by fewer employees and plan design changes.

(e)
Decreases in interconnection expense were primarily attributable to rate reductions and costs improvements from the continuation of network efficiency projects, declining growth in customers, and lower long distance usage, partially offset by increased purchases of circuits due to the growth in data customers as well as higher capacity circuits to service existing customers and increase the transport capacity of our network.

Cost of Products Sold

Cost of products sold represents the cost of equipment sales to customers. The changes in cost of products sold were generally consistent with the changes in product sales.

The following table presents the primary drivers of the changes in cost of products sold compared to the same periods a year ago:
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2016
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2016
 
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
Increase (Decrease)
(Millions)
 
Amount

 
%

 
Amount

 
%

Decreases in product sales to consumers
 
$
(1.7
)
 
 
 
$
(3.6
)
 
 
Decreases in sales to contractors
 
(5.8
)
 
 
 
(4.8
)
 
 
Decreases in product sales to enterprise customers
 
(12.5
)
 
 
 
(28.8
)
 
 
Net decreases in cost of products sold
 
$
(20.0
)
 
(48
)
 
$
(37.2
)
 
(33
)


50



Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”)

SG&A expenses result from sales and marketing efforts, advertising, IT support, costs associated with corporate and other support functions and professional fees. These expenses include salaries, wages and employee benefits not directly associated with the provisioning of services to our customers.

The following table presents the primary drivers of the changes in SG&A expenses compared to the same periods a year ago:
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2016
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2016
 
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
Increase (Decrease)
(Millions)
 
Amount

 
%

 
Amount

 
%

Increases in postretirement and pension (a)
 
$
1.1

 
 
 
$
4.8

 
 
Decreases in sales and marketing expenses
 
(3.5
)
 
 
 
(8.4
)
 
 
Decreases attributable to disposed businesses
 
(4.1
)
 
 
 
(13.2
)
 
 
Decreases in salaries and other benefits (b)
 
(7.2
)
 
 
 
(19.2
)
 
 
Decreases in other costs
 
(12.0
)
 
 
 
(29.7
)
 
 
Net decreases in SG&A
 
$
(25.7
)
 
(12
)
 
$
(65.7
)
 
(10
)
 
(a)
The increases in postretirement and pension expense primarily resulted from differences in the amount of curtailment gains recognized during the first nine months of 2015 and the first quarter of 2016 related to the elimination of medical and prescription subsidies for certain active employees. The curtailment gains reduced SG&A by $0.6 million and $3.4 million in the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 compared to a reduction of $1.0 million during the nine month period ended September 30, 2016. In addition, we also recognized a net actuarial loss of $2.4 million in the first nine months of 2016 compared to a net actuarial gain of $2.8 million recognized during the same period of 2015, primarily due to changes in estimated and actual mortality rates. See Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding our pension and postretirement benefit plans.
(b)
Decreases were primarily due to reduced headcount in our Enterprise segment to increase operating efficiency and restructure our sales and customer service workforce to improve the overall customer experience.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense

Depreciation and amortization expense includes the depreciation of property, plant and equipment and the amortization of intangible assets. The following table presents the primary drivers of the changes in depreciation and amortization expense compared to the same periods a year ago:
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2016
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2016
 
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
Increase (Decrease)
(Millions)
 
Amount

 
%

 
Amount

 
%

Decreases in amortization expense (a)
 
$
(6.4
)
 
 
 
$
(20.6
)
 
 
Decreases attributable to disposed businesses
 
(10.5
)
 
 
 
(34.1
)
 
 
Decreases in depreciation expense (b)
 
(12.6
)
 
 
 
(44.3
)
 
 
Net decreases in depreciation and amortization expense
 
$
(29.5
)
 
(8
)
 
$
(99.0
)
 
(10
)
 
(a)
Decreases in amortization expense reflected the use of the sum-of-the-years-digits method for customer lists. The effect of using an accelerated amortization method results in an incremental decline in expense each period as the intangible assets amortize.

(b)
Decreases in depreciation expense were primarily due to the effects of fully depreciating at the end of 2015 a large number of assets acquired in conjunction with acquisitions we completed during late 2010 and 2011.

51



Merger, Integration and Restructuring Costs

We incur costs to complete a merger or acquisition and integrate its operations into our business, which are presented as merger and integration expense in our consolidated results of operations. These costs include transaction costs, such as accounting, legal and broker fees; severance and related costs; IT and network conversion; rebranding; and consulting fees. We also incurred investment banking fees, legal, accounting and other consulting fees related to the spin-off of certain network and real estate assets into an independent, publicly traded real estate investment trust (“REIT”) completed on April 24, 2015. During the fourth quarter of 2015, we began a network optimization project designed to consolidate traffic onto network facilities operated by us and reduce the usage of other carriers’ networks, including service areas acquired in the acquisition of PAETEC Holding, Corp. (“PAETEC”). In undertaking this initiative, which we expect to complete during 2016, we incurred costs to migrate traffic to lower cost circuits and to terminate existing contracts prior to their expiration. Costs related to the network optimization project and the REIT spin-off primarily account for the merger and integration costs incurred for the periods presented.

Restructuring charges are primarily incurred as a result of evaluations of our operating structure. Among other things, these evaluations explore opportunities to provide greater flexibility in managing and financing existing and future strategic operations, for task automation and the balancing of our workforce based on the current needs of our customers. Severance, lease exit costs and other related charges are included in restructuring charges.

During the first nine months of 2016, restructuring charges primarily consisted of severance and other employee-related costs totaling $11.3 million related to the completion of several small workforce reductions. Restructuring charges in the first nine months of 2015 principally consisted of $10.8 million of severance and other employee-related costs incurred in connection with completing several small workforce reductions and $3.1 million related to a special shareholder meeting held on February 20, 2015 to approve a one-for-six reverse stock split of Windstream Holdings’ common stock and the conversion of Windstream Corporation to Windstream Services.

Set forth below is a summary of merger, integration and restructuring costs:
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(Millions)
 
2016

 
2015

 
2016

 
2015

Merger and integration costs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Information technology conversion costs (a)
 
$
—

 
$
1.3

 
$
—

 
$
7.4

Costs related to REIT spin-off
 
—

 
0.2

 
—

 
65.2

Network optimization and conversion costs
 
2.9

 
—

 
9.5

 
—

Consulting and other costs
 
—

 
1.6

 
1.0

 
1.9

Total merger and integration costs
 
2.9

 
3.1

 
10.5

 
74.5

Restructuring charges
 
2.5

 
5.3

 
12.8

 
15.7

Total merger, integration and restructuring costs
 
$
5.4

 
$
8.4

 
$
23.3

 
$
90.2

 

(a)
Information technology conversion costs incurred primarily consisted of redundant IT platform integrations designed to improve processes and drive efficiencies.

Summary of Liability Activity Related to Both Merger and Integration Costs and Restructuring Charges

As of September 30, 2016, we had unpaid merger, integration and restructuring liabilities totaling $5.2 million, which consisted of $3.2 million associated with restructuring initiatives and $2.0 million related to merger and integration activities, which are included in other current liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Payments of these liabilities will be funded through operating cash flows (see Note 7).


52



Operating Income

Operating income decreased $49.1 million, or 28 percent, during the three month period ended September 30, 2016 primarily due to the reduction in CAF Phase II and frozen USF support of $48.8 million attributable to the absence of a one-time cumulative CAF Phase II payment of $72.8 million received in the third quarter of 2015, which was retroactive to January 1, 2015. Comparatively, operating income increased $64.0 million, or 17 percent, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2016 primarily due to an increase in consumer high-speed Internet and enterprise data and integrated services revenues, lower interconnect costs and depreciation and amortization expense, and reductions in enterprise salaries and other benefits due to our efforts in streamlining processes and improving operating efficiencies. These increases were partially offset by reductions in small business, wholesale and switched access revenues due to customer losses from business closures and competition, declining demand for copper-based circuits to towers and the adverse effects of inter-carrier compensation reform, respectively.

Net (Loss) Gain on Early Extinguishment of Debt

During the first nine months of 2016, Windstream Services retired $1,370.9 million of long-term debt using proceeds from the issuance of a new $750.0 million secured term loan and available borrowings under its revolving line of credit. The retirements consisted of 7.875 percent senior unsecured notes due November 1, 2017, (the “2017 Notes”); 7.750 percent senior unsecured notes due October 1, 2021, (the “2021 Notes”); 7.500 percent senior unsecured notes due June 1, 2022, (the “2022 Notes”); 7.500 senior unsecured notes due April 1, 2023 and 6.375 percent senior unsecured notes due August 1, 2023, (collectively the “2023 Notes”). The retirements were accounted for under the extinguishment method of accounting, and as a result, Windstream Services recognized a net loss from the extinguishment of these debt obligations.

Comparatively, in the first nine months of 2015, Windstream Services completed a debt-for-debt exchange retiring $1.7 billion aggregate principal amount of borrowings outstanding under Tranches A3, A4 and B4 of its senior credit facility and $752.2 million aggregate principal amount of borrowings outstanding under its revolving line of credit. Windstream Services also repaid the remaining $241.8 million aggregate principal amount of borrowings under Tranche B4. In addition, Windstream Services repaid $850.0 million of notes consisting of $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of 8.125 percent senior unsecured notes due September 1, 2018 (the “2018 Notes”) and $450.0 million of aggregate principal amount of 9.875 percent notes due 2018 issued by a subsidiary, (the “PAETEC 2018 Notes”). The repayments were funded using a portion of the cash payment received from CS&L in conjunction with the spin-off. The debt-for-debt exchange and repayments were accounted for under the extinguishment method of accounting and, as a result, Windstream Services recognized a loss due to the extinguishment of the aforementioned debt obligations.

The net (loss) gain on early extinguishment of debt was as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(Millions)
 
2016

 
2015

 
2016

 
2015

Loss on early extinguishment of senior
   secured credit facility
 
$
(3.1
)
 
$
—

 
$
(3.1
)
 
$
(15.9
)
Loss on early extinguishment of 2017 Notes
 
(29.6
)
 
(9.3
)
 
(78.3
)
 
(9.3
)
Loss on early extinguishment of 2018 Notes
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(21.7
)
Gain on early extinguishment from partial
   repurchase of 2021, 2022 and 2023 Notes
 
12.6

 
16.9

 
63.4

 
16.9

Loss on early extinguishment of PAETEC
   2018 Notes
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(5.3
)
Loss on early extinguishment of Cinergy
   Communication Company Notes
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(0.5
)
Total (loss) gain on early extinguishment of debt
 
$
(20.1
)
 
$
7.6

 
$
(18.0
)
 
$
(35.8
)


53



Interest Expense

Set forth below is a summary of interest expense:
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(Millions)
 
2016

 
2015

 
2016

 
2015

Senior secured credit facility, Tranche A
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
5.4

Senior secured credit facility, Tranche B
 
21.9

 
5.8

 
43.4

 
32.0

Senior secured credit facility, revolving line of
   credit
 
3.5

 
4.7

 
13.4

 
15.4

Senior unsecured notes
 
62.5

 
86.0

 
208.8

 
273.5

Notes issued by subsidiaries
 
1.7

 
1.7

 
5.1

 
20.7

Interest expense - long-term lease obligations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Telecommunications network assets
 
124.8

 
128.2

 
377.1

 
224.2

   Real estate contributed to pension plan
 
1.5

 
1.7

 
4.6

 
5.1

Impacts of interest rate swaps
 
2.2

 
4.7

 
7.9

 
17.2

Interest on capital leases and other
 
—

 
0.6

 
1.6

 
2.0

Less capitalized interest expense
 
(1.7
)
 
(3.2
)
 
(8.4
)
 
(6.7
)
Total interest expense
 
$
216.4

 
$
230.2

 
$
653.5

 
$
588.8


Interest expense decreased $13.8 million, or 6 percent, for the three month period ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015, primarily attributable to the reduction in the aggregate principal amount due for the 2017 Notes, partially offset by the issuance of a new Tranche B6 term loan. Conversely, interest expense increased $64.7 million, or 11 percent, for the nine month period ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015. The increase was primarily due to the additional interest associated with the long-term lease obligation under the master lease with CS&L. The increase was partially offset by reduced interest costs due to the retirement of the 2017 Notes and the partial repurchases of the 2021 Notes, 2022 Notes, and 2023 Notes pursuant to the debt repurchase program authorized by Windstream Services’ board of directors.

Income Taxes

During the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016, we recognized income tax benefits of $42.4 million and $84.8 million, respectively, as compared to income tax benefits of $19.5 million and $95.3 million for the same periods in 2015. The income tax benefits recorded in the three and nine month periods of 2016 reflected the loss before taxes in each period. The income tax benefit recorded in the nine month period of 2016 was offset by net discrete tax expense of $62.6 million recognized in the first and second quarters of 2016 related to our investment in CS&L common stock. Comparatively, the income tax benefit recorded for the three month period of 2015 reflected the loss before taxes and additional discrete income tax benefits of $7.3 million, net of reserves, for deductible transaction costs related to the REIT spin-off completed during the second quarter of 2015. The income tax benefit recorded for the nine month period of 2015 also reflected the loss before taxes and additional discrete income tax benefits of $22.4 million to adjust our deferred taxes for the effects of the reorganization of certain of our subsidiaries, including Windstream Services, to limited liability companies completed during the first quarter of 2015. These benefits were partially offset by discrete tax expense totaling $9.4 million, including reserves, for non-deductible transaction costs associated with the REIT spin-off. Our effective tax rate was 39.0 percent and 22.2 percent for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016, respectively, as compared to 73.0 percent and 45.7 percent in the same periods in 2015. The effective rates for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015 were impacted by the discrete items discussed above.

For 2016, our annualized effective income tax rate is expected to range between 38.0 percent and 39.0 percent, excluding one-time discrete items. Changes in our relative profitability, as well as recent and proposed changes to federal and state tax laws may cause the rate to change from historical rates. In determining our quarterly provision for income taxes, we use an estimated annual effective tax rate, which is based on our expected annual income, statutory rates and tax planning opportunities. Significant or unusual items are separately recognized in the quarter in which they occur.


54



SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS

Our business unit organizational structure is focused on our core customer relationships, and as a result, we operate and report the following four customer-based segments:

Consumer and Small Business - ILEC - We manage as one business our residential and small business operations in those markets in which we are the ILEC due to the similarities with respect to service offerings, marketing strategies and customer service delivery. Products and services offered to these customers include traditional local and long-distance voice services and high-speed Internet services, which are delivered primarily over network facilities operated by us. We offer consumer video services primarily through a relationship with Dish Network LLC and we also own and operate cable television franchises in some of our service areas. We have launched Kinetic, a complete video entertainment offering in our Lincoln, Nebraska, Lexington, Kentucky and Sugar Land, Texas markets. Residential customers can bundle voice, high-speed Internet and video services, to provide one convenient billing solution and receive bundle discounts. Small Business - ILEC services offer a wide range of advanced Internet, voice, and web conferencing products. These services are equipped to deliver high-speed Internet with competitive speeds, value added services to enhance business productivity and options to bundle services for a global business solution to meet our small business customer needs.

Wholesale - Our wholesale operations are focused on providing products and services to other communications services providers.  Our service offerings leverage Windstream’s extensive fiber network to provide wave transport services, carrier Ethernet services, fiber-to-tower connections to support backhaul services to wireless carriers, and high speed Internet access. We also offer traditional services including special access services and Time Division Multiplexing (“TDM”) private line transport. The combination of these services allow wholesale customers to provide voice and data services to their customers through the use of our network or in combination with their own networks.
 
Enterprise - Our enterprise operations consist of our business customer relationships that generate $1,500 or more in revenue per month. Products and services offered to these customers include integrated voice and data services, which deliver voice and broadband services over a single Internet connection, multi-site networking services which provide a fast and private connection between business locations, as well as a variety of other data services, including cloud computing and collocation and managed services as an alternative to traditional information technology infrastructure.

Small Business - CLEC - These operations consist of our business customer relationships that generate less than $1,500 in revenue per month and are located in service areas in which we are a CLEC and provide services over network facilities primarily leased from other carriers. Products and services provided to our Small Business - CLEC customers include integrated voice and data services, advanced data and traditional voice and long-distance services as well as value added services including online backup, managed web design and web hosting, and various e-mail services.
a2016063010_chart-00722a01.jpga2016063010_chart-02024a01.jpg

55



Our segment operating results presented below are based on how we assess operating performance and internally report financial information. We evaluate performance of the segments based on segment income, which is computed as segment revenues and sales less segment operating expenses. Segment revenues are based upon each customer’s classification to an individual segment and include all services provided to that customer. Certain operating revenues are derived from activities that are centrally-managed by us and, accordingly, these revenues are not included in the operating results of segments. These other operating revenues include revenue from federal and state universal service funds, CAF Phase II support, and funds received from federal access recovery mechanisms. We also generate other service revenues from providing switched access services, which include usage-based revenues from long-distance companies and other carriers for access to our network to complete long-distance calls, as well as reciprocal compensation received from wireless and other local connecting carriers for the use of network facilities. Other operating revenues also include certain surcharges assessed to our customers, including billings for our required contributions to federal and state USF programs, product sales to contractors and consumer revenues generated in markets where we lease the connection to the customer premise. Revenues attributable to the sold data center and directory publishing businesses, as well as the consumer CLEC business transferred to CS&L are not assigned to the segments and are also included in other service revenues for all periods prior to the dates of disposal.

Segment expenses include specific expenses incurred as a direct result of providing services and products to segment customers; selling, general and administrative expenses that are directly associated with specific segment customers or activities; and certain allocated expenses which include network expenses, facilities expenses and other expenses, such as vehicle and real estate-related expenses. We do not assign depreciation and amortization expense, merger and integration costs, restructuring charges, stock-based compensation and pension costs to our segments, because these expenses are centrally managed and are not monitored by or reported to the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) by segment. Similarly, certain regulatory fees, cost of products sold to contractors, interconnection costs in consumer markets where we lease the connection to the customer premise and centrally-managed administrative functions, such as accounting and finance, information technology, engineering, network management, legal and human resources, are not assigned to our segments. Interest expense and net (loss) gain on early extinguishment of debt have also been excluded from segment operating results because we manage our financing activities on a total company basis and have not assigned any long-term debt obligations to the segments. Amounts related to our investment in CS&L common stock consisting of dividend income, net (loss) gain on disposal and other-than-temporary impairment loss, as well as other income (expense), net, and income tax benefit are not monitored as a part of our segment operations and, therefore, these items also have been excluded from our segment operating results.

See Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements for a reconciliation of total segment revenues and sales to consolidated revenues and sales and segment income to consolidated net loss.

CONSUMER AND SMALL BUSINESS - ILEC SEGMENT

As of September 30, 2016, the Consumer and Small Business - ILEC segment includes approximately 1.5 million residential and small business customers. This segment generated $1,188.0 million in revenue and $665.6 million in segment income, or contribution margin, during the first nine months of 2016.
 
Strategy

Within Consumer and Small Business - ILEC, we are focused on expanding and enhancing our broadband capabilities to generate solid and sustainable cash flows.

We expect to grow revenue by continuing to increase broadband speeds and capacity throughout our territories. Project Excel, which began in late 2015, accelerates our plans to upgrade and modernize our broadband network by year-end 2016. This program upgrades our fiber-fed infrastructure with Very high-bit-rate Digital Subscriber Line Generation 2 (“VDSL2”) electronics to enable faster broadband speeds and enhances our backhaul capabilities to address future capacity demands and improve network reliability. Upon completion of Project Excel, 25 megabits per second (“Mbps”) speeds will be available to 54 percent of our broadband footprint and 50 Mbps speeds to 30 percent; which are very competitive offerings in our rural markets. These network upgrades will provide a great customer experience and, we believe will drive higher revenue per customer per month and allow us to increase market share.
consumer7001a01.jpg
 
 


56



During the first nine months of 2016, we increased Internet availability across all speed tiers and can now offer premium Internet speeds of 50 Mbps and higher to approximately 24 percent of our footprint. In addition, in 2016 we launched 1-Gigabit Internet service in four market areas to deliver faster speeds to more of our customer base. CAF funding will also support and expand our broadband capabilities to an additional 470,000 locations.

We expect increases in real-time streaming video and traditional Internet usage to drive demand for faster broadband speeds and generate increased revenues as customers upgrade their services. We also sell value-added Internet services, such as security and online back-up, to leverage our broadband capabilities.

Consumer and Small Business - ILEC Segment Results of Operations

The following table reflects the Consumer and Small Business - ILEC segment results of operations:
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
Increase (Decrease)
(Millions)
 
2016

 
2015

 
Amount

 
%

 
2016

 
2015

 
Amount

 
%

Revenues and sales:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
High-speed Internet bundles (a)
 
$
263.2

 
$
259.9

 
$
3.3

 
1

 
$
785.8

 
$
774.4

 
$
11.4

 
1

Voice-only (b)
 
37.0

 
41.8

 
(4.8
)
 
(11
)
 
113.9

 
128.9

 
(15.0
)
 
(12
)
Video and miscellaneous
 
11.4

 
12.3

 
(0.9
)
 
(7
)
 
34.4

 
36.7

 
(2.3
)
 
(6
)
Total consumer
 
311.6

 
314.0

 
(2.4
)
 
(1
)
 
934.1

 
940.0

 
(5.9
)
 
(1
)
Small business - ILEC (c)
 
83.7

 
87.2

 
(3.5
)
 
(4
)
 
253.0

 
265.4

 
(12.4
)
 
(5
)
Total service revenues
 
395.3

 
401.2

 
(5.9
)
 
(1
)
 
1,187.1

 
1,205.4

 
(18.3
)
 
(2
)
Product sales
 
0.3

 
0.6

 
(0.3
)
 
(50
)
 
0.9

 
2.3

 
(1.4
)
 
(61
)
Total revenues and sales
 
395.6

 
401.8

 
(6.2
)
 
(2
)
 
1,188.0

 
1,207.7

 
(19.7
)
 
(2
)
Costs and expenses (d)
 
183.5

 
178.0

 
5.5

 
3

 
522.4

 
503.0

 
19.4

 
4

Segment income
 
$
212.1

 
$
223.8

 
$
(11.7
)
 
(5
)
 
$
665.6

 
$
704.7

 
$
(39.1
)
 
(6
)

(a)
Increases in high-speed Internet bundle revenues were primarily due to the continued migration of customers to higher speeds, targeted price increases, and implementation of a modem rental program during 2015, partially offset by declines in high-speed Internet customers. Demand for faster broadband speeds are expected to favorably impact consumer high-speed Internet revenues, offsetting some of the decline in consumer voice revenues.

(b)
Decreases in voice-only revenues were primarily attributable to the decline in households served due to the impacts of competition, partially offset by the effects of targeted price increases.

(c)
Decreases were primarily attributable to lower usage for voice and long-distance services and the decline in customers due to the impacts of competition.

(d)
The increases for both 2016 periods were primarily due to incremental engineering, contract labor and overtime costs incurred to deploy and support premium high-speed Internet service to our customers. In addition, costs and expenses for the nine month period ended September 30, 2016 include incremental expenses to meet the FCC’s deadline of March 31, 2016 for broadband deployment to two-thirds of our required locations under CAF Phase I - Round 2.


57



The following table reflects the Consumer and Small Business - ILEC segment operating metrics:
 
 
 
 
 

September 30,
 
Increase (Decrease)
(Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2016

 
2015

 
Amount

 
%

Consumer Operating Metrics:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Households served (a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,378.5

 
1,471.0

 
(92.5
)
 
(6
)
High-speed Internet customers (b)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,063.0

 
1,109.6

 
(46.6
)
 
(4
)
Digital television customers (c)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
329.3

 
366.0

 
(36.7
)
 
(10
)
Small Business - ILEC customers (d)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
138.5

 
148.6

 
(10.1
)
 
(7
)

(a)
The decrease in the number of consumer households served was primarily attributable to the effects of competition from wireless carriers, cable companies and other providers using emerging technologies. For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016, consumer households served decreased by 25,300 and 67,300, respectively, compared to decreases of 23,200 and 57,700 for the same periods in 2015.

(b)
The decrease in consumer high-speed Internet customers was primarily due to the effects of competition from other service providers and increased penetration in the marketplace, as the number of households without high-speed Internet service continues to shrink. As of September 30, 2016, we provided high-speed Internet service to approximately 77 percent of our primary residential lines in service and approximately 77 percent of our total voice lines had high-speed Internet competition, primarily from cable service providers. For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016, consumer high-speed Internet customers decreased by 12,800 and 32,100, respectively, compared to decreases of 11,200 and 22,000 for the same periods in 2015.

(c)
For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016, digital television customers decreased by 12,700 and 30,000, respectively, compared to decreases of 6,500 and 19,300 for the same periods in 2015, primarily due to competition from other service providers.

(d)
The decrease in small business customers was primarily due to business closures and competition from cable companies. For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016, small business customers decreased by 2,500 and 8,300, respectively, compared to decreases of 3,000 and 11,600 for the same periods in 2015.

We expect the number of consumer households, consumer high-speed Internet customers, digital television subscribers and small business customers in our ILEC footprint to continue to be impacted by the effects of competition.

WHOLESALE SEGMENT

The Wholesale segment leverages our nationwide network to provide 100 Gbps bandwidth and transport services to wholesale customers, including telecom companies, content providers, and cable and other network operators. The Wholesale business unit produced $478.3 million in revenue and $343.3 million in contribution margin for the first nine months of 2016.
 
Strategy

Our Wholesale strategy is focused on expanding our network in strategic, high-traffic locations to drive new sales opportunities through the connection of our long-haul network to carrier hotels, international landing stations and data centers. We currently operate the sixth largest fiber network in the nation with approximately 129,000 route miles of fiber. Our fiber network links common interconnection points in tier one locations to our tier two and three markets, enabling our customers to reach their end users through unique and diverse routes. We have made significant investments in our network adding route miles and new access points. With further expansion of our fiber transport network through capital investment, we will enhance our ability to provide high bandwidth connectivity. We have also expanded our sales team to target high growth areas including content, international and cable television providers.
finalpicsgreenupdatedsli001.jpg
 
 

58



We believe that we are well positioned to stabilize our Wholesale business through investment in our network, offering advanced products and solutions, targeting our core customers and controlling costs through our disciplined approach to capital and expense management.

Wholesale Segment Results of Operations

The following table reflects the Wholesale segment results of operations:
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
Increase (Decrease)
(Millions)
 
2016

 
2015

 
Amount

 
%

 
2016

 
2015

 
Amount

 
%

Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Core wholesale (a) (c)
 
$
126.5

 
$
132.9

 
$
(6.4
)
 
(5
)
 
$
386.9

 
$
406.7

 
$
(19.8
)
 
(5
)
Resale (b)
 
18.3

 
20.5

 
(2.2
)
 
(11
)
 
56.9

 
60.6

 
(3.7
)
 
(6
)
Total core wholesale and
   resale
 
144.8

 
153.4

 
(8.6
)
 
(6
)
 
443.8

 
467.3

 
(23.5
)
 
(5
)
Wireless TDM (c)
 
10.4

 
15.3

 
(4.9
)
 
(32
)
 
34.5

 
49.9

 
(15.4
)
 
(31
)
Total revenues
 
155.2

 
168.7

 
(13.5
)
 
(8
)
 
478.3

 
517.2

 
(38.9
)
 
(8
)
Costs and expenses (d)
 
44.3

 
44.8

 
(0.5
)
 
(1
)
 
135.0

 
139.2

 
(4.2
)
 
(3
)
Segment income
 
$
110.9

 
$
123.9

 
$
(13.0
)
 
(10
)
 
$
343.3

 
$
378.0

 
$
(34.7
)
 
(9
)

(a)
Core wholesale revenues primarily include revenues from providing special access circuits, fiber connections, data transport and wireless backhaul services.

(b)
Revenues represent voice and data services sold to other communications services providers on a resale basis.

(c)
The decreases in these revenues were attributable to declines in special access charges for dedicated copper-based circuits as carriers migrate to fiber-based networks. We expect these revenues to be adversely impacted as carriers continue to migrate traffic to fiber-based connections.

(d)
The decreases were primarily related to lower interconnection expense due to reductions in voice and long-distance usage by our wholesale customers.

ENTERPRISE SEGMENT

Our Enterprise segment provides advanced communications services to enterprise customers. During the first nine months of 2016, the Enterprise segment generated $1,533.6 million in revenue and $233.4 million in contribution margin.
 
Strategy

The strategy for our Enterprise business is to increase contribution margin by growing profitability, reducing costs and improving the customer experience. As one of the country’s largest network providers, our nationwide presence and broad portfolio of customized solutions provide enterprise customers with a unique service model. We target enterprise customers generating between $5,000 to $100,000 in monthly revenue. This competitive differentiation combined with an agile sales and service model has enabled us to increase market share.

We believe we can drive meaningful improvements in our Enterprise margins by focusing on profitable growth, increasing sales on our own network facilities to reduce third party network access costs and improving of efficiency with system and process enhancements. We made progress on this goal in 2016 by increasing margins from 10 percent in the first quarter of 2015 to 16 percent in the third quarter of 2016 and we expect to further expand contribution margins to 20 percent over the next 3 years.
enterprisesli001a01.jpg
 
 
 
 
 


59



To grow profitability, we are focused on selling the right products to the right customers by principally targeting mid-size customers, simplifying product offerings and managing profit margins at a customer account level. We expect to improve operating efficiencies and enhance the customer experience by further integrating our internal processes in sales, service delivery, customer care and repair. In addition, we continue to follow an aggressive expense management and capital efficient strategy to drive reductions in network access costs, create on-network sales opportunities and improve our competitiveness in the market place.

Enterprise Service Revenues

The following table reflects the Enterprise segment results of operations:
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
Increase (Decrease)
(Millions)
 
2016

 
2015

 
Amount

 
%

 
2016

 
2015

 
Amount

 
%

Revenues and sales:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Voice and long distance (a)
 
$
141.3

 
$
151.6

 
$
(10.3
)
 
(7
)
 
$
434.5

 
$
453.5

 
$
(19.0
)
 
(4
)
Data and integrated services (b)
 
326.6

 
317.5

 
9.1

 
3

 
963.9

 
919.3

 
44.6

 
5

Miscellaneous
 
27.1

 
26.6

 
0.5

 
2

 
79.3

 
76.8

 
2.5

 
3

Total service revenues
 
495.0

 
495.7

 
(0.7
)
 
—

 
1,477.7

 
1,449.6

 
28.1

 
2

Product sales (c)
 
16.2

 
31.4

 
(15.2
)
 
(48
)
 
55.9

 
90.7

 
(34.8
)
 
(38
)
Total revenues and sales
 
511.2

 
527.1

 
(15.9
)
 
(3
)
 
1,533.6

 
1,540.3

 
(6.7
)
 
—

Costs and expenses (d)
 
428.1

 
463.8

 
(35.7
)
 
(8
)
 
1,300.2

 
1,377.5

 
(77.3
)
 
(6
)
Segment income
 
$
83.1

 
$
63.3

 
$
19.8

 
31

 
$
233.4

 
$
162.8

 
$
70.6

 
43


(a)
Decreases in traditional voice and long-distance service revenues were primarily attributable to lower long-distance usage, adverse effects of competition and the migration of existing customers to integrated services and bundled offerings.

(b)
Increases in data and integrated services revenues were primarily due to continued demand for advanced data services and customer migration to our integrated voice and data services.

(c)
Decreases for both periods in 2016 were primarily due to our efforts to improve profitability by streamlining our product offerings and shifting our focus to high-value solutions for our customers designed to produce higher margins and recurring revenue streams.

(d)
Decreases were primarily related to reductions in headcount to increase operating efficiency and restructure our sales and customer service workforce to improve the overall customer experience.

The following table reflects the Enterprise segment operating metrics:
 
 
 
 
 
 

September 30,
 
Increase (Decrease)
(Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2016

 
2015

 
Amount

 
%
Enterprise customers
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
26.6

 
26.2

 
0.4

 
2

Enterprise customers represent those customer relationships that generate $1,500 or more in revenue per month. Our enterprise customer base has remained relatively unchanged during 2016. For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016, Enterprise customers changed by (200) and 300, respectively, compared to changes of 200 and (100) for the same periods in 2015.


60



SMALL BUSINESS - CLEC SEGMENT
 
Our Small Business - CLEC segment consists of small business customers residing outside of our ILEC footprint. During the first nine months of 2016, this segment generated revenue of $372.7 million and contribution margin of $119.8 million.

Our Small Business - CLEC strategy is focused on retaining our most profitable customers, selling incremental services and locations to existing customers, targeting new sales in select markets, and managing customer-level profit margins to moderate revenue and contribution margin declines and maximize profitability. Operational efficiency and a highly disciplined sales and support model are cornerstones of our Small Business - CLEC strategy that should enable us to maximize cash flows generated from this business.

Products and services provided to our Small Business - CLEC customers include integrated voice and data services, advanced data and traditional voice and long-distance services. We also offer on-line back-up, remote IT, managed web design, web hosting and various email services to small business customers in our CLEC footprint.
smbcleca02.jpg
 
 
 
 
 

Similar to our Small Business - ILEC operations, we experience competition from cable television companies and other communications services providers in areas served by our Small Business - CLEC segment.

Small Business - CLEC Service Revenues

The following table reflects the Small Business - CLEC segment results of operations:
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
Increase (Decrease)
(Millions)
 
2016

 
2015

 
Amount

 
%

 
2016

 
2015

 
Amount

 
%

Service revenues (a)
 
$
118.7

 
$
139.0

 
$
(20.3
)
 
(15
)
 
$
372.7

 
$
427.5

 
$
(54.8
)
 
(13
)
Cost and expenses (b)
 
81.4

 
92.7

 
(11.3
)
 
(12
)
 
252.9

 
288.0

 
(35.1
)
 
(12
)
Segment income
 
$
37.3

 
$
46.3

 
$
(9.0
)
 
(19
)
 
$
119.8

 
$
139.5

 
$
(19.7
)
 
(14
)

(a)
The decreases were primarily due to the decline in customers discussed below. For 2016, we are focused on customer retention and selling incremental services to existing customers to enhance profitable revenue opportunities.

(b)
The decreases were primarily due to reductions in voice services and network access costs directly related to the decline in customers.

The following table reflects the Small Business - CLEC segment operating metrics:
 
 
 
 
 
 

September 30,
 
Increase (Decrease)
(Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2016

 
2015

 
Amount

 
%

Small Business - CLEC Customers
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
76.7

 
95.2

 
(18.5
)
 
(19
)

The decreases in small business customers were primarily due to business closures and competition from cable companies. For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016, small business customers decreased by 4,500 and 14,500, respectively, compared to decreases of 4,100 and 12,300 for the same periods in 2015.


61



Regulatory Matters

We are subject to regulatory oversight by the FCC for particular interstate matters and state public utility commissions (“PUCs”) for certain intrastate matters. We are also subject to various federal and state statutes that direct such regulations. We actively monitor and participate in proceedings at the FCC and PUCs and engage federal and state legislatures on matters of importance to us.

From time to time federal and state legislation is introduced dealing with various matters that could affect our business. Most proposed legislation of this type never becomes law. Accordingly, it is difficult to predict what kind of legislation, if any, may be introduced and ultimately become law.

Federal Regulation and Legislation

Inter-carrier Compensation and USF Reform

In November 2011, the FCC released an order (“the Order”) that established a framework for reform of the inter-carrier compensation system and the federal USF. The Order included two primary provisions:

•
the elimination of terminating switched access rates and other per-minute terminating charges between service providers by 2018, through annual reductions in the rates, mitigated in some cases by two recovery mechanisms; and

•
the provision of USF support for voice and broadband services.

In reforming the USF, the Order established the CAF, which included a short-term (“CAF Phase I”) and a longer-term (“CAF Phase II”) framework. CAF Phase I provides for continued legacy USF funding frozen at 2011 levels as well as the opportunity for incremental broadband funding to a number of unserved and underserved locations. In Round 2 of CAF Phase 1 incremental support, we were authorized to receive an additional $86.7 million in support for upgrades and new deployments of broadband service. Of the total amount of $86.7 million made available to us, we received $60.7 million in December 2013 and the remaining $26.0 million in the first quarter of 2014. Pursuant to commitments we made while the FCC was considering the rules for Round 2, we will match, on at least a dollar-for-dollar basis, the total amount of Round 2 funding received. In July 2016, we reported to the FCC our compliance with its March 2016 deadline for broadband deployment to two-thirds of our required locations for Round 2. In July 2017, we will report to the FCC on our compliance with the March 2017 deadline for broadband deployment to 100 percent of our Round 2 locations and we expect to meet our match commitment for the program. The portion of capital expenditures funded by us are included in our capital expenditure totals for each period presented in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flow.

In August 2015, Windstream accepted CAF Phase II support offers for 17 of its 18 states where it is an incumbent provider, totaling $175.0 million in annual funding compared to our previous annual funding of approximately $100.0 million. Support was retroactive to the beginning of 2015 and will continue for six additional years. Windstream will be obligated to offer broadband service at 10/1 Mbps or better to approximately 400,000 eligible locations in high-cost areas in those 17 states. Windstream declined the statewide offer in just one state, New Mexico, where Windstream’s projected cost to comply with FCC deployment requirements greatly exceeded the funding offer. We will still be eligible to participate in a competitive bidding process for CAF Phase II support in New Mexico, along with other interested eligible competitors; however, the rules for the competitive bidding process are still under consideration by the FCC, and have not yet been finalized. We will continue to receive annual USF funding in New Mexico frozen at 2011 levels until the implementation of CAF Phase II competitive bidding is complete.

As a result, we expect to receive CAF Phase II and frozen USF support as follows:
(Millions)
2016

2017

2018

2019 and Thereafter

Total

CAF Phase II support
$
174.9

$
174.9

$
174.9

$
524.7

$
1,049.4

Transitional Frozen USF support
12.6

7.7

2.8

—

23.1

New Mexico Frozen USF support
4.6

2.3

—

—

6.9

Total
$
192.1

$
184.9

$
177.7

$
524.7

$
1,079.4



62



The above payouts include transitional support through mid-2018 in the six states in which the CAF Phase II support allocated to and elected by us is less than the amount we received in legacy USF high-cost support. These amounts also assume that we will deploy to 100 percent of the required locations in each state. On December 31, 2015, we elected the flexibility to deploy to at least 95 percent but less than 100 percent in five of the states in which we accepted CAF Phase II support. We will be able to decide how much, if any, of the flexibility we use.  If we avail ourselves of all of the flexibility, however, we would have to return a total of approximately $50.0 million by 2021. We expect the incremental CAF Phase II receipts to be sufficient to cover the program’s capital obligations and to provide significant opportunities for Windstream to enhance broadband services in our more rural markets.

As part of the Order’s reform of inter-carrier compensation, the FCC established two recovery mechanisms that mitigate the revenue reductions resulting from the reduction and ultimate elimination of terminating access rates. First, the FCC established the ARC, a fee which may be assessed to some of our retail customers. Second, the ARM is a form of additional federal universal service support designed to allow carriers to recover some of the revenue reductions that cannot be recovered through assessment of the ARC. Carriers are required to use ARM support to build and operate broadband networks in areas substantially unserved by an unsubsidized competitor offering fixed voice and broadband service. Our ARM support is expected to decrease incrementally from $36.4 million in 2015 to an estimated $15.6 million in 2017, with a portion of the decrease offset by future increases in ARC revenues. Absent a change by the FCC to its current rules, the ARM will phase out annually in one-third increments, beginning in July 2017, and will be eliminated completely as of July 2019.

Set forth below is a summary of inter-carrier compensation revenue and federal USF and CAF Phase II support included in regulatory revenues within the consolidated statements of operations:
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(Millions)
 
2016

 
2015

 
2016

 
2015

Inter-carrier compensation revenue
 
$
28.7

 
$
39.3

 
$
99.9

 
$
132.9

Federal universal service and CAF Phase II
   support
 
$
49.0

 
$
97.8

 
$
146.0

 
$
147.9


IntraMTA Switched Access Litigation

Several of our companies are defendants in approximately 25 lawsuits filed by Verizon and Sprint long-distance companies alleging that our companies may not bill them switched access charges for calls between wireline and wireless devices that originate and terminate within the same Major Trading Area. The complaints seek historical relief in the form of refunds and prospective relief concerning future billings. There are approximately 50 other such lawsuits against hundreds of defendants. All of the suits were consolidated in a single federal district court in Texas, which dismissed Verizon and Sprint’s federal law claims on November 17, 2015. In March 2016, the plaintiffs were denied permission to appeal the dismissal, which permission was required given certain procedural issues. Verizon and Sprint’s state law claims, and the defendants’ counterclaims for return of all withholdings (including those involving Windstream), are continuing in federal district court, along with a number of new lawsuits recently filed (but not involving Windstream). Rulings on several pending motions related to the new lawsuits could influence the direction of all of the suits. A July 2016 scheduling order from the federal district court requires the parties to meet and confer in the fourth quarter of 2016 on the amounts in dispute, and also establishes prescribed filing dates for pre-trial matters through the first quarter of 2017. On September 19, 2016, fifty-five Windstream subsidiaries jointly filed a new lawsuit against Sprint in Kansas federal district court to collect late payment assessments on amounts Sprint previously withheld, and to ensure consistent application of any adjudication among the subsidiaries. That case was transferred to the consolidated court by an October 10, 2016 order.  Additionally, the subject matter of the suits remains a topic of a pending petition for declaratory ruling before the FCC. The outcome of the disputes is currently not predictable, given the uncertainty concerning the ultimate venue of the disputes and the amount of traffic being disputed.


63



Last-Mile Access

Windstream is actively engaged in policy advocacy in various FCC proceedings that address the rates, terms and conditions for access to the “last mile” facilities we need to serve retail business data service (i.e., special access) customers through our competitive companies. In 2015, we incurred approximately $1.4 billion in interconnection expense and most of that was attributable to last-mile access. For the vast majority of our customers, last mile facilities, the wires (“loops”) to a customer location from a central office, are not economic for Windstream to duplicate through its own investment and are not available from providers other than the incumbent carrier. Therefore, we often lease those connections from incumbent carriers as one of two distinct product types: either unbundled network elements (“UNEs”), which by law are not available in all areas but are subject to strict regulatory standards, or business data service inputs, widely available from incumbents but subject to more flexible regulatory standards. Windstream’s purchase of business data service inputs may be subject to volume and term commitments and associated fees and penalties; without further FCC action, Windstream may be subject to significant penalties for failure to meet the TDM-specific commitments found in incumbent special access pricing plans. FCC proceedings addressing business data services include a comprehensive review of business data service rules, begun in 2012 with an FCC order finding that the rules the FCC has had in place since 1999 were not working as intended. Another has been an FCC Wireline Competition Bureau investigation, commenced in October 2015, into whether the volume and term commitments and associated fees and penalties contained in specified incumbent special access pricing plans are anti-competitive, comport with applicable law or impede the forthcoming technology transition. While this investigation now is largely closed, the FCC’s consideration of appropriate regulation of rates, terms, and conditions is on-going, and we are not able to predict what the ultimate impact will be of the FCC’s determinations on these issues.
State Regulation and Legislation

We recognize revenue from the receipt of state universal service funding in a limited number of states in which we operate. For the three and nine month periods ended, 2016, we recognized $26.5 million and $74.9 million, respectively, in state USF revenue, which included approximately $12.9 million and $39.3 million, respectively, from the Texas USF. These payments are intended to provide support, apart from the federal USF receipts, for the high cost of operating in certain rural markets.

There are two high-cost programs of the Texas USF, one for large companies and another for small companies. In the nine month period ended September 30, 2016, we received $34.5 million from the large company program and $4.8 million from the small company program. The purpose of the Texas USF is to assist telecommunications carriers with providing basic local telecommunications services at reasonable rates to customers in high cost rural areas and to qualifying low-income and disabled customers. By order of the Texas Public Utility Commission (“PUC”), the Texas USF distributes support to eligible carriers serving areas identified as high cost, on a per-line basis. Texas USF support payments are based on the number of actual lines in service and therefore are subject to reductions when customers discontinue service or migrate to a competitive carrier. All service providers of telecommunications services in Texas contribute to the Texas USF through the payment of a monthly surcharge collected from their customers.

Legislation adopted in Texas in 2013 requires reduction in USF support absent a demonstration of need for continued support through a two-step process which considers the level of competition and our expenses in the current supported exchanges. We have four operating companies in Texas - one company that is part of the large company fund, which would face reductions in support beginning in 2017 absent a demonstration of need, and three companies that are part of the small company fund that would face reductions in support beginning in 2018 absent a demonstration of need.

For the large company fund, we filed a “needs test petition” in December 2015 to retain $42.2 million in USF support for 153 exchanges served by one of our operating companies. The petition was granted in May 2016 and became final in June 2016.

For the small company fund, we have three operating companies that serve 42 exchanges that will receive support of approximately $6.4 million in 2016 and $5.4 million in 2017. We are still evaluating how each of the companies will fare under the PUC’s needs test which applies a two-step test:  step one - loss of support in exchanges where an unsubsidized wireline competitor offers facilities-based service in 75 percent or more of the square miles of the exchange; and step two - a proportional reduction in support in exchanges wherein USF support exceeds 80 percent of our total operating expenses for the exchanges. The deadline for filing petitions to preserve support in the remaining exchanges is December 31, 2016. Any resulting reductions in support will occur in 2018.


64



In New Mexico, where we have historically received $8.4 million in annual support, the Public Regulation Commission (“PRC”) adopted modified USF rules in November 2014 that resulted in a reduction in annual support to $6.9 million in 2015. We filed an appeal of those rules with the New Mexico Supreme Court in 2015 and in March 2016, the Court granted our appeal and remanded the matter to the PRC for further consideration. During the pendency of the appeal, the PRC adopted additional rule modifications that resulted in continued albeit more moderate reductions. We filed an appeal of the modified rules with the New Mexico Supreme Court in March 2016 but recently requested that the Court hold the appeal in abeyance pending completion of a rulemaking initiated by the PRC in August 2016 to address the court remand as well as the matters challenged in the March 2016 appeal. In the pending rulemaking proceeding the PRC proposes to revert to the methodology for calculating support used prior to the modifications adopted in November 2014. We do not know if the PRC will adopt the proposed methodology, so it is difficult at this time to predict the financial impact. 

In Nebraska, where we received $5.3 million from the state high cost fund in 2015, the Public Service Commission (“PSC”) announced reforms during the third quarter of 2015, for price-cap carriers that would freeze 2016 support at 2015 levels - with 50 percent allocated to ongoing operations and 50 percent allocated to broadband projects that must be pre-approved by the PSC. In November 2015, the PSC announced that it planned to reconsider the allocations, but in the interim, support would continue to flow based on the reforms, subject to true-ups if there is a change in the allocation amounts. On July 12, 2016, the PSC issued an order upholding the 2016 amounts initially allocated to Windstream and stating that the support amounts are final and not subject to any true-ups. In September 2016, the PSC issued an order seeking comment on further reforms of the high-cost support mechanism for all carriers, focusing primarily on the need to incent providers to invest more in their broadband-capable networks. It is difficult to predict the impact, if any, that might result from future reforms.

In South Carolina, the legislature completed its reform of universal service passing legislation in May 2016 that expands the contribution base to include wireless providers and combines the Transition Service Fund (an access replacement fund) with the permanent Universal Service Fund and freezes the combined fund at 2015 levels. This reform preserves Windstream’s $2.0 million in annual receipts.

Universal service reform is also possible in other states including Oklahoma and Pennsylvania. Annually, we receive $3.4 million annually from the Oklahoma fund and $13.3 million from the Pennsylvania fund. We cannot estimate at this time the financial impact that would result from changes, if any, to these other state funds.

FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We rely largely on operating cash flows and long-term debt to provide for our liquidity requirements. We expect cash flows from operations will be sufficient to fund our ongoing working capital requirements, planned capital expenditures, scheduled debt principal and interest payments, lease payments due under the master lease agreement with CS&L, and dividend payments. We also have access to capital markets and available borrowing capacity under our revolving credit agreement.

From time to time, we may seek transactions to optimize our capital structure, including entering into transactions to repurchase or redeem our outstanding indebtedness (including by means of open market purchases, privately negotiated repurchases, tender offers and/or redemptions pursuant to the debt’s terms), or seek to refinance our outstanding debt or may otherwise seek transactions to reduce interest expense. Our ability to consummate any such transaction will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. Any of these transactions could impact our financial results. We cannot assure you if or when we will consummate any such transactions or the terms of any such transaction.

We have evaluated and we continue to evaluate possible acquisition and disposition transactions on an on-going basis. At any time, we may be engaged in discussions or negotiations with respect to possible acquisitions and/or dispositions. We cannot assure you if or when we will consummate any such transaction or the terms of any such transaction.


65



On May 12, 2016, our shareholders ratified a shareholder rights plan, previously adopted by Windstream Holdings’ board of directors. The plan is designed to protect our net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) from the effect of limitations imposed by federal and state tax rules following a change in the ownership of our stock. This plan was designed to deter an “ownership change” (as defined in IRC Section 382) from occurring, and therefore protect our ability to utilize our federal and state net operating loss carry forwards in the future.  A person or group of affiliated or associated persons may cause the rights under the plan to become exercisable if such person or group is or becomes the beneficial owner of 4.90 percent or more of the “outstanding shares” of Windstream Holdings common stock other than as a result of repurchases of stock by Windstream Holdings, dividends or distributions by Windstream Holdings or certain inadvertent actions by Windstream Holdings’ stockholders. For purposes of calculating percentage ownership under the plan, “outstanding shares” of common stock include all of the shares of common stock actually issued and outstanding. Beneficial ownership is determined as provided in the rights plan and generally includes, without limitation, any ownership of securities a person would be deemed to actually or constructively own for purposes of Section 382 of the IRC or the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder.

The plan is not meant to be an anti-takeover measure and our board of directors has established a procedure to consider requests to exempt the acquisition of Windstream Holdings common stock from the rights plan, if such acquisition would not limit or impair the availability of our NOLs. Such determination will be made in the sole and absolute discretion of the Windstream Holdings’ board of directors, upon request by any person prior to the date upon which such person would otherwise become the beneficial owner of 4.90 percent or more of the outstanding shares of Windstream Holdings common stock. In addition, if the Windstream Holdings’ board of directors determines in good faith that a person has inadvertently become the beneficial owner of 4.90 percent or more of the outstanding shares of Windstream Holdings common stock, and such person divests as promptly as practicable a sufficient number of shares of common stock so that such person beneficially owns less than 4.90 percent, then such person will not cause the rights under the plan to become exercisable. This summary description of the rights plan does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Rights Agreement, dated as of September 17, 2015, by and between Windstream Holdings and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as Rights Agent, filed as an exhibit to the Windstream Holdings’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.   

Historical Cash Flows

The following table summarizes our cash flow activities for the nine month period ended September 30:
(Millions)
 
2016

 
2015

Cash flows provided from (used in):
 
 
 
 
Operating activities
 
$
622.1

 
$
756.3

Investing activities
 
(753.6
)
 
(772.7
)
Financing activities
 
161.6

 
85.8

Increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
$
30.1

 
$
69.4


Our cash position increased by $30.1 million to $61.4 million at September 30, 2016, from $31.3 million at December 31, 2015, as compared to an increase of $69.4 million during the same period in 2015. Cash inflows in the nine month period ended September 30, 2016 were primarily from operating activities and incremental debt proceeds. These inflows were partially offset by cash outflows for capital expenditures, repayments of debt, repurchases of our common stock, and payments under lease obligations.

Cash Flows - Operating Activities

Cash provided from operations is our primary source of funds. Cash flows from operating activities decreased by $134.2 million in the nine month period ended September 30, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. The decrease was primarily attributable to lower earnings, as our operating results were negatively impacted by reductions in small business, wholesale, and switched access revenues due to customer losses from business closures and competition, declining demand for copper-based circuits to towers and the adverse effects of inter-carrier compensation reform, respectively, additional interest expense of $152.9 million attributable to the master lease agreement with CS&L, and changes in working capital mostly driven by timing differences in the collection of trade receivables and the payment of trade accounts payable and other current liabilities.

We are currently utilizing NOLs and other income tax initiatives to lower our cash income tax obligations during 2016. As a result, we expect cash income tax payments to be approximately $10.0 million in 2016.




66



Cash Flows - Investing Activities

Cash used in investing activities primarily includes investments in our network to upgrade and expand our service offerings as well as spending on strategic initiatives. Cash used in investing activities decreased $19.1 million in the nine month period ended September 30, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015. The decrease was primarily due to the absence of grant funds received for broadband stimulus projects and network expansion funded by CAF - Phase I, partially offset by increased capital expenditures, further discussed below.

Capital expenditures were $753.4 million for the nine month period ended September 30, 2016 compared to $744.4 million for the same period in 2015, an increase of $9.0 million. During the first nine months of 2016, the majority of our capital spend was directed toward fiber expansion and consumer broadband upgrades of our network. Capital expenditures for the first nine months of 2016 also include $120.5 million of incremental spend related to Project Excel, a capital program begun in late 2015 that accelerates our plans to upgrade our broadband network by the end of 2016 funded by a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the data center business.

Excluding approximately $200.0 million in capital expenditures related to Project Excel, we expect total 2016 capital expenditures to range between $800.0 million to $850.0 million.

Cash Flows - Financing Activities

Cash provided from financing activities was $161.6 million for the nine month period ended September 30, 2016 compared to $85.8 million for the same period in 2015, an increase of $75.8 million.

Proceeds from new issuances of long-term debt during the first nine months of 2016 were $3,340.0 million which consisted of new and incremental borrowings totaling $750.0 million under Tranche B6 of Windstream Services’ senior secured credit facility, a portion of which were issued at a discount, and the incurrence of new borrowings of $2,605.0 million under the revolving line of credit. Comparatively, proceeds from new issuances of long-term debt were $1,620.0 million during the first nine months of 2015 and consisted solely of new borrowings under the revolving line of credit.

Debt repayments for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 totaled $2,919.6 million and primarily consisted of cash outlays totaling $1,288.8 million in connection with the repurchase and redemption of the 2017 Notes and open market repurchases of other senior unsecured notes. During the nine months of 2016, Windstream Services also repaid $1,608.0 million of borrowings under its revolving line of credit. Comparatively, debt repayments for the nine month period ended September 30, 2015 principally consisted of the redemption of the $400.0 million 2018 Notes and $450.0 million PAETEC 2018 Notes, open market repurchases of $253.7 million of aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes, repayment of borrowings under the revolving line of credit of $707.8 million and the pay-off of the remaining principal balance of $241.8 million of Tranche B4 under the senior secured credit facility.

During the first nine months of 2016, dividends paid to shareholders were $44.1 million, which was a decrease of $310.0 million, as compared to the same period in 2015, reflecting the decline in our quarterly dividend rate following the REIT spin-off. On November 4, 2016, we declared a cash dividend of $.15 per share on our common stock which is payable on January 17, 2017, to shareholders of record on December 30, 2016.
Our dividend practice can be changed at any time at the discretion of our board of directors, and is subject to the restricted payment capacity under Windstream Services’ debt covenants as further discussed below. Accordingly, we cannot assure you we will continue paying dividends at the current quarterly rate of $.15 per share. See “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, for additional information concerning our dividend practice.
Debt and Dividend Capacity

Windstream Holdings has no debt obligations. All of our debt, including the facility described below, has been incurred by our subsidiaries (primarily Windstream Services). Windstream Holdings is neither a guarantor of nor subject to the restrictive covenants imposed by such debt.
 
As of September 30, 2016, we had $4,866.1 million in long-term debt outstanding, including current maturities (see Note 2). As of September 30, 2016, the amount available for borrowing under Windstream Services’ revolving line of credit was $600.8 million. As of September 30, 2016, Windstream Services had approximately $518.0 million of restricted payment capacity as governed by its senior secured credit facility. The restricted payment capacity may limit the amount of dividends Windstream Services may distribute to Windstream Holdings to fund future dividend payments to Windstream Holdings’ shareholders. Under terms of the

67



credit facility, payments required under the master lease are deducted from operating income before depreciation and amortization (“OIBDA”). Windstream Services builds additional capacity through cash generated from operations while dividend distributions to Windstream Holdings, and other certain restricted investments reduce the available restricted payments capacity. Windstream Services will continue to consider free cash flow accretive initiatives.

Debt Covenants and Amendments

The terms of the credit facility and indentures issued by Windstream Services include customary covenants that, among other things, require Windstream Services to maintain certain financial ratios and restrict its ability to incur additional indebtedness. These financial ratios include a maximum leverage ratio of 4.5 to 1.0 and a minimum interest coverage ratio of 2.75 to 1.0. In addition, the covenants include restrictions on dividend and certain other types of payments.

Certain of Windstream Services’ debt agreements contain various covenants and restrictions specific to the subsidiary that is the legal counterparty to the agreement. Under its long-term debt agreements, acceleration of principal payments would occur upon payment default, violation of debt covenants not cured within 30 days, a change in control including a person or group obtaining 50 percent or more of Windstream Services’ outstanding voting stock, or breach of certain other conditions set forth in the borrowing agreements. At September 30, 2016, Windstream Services was in compliance with all debt covenants and restrictions.

Windstream Services’ senior secured credit facility include maintenance covenants derived from certain financial measures that are not calculated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“non-GAAP financial measures”). These non-GAAP financial measures are presented below for the sole purpose of demonstrating our compliance with Windstream Services’ debt covenants and were calculated as follows at September 30, 2016:
(Millions, except ratios)
 
Gross leverage ratio:
 
Long term debt including current maturities
$
4,866.1

Capital leases, including current maturities
35.1

Total long term debt and capital leases
$
4,901.2

Operating income, last twelve months
$
575.2

Depreciation and amortization, last twelve months
1,267.5

Other expense adjustments required by the credit facility (a)
(523.9
)
Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”)
$
1,318.8

Leverage ratio (b)
3.72

Maximum gross leverage ratio allowed
4.50

Interest coverage ratio:
 
Adjusted EBITDA
$
1,318.8

Interest expense, last twelve months
$
877.9

Adjustments required by the credit facility (c)
(552.9
)
Adjusted interest expense
$
325.0

Interest coverage ratio (d)
4.06

Minimum interest coverage ratio allowed
2.75

 
(a)
Adjustments required by the credit facility primarily consist of the inclusion of the annual cash rental payment due under the master lease agreement with CS&L and the exclusion of pension and share-based compensation expense, and merger, integration and restructuring charges.

(b)
The gross leverage ratio is computed by dividing total debt by adjusted EBITDA.

(c)
Adjustments required by the credit facility primarily consist of the inclusion of capitalized interest and amortization of the discount on long-term debt, net of premiums, and the exclusion of the interest expense attributable to the long-term lease obligation under the master lease agreement with CS&L.

(d)
The interest coverage ratio is computed by dividing adjusted EBITDA by adjusted interest expense.


68



Credit Ratings

As of September 30, 2016, Moody’s Investors Service, Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) Corporation and Fitch Ratings had granted the following senior secured, senior unsecured and corporate credit ratings:
Description
 
Moody’s
 
S&P
 
Fitch
Senior secured credit rating (a)
 
B1
 
BB
 
BB+
Senior unsecured credit rating (a)
 
B2
 
B+
 
BB-
Corporate credit rating (b)
 
B1
 
B+
 
BB-
Outlook (b)
 
Stable
 
Stable
 
Stable

(a)
Ratings assigned to Windstream Services.

(b)
Corporate credit rating and outlook assigned to Windstream Services for Moody’s and Fitch, while S&P assigns corporate credit rating and outlook to Windstream Holdings, Inc.

Factors that could affect our short and long-term credit ratings would include, but are not limited to, a material decline in our operating results, increased debt levels relative to operating cash flows resulting from future acquisitions, increased capital expenditure requirements, or changes to our dividend policy. If our credit ratings were to be downgraded, we might incur higher interest costs on future borrowings, and our access to the public capital markets could be adversely affected.

Our exposure to interest risk is further discussed in the Market Risk section below. A downgrade in our current short or long-term credit ratings would not accelerate scheduled principal payments of our existing long-term debt.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not use securitization of trade receivables, affiliation with special purpose entities, variable interest entities or synthetic leases to finance our operations. Additionally, we have not entered into any arrangement requiring us to guarantee payment of third party debt or to fund losses of an unconsolidated special purpose entity.

Contractual Obligations and Commitments

As a result of the issuance of a new $750.0 million secured term loan, redemptions and repurchases of $1,370.9 million of long-term debt, and the completion of the debt-for-equity exchange during the first nine months of 2016, Windstream Services’ long-term debt obligations changed from December 31, 2015. The table below presents Windstream Services’ long-term debt obligations as of September 30, 2016 reflecting these changes:
 
 
Obligations by Period
(Millions)
 
Less than
1 Year
 
1 - 3
Years
 
3 - 5
Years
 
More than
5 years
 
Total
Long-term debt, including current maturities (a)
 
$
13.4

 
$
582.8

 
$
2,049.6

 
$
2,279.7

 
$
4,925.5

Interest payments on long-term debt obligations (b)
 
291.1

 
581.0

 
475.3

 
237.9

 
1,585.3

   Total
 
$
304.5

 
$
1,163.8

 
$
2,524.9

 
$
2,517.6

 
$
6,510.8

 
(a)
Excludes $(5.9) million of unamortized net discounts and $53.5 million of unamortized debt issuance costs included in long-term debt at September 30, 2016.

(b)
Variable rates on Tranche B5 and B6 of the senior secured credit facility are calculated in relation to one-month LIBOR, which was 0.53 percent at September 30, 2016.

Except for the amounts presented above, there have been no significant changes in our other contractual obligations and commitments since December 31, 2015, as set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.


69



Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

From time to time, we will reference certain non-GAAP measures in our filings. Management’s purpose for including these measures is to provide investors with measures of performance that management uses in evaluating the performance of the business. These non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of financial performance reported under GAAP. Following is a reconciliation of a non-GAAP financial measure titled OIBDA to the most closely related financial measure reported under GAAP referenced in this filing.

 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(Millions)
 
2016

 
2015

 
2016

 
2015

Operating income
 
$
129.4

 
$
178.5

 
$
441.7

 
$
377.7

Depreciation and amortization
 
321.0

 
350.5

 
934.0

 
1,033.0

OIBDA (a)
 
$
450.4

 
$
529.0

 
$
1,375.7

 
$
1,410.7

 
(a)
OIBDA is defined as operating income plus depreciation and amortization expense. We believe this measure provides investors with insight into the true earnings capacity of providing telecommunications services to our customers.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. In Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2015, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, we identified the critical accounting policies which affect our more significant estimates and assumptions used in preparing our consolidated financial statements. These critical accounting policies include evaluating the collectability of trade receivables, calculating depreciation and amortization expense, assessing goodwill for impairment, accounting for pension benefits, determining the fair values of derivative instruments, and accounting for deferred income taxes and related tax contingencies. There were no material changes to these critical accounting policies during the nine month period ended September 30, 2016.
Recently Issued Authoritative Guidance

The following authoritative guidance, together with our evaluation of the related impact to the consolidated financial statements, is more fully described in Note 1.

•
Revenue Recognition

•
Fair Value Measurement Disclosures

•
Pension Plan Investment Disclosures

•
Valuation of Inventory

•
Leases

•
Derivatives and Hedging

•
Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting

•
Financial Instruments - Credit Losses

•
Cash Flow Statement Presentation


70



Forward-Looking Statements

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations includes, and future filings on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K and future oral and written statements by us and our management may include, certain forward-looking statements. We claim the protection of the safe-harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Forward-looking statements are subject to uncertainties that could cause actual future events and results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about our expectation to return a portion of our cash flow to shareholders through our dividend; expectations regarding our “network first” strategy to improve financial performance and increase market share; expectations regarding revenue trends and improving margins in our business segments; network cost optimization; stability and growth in adjusted OIBDA; expected levels of support from universal service funds or other government programs; expected rates of loss of consumer households served or inter-carrier compensation; expected increases in high-speed Internet and business data connections, including increasing availability of higher Internet speeds; expectations regarding expanding IPTV and 1 Gbps services to more locations and expanding our fiber network; our expected ability to fund operations; expected required contributions to our pension plan; the completion and benefits from network investments related to the Connect America Fund to fund the deployment of broadband services and forecasted capital expenditure amounts related to these investments; anticipated benefits of Project Excel to improve network capabilities; anticipated capital expenditures and certain debt maturities from cash flows from operations; and expected effective federal income tax rates. These and other forward-looking statements are based on estimates, projections, beliefs, and assumptions that we believe are reasonable but are not guarantees of future events and results. Actual future events and our results may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements as a result of a number of important factors.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in our forward looking statements include, among others:

•
further adverse changes in economic conditions in the markets served by us;

•
the extent, timing and overall effects of competition in the communications business;

•
our election to accept state-wide offers under the FCC’s Connect America Fund, Phase 2, and the impact of such election on our future receipt of federal universal service funds and capital expenditures;

•
the potential for incumbent carriers to impose monetary penalties for failure to meet specific volume and term commitments under their special access pricing plans, which Windstream uses to lease last-mile connections to serve its retail business data service customers, without further FCC action;

•
the impact of new, emerging or competing technologies;

•
for certain operations where we lease facilities from other carriers, adverse effects on the availability, quality of service, price of facilities and services provided by other carriers on which our services depend;

•
unfavorable rulings by state public service commissions in proceedings regarding universal service funds, inter-carrier compensation or other matters that could reduce revenues or increase expenses;

•
material changes in the communications industry that could adversely affect vendor relationships with equipment and network suppliers and customer relationships with wholesale customers;

•
changes to our current dividend practice which is subject to our capital allocation policy and may be changed at any time at the discretion of our board of directors;

•
our ability to make rent payments under the master lease to CS&L, which may be affected by results of operations, changes in our cash requirements, cash tax payment obligations, or overall financial position;

•
unanticipated increases or other changes in our future cash requirements, whether caused by unanticipated increases in capital expenditures, increases in pension funding requirements, or otherwise;

•
the availability and cost of financing in the corporate debt markets;

•
the potential for adverse changes in the ratings given to our debt securities by nationally accredited ratings organizations;

71



•
earnings on pension plan investments significantly below our expected long term rate of return for plan assets or a significant change in the discount rate or other actuarial assumptions;

•
unfavorable results of litigation or intellectual property infringement claims asserted against us;

•
the risks associated with non-compliance by us with regulations or statutes applicable to government programs under which we receive material amounts of end user revenue and government subsidies, or non-compliance by us, our partners, or our subcontractors with any terms of our government contracts;

•
the effects of federal and state legislation, and rules and regulations governing the communications industry;

•
continued loss of consumer households served and consumer high-speed Internet customers;

•
the impact of equipment failure, natural disasters or terrorist acts;

•
the effects of work stoppages by our employees or employees of other communications companies on whom we rely for service; and

•
those additional factors under “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, and in subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov.

In addition to these factors, actual future performance, outcomes and results may differ materially because of more general factors including, among others, general industry and market conditions and growth rates, economic conditions, and governmental and public policy changes.

We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The foregoing review of factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in the forward-looking statements should be considered in connection with information regarding risks and uncertainties that may affect our future results included in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov.


72


Table of Contents


WINDSTREAM HOLDINGS, INC.
WINDSTREAM SERVICES, LLC
FORM 10-Q
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market risk is comprised of three elements: interest rate risk, equity risk and foreign currency risk. Following the disposition of our investment in CS&L common stock, we no longer have exposure to changes in marketable equity security prices. We continue to have exposure to market risk from changes in interest rates. Because we do not operate in foreign countries denominated in foreign currencies, we are not exposed to foreign currency risk. We have estimated our market risk using sensitivity analysis. The results of the sensitivity analysis are further discussed below. Actual results may differ from our estimates.

Interest Rate Risk

We are exposed to market risk through changes in interest rates, primarily as it relates to the variable interest rates we are charged under Windstream Services’ senior secured credit facility. Under our current policy, Windstream Services enters into interest rate swap agreements to obtain a targeted mixture of variable and fixed interest rate debt such that the portion of debt subject to variable rates does not exceed 25 percent of our total debt outstanding. In connection with the spin-off, Windstream Services terminated seven of its ten interest rate swaps.

We have established policies and procedures for risk assessment and the approval, reporting and monitoring of interest rate swap activity. We do not enter into interest rate swap agreements, or other derivative financial instruments, for trading or speculative purposes. Management periodically reviews our exposure to interest rate fluctuations and implements strategies to manage the exposure.

As of September 30, 2016, Windstream Services has entered into four pay fixed, receive variable interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges of the benchmark LIBOR interest rate risk created by the variable cash flows paid on Windstream Services’ senior secured credit facility. The interest rate swaps mature on October 17, 2021. The hedging relationships are expected to be highly effective in mitigating cash flow risks resulting from changes in interest rates. For additional information regarding our interest rate swap agreements, see Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements.

As of September 30, 2016 and 2015, the unhedged portion of Windstream Services’ variable rate senior secured credit facility was $1,070.8 million, and $689.7 million, or approximately 21.8 percent and 12.0 percent of Windstream Services’ total outstanding long-term debt excluding unamortized debt issuance costs, respectively. For variable rate debt instruments, market risk is defined as the potential change in earnings resulting from a hypothetical adverse change in interest rates. A hypothetical increase of 100.0 basis points in variable interest rates would have reduced annual pre-tax earnings by approximately $10.7 million and $6.9 million for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Actual results may differ from this estimate.




73


Table of Contents


WINDSTREAM HOLDINGS, INC.
WINDSTREAM SERVICES, LLC
FORM 10-Q
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 4. Controls and Procedures
 
(a)
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.

The term “disclosure controls and procedures” (defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) refers to the controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Windstream Holdings’ and Windstream Services’ disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by these quarterly reports (the “Evaluation Date”). Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, such disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
   
(b)
Changes in internal control over financial reporting.

The term “internal control over financial reporting” (defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f)) refers to the process designed by, or under the supervision of, our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by our board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:

1.
Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;

2.
Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and

3.
Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Our management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated any changes in Windstream Holdings’ and Windstream Services’ internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by these quarterly reports, and they have concluded that there were no changes to our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


74


Table of Contents


WINDSTREAM HOLDINGS, INC.
WINDSTREAM SERVICES, LLC
FORM 10-Q
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings

On February 9, 2015, a putative stockholder filed a Shareholder Class Action Complaint in the Delaware Court of Chancery (the “Court”), captioned Doppelt v. Windstream Holdings, Inc., et al., C.A. No. 10629-VCN, against the Company and its Board of Directors.  This complaint was accompanied by a motion for a preliminary injunction seeking to enjoin the spin-off. The Court, ruling from the bench on February 19, 2015 - the day before a special meeting of stockholders was scheduled to vote on a reverse stock split and amended governing documents (the “Proposals”) - denied plaintiff’s motion for a preliminary injunction, reasoning that much of the information sought by plaintiff had been disclosed in public filings available on the United States Securities and Exchange Commission’s website, the Windstream Holdings’ board of directors was in no way conflicted, and while approval of the Proposals would facilitate the spin-off, approval was not necessary to effect the spin-off. On March 16, 2015, plaintiff, joined by a second putative Windstream stockholder, filed an Amended Shareholder Class Action Complaint alleging breaches of fiduciary duty by the Company and its Board concerning Windstream’s disclosures and seeking to rescind the spin-off and unspecified monetary damages. On February 5, 2016, the Court granted in part and denied in part defendants’ motion to dismiss the amended complaint. The Court dismissed Windstream, and plaintiffs’ demand to rescind the spin-off, but otherwise denied the motion. 

In addition, numerous copyright holders represented by RightsCorp, Inc. (“RightsCorp”) have asserted that our customers have utilized our services to allegedly illegally download and share alleged copyrighted material via peer-to-peer or “filesharing” programs. These holders maintain that Windstream is responsible for alleged infringement because after notification, Windstream did not shut off service to customers alleged to be repeat infringers, and, further, that Windstream may not claim safe harbor pursuant to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998. On June 27, 2016, Windstream filed a complaint for declaratory judgment in the United States District Court - Southern District of New York against RightsCorp and BMG Rights Management (US) LLC, a client of RightsCorp, seeking a declaration that it is not liable under applicable laws for any alleged copyright infringement and that the defendants are not entitled to any alleged damages from Windstream for alleged copyright infringement.

We believe that we have valid defenses to the claims asserted in the lawsuit and the claims asserted by RightsCorp and its client that are the subject matter of Windstream’s declaratory action, and we plan to vigorously defend the claims being pursued against us in both matters. While the ultimate resolution of the matters is not currently predictable, if there are adverse rulings against Windstream in either of these two matters, either ruling could constitute a material adverse outcome on the future consolidated results of our income, cash flows, or financial condition.
We are party to various legal proceedings and the ultimate resolution of these legal proceedings cannot be determined at this time. However, based on current circumstances, management does not believe such proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the future consolidated results of our income, cash flows or financial condition.
Finally, management is currently not aware of any environmental matters, individually or in the aggregate, that would have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of our operations.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the risk factors affecting our businesses that were discussed in “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed with the SEC on February 25, 2016.
Item 6. Exhibits

See the exhibits specified on the Index of Exhibits located at Page 77.

75



SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this registrants have duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
WINDSTREAM HOLDINGS, INC.
 
WINDSTREAM SERVICES, LLC
(Registrant)
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
/s/ Robert E. Gunderman
 
/s/ Robert E. Gunderman
Robert E. Gunderman
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
Robert E. Gunderman
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
November 7, 2016
 
November 7, 2016



76



WINDSTREAM HOLDINGS, INC.
WINDSTREAM SERVICES, LLC
FORM 10-Q
INDEX OF EXHIBITS

Form 10-Q
Exhibit No.
Description of Exhibits
 
 
 
 
 
 
31(a)
Certifications of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(a)
 
 
 
31(b)
Certifications of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(a)
 
 
 
32(a)
Certifications of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(a)
 
 
 
32(b)
Certifications of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(a)
 
 
 
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
(a)
 
 
 
 101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
(a)
 
 
 
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
(a)
 
 
 
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
(a)
 
 
 
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
(a)
 
 
 
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
(a)


*
Incorporated herein by reference as indicated.
(a)
Filed herewith.


77