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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D. C.  20549

FORM 10-K

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012

OR

For the transition period from            to           

Commission File Number 001-34176

ASCENT CAPITAL GROUP, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (303) 628-5600

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Series B Common Stock, par value $.01 per share

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933.  Yes x  No o

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Yes o  No x

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes x  No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, any Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes x  No o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  x

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act)  Yes o  No x

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by nonaffiliates of Ascent Capital Group, Inc. computed by reference to the last sales price of such stock, as of the closing of trading on June 29, 2012, was approximately $684 million.

The number of shares outstanding of Ascent Capital Group, Inc.’s common stock as of February 15, 2013 was:

Series A common stock 13,389,462 shares; and Series B common stock 736,833 shares.

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Documents Incorporated by Reference

The Registrant’s definitive proxy statement for its 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is hereby incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ASCENT CAPITAL GROUP, INC.

2012 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

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ITEM 1.   BUSINESS

(a)  General Development of Business

On July 7, 2011, Ascent Media Corporation merged with its direct wholly-owned subsidiary, Ascent Capital Group, Inc. (“Ascent Capital” or the “Company”), for the purpose of changing its name to Ascent Capital Group, Inc. Ascent Capital was incorporated in the state of Delaware on May 29, 2008 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Discovery Holding Company (“DHC”), a subsidiary of Discovery Communications, Inc. On September 17, 2008, Ascent Capital was spun off from DHC and became an independent, publicly traded company. In connection with the spin-off, each holder of DHC common stock received 0.05 of a share of our Series A common stock for each share of DHC Series A common stock held and 0.05 of a share of our Series B common stock for each share of DHC Series B common stock held. 13,401,886 shares of our Series A common stock and 659,732 shares of our Series B common stock were issued in the spin-off, which was intended to qualify as a tax-free transaction.

At December 31, 2012, our assets consist primarily of our wholly-owned operating subsidiary, Monitronics International, Inc. (“Monitronics”), investments in marketable securities, real estate properties and cash and cash equivalents. At December 31, 2012, we had investments in marketable securities and cash and cash equivalents, on a consolidated basis, of $142,587,000 and $78,422,000, respectively.

Recent Developments

On March 23, 2012, Monitronics entered into a new senior secured credit facility with the lenders party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, which provided a $550,000,000 term loan at a 1% discount and a $150,000,000 revolving credit facility (the “Existing Credit Agreement”), and closed on a $410,000,000 privately placed debt offering of 9.125% Senior Notes due 2020 (the “Senior Notes”).  Proceeds from the Existing Credit Agreement and the Senior Notes, together with cash on hand, were used to retire all outstanding borrowings under Monitronics’ former credit facility, securitization debt, and to settle all related derivative contracts.  On November 7, 2012, Monitronics entered into an amendment to the Existing Credit Agreement (the “Amendment”) which provided an incremental term loan with an aggregate principal amount of $145,000,000 (the Amendment together with the Existing Credit Agreement, the “Credit Facility”).  The Senior Notes and Credit Facility are guaranteed by all of Monitronics’ existing subsidiaries, and the Credit Facility is secured by a pledge of all of the outstanding stock of Monitronics and all of its existing subsidiaries.  Ascent Capital has not guaranteed any of Monitronics’ obligations under the Senior Notes or the Credit facility.

On October 25, 2012, Monitronics acquired approximately 93,000 subscriber accounts from Pinnacle Security for a purchase price of approximately $131,000,000.

* * * * *

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Certain statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding our business, marketing and operating strategies, integration of acquired businesses, new service offerings, the availability of debt refinancing, financial prospects and anticipated sources and uses of capital. In particular, statements under Item 1. “Business,” Item 1A. “Risk Factors”, Item 2. “Properties,” Item 3. “Legal Proceedings,” Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Item 7A. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” contain forward-looking statements. Where, in any forward-looking statement, we express an expectation or belief as to future results or events, such expectation or belief is expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that the expectation or belief will result or be achieved or accomplished. The following include some but not all of the factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated.

Factors relating to the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, as a whole:

·                  general business conditions and industry trends;

·                  macroeconomic conditions and their effect on the general economy and on the U.S. housing market, in particular single family homes which represent Monitronics’ largest demographic;

·                  uncertainties in the development of our business strategies, including market acceptance of new products and services;

·                  the competitive environment in which we operate, in particular increasing competition in the alarm monitoring industry from larger existing competitors and new market entrants, including telecommunications and cable companies;

·                  integration of acquired assets and businesses;

·                  the regulatory environment in which we operate, including the multiplicity of jurisdictions and licensing requirements to which Monitronics is subject and the risk of new regulations, such as the increasing adoption of false alarm ordinances;

·                  technological changes which could result in the obsolescence of currently utilized technology and the need for significant upgrade expenditures;

·                  the availability and terms of capital, including the ability of Monitronics to obtain additional funds to grow its business;

·                  the outcome of any pending, threatened, or future litigation, including potential liability for failure to respond adequately to alarm activations; and

·                  availability of qualified personnel.

Factors relating to the business of Monitronics:

·                  Monitronics’ high degree of leverage and the restrictive covenants governing its indebtedness;

·                  Monitronics’ anticipated growth strategies;

·                  the ability of Monitronics to obtain additional funds to grow its business, including the terms of any additional financing with respect thereto;

·                  Monitronics’ ability to acquire and integrate additional accounts, including competition for dealers with other alarm monitoring companies which could cause an increase in expected subscriber acquisition costs;

·                  the impact of “false alarm” ordinances and other potential changes in regulations or standards;

·                  the operating performance of Monitronics’ network, including the potential for service disruptions due to acts of nature or technology deficiencies;

·                  potential liability for failure to respond adequately to alarm activations;

·                  changes in the nature of strategic relationships with original equipment manufacturers, dealers and other Monitronics business partners;

·                  the reliability and creditworthiness of Monitronics’ independent alarm systems dealers and subscribers;

·                  changes in Monitronics’ expected rate of subscriber attrition;

·                  changes in technology that may make Monitronics’ service less attractive or obsolete, or require significant expenditures to update, including the phase-out of 2G networks by cellular carriers;

·                  the development of new services or service innovations by competitors; and

·                  the trend away from the use of public switched telephone network lines and resultant increase in servicing costs associated with alternative methods of communication.

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These forward-looking statements and such risks, uncertainties and other factors speak only as of the date of this Annual Report, and we expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein, to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto, or any other change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. When considering such forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the factors described in Item 1A, “Risk Factors” and other cautionary statements contained in this Annual Report. Such risk factors and statements describe circumstances which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement.

(b)  Financial Information About Reportable Segments

We identify our reportable segments based on financial information reviewed by our chief operating decision maker. We report financial information for our consolidated business segments that represent more than 10% of our consolidated revenue or earnings before income taxes.

Based on the foregoing criteria, we only have one reportable segment as of December 31, 2012.

(c)  Narrative Description of Business

Ascent Capital Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is a holding company whose principal assets as of December 31, 2012 consisted of our wholly-owned operating subsidiary, Monitronics International, Inc., investments in marketable securities, real estate properties, and cash and cash equivalents.  Our principal executive office is located at 5251 DTC Parkway, Suite 1000, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111, telephone number (303) 628-5600.

We are currently exploring opportunities to dispose of or monetize our owned real property, which is not required for our operations.

Monitronics International, Inc.

Through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Monitronics, we are primarily engaged in the business of providing the following security alarm monitoring services: monitoring signals arising from burglaries, fires, medical alerts and other events though security systems at subscribers’ premises, as well as, providing customer service and technical support.  Monitronics is one of the largest alarm monitoring companies in the United States of America (the “U.S.”), with over 810,000 subscribers under contract.  With subscribers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Canada, Monitronics provides a wide range of mainly residential security services including hands-free two-way interactive voice communication with the monitoring center, cellular options, and an interactive service option which allows the customer to control their security system remotely using a computer or smart phone. Monitronics was incorporated in 1994 and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.

Operations

Unlike many of its national competitors, Monitronics outsources the sales, installation and field service functions to its dealers. By outsourcing the low margin, high fixed-cost elements of its business to a large network of independent service providers, Monitronics is able to allocate capital to growing its revenue-generating account base rather than to local offices or depreciating hard assets.

Revenue is generated primarily from fees charged to customers under alarm monitoring contracts.  The initial contract term is typically three to five years, with automatic renewal on a month-to-month basis.  Monitronics generates incremental revenue by providing additional services, such as maintenance and contract monitoring.  Contract monitoring includes fees charged to other security alarm companies for monitoring their accounts on a wholesale basis.  As of December 31, 2012, Monitronics provides contract monitoring services for over 75,000 accounts.  These incremental revenue streams do not represent a significant portion of our overall revenue.

During 2012, Monitronics purchased alarm monitoring contracts from more than 370 dealers.  Monitronics’ authorized independent dealers are typically small businesses that sell and install alarm systems.  These dealers focus on the sale and installation of security systems and generally do not retain the monitoring contracts for their customers and do not have their own facilities to monitor such systems due to the large upfront investment required to create the account and build a monitoring station.  They also do not have the scale required to operate a monitoring station efficiently.  These dealers typically sell the contracts to third parties and outsource the monitoring function for any accounts they retain. Monitronics has the ability to monitor a variety of signals from nearly all types of residential security systems. Monitronics generally enters into exclusive contracts with dealers under which the dealers sell and install security systems and Monitronics has a right of first refusal to purchase the associated alarm monitoring contracts.  In order to maximize revenues, Monitronics seeks to attract dealers from throughout the U.S. rather than focusing on specific local or regional markets.  In evaluating the quality of potential participants for the dealer program, Monitronics conducts an internal due diligence

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review and analysis of each dealer using information obtained from third party sources.  This process includes:

·                  lien searches and background checks on the dealer; and

·                  a review of the dealer’s licensing status and creditworthiness.

Once a dealer is approved and signed as a Monitronics authorized dealer, the primary steps in creating an account are as follows:

1.              Dealer sells an alarm system to a homeowner or small business.

2.              Dealer installs the alarm system, which is monitored by Monitronics’ central monitoring center, trains the customer on its use, and receives a signed three to five year contract for monitoring services.

3.              Dealer presents the account to Monitronics for purchase.

4.              Monitronics performs diligence on the alarm monitoring account to validate quality.

5.              Monitronics acquires the customer contract at a formula-based price.

6.              Customer becomes a Monitronics account.

7.              All future billing and customer service is conducted through Monitronics.

In addition to the development of Monitronics’ dealer network, Monitronics periodically acquires alarm monitoring accounts from other alarm companies in bulk on a negotiated basis.

Monitronics believes its ability to maximize its return on invested capital is largely dependent on the quality of the accounts purchased.  Monitronics conducts a review of each account to be purchased from the dealer.  This process typically includes:

·                  subscriber credit score reviews;

·                  telephone surveys to confirm satisfaction with the installation and security systems;

·                  an individual review of each alarm monitoring contract;

·                  confirmation that the customer is a homeowner; and

·                  confirmation that each security system is monitored by Monitronics’ central monitoring station prior to purchase.

Monitronics generally pays a purchase price for each new customer account based on a multiple of the account’s monthly recurring revenue. Monitronics’ dealer contracts generally provide that if a customer account acquired by Monitronics is terminated within the first 12 months, the dealer must replace the account or refund the purchase price paid by Monitronics. To secure the dealer’s obligation, Monitronics typically holds back a percentage of the purchase price for a 12 month period.

Monitronics believes that this process, which includes both clearly defined customer account standards and a comprehensive due diligence process, contributes significantly to the high quality of its subscriber base. For each of its last seven calendar years, the average credit score of accounts purchased by Monitronics was in excess of 700 on the FICO scale.

Approximately 95% of Monitronics subscribers are residential homeowners and the remainder are small commercial accounts. Monitronics believes by focusing on residential homeowners rather than renters it can reduce attrition, because homeowners relocate less frequently than renters.

Monitronics provides monitoring services as well as billing and 24-hour telephone support through its central monitoring station, located in Dallas, Texas. This facility is Underwriters Laboratories (“UL”) listed.  To obtain and maintain a UL listing, an alarm monitoring center must be located in a building meeting UL’s structural requirements, have back-up and uninterruptable power supplies, have secure telephone lines and maintain redundant computer systems.  UL conducts periodic reviews of alarm monitoring centers to ensure compliance with their requirements.  Monitronics’ central monitoring station in Dallas has also received the Central Station Alarm Association’s (“CSAA”) prestigious Five Diamond Certification. According to the CSAA, less than approximately 5% of all central monitoring stations in the U.S. have attained Five Diamond Certified status.  Monitronics also has a back-up facility located in McKinney, Texas that is capable of supporting monitoring, billing and customer service operations in the event of a disruption at its primary monitoring center. A call center in Mexico provides telephone support for Spanish-speaking subscribers.

Monitronics’ telephone systems utilize high-capacity, high-quality, digital circuits backed up by conventional telephone lines. When an alarm signal is received at the monitoring facility, it is routed to an operator. At the same time, information concerning the subscriber whose alarm has been activated and the nature and location of the alarm signal are delivered to the operator’s computer terminal. The operator is then responsible for following standard procedures to contact the subscriber or take other appropriate action, including, if the situation requires, contacting local emergency service providers.  Monitronics never dispatches its own personnel to the subscriber’s premises.  If a subscriber lives in an area where the emergency service provider will not respond without verification of an actual emergency, Monitronics will contract with an independent third party responder if available in that area.

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Monitronics seeks to increase subscriber satisfaction and retention by carefully managing customer and technical service. The customer service center handles all general inquiries from subscribers, including those related to subscriber information changes, basic alarm troubleshooting, alarm verification, technical service requests and requests to enhance existing services. Monitronics has a proprietary centralized information system that enables it to satisfy over 85% of subscriber technical inquiries over the telephone, without dispatching a service technician. If the customer requires field service, Monitronics relies on its nationwide network of over 650 service dealers to provide such service on a time and materials basis.  Monitronics closely monitors service dealer performance with customer satisfaction forms, follow-up quality assurance calls and other performance metrics.

Intellectual Property

Monitronics has a registered service mark for the Monitronics name and a service mark for the Monitronics logo. It owns certain proprietary software applications that are used to provide services to its dealers and subscribers. Monitronics does not hold any patents or other intellectual property rights on its proprietary software applications.

Sales and Marketing

General

We believe Monitronics’ nationwide network of authorized dealers is the most effective way for Monitronics to market alarm systems.  Locally-based dealers are often an integral part of the communities they serve and understand the local market and how best to satisfy local needs. By combining the dealer’s local presence and reputation with Monitronics’ high quality service and support, Monitronics is able to cost-effectively provide local services and take advantage of economies of scale where appropriate.

Agreements with dealers provide for the purchase of the dealer’s subscriber accounts on an ongoing basis. The dealers install the alarm system and arrange for subscribers to enter into a multi-year alarm monitoring agreement in a form acceptable to Monitronics. The dealer then submits this monitoring agreement for Monitronics’ due diligence review and purchase.

Dealer Network Development

Monitronics remains focused on expanding its network of independent authorized dealers. To do so, Monitronics has established a dealer program that provides participating dealers with a variety of support services to assist them as they grow their businesses. Authorized dealers may use the Monitronics brand name in their sales and marketing activities and on the products they sell and install. Monitronics authorized dealers benefit from their affiliation with Monitronics and its national reputation for high customer satisfaction, as well as the support they receive from Monitronics. Authorized dealers benefit by generating operating capital and profits from the sale of their accounts to Monitronics.  Monitronics also provides authorized dealers with the opportunity to obtain discounts on alarm systems and other equipment purchased by such dealers from original equipment manufacturers, including alarm systems labeled with the Monitronics logo.  Monitronics also makes available sales, business and technical training, sales literature, co-branded marketing materials, sales leads and management support to its authorized dealers.  In most cases these services and cost savings would not be available to security alarm dealers on an individual basis.

Currently, Monitronics employs sales representatives to promote its authorized dealer program, find account acquisition opportunities and sell Monitronics monitoring services. Monitronics targets independent alarm dealers across the U.S. that can benefit from the Monitronics dealer program services and can generate high quality monitoring customers for Monitronics. Monitronics uses a variety of marketing techniques to promote the dealer program and related services. These activities include direct mail, trade magazine advertising, trade shows, internet web site marketing, publicity and telemarketing.

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Dealer Marketing Support

Monitronics offers its authorized dealers an extensive marketing support program. Monitronics focuses on developing professionally designed sales and marketing materials that will help dealers market alarm systems and monitoring services with maximum effectiveness. Materials offered to authorized dealers include:

·                  sales brochures and flyers;

·                  yard signs;

·                  window decals;

·                  customer forms and agreements;

·                  sales presentation binders;

·                  door hangers;

·                  lead boxes;

·                  vehicle graphics;

·                  trade show booths; and

·                  clothing bearing the Monitronics brand name.

These materials are made available to dealers at prices that management believes would not be available to dealers on an individual basis.

Monitronics’ sales materials promote both the Monitronics brand and the dealer’s status as a Monitronics authorized dealer. Dealers often sell and install alarm systems which display the Monitronics logo and telephone number, which further strengthens consumer recognition of their status as Monitronics authorized dealers. Management believes that the dealers’ use of the Monitronics brand to promote their affiliation with one of the nation’s largest alarm monitoring companies boosts the dealers’ credibility and reputation in their local markets and also assists in supporting their sales success.

Customer Integration and Marketing

The customer’s awareness and identification of the Monitronics brand as the monitoring service provider is further supported by the distribution of Monitronics-branded materials by the dealer to the customer at the point of sale. Such materials may include Monitronics yard signs, brochures, instruction cards, and other promotional items. Monitronics’ dealers typically introduce customers to Monitronics in the home when describing Monitronics’ central monitoring station.

Following the purchase of a monitoring agreement from a dealer, the customer is sent a brochure notifying them that Monitronics has assumed responsibility for all their monitoring and customer service needs.  All materials focus on the Monitronics brand and the role of Monitronics as the single source of support for the customer.

Negotiated Account Acquisitions

In addition to the development of Monitronics’ dealer network, Monitronics periodically acquires alarm monitoring accounts from other alarm companies in bulk on a negotiated basis. Monitronics’ management has extensive experience in identifying potential opportunities, negotiating account acquisitions and performing thorough due diligence, which helps facilitate execution of new acquisitions in a timely manner.

Strategy

Corporate Strategy

Ascent Capital actively seeks opportunities to leverage our strong capital position through strategic acquisitions in the security alarm monitoring industry as well as acquisitions in other industries.  As part of this strategy, we divested the businesses that were historically operated by our former wholly-owned subsidiary, Ascent Media Group, LLC (“AMG”), and acquired Monitronics, a subscription-based business that delivers solid, predictable revenue and cash flow and has what we believe is a scalable and leveragable business model.

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We continue to evaluate acquisition opportunities that we believe offer the opportunity for attractive returns on equity. In evaluating potential acquisition candidates we consider various factors, including among other things:

·                  financial characteristics, including recurring revenue streams and free cash flow;

·                  growth potential;

·                  potential return on investment incorporating appropriate financial leverage, including the target’s existing indebtedness and opportunities to restructure some or all of that indebtedness;

·                  risk profile of business; and

·                  the presence of a strong management team.

We consider acquisitions utilizing cash, leverage and potentially Ascent Capital stock. In addition to acquisitions, we consider majority ownership positions, minority equity investments and, in appropriate circumstances, senior debt investments that we believe provide either a path to full ownership or control, the possibility for high returns on investment, or significant strategic benefits.

Our acquisition strategy entails risk. While our preference is to build our presence in the security alarm monitoring industry through acquisitions, we will also consider potential acquisitions in other industries, which could result in further changes in our operations from those historically conducted by us.  Please see “Risk Factors” below.

Monitronics Strategy

Monitronics’ goal is to maximize return on invested capital, which we believe can be achieved by pursuing the following strategies:

Maximize Subscriber Retention

We seek to maximize subscriber retention by continuing to acquire high quality accounts and to increase the average life of an account through the following initiatives:

·                  maintain the high quality of our subscriber base by continuing to implement our highly disciplined account acquisition program;

·                  continue to incentivize our dealers to sell us only high-quality accounts through quality incentives built into the purchase price and by having a performance guarantee on substantially all dealer accounts;

·                  provide superior customer service on the telephone and in the field; and

·                  actively identify subscribers who are relocating, the number one reason for account cancellations, and target retention of such subscribers.

Maximize Economics of Business Model

Due to the scalability of our operations and the low fixed and variable costs inherent in our cost structure, we believe we will continue to experience high Adjusted EBITDA margins as costs are spread over larger recurring revenue streams. We believe our cash flows may also benefit from our continued efforts to increase subscriber retention rates and reduce response times, call duration and false alarms.  As used in this annual report, the term “Adjusted EBITDA” means net income before interest expense, interest income, income taxes, depreciation, amortization (including the amortization of subscriber accounts and dealer networks), realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative instruments, restructuring charges, stock-based and other non-cash long-term incentive compensation, and other non-cash or non-recurring charges, and “Adjusted EBITDA margin” means Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue. For further discussion of Adjusted EBITDA, see Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

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Expand Our Network of Dealers

We plan to continue to grow account purchases from our dealer network by targeting dealers that can benefit from our dealer program services and that can generate high quality subscribers for us. We believe we are an attractive partner for dealers for the following reasons:

·                  we provide our dealers with a full range of services designed to assist them in all aspects of their business, including sales leads, sales training, technical training, comprehensive on-line account access, detailed weekly account summaries, sales support materials and discounts on security system hardware purchased through our strategic alliances with security system manufacturers;

·                  individual dealers retain local name recognition and responsibility for day-to-day sales and installation efforts, thereby supporting the entrepreneurial culture at the dealer level and allowing us to capitalize on the considerable local market knowledge, goodwill and name recognition of our dealers; and

·                  we are a reliable purchaser of accounts at competitive rates.

For a description of the risks associated with the foregoing strategies, and with the Company’s business in general, see “Risk Factors” section beginning on page 11.

Industry; Competition

The security alarm industry is highly competitive and fragmented, and competitors include four other major firms with nationwide coverage and numerous smaller providers with regional or local coverage.  The four other security alarm companies with coverage across the U.S. are as follows:

·                  The ADT Corporation (“ADT”);

·                  Protection One, Inc.;

·                  Stanley Security Solutions, a subsidiary of Stanley Black and Decker; and

·                  Vivint, Inc.

The security alarm industry has remained highly competitive and fragmented over time without any material change to market concentration.  Competition in the security alarm industry is based primarily on reputation for quality of service, market visibility, services offered, price and the ability to identify subscriber accounts. We believe we compete effectively with other national, regional and local alarm monitoring companies due to our reputation for reliable monitoring, customer and technical services, the quality of services, and our low cost structure.  The dynamics of the security alarm industry often favor larger alarm monitoring companies with a nationwide focus that have greater capital and benefit from economies of scale in technology, advertising and other expenditures.

Some of these larger alarm monitoring companies have also adopted, in whole or in part, a dealer program similar to that of Monitronics.  In these instances, Monitronics must also compete with these programs in recruiting dealers.  We believe we compete effectively with other dealer programs due to our competitive account purchase terms and the quality of our dealer support services.  The alarm monitoring companies that compete with Monitronics for alarm system dealers in this manner include Security Networks, LLC and ADT, the latter of which is significantly larger and has more capital.

Seasonality

Monitronics’ operations are subject to a certain level of seasonality.  Since more household moves take place during the second and third calendar quarters of each year, Monitronics’ disconnect rate and expenses related to retaining customers are typically higher in those calendar quarters than in the first and fourth quarters.  There is also a slight seasonal effect resulting in higher new customer volume and related cash expenditures incurred in investment in new subscribers in the second and third quarters.

Regulatory Matters

Monitronics’ operations are subject to a variety of laws, regulations and licensing requirements of federal, state and local authorities. In certain jurisdictions, Monitronics is required to obtain licenses or permits to comply with standards governing employee selection and training and to meet certain standards in the conduct of its business.  The security industry is also subject to requirements imposed by various insurance, approval, listing and standards organizations. Depending upon the type of subscriber served, the type of security service provided and the requirements of the applicable local governmental jurisdiction, adherence to the requirements and standards of such organizations is mandatory in some instances and voluntary in others.

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Although local governments routinely respond to panic and smoke/fire alarms, there are an increasing number of local governmental authorities that have adopted or are considering various measures aimed at reducing the number of false burglar alarms. Such measures include:

·                  subjecting alarm monitoring companies to fines or penalties for false alarms;

·                  imposing fines on alarm subscribers for false alarms;

·                  imposing limitations on the number of times the police will respond to false alarms at a particular location;

·                  requiring additional verification of intrusion alarms by calling two different phone numbers prior to dispatch (“Enhanced Call Verification”); and

·                  requiring visual verification of an actual emergency at the premise before the police will respond to an alarm signal.

Enhanced Call Verification has been implemented as standard policy by Monitronics.

Monitronics’ alarm monitoring business utilizes telephone lines, internet connections, cellular networks and radio frequencies to transmit alarm signals. The cost of telephone lines, and the type of equipment which may be used in telephone line transmission, are currently regulated by both federal and state governments. The operation and utilization of cellular and radio frequencies are regulated by the Federal Communications Commission and state public utility commissions.

Employees

At December 31, 2012, Ascent Capital, together with its subsidiaries, had approximately 770 full-time employees and an additional 18 employees that are employed on a part-time or freelance basis, all of which are located in the U.S.

(d)  Financial Information About Geographic Areas

Monitronics performs monitoring services for subscribers located in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Canada.

(e)  Available Information

All of our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including our Form 10-Ks, Form 10-Qs and Form 8-Ks, as well as amendments to such filings are available on our Internet website free of charge generally within 24 hours after we file such material with the SEC. Our website address is www.ascentcapitalgroupinc.com.

Our corporate governance guidelines, code of business conduct and ethics, compensation committee charter, nominating and corporate governance committee charter, and audit committee charter are available on our website. In addition, we will provide a copy of any of these documents, free of charge, to any shareholder who calls or submits a request in writing to Investor Relations, Ascent Capital Group, Inc., 5251 DTC Parkway, Suite 1000, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111.  Telephone No. (303) 628-5600.

The information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference herein.

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ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, you should consider the following risk factors in evaluating our results of operations, financial condition, business and operations or an investment in our stock.

Although we describe below and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K the risks we consider to be the most material, there may be other unknown or unpredictable economic, business, competitive, regulatory or other factors that also could have material adverse effects on our results of operations, financial condition, business or operations in the future. In addition, past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance and historical trends should not be used to anticipate results or trends in future periods.

If any of the events described below, individually or in combination, were to occur, our businesses, prospects, financial condition, results of operations and/or cash flows could be materially adversely affected.

Factors Relating to Our Corporate History and Strategy

We have substantially changed the businesses in which we operate. Accordingly, it may be difficult to evaluate our performance based on our operating history.

Our financial statements for periods prior to February 2011 include the financial position and results of operations of the business units formerly operated by our wholly-owned subsidiary, AMG. AMG was primarily engaged in the business of providing content distribution and creative services to the media and entertainment industries.  The businesses of AMG were organized into two operating segments: businesses that provided content management and delivery services (“Content Services”), and businesses that provided creative services (“Creative Services”). The Content Services segment was in turn divided into three business units: (i) the content distribution business unit (“Content Distribution”), (ii) the media management services business unit (“Media Services”) and (iii) the systems integration business unit (“Systems Integration” or “SI”).  We completed the sales of the Creative Services operating segment and Media Services business unit (which is referred to collectively as “Creative/Media”) and the Content Distribution business unit on or before February 28, 2011 and shut-down the Systems Integration business unit in June 2011.  The businesses of AMG, accordingly, are reflected as discontinued operations in our financial statements. We acquired our current principal operating subsidiary, Monitronics, on December 17, 2010.  Hence, the results of operations of Monitronics are only included in our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010 with respect to the stub period December 17, 2010 through December 31, 2010, and for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2012.  We had previously included in our Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed December 28, 2010, Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 14, 2011, and Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed March 6, 2012, the following:

·                  the audited consolidated financial statements of Monitronics for the periods July 1, 2010 through December 16, 2010 (Predecessor) and December 17, 2010 through December 31, 2010 (Successor);

·                  the audited consolidated financial statements of Monitronics for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008, and for the three months ended June 30, 2010;

·                  the unaudited consolidated financial statements of Monitronics for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009;

·                  an unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of September 30, 2010, giving effect to the acquisition of Monitronics and the dispositions of the Creative/Media and Content Distribution businesses, on a pro forma basis, as if such transactions had occurred on that date; and

·                  an unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and the year ended December 31, 2009, giving effect to the acquisition of Monitronics and the dispositions of the Creative/Media and Content Distribution businesses, on a pro forma basis, as if such transactions had occurred on January 1, 2009.

However, the historical financial information of Monitronics included in these reports generally reflect its results of operations, financial condition and cash flows with respect to time periods during which it was a stand-alone entity, rather than part of a public company, and may not necessarily reflect what such results would have been if Monitronics had been a subsidiary of our company during the periods presented. Moreover, the unaudited pro forma financial statements included in the December 2010 report do not purport to represent, and are not necessarily indicative of what our financial position or results of operations would have been had such transactions occurred on the dates indicated.

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We have a history of losses and may incur losses in the future.

Monitronics, our primary operating subsidiary, incurred losses in each of its last three full fiscal years. In future periods, we may not be able to achieve or sustain profitability on a consistent quarterly or annual basis.  Failure to maintain profitability in future periods may materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

Our acquisition strategy may not be successful.

One focus of our corporate strategy is to seek opportunities to grow free cash flow through strategic acquisitions, which may include leveraged acquisitions. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to consummate that strategy, and if we are not able to invest our capital in acquisitions that are accretive to free cash flow it could negatively impact the growth of our primary operating business. Our ability to consummate such acquisitions may be negatively impacted by various factors, including among other things:

·                  failure to identify attractive acquisition candidates on acceptable terms;

·                  competition from other bidders;

·                  inability to raise any required financing; and

·                  antitrust or other regulatory restrictions, including any requirements that may be imposed by government agencies as a condition to any required regulatory approval.

If we engage in any acquisition, we will incur a variety of costs, and may never realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisition. Our business strategy includes the future acquisition of businesses that we believe are strategically attractive and that we expect will be accretive to consolidated free cash flow. If we undertake any acquisition, the process of operating such acquired business on a stand-alone basis, or, if applicable, of integrating any acquired business with Monitronics, may result in unforeseen operating difficulties and expenditures. Moreover, we may fail to realize the anticipated benefits of any acquisition as rapidly as expected or at all. Future acquisitions could reduce our current stockholders’ ownership percentage, cause us to incur debt and expose us to liabilities. Further, we may incur significant expenditures and devote substantial management time and attention in anticipation of an acquisition that is never realized. Lastly, while we intend to implement appropriate controls and procedures as we integrate any acquired companies, we may not be able to certify as to the effectiveness of these companies’ disclosure controls and procedures or internal control over financial reporting within the time periods required by U.S. federal securities laws and regulations.

We are a holding company and derive substantially all of our revenue and cash flow from our primary operating subsidiary, Monitronics.

Monitronics is a separate and independent legal entity and has no obligation to make funds available to us, whether in the form of loans, dividends or otherwise. The ability of Monitronics to pay dividends to us is subject to, among other things, compliance with covenants in its credit agreement and its high yield bond indenture, the availability of sufficient earnings and funds, and applicable state laws. As of December 31, 2012, Monitronics had consolidated indebtedness of $1,108,383,000.  Claims of creditors of Monitronics have priority as to its assets over our claims and those of our creditors and shareholders.

An inability to access capital markets at attractive rates could materially increase our expenses.

Although we currently have sufficient cash and investments available to meet our anticipated capital requirements for the foreseeable future, we may in the future require access to capital markets as a source of liquidity for investments and expenditures. In any such event, there can be no assurance that we would be able to obtain financing on terms acceptable to us or at all. If our ability to access required capital were to become significantly constrained, we could incur material borrowing costs, our financial condition could be harmed and future results of operations could be adversely affected.

We may have substantial indemnification obligations under certain inter-company agreements we entered into in connection with the spin-off of our company from DHC.

Pursuant to our tax sharing agreement with DHC, we have agreed to be responsible for all taxes attributable to us or any of our subsidiaries, whether accruing before, on or after the spin-off (subject to specified exceptions). We have also agreed to be responsible for and indemnify DHC with respect to (i) certain taxes attributable to DHC or any of its subsidiaries (other than Discovery Communications, LLC) and (ii) all taxes arising as a result of the spin-off (subject to specified exceptions). Our indemnification obligations under the tax sharing agreement are not limited in amount or subject to any cap. Pursuant to the reorganization agreement we entered into with DHC in connection with the spin-off, we assumed certain indemnification obligations designed to make our company financially responsible for substantially all non-tax liabilities that may exist relating to the business of our former subsidiary,

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AMG, whether incurred prior to or after the spin-off, as well as certain obligations of DHC. Any indemnification payments under the tax sharing agreement or the reorganization agreement could be substantial.

Factors Relating to Our Common Stock

It may be difficult for a third party to acquire us, even if doing so may be beneficial to our shareholders.

Certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws may discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our company that our shareholders may consider favorable. These provisions include the following:

·                  a capital structure with multiple series of common stock: a Series B that entitles the holders to ten votes per share, a Series A that entitles the holders to one vote per share, and a Series C that, except in such limited circumstances as may be required by applicable law, entitles the holders to no voting rights;

·                  authorizing the issuance of “blank check” preferred stock, which could be issued by our board of directors to increase the number of outstanding shares and thwart a takeover attempt;

·                  classifying our board of directors with staggered three-year terms, which may lengthen the time required to gain control of our board of directors through a proxy contest or exercise of voting rights;

·                  limiting who may call special meetings of shareholders;

·                  prohibiting shareholder action by written consent (subject to certain exceptions), thereby requiring such action to be taken at a meeting of the shareholders;

·                  establishing advance notice requirements for nominations of candidates for election to our board of directors or for proposing matters that can be acted upon by shareholders at shareholder meetings;

·                  requiring shareholder approval by holders of at least 80% of our voting power or the approval by at least 75% of our board of directors with respect to certain extraordinary matters, such as a merger or consolidation of our company, a sale of all or substantially all of our assets or an amendment to our certificate of incorporation;

·                  requiring the consent of the holders of at least 75% of the outstanding Series B Common Stock (voting as a separate class) to certain share distributions and other corporate actions in which the voting power of the Series B Common Stock would be diluted, for example by issuing shares having multiple votes per share as a dividend to holders of Series A common stock; and

·                  the existence of authorized and unissued stock which would allow our board of directors to issue shares to persons friendly to current management, thereby protecting the continuity of its management, or which could be used to dilute the stock ownership of persons seeking to obtain control of us.

The beneficial ownership by John C. Malone, a former director of the Company, of shares of our common stock, that represent approximately 35% of the aggregate voting power of our outstanding common stock as of January 31, 2013, may also discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our company.  In addition, Monitronics’ new Credit Facility provides that the occurrence of specified change of control events will result in an event of default thereunder, and the Senior Notes include a covenant that requires Monitronics to make an offer to purchase all outstanding Senior Notes, at 101% of par, upon the occurrence of specified change of control events, each of which could cause an acquisition of our company to be prohibitively expensive for a potential bidder.

We have adopted a shareholder rights plan in order to encourage anyone seeking to acquire our company to negotiate with our board of directors prior to attempting a takeover.

While our shareholder rights plan is designed to guard against coercive or unfair tactics to gain control of our company, the plan may have the effect of making more difficult or delaying any attempts by others to obtain control of our company in a transaction that our shareholders may find favorable.

Holders of a single series of our common stock may not have any remedies if an action by our directors has an adverse effect on only that series of our common stock.

Principles of Delaware law and the provisions of our certificate of incorporation may protect decisions of our board of directors that have a disparate impact upon holders of any single series of our common stock. Under Delaware law, the board of directors has a duty to act with due care and in the best interests of all of our shareholders, including the holders of all series of our common stock. Principles of Delaware law established in cases involving differing treatment of multiple classes or series of stock provide that a board of directors owes an equal duty to all common shareholders regardless of class or series and does not have separate or additional duties to any group of shareholders. As a result, in some circumstances, our directors may be required to make a decision that is viewed as adverse to the holders of one series of our common stock. Under the principles of Delaware law and the business judgment rule,

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holders may not be able to successfully challenge decisions that they believe have a disparate impact upon the holders of one series of our stock if our board of directors is disinterested and independent with respect to the action taken, is adequately informed with respect to the action taken and acts in good faith and in the honest belief that the board is acting in the best interest of all of our stockholders.

Although our Series B Common Stock trades on the OTC Bulletin Board, there is no meaningful trading market for the stock.

Our Series B Common Stock is not widely held, with 95% of the outstanding shares as of January 31, 2013 beneficially owned by John C. Malone, a former director of the Company. Although it is listed on the OTC Bulletin Board, it is sparsely traded and does not have an active trading market.  The OTC Bulletin Board tends to be highly illiquid, in part, because there is no national quotation system by which potential investors can track the market price of shares except through information received or generated by a limited number of broker-dealers that make markets in particular stocks. There is also a greater chance of market volatility for securities that trade on the OTC Bulletin Board as opposed to a national exchange or quotation system. This volatility is due to a variety of factors, including a lack of readily available price quotations, lower trading volume, absence of consistent administrative supervision of “bid” and “ask” quotations, and market conditions. Each share of the Series B Common Stock is convertible, at any time at the option of the holder, into one share of Series A Common Stock, which is listed and traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “ASCMA.”

Factors Relating to Monitronics

Monitronics faces risks in acquiring and integrating new subscribers.

The acquisition of alarm monitoring agreements (“AMAs”) by Monitronics involves a number of risks, including the risk that the purchased AMAs may not be profitable due to higher than expected account attrition, lower than expected revenues from the AMAs or, when applicable, lower than expected recoveries from dealers.  The purchase price Monitronics pays a dealer for an AMA is affected by the monthly recurring revenue generated by the AMA, as well as several other factors, including the level of competition, Monitronics’ prior experience with AMAs purchased from the dealer, the number of AMAs purchased, the subscriber’s credit score and the type of security equipment used by the subscriber.  To the extent that the servicing costs or the attrition rates are higher than expected or the revenues from the AMAs or, when applicable, the recoveries from dealers are lower than expected, Monitronics’ business and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Monitronics is subject to credit risk and other risks associated with its subscribers.

Substantially all of Monitronics’ revenues are derived from the recurring monthly revenue due from subscribers under the AMAs.  Therefore, Monitronics is dependent on the ability and willingness of subscribers to pay amounts due under the AMAs on a monthly basis in a timely manner.  Although subscribers are contractually obligated to pay amounts due under an AMA and are prohibited from canceling the AMA for the initial term of the AMA (typically between three to five years), subscribers’ payment obligations are unsecured, which could impair Monitronics’ ability to collect any unpaid amounts from its subscribers.  To the extent defaults by subscribers of their obligations under the AMAs are greater than anticipated, Monitronics’ business and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

Monitronics relies on a significant number of its subscribers remaining with it for an extended period of time.

Monitronics incurs significant upfront cash costs for each new subscriber.  Monitronics requires a substantial amount of time, typically exceeding the initial term of the related AMA, for it to receive cash payments (net of its variable cash operating costs) from a particular subscriber that are sufficient to offset this upfront cost. Accordingly, Monitronics’ long-term performance is dependent on its subscribers remaining with it as subscribers for as long as possible.  This requires Monitronics to minimize its rate of subscriber cancellations, or attrition. Factors that can increase cancellations include subscribers who relocate and do not reconnect, problems with service quality, competition from other alarm monitoring companies, equipment obsolescence, adverse economic conditions and the affordability of its service.  If Monitronics fails to keep the subscribers for a sufficiently long period of time, attrition rates would be higher than expected and Monitronics’ financial position and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.  In addition, Monitronics may experience higher attrition rates with respect to subscribers acquired in bulk buys than subscribers acquired pursuant to Monitronics’ authorized dealer program.  Monitronics completed its largest bulk buy during the fourth quarter of 2012, increasing its subscriber base by more than 10%.

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Monitronics is subject to credit risk and other risks associated with its dealers.

Under the standard alarm monitoring purchase agreement (“AMPA”) that Monitronics enters into with its dealers, if a subscriber terminates their service with Monitronics during the first twelve months after the AMA has been purchased, the dealer is typically required to elect between substituting another AMA for the terminating AMA or compensating Monitronics in an amount based on the original purchase price of the terminating AMA.  Monitronics is subject to the risk that dealers will breach their obligation to provide a comparable substitute AMA for a terminating AMA.  Although Monitronics withholds specified amounts from the purchase price paid to dealers for AMAs (holdback), which may be used to satisfy or offset these and other applicable dealer obligations under the AMPA, there can be no guarantee that these amounts will be sufficient to satisfy or offset the full extent of the default by a dealer of its obligations under an AMPA.  If the holdback does prove insufficient to cover dealer obligations, Monitronics is also subject to the credit risk that the dealers may not have sufficient funds to compensate Monitronics when substitute AMAs are unavailable or that any such dealer will otherwise breach its obligation to compensate Monitronics for a terminating AMA.  To the extent defaults by dealers of their obligations under the AMPAs are greater than anticipated, Monitronics’ financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

The alarm monitoring business is subject to macroeconomic factors, including prolonged downturns in the housing market, which may negatively impact Monitronics’ results of operations and subscriber account growth.

The alarm monitoring business is dependent in part on national, regional and local economic conditions.  In particular, where disposable income available for discretionary spending is reduced (such as by higher housing, energy, interest or other costs or where the actual or perceived wealth of customers has decreased because of circumstances such as lower residential real estate values, increased foreclosure rates, inflation, increased tax rates or other economic disruptions), the alarm monitoring business could experience increased attrition rates and reduced consumer demand.  Although Monitronics has continued to grow its business in the most recent periods of general economic downturn, no assurance can be given that it will be able to continue acquiring quality AMAs or that it will not experience higher attrition rates.  In addition, any deterioration in new construction and sales of existing single family homes could reduce opportunities to grow Monitronics’ subscriber accounts from the sales of new security systems and services and the take-over of existing security systems that had previously been monitored by Monitronics’ competitors.  If the general economic downturn is prolonged or materially worsens, Monitronics’ results of operations and subscriber account growth could be materially and adversely affected.

Adverse economic conditions in states where Monitronics’ subscribers are more heavily concentrated may negatively impact Monitronics’ results of operations.

Even as economic conditions may improve in the U.S. as a whole, this improvement may not occur or further deterioration may occur in the regions where Monitronics’ subscribers are more heavily concentrated (such as Texas, California, Florida and Arizona). Although Monitronics has a geographically diverse subscriber base, adverse conditions in one or more states where Monitronics’ business is more heavily concentrated could have a significant adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

If the insurance industry were to change its practice of providing incentives to homeowners for the use of alarm monitoring services, Monitronics may experience a reduction in new customer growth or an increase in its subscriber attrition rate.

It has been common practice in the insurance industry to provide a reduction in rates for policies written on homes that have monitored alarm systems.  There can be no assurance that insurance companies will continue to offer these rate reductions.  If these incentives were reduced or eliminated, new homeowners who otherwise may not feel the need for alarm monitoring services would be removed from Monitronics’ potential customer pool, which could hinder the growth of Monitronics’ business, and existing subscribers may choose to disconnect or not renew their service contracts, which could increase Monitronics’ attrition rates.  In either case, Monitronics’ results of operations and growth prospects could be adversely affected.

Risks of liability from Monitronics’ business and operations may be significant.

The nature of the services provided by Monitronics potentially exposes it to greater risks of liability for employee acts or omissions or system failures than may be inherent in other businesses.  If subscribers believe that they incurred losses as a result of an action or a failure to act by Monitronics, the subscribers could bring claims against Monitronics, and Monitronics has been subject to lawsuits of this type from time to time.  Similarly, if dealers believe that they incurred losses or were denied rights under the AMPAs as a result of an action or a failure to act by Monitronics, the dealers could bring claims against Monitronics. Substantially all of Monitronics’ AMAs and AMPAs contain provisions limiting Monitronics’ liability to subscribers and dealers, respectively, in an attempt to reduce this risk.  However, in the event of any such litigation, no assurance can be given that these limitations will be enforced, and the costs of such litigation or the related settlements or judgments could have a material adverse effect on Monitronics’ financial condition. In

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addition, there can be no assurance that Monitronics is adequately insured for these risks. Certain of Monitronics’ insurance policies and the laws of some states may limit or prohibit insurance coverage for punitive or certain other types of damages or liability arising from gross negligence.  If significant uninsured damages are assessed against Monitronics, the resulting liability could have a material adverse effect on Monitronics’ financial condition or results of operations.

Future litigation could result in adverse publicity for Monitronics.

In the ordinary course of business, from time to time, Monitronics is the subject of complaints or litigation from subscribers or inquiries from government officials, sometimes related to alleged violations of state consumer protection statutes (including by Monitronics’ dealers), negligent dealer installation and negligent service of alarm monitoring systems.  Monitronics may also be subject to employee claims based on, among other things, alleged discrimination, harassment or wrongful termination claims.  In addition to diverting Monitronics’ management resources, adverse publicity resulting from such allegations may materially and adversely affect Monitronics’ reputation in the communities it services, regardless of whether such allegations are unfounded.  Such adverse publicity could result in higher attrition rates and greater difficulty in attracting new subscribers on terms that are attractive to Monitronics or at all.

A disruption to Monitronics’ monitoring facility and its back-up monitoring facility could adversely affect its business.

A disruption to both the monitoring facility and the back-up monitoring facility could affect Monitronics’ ability to provide alarm monitoring services to its subscribers. Any such disruption could occur for many reasons, including fire, natural disasters, weather, transmission interruption, malicious acts or terrorism. Monitronics’ main monitoring facility holds Underwriters’ Laboratories listings as protective signaling services stations and maintains certain standards of building integrity, redundant computer and communications facilities and backup power, among other safeguards.  However, no assurance can be given that both of Monitronics’ monitoring facilities will not be impacted by a disruption, including one from a catastrophic event or natural disaster.  Any such disruption, particularly one of a prolonged duration, could have a material adverse effect on Monitronics’ business.

Monitronics relies on third parties to transmit signals to its monitoring facilities.

Monitronics relies on various third-party telecommunications providers and signal processing centers to transmit and communicate signals to its monitoring facilities in a timely and consistent manner.  These telecommunications providers and signal processing centers could fail to transmit or communicate these signals to the monitoring facilities for many reasons, including due to disruptions from fire, natural disasters, weather, transmission interruption, malicious acts or terrorism.  The failure of one or more of these telecommunications providers or signal processing centers to transmit and communicate signals to the monitoring facilities in a timely manner could affect Monitronics’ ability to provide alarm monitoring services to its subscribers.  There can be no assurance that third-party telecommunications providers and signal processing centers will continue to transmit and communicate signals to the monitoring facilities without disruption. Any such disruption, particularly one of a prolonged duration, could have a material adverse effect on Monitronics’ business.  See also “Shifts in customer choice of, or telecommunications providers’ support for, telecommunications services and equipment could adversely impact Monitronics’ business and require significant capital expenditures” below with respect to risks associated with changes in signal transmissions.

The alarm monitoring business is subject to technological innovation over time.

Monitronics’ monitoring services depend upon the technology (both hardware and software) of security alarm systems located at subscribers’ premises. Monitronics may be required to implement new technology both to attract and retain subscribers, including in response to changes in land-line or cellular technology or other factors, which could require significant expenditures.  In addition, the availability of any new features developed for use in our industry (whether developed by Monitronics or otherwise) can have a significant impact on a subscriber’s initial decision to choose Monitronics’ or its competitor’s products and a subscriber’s decision to renew with Monitronics or switch to one of its competitors.  To the extent Monitronics’ competitors have greater capital and other resources to dedicate to responding to technological innovation over time, the products and services offered by Monitronics may become less attractive to current or future subscribers thereby reducing demand for such products and services and increasing attrition over time.  Those competitors that benefit from more capital being available to them may be at a particular advantage to Monitronics in this respect.  If Monitronics is unable to adapt in response to changing technologies, market conditions or subscriber requirements in a timely manner, Monitronics’ may experience increased attrition rates.  Monitronics also faces potential competition from improvements in self-monitoring systems, which enable current or future subscribers to monitor their home environments without third-party involvement, which could further increase attrition rates over time and hinder new subscriber acquisitions of new AMAs.

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Shifts in customer choice of, or telecommunications providers’ support for, telecommunications services and equipment could adversely impact Monitronics’ business and require significant capital expenditures.

A significant portion of Monitronics’ subscriber alarm systems use either a traditional, land-line telecommunication service or a 2G cellular service to communicate alarm signals from the subscribers’ locations to Monitronics’ monitoring facility.  There is a growing trend for consumers to give up their land-line and exclusively use cellular and IP communication technology in their homes and businesses, and telecommunications providers may discontinue land-line services in the future.  In addition, there is no guarantee that telecommunications providers will continue to support the 2G cellular network in the future.  The continued operation of both the landline and 2G cellular networks will depend on a number of factors which are outside of Monitronics’ control.  If either the land-line or 2G cellular network is discontinued, subscribers will need to replace certain equipment in their security system to maintain their monitoring service.  This could increase Monitronics’ subscriber attrition rates and, to retain customers, require Monitronics to subsidize the replacement of subscribers’ outdated systems at its own expense. Any such upgrades or implementations could require significant expenditures and also divert management’s attention and other important resources away from customer service and sales efforts. In the future, Monitronics may not be able to successfully implement new technologies or adapt existing technologies to changing market demands.  If Monitronics is unable to adapt timely to changing technologies, market conditions or customer preferences, Monitronics’ business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected.

Privacy concerns, such as consumer identity theft and security breaches, could hurt Monitronics’ reputation and revenues.

As part of its operations, Monitronics collects a large amount of private information from its subscribers, including credit card information, images and voice recordings. If Monitronics were to experience a breach of its data security, it may put private information of its subscribers at risk of exposure. To the extent that any such exposure leads to credit card fraud or identity theft, Monitronics may experience a general decline in consumer confidence in its business, which may lead to an increase in attrition rates or may make it more difficult to attract new subscribers.  If consumers become reluctant to use Monitronics’ services because of concerns over data privacy or credit card fraud, Monitronics’ ability to generate revenues would be impaired. In addition, if technology upgrades or other expenditures are required to prevent security breaches of its network, boost general consumer confidence in its business, or prevent credit card fraud and identity theft, Monitronics may be required to make unplanned capital expenditures or expend other resources. Any such loss of confidence in its business or additional capital expenditure requirement could have a material adverse effect on Monitronics’ business, financial condition and results of operations.

Monitronics’ reputation as a service provider of high quality security offerings may be adversely affected by product defects or shortfalls in customer service.

Monitronics’ business depends on its reputation and ability to maintain good relationships with its subscribers, dealers and local regulators, among others. Monitronics’ reputation may be harmed either through product defects, such as the failure of one or more of its subscribers’ alarm systems, or shortfalls in customer service. Subscribers generally judge Monitronics’ performance through their interactions with the staff at the monitoring centers and dealers who perform on-site maintenance services. Any failure to meet subscribers’ expectations in such customer service areas could cause an increase in attrition rates or make it difficult to recruit new subscribers. Any harm to Monitronics’ reputation or subscriber relationships caused by the actions of its dealers, personnel or third party service providers or any other factors could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition and results of operations.

A loss of experienced employees could adversely affect Monitronics.

The success of Monitronics has been largely dependent upon the active participation of its officers and employees.  The loss of the services of key members of Monitronics’ management for any reason may have a material adverse effect on the operations of Monitronics and the ability of Monitronics to maintain and grow its business.  Monitronics depends on the managerial skills and expertise of its management and employees to provide customer service by, among other things, monitoring and responding to alarm signals, coordinating equipment repairs, administering billing and collections under the AMAs and administering and providing dealer services under the AMPAs.  There is no assurance that Monitronics will be able to retain its current management and other experienced employees or replace them satisfactorily to the extent they leave the employ of Monitronics.  The loss of any such experienced employees’ services and expertise could materially and adversely affect Monitronics’ business.

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The high level of competition in Monitronics’ industry could adversely affect its business.

The security alarm monitoring industry is highly competitive and fragmented.  As of December 31, 2012, Monitronics was one of the largest alarm monitoring companies in the U.S. when measured by the total number of subscribers under contract.  Monitronics faces competition from other alarm monitoring companies, including companies that have more capital and that may offer higher prices and more favorable terms to dealers for AMAs purchased or charge lower prices for monitoring services.  Monitronics also faces competition from a significant number of small regional competitors that concentrate their capital and other resources in targeting local markets and form new marketing channels that may displace the existing alarm system dealer channels for acquiring AMAs.  Further, Monitronics is facing increasing competition from telecommunications and cable companies who are expanding into alarm monitoring services and bundling their existing offerings with monitored security services. The existing access to and relationship with subscribers that these companies have could give them a substantial advantage over Monitronics, especially if they are able to offer subscribers a lower price by bundling these services. Any of these forms of competition could reduce the acquisition opportunities available to Monitronics, thus slowing its rate of growth, or requiring it to increase the price paid for such subscriber accounts, thus reducing its return on investment and negatively impacting its revenues and results of operations.

We may be unable to obtain additional funds to grow Monitronics’ business.

Monitronics intends to continue to pursue growth through the acquisition of subscriber accounts through its authorized dealer program, among other means. To continue its growth strategy, Monitronics intends to make additional draw downs under the revolving credit portion of the Credit Facility and may seek financing through new credit arrangements or the possible sale of new securities, any of which may lead to higher leverage or result in higher borrowing costs. An inability to obtain funding through external financing sources on favorable terms or at all is likely to adversely affect Monitronics’ ability to continue or accelerate its subscriber account acquisition activities.

Monitronics has a substantial amount of indebtedness and the costs of servicing that debt may materially affect its business and ours.

Monitronics has a significant amount of indebtedness.  As of December 31, 2012, Monitronics had consolidated indebtedness of $1,108,383,000.  That substantial indebtedness, combined with its other financial obligations and contractual commitments, could have important consequences to us.  For example, it could:

·                  require Monitronics to dedicate a substantial portion of any cash flow from operations (which also constitutes substantially all of our cash flow) to the payment of interest and principal due under its indebtedness, which will reduce funds available to fund future subscriber account purchases, working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate requirements;

·                  increase its vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;

·                  limit its flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the markets in which we operate;

·                  limit Monitronics’ ability to obtain additional financing required to fund future subscriber account purchases, working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate requirements;

·                  place Monitronics at a competitive disadvantage compared to some of its competitors that are less leveraged;

·                  reduce or delay investments and capital expenditures; and

·                  cause any refinancing of Monitronics’ indebtedness to be at higher interest rates and require Monitronics to comply with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict our business operations.

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The agreements governing Monitronics various debt obligations, including its Credit Facility and the indenture governing the Senior Notes, impose restrictions on its business and such restrictions could adversely affect its ability to undertake certain corporate actions.

The agreements governing Monitronics’ indebtedness restrict its ability to, among other things:

·                  incur additional indebtedness;

·                  make cash distributions to us by means of loans or cash dividends;

·                  make certain loans and investments;

·                  create liens;

·                  enter into transactions with affiliates, including our company;

·                  restrict subsidiary distributions;

·                  dissolve, merge or consolidate;

·                  make capital expenditures;

·                  transfer, sell or dispose of assets; and

·                  acquire certain types of alarm monitoring contracts.

Monitronics must also comply with certain financial and non-financial covenants under the Credit Facility.  Credit Facility covenants include capital expenditure limits, maximum total Monitronics debt to EBITDA (as defined within the Credit Facility agreement) ratios, a minimum Monitronics fixed charge coverage ratio, a maximum eligible recurring monthly revenue (as defined within the Credit Facility agreement) to EBITDA ratio, and a maximum attrition rate.  If Monitronics cannot comply with any of these covenants, it may not be able to make additional draw downs under the revolving credit facility, which would limit Monitronics’ ability to manage its working capital requirements.  In addition, failure to comply with the restrictions contained in the Credit Facility or Senior Notes could lead to an event of default, which could result in the acceleration of a substantial amount of indebtedness.

Third party claims with respect to Monitronics’ intellectual property, if decided against Monitronics, may result in competing uses of Monitronics’ intellectual property or require the adoption of new, non-infringing intellectual property.

Monitronics has received and may continue to receive notices claiming it committed intellectual property infringement, misappropriation or other intellectual property violations and third parties have claimed, and may, in the future, claim that Monitronics does not own or have rights to use all intellectual property rights used in the conduct of its business. While Monitronics does not believe that any of the currently outstanding claims are material, there can be no assurance that third parties will not assert future infringement claims against Monitronics or claims that Monitronics’ rights to its intellectual property are invalid or unenforceable, and Monitronics cannot guarantee that these claims will be unsuccessful.  Any claims involving rights to use the “Monitronics” mark could have a material adverse effect on the alarm monitoring business if such claims were decided against Monitronics and it were precluded from using or licensing the “Monitronics” mark or others were allowed to use it.  If Monitronics were required to adopt a new name, it would entail marketing costs in connection with building up recognition and goodwill in such new name.  In the event that Monitronics was enjoined from using any of its other intellectual property, there would be costs associated with the replacement of such intellectual property with developed, acquired or licensed intellectual property.  There would also be costs associated with the defense and settlement of any infringement or misappropriation allegations and any damages that may be awarded.

Factors Relating to Regulatory Matters

“False Alarm” ordinances could adversely affect Monitronics’ business and operations.

Significant concern has arisen in certain municipalities about the high incidence of false alarms. In some localities, this concern has resulted in local ordinances or policies that restrict police response to third-party monitored burglar alarms. In addition, an increasing number of local governmental authorities have considered or adopted various measures aimed at reducing the number of false alarms, including:

·                  subjecting alarm monitoring companies to fines or penalties for transmitting false alarms;

·                  imposing fines on alarm monitoring services customers for false alarms;

·                  imposing limitations on the number of times the police will respond to alarms at a particular location; and

·                  requiring further verification of an alarm signal, such as visual verification or verification to two different phone numbers, before the police will respond.

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Enactment of these measures could adversely affect Monitronics’ future operations and business.  For example, numerous cities or metropolitan areas have implemented verified response ordinances for residential and commercial burglar alarms. A verified response policy means that police officers generally do not respond to an alarm until someone else (e.g., the resident, a neighbor or a security guard) first verifies that it is valid.  Some alarm monitoring companies operating in these areas hire security guards or use third-party guard firms to verify an alarm.  If Monitronics needs to hire security guards or use third-party guard firms, it could have a material adverse effect on its business through either increased servicing costs, which could negatively affect the ability of Monitronics to fund properly its ongoing operations, or increased costs to its customer, which may limit its ability to attract new customers or increase our subscriber attrition rates. In addition, the perception that police departments will not respond to third-party monitored burglar alarms, may reduce customer satisfaction with traditional monitored alarm systems, which may also result in increased attrition rates or decreased customer demand. Although Monitronics has less than 35,000 subscribers in these areas, a more widespread adoption of such a policy or similar policies in other cities or municipalities could materially and adversely affect its business.

Monitronics’ business operates in a regulated industry.

Monitronics’ business, operations and dealers are subject to various U.S. federal, state and local consumer protection laws, licensing regulation and other laws and regulations, and, to a lesser extent, similar Canadian laws and regulations. While there are no U.S. federal laws that directly regulate the security alarm monitoring industry, the advertising and sales practices of Monitronics and its dealer network are subject to regulation by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (the “FTC”) in addition to state consumer protection laws.  The FTC and the Federal Communications Commission have issued regulations that place restrictions on, among other things, unsolicited automated telephone calls to residential and wireless telephone subscribers by means of automatic telephone dialing systems and the use of prerecorded or artificial voice messages.   If Monitronics’ dealers were to take actions in violation of these regulations, such as telemarketing to individuals on the “Do Not Call” registry, Monitronics itself could be subject to fines, penalties, private actions or enforcement actions by government regulators.  Although Monitronics has taken steps to insulate itself from any such wrongful conduct by its dealers, and to require its dealers to comply with these laws and regulations, no assurance can be given that Monitronics will not be exposed to liability as result of their dealers’ conduct.  Further, to the extent that any changes in law or regulation further restrict the lead generation activity of Monitronics’ dealers, these restrictions could result in a material reduction in subscriber acquisition opportunities, reducing the growth prospects of Monitronics’ business and adversely affecting its financial condition and future cash flows.  In addition, most states in which Monitronics operates have licensing laws directed specifically toward the monitored security services industry. Monitronics’ business relies heavily upon wireline and cellular telephone service to communicate signals. Wireline and cellular telephone companies are currently regulated by both federal and state governments. Changes in laws or regulations could require Monitronics to change the way it operates, which could increase costs or otherwise disrupt operations. In addition, failure to comply with any such applicable laws or regulations could result in substantial fines or revocation of Monitronics’ operating permits and licenses, including in geographic areas where Monitronics’ services have substantial penetration, which could adversely affect Monitronics’ business and financial condition.  Further, if these laws and regulations were to change or Monitronics failed to comply with such laws and regulations as they exist today or in the future, Monitronics’ business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

Increased adoption of statutes and governmental policies purporting to void automatic renewal provisions in the AMAs, or purporting to characterize certain charges in the AMAs as unlawful, could adversely affect Monitronics’ business and operations.

The AMAs typically contain provisions automatically renewing the term of the contract at the end of the initial term, unless a cancellation notice is delivered in accordance with the terms of the contract. If the customer cancels prior to the end of the contract term, other than in accordance with the contract, Monitronics may charge the customer the amounts that would have been paid over the remaining term of the contract, or charge an early cancellation fee.  Several states have adopted, or are considering the adoption of, consumer protection policies or legal precedents which purport to void or substantially limit the automatic renewal provisions of contracts such as the AMAs, or otherwise restrict the charges that can be imposed upon contract cancellation. Such initiatives could negatively impact Monitronics’ business. Adverse judicial determinations regarding these matters could increase legal exposure to customers against whom such charges have been imposed, and the risk that certain customers may seek to recover such charges through litigation. In addition, the costs of defending such litigation and enforcement actions could have an adverse effect on Monitronics business and operations.

ITEM 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

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ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES

Currently, the Company leases approximately 76,000 square feet in California all of which is being subleased to third parties.  The Company leases approximately 35,000 square feet in New Jersey and the space is being marketed for sublease.  The Company leases approximately 4,000 square feet in Colorado.  In addition, the Company owns approximately 240,000 square feet of real estate of which approximately 176,000 square feet is leased to third parties.  The Company is currently exploring opportunities to dispose of or monetize such real property.

Monitronics leases approximately 110,000 square feet in Dallas, Texas to house its executive offices, monitoring and call centers, sales and marketing and data retention functions.  Approximately 98,000 square feet of the 110,000 square feet is under an eleven-year lease expiring May 31, 2015 and 12,000 square feet is under a seven-year lease expiring January 31, 2015.  Monitronics also leases approximately 13,000 square feet for the McKinney, Texas back-up monitoring facility.

ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

From time to time, the Company is involved in litigation and similar claims incidental to the conduct of its business.  Although no assurances can be given, in the opinion of management, none of the pending actions is likely to have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations, either individually or in the aggregate.

ITEM 4.  MINING SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None.

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PART II

ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market Information

We have two series of common stock outstanding.  Holders of our Series A common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held, and holders of our Series B common stock are entitled to 10 votes for each share held, as well as a separate class vote on certain corporate actions.  Each share of the Series B common stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, into one share of Series A common stock; the Series A common stock is not convertible.  Except for such voting rights, conversion rights and designations, shares of Series A common stock and Series B common stock are substantially identical.

Our Series A common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol ASCMA.  Our Series B common stock is eligible for quotation on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol ASCMB, but it is not actively traded.  The following table sets forth the quarterly range of high and low sales prices of shares of our Series A common stock for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.  High and low bid information for our Series B common stock is not available.

Holders

As of January 31, 2013, there were approximately 1,000 and 60 record holders of our Series A common stock and Series B common stock, respectively (which amounts do not include the number of shareholders whose shares are held of record by banks, brokerage houses or other institutions, but include each institution as one shareholder).

Dividends

We have not paid any cash dividends on our common stock and have no present intention to do so.  Any payment of cash dividends in the future will be determined by our Board of Directors in light of our earnings, financial condition, alternative uses for cash and other relevant considerations.

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

Information required by this item is incorporated by reference to our definitive proxy statement for our 2013 Annual Meeting of stockholders.

Stock Performance Graph

The following performance graph and related information shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or “filed” with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filings under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended, except to the extent we specifically incorporate it by reference into such filing.

The following graph sets forth the percentage change in the cumulative total shareholder return on our Series A common stock for the period beginning September 18, 2008 and ended December 31, 2012 as compared to the NASDAQ Stock Market Index over the same period.  The graph assumes $100 was originally invested on September 18, 2008 and that all subsequent dividends were reinvested in additional shares.

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The comparisons in the graph below are based on historical data and are not intended to forecast the possible future performance of our Series A common stock.

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer

The following table sets forth information concerning the Company’s purchase of its own equity securities (all of which were comprised of shares of our Series A common stock) during the three months ended December 31, 2012:

(1)         On June 16, 2011 the Company announced that it received authorization to implement a stock repurchase program, pursuant to which it may purchase up to $25,000,000 of its shares of Series A Common Stock from time to time.  As of December 31, 2012, 504,387 Series A shares have been purchased, at an average price paid of $48.31 per share, for $24,368,000.  Approximately $632,000 of Series A Common Stock may still be purchased under the program.

(2)         Includes shares withheld in payment of withholding taxes by certain of our executive officers upon vesting of their restricted share awards.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The balance sheet data as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, all of which are set forth below, are derived from the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report and should be read in conjunction with those financial statements and the notes thereto. The balance sheet data as of December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 and the statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 shown below were derived from previously issued financial statements, adjusted for applicable discontinued operations and a correction of immaterial error related to the year ended December 31, 2010 (see note 4, Correction of Immaterial Error, in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes included elsewhere herein for further information).

(a)         Includes impairment of goodwill of $95,069,000 for the year ended December 31, 2008.  This impairment charge relates to the Creative/Media business which is included in discontinued operations for all periods presented.

(b)         Includes a gain on the sale of Content Distribution of $66,136,000 and related income tax expense of $6,716,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011.  The gain and related tax expense is included in discontinued operations.

(c)          Basic and diluted net income (loss) per common share is based on the actual number of basic and diluted shares for all periods presented.

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis provides information concerning our results of operations and financial condition. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our accompanying consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere herein.

At December 31, 2012, our assets consisted primarily of our wholly-owned operating subsidiary, Monitronics.

Monitronics

On December 17, 2010, we acquired 100% of the outstanding capital stock of Monitronics, through the merger of Mono Lake Merger Sub, Inc., a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Ascent Capital established to consummate the merger, with and into Monitronics, with Monitronics as the surviving corporation in the merger (the “Monitronics Acquisition”).  The cash consideration paid in connection with the merger was $397,088,000.  The consideration was funded by a $60,000,000 term loan, a draw of $45,000,000 on an

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$115,000,000 revolving credit facility and cash on hand.  We also assumed approximately $795,000,000 in net debt (which we define as the principal amount of such debt less Monitronics cash) of Monitronics.

Monitronics provides security alarm monitoring and related services to residential and business subscribers throughout the U.S. and parts of Canada.  Monitronics monitors signals arising from burglaries, fires, medical alerts and other events through security systems at subscribers’ premises.  Nearly all of its revenues are derived from monthly recurring revenues under security alarm monitoring contracts purchased from independent dealers in its exclusive nationwide network.

Revenues are recognized as the related monitoring services are provided. Other revenues are derived primarily from the provision of third-party contract monitoring services and from field technical repair services.  All direct external costs associated with the creation of subscriber accounts are capitalized and amortized over fourteen to fifteen years using a declining balance method beginning in the month following the date of purchase. Internal costs, including all personnel and related support costs incurred solely in connection with subscriber account acquisitions and transitions, are expensed as incurred.

Account cancellation, otherwise referred to as subscriber attrition, has a direct impact on the number of subscribers that Monitronics services and on its financial results, including revenues, operating income and cash flow.  A portion of the subscriber base can be expected to cancel its service every year. Subscribers may choose not to renew or terminate their contract for a variety of reasons, including relocation, cost and switching to a competitors’ service.  The largest category of canceled accounts relate to subscriber relocation or the inability to contact the subscriber.  Monitronics defines its attrition rate as the number of canceled accounts in a given period divided by the weighted average of number of subscribers for that period.  Monitronics considers an account canceled if payment from the subscriber is deemed uncollectible or if the subscriber cancels for various reasons.  If a subscriber relocates but continues its service, this is not a cancellation.  If the subscriber relocates, discontinues its service and a new subscriber takes over the original subscriber’s service continuing the revenue stream (a “new owner takeover”), this is also not a cancellation.  Monitronics adjusts the number of canceled accounts by excluding those that are contractually guaranteed by its dealers.  The typical dealer contract provides that if a subscriber cancels in the first year of its contract, the dealer must either replace the canceled account with a new one or refund the purchase price. To help ensure the dealer’s obligation to Monitronics, Monitronics typically holds back a portion of the purchase price for every account purchased, ranging from 5-10%.  In some cases, the amount of the purchase holdback may be less than actual attrition experience.

The table below presents subscriber data for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011:

(a)         During the three months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, Monitronics purchased 120,660 and 24,863 subscriber accounts, respectively.  Monthly recurring revenue purchased during the three months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 was approximately $5,661,000 and $1,063,000, respectively.  Monthly recurring revenue purchased during the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 was approximately $9,262,000 and $4,979,000.

(b)         Net of canceled accounts that are contractually guaranteed by the dealer.

The attrition rate for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 was 12.2% and 11.0%, respectively.  Increased attrition reflects the current age of accounts in the portfolio and an increase in disconnections due to household relocations.

Monitronics also analyzes its attrition by classifying accounts into annual pools based on the year of purchase.  Monitronics then tracks the number of accounts that cancel as a percentage of the initial number of accounts purchased for each pool for each year subsequent to its purchase.  Based on the average cancellation rate across the pools, in recent years Monitronics has averaged less than 1% attrition within the initial 12-month period after considering the accounts which were replaced or refunded by the dealers at no additional cost to Monitronics.  Over the next few years of the subscriber account life, the number of subscribers that cancel as a

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percentage of the initial number of subscribers in that pool gradually increases and historically has peaked following the end of the initial contract term, which is typically three to five years.  The peak following the end of the initial contract term is primarily a result of the buildup of subscribers that moved or no longer had need for the service but did not cancel their service until the end of their initial contract term.  Subsequent to the peak following the end of the initial contract term, the number of subscribers that cancel as a percentage of the initial number of subscribers in that pool declines.

Adjusted EBITDA

We evaluate the performance of our operations based on financial measures such as revenue and “Adjusted EBITDA.”  Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) before interest expense, interest income, income taxes, depreciation, amortization (including the amortization of subscriber accounts and dealer network), realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative instruments, restructuring charges, stock-based and other non-cash long-term incentive compensation, and other non-cash or nonrecurring charges.   Ascent Capital believes that Adjusted EBITDA is an important indicator of the operational strength and performance of its business, including the business’ ability to fund its ongoing acquisition of subscriber accounts, its capital expenditures and to service its debt.  In addition, this measure is used by management to evaluate operating results and perform analytical comparisons and identify strategies to improve performance.   Adjusted EBITDA is also a measure that is customarily used by financial analysts to evaluate the financial performance of companies in the security alarm monitoring industry and is one of the financial measures, subject to certain adjustments, by which Monitronics’ covenants are calculated under the agreements governing their debt obligations.  Adjusted EBITDA does not represent cash flow from operations as defined by generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), should not be construed as an alternative to net income or loss and is indicative neither of our results of operations nor of cash flows available to fund all of our cash needs.  It is, however, a measurement that Ascent Capital believes is useful to investors in analyzing its operating performance.  Accordingly, Adjusted EBITDA should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, net income, cash flow provided by operating activities and other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.  Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure.  As companies often define non-GAAP financial measures differently, Adjusted EBITDA as calculated by Ascent Capital should not be compared to any similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth selected data from the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the periods indicated.  The results of operations for Monitronics are included from December 17, 2010, the date of its acquisition (amounts in thousands).

(a)         Net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2011 reflects the negative impact of a $2,295,000 fair value adjustment that reduced deferred revenue acquired in the Monitronics Acquisition.

(b)         See reconciliation to net loss from continuing operations below.

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Net Revenue.  Revenue increased $33,055,000, or 10.6%, for the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared to the corresponding prior year.  The increase is attributable to the increase in the number of subscriber accounts from 700,880 as of December 31, 2011 to 812,539 as of December 31, 2012.  Approximately 93,000 accounts were acquired in a bulk buy on October 25, 2012, which provided approximately $9,640,000 in increased revenue.  Average monthly revenue per subscriber increased from $37.49 as of December 31, 2011 to $39.50 as of December 31, 2012.  Furthermore, the increase is partially attributable to a $2,295,000 fair value adjustment associated with deferred revenue acquired in the Monitronics Acquisition, which reduced net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Revenue increased $302,769,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to the corresponding prior year.  The increase is primarily attributable to the inclusion of a full year’s operation of the Monitronics business in 2011 as compared to 15 days in 2010, due to revenue only being generated from the Monitronics business which was acquired on December 17, 2010.

Cost of Services.  Cost of services increased $9,238,000 or 22.8%, for the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared to the corresponding prior year.  The increase is attributable to an increased number of accounts monitored across the cellular network and an increase in interactive and home automation services, which resulted in higher operating and service costs.  Cost of service as a percent of net revenue increased from 13.0% for the year ended December 31, 2011 to 14.4% for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Cost of services increased $39,131,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to the corresponding prior year.  The increase is attributable to the inclusion of a full year’s operation of the Monitronics business in 2011 as compared to 15 days in 2010, due to cost of services only being incurred from the Monitronics business.

Selling, General and Administrative.  Selling, general and administrative expense (“SG&A”) decreased $3,456,000, or 4.5%, for the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared to the corresponding prior year.  The decrease is primarily attributable to decreased administrative and corporate expenses related to the reorganization of the Company in 2010 and 2011 with the acquisition of Monitronics and disposition of the Content Services and Creative Services businesses.  Additionally, the decrease is attributable to a non-recurring $2,640,000 charge related to an ongoing litigation matter recorded for the year ended December 31, 2011.  The decrease was partially offset by an increase in Monitronics SG&A costs.  The increased Monitronics SG&A costs were driven by increased payroll, marketing and stock-based compensation expenses of approximately $3,525,000 as compared to the corresponding prior year period.  The increase in stock-based compensation expense is related to restricted stock and stock option awards granted to certain employees during 2011 and 2012.  SG&A as a percent of net revenue decreased from 24.6% for the year ended December 31, 2011 to 21.3% for the year ended December 31, 2012.

SG&A increased $46,531,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to the corresponding prior year.  The increase was primarily due to increased SG&A expense related to Monitronics which had a full year of operations in 2011 as compared to 15 days in 2010.  The Monitronics business’ SG&A expenses were $57,170,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to $2,130,000 for the year ended December 31, 2010.  The 2011 increase was partially offset by decreased administrative and corporate expenses as a result of the reorganization of the Company’s primary businesses in 2010 and 2011.

Amortization of Subscriber Accounts and Dealer Network.  Amortization of subscriber accounts and dealer network increased $3,849,000 and $153,639,000 for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, as compared to the corresponding prior years.  The 2012 increase is primarily attributable to amortization of subscriber accounts purchased subsequent to December 31, 2011.  The 2011 increase is attributable to a full year’s amortization of subscriber accounts and dealer network related to the Monitronics Acquisition, as compared to 15 days of amortization recognized in 2010.

Restructuring Charges.   There were no restructuring charges recorded in continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2012.  During 2011 and 2010, the Company completed certain restructuring activities and recorded charges of $4,258,000 and $4,604,000, respectively.

In the fourth quarter of 2010, the Company began a new restructuring plan (the “2010 Restructuring Plan”) in conjunction with the expected sales of the Creative/Media and Content Distribution businesses.  The 2010 Restructuring Plan was implemented to meet the changing strategic needs of the Company as it sold most of its media and entertainment services assets and acquired Monitronics.  Such charges included retention costs for corporate employees to remain employed until the sales were complete, severance costs for certain employees and facility costs that were no longer being used by the Company due to the business sales.

Before the Company implemented the 2010 Restructuring Plan, it had just completed a restructuring plan that was implemented in 2008 and concluded in September 2010 (the “2008 Restructuring Plan”).  The 2008 Restructuring Plan was implemented to align our organization with our strategic goals and how we operate, manage and market our services.  The 2008 Restructuring Plan charges included severance costs from labor cost mitigation measures undertaken across all of the businesses and facility costs in conjunction with the consolidation of certain facilities in the United Kingdom and the closing of the Company’s Mexico operations.

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The following table provides the activity and balances of the 2010 Restructuring Plan and the 2008 Restructuring Plan (amounts in thousands):

(a)         Primarily represents cash payments.

Loss (Gain) on the Sale of Assets.  During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company sold land and buildings for approximately $15,860,000, resulting in pre-tax gains of approximately $9,202,000.  In addition, the Company sold its 50% interest in an equity method investment for $1,420,000, resulting in a pre-tax loss of $532,000.  During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company disposed of certain property and equipment, resulting in a pre-tax loss of $565,000.  The 2010 gain on the sale of assets is primarily attributable to the sale of real estate for $6,176,000, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $2,736,000.

Interest Expense.  Interest expense increased $28,577,000 and $40,141,000 for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, as compared to the corresponding prior years.   The increase in 2012 is primarily due to the presentation of interest costs related to derivative instruments executed on March 23, 2012 in conjunction with Monitronics’ debt refinancing.  Interest costs related to the current derivative instruments are presented in Interest expense on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) as the related derivative instruments are effective hedges of Monitronics’ interest rate risk for which hedge accounting is applied.  As the Company did not apply hedge accounting on its prior derivative instruments, the related interest costs incurred prior to March 23, 2012 are presented in Realized and unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss).  The increase is also attributable to the increase in debt and the increase in interest rates associated with the Senior Notes and Credit Facility, as compared to the Company’s prior debt obligations.  The increase in 2011 interest expense is attributable to the increase in debt associated with the Monitronics Acquisition on December 17, 2010.  Interest expense includes amortization of debt discount of $4,473,000, $16,985,000 and $780,000 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Realized and Unrealized Loss on Derivative Financial Instruments.  Realized and unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments was $2,044,000, $10,601,000 and $1,682,000 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The decrease in 2012 is attributable to the March 23, 2012 settlement of Monitronics’ prior derivative instruments for which the Company did not

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apply hedge accounting.  The increase in 2011 is attributable to the inclusion of a full year’s operations of the Monitronics business, which held the derivative instruments, in 2011 as compared to 15 days in 2010.

For the year ended December 31, 2012, the realized and unrealized loss on the derivative financial instruments includes settlement payments of $8,837,000 partially offset by a $6,793,000 unrealized gain related to the change in fair value of the derivative instruments before their termination on March 23, 2012.  For the year ended December 31, 2011, the realized and unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments includes settlement payments of $38,645,000 partially offset by a $28,044,000 unrealized gain related to the change in the fair value of these derivatives.  For year ended December 31, 2010, the realized and unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments in the consolidated statements of operations includes settlement payments of $1,504,000 and a $178,000 unrealized loss related to the change in the fair value of these derivatives.

Income Taxes from Continuing Operations.  For the year ended December 31, 2012, we had a pre-tax loss from continuing operations of $21,664,000 and income tax expense from continuing operations of $2,591,000.  For the year ended December 31, 2011, we had a pre-tax loss from continuing operations of $25,695,000 and an income tax expense from continuing operations of $2,457,000.  For the year ended December 31, 2010, we had a pre-tax loss from continuing operations of $33,231,000 and an income tax expense from continuing operations of $270,000.  Income tax expense from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 is primarily attributable to Monitronics’ state tax expense.  The Company recorded charges of $8,527,000, $7,484,000 and $9,756,000 to increase the valuation allowance for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Earnings (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Income Taxes. Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes were $(4,348,000), $48,789,000 and $(13,893,000) for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  These amounts included the earnings and expenses of operations disposed of in prior years and the related gains or losses on those disposals.  See further information about the discontinued operations below.

Adjusted EBITDA.  The following table provides a reconciliation of total Adjusted EBITDA to loss from continuing operations before income taxes (amounts in thousands):

Adjusted EBITDA increased $37,004,000, or 18.3% for the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared to the corresponding prior year.  The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to revenue growth.  Adjusted EBITDA increased $217,115,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to the corresponding prior year, which is attributable to the inclusion of a full year’s operation of the Monitronics business in 2011 as compared to 15 days in 2010.  The Monitronics business’ Adjusted EBITDA was $236,341,000, $214,485,000 and $5,577,000 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

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Discontinued Operations

During 2012, the Company recorded costs of approximately $3,742,000 related to contract termination and other loss contingencies associated with the discontinued operations.  The following businesses have been treated as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements for all periods presented.

Systems Integration

The Company shut down the operations of the Systems Integration business in June 2011 to meet its changing strategic needs.  In connection with ceasing its operations, the Company recorded exit costs of $1,119,000 related to employee severance for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Content Distribution

On February 28, 2011, the Company completed the sale of 100% of the Content Distribution business to Encompass Digital Media, Inc. and their wholly-owned subsidiary.  In connection with the sale, the Company received cash proceeds of approximately $104,000,000 and recorded a pre-tax gain of $66,136,000 and $6,716,000 of related income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Creative/Media

On December 31, 2010, pursuant to a definitive agreement with Deluxe Entertainment Services Group Inc. dated November 24, 2010, the Company completed the sale of 100% of its Creative/Media business.  In connection with the sale, the Company received cash proceeds of approximately $69,000,000 and recorded a pre-tax loss of $27,110,000 and $7,587,000 of related income tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2010.

GMX

In September 2010, the Company shut down the operations of the Global Media Exchange (“GMX”) business, which was previously included in the Content Services group.  In connection with the shutdown, the Company recorded a charge of $1,838,000 for severance charges and losses on disposal of assets for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Chiswick Park

In February 2010, the Company completed the sale of the assets and operations of the Chiswick Park facility located in the United Kingdom, which was previously included in the Content Services group, to Discovery Communications, Inc.  In connection with the sale, the Company received cash proceeds of approximately $34,800,000 and recorded a pre-tax gain of $25,498,000 and $3,423,000 of related income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

At December 31, 2012, we have $78,422,000 of cash and cash equivalents and $142,587,000 of marketable securities.  We may use a portion of these assets to decrease debt obligations, fund stock repurchases, or fund potential strategic acquisitions or investment opportunities.

Additionally, our other source of funds is our cash flows from operating activities, which are primarily generated from the operations of Monitronics, which was acquired on December 17, 2010.  During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, our cash flow from operating activities was $146,790,000, $131,238,000 and $50,300,000, respectively.  The primary driver of our cash flow from operating activities is Adjusted EBITDA.  Fluctuations in our Adjusted EBITDA are discussed in “Results of Operations” above.  In addition, our cash flow from operating activities may be significantly impacted by changes in working capital.

During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, we used cash of $304,665,000, $162,714,000 and $4,214,000, respectively, to fund purchases of subscriber accounts, net of holdback and guarantee obligations.  In addition, during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, we used cash of $6,076,000, $4,242,000, and $139,000, respectively, to fund our capital expenditures. In December 2010, we paid cash of $388,401,000 to acquire Monitronics, net of Monitronics cash on hand of $7,475,000.

On June 16, 2011, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $25,000,000 of our Series A common stock.  During the year ended December 31, 2012 we repurchased 234,728 shares of our Series A common stock for a total of approximately

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$12,880,000.  During the year ended December 31, 2011, we repurchased 269,659 shares of our Series A common stock for a total of approximately $11,488,000. These shares were returned to authorized and unissued, reducing the number of our shares outstanding.

During 2012 and 2011, in order to improve our investment rate of return, we purchased marketable securities primarily consisting of diversified corporate bond funds for cash of $99,667,000 and $40,253,000, respectively.  During 2010, we purchased marketable securities consisting of diversified corporate bond funds for cash of $41,757,000.  To fund the Monitronics Acquisition, we sold all of the marketable securities we held in December 2010 for cash proceeds of $96,685,000.

In considering our liquidity requirements for 2013, we evaluated our known future commitments and obligations.  We will require the availability of funds to finance the strategy of our primary operating subsidiary, Monitronics, which is to grow through subscriber account purchases.  We also considered the expected cash flow from Monitronics, as this business is the driver of our operating cash flows.  In addition, we considered the borrowing capacity of Monitronics’ Credit Facility revolver, under which Monitronics could borrow an additional $137,200,000 as of December 31, 2012.  Based on this analysis, we expect that cash on hand, cash flow generated from operations and borrowings under the Monitronics’ Credit Facility will provide sufficient liquidity, given our anticipated current and future requirements.

The existing long-term debt of Monitronics at December 31, 2012 includes the principal balance of $1,113,312,500 under its Senior Notes, Credit Facility, and Credit Facility revolver.  The Senior Notes have an outstanding principal balance of $410,000,000 as of December 31, 2012 and mature on April 1, 2020.  The Credit Facility term loan has an outstanding principal balance of $690,512,500 as of December 31, 2012 and requires principal payments of $1,737,500 per quarter with the remaining outstanding balance becoming due on March 23, 2018.  The Credit Facility revolver has an outstanding balance of $12,800,000 as of December 31, 2012 and becomes due on March 23, 2017.

We may seek external equity or debt financing in the event of any new investment opportunities, additional capital expenditures or our operations requiring additional funds, but there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain equity or debt financing on terms that would be acceptable to us or at all.  Our ability to seek additional sources of funding depends on our future financial position and results of operations, which are subject to general conditions in or affecting our industry and our customers and to general economic, political, financial, competitive, legislative and regulatory factors beyond our control.

Contractual Obligations

Information concerning the amount and timing of required payments under our contractual obligations at December 31, 2012 is summarized below (amounts in thousands):

(a)         Amounts reflect principal amounts owed and therefore excludes discount of $4,930,000.  Amounts also exclude interest payments which are based on variable interest rates.

We have contingent liabilities related to legal proceedings and other matters arising in the ordinary course of business. Although it is reasonably possible we may incur losses upon conclusion of such matters, an estimate of any loss or range of loss cannot be made. In the opinion of management, it is expected that amounts, if any, which may be required to satisfy such contingencies will not be material in relation to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

None.

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Valuation of Subscriber Accounts

Subscriber accounts, which totaled $987,975,000 net of accumulated amortization, at December 31, 2012, relate to the cost of acquiring portfolios of monitoring service contracts from independent dealers.  The subscriber accounts acquired in the Monitronics Acquisition were recorded at fair value under the purchase method of accounting.  Subscriber accounts purchased subsequent to the acquisition are recorded at cost.  All direct external costs associated with the creation of subscriber accounts are capitalized.  Internal costs, including all personnel and related support costs, incurred solely in connection with subscriber account acquisitions and transitions are expensed as incurred.

The costs of subscriber accounts acquired in the Monitronics Acquisition, as well as certain accounts acquired in bulk purchases, are amortized using the 14-year 235% declining balance method.  The costs of all other subscriber accounts are amortized using the 15-year 220% declining balance method, beginning in the month following the date of purchase.  The amortization methods were selected to provide an approximate matching of the amortization of the subscriber accounts intangible asset to estimated future subscriber revenues based on the projected lives of individual subscriber contracts.  The realizable value and remaining useful lives of these assets could be impacted by changes in subscriber attrition rates, which could have an adverse effect on our earnings.

The Company reviews the subscriber accounts for impairment or a change in amortization method and period whenever events or changes indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable or the life should be shortened. For purposes of recognition and measurement of an impairment loss, we view subscriber accounts as a single pool because of the assets’ homogeneous characteristics, and because the pool of subscriber accounts is the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of the other assets and liabilities.

Valuation of Long-lived Assets and Amortizable Other Intangible Assets

We perform impairment tests for our long-lived assets, primarily property and equipment, if an event or circumstance indicates that the carrying amount of our long-lived assets may not be recoverable.  We are subject to the possibility of impairment of long-lived assets arising in the ordinary course of business. We regularly consider the likelihood of impairment and may recognize impairment if the carrying amount of a long-lived asset or intangible asset is not recoverable from its undiscounted cash flows.  Impairment is measured as the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the asset. We use both the income approach and market approach to estimate fair value. Our estimates of fair value are subject to a high degree of judgment since they include a long-term forecast of future operations. Accordingly, any value ultimately derived from our long-lived assets may differ from our estimate of fair value.

Valuation of Trade Receivables

We must make estimates of the collectability of our trade receivables.  We perform extensive credit evaluations on the portfolios of subscriber accounts prior to purchase and require no collateral on the accounts that are acquired.  We establish an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of subscribers to make required payments.  Factors such as historical-loss experience, recoveries and economic conditions are considered in determining the sufficiency of the allowance to cover potential losses.  Our trade receivables balance was $10,891,000, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,436,000, as of December 31, 2012.  As of December 31, 2011, our trade receivables balance was $10,973,000, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,815,000.

Valuation of Deferred Tax Assets

In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 740, Income Taxes, we review the nature of each component of our deferred income taxes for the ability to realize the future tax benefits.  As part of this review, we rely on the objective evidence of our current performance and the subjective evidence of estimates of our forecast of future operations.  Our estimates of realizability are subject to a high degree of judgment since they include such forecasts of future operations.  After consideration of all available positive and negative evidence and estimates, we have determined that it is more likely than not that we will not realize the tax benefits associated with our United States deferred tax assets and certain foreign deferred tax assets, and as such, we have a valuation allowance which totaled $53,108,000 and $29,248,000 as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

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Valuation of Goodwill

As of December 31, 2012, we had goodwill of $349,227,000, which represents approximately 20% of total assets.  This goodwill was recorded in connection with the Monitronics Acquisition on December 17, 2010.  The Company accounts for its goodwill pursuant to the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (“FASB ASC Topic 350”).  In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 350, goodwill is not amortized, but rather tested for impairment at least annually.

To the extent necessary, recoverability of goodwill for the reporting unit is measured using a discounted cash flow model incorporating discount rates commensurate with the risks involved, which is classified as a Level 3 measurement under FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement. The key assumptions used in the discounted cash flow valuation model include discount rates, growth rates, cash flow projections and terminal value rates. Discount rates, growth rates and cash flow projections are the most sensitive and susceptible to change as they require significant management judgment.

We perform our annual goodwill impairment analysis during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year.  In the event that we are not able to achieve expected cash flow levels, or other factors indicate that goodwill is impaired, we may need to write off all or part of our goodwill, which would adversely impact our operating results and financial position.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Interest Rate Risk

As of December 31, 2012, we have variable interest rate debt with principal amounts of $703,312,500.  As a result, we have exposure to changes in interest rates related to these debt obligations.  Monitronics uses derivative financial instruments to manage the exposure related to the movement in interest rates.  As of December 31, 2012, we have a net derivative financial instrument liability of approximately $12,243,000, which represented the two outstanding derivatives’ net fair value at that date.  The derivatives are designated as hedges and were entered into with the intention of reducing the risk associated with variable interest rates on the debt obligations.  We do not use derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.

Tabular Presentation of Interest Rate Risk

The table below provides information about our debt obligations and derivative financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates.  Interest rate swaps are presented at fair value and by maturity date.  Debt amounts represent principal payments by maturity date.

(a)         The derivative financial instruments reflected in this column include two interest rate swaps, both with a maturity date of March 23, 2018.  The terms of the Company’s outstanding swap derivative instruments as of December 31, 2012 are as follows:

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Our consolidated financial statements are filed under this Item, beginning on page 38.  The financial statement schedules required by Regulation S-X are filed under Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

In accordance with Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including its chairman, president and principal accounting officer (the “Executives”), of the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based on that evaluation, the Executives concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2012 to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in its reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting identified during the three months ended December 31, 2012 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.

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MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

Ascent Capital’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over the Company’s financial reporting. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions of the Company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; (3) provide reasonable assurance that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (4) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Because of inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate.

The Company assessed the design and effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012.  In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in Internal Control—Integrated Framework .

Based upon our assessment using the criteria contained in COSO, management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2012, Ascent Capital’s internal control over financial reporting is effectively designed and operating effectively.

The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012 has been audited by KPMG LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited our financial statements.  Their report appears on page 36 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

Ascent Capital Group, Inc.:

We have audited Ascent Capital Group, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Ascent Capital Group, Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting in Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Ascent Capital Group, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the COSO.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Ascent Capital Group, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), cash flows and stockholders’ equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012, and our report dated February 27, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

Ascent Capital Group, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Ascent Capital Group, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), cash flows and stockholders’ equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Ascent Capital Group, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Ascent Capital Group Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 27, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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ASCENT CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Amounts in thousands, except share amounts