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Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C.  20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
ý           QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2016
 
OR
 
o              TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from            to
 
Commission File Number 001-34176
 
ASCENT CAPITAL GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
State of Delaware
 
26-2735737
(State or other jurisdiction of
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
 
 
5251 DTC Parkway, Suite 1000
 
 
Greenwood Village, Colorado
 
80111
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (303) 628-5600

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 ý  No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (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 ý  No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company, as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer x
 
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o
 
Smaller reporting company o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes o No ý

The number of outstanding shares of Ascent Capital Group, Inc.’s common stock as of October 25, 2016 was:

Series A common stock 11,939,852 shares; and
Series B common stock 381,859 shares.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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Item 1.  Financial Statements.
ASCENT CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
Amounts in thousands, except share amounts
(unaudited)
 
September 30,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
Assets
 
 
 
Current assets:
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
$
31,657

 
$
5,577

Restricted cash

 
55

Marketable securities, at fair value
80,447

 
87,052

Trade receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,635 in 2016 and $2,762 in 2015
13,673

 
13,622

Prepaid and other current assets
10,006

 
10,702

Assets held for sale
10,941

 
6,265

Total current assets
146,724

 
123,273

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $34,268 in 2016 and $32,158 in 2015
26,249

 
32,440

Subscriber accounts, net of accumulated amortization of $1,153,651 in 2016 and $975,795 in 2015
1,405,064

 
1,423,538

Dealer network and other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $80,951 in 2016 and $73,578 in 2015
19,282

 
26,654

Goodwill
563,549

 
563,549

Other assets, net
3,595

 
3,851

Total assets
$
2,164,463

 
$
2,173,305

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
 

 
 

Current liabilities:
 

 
 

Accounts payable
$
9,309

 
$
8,660

Accrued payroll and related liabilities
6,631

 
4,385

Other accrued liabilities
47,213

 
31,573

Deferred revenue
15,554

 
16,207

Holdback liability
15,005

 
16,386

Current portion of long-term debt
11,000

 
5,500

Liabilities of discontinued operations
3,500

 
3,500

Total current liabilities
108,212

 
86,211

Non-current liabilities:
 

 
 

Long-term debt
1,758,059

 
1,713,868

Long-term holdback liability
2,955

 
3,786

Derivative financial instruments
32,511

 
13,470

Deferred income tax liability, net
16,749

 
13,646

Other liabilities
12,441

 
17,555

Total liabilities
1,930,927

 
1,848,536

Commitments and contingencies


 


Stockholders’ equity:
 

 
 

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 5,000,000 shares; no shares issued

 

Series A common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 45,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 11,939,901 and 12,301,248 shares at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively
119

 
123

Series B common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 5,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 381,859 shares at September 30, 2016 and 382,359 at December 31, 2015
4

 
4

Series C common stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 45,000,000 shares; no shares issued

 

Additional paid-in capital
1,415,738

 
1,417,895

Accumulated deficit
(1,150,770
)
 
(1,078,315
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net
(31,555
)
 
(14,938
)
Total stockholders’ equity
233,536

 
324,769

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
2,164,463

 
$
2,173,305

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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ASCENT CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts
(unaudited) 
 
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Net revenue
$
142,765

 
141,846

 
$
429,689

 
421,805

Operating expenses:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Cost of services
29,049

 
28,245

 
86,161

 
81,015

Selling, general and administrative, including stock-based compensation
32,897

 
31,362

 
97,148

 
88,643

Radio conversion costs
1,263

 
3,570

 
17,938

 
4,543

Amortization of subscriber accounts, dealer network and other intangible assets
62,156

 
66,958

 
185,415

 
193,625

Depreciation
2,152

 
2,805

 
6,329

 
7,788

Gain on disposal of operating assets

 
(1
)
 

 
(1,155
)
 
127,517

 
132,939

 
392,991

 
374,459

Operating income
15,248

 
8,907

 
36,698

 
47,346

Other income (expense), net:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Interest income
548

 
779

 
1,593

 
2,041

Interest expense
(31,794
)
 
(31,466
)
 
(94,805
)
 
(92,140
)
Refinancing expense
(9,348
)
 

 
(9,348
)
 
(4,468
)
Other income (expense), net
240

 
(3,555
)
 
(1,079
)
 
(2,278
)
 
(40,354
)
 
(34,242
)
 
(103,639
)
 
(96,845
)
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes
(25,106
)
 
(25,335
)
 
(66,941
)
 
(49,499
)
Income tax expense from continuing operations
(1,927
)
 
(1,989
)
 
(5,514
)
 
(5,996
)
Net loss from continuing operations
(27,033
)
 
(27,324
)
 
(72,455
)
 
(55,495
)
Discontinued operations:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax of $0

 
2,994

 

 
2,921

Net loss
(27,033
)
 
(24,330
)
 
(72,455
)
 
(52,574
)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
(224
)
 
(220
)
 
(780
)
 
(151
)
Unrealized holding gain (loss) on marketable securities, net
301

 
1,085

 
3,164

 
(868
)
Unrealized loss on derivative contracts, net
(2,459
)
 
(8,946
)
 
(19,001
)
 
(12,407
)
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax
(2,382
)
 
(8,081
)
 
(16,617
)
 
(13,426
)
Comprehensive loss
$
(29,415
)
 
(32,411
)
 
$
(89,072
)
 
(66,000
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic and diluted income (loss) per share:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
(2.23
)
 
(2.10
)
 
$
(5.89
)
 
(4.23
)
Discontinued operations

 
0.23

 

 
0.22

Net loss
$
(2.23
)
 
(1.87
)
 
$
(5.89
)
 
(4.01
)
 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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ASCENT CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Amounts in thousands
(unaudited)
 
Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net loss
$
(72,455
)
 
(52,574
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
 

 
 

Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax

 
(2,921
)
Amortization of subscriber accounts, dealer network and other intangible assets
185,415

 
193,625

Depreciation
6,329

 
7,788

Stock-based compensation
5,205

 
5,038

Deferred income tax expense
3,158

 
3,076

Gain on disposal of operating assets

 
(1,155
)
Amortization of debt discount and deferred debt costs
8,063

 
7,751

Refinancing expense
9,348

 
4,468

Bad debt expense
7,855

 
7,036

Other non-cash activity, net
3,884

 
6,560

Changes in assets and liabilities:
 

 
 

Trade receivables
(7,906
)
 
(7,203
)
Prepaid expenses and other assets
717

 
(4,235
)
Subscriber accounts - deferred contract costs
(2,080
)
 
(1,181
)
Payables and other liabilities
10,667

 
7,857

Operating activities from discontinued operations, net

 
20

Net cash provided by operating activities
158,200

 
173,950

Cash flows from investing activities:
 

 
 

Capital expenditures
(5,071
)
 
(10,042
)
Cost of subscriber accounts acquired
(160,117
)
 
(205,050
)
Cash paid for acquisition, net of cash acquired

 
(56,778
)
Purchases of marketable securities
(5,036
)
 
(24,448
)
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities
12,909

 
48,616

Decrease (increase) in restricted cash
55

 
(42
)
Proceeds from the disposal of operating assets

 
20,174

Net cash used in investing activities
(157,260
)
 
(227,570
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 

 
 

Proceeds from long-term debt
1,249,000

 
749,550

Payments on long-term debt
(1,200,009
)
 
(640,465
)
Payments of financing costs
(16,711
)
 
(6,477
)
Purchases and retirement of common stock
(7,140
)
 
(27,555
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
25,140

 
75,053

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
26,080

 
21,433

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
5,577

 
12,612

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
31,657

 
34,045

Supplemental cash flow information:
 

 
 

State taxes paid, net
$
2,759

 
3,491

Interest paid
73,521

 
71,180


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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ASCENT CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity
Amounts in thousands
(unaudited)
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additional Paid-in Capital
 
 
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
 
Total Stockholders' Equity
 
Preferred Stock
 
Common Stock
 
 
Accumulated Deficit
 
 
 
 
Series A
 
Series B
 
Series C
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2015
$

 
123

 
4

 

 
1,417,895

 
(1,078,315
)
 
(14,938
)
 
324,769

Net loss

 

 

 

 

 
(72,455
)
 

 
(72,455
)
Other comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

 
(16,617
)
 
(16,617
)
Stock-based compensation

 

 

 

 
5,326

 

 

 
5,326

Value of shares withheld for minimum tax liability

 

 

 

 
(347
)
 

 

 
(347
)
Purchases and retirement of common stock

 
(4
)
 

 

 
(7,136
)
 

 

 
(7,140
)
Balance at September 30, 2016
$

 
119

 
4

 

 
1,415,738

 
(1,150,770
)
 
(31,555
)
 
233,536

 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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ASCENT CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(1)    Basis of Presentation
 
The accompanying Ascent Capital Group, Inc. ("Ascent Capital" or the "Company") condensed consolidated financial statements represent the financial position and results of operations of Ascent Capital and its consolidated subsidiaries.  Monitronics International, Inc. ("MONI") is the primary, wholly owned, operating subsidiary of the Company.  On February 23, 2015, MONI acquired LiveWatch Security, LLC ("LiveWatch"), a Do-It-Yourself home security firm, offering professionally monitored security services through a direct-to-consumer sales channel (the "LiveWatch Acquisition").

The unaudited interim financial information of the Company has been prepared in accordance with Article 10 of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the "SEC") Regulation S-X. Accordingly, it does not include all of the information required by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("U.S. GAAP") for complete financial statements. The Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2016, and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, include Ascent Capital and all of its direct and indirect subsidiaries.  The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited but, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of the results for such periods.  The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year.  These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Ascent Capital Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed with the SEC on February 29, 2016 (the "2015 Form 10-K").
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenue and expenses for each reporting period.  The significant estimates made in preparation of the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements primarily relate to valuation of goodwill, other intangible assets, long-lived assets, deferred tax assets, derivative financial instruments, and the amount of the allowance for doubtful accounts. These estimates are based on management’s best estimates and judgment. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors and adjusts them when facts and circumstances change. As the effects of future events cannot be determined with any certainty, actual results could differ from the estimates upon which the carrying values were based.

(2)     Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). Under the update, revenue will be recognized based on a five-step model. The core principle of the model is that revenue will be recognized when the transfer of promised goods or services to customers is made in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In March 2016, the FASB issued additional guidance which clarifies principal versus agent considerations, and in April 2016, the FASB issued further guidance which clarifies the identification of performance obligations and the implementation guidance for licensing. Additional guidance was issued in May 2016 which clarified, among other items, revenue collectability, presentation of sales tax and other similar taxes from customers and non-cash consideration. In the third quarter of 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of the standard to annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption will be permitted for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that adopting this ASU will have on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), ("ASU 2016-02"). ASU 2016-02 introduces a lessee model that brings most leases on the balance sheet and eliminates the current requirements for a company to use bright-line tests in determining lease classification. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and requires a modified retrospective approach. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that adopting ASU 2016-02 will have on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation--Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share Based Accounting ("ASU 2016-09"). ASU 2016-09 simplifies several aspects of accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements as well as classification of certain elements in the statement of cash flows. Adoption requirements are different for each change in the reporting method and may be prospective, retrospective and/or modified retrospective. ASU 2016-09 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The Company plans to adopt the

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standard in its annual report for the period ending December 31, 2016. The adoption is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

(3)    LiveWatch Acquisition

On February 23, 2015 ("the Closing Date"), MONI acquired LiveWatch for a purchase price of approximately $61,550,000 (the "LiveWatch Purchase Price"). The LiveWatch Purchase Price includes approximately $3,988,000 of cash transferred directly to LiveWatch to fund transaction bonuses payable to LiveWatch employees as of the Closing Date. This cash is not included in the fair value of consideration transferred for the LiveWatch Acquisition. The LiveWatch Purchase Price also includes post-closing adjustments of $435,000 which were paid in the third quarter of 2015. The LiveWatch acquisition was funded by borrowings from MONI's revolving credit facility, as well as cash contributions from Ascent Capital.

Goodwill in the amount of $36,047,000 was recognized in connection with the LiveWatch Acquisition and was calculated as the excess of the consideration transferred over the net assets recognized and represents the value to MONI for LiveWatch's recurring revenue and cash flow streams and its diversified business model and marketing channel. All of the goodwill acquired in the LiveWatch Acquisition is estimated to be deductible for tax purposes.

The effect of the LiveWatch Acquisition was not material to the Company's consolidated results for the prior periods
presented and, accordingly, pro forma financial disclosures have not been presented.

(4)    Investments in Marketable Securities
 
Ascent Capital owns marketable securities primarily consisting of diversified corporate bond funds. The following table presents a summary of amounts recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheets (amounts in thousands):
 
 
As of September 30, 2016
 
 
Cost Basis (b)
 
Unrealized Gains
 
Unrealized Losses
 
Total
Equity securities
 
$
3,767

 
$

 
$
(348
)
 
$
3,419

Mutual funds (a)
 
74,400

 
2,628

 

 
77,028

Ending balance
 
$
78,167

 
$
2,628

 
$
(348
)
 
$
80,447

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2015
 
 
Cost Basis (b)
 
Unrealized Gains
 
Unrealized Losses
 
Total
Equity securities
 
$
4,603

 
$

 
$
(1,288
)
 
$
3,315

Mutual funds (a)
 
83,333

 
824

 
(420
)
 
83,737

Ending balance
 
$
87,936

 
$
824

 
$
(1,708
)
 
$
87,052

 
(a)
Primarily consists of corporate bond funds.
(b)
When an other-than-temporary impairment occurs, the Company reduces the cost basis of the marketable security    involved. In the second quarter of 2016, the Company recognized non-cash charges for an other-than-temporary impairment of $1,068,000 on its mutual funds and $836,000 on its equity securities for a total other-than-temporary impairment loss on marketable securities of $1,904,000. During 2015, the Company recognized non-cash charges for other-than-temporary impairments on its mutual funds of $6,389,000. The mutual fund impairments are attributable to a low interest rate environment and widening credit spreads. The equity security impairment is primarily attributable to foreign exchange losses based on weakening of the trading currency of the underlying investment.


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The following table provides the realized investment gains and losses and the total proceeds received from the sale of marketable securities (amounts in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Gross realized gains
 
$

 
$
97

 
$
244

 
$
1,121

Gross realized losses
 
$
26

 
$
171

 
$
236

 
$
771

Total proceeds
 
$
959

 
$
17,612

 
$
12,909

 
$
48,616


(5)    Assets Held for Sale

As of September 30, 2016, the Company has $10,941,000 of land and buildings classified as Assets held for sale in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. The Company currently expects to complete the sale of these real estate properties during the next twelve months.

(6)    Other Accrued Liabilities
 
Other accrued liabilities consisted of the following (amounts in thousands):
 
September 30,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
Interest payable
$
27,800

 
$
15,390

Income taxes payable
2,249

 
2,665

Legal accrual
864

 
379

LiveWatch acquisition retention bonus
4,312

 

Other
11,988

 
13,139

Total Other accrued liabilities
$
47,213

 
$
31,573


(7)    Long-Term Debt
 
Long-term debt consisted of the following (amounts in thousands):
 
September 30,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
Ascent Capital 4.00% Convertible Senior Notes due July 15, 2020 with an effective rate of 7.8%
$
77,286

 
$
74,507

MONI 9.125% Senior Notes due April 1, 2020 with an effective rate of 9.4%
577,801

 
576,455

MONI term loan, matures September 30, 2022, LIBOR plus 5.50%, subject to a LIBOR floor of 1.00% (6.50%) with an effective rate of 7.2%
1,067,899

 

MONI $295 million revolving credit facility, matures September 30 2021, LIBOR plus 4.00%, subject to a LIBOR floor of 1.00% (5.00%) with an effective rate of 5.3%
46,073

 

MONI term loan, matures April 9, 2022, LIBOR plus 3.50%, subject to a LIBOR floor of 1.00% (4.50%) with an effective rate of 5.1%

 
542,420

MONI term loan, matures March 23, 2018, LIBOR plus 3.25%, subject to a LIBOR floor of 1.00% (4.25%) with an effective rate of 5.0%

 
394,938

MONI $315 million revolving credit facility, matures December 22, 2017, LIBOR plus 3.75%, subject to a LIBOR floor of 1.00% (4.75%) with an effective rate of 5.9%

 
131,048

 
1,769,059

 
1,719,368

Less current portion of long-term debt
(11,000
)
 
(5,500
)
Long-term debt
$
1,758,059

 
$
1,713,868


Convertible Notes
 
The convertible notes total $96,775,000 in aggregate principal amount, mature on July 15, 2020 and bear interest at 4.00% per annum (the "Convertible Notes"). Interest on the Convertible Notes is payable semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 of each year. The Convertible Notes are convertible, under certain circumstances, into cash, shares of Ascent Capital's Series A

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common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Series A Common Stock"), or any combination thereof at Ascent Capital’s election.

Holders of the Convertible Notes ("Noteholders") have the right, at their option, to convert all or any portion of such Convertible Notes, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, at an initial conversion rate of 9.7272 shares of Series A Common Stock per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes (subject to adjustment in certain situations), which represents an initial conversion price per share of Series A Common Stock of approximately $102.804 (the "Conversion Price").  Ascent Capital is entitled to settle any such conversion by delivery of cash, shares of Series A Common Stock or any combination thereof at Ascent Capital's election. In addition, Noteholders have the right to submit Convertible Notes for conversion, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, in the event of certain corporate transactions.

In the event of a fundamental change (as such term is defined in the indenture governing the Convertible Notes) at any time prior to the maturity date, each Noteholder shall have the right, at such Noteholder’s option, to require Ascent Capital to repurchase for cash any or all of such Noteholder’s Convertible Notes on the repurchase date specified by Ascent Capital at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest, including unpaid additional interest, if any, unless the repurchase date occurs after an interest record date and on or prior to the related interest payment date, as specified in the indenture.

The Convertible Notes are within the scope of FASB ASC Subtopic 470-20, Debt with Conversion and Other Options, and as such are required to be separated into a liability and equity component. The carrying amount of the liability component is calculated by measuring the fair value of a similar liability (including any embedded features other than the conversion option) that does not have an associated conversion option. The carrying amount of the equity component is determined by deducting the fair value of the liability component from the initial proceeds ascribed to the Convertible Notes as a whole. The excess of the principal amount of the liability component over its carrying amount, treated as a debt discount, is amortized to interest cost over the expected life of a similar liability that does not have an associated conversion option using the effective interest method. The equity component is not remeasured as long as it continues to meet the conditions for equity classification as prescribed in FASB ASC Subtopic 815-40, Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity

The Convertible Notes are presented on the consolidated balance sheet as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
As of
September 30,
2016
 
As of
December 31,
2015
Principal
$
96,775

 
$
96,775

Unamortized discount
(18,254
)
 
(20,857
)
Deferred debt costs
(1,235
)
 
(1,411
)
Carrying value
$
77,286

 
$
74,507

 
The Company is using an effective interest rate of 14.0% to calculate the accretion of the debt discount, which is being recorded as interest expense over the expected remaining term to maturity of the Convertible Notes.  The Company recognized contractual interest expense of $967,000 and $2,903,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to $1,035,000 and $3,105,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. The Company amortized $958,000 and $2,779,000 of the Convertible Notes debt discount and deferred debt costs into interest expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $934,000 and $2,735,000 for three and nine months ended September 30, 2015.
 
Hedging Transactions Relating to the Offering of the Convertible Notes
 
In connection with the issuance of the Convertible Notes, Ascent Capital entered into separate privately negotiated purchased call options (the "Bond Hedge Transactions").  The Bond Hedge Transactions require the counterparties to offset Series A Common Stock deliverable or cash payments made by Ascent Capital upon conversion of the Convertible Notes in the event that the volume-weighted average price of the Series A Common Stock on each trading day of the relevant valuation period is greater than the strike price of $102.804, which corresponds to the Conversion Price of the Convertible Notes.  The Bond Hedge Transactions cover, subject to anti-dilution adjustments, approximately 1,007,000 shares of Series A Common Stock, which is equivalent to the number of shares initially issuable upon conversion of the Convertible Notes, and are expected to reduce the potential dilution with respect to the Series A Common Stock, and/or offset potential cash payments Ascent Capital is required to make in excess of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes upon conversion.


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Concurrently with the Bond Hedge Transactions, Ascent Capital also entered into separate privately negotiated warrant transactions with each of the call option counterparties (the "Warrant Transactions").  The warrants are European options, and are exercisable in tranches on consecutive trading days starting after the maturity of the Convertible Notes.  The warrants cover the same initial number of shares of Series A Common Stock, subject to anti-dilution adjustments, as the Bond Hedge Transactions.  The Warrant Transactions require Ascent Capital to deliver Series A Common Stock or make cash payments to the counterparties on each expiration date with a value equal to the number of warrants exercisable on that date times the excess of the volume-weighted average price of the Series A Common Stock over the strike price of $118.62, which effectively reflects a 50% conversion premium on the Convertible Notes.  As such, the Warrant Transactions may have a dilutive effect with respect to the Common Stock to the extent the Warrant Transactions are settled with shares of Series A Common Stock. Ascent Capital may elect to settle its delivery obligation under the Warrant Transactions in cash.

The Bond Hedge Transactions and Warrant Transactions are separate transactions entered into by Ascent Capital, are not part of the terms of the Convertible Notes and will not affect the Noteholders’ rights under the Convertible Notes.  The Noteholders will not have any rights with respect to the Bond Hedge Transactions or the Warrant Transactions.

Senior Notes

The senior notes total $585,000,000 in principal, mature on April 1, 2020 and bear interest at 9.125% per annum (the "Senior Notes").  Interest payments are due semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year. The Senior Notes are guaranteed by all of MONI’s existing domestic subsidiaries.  Ascent Capital has not guaranteed any of MONI's obligations under the Senior Notes. As of September 30, 2016 , the Senior Notes had deferred financing costs and unamortized premium, net of accumulated amortization of $7,199,000.

Credit Facility

On September 30, 2016, MONI entered into an amendment ("Amendment No. 6") with the lenders of its existing senior secured credit agreement dated March 23, 2012, and as amended and restated on April 9, 2015, February 17, 2015, August 16, 2013, March 25, 2013, and November 7, 2012 (the "Existing Credit Agreement"). Amendment No. 6 provided for, among other things, the issuance of a new $1,100,000,000 senior secured term loan at a 1.5% discount and a new $295,000,000 super priority revolver (the Existing Credit Agreement together with Amendment No. 6, the "Credit Facility").

MONI used the net proceeds from the new term loan to retire $403,784,000 of its existing term loan due in March 2018 and $543,125,000 of its existing term loan due in April 2022. Additionally, the Company retired its existing $315,000,000 revolving credit facility in the amount of $138,900,000.

On September 30, 2016, MONI borrowed $48,400,000 on the new Credit Facility revolver to fund its October 1, 2016 interest payment due under the Senior Notes of $26,691,000 as well as other refinancing fees.

As a result of the refinancing, MONI accelerated amortization of certain deferred financing costs and debt discounts related to the extinguished term loans, and expensed certain other refinancing costs. The components of the refinancing expense is reflected below (amounts in thousands):
 
 
For the Three and Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2016
Accelerated amortization of deferred financing costs
 
$
4,160

Accelerated amortization of debt discount
 
3,416

Other refinancing costs
 
1,772

Total refinancing expense
 
$
9,348


As of September 30, 2016, the Credit Facility term loan has a principal amount of $1,100,000,000, maturing on September 30, 2022. The term loan requires quarterly interest payments and quarterly principal payments of $2,750,000. The term loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 5.5%, subject to a LIBOR floor of 1.0%. The Credit Facility revolver has a principal amount outstanding of $48,400,000 as of September 30, 2016 and matures on September 30, 2021. The Credit Facility revolver bears interest at LIBOR plus 4.0%, subject to a LIBOR floor of 1.0%. There is a commitment fee of 0.5% on unused portions of the Credit Facility Revolver. As of September 30, 2016, $246,600,000 is available for borrowing under the Credit Facility revolver.


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At any time after the occurrence of an event of default under the Credit Facility, the lenders may, among other options, declare any amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility immediately due and payable and terminate any commitment to make further loans under the Credit Facility.  In addition, failure to comply with restrictions contained in the Senior Notes could lead to an event of default under the Credit Facility.

The Credit Facility is secured by a pledge of all of the outstanding stock of MONI and all of its existing subsidiaries and is guaranteed by all of MONI's existing domestic subsidiaries.  Ascent Capital has not guaranteed any of MONI's obligations under the Credit Facility.
 
As of September 30, 2016, MONI has deferred financing costs and unamortized discounts, net of accumulated amortization, of $34,428,000 related to the Credit Facility.
 
In order to reduce the financial risk related to changes in interest rates associated with the floating rate term loan under the Credit Facility term loans, MONI has entered into interest rate swap agreements with terms similar to the Credit Facility term loan (all outstanding interest rate swap agreements are collectively referred to as the “Swaps”). The Swaps have been designated as effective hedges of the Company’s variable rate debt and qualify for hedge accounting.  As a result of these interest rate swaps, MONI's current effective weighted average interest rate on the borrowings under the Credit Facility term loan is 7.15%. See note 8, Derivatives, for further disclosures related to these derivative instruments. 
 
The terms of the Convertible Notes, the Senior Notes and the Credit Facility provide for certain financial and nonfinancial covenants.  As of September 30, 2016, the Company was in compliance with all required covenants.

As of September 30, 2016, principal payments scheduled to be made on the Company’s debt obligations are as follows (amounts in thousands):
Remainder of 2016
$
2,750

2017
11,000

2018
11,000

2019
11,000

2020
692,775

2021
59,400

Thereafter
1,042,250

Total principal payments
$
1,830,175

Less:


Unamortized deferred debt costs, discounts and premium, net
61,116

Total debt on condensed consolidated balance sheet
$
1,769,059

 
(8)    Derivatives
 
MONI utilizes interest rate swap agreements to reduce the interest rate risk inherent in MONI's variable rate Credit Facility term loans.  The valuation of these instruments is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatility. The Company incorporates credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements.  See note 9, Fair Value Measurements, for additional information about the credit valuation adjustments.


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As of September 30, 2016, the Swaps’ outstanding notional balances, effective dates, maturity dates and interest rates paid and received are noted below:
Notional
 
Effective Date
 
Maturity Date
 
Fixed
Rate Paid
 
Variable Rate Received
$
525,250,000

 
March 28, 2013
 
March 23, 2018
 
1.884%
 
3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor (a)
139,200,000

 
March 28, 2013
 
March 23, 2018
 
1.384%
 
3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor (a)
108,825,377

 
September 30, 2013
 
March 23, 2018
 
1.959%
 
3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor
108,825,377

 
September 30, 2013
 
March 23, 2018
 
1.850%
 
3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor
191,475,002

 
March 23, 2018
 
April 9, 2022
 
3.110%
 
3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor (a)
250,000,000

 
March 23, 2018
 
April 9, 2022
 
3.110%
 
3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor (a)
50,000,000

 
March 23, 2018
 
April 9, 2022
 
2.504%
 
3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor
 
(a) 
On March 25, 2013 and September 30, 2016, MONI negotiated amendments to the terms of these interest rate swap agreements (the "Existing Swap Agreements," as amended, the "Amended Swaps").  The Amended Swaps are held with the same counterparties as the Existing Swap Agreements.  Upon entering into the Amended Swaps, MONI simultaneously dedesignated the Existing Swap Agreements and redesignated the Amended Swaps as cash flow hedges for the underlying change in the swap terms.  The amounts previously recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss relating to the dedesignation are recognized in Interest expense over the remaining life of the Amended Swaps.
 
All of the Swaps are designated and qualify as cash flow hedging instruments, with the effective portion of the Swaps' change in fair value recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss.  Any ineffective portions of the Swaps' change in fair value are recognized in current earnings in Interest expense.  Changes in the fair value of the Swaps recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss are reclassified to Interest expense when the hedged interest payments on the underlying debt are recognized.  Amounts in Accumulated other comprehensive loss expected to be recognized in Interest expense in the coming 12 months total approximately $6,985,000.

The impact of the derivatives designated as cash flow hedges on the condensed consolidated financial statements is depicted below (amounts in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Effective portion of loss recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss
$
(4,284
)
 
(10,784
)
 
$
(24,447
)
 
(17,872
)
Effective portion of loss reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss into Net loss (a)
$
(1,825
)
 
(1,838
)
 
$
(5,446
)
 
(5,465
)
Ineffective portion of amount of gain (loss) recognized into Net loss (a)
$
16

 
(142
)
 
$
(61
)
 
(143
)
 
(a)         Amounts are included in Interest expense in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).


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Table of Contents

(9)    Fair Value Measurements
 
According to the FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement, fair value is defined as the amount that would be received for selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants and requires that assets and liabilities carried at fair value are classified and disclosed in the following three categories:
 
Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active or inactive markets and valuations derived from models where all significant inputs are observable in active markets.
Level 3 - Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs are unobservable in any market.

The following summarizes the fair value level of assets and liabilities that are measured on a recurring basis at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (amounts in thousands): 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
September 30, 2016
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Money market funds (a)
$
1,050

 

 

 
$
1,050

Investments in marketable securities (b)
80,447

 

 

 
80,447

Derivative financial instruments - liabilities

 
(32,511
)
 

 
(32,511
)
Total
$
81,497

 
(32,511
)
 

 
$
48,986

December 31, 2015
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Money market funds (a)
$
2,242

 

 

 
$
2,242

Investments in marketable securities (b)
87,052

 

 

 
87,052

Derivative financial instruments - liabilities

 
(13,470
)
 

 
(13,470
)
Total
$
89,294

 
(13,470
)
 

 
$
75,824

 
(a) 
Included in cash and cash equivalents on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
(b)
Level 1 investments primarily consist of diversified corporate bond funds.
 
The Company has determined that the significant inputs used to value the Swaps fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.  As a result, the Company has determined that its derivative valuations are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
 
Carrying values and fair values of financial instruments that are not carried at fair value are as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Long term debt, including current portion:
 

 
 

Carrying value
$
1,769,059

 
$
1,719,368

Fair value (a)
1,762,653

 
1,563,376

 
(a) 
The fair value is based on market quotations from third party financial institutions and is classified as Level 2 in the hierarchy.
 
Ascent Capital’s other financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable are carried at cost, which approximates their fair value because of their short-term maturity.
 

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Table of Contents

(10)    Stockholders’ Equity
 
Common Stock
 
The following table presents the activity in the Series A Common Stock and Assent Capital's Series B common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Series B Common Stock"), for the nine months ended September 30, 2016:
 
Series A
Common Stock
 
Series B
Common Stock
Balance at December 31, 2015
12,301,248

 
382,359

Conversion from Series B to Series A Shares
500

 
(500
)
Issuance of stock awards
62,000

 

Restricted stock forfeitures and tax withholding
(34,668
)
 

Repurchases and retirements of Series A shares
(389,179
)
 

Balance at September 30, 2016
11,939,901

 
381,859

 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
The following table provides a summary of the changes in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the period presented (amounts in thousands):
 
Foreign
currency
translation
adjustments
 
Unrealized
 holding
 gains
 and losses on
marketable
securities, net (a)
 
Unrealized
 gains and
losses on
 derivative
instruments,
net (b)
 
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss
As of December 31, 2015
$
(508
)
 
(884
)
 
(13,546
)
 
$
(14,938
)
Gain (loss) through Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income tax of $0
(780
)
 
1,268

 
(24,447
)
 
(23,959
)
Reclassifications of loss into Net loss, net of income tax of $0

 
1,896

 
5,446

 
7,342

Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
(780
)
 
3,164

 
(19,001
)
 
(16,617
)
As of September 30, 2016
$
(1,288
)
 
2,280

 
(32,547
)
 
$
(31,555
)
 
(a) 
Amounts reclassified into net loss are included in Other income, net on the condensed consolidated statement of operations.  See note 4, Investments in Marketable Securities, for further information.
(b)
Amounts reclassified into net loss are included in Interest expense on the condensed consolidated statement of operations.  See note 8, Derivatives, for further information.
 
(11)    Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share—Series A and Series B
 
Basic earnings (loss) per common share ("EPS") is computed by dividing net earnings (loss) by the weighted average number of shares of Series A Common Stock and Series B Common Stock outstanding for the period.  Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net earnings (loss) by the sum of the weighted average number of shares of Series A Common Stock and Series B Common Stock outstanding and the effect of dilutive securities such as outstanding stock options and unvested restricted stock.
 
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Weighted average Series A and Series B shares — basic and diluted
12,101,214

 
12,993,183

 
12,304,879

 
13,122,552

 
For all periods presented, diluted EPS is computed the same as basic EPS because the Company recorded a loss from continuing operations, which would make potentially dilutive securities anti-dilutive. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, diluted shares outstanding excluded the effect of 332,403 potentially dilutive unvested restricted stock awards and performance stock units because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, diluted shares outstanding excluded the effect of 766,059 potentially dilutive stock options and unvested restricted stock awards because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.


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Table of Contents

(12)     Commitments, Contingencies and Other Liabilities
 
The Company is involved in litigation and similar claims incidental to the conduct of its business. Matters that are probable of unfavorable outcome to the Company and which can be reasonably estimated are accrued. Such accruals are based on information known about the matters, management’s estimate of the outcomes of such matters and experience in contesting, litigating and settling similar matters.  In management’s opinion, none of the pending actions is likely to have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

(13)     Reportable Business Segments

Description of Segments

The Company operates through two reportable business segments according to the nature and economic characteristics of its services as well as the manner in which the information issued internally by the Company's key decision maker, who is the Company's Chief Executive Officer. The Company's business segments are as follows:

MONI

The MONI segment is primarily engaged in the business of providing security alarm monitoring services: monitoring signals arising from burglaries, fires, medical alerts and other events through security systems at subscribers' premises, as well as providing customer service and technical support. MONI outsources the sales, installation and most of its 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, MONI is able to allocate capital to growing its revenue-generating account base rather than to local offices or depreciating hard assets.

LiveWatch

LiveWatch is a Do-It-Yourself home security provider offering professionally monitored security services through a direct-to-consumer sales channel. LiveWatch offers a differentiated go-to-market strategy through direct response TV, internet and radio advertising. When a customer initiates the process to obtain monitoring services, LiveWatch pre-configures the alarm monitoring system based on customer specifications. LiveWatch then packages and ships the equipment directly to the customer. The customer self-installs the equipment on-site and activates the monitoring service over the phone.

Other Activities

Other Activities primarily consists of Ascent Capital's corporate costs, including administrative and other activities not associated with the operation of the reportable segments.



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Table of Contents

As they arise, transactions between segments are recorded on an arm's length basis using relevant market prices. Prior to the acquisition of LiveWatch in February 2015, Ascent Capital had one operating segment. Therefore, the LiveWatch segment only includes amounts incurred from the purchase date. The following table sets forth selected data from the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations for the periods indicated (amounts in thousands):
 
 
MONI
 
LiveWatch
 
Other
 
Consolidated
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2016
Net revenue
 
$
136,910

 
$
5,855

 
$

 
$
142,765

Depreciation and amortization
 
$
63,117

 
$
1,123

 
$
68

 
$
64,308

Net loss from continuing operations before income taxes
 
$
(15,238
)
 
$
(5,835
)
 
$
(4,033
)
 
$
(25,106
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
Net revenue
 
$
137,461

 
$
4,385

 
$

 
$
141,846

Depreciation and amortization
 
$
68,535

 
$
1,140

 
$
88

 
$
69,763

Net loss from continuing operations before income taxes
 
$
(13,879
)
 
$
(5,554
)
 
$
(5,902
)
 
$
(25,335
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
Net revenue
 
$
413,180

 
$
16,509

 
$

 
$
429,689

Depreciation and amortization
 
$
188,146

 
$
3,353

 
$
245

 
$
191,744

Net loss from continuing operations before income taxes
 
$
(38,092
)
 
$
(16,167
)
 
$
(12,682
)
 
$
(66,941
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
Net revenue
 
$
411,798

 
$
10,007

 
$

 
$
421,805

Depreciation and amortization
 
$
198,433

 
$
2,690

 
$
290

 
$
201,413

Net loss from continuing operations before income taxes
 
$
(27,822
)
 
$
(11,960
)
 
$
(9,717
)
 
$
(49,499
)

The following table sets forth selected data from the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets for the periods indicated (amounts in thousands):
 
 
MONI
 
LiveWatch
 
Other
 
Consolidated
 
 
Balance at September 30, 2016
Subscriber accounts, net of amortization
 
$
1,382,961

 
$
22,103

 
$

 
$
1,405,064

Goodwill
 
$
527,502

 
$
36,047

 
$

 
$
563,549

Total assets
 
$
2,093,414

 
$
64,120

 
$
6,929

 
$
2,164,463

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2015
Subscriber accounts, net of amortization
 
$
1,400,515

 
$
23,023

 
$

 
$
1,423,538

Goodwill
 
$
527,502

 
$
36,047

 
$

 
$
563,549

Total assets
 
$
2,033,180

 
$
63,267

 
$
76,858

 
$
2,173,305



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Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
 
Certain statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q 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 assets and businesses, new service offerings, financial prospects, and anticipated sources and uses of capital. 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:
 
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 MONI's (as defined below) largest demographic;
uncertainties in the development of our business strategies, including MONI's increased direct marketing efforts and 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;
the development of new services or service innovations by competitors;
MONI's 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;
integration of acquired assets and businesses;
the regulatory environment in which we operate, including the multiplicity of jurisdictions, state and federal consumer protection laws and licensing requirements to which MONI and/or its dealers 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, including the phase-out of 2G networks by cellular carriers;
the trend away from the use of public switched telephone network lines and resultant increase in servicing costs associated with alternative methods of communication;
the operating performance of MONI's network, including the potential for service disruptions at both the main monitoring facility and back-up monitoring facility due to acts of nature or technology deficiencies;
the outcome of any pending, threatened, or future litigation, including potential liability for failure to respond adequately to alarm activations;
the ability to continue to obtain insurance coverage sufficient to hedge our risk exposures, including as a result of acts of third parties and/or alleged regulatory violations;
changes in the nature of strategic relationships with original equipment manufacturers, dealers and other MONI business partners;
the reliability and creditworthiness of MONI's independent alarm systems dealers and subscribers;
changes in MONI's expected rate of subscriber attrition;
the availability and terms of capital, including the ability of MONI to obtain future financing to grow its business;
MONI's high degree of leverage and the restrictive covenants governing its indebtedness; and
availability of qualified personnel.

For additional risk factors, please see Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 (the "2015 Form 10-K").  These forward-looking statements and such risks, uncertainties and other factors speak only as of the date of this Quarterly 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.
 
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 condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere herein and the 2015 Form 10-K.


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Table of Contents

Overview
 
Ascent Capital Group, Inc. ("Ascent Capital" or the "Company") is a holding company and its assets primarily consist of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Monitronics International, Inc ("MONI").
 
The MONI business provides security alarm monitoring and related services to residential and business subscribers throughout the United States and parts of Canada.  On February 23, 2015 (the "Closing Date"), MONI acquired LiveWatch Security, LLC ("LiveWatch"), a Do-It-Yourself home security firm, offering professionally monitored security services through a direct-to-consumer sales channel (the "LiveWatch Acquisition"). MONI monitors signals arising from burglaries, fires, medical alerts and other events through security systems at subscribers’ premises, as well as provides customer service and technical support.  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.
 
Attrition
 
Account cancellation, otherwise referred to as subscriber attrition, has a direct impact on the number of subscribers that MONI 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 competitor’s service.  The largest category of canceled accounts relate to subscriber relocation or the inability to contact the subscriber.  MONI 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.  MONI 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, this is also not a cancellation.  MONI 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 to MONI the cost paid to acquire the contract. To help ensure the dealer’s obligation to MONI, MONI typically maintains a dealer funded holdback reserve ranging from 5-10% of subscriber accounts in the guarantee period.  In some cases, the amount of the holdback liability may be less than actual attrition experience.

The table below presents subscriber data for the twelve months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015:
 
 
Twelve Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
Beginning balance of accounts
 
1,091,627

 
1,056,734

 
Accounts acquired
 
136,414

 
189,590

 
Accounts canceled
 
(150,091
)
 
(145,181
)
 
Canceled accounts guaranteed by dealer and other adjustments (a)
 
(18,316
)
(b)
(9,516
)
 
Ending balance of accounts
 
1,059,634

 
1,091,627

 
Monthly weighted average accounts
 
1,079,100

 
1,078,367

 
Attrition rate - Unit
 
13.9
%
 
13.5
%
 
Attrition rate - RMR (c)
 
12.2
%
 
13.4
%
 
 
(a)
Includes canceled accounts that are contractually guaranteed to be refunded from holdback.
(b)
Includes an estimated 10,488 accounts included in our Radio Conversion Program that canceled in excess of their expected attrition.
(c)
The recurring monthly revenue ("RMR") of canceled accounts follows the same definition as subscriber unit attrition as noted above. RMR attrition is defined as the RMR of canceled accounts in a given period, adjusted for the impact of price increases or decreases in that period, divided by the weighted average of RMR for that period.
 
The unit attrition rate for the twelve months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was 13.9% and 13.5%, respectively. Increased attrition is primarily the result of an increase in the number of subscriber accounts reaching the end of their initial contract term in the period. Overall attrition reflects the impact of the Pinnacle Security bulk buys, where MONI purchased approximately 113,000 accounts from Pinnacle Security in 2012 and 2013, which are now experiencing normal end-of-term attrition. The attrition rate without the Pinnacle Security accounts (core attrition) for the twelve months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was 13.3% and 12.5%, respectively.

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MONI analyzes its attrition by classifying accounts into annual pools based on the year of acquisition.  MONI then tracks the number of accounts that cancel as a percentage of the initial number of accounts acquired for each pool for each year subsequent to its acquisition.  Over the next few years of the subscriber account life, the number of subscribers that cancel as a 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.

Accounts Acquired
 
During the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, MONI acquired 32,570 and 44,776 subscriber accounts, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, MONI acquired 99,065 and 151,592 subscriber accounts, respectively. Accounts acquired for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 reflect bulk buys of approximately 6,700 accounts, respectively. Accounts acquired for the three months ended September 30, 2015 includes bulk buys of approximately 600 accounts. Accounts acquired for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 includes bulk buys of approximately 1,800 accounts and 31,919 accounts from the LiveWatch Acquisition in February 2015.

RMR acquired during the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $1,545,000 and $2,094,000, respectively. RMR acquired during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $4,603,000 and $6,468,000, respectively. RMR acquired for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 includes approximately $909,000 of RMR from the LiveWatch Acquisition in February 2015.

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, dealer network and other intangible assets), stock-based 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, to fund its capital expenditures and to service its debt.  In addition, this measure is used by management to evaluate operating results, 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 MONI's 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.

Pre-SAC Adjusted EBITDA

LiveWatch is a direct-to-consumer business, and as such recognizes certain revenue and expenses associated with subscriber acquisition (subscriber acquisition costs, or "SAC"). This is in contrast to MONI, which capitalizes payments to dealers to acquire accounts. "Pre-SAC Adjusted EBITDA" is a measure that eliminates the impact of acquiring accounts at the LiveWatch business that is recognized in operating income. Pre-SAC Adjusted EBITDA is defined as total Adjusted EBITDA excluding LiveWatch's SAC and the related revenue. We believe Pre-SAC Adjusted EBITDA is a meaningful measure of the Company's financial performance in servicing its customer base. Pre-SAC 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. Pre-SAC Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. As companies often define non-GAAP financial measures differently, Pre-SAC Adjusted EBITDA as calculated by the Company should not be compared to any similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

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Results of Operations
 
The following table sets forth selected data from the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the periods indicated (dollar amounts in thousands).
 
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Net revenue
$
142,765

 
141,846

 
$
429,689

 
421,805

Cost of services
29,049

 
28,245

 
86,161

 
81,015

Selling, general, and administrative
32,897

 
31,362

 
97,148

 
88,643

Amortization of subscriber accounts, dealer network and other intangible assets
62,156

 
66,958

 
185,415

 
193,625

Interest expense
(31,794
)
 
(31,466
)
 
(94,805
)
 
(92,140
)
Income tax expense from continuing operations
(1,927
)
 
(1,989
)
 
(5,514
)
 
(5,996
)
Net loss from continuing operations
(27,033
)
 
(27,324
)
 
(72,455
)
 
(55,495
)
Net loss
(27,033
)
 
(24,330
)
 
(72,455
)
 
(52,574
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted EBITDA (a)
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
MONI business Adjusted EBITDA
$
86,795

 
88,277

 
$
262,454

 
269,918

Corporate Adjusted EBITDA
(1,852
)
 
(1,961
)
 
(5,446
)
 
(5,340
)
Total Adjusted EBITDA
$
84,943

 
86,316

 
$
257,008

 
264,578

Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of Net revenue
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
MONI business
60.8
 %

62.2
 %
 
61.1
 %
 
64.0
 %
Corporate
(1.3
)%
 
(1.4
)%
 
(1.3
)%
 
(1.3
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pre-SAC Adjusted EBITDA  (b)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MONI business Pre-SAC Adjusted EBITDA
$
92,318

 
92,584

 
$
277,622

 
278,834

Corporate Pre-SAC Adjusted EBITDA
(1,852
)
 
(1,961
)
 
(5,446
)
 
(5,340
)
Total Pre-SAC Adjusted EBITDA
$
90,466

 
90,623

 
$
272,176

 
273,494

Pre-SAC Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of Pre-SAC net revenue (c)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MONI business
65.2
 %
 
65.8
 %
 
65.1
 %
 
66.6
 %
Corporate
(1.3
)%
 
(1.4
)%
 
(1.3
)%
 
(1.3
)%

(a) 
See reconciliation of net loss from continuing operations to Adjusted EBITDA below.
(b)    See reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Pre-SAC Adjusted EBITDA below.
(c)
Presented below is the reconciliation of Net revenue to Pre-SAC net revenue (amounts in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Net revenue, as reported
$
142,765

 
141,846

 
$
429,689

 
421,805

LiveWatch revenue related to SAC
(1,125
)
 
(1,172
)
 
(3,300
)
 
(2,839
)
Pre-SAC net revenue
$
141,640

 
140,674

 
$
426,389

 
418,966


Net revenue.  Net revenue increased $919,000, or 0.6%, and $7,884,000, or 1.9%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, as compared to the corresponding prior year periods.  The increase in net revenue is attributable to an increase in average RMR per subscriber, as well as, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the inclusion of a full first quarter's impact of LiveWatch revenue, compared to corresponding prior year periods.  Average monthly revenue per subscriber increased from $41.63 as of September 30, 2015 to $42.84 as of September 30, 2016.

Cost of services.  Cost of services increased $804,000, or 2.8%, and $5,146,000, or 6.4%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively as compared to the corresponding prior year periods.  The increase for the three months ended September 30, 2016 is attributable to increased field service costs due to a higher volume of retention jobs

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being completed in the quarter. The increase for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 is attributable to higher cellular costs with more subscribers taking on interactive and home automation services, increased lead generation fees at MONI and higher subscriber acquisition costs seen at LiveWatch related to a full first quarter impact in 2016 and an increase in new account production. LiveWatch's subscriber acquisition costs include expensed equipment costs associated with the creation of new subscribers of $2,132,000 and $6,466,000 for three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, as compared to $2,210,000 and $4,666,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. Cost of services as a percent of net revenue increased from 19.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2015 to 20.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2016, and increased from 19.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 to 20.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively.
 
Selling, general and administrative.  Selling, general and administrative costs ("SG&A") increased $1,535,000 or 4.9% and $8,505,000, or 9.6%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, as compared to the corresponding prior year periods.  The increases are attributable to subscriber acquisition costs incurred at LiveWatch, increased salaries, wages and benefits and rebranding expense at MONI. LiveWatch's subscriber acquisition costs, which includes marketing and sales costs related to the creation of new subscribers, was $4,515,000 and $12,002,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, as compared to $3,269,000 and $7,089,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. The increase is attributable to an increase in new account production and, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the impact of a full first quarter of costs being incurred as compared to the corresponding prior year period. SG&A as a percent of net revenue increased from 22.1% and 21.0% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, to 23.0% and 22.6% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively.
 
Amortization of subscriber accounts, dealer network and other intangible assets.  Amortization of subscriber accounts, dealer network and other intangible assets decreased $4,802,000 and $8,210,000, or 7.2% and 4.2% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, as compared to the corresponding prior year periods.  The decrease is related to the timing of amortization of subscriber accounts acquired prior to the third quarter of 2015, which have a lower rate of amortization in 2016 based on the applicable double declining balance amortization method. The decrease is partially offset by increased amortization related to accounts acquired subsequent to September 30, 2015.
 
Interest expense.  Interest expense increased $328,000 and $2,665,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, as compared to the corresponding prior year periods. The increase in interest expense is primarily attributable to increases in the Company’s consolidated debt balance related to the refinancing of MONI's Credit Facility term loans in April of 2015.
 
Income tax expense from continuing operations.  The Company had pre-tax loss from continuing operations of $25,106,000 and $66,941,000 and income tax expense of $1,927,000 and $5,514,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively.  The Company had pre-tax loss from continuing operations of $25,335,000 and $49,499,000 and income tax expense of $1,989,000 and $5,996,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively.  Income tax expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 is attributable to MONI's state tax expense and the deferred tax impact from amortization of deductible goodwill related to MONI's recent business acquisitions. 

Net loss from continuing operations. The Company had net loss from continuing operations of $27,033,000 and $72,455,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, as compared to $27,324,000 and $55,495,000 for the three and nine ended September 30, 2015, respectively. The increase in net loss from continuing operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 is primarily attributable to an increase in costs incurred under the Company's Radio Conversion Program of $13,395,000, as well as the impacts discussed above.




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Adjusted EBITDA and Pre-SAC Adjusted EBITDA. The following table provides a reconciliation of net loss from continuing operations to total Adjusted EBITDA to Pre-SAC Adjusted EBITDA for the periods indicated (amounts in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Net loss from continuing operations
(27,033
)
 
(27,324
)
 
$
(72,455
)
 
(55,495
)
Amortization of subscriber accounts, dealer network and other intangible assets
62,156

 
66,958

 
185,415

 
193,625

Depreciation
2,152

 
2,805

 
6,329

 
7,788

Stock-based compensation
1,760

 
1,856

 
5,205

 
5,038

Radio conversion costs
1,263

 
3,570

 
17,938

 
4,543

LiveWatch acquisition related costs

 

 

 
946

LiveWatch acquisition contingent bonus charges
1,104

 
1,291

 
3,096

 
3,086

MONI headquarters relocation costs

 
720

 

 
720

Reduction in force separation costs

 

 
245

 

Rebranding marketing program
602

 

 
839

 

Software implementation/integration
418

 

 
418

 

Other-than-temporary impairment losses on marketable securities

 
3,764

 
1,904

 
3,764

Interest income
(548
)
 
(779
)
 
(1,593
)
 
(2,041
)
Interest expense
31,794

 
31,466

 
94,805

 
92,140

Refinancing expense
9,348

 

 
9,348

 
4,468

Income tax expense from continuing operations
1,927

 
1,989

 
5,514

 
5,996

Adjusted EBITDA
84,943

 
86,316

 
257,008

 
264,578

Gross subscriber acquisition cost expenses
6,648

 
5,479

 
18,468

 
11,755

Revenue associated with subscriber acquisition cost
(1,125
)
 
(1,172
)
 
(3,300
)
 
(2,839
)
Pre-SAC Adjusted EBITDA
$
90,466

 
90,623

 
$
272,176

 
273,494

 
Adjusted EBITDA decreased $1,373,000, or 1.6%, and $7,570,000 or 2.9% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, as compared to the corresponding prior year periods.  The decrease is primarily due to increases in LiveWatch's subscriber acquisition costs, net of related revenue, associated with growth in new RMR production. These costs went from $4,307,000 and $8,916,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, to $5,523,000 and $15,168,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively.

Pre-SAC Adjusted EBITDA decreased $157,000, or 0.2%, for the three months ended September 30, 2016, and $1,318,000, or 0.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, as compared to the corresponding prior year periods.

MONI's consolidated Adjusted EBITDA was $86,795,000 and $262,454,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, as compared to $88,277,000 and $269,918,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. MONI's consolidated Pre-SAC Adjusted EBITDA was $92,318,000 and $277,622,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, as compared to $92,584,000 and $278,834,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
At September 30, 2016, we had $31,657,000 of cash and cash equivalents and $80,447,000 of marketable securities on a consolidated basis.  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 MONI.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, our cash flow from operating activities was $158,200,000 and $173,950,000, respectively.  The primary driver of our cash flow from operating activities is Adjusted EBITDA.  Fluctuations in our Adjusted EBITDA and the components of that measure are discussed in “Results of Operations” above.  In addition, our cash flow from operating activities may be significantly impacted by changes in working capital.

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Table of Contents

 
During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company used cash of $160,117,000 and $205,050,000, respectively, to fund subscriber account acquisitions, net of holdback and guarantee obligations.  In addition, during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company used cash of $5,071,000 and $10,042,000, respectively, to fund its capital expenditures. 

In 2015, MONI paid cash of $56,778,000 for the acquisition of LiveWatch, net of the transfer of $3,988,000 to LiveWatch upon the Closing Date to fund LiveWatch employees' transaction bonuses and LiveWatch cash on hand of $784,000. The LiveWatch Acquisition was funded by borrowings from MONI's expanded Credit Facility revolver as well as cash contributions from Ascent Capital.

On September 30, 2016, MONI entered into an amendment ("Amendment No. 6") with the lenders of its existing senior secured credit agreement dated March 23, 2012, and as amended and restated on April 9, 2015, February 17, 2015, August 16, 2013, March 25, 2013, and November 7, 2012 (the "Existing Credit Agreement"). Amendment No. 6 provided for, among other things, the issuance of a new $1,100,000,000 senior secured term loan at a 1.5% discount and a new $295,000,000 super priority revolver (the Existing Credit Agreement together with Amendment No. 6, the "Credit Facility").

MONI used the net proceeds from the new term loan to retire $403,784,000 of its existing term loan due in March 2018 and $543,125,000 of its existing term loan due in April 2022. Additionally, the Company retired its existing $315,000,000 revolving credit facility in the amount of $138,900,000.

On September 30, 2016, MONI borrowed $48,400,000 on the new Credit Facility revolver to fund its October 1, 2016 interest payment due under the Senior Notes of $26,691,000 as well as other refinancing fees.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company purchased 389,179 and 854,029 shares of Ascent Capital's Series A common stock pursuant to the share repurchase authorizations for approximately $7,140,000 and $27,555,000, respectively. These repurchased shares were all canceled and returned to the status of authorized and unissued. As of September 30, 2016 the remaining availability under the Company's share repurchase authorizations will enable the Company to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately $2,771,000 of Series A Common Stock. The Company may also purchase shares of its Series B common stock, par value $0.01 per share ("Series B Common Stock"), under the remaining availability of the share repurchase authorizations.

The existing long-term debt of the Company at September 30, 2016 includes the principal balance of $1,830,175,000 under its Convertible Notes, Senior Notes, Credit Facility term loan, and Credit Facility revolver.  The Convertible Notes have an outstanding principal balance of $96,775,000 as of September 30, 2016 and mature July 15, 2020.  The Senior Notes have an outstanding principal balance of $585,000,000 as of September 30, 2016 and mature on April 1, 2020.  The Credit Facility term loan has an outstanding principal balance of $1,100,000,000 as of September 30, 2016 and requires principal payments of $2,750,000 per quarter with the remaining amount becoming due on September 30, 2022.  The Credit Facility revolver has an outstanding balance of $48,400,000 as of September 30, 2016 and becomes due on September 30, 2021.
 
In considering our liquidity requirements for the remainder of 2016, we evaluated our known future commitments and obligations.  We will require the availability of funds to finance the strategy of our primary operating subsidiary, MONI, which is to grow through the acquisition of subscriber accounts. In 2014, MONI implemented a Radio Conversion Program in response to one of the nation's largest carriers announcing that it does not intend to support its 2G cellular network services beyond 2016. In connection with the Radio Conversion Program, MONI could incur incremental costs of up to $1,000,000 for the remainder of 2016. We considered the expected cash flow from MONI, as this business is the driver of our operating cash flows.  In addition, we considered the borrowing capacity of MONI's Credit Facility revolver, under which MONI could borrow an additional $246,600,000 as of September 30, 2016.  Based on this analysis, we expect that cash on hand, cash flow generated from operations and available borrowings under the MONI's Credit Facility revolver will provide sufficient liquidity, given our anticipated current and future requirements.

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.

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Table of Contents

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk
 
Interest Rate Risk
 
Due to the terms of our debt obligations, we have exposure to changes in interest rates related to these debt obligations.  MONI uses derivative financial instruments to manage the exposure related to the movement in interest rates.  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 outstanding debt obligations and derivative financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates.  Interest rate swaps are presented at their fair value amount and by maturity date as of September 30, 2016.  Debt amounts represent principal payments by maturity date as of September 30, 2016.
 
Year of Maturity
 
Fixed Rate
Derivative
Instruments, net (a)
 
Variable Rate
Debt
 
Fixed Rate
Debt
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Amounts in thousands)
Remainder of 2016
 
$

 
$
2,750

 
$

 
$
2,750

2017
 

 
11,000

 

 
11,000

2018
 
8,722

 
11,000

 

 
19,722

2019
 

 
11,000

 

 
11,000

2020
 

 
11,000

 
681,775

 
692,775

2021
 

 
59,400

 

 
59,400

Thereafter
 
23,789

 
1,042,250

 

 
1,066,039

Total
 
$
32,511

 
$
1,148,400

 
$
681,775

 
$
1,862,686

 
(a) 
The derivative financial instruments reflected in this column include four interest rate swaps with a maturity date of March 23, 2018 and three interest rate swaps with a maturity date of April 9, 2022.  As a result of these interest rate swaps, MONI's current effective weighted average interest rate on the borrowings under the Credit Facility term loans is 7.15%.  See notes 7, 8 and 9 to our condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report for further information.
 
Item 4.  Controls and Procedures
 
In accordance with Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including its chief executive officer and chief financial 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 September 30, 2016 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 SEC’s rules and forms.
 
There has been no change in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2016 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal controls over financial reporting.


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Table of Contents

ASCENT CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 2Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
 
(c) Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer
 
The following table sets forth information concerning shares withheld in payment of withholding taxes, in each case, during the three months ended September 30, 2016.
Period
 
Total number of
shares
purchased
(surrendered) (1)
 
 
 
Average price
paid per share
 
Total Number of
Shares (or Units)
Purchased as Part
of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
 
Maximum Number (or
Approximate Dollar
Value) or Shares (or
Units) that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs
 
 
7/1/2016 - 7/31/2016
 
314

 
(2)
 
$
15.14

 

 
 
 
 
8/1/2016 - 8/31/2016
 
539

 
(2)
 
21.26

 

 
 
 
 
9/1/2016 - 9/30/2016
 
4,490

 
(2)
 
22.53

 

 
 
 
 
Total
 
5,343

 
 
 
$
21.97

 

 
 
 
 
 
(1)
  On June 16, 2011, the Company announced that it received authorization to implement a share repurchase program, pursuant to which it could purchase up to $25,000,000 of its shares of Series A Common Stock, par value $0.01, from time to time.  On November 14, 2013, November 10, 2014 and September 4, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized, at each date, the repurchase of an incremental $25,000,000 of its Series A Common Stock. As of September 30, 2016, 2,391,604 shares of Series A Common Stock had been purchased, at an average price paid of $40.65 per share, pursuant to these authorizations.  As of September 30, 2016, the remaining availability under the Company's existing share repurchase program will enable the Company to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately $2,771,000 of Series A Common Stock. The Company may also purchase shares of its Series B Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, under the remaining availability of the program.
 
(2)
Represents shares withheld in payment of withholding taxes upon vesting of employees' restricted share awards.
 

25

Table of Contents

Item 6Exhibits
 
Listed below are the exhibits which are included as a part of this Report (according to the number assigned to them in Item 601 of Regulation S-K):
4.1
 
Amendment No. 6 to the Credit Agreement, dated September 30, 2016 (including the Amended Credit Agreement) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 3, 2016 (File No. 001-34176)).
31.1
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification. *
31.2
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification. *
32
 
Section 1350 Certification. **
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document. *
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. *
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. *
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. *
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document. *
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. *

 
*
Filed herewith.
**
Furnished herewith.





26

Table of Contents

SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
 
 
ASCENT CAPITAL GROUP, INC.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
November 8, 2016
 
By:
/s/ William R. Fitzgerald
 
 
 
 
William R. Fitzgerald
 
 
 
 
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
November 8, 2016
 
By:
/s/ Michael R. Meyers
 
 
 
 
Michael R. Meyers
 
 
 
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)


27

Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Listed below are the exhibits which are included as a part of this Report (according to the number assigned to them in Item 601 of Regulation S-K):
4.1
 
Amendment No. 6 to the Credit Agreement, dated September 30, 2016 (including the Amended Credit Agreement) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 3, 2016 (File No. 001-34176)).
31.1
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification. *
31.2
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification. *
32
 
Section 1350 Certification. **
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document. *
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. *
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. *
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. *
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document. *
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. *
 
*
Filed herewith.
**
Furnished herewith.



28