S-4
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
August 29, 2007
Registration
No. 333-
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
Form S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
Charter Communications, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Delaware |
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4841 |
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43-1857213 |
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization) |
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(Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number) |
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(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number) |
12405 Powerscourt Drive
St. Louis, Missouri 63131
(314) 965-0555
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including
area code, of registrants principal executive offices)
Grier C. Raclin
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate
Secretary
12405 Powerscourt Drive
St. Louis, Missouri 63131
(314) 965-0555
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of agent for service)
Copies to:
Dennis J. Friedman
Joerg H. Esdorn
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
200 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10166
(212) 351-4000
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the
public: As soon as practicable after the effective date of
this Registration Statement.
If the securities being registered on this form are being
offered in connection with the formation of a holding company
and there is compliance with General Instruction G, check
the following
box. o
If this form is filed to register additional securities for an
offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act,
check the following box and list the Securities Act registration
statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same
offering. o
If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to
Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following
box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of
the earlier effective registration statement for the same
offering. o
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Proposed Maximum |
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Proposed Maximum |
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Proposed Maximum |
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Amount of |
Title of Each Class of |
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Amount to be |
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Offering Price |
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Aggregate |
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Registration |
Securities to be Registered |
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Registered(1) |
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Per Unit |
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Offering Price(1) |
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Fee |
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7.00% Convertible Senior Notes due 2027
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$309,375,000 |
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n/a |
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$409,148,438 |
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$12,560.86 |
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Class A common stock (par value $0.001 per share)
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122,713,608(2) |
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(2) |
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(2) |
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(2) |
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(1) |
Calculated pursuant to Rule 457(f)(1). On August 24,
2007, the closing bid price for the Old Notes was $1,317.50 per
$1,000 principal amount and the closing ask price was $1,327.50,
the average of which equals $1,322.50. The Offeror is offering
to exchange up to $309,375,000 principal amount of the Old
Notes. Therefore the maximum aggregate offering
price equals $409,148,438. |
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(2) |
The number of shares of Class A common stock to be issued
upon conversion of the convertible senior notes was calculated
based on the initial conversion price of $2.80 per share
(which represents the maximum amount of shares issuable). In
addition to the shares set forth in the table, the amount to be
registered includes an indeterminate number of shares issuable
upon conversion of the convertible senior notes, as such amount
may be adjusted due to stock-splits, stock dividends and
anti-dilution provisions. Pursuant to Rule 457(i) under the
Securities Act, there is no filing fee with respect to the
shares of Class A common stock issuable upon such
conversion of the 7.00% Convertible Senior Notes due 2027
registered hereby. |
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on
such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective
date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which
specifically states that this Registration Statement shall
thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a)
of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until this
Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as
the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may
determine.
The information
in this Exchange Offer Prospectus may change. We may not offer
these securities until the registration statement filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This Exchange
Offer Prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it
is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any
jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
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EXCHANGE OFFER PROSPECTUS
Charter Communications Holding Company, LLC
Offer to Exchange up to $309,375,000 Principal Amount of
Outstanding
Charter Communications, Inc.s
5.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2009
(CUSIP Nos. 16117MAE7 and 16117MAD9)
Charter Communications Holding Company, LLC (Charter
Holdco or the Offeror) hereby offers up to
$595,082,000 principal amount of 7.00% convertible senior
notes due 2027 (the New Notes) of Charter
Communications, Inc. (Charter) to holders (the
Holders) of up to $309,375,000 of Charters
$412,500,000 principal amount outstanding
5.875% convertible senior notes due 2009 (the Old
Notes) who elect to exchange their Old Notes upon the
terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Exchange
Offer Prospectus (this Exchange Offer Prospectus)
and in the accompanying Letter of Transmittal (the Letter
of Transmittal and together with this Exchange Offer
Prospectus, the Exchange Offer).
The Exchange Consideration per $1,000 principal
amount of Old Notes accepted for exchange will be an amount of
New Notes determined based on the Average Price (as defined
below) of Charters Class A common stock as set forth
in the table below. New Notes will be issued only in minimum
denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000. In
addition to the Exchange Consideration, the Offeror will pay
accrued interest on the Old Notes from and including the last
interest payment date (which was May 16, 2007) up to, but
not including, the Settlement Date.
Average Price means the arithmetic average of the
daily volume-weighted average price of Charters
Class A common stock for the ten trading days prior to and
including the second business day before the Expiration Date (as
defined below), rounded to four decimal places. The initial
conversion price for the New Notes will be the Average Price
multiplied by 1.4 (examples of which are set forth in the table
below). The initial conversion rate will be $1,000 divided by
the conversion price, rounded to four decimal places. If the
Average Price is between two prices shown in the table below,
the principal amount of New Notes to be issued per $1,000
principal amount of Old Notes tendered will be calculated using
straight-line interpolation.
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Principal Amount of New |
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Average Price of |
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Notes to be Issued per |
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Terms of the New Notes |
Charters Class A |
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$1,000 Principal Amount |
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Common Stock |
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of Old Notes Tendered |
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Conversion Price |
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Conversion Rate |
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$ |
2.00 |
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1,110.62 |
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$ |
2.80 |
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357.1429 |
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$ |
2.20 |
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$ |
1,173.25 |
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$ |
3.08 |
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324.6753 |
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$ |
2.40 |
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$ |
1,239.65 |
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$ |
3.36 |
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297.6190 |
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$ |
2.60 |
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$ |
1,309.13 |
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$ |
3.64 |
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274.7253 |
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$ |
2.80 |
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$ |
1,381.10 |
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$ |
3.92 |
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255.1020 |
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$ |
3.00 |
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$ |
1,451.68 |
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$ |
4.20 |
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238.0952 |
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$ |
3.20 |
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$ |
1,521.73 |
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$ |
4.48 |
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223.2143 |
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$ |
3.40 |
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1,592.26 |
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$ |
4.76 |
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210.0840 |
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$ |
3.60 |
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1,662.60 |
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$ |
5.04 |
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198.4127 |
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$ |
3.80 |
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1,733.33 |
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$ |
5.32 |
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187.9699 |
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$ |
4.00 |
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$ |
1,802.82 |
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$ |
5.60 |
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178.5714 |
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$ |
4.20 |
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$ |
1,872.80 |
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$ |
5.88 |
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170.0680 |
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$ |
4.35 |
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$ |
1,923.50 |
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$ |
6.09 |
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164.2036 |
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The Exchange Offer is conditioned on a minimum amount of
$75,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Old Notes being
tendered. The Exchange Offer is also conditioned upon the
Average Price being more than or equal to $2.00 and less than or
equal to $4.35. In addition, the Offeror will not accept for
exchange more than $309,375,000 principal amount of Old Notes
(the Maximum Amount). As a result, if more than the
Maximum Amount of Old Notes is validly tendered and not validly
withdrawn, the Offeror will accept Old Notes from each Holder
pro rata, based on the total principal amount of Old Notes
validly tendered and not validly withdrawn.
THIS EXCHANGE OFFER WILL EXPIRE AT 11:59 P.M., NEW YORK
CITY TIME, ON SEPTEMBER 26, 2007, UNLESS EXTENDED OR EARLIER
TERMINATED (SUCH DATE, AS THE SAME MAY BE EXTENDED OR EARLIER
TERMINATED, THE EXPIRATION DATE). HOLDERS OF OLD
NOTES MUST TENDER THEIR OLD NOTES FOR EXCHANGE ON OR PRIOR TO
THE EXPIRATION DATE TO RECEIVE THE EXCHANGE CONSIDERATION.
See Summary Material Differences Between the
Old Notes and the New Notes for a summary of the
differences between the Old Notes and the New Notes. The New
Notes will not be listed on any national securities exchange but
will be eligible for trading on the
PORTALsm
Market. The Old Notes are not listed on any national securities
exchange but are eligible for trading on the
PORTALsm
Market. Charters Class A common stock is traded on
The Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol CHTR.
The Settlement Date in respect of any Old Notes that
are validly tendered for exchange and not validly withdrawn is
expected to be not later than the fourth business day following
the Expiration Date.
Exchange of the Old Notes and an investment in the New Notes
and Charters Class A common stock involves risks. See
Risk Factors on page 22 for a discussion of
issues that you should consider with respect to the Exchange
Offer.
You must make your own decision whether to exchange any Old
Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer, and, if you wish to
exchange Old Notes, the principal amount of Old Notes to tender.
In addition, you must make your own decision as to whether to
unwind any hedged positions you hold with respect to your Old
Notes. Neither Charter, Charter Holdco, their subsidiaries nor
Charters Board of Directors make any recommendation as to
whether Holders should exchange their Old Notes or unwind any
hedged positions with respect to the Old Notes.
Neither this transaction nor the securities to be issued upon
exchange of the Old Notes have been approved or disapproved by
the Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities
commission. Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor
any state securities commission has passed upon the fairness or
merits of this transaction or upon the accuracy or adequacy of
the information contained in this document. Any representation
to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The Dealer Managers for the Exchange Offer are:
The date of this Exchange Offer Prospectus is August 29, 2007.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
The following documents, including all exhibits thereto, are
incorporated by reference into this Exchange Offer
Prospectus, which means that important information is disclosed
by referring to those documents. The information incorporated by
reference is considered to be part of this Exchange Offer
Prospectus, and later information that Charter Communications,
Inc. (Charter) files with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the SEC) will automatically
update and supersede this information. Charters annual
report on
Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, Charters
quarterly reports on
Form 10-Q for the
fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2007 and June 30,
2007, Charters 2007 definitive proxy statement on
Schedule 14A filed on April 30, 2007, Charters
preliminary information statement on Schedule 14C filed on
August 15, 2007, Charters registration of certain
classes of securities on
Form 8-A filed on
August 15, 2007, Charters current reports on
Form 8-K filed on
March 12, 2007, March 14, 2007, April 11, 2007
and August 15, 2007 and any future filings made by Charter
with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d)
of the Exchange Act (excluding those furnished under
Items 2.02 or 7.01 of
Form 8-K) until
the Exchange Offer is completed are hereby incorporated by
reference.
A copy of these filings may be obtained at no cost, by writing
or calling us at the following address: Charter Plaza, 12405
Powerscourt Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63131, telephone:
(314) 965-0555. You may also visit our website at
http://www.charter.com, although the information on our website
is not part of this Exchange Offer Prospectus.
In order to ensure timely delivery, Holders must request the
information from us no later than ten business days before the
Expiration Date.
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Holders should rely only on the information incorporated by
reference or provided in this Exchange Offer Prospectus or any
amendment or supplement to this Exchange Offer Prospectus. We
have not authorized anyone else to provide Holders with
information. Holders should not assume that the information in
this document is current as of any date other than the date on
the front page of this Exchange Offer Prospectus.
Unless otherwise stated, the discussion in this Exchange
Offer Prospectus of our business and operations includes the
business of Charter and its direct and indirect subsidiaries.
Unless otherwise stated or the context otherwise requires, the
terms we, us, our and
the Company refer to Charter and its direct and
indirect subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.
ii
IMPORTANT
Old Notes tendered for exchange may be validly withdrawn at any
time up until 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on the
Expiration Date. In the event of a termination of the Exchange
Offer, the Old Notes tendered for exchange pursuant to the
Exchange Offer will be promptly returned to the tendering
Holders. Likewise, any Old Notes not accepted for exchange
because the Maximum Amount has been exceeded will be promptly
returned to the tendering Holders.
Old Notes tendered for exchange, along with completed Letters of
Transmittal and any other required documents, should be directed
to the Exchange Agent (as defined below). Any requests for
assistance in connection with the Exchange Offer or for
additional copies of this Exchange Offer Prospectus or related
materials should be directed to the Information Agent (as
defined below). Any additional questions regarding the Exchange
Offer should be directed to the Dealer Managers (as defined
below). Contact information for the Information Agent, the
Exchange Agent and the Dealer Managers is set forth on the back
cover of this Exchange Offer Prospectus. Neither we nor the
Dealer Managers, the Trustee (as defined below), the Information
Agent or the Exchange Agent make any recommendation as to
whether or not Holders should tender their Old Notes for
exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offer.
The Information Agent for the Exchange Offer is Global
Bondholder Services Corporation (the Information
Agent). The Exchange Agent for the Exchange Offer is
Global Bondholder Services Corporation (the Exchange
Agent). Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Morgan
Stanley & Co. Incorporated (the Dealer
Managers) are acting as Dealer Managers in connection with
the Exchange Offer.
Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Exchange
Offer, the Exchange Consideration to which a tendering Holder is
entitled pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be paid on the
Settlement Date. Under no circumstances will any interest be
payable because of any delay in the transmission of the Exchange
Consideration to Holders by the Exchange Agent.
Notwithstanding any other provision of the Exchange Offer,
the Offerors obligation to pay the Exchange Consideration
for Old Notes validly tendered for exchange and not validly
withdrawn pursuant to the Exchange Offer is subject to, and
conditioned upon, the satisfaction or waiver of, the conditions
described below under Description of the Exchange
Offer Conditions to the Exchange Offer.
Subject to applicable securities laws and the terms set forth
in this Exchange Offer, the Offeror reserves the right:
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to waive any and all conditions to the Exchange Offer; |
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to extend the Exchange Offer; |
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to terminate the Exchange Offer, but only if any condition to
the Exchange Offer is not satisfied (see Description of
the Exchange Offer Conditions to the Exchange
Offer); or |
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otherwise to amend the Exchange Offer in any respect. |
In accordance with applicable securities laws, if a material
change occurs in the information published, sent or given to
Holders, the Offeror will promptly disclose the change in a
manner reasonably calculated to inform Holders of the change.
In the event that the Exchange Offer is withdrawn or otherwise
not completed, the Exchange Consideration will not be paid or
become payable to Holders of the Old Notes who have validly
tendered their Old Notes for exchange in connection with the
Exchange Offer and the Old Notes tendered for exchange pursuant
to the Exchange Offer will be promptly returned to the tendering
Holders.
Any Holder who desires to tender Old Notes pursuant to the
Exchange Offer and who holds physical certificates evidencing
such Old Notes must complete and sign a Letter of Transmittal in
accordance with the instructions therein, have the signature
thereon guaranteed (if required by Instruction 4 of the
Letter of Transmittal) and send or deliver such manually signed
Letter of Transmittal (or a manually signed
iii
facsimile thereof), together with certificates evidencing such
Old Notes being tendered and any other required documents to the
Exchange Agent at its address set forth on the back cover of
this Exchange Offer Prospectus.
Only registered Holders of Old Notes are entitled to tender Old
Notes for exchange. Beneficial owners of Old Notes that are held
of record by a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or
other nominee must instruct such nominee to tender the Old Notes
for exchange on the beneficial owners behalf. A letter of
instructions is included in the materials provided along with
this Exchange Offer Prospectus, which may be used by a
beneficial owner in this process to effect the tender of Old
Notes for exchange. See Description of the Exchange
Offer Procedure for Tendering Old Notes.
The Depository Trust Company (DTC) has authorized
DTC participants that hold Old Notes on behalf of beneficial
owners of Old Notes through DTC to tender their Old Notes for
exchange as if they were Holders. To tender their Old Notes for
exchange, DTC participants must, in lieu of physically
completing and signing the Letter of Transmittal, transmit their
acceptance to DTC through the DTC Automated Tender Offer Program
(ATOP), for which the transaction will be eligible,
and follow the procedure for book-entry transfer set forth in
Description of the Exchange Offer Procedure
for Tendering Old Notes.
Tendering Holders will not be obligated to pay brokerage fees or
commissions to the Dealer Managers, the Exchange Agent, the
Information Agent, the Trustee or the Offeror.
This Exchange Offer Prospectus and the Letter of Transmittal
contain important information that should be read before any
decision is made with respect to an exchange of Old Notes.
The delivery of this Exchange Offer Prospectus shall not
under any circumstances create any implication that the
information contained herein is correct as of any time
subsequent to the date hereof or that there has been no change
in the information set forth herein or in any attachments hereto
or in the affairs of Charter or any of its subsidiaries or
affiliates since the date hereof.
Neither this Exchange Offer Prospectus nor the Letter of
Transmittal constitute an offer to sell or exchange or a
solicitation of an offer to buy or exchange securities in any
jurisdiction where it is unlawful to make such an offer or
solicitation.
No one has been authorized to give any information or to make
any representations with respect to the matters described in
this Exchange Offer Prospectus and Letter of Transmittal, other
than those contained in this Exchange Offer Prospectus and
Letter of Transmittal. If given or made, such information or
representation may not be relied upon as having been authorized
by us or the Dealer Managers.
iv
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Exchange Offer Prospectus includes forward-looking
statements regarding, among other things, our plans, strategies
and prospects, both business and financial. Although we believe
that our plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or
suggested by these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we
cannot assure you that we will achieve or realize these plans,
intentions or expectations. Forward-looking statements are
inherently subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions,
including, without limitation, the factors described under
Risk Factors. Many of the forward-looking statements
contained in this Exchange Offer Prospectus may be identified by
the use of forward-looking words such as believe,
expect, anticipate, should,
planned, will, may,
intend, estimated, aim,
on track, target,
opportunity, and potential, among
others. Important factors that could cause actual results to
differ materially from the forward-looking statements we make in
this Exchange Offer Prospectus are set forth in this Exchange
Offer Prospectus and in other reports or documents that we file
from time to time with the SEC, and include, but are not limited
to:
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the availability, in general, of funds to meet interest payment
obligations under our debt and to fund our operations and
necessary capital expenditures, either through cash flows from
operating activities, further borrowings or other sources and,
in particular, our ability to be able to provide under the
applicable debt instruments such funds (by dividend, investment
or otherwise) to the applicable obligor of such debt; |
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our ability to comply with all covenants in our indentures and
credit facilities, any violation of which could trigger a
default of our other obligations under cross-default provisions; |
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our ability to pay or refinance debt prior to or when it becomes
due and/or refinance that debt through new issuances, exchange
offers or otherwise, including restructuring our balance sheet
and leverage position; |
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competition from other distributors, including incumbent
telephone companies, direct broadcast satellite operators,
wireless broadband providers and DSL providers; |
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difficulties in introducing and operating our telephone
services, such as our ability to adequately meet customer
expectations for the reliability of voice services, and our
ability to adequately meet demand for installations and customer
service; |
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our ability to sustain and grow revenues and cash flows from
operating activities by offering video, high-speed Internet,
telephone and other services, and to maintain and grow our
customer base, particularly in the face of increasingly
aggressive competition; |
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our ability to obtain programming at reasonable prices or to
adequately raise prices to offset the effects of higher
programming costs; |
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general business conditions, economic uncertainty or
slowdown; and |
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the effects of governmental regulation, including but not
limited to local and state franchise authorities, on our
business. |
All forward-looking statements attributable to us or any person
acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety
by this cautionary statement. We are under no duty or obligation
to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date
of this Exchange Offer Prospectus.
v
SUMMARY
The following summary is provided solely for the convenience
of the Holders of the Old Notes. This summary is not intended to
be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
full text and more specific details contained elsewhere in this
Exchange Offer Prospectus, the Letter of Transmittal and any
amendments or supplements hereto or thereto. Holders of the Old
Notes are urged to read this Exchange Offer Prospectus in its
entirety. Each of the capitalized terms used in this summary and
not defined herein has the meaning set forth elsewhere in this
Exchange Offer Prospectus.
Charter Communications Holding Company, LLC (Charter
Holdco or the Offeror) is a direct subsidiary
of Charter Communications, Inc. (Charter). Charter
Holdco is a holding company with no operations of its own. For a
chart showing our ownership structure, see page 3.
The Company
We are a broadband communications company operating in the
United States, with approximately 5.68 million customers at
June 30, 2007. Through our hybrid fiber and coaxial cable
network, we offer our customers traditional cable video
programming (analog and digital, which we refer to as
video service), high-speed Internet service,
advanced broadband cable services (such as Charter
OnDemandtm
video service (OnDemand), high definition television
service, and digital video recorder (DVR) service)
and, in many of our markets, telephone service.
At June 30, 2007, we served approximately 5.38 million
analog video customers, of which approximately 2.87 million
were also digital video customers. We also served approximately
2.58 million high-speed Internet customers (including
approximately 273,200 who received only high-speed Internet
services). We also provided telephone service to approximately
700,300 customers (including approximately 29,900 who received
only telephone service).
Our principal executive offices are located at Charter Plaza,
12405 Powerscourt Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63131.
Our telephone number is (314) 965-0555, and we have a
website accessible at www.charter.com. The information posted or
linked on this website is not part of the Exchange Offer or this
Exchange Offer Prospectus and you should rely solely on the
information contained in this Exchange Offer Prospectus and the
related documents to which we refer herein when deciding whether
or not to tender your Old Notes.
Recent Events
Rights Plan. On August 13, 2007, the Board of
Directors (the Board) of Charter, adopted a rights
plan and declared a dividend of one preferred share purchase
right for each outstanding share of Class A common stock
and Class B common stock. The dividend is payable to
Charter stockholders of record as of August 31, 2007. The
terms of the rights and the rights plan are set forth in a
Rights Agreement, by and between Charter and Mellon Investor
Services LLC, a New Jersey limited liability company, as
Rights Agent, dated as of August 14, 2007 (the Rights
Plan).
The Board adopted the Rights Plan in an effort to protect
stockholder value by attempting to protect against a possible
limitation on our ability to use our net operating loss
carryforwards (the NOLs) to reduce potential future
federal income tax obligations. The Rights Plan is intended to
act as a deterrent to any person or group acquiring 5.0% or more
of our outstanding Class A common stock (an Acquiring
Person) without the approval of our Board. The holdings of
independently managed and not jointly coordinated mutual funds
should not be combined for purposes of calculating ownership
percentages under the Rights Plan. Stockholders who own 5.0% or
more of our outstanding Class A common stock as of the
close of business on August 31, 2007 will not trigger the
Rights Plan so long as they do not acquire any additional shares
of our Class A common stock. The Rights Plan does not
exempt any future acquisitions of Class A common stock by
such persons. Any rights held by an Acquiring Person are void
and may not be exercised. Our
1
Board may, in its sole discretion, exempt any person or group
from being deemed an Acquiring Person for purposes of the Rights
Plan.
The rights under the Rights Plan will not be exercisable until
10 business days after a public announcement by us that a person
or group has become an Acquiring Person. We refer to the date
that the rights become exercisable as the Distribution
Date. Until the Distribution Date, our Class A common
stock and Class B common stock certificates will evidence
the rights and will contain a notation to that effect. Any
transfer of shares of Class A common stock and/or
Class B common stock will constitute a transfer of the
associated rights. Except as may be determined by the Board,
with the consent of a majority of the shares of Class B
common stock, after the Distribution Date, we will exchange all
of the then-outstanding, valid and exercisable rights, except
rights held by any Acquiring Person or any affiliate, associate
or transferee of any Acquiring Person, for 2.5 shares of
Class A common stock and/or Class B common stock, as
applicable, or an equivalent security.
Upon an issuance of Class A common stock and/or
Class B common stock under the Rights Plan, additional
membership units will be issued to the Company, as holder of the
Class B common membership units, by Charter Holdco, to
mirror at Charter Holdco the economic effect of such issuance of
common stock. Holders of the Charter Holdco common membership
units that are convertible into shares of our Class B
common stock will have equivalent rights which may be exercised,
on generally the same terms and conditions as set forth in the
Rights Plan, for additional Charter Holdco common membership
units.
The rights and the Rights Plan will expire on the earlier of:
(i) a determination by holders of a majority of the shares
of Class B common stock to terminate the Rights Plan,
(ii) the close of business on December 31, 2008,
(iii) the close of business on the date on which we make a
public announcement (by press release, filing made with the SEC
or otherwise) that our Board has determined that the
Companys Section 382 Ownership Level (as defined in
the Rights Plan) dropped below 25%, (iv) the time at which
the rights are redeemed as provided in the Rights Plan, and
(v) the time at which the rights are exchanged as provided
in the Rights Plan.
Before the Distribution Date, our Board may amend or supplement
the Rights Plan without the consent of the holders of the Rights
in respect of our Class A common stock. After the
Distribution Date, our Board may amend or supplement the Rights
Plan only to cure an ambiguity, to alter time period provisions,
to correct inconsistent provisions, or to make any additional
changes to the Rights Plan, but only to the extent that those
changes do not impair or adversely affect any rights holder and
do not result in the rights again becoming redeemable.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company and the Rights Agent
shall not supplement or amend the Rights Plan without the prior
approval of the holders of a majority of the Class B common
stock.
Amendment to Mr. Allens Schedule 13D. On
August 15, 2007, Paul G. Allen, Charters Chairman and
controlling stockholder, filed Amendment No. 9 to his
Schedule 13D related to his investment in Charter and
Charter Holdco.
Purpose of the Exchange Offer
The purpose of the Exchange Offer is to exchange up to
$309,375,000 of Charters outstanding Old Notes to extend
maturities.
2
Organizational Structure
The chart below sets forth our organizational structure and that
of our direct and indirect subsidiaries. This chart does not
include all of our affiliates and subsidiaries and, in some
cases, we have combined separate entities for presentation
purposes. The equity ownership, voting percentages and
indebtedness amounts shown below are approximations as of
June 30, 2007, and do not give effect to any exercise,
conversion or exchange of then outstanding options, preferred
stock, Old Notes and other convertible or exchangeable
securities. Indebtedness amounts shown below are accreted values
for financial reporting purposes as of June 30, 2007. See
Description of Other Indebtedness, which also
includes the principal amount of the indebtedness described
below.
|
|
(1) |
Charter acts as the sole manager of Charter Holdco and its
direct and indirect limited liability company subsidiaries,
including CCHC. |
|
(2) |
These membership units are held by Charter Investment, Inc.
(CII) and Vulcan Cable III Inc. (Vulcan
Cable), each of which is 100% owned by Paul G. Allen,
Charters Chairman and |
3
|
|
|
controlling shareholder. They are exchangeable at any time on a
one-for-one basis for shares of Charter Class B common
stock, which in turn are exchangeable into Charter Class A
common stock. |
|
(3) |
The percentages shown in this table reflect the
29.8 million shares of Class A common stock
outstanding as of June 30, 2007 issued pursuant to the
Share Lending Agreement. However, for accounting purposes,
Charters common equity interest in Charter Holdco is 52%,
and Paul G. Allens ownership of Charter Holdco through CII
and Vulcan Cable III Inc. is 48%. These percentages exclude
the 29.8 million mirror membership units outstanding as of
June 30, 2007 issued pursuant to the share lending
agreement. |
|
(4) |
Represents preferred membership interests in
CC VIII, LLC (CC VIII), a subsidiary
of CC V Holdings, LLC, and an exchangeable accreting
note issued by CCHC. |
4
The Exchange Offer
|
|
|
Exchange Offer |
|
The Offeror is offering up to $595,082,000 principal amount of
New Notes to Holders of up to $309,375,000 aggregate principal
amount of the Old Notes who elect to exchange their Old Notes
upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Exchange
Offer. |
|
Offeror |
|
Charter Communications Holding Company, LLC is the entity making
the Exchange Offer. See Organizational
Structure. |
|
Exchange Consideration |
|
The Exchange Consideration per $1,000 principal
amount of Old Notes accepted for exchange will be an amount of
New Notes determined based on the Average Price (as defined
below) of Charters Class A common stock as set forth
in the table below. In addition to the Exchange Consideration,
the Offeror will pay accrued interest on the Old Notes from and
including the last interest payment date (which was May 16,
2007) up to, but not including, the Settlement Date. |
|
|
|
Average Price means the arithmetic average of the
daily volume-weighted average price of Charters
Class A common stock for the ten trading days prior to and
including the second business day before the Expiration Date (as
defined below), rounded to four decimal places. The initial
conversion price for the New Notes will be the Average Price
multiplied by 1.4 (examples of which are set forth in the table
below). The initial conversion rate will be $1,000 divided by
the conversion price, rounded to four decimal places. If the
Average Price is between two prices shown in the table below,
the principal amount of New Notes to be issued per $1,000
principal amount of Old Notes tendered will be calculated using
straight-line interpolation. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal Amount of New |
|
|
|
|
Average Price of |
|
Notes to be Issued per |
|
Terms of the New Notes |
|
|
Charters Class A |
|
$1,000 Principal Amount |
|
|
|
|
Common Stock |
|
of Old Notes Tendered |
|
Conversion Price |
|
Conversion Rate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2.00 |
|
|
$ |
1,110.62 |
|
|
$ |
2.80 |
|
|
|
357.1429 |
|
|
|
$ |
2.20 |
|
|
$ |
1,173.25 |
|
|
$ |
3.08 |
|
|
|
324.6753 |
|
|
|
$ |
2.40 |
|
|
$ |
1,239.65 |
|
|
$ |
3.36 |
|
|
|
297.6190 |
|
|
|
$ |
2.60 |
|
|
$ |
1,309.13 |
|
|
$ |
3.64 |
|
|
|
274.7253 |
|
|
|
$ |
2.80 |
|
|
$ |
1,381.10 |
|
|
$ |
3.92 |
|
|
|
255.1020 |
|
|
|
$ |
3.00 |
|
|
$ |
1,451.68 |
|
|
$ |
4.20 |
|
|
|
238.0952 |
|
|
|
$ |
3.20 |
|
|
$ |
1,521.73 |
|
|
$ |
4.48 |
|
|
|
223.2143 |
|
|
|
$ |
3.40 |
|
|
$ |
1,592.26 |
|
|
$ |
4.76 |
|
|
|
210.0840 |
|
|
|
$ |
3.60 |
|
|
$ |
1,662.60 |
|
|
$ |
5.04 |
|
|
|
198.4127 |
|
|
|
$ |
3.80 |
|
|
$ |
1,733.33 |
|
|
$ |
5.32 |
|
|
|
187.9699 |
|
|
|
$ |
4.00 |
|
|
$ |
1,802.82 |
|
|
$ |
5.60 |
|
|
|
178.5714 |
|
|
|
$ |
4.20 |
|
|
$ |
1,872.80 |
|
|
$ |
5.88 |
|
|
|
170.0680 |
|
|
|
$ |
4.35 |
|
|
$ |
1,923.50 |
|
|
$ |
6.09 |
|
|
|
164.2036 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subject to applicable securities laws and the terms set forth in
the Exchange Offer Prospectus, the Offeror reserves the right to
amend the Exchange Offer in any respect. |
|
|
|
New Notes will be issued only in minimum denominations of $1,000
and integral multiples of $1,000. See Description of the
Exchange Offer. |
|
Accrued Interest on the Old Notes |
|
In addition to the Exchange Consideration, the Offeror will pay
accrued interest on the Old Notes from and including, the last |
5
|
|
|
|
|
interest payment date (which was May 16, 2007) up to, but
not including, the Settlement Date. |
|
Maximum Amount |
|
The Offeror will not accept for exchange more than the Maximum
Amount. As a result, if more than the Maximum Amount of Old
Notes is validly tendered and not validly withdrawn, the Offeror
will accept Old Notes from each Holder pro rata based on the
total principal amount of Old Notes validly tendered and not
validly withdrawn. Any Old Notes not accepted for purchase will
be promptly returned to Holders. |
|
Minimum Condition |
|
The Exchange Offer is conditioned on a minimum principal amount
of $75,000,000 of Old Notes being tendered. |
|
Certain Conditions Precedent to the Exchange Offer |
|
The Offerors obligation to pay the Exchange Consideration
in respect of Old Notes validly tendered for exchange pursuant
to the Exchange Offer is conditioned upon the satisfaction of
certain conditions, including that the Average Price be more
than or equal to $2.00 and less than or equal to $4.35 and
effectiveness of the registration statement of which this
Exchange Offer Prospectus forms a part. See Description of
the Exchange Offer Conditions to the Exchange
Offer. |
|
Amendment of Share Lending Agreement |
|
In connection with the original issuance of the Old Notes, we
entered into an agreement with Citigroup Global Markets Limited
(CGML) pursuant to which we agreed to lend to CGML
up to 150 million shares of our Class A common stock
to facilitate the placement of the Old Notes (the Share
Lending Agreement). We lent a total of 116.9 million
shares to CGML, of which 29.8 million remain outstanding
(the Borrowed Shares). We have no obligation to lend
any additional shares under the Share Lending Agreement. We
understand that, using the Share Lending Agreement as its hedge,
CGML or its affiliates entered into swap transactions or share
lending agreements with Holders of the Old Notes to enable them
to hedge their investment. CGML and the Company have agreed to
amend the Share Lending Agreement to allow for the Borrowed
Shares to remain outstanding through the maturity of the New
Notes. To the extent you tender Old Notes in the Exchange Offer
and you have a swap transaction or an open share lending
arrangement with CGML or any such affiliate, you may want to
contact CGML or such affiliate in order to extend the maturity
of your hedge, if necessary. Charter has no rights or
obligations pursuant to any swap transaction or share lending
agreement you may have with CGML or any such affiliate, and
you should contact CGML or such affiliate directly if you have
any questions related thereto. |
|
Expiration Date |
|
September 26, 2007, unless extended or earlier terminated by the
Offeror. The Offeror reserves the right to extend the Exchange
Offer, if necessary, so that the Expiration Date occurs upon or
shortly after the satisfaction of the conditions to the Exchange
Offer. |
6
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|
|
Withdrawal and Revocation Rights |
|
Old Notes may be validly withdrawn at any time up until
11:59 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration
Date. In the event of a termination of the Exchange Offer, which
can only occur if a condition to the Exchange Offer is not
satisfied, the Old Notes tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer
will be promptly returned to the tendering Holders. In addition,
even after the Expiration Date, if the Offeror has not accepted
for payment any validly tendered Old Notes, such Old Notes may
be withdrawn 60 days after commencement of the Exchange
Offer. |
|
Settlement Date |
|
The Settlement Date in respect of any Old Notes that
are validly tendered for exchange prior to 11:59 p.m.,
New York City time, on the Expiration Date is expected
to be not later than the fourth business day following the
Expiration Date. |
|
How to Tender Old Notes |
|
See Description of the Exchange Offer
Procedure for Tendering Old Notes. For further
information, call the Information Agent or the Exchange Agent at
the respective telephone numbers set forth on the back cover of
this Exchange Offer Prospectus or consult your broker, dealer,
commercial bank, trust company or other nominee for assistance. |
|
Consequences of Failure to Exchange |
|
For a description of certain risks of continuing to own Old
Notes after the Settlement Date because such Holder elects not
to tender Old Notes or Old Notes tendered are not accepted (as a
result of the Maximum Amount or otherwise) see Risk
Factors Risks to Continuing Holders of Old
Notes After the Settlement Date. |
|
Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences |
|
For a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax
consequences of the Exchange Offer, see Certain U.S.
Federal Income Tax Consequences. |
|
Brokerage Commissions |
|
No brokerage commissions are payable by Holders of the Old Notes
to the Dealer Managers, the Information Agent, the Offeror, the
Trustee or the Exchange Agent. |
|
No Appraisal Rights |
|
No appraisal rights are available to the Holders in connection
with the Exchange Offer. |
|
Purpose of the Exchange Offer |
|
The purpose of the Exchange Offer is to exchange up to
$309,375,000 of Charters outstanding Old Notes to extend
maturities. |
|
Use of Proceeds |
|
Neither the Offeror, Charter, nor any of their subsidiaries will
receive any proceeds from the Exchange Offer. |
|
Accounting Treatment |
|
Charter will consider the fair value of New Notes to be issued
versus the book value of Old Notes tendered and will record the
resulting anticipated loss on the transaction on our
consolidated statement of operations in the period the
transaction closes. See Unaudited Pro Forma
Consolidated Financials. |
7
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|
|
Dealer Managers |
|
Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Morgan Stanley & Co.
Incorporated are the Dealer Managers for the Exchange Offer.
Their respective addresses and telephone numbers are set forth
on the back cover of this Exchange Offer Prospectus. |
|
Information Agent |
|
Global Bondholder Services Corporation is the Information Agent
for the Exchange Offer. Its address and telephone number are set
forth on the back cover of this Exchange Offer Prospectus. |
|
Exchange Agent |
|
Global Bondholder Services Corporation is the Exchange Agent for
the Exchange Offer. Its address and telephone number are set
forth on the back cover of this Exchange Offer Prospectus. |
|
Regulatory Approvals |
|
The Offeror is not aware of any material regulatory approvals
necessary to complete the Exchange Offer, other than compliance
with applicable securities laws. |
|
Further Information |
|
Any requests for assistance in connection with the Exchange
Offer or for additional copies of this Exchange Offer Prospectus
or related materials should be directed to the Information
Agent. Any questions regarding the Exchange Offer should be
directed to the Dealer Managers. Contact information for the
Information Agent and the Dealer Managers is set forth on the
back cover of this Exchange Offer Prospectus. Beneficial owners
may also contact their brokers, dealers, commercial banks, trust
companies or other nominees through whom they hold the Old Notes
with questions and requests for assistance. |
8
The New Notes
|
|
|
Issuer |
|
Charter Communications, Inc. |
|
Maturity |
|
October 1, 2027, subject to earlier conversion or
repurchase at the option of the holders or earlier redemption at
our option. |
|
Interest |
|
Interest will accrue from and including the Settlement Date and
is payable in cash semi-annually, in arrears, on October 1
and April 1 of each year, commencing April 1, 2008. |
|
Interest Rate |
|
The per annum interest rate on the New Notes equals 7.00%. |
|
Ranking |
|
The New Notes will be unsecured and unsubordinated obligations
and will rank, in right of payment, the same as all of
Charters existing and future senior unsecured
indebtedness, including the Old Notes. The New Notes will rank
senior in right of payment to any future subordinated
indebtedness of Charter and will be effectively subordinated to
any of Charters secured indebtedness and structurally
subordinate to indebtedness and other liabilities of
Charters subsidiaries. |
|
|
|
As of June 30, 2007, Charter Communications, Inc. (not
including its subsidiaries) had no secured indebtedness (other
than the Old Notes, to the extent they are secured by
U.S. government securities to provide for the payment of
their scheduled interest due on November 16, 2007) and our
subsidiaries had total indebtedness and other liabilities of
$21.1 billion, excluding intercompany obligations. |
|
Conversion Rights |
|
Holders may convert their New Notes at the conversion rate at
any time prior to the close of business on the business day
prior to the maturity date. |
|
|
|
The initial conversion price of the New Notes will be equal to
the Average Price multiplied by 1.4. The initial conversion
rate shall be $1,000 divided by the conversion price, rounded to
four decimal places. The conversion price and the conversion
rate will be determined on the second business day before the
Expiration Date. |
|
|
|
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no holder of New Notes will be
entitled to receive shares of our Class A common stock upon
conversion to the extent, but only to the extent, that such
receipt would cause such holder to become, directly or
indirectly, a beneficial owner of more than the specified
percentage of the shares of Class A common stock
outstanding at such time. With respect to any conversion prior
to October 1, 2011, the specified percentage will be 4.9%,
and with respect to any conversion thereafter, the specified
percentage will be 9.9%. See Description of the New
Notes Conversion Rights Limitation on
Beneficial Ownership. |
|
|
|
Upon conversion, we will have the right to deliver, in lieu of
shares of our Class A common stock, cash or a combination
of cash and our Class A common stock. If we elect to pay
holders cash upon conversion, such payment will be based on the
average of the sale prices (as such term is defined in
Description of the |
9
|
|
|
|
|
New Notes) of our Class A common stock over a 20
trading day period: (i) with respect to a conversion date
occurring during the period beginning on the date we give notice
of redemption and ending on the close of business on the
business day prior to the redemption date, beginning on the
redemption date; and (ii) in all other cases, beginning on
the third scheduled trading day immediately following the
applicable conversion date of the New Notes, which we refer to
as the cash conversion price. |
|
|
|
As described in this Exchange Offer Prospectus, the conversion
rate may be adjusted upon the occurrence of certain events,
including for any cash dividend on our Class A common
stock, but will not be adjusted for accrued and unpaid interest.
By delivering to the holder shares of our Class A common
stock, and in certain circumstances cash, we will satisfy our
obligations with respect to the New Notes subject to the
conversion. Upon conversion of a New Note, accrued and unpaid
interest will be deemed to be paid in full, rather than
canceled, extinguished or forfeited. |
|
|
|
The New Notes called for redemption may be surrendered for
conversion prior to the close of business on the business day
immediately preceding the redemption date. |
|
Redemption |
|
Prior to October 1, 2010, we may redeem the New Notes in
whole or in part for cash at any time at a redemption price
equal to 100% of the principal amount of the New Notes being
redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the New
Notes being redeemed up to, but excluding, the redemption date,
but only if the closing price of our Class A common stock
has exceeded, for at least 20 trading days in the 30
trading day period ending on the date we give notice of
redemption, 180% of the conversion price on each such trading
day. |
|
|
|
Commencing on, and including, October 1, 2010 until, but
excluding, October 1, 2012, we may redeem the New Notes at
the redemption price only if the closing price of our
Class A common stock has exceeded, for at least 20 trading
days in the 30 trading day period ending on the date we give
notice of redemption, 150% of the conversion price on each such
trading day. |
|
|
|
On and after October 1, 2012 we may redeem the New Notes at
the redemption price regardless of the closing price of our
Class A common stock. |
|
Redemption Make Whole Amount |
|
In addition to the conversion consideration, holders who convert
their New Notes after a notice of redemption and prior to
October 1, 2012 will receive upon such conversion the
present value of the interest on the New Notes converted that
would have been payable for the period from and including the
redemption date, to but excluding October 1, 2012, which we
refer to as the Redemption Make Whole Amount. The
Redemption Make Whole Amount will be calculated by discounting
the amount of such interest on a semi-annual basis using a
discount rate equal to 3.0% plus the then current published
U.S. Treasury rate for the maturity most closely
approximating the period from and including the redemption date
to but excluding October 1, 2012. We |
10
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|
|
|
|
may pay the Redemption Make Whole Amount in cash or in shares of
our Class A common stock, with the number of such shares
determined based on the average of the sale prices of our
Class A common stock over the 10 trading day period
immediately preceding the applicable conversion date. If we
elect to pay the Redemption Make Whole Amount in shares of our
Class A common stock, the number of shares that we will
deliver in respect of such payment will not exceed a number of
shares of our Class A common stock equal to 1.4 multiplied
by the applicable conversion rate per $1,000 principal amount of
the New Notes, and we must deliver cash with respect to the
remainder of the Redemption Make Whole Amount, if any. |
|
Fundamental Change |
|
Upon a fundamental change, each holder of the New Notes may
require us to repurchase some or all of its New Notes for cash
at a purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the
New Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. See
Description of the New Notes Fundamental
Change Requires Us to Repurchase New Notes at the Option of the
Holder. |
|
Make Whole Amount |
|
If certain transactions that constitute a change of control
occur on or prior to October 1, 2012, under certain
circumstances, we will increase the conversion rate by a number
of additional shares for any conversion of New Notes in
connection with such transactions, as described under
Description of the New Notes Conversion
Rights Change of Control Make Whole Amount.
The number of additional shares will be determined based on the
date such transaction becomes effective and the price paid per
share of our Class A common stock in such transaction. |
|
Purchase by Us at the Option of the Holder |
|
Each Holder of New Notes will have the right to require us to
purchase some or all of that holders New Notes for cash on
October 1, 2012, October 1, 2017 and October 1,
2022 at a purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount
of the New Notes plus any accrued and unpaid interest, if any,
on the New Notes to but excluding the purchase date. |
|
Exchange in Lieu of Conversion |
|
Unless we have called the relevant New Notes for redemption, we
may, in lieu of delivering shares of our Class A common
stock, or cash in lieu thereof, upon conversion, direct the
conversion agent to surrender New Notes that have been tendered
for conversion to a financial institution designated by us for
exchange in lieu of conversion. In order to accept any such New
Notes, the financial institution must agree to deliver, in
exchange for such New Notes, a number of shares of our
Class A common stock calculated using the applicable
conversion rate for the principal amount of the New Notes, plus
cash for any fractional shares, or, at its option, cash or a
combination of cash and shares of our Class A common stock
in lieu thereof, calculated based on the cash conversion price.
If the designated institution accepts any such New Notes, it
will deliver the appropriate number of shares of our
Class A common stock (and cash, if any), or cash in lieu
thereof, to the conversion agent and the conversion agent will
deliver those shares or cash to the holder. Any New Notes
exchanged by the |
11
|
|
|
|
|
designated institution will remain outstanding. If the
designated institution agrees to accept any New Notes for
exchange but does not timely deliver the related consideration,
we will, as promptly as practical thereafter, but not later than
(1) the fifth business day following the conversion date or
(2) if the designated institution elects to deliver cash or
a combination of cash and shares of our Class A common
stock, the third business day following the date of
determination of the cash conversion price, convert the New
Notes and deliver shares of our Class A common stock, as
described under Description of the New Notes
Conversion Rights General, or, at our option
cash in lieu thereof based on the cash conversion price. See
Description of the New Notes Exchange in Lieu
of Conversion. |
|
Sinking Fund |
|
None. |
|
Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences |
|
The exchange of the Old Notes for New Notes will be a taxable
exchange for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The New
Notes may be treated as issued with original issue discount,
such that a holder of New Notes may be required to take such
original issue discount into income without a corresponding
receipt of cash. See Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax
Consequences. |
|
Trading |
|
We do not intend to apply for listing of the New Notes on any
securities exchange or for the inclusion of the New Notes on any
automated quotation system. Our Class A common stock is
quoted on The Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol
CHTR. |
|
Risk Factors |
|
An investment in the New Notes involves risks. See Risk
Factors on page 22 for a discussion of issues that
you should consider with respect to an investment in the New
Notes. |
12
Material Differences Between the Old Notes and the New
Notes
Material differences between the Old Notes and the New Notes are
described in the table below. The table below is qualified in
its entirety by the information contained in this Exchange Offer
Prospectus and the documents governing the Old Notes and the New
Notes. For a more detailed description of the New Notes, see
Description of the New Notes.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Old Notes |
|
New Notes |
|
|
|
|
|
Interest Rate
|
|
The per annum interest rate of the Old Notes is 5.875%. |
|
The per annum interest rate of the New Notes is 7.00%. |
|
Maturity
|
|
The maturity date of the Old Notes is November 16, 2009,
subject to earlier conversion or repurchase at the option of the
Holders or earlier redemption at our option. |
|
The maturity date of the New Notes is October 1, 2027,
subject to earlier conversion or repurchase at the option of the
holders or earlier redemption at our option. |
|
Security
|
|
The Old Notes are secured by the pledge of U.S. government
securities of approximately $25 million to secure the
interest payable on the Old Notes on November 16, 2007. |
|
The New Notes will be unsecured. |
|
Conversion Rights
|
|
Holders of Old Notes may convert their Old Notes into shares of
our Class A common stock at the rate of
413.2231 shares per $1,000 original principal amount of Old
Notes. See Description of the Old Notes
Conversion Rights. |
|
Holders of New Notes will be able to convert their New Notes
into shares of our Class A common stock at the conversion
price and conversion rate of the New Notes, which will be based
on the Average Price as set forth in the table on the cover to
this Exchange Offer Prospectus. The conversion price and the
conversion rate of the New Notes will be determined on the
second business day before the Expiration Date. |
|
Accretion of Principal Amount
|
|
The Old Notes permitted us to accrete the principal amount of
the Old Notes to pay liquidated damages we owed in connection
with the Share Lending Agreement. As a result, we are permitted
to defer any interest that accrues with respect to the excess of
the accreted principal amount over the original principal amount
until May 16, 2008, or any earlier purchase by us of the
Old Notes. |
|
The New Notes do not require us to make any payments relating to
the Share Lending Agreement and will not permit us to accrete
the principal amount of the New Notes. |
13
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Old Notes |
|
New Notes |
|
|
|
|
|
Issuances of Additional Notes
|
|
The indenture governing the Old Notes does not provide for the
issuance of additional notes. |
|
The indenture governing the New Notes will provide for the
issuance of additional notes under the indenture having
identical terms and conditions to the New Notes offered hereby
so long as such additional notes are fungible with the New Notes
for U.S. federal income tax purposes. |
|
Interest Make Whole Amount
|
|
Holders of Old Notes who convert such notes prior to
November 16, 2007 would receive proceeds of the sale of the
Pledged Securities remaining with respect to the notes being
converted. |
|
The New Notes will not provide for an interest make whole upon
conversion except as set forth under Redemption Make Whole
Amount below. |
|
Public Acquiror Change of Control
|
|
The Old Notes provide that, in lieu of adjusting the conversion
rate of the Old Notes in connection with certain fundamental
changes, in the case of a public acquirer change of
control we may elect that the right to convert an Old Note
will be changed into a right to convert an Old Note into a
number of shares of acquirer common stock. |
|
The New Notes will not provide for us to elect that the right to
convert a New Note will be changed into a right to convert a New
Note into a number of shares of acquiror common stock. |
|
Redemption
|
|
The Old Notes provide that we may redeem the Old Notes in whole
or in part for cash at any time at a redemption price equal to
100% of the accreted principal amount of the Old Notes being
redeemed plus any accrued and unpaid interest, deferred interest
and liquidated damages, if any, on the Old Notes to but not
including the redemption date, if the closing price of our
Class A common stock has exceeded, for at least
20 trading days in any consecutive 30 trading day
period, 180% of the conversion price if such 30 trading
date period is prior to November 16, 2007 and 150% of the
conversion price if such 30 trading day period begins
thereafter. |
|
The New Notes will provide that prior to October 1, 2010,
we may redeem the New Notes in whole or in part for cash at any
time at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount
of the New Notes being redeemed plus any accrued and unpaid
interest, if any, on the New Notes being redeemed up to but
excluding the redemption date, only if the closing price of our
Class A common stock has exceeded, for at least
20 trading days in the 30 trading day period ending on
the date we give notice of redemption, 180% of the conversion
price on each such trading day. Commencing on, and including
October 1, 2010 until, but excluding October 1, 2012,
we may redeem the New Notes in |
14
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Old Notes |
|
New Notes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
whole or in part for cash at the redemption price only if the
closing price of our Class A common stock has exceeded, for
at least 20 trading days in the 30 trading day period
ending on the date we give notice of redemption, 150% of the
conversion price on each such trading day. On and after
October 1, 2012 we may redeem the New Notes at the
redemption price regardless of the closing price of our
Class A common stock. |
|
Redemption Make Whole Amount
|
|
Holders who convert their Old Notes that have been called for
redemption will receive, in addition to the amount described
under Interest Make Whole Amount above, if
applicable, the present value of the interest on the Old Notes
converted that would have been payable for the period from and
including the redemption date, to but excluding
November 16, 2009, plus any accrued and unpaid deferred
interest. See Description of the Old Notes
Conversion Rights Interest Make Whole Upon
Conversion Redemption Make Whole Amount. |
|
Holders who convert their New Notes after a notice of redemption
and prior to October 1, 2012 will receive upon such
conversion, in addition to the conversion consideration, the
present value of the interest on the New Notes converted that
would have been payable for the period from and including the
redemption date, to but excluding October 1, 2012. See
Description of the New Notes Conversion
Rights Redemption Make Whole Amount. |
|
Repurchase by us at the Option of the Holder
|
|
The Old Notes do not provide for repurchase of the Old Notes at
the option of the holder, other than in the event of a
fundamental change. |
|
Each holder of New Notes will have the right to require us to
repurchase some or all of that holders New Notes for cash
in the event of a fundamental change and on October 1,
2012, October 1, 2017 and October 1, 2022 at a
repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the
New Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any to, but
excluding the repurchase date. |
15
Summary Consolidated Financial Data
Charter is a holding company whose principal assets are a
controlling common equity interest in Charter Holdco and
mirror notes that are payable by Charter Holdco to
Charter which have the same principal amount and terms as those
of Charters Old Notes. Charter Holdco is a holding company
whose primary assets are equity interests in our cable operating
subsidiaries and intercompany loan receivables. Charter
consolidates Charter Holdco as a variable interest entity under
Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB)
Interpretation (FIN) 46(R). Charter Holdcos
limited liability agreement provides that so long as
Charters Class B common stock retains its special
voting rights, Charter will maintain a 100% voting interest in
Charter Holdco. Voting control gives Charter full authority and
control over the operations of Charter Holdco.
Historical Financial Data. The following tables present
summary financial and other data for Charter and its
subsidiaries and has been derived from the audited consolidated
financial statements of Charter and its subsidiaries as of
December 31, 2006 and 2005 and for each of the years in the
three-year periods ended December 31, 2006 and the
unaudited consolidated financial statements of Charter and its
subsidiaries as of June 30, 2007 and for the six-month
periods ended June 30, 2007 and 2006. The consolidated
financial statements of Charter and its subsidiaries as of
December 31, 2006 and 2005, and for each of the years in
the three-year period ended December 31, 2006 have been
audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting
firm.
Pro Forma Financial Data. The pro forma data
set forth below represent our unaudited consolidated financial
statements after giving effect to the following transactions as
if they occurred on January 1, 2006 for the statement of
operations data and other financial data and as of the last day
of the respective period for the operating and balance sheet
data:
|
|
|
(1) the completed disposition of certain assets for total
proceeds of approximately $1.0 billion and the use of such
proceeds to reduce amounts outstanding under our revolving
credit facility; |
|
|
(2) the issuance and sale of $450 million principal
amount of CCH II notes in January 2006 and the use of such
proceeds to pay down credit facilities; |
|
|
(3) the refinancing of the Charter Operating credit
facilities in April 2006 and the related reductions in interest
rate margins on the term loan; |
|
|
(4) the September 2006 exchanges by Charter Holdings,
CCH I, CCH I Capital Corp., CCH II, and CCH II
Capital Corp., of approximately $797 million in total
principal amount of outstanding debt securities of Charter
Holdings in a private placement for new CCH I and CCH II
debt securities (the Private Exchange); |
|
|
(5) the September 2006 exchange by Charter, CCHC,
CCH II, and CCH II Capital Corp., of approximately
$450 million in total principal amount of Charters
5.875% convertible senior notes due 2009 for
$188 million cash, 45 million shares of Charters
Class A common stock and $146 million principal amount
of new CCH II debt securities; |
|
|
(6) the refinancing of the Charter Operating credit
facilities in March 2007 and the issuance of a $350 million
third lien term loan by CCO Holdings; |
|
|
(7) the repurchase of $97 million of Charter Holdings
notes for $100 million of total consideration, including
premiums and accrued interest, in April 2007; |
|
|
(8) the redemption of $187 million of Charter Holdings
notes and $550 million of CCO Holdings senior floating rate
notes in April 2007; and |
|
|
(9) the issuance of $449 million principal amount of
New Notes in exchange for 75% of outstanding Old Notes pursuant
to the Exchange Offer (based on an assumed Average Price of $3).
We use a 75% participation rate for illustrative purposes only.
We cannot assure you that we will achieve a participation rate
at or near that level or that the Average Price will not vary
significantly from the assumed price. |
16
The following information should be read in conjunction with
Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data,
Capitalization, Unaudited Pro Forma
Consolidated Financials, and the historical consolidated
financial statements and related notes of Charter incorporated
by reference in this Exchange Offer Prospectus.
The pro forma data are based on information available to us as
of the date of this Exchange Offer Prospectus and certain
assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the
circumstances. The financial data required allocation of certain
revenues and expenses and such information has been presented
for comparative purposes and is not intended to provide any
indication of what our actual financial position, including
actual cash balances and revolver borrowings, or results of
operations would have been had the transactions described above
been completed on the dates indicated or to project our results
of operations for any future date.
17
Charter Communications, Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended | |
|
Six Months Ended | |
|
|
December 31, | |
|
June 30, | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Actual 2004 | |
|
Actual 2005 | |
|
Actual 2006 | |
|
Actual 2006 | |
|
Actual 2007 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(Dollars in millions, except per share and share data) | |
Statement of Operations Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Video
|
|
$ |
3,217 |
|
|
$ |
3,248 |
|
|
$ |
3,349 |
|
|
$ |
1,684 |
|
|
$ |
1,697 |
|
|
|
High-speed Internet
|
|
|
712 |
|
|
|
875 |
|
|
|
1,051 |
|
|
|
506 |
|
|
|
606 |
|
|
|
Telephone
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
36 |
|
|
|
135 |
|
|
|
49 |
|
|
|
142 |
|
|
|
Advertising sales
|
|
|
279 |
|
|
|
284 |
|
|
|
319 |
|
|
|
147 |
|
|
|
139 |
|
|
|
Commercial
|
|
|
227 |
|
|
|
266 |
|
|
|
305 |
|
|
|
149 |
|
|
|
164 |
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
307 |
|
|
|
324 |
|
|
|
345 |
|
|
|
168 |
|
|
|
176 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues
|
|
|
4,760 |
|
|
|
5,033 |
|
|
|
5,504 |
|
|
|
2,703 |
|
|
|
2,924 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Costs and Expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)
|
|
|
1,994 |
|
|
|
2,203 |
|
|
|
2,438 |
|
|
|
1,215 |
|
|
|
1,278 |
|
|
|
Selling, general and administrative
|
|
|
965 |
|
|
|
1,012 |
|
|
|
1,165 |
|
|
|
551 |
|
|
|
620 |
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
1,433 |
|
|
|
1,443 |
|
|
|
1,354 |
|
|
|
690 |
|
|
|
665 |
|
|
|
Impairment of franchises
|
|
|
2,297 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Asset impairment charges
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
39 |
|
|
|
159 |
|
|
|
99 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other operating expenses, net
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total costs and expenses
|
|
|
6,702 |
|
|
|
4,729 |
|
|
|
5,137 |
|
|
|
2,565 |
|
|
|
2,568 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations
|
|
|
(1,942 |
) |
|
|
304 |
|
|
|
367 |
|
|
|
138 |
|
|
|
356 |
|
|
Interest expense, net
|
|
|
(1,670 |
) |
|
|
(1,789 |
) |
|
|
(1,887 |
) |
|
|
(943 |
) |
|
|
(935 |
) |
|
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt and preferred stock
|
|
|
(31 |
) |
|
|
521 |
|
|
|
101 |
|
|
|
(27 |
) |
|
|
(35 |
) |
|
Other income, net
|
|
|
68 |
|
|
|
73 |
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes and
cumulative effect of accounting change
|
|
|
(3,575 |
) |
|
|
(891 |
) |
|
|
(1,399 |
) |
|
|
(815 |
) |
|
|
(613 |
) |
|
Income tax benefit (expense)
|
|
|
134 |
|
|
|
(112 |
) |
|
|
(187 |
) |
|
|
(60 |
) |
|
|
(128 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from continuing operations before cumulative effect of
accounting change
|
|
|
(3,441 |
) |
|
|
(1,003 |
) |
|
|
(1,586 |
) |
|
|
(875 |
) |
|
|
(741 |
) |
|
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
|
|
|
(135 |
) |
|
|
36 |
|
|
|
216 |
|
|
|
34 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss before cumulative effect of accounting change
|
|
|
(3,576 |
) |
|
|
(967 |
) |
|
|
(1,370 |
) |
|
|
(841 |
) |
|
|
(741 |
) |
|
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax
|
|
|
(765 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
|
(4,341 |
) |
|
|
(967 |
) |
|
|
(1,370 |
) |
|
|
(841 |
) |
|
|
(741 |
) |
|
Dividends on preferred stock-redeemable
|
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss applicable to common stock
|
|
$ |
(4,345 |
) |
|
$ |
(970 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,370 |
) |
|
$ |
(841 |
) |
|
$ |
(741 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss per common share, basic and diluted:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from continuing operations before cumulative effect of
accounting change per common share, basic and diluted
|
|
$ |
(11.47 |
) |
|
$ |
(3.24 |
) |
|
$ |
(4.78 |
) |
|
$ |
(2.76 |
) |
|
$ |
(2.02 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
$ |
(14.47 |
) |
|
$ |
(3.13 |
) |
|
$ |
(4.13 |
) |
|
$ |
(2.65 |
) |
|
$ |
(2.02 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted
|
|
|
300,341,877 |
|
|
|
310,209,047 |
|
|
|
331,941,788 |
|
|
|
317,581,492 |
|
|
|
366,855,427 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended | |
|
Six Months Ended | |
|
|
December 31, | |
|
June 30, | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Actual 2004 | |
|
Actual 2005 | |
|
Actual 2006 | |
|
Actual 2006 | |
|
Actual 2007 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(Dollars in millions, except per share and share data) | |
Other Financial Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures
|
|
$ |
924 |
|
|
$ |
1,088 |
|
|
$ |
1,103 |
|
|
$ |
539 |
|
|
$ |
579 |
|
|
Deficiency of earnings to cover fixed charges(a)
|
|
$ |
3,698 |
|
|
$ |
853 |
|
|
$ |
1,157 |
|
|
$ |
776 |
|
|
$ |
610 |
|
Operating Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(end of period)(b):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Analog video customers
|
|
|
5,991,500 |
|
|
|
5,884,500 |
|
|
|
5,433,300 |
|
|
|
5,876,100 |
|
|
|
5,376,800 |
|
|
|
Digital video customers
|
|
|
2,674,700 |
|
|
|
2,796,600 |
|
|
|
2,808,400 |
|
|
|
2,889,000 |
|
|
|
2,866,000 |
|
|
|
Residential high-speed Internet customers
|
|
|
1,884,400 |
|
|
|
2,196,400 |
|
|
|
2,402,200 |
|
|
|
2,375,100 |
|
|
|
2,583,200 |
|
|
|
Telephone customers
|
|
|
45,400 |
|
|
|
121,500 |
|
|
|
445,800 |
|
|
|
257,600 |
|
|
|
700,300 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended | |
|
Six Months Ended | |
|
|
December 31, | |
|
June 30, | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Pro Forma | |
|
Pro Forma | |
|
Pro Forma | |
|
|
2006 | |
|
2006 | |
|
2007 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(Dollars in millions, except per share | |
|
|
and share data) | |
Statement of Operations Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Video
|
|
$ |
3,288 |
|
|
$ |
1,638 |
|
|
$ |
1,695 |
|
|
|
High-speed Internet
|
|
|
1,040 |
|
|
|
497 |
|
|
|
606 |
|
|
|
Telephone
|
|
|
135 |
|
|
|
49 |
|
|
|
142 |
|
|
|
Advertising sales
|
|
|
316 |
|
|
|
144 |
|
|
|
138 |
|
|
|
Commercial
|
|
|
298 |
|
|
|
144 |
|
|
|
164 |
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
336 |
|
|
|
163 |
|
|
|
176 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues
|
|
|
5,413 |
|
|
|
2,635 |
|
|
|
2,921 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Costs and Expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)
|
|
|
2,388 |
|
|
|
1,178 |
|
|
|
1,277 |
|
|
|
Selling, general and administrative
|
|
|
1,150 |
|
|
|
541 |
|
|
|
620 |
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
1,333 |
|
|
|
680 |
|
|
|
664 |
|
|
|
Other operating expenses, net
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total costs and expenses
|
|
|
4,892 |
|
|
|
2,409 |
|
|
|
2,566 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income from continuing operations
|
|
|
521 |
|
|
|
226 |
|
|
|
355 |
|
|
Interest expense, net
|
|
|
(1,869 |
) |
|
|
(918 |
) |
|
|
(944 |
) |
|
Other income, net
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes and
cumulative effect of accounting change
|
|
|
(1,328 |
) |
|
|
(675 |
) |
|
|
(588 |
) |
|
Income tax expense
|
|
|
(180 |
) |
|
|
(79 |
) |
|
|
(109 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from continuing operations
|
|
$ |
(1,508 |
) |
|
$ |
(754 |
) |
|
$ |
(697 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss per common share, basic and diluted:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from continuing operations per common share, basic and
diluted
|
|
$ |
(4.15 |
) |
|
$ |
(2.08 |
) |
|
$ |
(1.90 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted
|
|
|
363,540,148 |
|
|
|
362,581,492 |
|
|
|
366,855,427 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended | |
|
Six Months Ended | |
|
|
December 31, | |
|
June 30, | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Pro Forma | |
|
Pro Forma | |
|
Pro Forma | |
|
|
2006 | |
|
2006 | |
|
2007 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(Dollars in millions) | |
Other Financial Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures
|
|
$ |
1,085 |
|
|
$ |
523 |
|
|
$ |
579 |
|
|
Deficiency of earnings to cover fixed charges(a)
|
|
$ |
1,086 |
|
|
$ |
636 |
|
|
$ |
585 |
|
Operating Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(end of period)(b):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Analog video customers
|
|
|
5,389,700 |
|
|
|
5,439,800 |
|
|
|
5,376,800 |
|
|
|
Digital video customers
|
|
|
2,793,500 |
|
|
|
2,703,300 |
|
|
|
2,866,000 |
|
|
|
Residential high-speed Internet customers
|
|
|
2,399,300 |
|
|
|
2,252,200 |
|
|
|
2,583,200 |
|
|
|
Telephone customers
|
|
|
445,800 |
|
|
|
257,600 |
|
|
|
700,300 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of June 30, 2007 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
Actual | |
|
Pro Forma | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(Dollars in millions) | |
Balance Sheet Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(end of period):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$ |
81 |
|
|
$ |
71 |
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$ |
15,051 |
|
|
$ |
15,040 |
|
|
|
Long-term debt
|
|
$ |
19,576 |
|
|
$ |
19,593 |
(d) |
|
|
Note payable-related party
|
|
$ |
61 |
|
|
$ |
61 |
|
|
|
Minority interest(c)
|
|
$ |
195 |
|
|
$ |
195 |
|
|
|
Shareholders deficit
|
|
$ |
(6,849 |
) |
|
$ |
(6,983 |
)(d) |
|
|
(a) |
Earnings include net loss plus fixed charges. Fixed charges
consist of interest expense and an estimated interest component
of rent expense. |
|
(b) |
For definitions of our customers, see Charters Annual
Report on
Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, Part I.
Item 1. Business Products and Services
incorporated by reference in this Exchange Offer Prospectus. |
|
(c) |
Minority interest represents Mr. Allens,
Charters chairman and controlling shareholder, 5.6%
preferred membership interests in CC VIII, an indirect
subsidiary of Charter Holdco. |
|
(d) |
Using the maximum Average Price will increase pro forma
long-term debt by $126 million and pro forma
shareholders deficit by $167 million. Using the
minimum Average Price will decrease pro forma long-term
debt by $77 million and pro forma shareholders
deficit by $106 million. |
20
Charter Communications, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges Calculation
(in millions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended | |
|
Six Months | |
|
|
December 31, | |
|
Ended June 30, | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
2002 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
2006 | |
|
2006 | |
|
2007 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Earnings
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss before minority interest, income taxes and cumulative
effect of accounting change
|
|
$ |
(5,944 |
) |
|
$ |
(725 |
) |
|
$ |
(3,698 |
) |
|
$ |
(853 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,157 |
) |
|
$ |
(776 |
) |
|
$ |
(610 |
) |
Fixed charges
|
|
|
1,510 |
|
|
|
1,564 |
|
|
|
1,677 |
|
|
|
1,796 |
|
|
|
1,894 |
|
|
|
947 |
|
|
|
938 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total earnings
|
|
|
(4,434 |
) |
|
|
839 |
|
|
|
(2,021 |
) |
|
|
943 |
|
|
|
737 |
|
|
|
171 |
|
|
|
328 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed charges
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
1,149 |
|
|
|
1,186 |
|
|
|
1,406 |
|
|
|
1,567 |
|
|
|
1,846 |
|
|
|
920 |
|
|
|
919 |
|
Amortization of debt costs
|
|
|
354 |
|
|
|
371 |
|
|
|
264 |
|
|
|
222 |
|
|
|
41 |
|
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
Interest element of rentals
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total fixed charges
|
|
|
1,510 |
|
|
|
1,564 |
|
|
|
1,677 |
|
|
|
1,796 |
|
|
|
1,894 |
|
|
|
947 |
|
|
|
938 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Earnings for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2003, 2004,
2005 and 2006 and the six months ended June 30, 2006 and
2007 were insufficient to cover fixed charges by
$5.9 billion, $725 million, $3.7 billion,
$853 million, $1.2 billion, $776 million and
$610 million, respectively. As a result of such
deficiencies, the ratios are not presented above. |
Book Value per Common Share
The book value per share of Class A common stock as of
June 30, 2007 was $(17.11). Pro forma for the Exchange
Offer, the book value per share of Class A common stock as
of June 30, 2007 was $(17.44).
21
RISK FACTORS
Your decision whether to tender your Old Notes pursuant to
the Exchange Offer, and to acquire the Exchange Consideration
involves risk. You should be aware of, and carefully consider,
the following risk factors, along with all of the other
information provided or referred to in this Exchange Offer
Prospectus, before deciding whether to tender your Old Notes
pursuant to the Exchange Offer.
Risks to Continuing Holders of Old Notes After the
Settlement Date
The following risks specifically apply to the extent a Holder
continues to own Old Notes after the Settlement Date because
such Holder elects not to tender Old Notes or because Old Notes
tendered are not accepted for exchange (because the Maximum
Amount was exceeded or otherwise). There are additional risks
attendant to being an investor in our equity and debt securities
that you should review, whether or not you elect to tender your
Old Notes. These risks are described elsewhere in this
Risk Factors section under the headings
Risks Related to Our and Our
Subsidiaries Significant Indebtedness,
Risks Related to Our Business,
Risks Related to Mr. Allens
Controlling Position and Risks Related
to Regulatory and Legislative Matters.
Liquidity of the market for non-tendered Old Notes likely
will be decreased, and the market prices for any Old Notes not
exchanged may therefore be reduced.
If the Exchange Offer is consummated, the aggregate principal
amount of outstanding Old Notes will be reduced, which will
likely adversely affect the liquidity of any Old Notes not
exchanged. An issue of securities with a small outstanding
principal amount available for trading, or float, generally
commands a lower price than does a comparable issue of
securities with a greater float. Therefore, the market price for
Old Notes that are not exchanged may be adversely affected. The
reduced float also may tend to make the trading prices of any
Old Notes that are not exchanged more volatile. The market
prices for any Old Notes not exchanged may also be negatively
affected by the increased amount of debt at Charter resulting
from the issuance of the New Notes.
The Offeror does not intend to distribute Old Notes received
in the Exchange Offer to Charter for cancellation. As a result,
the exchanged Old Notes will remain outstanding and held by
Charter Holdco, directly or indirectly, which will be entitled
to the benefit of the U.S. government securities held in
escrow for the payment of interest and principal to the same
extent as Holders of Old Notes not exchanged.
With some of the proceeds from the initial sale of the Old
Notes, we purchased and pledged to the trustee under the
indenture for the Old Notes as security for the benefit of the
Holders, approximately $144 million of U.S. government
securities of which $25 million remains subject to the
pledge. These securities were pledged to provide for the payment
of the first six scheduled interest payments due on the original
principal amount of the Old Notes. Because we intend that,
following the closing of the Exchange Offer, Charter Holdco,
directly or indirectly, will hold the Old Notes accepted for
exchange, Holders of Old Notes not exchanged will not be
entitled to any increase in the pro rata share of these pledged
U.S. government securities.
Charter Holdco will receive any benefit from these
U.S. government securities on the same pro rata basis as
any Holders of Old Notes not exchanged. However, there can be no
assurance that the cash received by Charter Holdco as interest
on the Old Notes will be available to pay either principal or
interest on any Old Notes not exchanged. See Description
of the Old Notes.
22
If shares of our Class A common stock are returned to us
under our Share Lending Agreement with CGML (an affiliate of
Citigroup), the cost of hedging the Old Notes may increase,
which may affect the market value of the Old Notes.
As described under Description of Capital Stock and
Membership Units Share Lending Agreement
below, we loaned CGML a total of 116.9 million shares of
our Class A common stock, of which 29.8 million remain
outstanding, to facilitate the placement of the Old Notes. CGML,
or its affiliates, sold these shares in a series of registered
offerings and concurrently entered into swap transactions or
share lending agreements with Holders of Old Notes. Although
holders of Old Notes will not be required to unwind those
hedging arrangements in order to tender their Old Notes pursuant
to the Exchange Offer, if they do, we expect that CGML, its
affiliates or those holders will purchase shares of our
Class A common stock. If the holders purchase the shares,
we expect that they will deliver them to CGML or its affiliates
pursuant to their share lending agreements with CGML or such
affiliates. If CGML delivers any of the shares it purchases or
receives to us under the Share Lending Agreement, those shares
will be retired and will no longer be outstanding, thereby
reducing the number of shares available for borrow to hedge the
Old Notes, which may increase hedging costs.
We cannot assure you that, if the Offeror consummates the
Exchange Offer, existing ratings for the Old Notes will be
maintained.
We cannot assure you that, as a result of the Exchange Offer,
the rating agencies, including Standard & Poors
Ratings Service, Moodys Investors Service and Fitch
Ratings, will not downgrade or negatively comment upon the
ratings for the Old Notes.
Risks to Tendering Holders of Old Notes
The following risks specifically apply to the extent a Holder
elects to tender Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer and
such Old Notes are accepted for Exchange and should be
considered along with the other risk factors. There are
additional risks attendant to being an investor in our equity
and debt securities that you should review, whether or not you
elect to tender your Old Notes. These risks are described
elsewhere in this Risk Factors section under the
headings Risks Related to Our and Our
Subsidiaries Significant Indebtedness,
Risks Related to Our Business,
Risks Related to Mr. Allens
Controlling Position and Risks Related
to Regulatory and Legislative Matters.
During the pendency of this Exchange Offer, it is likely that
the market prices of the Class A common stock will be
volatile.
It is likely that during the pendency of the Exchange Offer, the
market price of our Class A common stock will be volatile.
In addition, Holders of Old Notes may terminate all or a portion
of any hedging arrangement they have entered into in respect of
their Old Notes (including swap transactions or share lending
agreements with CGML), which may lead to increased purchase
activity by or on behalf of such Holders or CGML during the
Exchange Offer. Such purchase activity may temporarily increase,
or retard a decline in, the price of the Class A common
stock, or may lead to unusually high trading volumes.
Following the Settlement Date, the trading prices for the New
Notes will likely be directly affected by the trading prices for
our Class A common stock, which may be volatile and are
impossible to predict, and which in turn could cause the value
of your investment to decline.
We expect that the trading price of the New Notes in the
secondary market will be significantly affected by the trading
price of our Class A common stock, the general level of
interest rates and our credit quality. This may result in
greater volatility in the trading prices of the New Notes than
would be expected for nonconvertible debt securities.
It is impossible to predict whether the price of our
Class A common stock or interest rates will rise or fall.
Trading prices of our Class A common stock will be
influenced by our operating results and prospects
23
and by economic, financial, regulatory and other factors. In
addition, general market conditions, including the level of, and
fluctuations in, the trading prices of stocks generally, and
sales of substantial amounts of our Class A common stock by
us in the market after the offering of the New Notes, or the
perception that such sales may occur, could affect the price of
our Class A common stock.
The market price of the Class A common stock could be
adversely affected by the large number of additional shares of
Class A common stock eligible for issuance in the
future.
As of June 30, 2007, 400,398,208 shares of
Class A common stock were issued and outstanding and
50,000 shares of Class B common stock were issued and
outstanding. This includes 29,845,200 shares of
Class A common stock that were issued and remain
outstanding under the Share Lending Agreement. An additional
339,132,031 shares of Class A common stock are
issuable upon conversion of outstanding units of Charter Holdco
and an additional 30,316,305 shares are issuable as of
June 30, 2007 if Mr. Allen were to exchange the CCHC
subordinated accreting note that he holds, into Charter Holdco
units and exchange Charter Holdco units into Class A common
stock. Also 26,865,096 shares were issuable upon the
exercise of outstanding options under our option plans and,
assuming 75% of the outstanding Old Notes are tendered pursuant
to the Exchange Offer, approximately 43 million shares will
still be issuable upon conversion of the Old Notes. All of the
shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exchange of
Charter Holdco membership units and all shares of the
Class A common stock issuable upon conversion of shares of
the Class B common stock will have demand
and/or piggyback registration rights attached to
them. All of the shares issuable upon conversion of the Old
Notes are eligible for resale pursuant to an existing shelf
registration statement. The sale of a substantial number of
shares of Class A common stock or the perception that such
sales could occur could adversely affect the market price for
the Class A common stock because the sale could cause the
amount of the Class A common stock available for sale in
the market to exceed the demand for the Class A common
stock and could also make it more difficult for us to sell
equity securities or equity-related securities in the future at
a time and price that we deem appropriate. This could adversely
affect our ability to fund our current and future obligations.
See Shares Eligible for Future Sale.
If shares of Class A common stock are returned to
Charter under the Share Lending Agreement, the liquidity of the
Class A common stock will likely be affected.
As described above under Risks to Continuing
Holders of Old Notes After the Settlement Date
If shares of our Class A common stock are returned to us
under our Share Lending Agreement with CGML (an affiliate of
Citigroup), the cost of hedging the Old Notes may increase,
which may affect the market value of the Old Notes, the
cost of borrowing shares of our Class A common stock may be
adversely affected through the return of shares under the Share
Lending Agreement. As a result, the market price of the New
Notes will also likely be adversely affected.
Failure to close the Exchange Offer may adversely affect the
market price and borrow availability of the Class A common
stock and, consequently, the market value of the Old Notes.
If for any reason the Exchange Offer fails to close, the market
value of the Class A common stock and the Old Notes may be
adversely affected. Holders of Old Notes who elect to terminate
all or a portion of any hedging transactions in respect of the
Old Notes may not be able to re-establish such transactions at
an acceptable cost if the Exchange Offer does not close for any
reason. In addition, if the Exchange Offer fails to close, such
Holders of Old Notes may seek to re-establish a short position
in the Class A common stock against the Old Notes, which
may adversely affect the market price of the Class A common
stock. These activities are likely to adversely affect the value
of the Old Notes.
Only 29.8 million Borrowed Shares remain outstanding under
the Share Lending Agreement, and we have not committed to
provide any loans of shares of Class A common stock, see
Description of Capital Stock and Membership
Units Share Lending Agreement.
24
The Offeror will not be able to determine whether the Maximum
Amount has been exceeded until after the Expiration Date, and,
therefore, tendering Holders of Old Notes will not know the
percentage of such notes accepted for exchange until after the
Expiration Date.
If the amount of Old Notes validly tendered and not validly
withdrawn exceeds the Maximum Amount, the Offeror will accept
Old Notes from each Holder pro rata based on the total principal
amount of Old Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn.
The Offeror will not be able to determine whether the Maximum
Amount has been exceeded, and the principal amount of Old Notes
accepted for exchange from each Holder, until after the
Expiration Date.
The Exchange Consideration does not reflect any independent
valuation of the Old Notes.
We have not obtained or requested a fairness opinion from any
banking or other firm as to the fairness of the Exchange
Consideration or the value of the Old Notes. If you tender your
Old Notes, you may or may not receive more or as much value than
if you choose to keep them.
To the extent that a Holder of Old Notes is tendering Old
Notes for New Notes with their later maturity, such Holder may
ultimately find that we would have been able to repay the
non-tendered Old Notes when they otherwise would have matured,
but are unable to repay or refinance the New Notes when they
mature.
If you tender your Old Notes, you will receive New Notes which
have a later maturity than the Old Notes that you presently own.
It is possible that tendering Holders of such Old Notes will be
adversely affected by the extension of maturity. Following the
maturity date of the Old Notes, but prior to the maturity date
of the New Notes, we may become subject to a bankruptcy or
similar proceeding. If so, Holders of the Old Notes who opted
not to participate in the Exchange Offer may have been paid in
full, and there is a risk that the holders of the New Notes will
not be paid in full. If you decide to tender Old Notes, you will
be exposed to the risk of nonpayment for a longer period of time.
Because of our holding company structure, the New Notes are
structurally subordinated in right of payment to all liabilities
of Charters subsidiaries. Restrictions in Charters
subsidiaries debt instruments and applicable law limit
their ability to provide funds to Charter.
Charters sole assets are its equity interests in its
subsidiaries. Its operating subsidiaries are separate and
distinct legal entities and are not obligated to make funds
available to Charter for payments on the New Notes or other
obligations in the form of loans, distributions or otherwise.
Charters subsidiaries ability to make distributions
to Charter is subject to their compliance with the terms of
their credit facilities, indentures and applicable law. Under
the Delaware limited liability company act, Charters
subsidiaries may only pay dividends to Charter if they have
surplus as defined in the act. Under fraudulent
transfer laws, our subsidiaries may not pay dividends to us if
they are insolvent or are rendered insolvent thereby. There can
be no assurance that these subsidiaries will be permitted to
make distributions in the future in compliance with these
restrictions in the amounts needed to service the New Notes. See
Risks Related to Our and Our
Subsidiaries Significant Indebtedness Because
of our holding company structure, our outstanding notes are
structurally subordinated in right of payment to all liabilities
of our subsidiaries. Restrictions in our subsidiaries debt
instruments and under applicable law limit their ability to
provide funds to us or our various debt issuers.
Charters direct or indirect subsidiaries include the
borrowers and guarantors under the Charter Operating credit
facilities. Several of Charters subsidiaries are also
obligors under other senior high yield notes. Charters
notes, including the New Notes, are structurally subordinated in
right of payment to all of the debt and other liabilities of its
subsidiaries. As of June 30, 2007, Charters total
consolidated debt was approximately $19.6 billion, of which
approximately $19.2 billion was structurally senior to the
Old Notes.
In the event of bankruptcy, liquidation or dissolution of one or
more of Charters subsidiaries, that subsidiarys
assets would first be applied to satisfy its own obligations,
and following such payments, such subsidiary may not have
sufficient assets remaining to make payments to Charter as an
equity holder or
25
otherwise. In that event the lenders under Charter
Operatings and CCO Holdings credit facilities and
the holders of Charters subsidiaries other debt
instruments will have the right to be paid in full before
Charter from any of its subsidiaries assets.
There is currently no public market for the New Notes, and an
active trading market may not develop for the New Notes. The
failure of a market to develop for the New Notes could adversely
affect the liquidity and value of the New Notes.
There is no public market for the New Notes. Further, although
the Offeror intends to apply for the New Notes to be eligible
for Trading in the
PORTALsm
Market, the Offeror does not intend to apply for listing of the
New Notes on any securities exchanges or for quotation of the
New Notes on any automated dealer quotation system. Accordingly,
notwithstanding any existing market for the Old Notes or our
existing high-yield notes, a market may not develop for the New
Notes, and if a market does develop, it may not be sufficiently
liquid for your purposes. If an active, liquid market does not
develop for the New Notes, the market price and liquidity of the
New Notes may be adversely affected.
The liquidity of the trading market, if any, and future trading
prices of the New Notes will depend on many factors, including,
among other things, the price of our Class A common stock,
prevailing interest rates, our operating results, financial
performance and prospects, the market for similar securities and
the overall securities market, and may be adversely affected by
unfavorable changes in these factors. The market for the New
Notes may be subject to disruptions that could have a negative
effect on the holders of the New Notes, regardless of our
operating results, financial performance or prospects.
We may be unable to purchase the New Notes for cash following
a fundamental change.
Holders of the New Notes will have the right to require us to
repurchase the New Notes in cash upon the occurrence of a
fundamental change prior to maturity. Any of our future debt
agreements may contain a similar provision. We may not have
sufficient funds to make the required purchase in cash at such
time or the ability to arrange necessary financing on acceptable
terms. In addition, our ability to purchase the New Notes may be
limited by law or the terms of other agreements relating to our
debt outstanding at the time. However, if we fail to purchase
the New Notes as required by the indenture, that would
constitute an event of default under the indenture governing the
New Notes which, in turn, may constitute an event of default,
and result in the acceleration of the maturity of any of our
other then existing indebtedness.
The New Notes do not restrict our ability to incur additional
debt, repurchase our securities or to take other actions that
could negatively impact holders of the New Notes.
We are not restricted under the terms of the New Notes from
incurring additional debt, including secured debt, or from
repurchasing our securities. In addition, the limited covenants
applicable to the New Notes do not require us to achieve or
maintain any minimum financial results relating to our financial
position or results of operations. Our ability to recapitalize,
incur additional debt and take other actions that are not
limited by the terms of the New Notes could have the effect of
diminishing our ability to make payments on the New Notes when
due.
Your right to convert your New Notes will be limited if, upon
conversion of your New Notes, you would have beneficial
ownership of more than a specified percentage of our
Class A common stock.
Holders of New Notes will not be entitled to receive shares of
our Class A common stock upon conversion to the extent (but
only to the extent) that such receipt would cause such
converting holder to become, directly or indirectly, a
beneficial owner (within the meaning of
Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder) of more than the specified
percentage of the shares of Class A common stock
outstanding at such time. With respect to any conversion prior
to October 1, 2011, the specified percentage will be 4.9%, and
with respect to any conversion thereafter, the specified
percentage will be 9.9%. If any delivery of shares of our
Class A common stock owed to a holder
26
upon conversion of New Notes is not made, in whole or in part,
as a result of this limitation, our obligation to make such
delivery shall not be extinguished and we shall deliver such
shares as promptly as practicable after, but in no event later
than two trading days after, any such converting holder gives
notice to us that such delivery would not result in it being the
beneficial owner of more than the specified percentage of the
shares of Class A common stock outstanding at such time.
Although we have the right to deliver cash in lieu of delivering
shares of our Class A common stock upon conversion of the
New Notes, we have no obligation to do so, even if by doing so
we would enable you to avoid these limitations on your right to
convert the New Notes.
If you hold New Notes, you will not be entitled to any rights
with respect to our Class A common stock, but you will be
subject to all changes made with respect to our Class A
common stock.
If you hold New Notes, you will not be entitled to any rights
with respect to our Class A common stock (including,
without limitation, voting rights and rights to receive any
dividends or other distributions on our Class A common
stock), but you will be subject to all changes affecting the
Class A common stock. You will only be entitled to rights
on the Class A common stock if and when we deliver shares
of our Class A common stock to you upon conversion of your
New Notes. For example, in the event that an amendment is
proposed to our charter or bylaws requiring shareholder approval
and the record date for determining the shareholders of record
entitled to vote on the amendment occurs prior to your
conversion of New Notes, you will not be entitled to vote on the
amendment, although you will nevertheless be subject to any
changes in the powers, preferences or special rights of our
Class A common stock or other classes of capital stock.
The conversion rate of the New Notes may not be adjusted for
all dilutive events.
The conversion rate of the New Notes is subject to adjustment
for certain events including, but not limited to, dividends on
our Class A common stock, the issuance of certain rights or
warrants, subdivisions or combinations of our Class A
common stock, certain distributions of assets, debt securities,
capital stock or cash to holders of our Class A common
stock and certain tender or exchange offers as described under
Description of the New Notes Conversion
Rights Conversion Rate Adjustments. The
conversion rate will not be adjusted for other events, such as
an issuance of Class A common stock for cash, that may
adversely affect the trading price of the New Notes or the
Class A common stock. There can be no assurance that an
event that adversely affects the value of the New Notes will not
occur.
The make whole premium payable on New Notes converted in
connection with certain fundamental changes may not adequately
compensate you for the lost option time value of your New Notes
as a result of such fundamental change.
If certain transactions that constitute a change of control
occur prior to October 1, 2012, under certain circumstances, we
will increase the conversion rate by a number of additional
shares for any conversions of New Notes in connection with such
transaction. The amount of the additional shares will be
determined based on the date on which the transaction becomes
effective and the price paid per share of our Class A
common stock in such transaction as described below under
Description of the New Notes Conversion
Rights Change of Control Make Whole Amount.
While the number of additional shares is designed to compensate
you for the lost option time value of your New Notes as a result
of such transaction, the amount of the make whole premium is
only an approximation of such lost option time value and may not
adequately compensate you for such loss. In addition, if the
price paid per share of our Class A common stock in the
transaction is less than the Average Price or greater than 1500%
of the Average Price (in each case subject to adjustment as
described in Description of the New Notes
Conversion Rights Change of Control Make Whole
Amount), the conversion rate will not be increased. In no
event will the number of shares issuable upon conversion of a
note exceed 1.4 multiplied by the applicable conversion
rate per $1,000 principal amount of New Notes, regardless of
when the transaction becomes effective or of the price paid per
share of our Class A common stock in the transaction.
27
Our obligation to adjust the conversion rate in connection with
certain transactions that constitute a change of control could
be considered a penalty, in which case the enforceability
thereof would be subject to general principles of reasonableness
and equitable remedies.
You may have to pay taxes with respect to some distributions
on our Class A common stock that result in adjustments to
the conversion rate.
The conversion rate of the New Notes is subject to adjustment
for certain events arising from stock splits and combinations,
stock dividends, certain cash dividends and certain other
actions by us that modify our capital structure. See
Description of the New Notes Conversion
Rights Conversion Rate Adjustments. If the
conversion rate is adjusted as a result of a distribution that
is taxable to our Class A common stock holders, such as a
cash dividend, you may be required to include an amount in
income for federal income tax purposes, notwithstanding the fact
that you do not actually receive such distribution. In addition,
Non-U.S. Holders
(as defined herein) of the New Notes may, in certain
circumstances, be deemed to have received a distribution subject
to U.S. federal withholding tax requirements. See
Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences.
Conversion of the New Notes will dilute the ownership
interests of existing stockholders.
If and to the extent we deliver shares of our Class A
common stock upon conversion of the New Notes, the conversion of
some or all of the New Notes will dilute the ownership interest
of existing stockholders. Any sales in the public market of the
Class A common stock issuable upon such conversion could
adversely affect prevailing market prices of our Class A
common stock.
If we do not fulfill our obligations to you under the New
Notes, you will not have any recourse against Charter Holdco,
Mr. Allen or any of their or our affiliates.
None of our direct or indirect equity holders, directors,
officers, employees or affiliates, including, without
limitation, Charter Holdco and Mr. Allen, will be an
obligor or guarantor under the New Notes. The indenture
governing the New Notes expressly provides that these parties
will not have any liability for our obligations under the New
Notes or the indenture governing the New Notes. By accepting the
New Notes, you waive and release all such liability as
consideration for issuance of the New Notes. If we do not
fulfill our obligations to you under the New Notes, you will
have no recourse against any of our direct or indirect equity
holders, directors, officers, employees or affiliates including,
without limitation, Charter Holdco and Mr. Allen.
Risks Related to Our and Our Subsidiaries Significant
Indebtedness
We and our subsidiaries have a significant amount of existing
debt and may incur significant additional debt, including
secured debt, in the future, which could adversely affect our
financial health and our ability to react to changes in our
business.
Charter and its subsidiaries have a significant amount of debt
and may (subject to applicable restrictions in their debt
instruments) incur additional debt in the future. As of
June 30, 2007, Charters total debt was approximately
$19.6 billion, Charters shareholders deficit
was approximately $6.8 billion and the deficiency of
earnings to cover fixed charges for the six months ended
June 30, 2007 was $610 million.
Charter will need to raise additional capital and/or receive
distributions or payments from its subsidiaries in order to
satisfy its debt obligation.
Because of our significant indebtedness, our ability to raise
additional capital at reasonable rates or at all is uncertain,
and the ability of our subsidiaries to make distributions or
payments to their parent
28
companies is subject to availability of funds and restrictions
under our subsidiaries applicable debt instruments as more
fully described in the section entitled Description of
Other Indebtedness and under applicable law. If we need to
raise additional capital through the issuance of equity or find
it necessary to engage in a recapitalization or other similar
transaction, our shareholders could suffer significant dilution,
and in the case of a recapitalization or other similar
transaction, our noteholders might not receive principal and
interest payments to which they are contractually entitled.
Our significant amount of debt could have other important
consequences. For example, the debt will or could:
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require us to dedicate a significant portion of our cash flow
from operating activities to make payments on our debt, which
will reduce our funds available for working capital, capital
expenditures and other general corporate expenses; |
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limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes
in our business, the cable and telecommunications industries and
the economy at large; |
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place us at a disadvantage as compared to our competitors that
have proportionately less debt; |
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make us vulnerable to interest rate increases, because as of
June 30, 2007 approximately 20% of our borrowings are, and
will continue to be, at variable rates of interest; |
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expose us to increased interest expense as we refinance existing
lower interest rate instruments; |
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adversely affect our relationship with customers and suppliers; |
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limit our ability to borrow additional funds in the future, due
to applicable financial and restrictive covenants in our debt; |
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make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations to the
holders of our notes and for our subsidiaries to satisfy their
obligations to their lenders under their credit facilities and
to their noteholders; and |
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limit future increases in the value, or cause a decline in the
value of our equity, which could limit our ability to raise
additional capital by issuing equity. |
A default by one of our subsidiaries under its debt obligations
could result in the acceleration of those obligations, which in
turn could trigger cross defaults under other agreements
governing our long-term indebtedness. In addition, the secured
lenders under our credit facilities and the holders of the
Charter Operating senior second-lien notes could foreclose on
their collateral, which includes equity interest in our
subsidiaries, and exercise other rights of secured creditors.
Any default under those credit facilities or the indentures
governing our Old Notes or our subsidiaries debt could
adversely affect our growth, our financial condition, our
results of operations, and our ability to make payments on our
Old Notes, our credit facilities, and other debt of our
subsidiaries, and could force us to seek the protection of the
bankruptcy laws. We and our subsidiaries may incur significant
additional debt in the future. If current debt levels increase,
the related risks that we now face will intensify.
We may not be able to access funds under the Charter
Operating credit facilities if we fail to satisfy the covenant
restrictions in such credit facilities, which could adversely
affect our financial condition and our ability to conduct our
business.
Our subsidiaries have historically relied on access to credit
facilities in order to fund operations and to service parent
company debt, and we expect such reliance to continue in the
future. Our total potential borrowing availability under our
revolving credit facility was approximately $1.4 billion as
of June 30, 2007, none of which is limited by covenant
restrictions. There can be no assurance that our actual
availability under our credit facilities will not be limited by
covenant restrictions in the future.
One of the conditions to the availability of funding under our
credit facilities is the absence of a default under such
facilities, including as a result of any failure to comply with
the covenants under the
29
facilities. Among other covenants, the Charter Operating credit
facilities require us to maintain specific leverage ratios. The
Charter Operating facilities also provide that Charter Operating
has to obtain an unqualified audit opinion from its independent
accountants for each fiscal year. There can be no assurance that
Charter Operating will be able to continue to comply with these
or any other of the covenants under the credit facilities.
An event of default under the credit facilities or indentures,
if not waived, could result in the acceleration of those debt
obligations and, consequently, could trigger cross defaults
under other agreements governing our long-term indebtedness. In
addition, the secured lenders under the Charter Operating credit
facilities and the holders of the Charter Operating senior
second-lien notes could foreclose on their collateral, which
includes equity interest in our subsidiaries, and exercise other
rights of secured creditors. Any default under those credit
facilities or the indentures governing our Old Notes and our
subsidiaries debt could adversely affect our growth, our
financial condition, our results of operations, and our ability
to make payments on our Old Notes, New Notes, our credit
facilities and other debt of our subsidiaries and could force us
to seek the protection of the bankruptcy laws, which could
materially adversely impact our ability to operate our business
and to make payments under our debt instruments.
We depend on generating sufficient cash flow and having
access to additional external liquidity sources to fund our
capital expenditures, ongoing operations and debt obligations,
including our payment obligations under the Old Notes and the
New Notes, which could have a material adverse effect on you as
holders of the Old Notes and the New Notes.
Our ability to service our debt (including payments on the Old
Notes and the New Notes) and to fund our planned capital
expenditures and ongoing operations will depend on both our
ability to generate cash flow and our access to additional
external liquidity sources. Our ability to generate cash flow is
dependent on many factors, including:
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competition from other distributors, including incumbent
telephone companies, direct broadcast satellite operators,
wireless broadband providers, and DSL providers; |
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difficulties in introducing and operating our telephone
services, such as our ability to adequately meet customer
expectations for the reliability of voice services, and our
ability to adequately meet demand for installations and customer
service; |
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our ability to sustain and grow revenues and cash flows from
operating activities by offering video, high-speed Internet,
telephone and other services, and to maintain and grow our
customer base, particularly in the face of increasingly
aggressive competition; |
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our ability to obtain programming at reasonable prices or to
adequately raise prices to offset the effects of higher
programming costs; |
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general business conditions, economic uncertainty or
slowdown; and |
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the effects of governmental regulation, including but not
limited to local and state franchise authorities, on our
business. |
Some of these factors are beyond our control. If we are unable
to generate sufficient cash flow or access additional external
liquidity sources, we may not be able to service and repay our
debt, operate our business, respond to competitive challenges or
fund our other liquidity and capital needs. Although Charter and
its subsidiaries have been able to raise funds through issuances
of debt in the past, we may not be able to access additional
sources of external liquidity on similar terms, if at all. We
expect that cash on hand, cash flows from operating activities,
and the amounts available under our credit facilities will be
adequate to meet our cash needs through 2008. We believe that
cash flows from operating activities and amounts available under
our credit facilities may not be sufficient to fund our
operations and satisfy our interest and principal repayment
obligations in 2009 and will not be sufficient to fund such
needs in 2010 and beyond.
30
Because of our holding company structure, our outstanding
notes are structurally subordinated in right of payment to all
liabilities of our subsidiaries. Restrictions in our
subsidiaries debt instruments and under applicable law
limit their ability to provide funds to us or our various debt
issuers.
Our primary assets are our equity interests in our subsidiaries.
Our operating subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal
entities and are not obligated to make funds available to us or
our various debt issuers for payments on our notes or their debt
instruments or other obligations in the form of loans,
distributions or otherwise. Our subsidiaries ability to
make distributions to us or our various debt issuers is subject
to their compliance with the terms of their credit facilities
and indentures and restrictions under applicable law. Under the
Delaware limited liability company act, our subsidiaries may
only make distributions to us if they have surplus
as defined in the act. Under fraudulent transfer laws, our
subsidiaries may not make distributions to us or the applicable
debt issuers to service debt obligations if they are insolvent
or are rendered insolvent thereby. The measures of insolvency
for purposes of these fraudulent transfer laws vary depending
upon the law applied in any proceeding to determine whether a
fraudulent transfer has occurred. Generally, however, an entity
would be considered insolvent if:
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the sum of its debts, including contingent liabilities, was
greater than the fair saleable value of all its assets; |
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the present fair saleable value of its assets was less than the
amount that would be required to pay its probable liability on
its existing debts, including contingent liabilities, as they
became absolute and mature; or |
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it could not pay its debts as they became due. |
While we believe that our relevant subsidiaries currently have
surplus and are not insolvent, there can be no assurance that
these subsidiaries will be permitted to make distributions in
the future in compliance with these restrictions in amounts
needed to service our indebtedness, including the Old Notes and
the New Notes.
Our direct or indirect subsidiaries include the borrowers and
guarantors under the Charter Operating and CCO Holdings credit
facilities. Several of our subsidiaries are also obligors and
guarantors under senior high yield notes. Our Old Notes and New
Notes are structurally subordinated in right of payment to all
of the debt and other liabilities of our subsidiaries. As of
June 30, 2007, Charters total debt was approximately
$19.6 billion, of which approximately $19.2 billion
was structurally senior to the Old Notes and the New Notes.
In the event of bankruptcy, liquidation or dissolution of one or
more of our subsidiaries, that subsidiarys assets would
first be applied to satisfy its own obligations, and following
such payments, such subsidiary may not have sufficient assets
remaining to make payments to us as an equity holder or
otherwise. In that event:
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the lenders under Charter Operatings credit facilities and
the holders of our subsidiaries other debt instruments
will have the right to be paid in full before us from any of our
subsidiaries assets; and |
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the other holders of preferred membership interests in our
subsidiary, CC VIII, would have a claim on a portion of its
assets that may reduce the amounts available for repayment to
holders of our outstanding notes. |
The agreements and instruments governing our debt and the
debt of our subsidiaries contain restrictions and limitations
that could significantly affect our ability to operate our
business, as well as significantly affect our liquidity, and
adversely affect the holders of the Old Notes and the New
Notes.
The Charter Operating and CCO Holdings credit facilities and the
indentures governing our and our subsidiaries debt
(including the Old Notes and the New Notes) contain a number of
significant covenants that could adversely affect the holders of
the Old Notes and the New Notes and our ability to operate our
31
business, as well as significantly affect our liquidity, and
therefore could adversely affect our results of operations.
These covenants will restrict, among other things, our and our
subsidiaries ability to:
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incur additional debt; |
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repurchase or redeem equity interests and debt; |
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issue equity; |
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make certain investments or acquisitions; |
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pay dividends or make other distributions; |
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dispose of assets or merge; |
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enter into related party transactions; and |
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grant liens and pledge assets. |
The breach of any covenants or obligations in the foregoing
indentures or credit facilities, not otherwise waived or
amended, could result in a default under the applicable debt
obligations and could trigger acceleration of those obligations,
which in turn could trigger cross-defaults under other
agreements governing our long-term indebtedness. In addition,
the secured lenders under the Charter Operating and CCO Holdings
credit facilities and the holders of the Charter Operating
senior second-lien notes could foreclose on their collateral,
which includes equity interests in our subsidiaries, and
exercise other rights of secured creditors. Any default under
those credit facilities, the indentures governing the Old Notes,
the New Notes, or our subsidiaries debt could adversely
affect our growth, our financial condition, our results of
operations and our ability to make payments on our notes,
Charter Operatings credit facilities and other debt of our
subsidiaries, and could force us to seek the protection of the
bankruptcy laws. See Description of Other
Indebtedness for a summary of our outstanding indebtedness
and a description of our credit facilities and other
indebtedness and for details on our debt covenants and future
liquidity.
All of our and our subsidiaries outstanding debt is
subject to change of control provisions. We may not have the
ability to raise the funds necessary to fulfill our obligations
under our indebtedness following a change of control, which
would place us in default under the applicable debt
instruments.
We may not have the ability to raise the funds necessary to
fulfill our obligations under our and our subsidiaries
notes and credit facilities following a change of control. Under
the indentures governing our and our subsidiaries notes
(including the Old Notes and the New Notes), upon the occurrence
of specified change of control events, we are required to offer
to repurchase all of these notes. However, Charter and our
subsidiaries may not have sufficient funds at the time of the
change of control event to make the required repurchase of these
notes, and our subsidiaries are limited in their ability to make
distributions or other payments to fund any required repurchase.
In addition, a change of control under our subsidiaries
credit facilities would result in a default under those credit
facilities. Because such credit facilities and our
subsidiaries notes are obligations of our subsidiaries,
the credit facilities and our subsidiaries notes would
have to be repaid by our subsidiaries before their assets could
be available to us to repurchase the Old Notes or the New Notes.
Our failure to make or complete a change of control offer would
place us in default under the Old Notes or New Notes. The
failure of our subsidiaries to make a change of control offer or
repay the amounts accelerated under their notes and credit
facilities would place them in default.
Paul G. Allen and his affiliates are not obligated to
purchase equity from, contribute to or loan funds to us or any
of our subsidiaries.
Paul G. Allen and his affiliates are not obligated to purchase
equity from, contribute to or loan funds to us or any of our
subsidiaries.
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Risks Related to Our Business
We operate in a very competitive business environment, which
affects our ability to attract and retain customers and can
adversely affect our business and operations.
The industry in which we operate is highly competitive and has
become more so in recent years. In some instances, we compete
against companies with fewer regulatory burdens, easier access
to financing, greater personnel resources, greater brand name
recognition and long-established relationships with regulatory
authorities and customers. Increasing consolidation in the cable
industry and the repeal of certain ownership rules may provide
additional benefits to certain of our competitors, either
through access to financing, resources or efficiencies of scale.
Our principal competitors for video services throughout our
territory are direct broadcast satellite operators
(DBS). The two largest DBS providers are The DIRECTV
Group, Inc. and Echostar Communications, Inc. Competition from
DBS, including intensive marketing efforts with aggressive
pricing and exclusive programming has had an adverse impact on
our ability to retain customers. DBS has grown rapidly over the
last several years. The cable industry, including us, has lost a
significant number of video customers to DBS competition, and we
face serious challenges in this area in the future. In some
areas, DBS operators have entered into co-marketing arrangements
with other of our competitors to offer service bundles combining
video services provided by the DBS operator and digital
subscriber line Internet services (DSL) along with
traditional telephone service offered by the telephone
companies. These service bundles substantially resemble our
bundles. We believe that competition from DBS service providers
may present greater challenges in areas of lower population
density, and that our systems service a higher concentration of
such areas than those of certain other major cable service
providers.
Local telephone companies and electric utilities can offer video
and other services in competition with us and they increasingly
may do so in the future. Two major local telephone companies,
AT&T and Verizon, have both announced that they are making
upgrades of their networks. Some upgraded portions of these
networks are or will be capable of carrying two-way video
services that are comparable to ours, high-speed data services
that operate at speeds as high as or higher than those we make
available to customers in these areas, and digital voice
services that are similar to ours. In addition, these companies
continue to offer their traditional telephone services as well
as bundles that include wireless voice services provided by
affiliated companies. Based on internal estimates, we believe
that AT&T and Verizons upgrades have been completed in
systems representing approximately 6% to 7% of our homes passed
as of June 30, 2007, an increase from an estimated 2% at
March 31, 2007. Additional upgrades in markets in which we
operate are expected. In areas where they have launched video
services, these parties are aggressively marketing video, voice
and data bundles at entry level prices similar to those we use
to market our bundles.
The existence of more than one cable system operating in the
same territory is referred to as an overbuild. Overbuilds could
adversely affect our growth, financial condition, and results of
operations, by creating or increasing competition. Based on
internal estimates, as of June 30, 2007, we are aware of
traditional overbuild situations impacting approximately 8% of
our estimated homes passed, and potential traditional overbuild
situations in areas servicing approximately an additional 1% of
our estimated homes passed. Additional overbuild situations may
occur in other systems.
With respect to our Internet access services, we face
competition, including intensive marketing efforts and
aggressive pricing, from telephone companies and other providers
of DSL. DSL service is competitive with high-speed Internet
service over cable systems. In addition, DBS providers have
entered into joint marketing arrangements with Internet access
providers to offer bundled video and Internet service, which
competes with our ability to provide bundled services to our
customers. Moreover, as we expand our telephone offerings, we
will face considerable competition from established telephone
companies and other carriers.
In order to attract new customers, from time to time we make
promotional offers, including offers of temporarily
reduced-price or free service. These promotional programs result
in significant advertising,
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programming and operating expenses, and also require us to make
capital expenditures to acquire customer premise equipment.
Customers who subscribe to our services as a result of these
offerings may not remain customers for any significant period of
time following the end of the promotional period. A failure to
retain existing customers and customers added through
promotional offerings or to collect the amounts they owe us
could have a material adverse effect on our business and
financial results.
Mergers, joint ventures and alliances among franchised, wireless
or private cable operators, DBS providers, local exchange
carriers and others, may provide additional benefits to some of
our competitors, either through access to financing, resources
or efficiencies of scale, or the ability to provide multiple
services in direct competition with us.
In addition to the various competitive factors discussed above,
our business is subject to risks relating to increasing
competition for the leisure and entertainment time of consumers.
Our business competes with all other sources of entertainment
and information delivery, including broadcast television,
movies, live events, radio broadcasts, home video products,
console games, print media, and the Internet. Technological
advancements, such as
video-on-demand, new
video formats, and Internet streaming and downloading, have
increased the number of entertainment and information delivery
choices available to consumers, and intensified the challenges
posed by audience fragmentation. The increasing number of
choices available to audiences could negatively impact not only
consumer demand for our products and services, but also
advertisers willingness to purchase advertising from us.
If we do not respond appropriately to further increases in the
leisure and entertainment choices available to consumers, our
competitive position could deteriorate, and our financial
results could suffer.
We cannot assure you that our cable systems will allow us to
compete effectively. Additionally, as we expand our offerings to
include other telecommunications services, and to introduce new
and enhanced services, we will be subject to competition from
other providers of the services we offer. We cannot predict the
extent to which competition may affect our business and
operations in the future.
We have a history of net losses and expect to continue to
experience net losses. Consequently, we may not have the ability
to finance future operations.
We have had a history of net losses and expect to continue to
report net losses for the foreseeable future. Our net losses are
principally attributable to insufficient revenue to cover the
combination of operating expenses and interest expenses we incur
because of our high level of debt and the depreciation expenses
that we incur resulting from the capital investments we have
made in our cable properties. We expect that these expenses will
remain significant, and we expect to continue to report net
losses for the foreseeable future. Charter reported net losses
of $741 million and $841 million for the six months
ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Continued
losses would reduce our cash available from operations to
service our indebtedness, as well as limit our ability to
finance our operations.
We may not have the ability to pass our increasing
programming costs on to our customers, which would adversely
affect our cash flow and operating margins.
Programming has been, and is expected to continue to be, our
largest operating expense item. In recent years, the cable
industry has experienced a rapid escalation in the cost of
programming, particularly sports programming. We expect
programming costs to continue to increase because of a variety
of factors, including annual increases imposed by programmers
and additional programming, including high definition
television, and OnDemand programming, being provided to
customers and increased costs to purchase programming. The
inability to fully pass these programming cost increases on to
our customers has had an adverse impact on our cash flow and
operating margins. We have programming contracts that have
expired, or that will expire at or before the end of 2007. There
can be no assurance that these agreements will be renewed on
favorable or comparable terms. To the extent that we are unable
to reach agreement with certain programmers on terms that we
believe are reasonable we may be forced to remove such
programming channels from our line-up, which could result in a
further loss of customers.
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Increased demands by owners of some broadcast stations for
carriage of other services or payments to those broadcasters for
retransmission consent could further increase our programming
costs. Federal law allows commercial television broadcast
stations to make an election between must-carry
rights and an alternative retransmission-consent
regime. When a station opts for the latter, cable operators are
not allowed to carry the stations signal without the
stations permission. In some cases, we carry stations
under short-term arrangements while we attempt to negotiate new
long-term retransmission agreements. If negotiations with these
programmers prove unsuccessful, they could require us to cease
carrying their signals, possibly for an indefinite period. Any
loss of stations could make our video service less attractive to
customers, which could result in less subscription and
advertising revenue. In retransmission-consent negotiations,
broadcasters often condition consent with respect to one station
on carriage of one or more other stations or programming
services in which they or their affiliates have an interest.
Carriage of these other services may increase our programming
expenses and diminish the amount of capacity we have available
to introduce new services, which could have an adverse effect on
our business and financial results.
If our required capital expenditures in 2007, 2008 and beyond
exceed our projections, we may not have sufficient funding,
which could adversely affect our growth, financial condition and
results of operations.
During the six months ended June 30, 2007, we spent
approximately $579 million on capital expenditures. During
2007, we expect capital expenditures to be approximately
$1.2 billion. The actual amount of our capital expenditures
depends on the level of growth in high-speed Internet and
telephone customers and in the delivery of other advanced
services, as well as the cost of introducing any new services.
We may need additional capital in 2007, 2008 and beyond if there
is accelerated growth in high-speed Internet customers,
telephone customers or in the delivery of other advanced
services. If we cannot obtain such capital from increases in our
cash flow from operating activities, additional borrowings,
proceeds from asset sales or other sources, our growth,
financial condition and results of operations could suffer
materially.
We face risks inherent to our telephone business.
We may encounter unforeseen difficulties as we introduce our
telephone service in new operating areas and as we increase the
scale of our telephone service offerings in areas in which they
have already been launched. First, we face heightened customer
expectations for the reliability of telephone services, as
compared with our video and high-speed data services. We have
undertaken significant training of customer service
representatives and technicians, and we will continue to need a
highly trained workforce. To ensure reliable service, we may
need to increase our expenditures, including spending on
technology, equipment and personnel. If the service is not
sufficiently reliable or we otherwise fail to meet customer
expectations, our telephone business could be adversely
affected. Second, the competitive landscape for telephone
services is intense; we face competition from providers of
Internet telephone services, as well as incumbent local
telephone companies, cellular telephone service providers, and
others. Third, we depend on interconnection and related services
provided by certain third parties. As a result, our ability to
implement changes as the service grows may be limited. Finally,
we expect advances in communications technology, as well as
changes in the marketplace and the regulatory and legislative
environment. Consequently, we are unable to predict the effect
that ongoing or future developments in these areas might have on
our telephone business and operations.
Our inability to respond to technological developments and
meet customer demand for new products and services could limit
our ability to compete effectively.
Our business is characterized by rapid technological change and
the introduction of new products and services, some of which are
bandwidth-intensive. We cannot assure you that we will be able
to fund the capital expenditures necessary to keep pace with
technological developments, or that we will successfully
anticipate the demand of our customers for products and services
requiring new technology or bandwidth beyond our expectations.
Our inability to maintain and expand our upgraded systems and
provide advanced
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services in a timely manner, or to anticipate the demands of the
marketplace, could materially adversely affect our ability to
attract and retain customers. Consequently, our growth,
financial condition and results of operations could suffer
materially.
We depend on third party suppliers and licensors; thus, if we
are unable to procure the necessary equipment, software or
licenses on reasonable terms and on a timely basis, our ability
to offer services could be impaired, and our growth, operations,
business, financial results and financial condition could be
materially adversely affected.
We depend on third party suppliers and licensors to supply some
of the hardware, software and operational support necessary to
provide some of our services. We obtain these materials from a
limited number of vendors, some of which do not have a long
operating history. Some of our hardware, software and
operational support vendors represent our sole source of supply
or have, either through contract or as a result of intellectual
property rights, a position of some exclusivity. If demand
exceeds these vendors capacity or if these vendors
experience operating or financial difficulties, or are otherwise
unable to provide the equipment we need in a timely manner and
at reasonable prices, our ability to provide some services might
be materially adversely affected, or the need to procure or
develop alternative sources of the affected materials or
services might delay our ability to serve our customers. These
events could materially and adversely affect our ability to
retain and attract customers, and have a material negative
impact on our operations, business, financial results and
financial condition. A limited number of vendors of key
technologies can lead to less product innovation and higher
costs. For these reasons, we generally endeavor to establish
alternative vendors for materials we consider critical, but may
not be able to establish these relationships or be able to
obtain required materials on favorable terms.
For example, each of our systems currently purchases set-top
boxes from a limited number of vendors, because each of our
cable systems uses one or two proprietary conditional access
security schemes, which allow us to regulate subscriber access
to some services, such as premium channels. We believe that the
proprietary nature of these conditional access schemes makes
other manufacturers reluctant to produce set-top boxes. Future
innovation in set-top boxes may be restricted until these issues
are resolved. In addition, we believe that the general lack of
compatibility among set-top box operating systems has slowed the
industrys development and deployment of digital set-top
box applications.
Malicious and abusive Internet practices could impair our
high-speed Internet services
Our high-speed Internet customers utilize our network to access
the Internet and, as a consequence, we or they may become victim
to common malicious and abusive Internet activities, such as
unsolicited mass advertising (i.e., spam) and
dissemination of viruses, worms, and other destructive or
disruptive software. These activities could have adverse
consequences on our network and our customers, including
degradation of service, excessive call volume to call centers,
and damage to our or our customers equipment and data.
Significant incidents could lead to customer dissatisfaction
and, ultimately, loss of customers or revenue, in addition to
increased costs to service our customers and protect our
network. Any significant loss of high-speed Internet customers
or revenue, or significant increase in costs of serving those
customers, could adversely affect our growth, financial
condition and results of operations.
Charter could be deemed an investment company
under the Investment Company Act of 1940. This would impose
significant restrictions on us and would be likely to have a
material adverse impact on our growth, financial condition and
results of operation.
Charters principal assets are our equity interests in
Charter Holdco and certain indebtedness of Charter Holdco. If
Charters membership interest in Charter Holdco were to
constitute less than 50% of the voting securities issued by
Charter Holdco, then Charters interest in Charter Holdco
could be deemed an investment security for purposes
of the Investment Company Act. This may occur, for example, if a
court determines that the Class B common stock is no longer
entitled to special voting rights and, in accordance with the
terms of the Charter Holdco limited liability company agreement,
Charters membership units in Charter Holdco were to lose
their special voting privileges. A determination that such
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interest was an investment security could cause Charter to be
deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company
Act, unless an exemption from registration were available or we
were to obtain an order of the Securities and Exchange
Commission excluding or exempting us from registration under the
Investment Company Act.
If anything were to happen which would cause Charter to be
deemed an investment company, the Investment Company Act would
impose significant restrictions on us, including severe
limitations on our ability to borrow money, to issue additional
capital stock, and to transact business with affiliates. In
addition, because our operations are very different from those
of the typical registered investment company, regulation under
the Investment Company Act could affect us in other ways that
are extremely difficult to predict. In sum, if we were deemed to
be an investment company it could become impractical for us to
continue our business as currently conducted and our growth, our
financial condition and our results of operations could suffer
materially.
If a court determines that the Class B common stock is
no longer entitled to special voting rights, Charter would lose
its rights to manage Charter Holdco. In addition to the
investment company risks discussed above, this could materially
impact the value of the Class A common stock.
If a court determines that the Class B common stock is no
longer entitled to special voting rights, Charter would no
longer have a controlling voting interest in, and would lose its
right to manage, Charter Holdco. If this were to occur:
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we would retain our proportional equity interest in Charter
Holdco but would lose all of our powers to direct the management
and affairs of Charter Holdco and its subsidiaries; and |
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we would become strictly a passive investment vehicle and would
be treated under the Investment Company Act as an investment
company. |
This result, as well as the impact of being treated under the
Investment Company Act as an investment company, could
materially adversely impact:
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the liquidity of the Class A common stock; |
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how the Class A common stock trades in the marketplace; |
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the price that purchasers would be willing to pay for the
Class A common stock in a change of control transaction or
otherwise; and |
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the market price of the Class A common stock. |
Uncertainties that may arise with respect to the nature of our
management role and voting power and organizational documents as
a result of any challenge to the special voting rights of the
Class B common stock, including legal actions or
proceedings relating thereto, may also materially adversely
impact the value of the Class A common stock.
For tax purposes, there is a significant risk that we will
experience an ownership change resulting in a material
limitation on the use of a substantial amount of our existing
net operating loss carryforwards.
As of June 30, 2007, we had approximately $7.3 billion
of tax net operating losses resulting in a gross deferred tax
asset of approximately $2.9 billion, expiring in the years
2007 through 2027. Due to uncertainties in projected future
taxable income, valuation allowances have been established
against the gross deferred tax assets for book accounting
purposes, except for deferred benefits available to offset
certain deferred tax liabilities. Currently, such tax net
operating losses can accumulate and be used to offset any of our
future taxable income. However, an ownership change
as defined in Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended, would place significant limitations, on an
annual basis, on the use of such net operating losses existing
to offset future taxable income we may generate. Although we
have instituted a Rights Plan designed with the goal of
attempting to prevent ownership change, we can not provide any
assurance that the Rights Plan will actually prevent an
ownership change from occurring.
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A limitation on our ability to use our net operating losses, in
conjunction with the net operating loss expiration provisions,
could effectively eliminate our ability to use a substantial
portion of our net operating losses to offset future taxable
income.
Future transactions and the timing of such transactions could
cause an ownership change for U.S. federal income tax
purposes.
Such transactions include additional issuances of Class A
common stock by us (including but not limited to issuances upon
future conversion of the Old Notes), reacquisitions by us of
shares loaned by us pursuant to the Share Lending Agreement, or
acquisitions or sales of shares by certain holders of our
shares, including persons who have held, currently hold, or
accumulate in the future five percent or more of our outstanding
stock (including upon an exchange by Mr. Allen or his
affiliates, directly or indirectly, of membership units of
Charter Holdco into Class B common stock). Many of the
foregoing transactions, including whether Mr. Allen
exchanges his Charter Holdco units, are beyond our control.
Risks Related to Mr. Allens Controlling
Position
The failure by Mr. Allen to maintain a minimum voting
and economic interest in us could trigger a change of control
default under our subsidiarys credit facilities.
The Charter Operating credit facilities provide that the failure
by (a) Mr. Allen, (b) his estate, spouse,
immediate family members and heirs and (c) any trust,
corporation, partnership or other entity, the beneficiaries,
stockholders, partners or other owners of which consist
exclusively of Mr. Allen or such other persons referred to
in (b) above or a combination thereof, to maintain a 35%
direct or indirect voting interest in the applicable borrower
would result in a change of control default. Such a default
could result in the acceleration of repayment of our and our
subsidiaries indebtedness, including borrowings under the
Charter Operating credit facilities.
Mr. Allen controls our stockholder voting and may have
interests that conflict with the interests of the other holders
of our Class A common stock.
Mr. Allen has the ability to control us. Through his
control as of June 30, 2007 of approximately 91% of the
voting power of Charters capital stock, Mr. Allen is
entitled to elect all but one of our board members and
effectively has the voting power to elect the remaining board
member as well. Mr. Allen thus has the ability to control
fundamental corporate transactions requiring equity holder
approval, including, but not limited to, the election of all of
our directors, approval of merger transactions involving us and
the sale of all or substantially all of our assets.
Mr. Allen is not restricted from investing in, and has
invested in, and engaged in, other businesses involving or
related to the operation of cable television systems, video
programming, high-speed Internet service, telephone or business
and financial transactions conducted through broadband
interactivity and Internet services. Mr. Allen may also
engage in other businesses that compete or may in the future
compete with us.
Mr. Allens control over our management and affairs
could create conflicts of interest if he is faced with decisions
that could have different implications for him, us and the other
holders of our Class A common stock. For example, if
Mr. Allen were to elect to exchange his Charter Holdco
membership units for our Class B common stock pursuant to
our existing exchange agreement with him, such a transaction
would result in an ownership change for income tax purposes, as
discussed above. See Risks Related to Our
Business For tax purposes, there is a significant
risk that we will experience an ownership change resulting in a
material limitation on the use of a substantial amount of our
existing net operating loss carryforwards. Further,
Mr. Allen could effectively cause us to enter into
contracts with another entity in which he owns an interest or to
decline a transaction into which he (or another entity in which
he owns an interest) ultimately enters.
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Current and future agreements between us and either
Mr. Allen or his affiliates may not be the result of
arms-length negotiations. Consequently, such agreements
may be less favorable to us than agreements that we could
otherwise have entered into with unaffiliated third parties.
We are not permitted to engage in any business activity other
than the cable transmission of video, audio and data unless
Mr. Allen authorizes us to pursue that particular business
activity, which could adversely affect our ability to offer new
products and services outside of the cable transmission business
and to enter into new businesses, and could adversely affect our
growth, financial condition and results of operations.
The Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Charter and Charter
Holdcos limited liability company agreement provide that
Charter and Charter Holdco and our subsidiaries, cannot engage
in any business activity outside the cable transmission business
except for specified businesses. This will be the case unless
Mr. Allen consents to our engaging in the business
activity. The cable transmission business means the business of
transmitting video, audio (including telephone services), and
data over cable television systems owned, operated, or managed
by us from time to time. These provisions may limit our ability
to take advantage of attractive business opportunities.
The loss of Mr. Allens services could adversely
affect our ability to manage our business.
Mr. Allen is Chairman of our board of directors and
provides strategic guidance and other services to us. If we were
to lose his services, our growth, financial condition, and
results of operations could be adversely impacted.
The special tax allocation provisions of the Charter Holdco
limited liability company agreement may cause us in some
circumstances to pay more taxes than if the special tax
allocation provisions were not in effect.
Charter Holdcos limited liability company agreement
provided that through the end of 2003, net tax losses (such net
tax losses being determined under the federal income tax rules
for determining capital accounts) of Charter Holdco that would
otherwise have been allocated to us based generally on our
percentage ownership of outstanding common membership units of
Charter Holdco would instead be allocated to the membership
units held by Vulcan Cable and CII. The purpose of these special
tax allocation provisions was to allow Mr. Allen to take
advantage, for tax purposes, of the losses generated by Charter
Holdco during such period. In some situations, these special tax
allocation provisions could result in our having to pay taxes in
an amount that is more or less than if Charter Holdco had
allocated net tax losses to its members based generally on the
percentage of outstanding common membership units owned by such
members. For further discussion on the details of the tax
allocation provisions see Charters Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, Part II.
Item 7. Managements Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates Income
Taxes.
Risks Related to Regulatory and Legislative Matters
Our cable system franchises are non-exclusive. Accordingly,
local franchising authorities can grant additional franchises
and create competition in market areas where none existed
previously, resulting in overbuilds, which could adversely
affect results of operations.
Our cable system franchises are non-exclusive. Consequently,
local franchising authorities can grant additional franchises to
competitors in the same geographic area or operate their own
cable systems. In addition, certain telephone companies are
seeking authority to operate in communities without first
obtaining a local franchise. As a result, competing operators
may build systems in areas in which we hold franchises. In some
cases, municipal utilities may legally compete with us without
obtaining a franchise from the local franchising authority.
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Legislative proposals have been introduced in many state
legislatures that would greatly streamline cable franchising.
This legislation is intended to facilitate entry by new
competitors, particularly local telephone companies. Such
legislation has passed in numerous states, including states
where we have significant operations. Although most of these
states have provided some regulatory relief for incumbent cable
operators, some of these proposals are viewed as being more
favorable to new entrants due to a number of factors, including
efforts to withhold streamlined cable franchising from
incumbents until after the expiration of their existing
franchises, and the potential for new entrants to serve only
higher-income areas of a particular community. To the extent we
are not able to avail ourselves of this streamlined franchising
process, we may continue to be subject to more onerous franchise
requirements at the local level than new entrants. In March
2007, the FCC released a ruling designed to streamline
competitive cable franchising. Among other things, the FCC
prohibited local franchising authorities from imposing
unreasonable build-out requirements and established
a mechanism whereby competing providers can secure interim
authority to offer cable service if the local franchising
authority has not acted on a franchise application within
90 days (in the case of competitors with existing right of
way authority) or 180 days (in the case of competitors
without existing
right-of-way
authority). Local regulators have appealed the FCCs
ruling, which is currently effective.
We may be required to provide access to our networks to other
Internet service providers which could significantly increase
our competition and adversely affect our ability to provide new
products and services.
A number of companies, including independent Internet service
providers, or ISPs, have requested local authorities and the FCC
to require cable operators to provide non-discriminatory access
to cables broadband infrastructure, so that these
companies may deliver Internet services directly to customers
over cable facilities. In a 2005 ruling, commonly referred to as
Brand X, the Supreme Court upheld an FCC decision making
it less likely that any nondiscriminatory open
access requirements (which are generally associated with
common carrier regulation of telecommunications
services) will be imposed on the cable industry by local,
state or federal authorities. The Supreme Court held that the
FCC was correct in classifying cable provided Internet service
as an information service, rather than a
telecommunications service. Notwithstanding Brand
X, there has been continued advocacy by certain Internet
content providers and consumer groups for new federal laws or
regulations to adopt so-called net neutrality
principles limiting the ability of broadband network owners
(like Charter) to manage and control their own networks. The
proposals might prevent network owners, for example, from
charging bandwidth intensive content providers, such as certain
online gaming, music, and video service providers, an additional
fee to ensure quality delivery of the services to consumers. If
we were required to allocate a portion of our bandwidth capacity
to other Internet service providers, or were prohibited from
charging heavy bandwidth intensive services a fee for use of our
networks, we believe that it could impair our ability to use our
bandwidth in ways that would generate maximum revenues. In April
2007, the FCC issued a notice of inquiry regarding the marketing
practices of broadband providers as a precursor to considering
the need for any FCC regulation of Internet service providers.
Changes in channel carriage regulations could impose
significant additional costs on us.
Cable operators also face significant regulation of their
channel carriage. We can be required to devote substantial
capacity to the carriage of programming that they might not
carry voluntarily, including certain local broadcast signals,
local public, educational and government access programming, and
unaffiliated commercial leased access programming. This carriage
burden could increase in the future, particularly if we are
required to carry both the analog and digital versions of local
broadcast signals (dual carriage) or to carry multiple program
streams included with a single digital broadcast transmission
(multicast carriage). Additional government-mandated broadcast
carriage obligations could disrupt existing programming
commitments, interfere with our preferred use of limited channel
capacity and limit our ability to offer services that would
maximize our revenue potential. The FCC recently initiated a new
rulemaking to explore the cable industrys carriage
obligations once the broadcast industrys transition from
analog to digital transmission is completed in February 2009.
The FCC is considering new carriage
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obligations in an effort to facilitate that transition that
could increase the capacity cable operators must devote to the
retransmission of broadcast signals.
Our business is subject to extensive governmental legislation
and regulation, which could adversely affect our business.
Regulation of the cable industry has increased cable
operators administrative and operational expenses and
limited their revenues. Cable operators are subject to, among
other things:
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rules governing the provision of cable equipment and
compatibility with new digital technologies; |
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rules and regulations relating to subscriber privacy; |
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limited rate regulation; |
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requirements governing when a cable system must carry a
particular broadcast station and when it must first obtain
consent to carry a broadcast station; |
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rules and regulations relating to provision of voice
communications; |
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rules for franchise renewals and transfers; and |
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other requirements covering a variety of operational areas such
as equal employment opportunity, technical standards and
customer service requirements. |
Additionally, many aspects of these regulations are currently
the subject of judicial proceedings and administrative or
legislative proposals. There are also ongoing efforts to amend
or expand the federal, state and local regulation of some of our
cable systems, which may compound the regulatory risks we
already face. Certain states and localities are considering new
telecommunications taxes that could increase operating expenses.
Our cable system franchises are subject to non-renewal or
termination. The failure to renew a franchise in one or more key
markets could adversely affect our business.
Our cable systems generally operate pursuant to franchises,
permits and similar authorizations issued by a state or local
governmental authority controlling the public
rights-of-way. Many
franchises establish comprehensive facilities and service
requirements, as well as specific customer service standards and
monetary penalties for non-compliance. In many cases, franchises
are terminable if the franchisee fails to comply with
significant provisions set forth in the franchise agreement
governing system operations. Franchises are generally granted
for fixed terms and must be periodically renewed. Local
franchising authorities may resist granting a renewal if either
past performance or the prospective operating proposal is
considered inadequate. Franchise authorities often demand
concessions or other commitments as a condition to renewal. In
some instances, franchises have not been renewed at expiration,
and we have operated and are operating under either temporary
operating agreements or without a license while negotiating
renewal terms with the local franchising authorities.
Approximately 15% of our franchises, covering approximately 18%
of our analog video customers, were expired as of June 30,
2007. Approximately 4% of additional franchises, covering
approximately an additional 6% of our analog video customers,
will expire on or before December 31, 2007, if not renewed
prior to expiration.
We cannot assure you that we will be able to comply with all
significant provisions of our franchise agreements and certain
of our franchisors have from time to time alleged that we have
not complied with these agreements. Additionally, although
historically we have renewed our franchises without incurring
significant costs, we cannot assure you that we will be able to
renew, or to renew as favorably, our franchises in the future. A
termination of or a sustained failure to renew a franchise in
one or more key markets could adversely affect our business in
the affected geographic area.
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Local franchise authorities have the ability to impose
additional regulatory constraints on our business, which could
further increase our expenses.
In addition to the franchise agreement, cable authorities in
some jurisdictions have adopted cable regulatory ordinances that
further regulate the operation of cable systems. This additional
regulation increases the cost of operating our business. We
cannot assure you that the local franchising authorities will
not impose new and more restrictive requirements. Local
franchising authorities also generally have the power to reduce
rates and order refunds on the rates charged for basic services.
Further regulation of the cable industry could cause us to
delay or cancel service or programming enhancements or impair
our ability to raise rates to cover our increasing costs,
resulting in increased losses.
Currently, rate regulation is strictly limited to the basic
service tier and associated equipment and installation
activities. However, the FCC and the U.S. Congress continue
to be concerned that cable rate increases are exceeding
inflation. It is possible that either the FCC or the
U.S. Congress will again restrict the ability of cable
system operators to implement rate increases. Should this occur,
it would impede our ability to raise our rates. If we are unable
to raise our rates in response to increasing costs, our losses
would increase.
There has been considerable legislative and regulatory interest
in requiring cable operators to offer historically bundled
programming services on an á la carte basis or to at least
offer a separately available child-friendly Family
Tier. It is possible that new marketing restrictions could
be adopted in the future. Such restrictions could adversely
affect our operations.
Actions by pole owners might subject us to significantly
increased pole attachment costs.
Pole attachments are cable wires that are attached to utility
poles. Cable system attachments to public utility poles
historically have been regulated at the federal or state level.
The pole attachment rates afforded cable operators under federal
law can be increased by utility companies if the operator
provides telecommunications services, in addition to cable
service, over cable wires attached to utility poles. To date,
Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, service has not been
classified as either a telecommunications service or cable
service under the Communications Act. If VoIP were classified as
a telecommunications service under the Communications Act by the
FCC, a state Public Utility Commission, or an appropriate court,
it might result in significantly increased pole attachment costs
for us, which could adversely affect our financial condition and
results of operations. We are a defendant in at least one
lawsuit where the utility company claims that we should pay an
increased rate on its poles. Any significant increased pole
attachment costs could have a material adverse impact on our
profitability and discourage system upgrades and the
introduction of new products and services.
Offering voice communications service may subject us to
additional regulatory burdens, causing us to incur additional
costs.
In 2002, we began to offer voice communications services on a
limited basis over our broadband network. We continue to develop
and deploy VoIP services. The FCC has declared that certain VoIP
services are not subject to traditional state public utility
regulation. The full extent of the FCC preemption of state and
local regulation of VoIP services is not yet clear. Expanding
our offering of these services may require us to obtain certain
authorizations, including federal and state licenses. We may not
be able to obtain such authorizations in a timely manner, or
conditions could be imposed upon such licenses or authorizations
that may not be favorable to us. The FCC has extended certain
traditional telecommunications requirements, such as E911 and
Universal Service requirements, to many VoIP providers, such as
Charter. The FCC has also required that these VoIP providers
comply with obligations applied to traditional
telecommunications carriers to ensure their networks can
accommodate law enforcement wiretaps by May 2007.
Telecommunications companies generally are subject to other
significant regulation which could also be extended to VoIP
providers. If additional telecommunications regulations are
applied to our VoIP service, it could cause us to incur
additional costs.
42
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE EXCHANGE OFFER
For your convenience, the following is additional summary
information regarding the Exchange Offer in a question and
answer format.
Who is making the Exchange Offer?
The Offeror, Charter Communications Holding Company, LLC, is
offering to pay the Exchange Consideration to Holders of
outstanding Old Notes who agree to tender their Old Notes in
accordance with the terms of the Exchange Offer.
What securities are the subject of the Exchange Offer?
The securities that are the subject of the Exchange Offer are
Charters 5.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2009. As
of the date of this Exchange Offer Prospectus, there are
$412,500,000 in aggregate principal amount of Old Notes
outstanding. The Offeror will not accept for exchange more than
$309,375,000 principal amount of Old Notes.
What will I receive in the Exchange Offer if I tender my Old
Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer and they are accepted?
The Exchange Consideration per $1,000 principal
amount of Old Notes accepted for exchange will be an amount of
New Notes determined based on the Average Price of
Charters Class A common stock as set forth in the
table below. In addition to the Exchange Consideration, the
Offeror will pay accrued interest on the Old Notes from and
including the last interest payment date (which was May 16,
2007) up to, but not including, the Settlement Date.
The initial conversion price for the New Notes will be the
Average Price multiplied by 1.4 (examples of which are set forth
in the table below). The initial conversion rate will be $1,000
divided by the conversion price, rounded to four decimal places.
If the Average Price is between two prices shown in the table
below, the principal amount of New Notes to be issued per $1,000
principal amount of Old Notes tendered will be calculated using
straight-line interpolation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal Amount of New |
|
|
Average Price of |
|
Notes to be Issued per |
|
Terms of the New Notes |
Charters Class A |
|
$1,000 Principal Amount |
|
|
Common Stock |
|
of Old Notes Tendered |
|
Conversion Price |
|
Conversion Rate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2.00 |
|
|
$ |
1,110.62 |
|
|
$ |
2.80 |
|
|
|
357.1429 |
|
$ |
2.20 |
|
|
$ |
1,173.25 |
|
|
$ |
3.08 |
|
|
|
324.6753 |
|
$ |
2.40 |
|
|
$ |
1,239.65 |
|
|
$ |
3.36 |
|
|
|
297.6190 |
|
$ |
2.60 |
|
|
$ |
1,309.13 |
|
|
$ |
3.64 |
|
|
|
274.7253 |
|
$ |
2.80 |
|
|
$ |
1,381.10 |
|
|
$ |
3.92 |
|
|
|
255.1020 |
|
$ |
3.00 |
|
|
$ |
1,451.68 |
|
|
$ |
4.20 |
|
|
|
238.0952 |
|
$ |
3.20 |
|
|
$ |
1,521.73 |
|
|
$ |
4.48 |
|
|
|
223.2143 |
|
$ |
3.40 |
|
|
$ |
1,592.26 |
|
|
$ |
4.76 |
|
|
|
210.0840 |
|
$ |
3.60 |
|
|
$ |
1,662.60 |
|
|
$ |
5.04 |
|
|
|
198.4127 |
|
$ |
3.80 |
|
|
$ |
1,733.33 |
|
|
$ |
5.32 |
|
|
|
187.9699 |
|
$ |
4.00 |
|
|
$ |
1,802.82 |
|
|
$ |
5.60 |
|
|
|
178.5714 |
|
$ |
4.20 |
|
|
$ |
1,872.80 |
|
|
$ |
5.88 |
|
|
|
170.0680 |
|
$ |
4.35 |
|
|
$ |
1,923.50 |
|
|
$ |
6.09 |
|
|
|
164.2036 |
|
The Offeror will not accept for exchange more than $309,375,000
principal amount of Old Notes (the Maximum Amount).
As a result, if more than the Maximum Amount of Old Notes is
validly tendered and not validly withdrawn, the Offeror will
accept Old Notes from each Holder pro rata, based on the total
principal amount of Old Notes validly tendered and not validly
withdrawn.
New Notes will be issued only in minimum denominations of $1,000
and integral multiples of $1,000. See Description of the
Exchange Offer.
43
If the Exchange Offer is consummated and I do not fully
participate or some of my Old Notes are not accepted for
exchange, how will my rights and obligations under the Old Notes
be affected?
Old Notes not tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer will
remain outstanding after the consummation of the Exchange Offer.
Holders of Old Notes not tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer
will continue to have the same rights under the Old Notes as
they are entitled to today.
With some of the proceeds from the initial sale of the Old
Notes, we purchased and pledged to the trustee under the
indenture for the Old Notes as security for the benefit of the
Holders, approximately $144 million of U.S. government
securities, of which $25 million remains subject to the
pledge. These securities were pledged to provide for the payment
of the first six scheduled interest payments due on the original
principal amount of the Old Notes. Because we currently intend
that the Old Notes accepted for exchange will not be cancelled
and will be held by Charter Holdco, directly or indirectly,
after the Settlement Date, you will not be entitled to any
increases in your pro rata share of the U.S. government
securities pledged as security for the Old Notes. Holders are
subject to certain risks associated with both tendering or not
tendering Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer. See
Risk Factors Risks to Continuing Holders of
Old Notes After the Settlement Date and Risk
Factors Risks to Tendering Holders of Old
Notes.
What is the purpose of the Exchange Offer?
The purpose of the Exchange Offer is to exchange up to
$309,375,000 of Charters outstanding Old Notes to extend
maturities.
What is the market value of the Old Notes?
The Old Notes are not listed on any national securities exchange
but are eligible for trading on the
PORTALsm
Market.
What is the recent market price of the Class A common
stock?
The Class A common stock is traded on The Nasdaq Global
Market under the symbol CHTR. The last reported sale
price of the Class A common stock on August 27, 2007
was $2.77 per share. Each $1,000 principal amount of Old
Notes is convertible into 413.2331 shares of Class A
common stock, which is equivalent to a conversion price of
$2.42 per share. See Price Range of Common
Stock.
For the reasons described elsewhere herein, it is likely that
the market price of the Class A common stock will be
especially volatile during the Exchange Offer and may be
substantially affected by the unwinding of hedging positions
that Holders of Old Notes had entered into in connection with
their investment in the Old Notes.
What is the market value of the New Notes?
The New Notes will not be listed on any national securities
exchange but are expected to be eligible for trading on the
PORTALsm
Market.
How does the Exchange Consideration I will receive if I
tender my Old Notes compare to what I would receive if I do not
tender them?
If you do not tender your Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange
Offer you will be entitled to receive interest payments of
5.875% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on May
16 and November 16 of each year through maturity
(November 16, 2009). In addition, prior to the maturity of
the Old Notes, you may elect to convert them into Class A
common stock. Each $1,000 principal amount of Old Notes is
convertible into 413.2231 shares of Class A common
stock, which is equivalent to a conversion price of
$2.42 per share. At maturity, if you have not elected to
convert your Old Notes, you will be entitled to the repayment of
the principal amount of the Old Notes.
44
Because we intend that Charter Holdco, directly or indirectly,
will hold the Old Notes accepted for exchange, Holders of Old
Notes not exchanged will not be entitled to any increase in the
pro rata share of these pledged securities. Instead, Charter
Holdco, directly or indirectly, will receive any benefit from
these U.S. government securities on the same pro rata basis
as any Holders of Old Notes not exchanged. Furthermore, there
can be no assurance that the cash received by Charter Holdco,
directly or indirectly, as interest on the Old Notes will be
available to pay either principal or interest on any Old Notes
not exchanged.
If, however, you participate in the Exchange Offer, you will
receive the Exchange Consideration described above under
What will I receive in the Exchange Offer if I
tender my Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer and they are
accepted?
Will I receive accrued and unpaid interest from and after
May 16, 2007 to the Expiration Date?
In addition to the Exchange Consideration, the Offeror will pay
accrued interest on the Old Notes from and after the last
interest payment date (which was May 16, 2007) up to, but
not including, the Settlement Date.
How will fluctuations in the trading price of the
Class A common stock affect the amount I will receive if I
tender my Old Notes?
You will receive a principal amount of New Notes based upon the
Average Price of the Class A common stock. If the market
price of the Class A common stock declines, the value of
the New Notes you will receive will decline. Trading prices of
the Class A common stock and New Notes will be influenced
by our operating results and prospects and by economic,
financial, regulatory and other factors, as well as by this
Exchange Offer. General market conditions, including the level
of, and fluctuations in, the prices of stocks and high-yield
notes, will also have an impact. In addition, sales of
substantial amounts of the New Notes after this Exchange Offer,
or the perception that such sales may occur, could affect the
price of the New Notes.
When will I receive the Exchange Consideration for tendering
my Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer?
Assuming the Offeror has not previously elected to terminate the
Exchange Offer (which the Offeror can only do if a condition to
the Exchange Offer has not been satisfied, see Description
of the Exchange Offer Conditions to the Exchange
Offer), Old Notes validly tendered in accordance with the
procedures set forth herein prior to 11:59 p.m., New York
City time, on the Expiration Date, will, upon the terms and
subject to the conditions of the Exchange Offer, be accepted for
exchange and payment by the Offeror of the Exchange
Consideration, and payments will be made therefor promptly on
the Settlement Date. The Offeror intends to deposit the Exchange
Consideration with the Exchange Agent or return tendered Old
Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer, as applicable, on the
fourth business day following the Expiration Date. If the
Exchange Offer is not consummated, no such exchange will occur
and no payments will be made.
In the event of a termination of the Exchange Offer, the Old
Notes tendered for exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offer will
be promptly returned to the tendering Holders. Likewise, any Old
Notes not accepted for exchange because the Maximum Amount has
been exceeded will be promptly returned to the tendering Holders.
Will the New Notes I receive upon tender of the Old
Notes be freely tradable?
Yes. Generally, the New Notes you will receive pursuant to the
Exchange Offer will be freely tradable, unless you are an
affiliate of Charter, as that term is defined in the Securities
Act, or you acquired your Old Notes from an affiliate of Charter
in an unregistered transaction. The Offeror does not intend to
list the New Notes on any securities exchange or to seek
approval for quotation through any automated quotation system.
45
Do the Offeror or its affiliates have any current plans to
purchase any Old Notes that remain outstanding subsequent to the
Expiration Date?
No. The Offeror and its affiliates reserve the right, in their
absolute discretion, to purchase or make offers to purchase any
Old Notes that remain outstanding subsequent to the Expiration
Date and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, purchase
Old Notes in the open market, in privately negotiated
transactions or otherwise, but have no current plans to do so.
The terms of any such purchases or offers could differ from the
terms of the Exchange Offer.
If I have entered into a swap transaction or share lending
agreement with CGML or any of its affiliates to hedge my Old
Notes, will I have to unwind that hedge position if I tender my
Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer?
No. However, you may want to contact CGML or its affiliates in
order to extend the maturity of your hedges, if necessary. We
have agreed with CGML to amend the Share Lending Agreement to
allow the Borrowed Shares to remain outstanding through the
maturity of the New Notes. Charter has no rights or obligations
pursuant to any swap transaction or share lending agreement you
may have with CGML or any such affiliate, and you should contact
CGML or such affiliate directly if you have any questions
related thereto.
What will happen if I unwind positions relating to my hedging
of my investment in the Old Notes and the Exchange Offer is not
consummated?
If the Exchange Offer is not consummated, any Old Notes you
tendered will be returned to you. If you decide to re-establish
a hedge position in your Old Notes, any hedging transactions you
enter into will be at your own risk and expense. If any of the
Borrowed Shares are returned to us when holders unwind their
hedge positions in the Old Notes, we will have no obligation
under the terms of this Exchange Offer to re-lend those shares
if the Exchange Offer is not consummated.
What will happen to the Old Notes that are accepted for
exchange?
So that Charter Holdco, directly or indirectly, will receive any
benefit from the U.S. government securities pledged as
security for the Old Notes, we intend that, following the
closing of the Exchange Offer, Charter Holdco will hold the Old
Notes accepted for exchange. As a result, Holders of Old Notes
not exchanged will not be entitled to any increase in the pro
rata share of these pledged U.S. government securities.
However, there can be no assurance that the cash received by
Charter Holdco as interest on the Old Notes will be available to
pay either principal or interest on any Old Notes not exchanged
or on New Notes. See Description of the Old Notes.
Are any Old Notes held by the officers or directors of
Charter or its subsidiaries?
No. None of our directors or executive officers beneficially
holds Old Notes.
Are Charter, the Offeror or any of their subsidiaries making
a recommendation regarding whether I should tender my Old Notes
pursuant to the Exchange Offer?
Neither Charter, the Offeror, their subsidiaries nor their
respective Boards of Directors has made, nor will they make a
recommendation to any Holder, and will remain neutral as to
whether you should exchange your Old Notes pursuant to the
Exchange Offer or unwind any hedged positions with respect to
the Old Notes. You must make your own investment decision with
regard to the Exchange Offer. The Offeror urges you to carefully
read this Exchange Offer Prospectus and the related Letter of
Transmittal in its entirety, including the information set forth
in the section entitled Risk Factors.
46
What are the conditions to the Exchange Offer?
The Exchange Offer is conditioned on a minimum amount of
$75,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Old Notes being
tendered. The Exchange Offer is also conditioned upon the
Average Price being more than or equal to $2.00 and less than or
equal to $4.35. The Exchange Offer is subject to applicable law
and the conditions described under Description of the
Exchange Offer Conditions to the Exchange
Offer, including that the Average Price be more than or
equal to $2.00 or less than or equal to $4.35 and effectiveness
of the registration statement. Although the Offeror currently
expects that each of the conditions will be satisfied and that
no waiver of any condition will be necessary, the Offeror does
not know whether any of the conditions will be satisfied on a
timely basis, if at all, and has made no determination of
whether or not (or to what extent) that the Offeror would waive
any of the conditions to the Exchange Offer.
When does the Exchange Offer expire?
The Exchange Offer will expire at 11:59 p.m., New York City
time, on September 26, 2007, unless extended or earlier
terminated by the Offeror.
Under what circumstances can the Exchange Offer be extended,
amended or terminated?
The Offeror may extend or amend the Exchange Offer in its
absolute discretion, and the Offeror expressly reserves the
right, in its discretion and subject to
Rule 14e-l(c)
under the Exchange Act, to delay acceptance of, or payment of
Exchange Consideration in respect of, Old Notes in order to
comply with any applicable law. In addition, the Offeror may
terminate the Exchange Offer if any one or more of the
conditions to the Exchange Offer is not satisfied, but in no
other circumstance. See Description of the Exchange
Offer Conditions to the Exchange Offer.
How will I be notified if the Exchange Offer is extended,
amended or terminated?
Any extension, amendment or termination of the Exchange Offer
will be followed promptly by public announcement thereof, the
announcement in the case of an extension of the Exchange Offer
to be issued no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time,
on the next business day after the previously scheduled
Expiration Date.
Without limiting the manner in which any public announcement may
be made, the Offeror shall have no obligation to publish,
advertise or otherwise communicate any such public announcement
other than by issuing a release to the Dow Jones News Service.
What risks should I consider in deciding whether or not to
tender my Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer?
In deciding whether to participate in the Exchange Offer, you
should carefully consider the discussion of risks and
uncertainties described under Risk Factors herein.
What are the material United States federal income tax
consequences of the Exchange Offer?
For a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax
consequences of the Exchange Offer, see Certain
U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences.
Will Charter, the Offeror or any of their subsidiaries
receive any proceeds from the Exchange Offer?
No.
How do I tender my Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange
Offer?
If your Old Notes are held in the name of a broker, dealer or
other nominee, the Old Notes may be tendered by your nominee
through DTC. If your Old Notes are not held in the name of a
broker, dealer
47
or other nominee, you must tender your Old Notes together with a
completed Letter of Transmittal and any other documents required
thereby or hereby, to the Exchange Agent, no later than
11:59 p.m. New York City time, on the Expiration Date. For
more information regarding the procedures for tendering your Old
Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer. See Description of
the Exchange Offer Procedures for Tendering Old
Notes.
May I tender only a portion of the Old Notes that I hold?
Yes. You do not have to tender all of your Old Notes to
participate in the Exchange Offer. However, you may only tender
Old Notes in integral multiples of $1,000 principal amount.
What happens if some of my Old Notes are not accepted for
exchange?
The Offeror will not accept for exchange more than $309,375,000
principal amount of Old Notes, which is the Maximum Amount. As a
result, if more than the Maximum Amount of Old Notes is validly
tendered and not validly withdrawn, the Offeror will accept Old
Notes from each Holder pro rata, based on the total principal
amount of Old Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn.
Any Old Notes not accepted for exchange because the Maximum
Amount has been exceeded will be promptly returned to the
tendering Holders.
What is the deadline and what are the procedures for
withdrawing previously tendered Old Notes?
Old Notes previously tendered may be withdrawn at any time up
until 11:59 p.m. New York City time, on the Expiration
Date. For a withdrawal of tendered Old Notes to be effective, a
written, telegraphic or facsimile transmission with all the
information required must be received by the Exchange Agent on
or prior to 11:59 p.m. New York City time, on the
Expiration Date at its address set forth on the back cover of
this Exchange Offer Prospectus. See Description of the
Exchange Offer Withdrawal of Tendered Old
Notes.
Who do I call if I have any questions on how to tender my Old
Notes or any other questions relating to the Exchange Offer?
Any requests for assistance in connection with the Exchange
Offer or for additional copies of this Exchange Offer Prospectus
or related materials should be directed to the Information
Agent. Any questions regarding the Exchange Offer should be
directed to the Dealer Managers. Contact information for the
Information Agent and the Dealer Managers is set forth on the
back cover of this Exchange Offer Prospectus. Beneficial owners
may also contact their brokers, dealers, commercial banks, trust
companies or other nominees through whom they hold the Old Notes
with questions and requests for assistance.
48
PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK
The Class A common stock is quoted on The Nasdaq Global
Market under the symbol CHTR. The following table
sets forth, for the periods indicated, the range of high and low
last reported sale price per share of Class A common stock
on The Nasdaq Global Market. There is no established trading
market for the Class B common stock.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
High | |
|
Low | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First quarter
|
|
$ |
2.30 |
|
|
$ |
1.35 |
|
|
Second quarter
|
|
|
1.53 |
|
|
|
0.90 |
|
|
Third quarter
|
|
|
1.71 |
|
|
|
1.14 |
|
|
Fourth quarter
|
|
|
1.50 |
|
|
|
1.12 |
|
2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First quarter
|
|
$ |
1.25 |
|
|
$ |
0.94 |
|
|
Second quarter
|
|
|
1.38 |
|
|
|
1.03 |
|
|
Third quarter
|
|
|
1.56 |
|
|
|
1.11 |
|
|
Fourth quarter
|
|
|
3.36 |
|
|
|
1.47 |
|
2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First quarter
|
|
$ |
3.52 |
|
|
$ |
2.75 |
|
|
Second quarter
|
|
|
4.16 |
|
|
|
2.70 |
|
|
Third quarter through August 27
|
|
|
4.80 |
|
|
|
2.41 |
|
As of June 30, 2007, there were 3,652 holders of record of
the Class A common stock, one holder of the Class B
common stock and 4 holders of record of Charters
Series A Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock.
The last reported sale price of the Class A common stock on
The Nasdaq Global Market on August 27, 2007 was
$2.77 per share.
We have never paid and do not expect to pay any cash dividends
on the Class A Common stock in the foreseeable future.
Charter Holdco is required under certain circumstances to pay
distributions pro rata to all its common members to the extent
necessary for any common member to pay taxes incurred with
respect to its share of taxable income attributed to Charter
Holdco. Covenants in the indentures and credit agreements
governing the debt of our subsidiaries restrict their ability to
make distributions to us and, accordingly, limit our ability to
declare or pay cash dividends. We intend to cause Charter Holdco
and its subsidiaries to retain future earnings, if any, to
finance the operation of the business of Charter Holdco and its
subsidiaries.
BOOK VALUE PER COMMON SHARE
The book value per share of Class A common stock as of
June 30, 2007 was $(17.11).
USE OF PROCEEDS
None of Charter, the Offeror, or any of their subsidiaries will
receive any proceeds from the Exchange Offer.
49
CAPITALIZATION
Capitalization of Charter and its Subsidiaries.
The following table sets forth, as of June 30, 2007, on a
consolidated basis:
|
|
|
|
|
cash and cash equivalents of Charter; |
|
|
|
the actual (historical) capitalization of Charter; and |
|
|
|
the issuance of $449 million principal amount of New Notes
in exchange for 75% of outstanding Old Notes pursuant to the
Exchange Offer (which is based on an assumed average price of
$3). |
The following information should be read in conjunction with
Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data,
Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financials, and the
historical consolidated financial statements and related notes
of Charter incorporated by reference in this Exchange Offer
Prospectus.
We use a 75% participation rate for illustrative purposes only
and cannot assure you that we will achieve a participation rate
at or near that percentage. This table should be read in
conjunction with the Summary Summary
Consolidated Financial Data and the historical
consolidated financial statements of Charter included elsewhere
in this Exchange Offer Prospectus. The financial data is not
intended to provide any indication of what our actual financial
position, including actual cash balances and revolver
borrowings, or results would have been had the transactions
described above been completed on the dates indicated or to
project our results of operations for any future date.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of June 30, 2007 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
Actual | |
|
Pro Forma | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(Dollars in millions, | |
|
|
unaudited) | |
Cash and Cash Equivalents
|
|
$ |
81 |
|
|
$ |
71 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-Term Debt:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Charter Communications, Inc.:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.875% convertible senior notes due 2009
|
|
$ |
411 |
|
|
$ |
103 |
|
|
|
7.00% convertible senior notes due 2027(a)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
325 |
|
|
Charter Communications Holdings, LLC:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senior and senior discount notes(b)
|
|
|
578 |
|
|
|
578 |
|
|
CCH I Holdings, LLC:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senior and senior discount notes(c)(d)
|
|
|
2,534 |
|
|
|
2,534 |
|
|
CCH I, LLC:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11.000% senior notes due 2015(d)
|
|
|
4,087 |
|
|
|
4,087 |
|
|
CCH II, LLC:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.250% senior notes due 2010
|
|
|
2,190 |
|
|
|
2,190 |
|
|
|
10.250% senior notes due 2013(d)
|
|
|
261 |
|
|
|
261 |
|
|
CCO Holdings:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.750% senior notes due 2013
|
|
|
795 |
|
|
|
795 |
|
|
Charter Operating:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.000% senior second lien notes due 2012
|
|
|
1,100 |
|
|
|
1,100 |
|
|
|
83/8% senior
second lien notes due 2014
|
|
|
770 |
|
|
|
770 |
|
Credit Facilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CCO Holdings
|
|
|
350 |
|
|
|
350 |
|
|
Charter Operating(e)
|
|
|
6,500 |
|
|
|
6,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total long-term debt
|
|
|
19,576 |
|
|
|
19,593 |
(i) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
50
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of June 30, 2007 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
Actual | |
|
Pro Forma | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(Dollars in millions, | |
|
|
unaudited) | |
Note Payable Related Party(f)
|
|
|
61 |
|
|
|
61 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred Stock Redeemable(g)
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minority Interest(h)
|
|
|
195 |
|
|
|
195 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders Deficit
|
|
|
(6,849 |
) |
|
|
(6,983 |
)(i) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Capitalization
|
|
$ |
12,987 |
|
|
$ |
12,870 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
Represents the issuance of the New Notes assuming face value of
$449 million of which, based on preliminary estimates,
$124 million relates to certain provisions of the New Notes
that for accounting purposes are derivatives which require
bifurcation and are recorded as accounts payable and accrued
expenses and other long-term liabilities. The debt will accrete
to face value over five years, the date holders can initially
require the Company to repurchase the New Notes. |
|
(b) |
Represents the following Charter Holdings notes: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of June 30, 2007 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
Actual and | |
|
|
Pro Forma | |
|
|
| |
|
|
(Dollars in millions, | |
|
|
unaudited) | |
10.000% senior notes due 2009
|
|
$ |
88 |
|
10.750% senior notes due 2009
|
|
|
63 |
|
9.625% senior notes due 2009
|
|
|
37 |
|
10.250% senior notes due 2010
|
|
|
18 |
|
11.750% senior discount notes due 2010
|
|
|
16 |
|
11.125% senior notes due 2011
|
|
|
47 |
|
13.500% senior discount notes due 2011
|
|
|
60 |
|
9.920% senior discount notes due 2011
|
|
|
51 |
|
10.000% senior notes due 2011
|
|
|
69 |
|
11.750% senior discount notes due 2011
|
|
|
54 |
|
12.125% senior discount notes due 2012
|
|
|
75 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$ |
578 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(c) |
|
Represents the following CIH notes: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of June 30, 2007 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
Actual and | |
|
|
Pro Forma | |
|
|
| |
|
|
(Dollars in millions, | |
|
|
unaudited) | |
11.125% senior notes due 2014
|
|
$ |
151 |
|
13.500% senior discount notes due 2014
|
|
|
581 |
|
9.920% senior discount notes due 2014
|
|
|
471 |
|
10.000% senior notes due 2014
|
|
|
299 |
|
11.750% senior discount notes due 2014
|
|
|
815 |
|
12.125% senior discount notes due 2015
|
|
|
217 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$ |
2,534 |
|
|
|
|
|
51
|
|
|
(d) |
|
Certain of the CIH notes, CCH I notes, and CCH II
notes issued in exchange for Charter Holdings notes and Charter
Old Notes in 2006 and 2005 are recorded for financial reporting
purposes at values different from the current accreted value for
legal purposes and notes indenture purposes (the amount that is
currently payable if the debt becomes immediately due). As of
June 30, 2007, the accreted value of our debt for legal
purposes and notes indenture purposes is approximately
$19.4 billion. |
|
(e) |
|
As of June 30, 2007, our total potential borrowing
availability under our revolving credit facility was
approximately $1.4 billion, none of which was limited by
covenant restrictions. |
|
(f) |
|
Represents an exchangeable accreting note issued by CCHC in
relation to the CC VIII settlement. |
|
(g) |
|
Represents 36,713 shares of Series A Convertible
Redeemable Preferred Stock (the Preferred Stock).
The Preferred Stock is redeemable by Charter at its option and
must be redeemed by Charter at any time upon a change of
control, or if not previously redeemed or converted, on
August 31, 2008. The Preferred Stock is convertible, in
whole or in part, at the option of the holders through
August 31, 2008, into shares of Charter Class A common
stock, at an initial conversion price of $24.71 per share
of Charter Class A common stock, subject to certain
customary adjustments. |
|
(h) |
|
Minority interest represents Mr. Allens,
Charters chairman and controlling shareholder, 5.6%
preferred membership interests in CC VIII, an indirect
subsidiary of Charter Holdco. |
|
(i) |
|
Using the maximum Average Price would increase pro forma
long-term debt by $126 million and pro forma
Shareholders Deficit by $167 million. Using the
minimum Average Price would decrease pro forma long-term debt by
$77 million and pro forma Shareholders Deficit by
$106 million. |
52
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIALS
The following unaudited pro forma consolidated financial
statements are based on the historical consolidated financial
statements of Charter, adjusted to reflect the following
transactions as if they occurred on January 1, 2006 for the
unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of operations and as
of June 30, 2007 for the unaudited consolidated balance
sheets:
|
|
|
(1) the completed disposition of certain assets for total
proceeds of approximately $1.0 billion and the use of such
proceeds to reduce amounts outstanding under our revolving
credit facility; |
|
|
(2) the issuance and sale of $450 million principal
amount of CCH II senior notes in January 2006 and the use
of such proceeds to pay down credit facilities; |
|
|
(3) the refinancing of the Charter Operating credit
facilities in April 2006 and the related reductions in interest
rate margins on the term loan; |
|
|
(4) the September 2006 exchanges by Charter Holdings,
CCH I, CCH I Capital Corp., CCH II, and
CCH II Capital Corp., of approximately $797 million in
total principal amount of outstanding debt securities of Charter
Holdings in a private placement for new CCH I and
CCH II debt securities; |
|
|
(5) the September 2006 exchange by Charter, CCHC,
CCH II, and CCH II Capital Corp., of approximately
$450 million in total principal amount of Charters
5.875% convertible senior notes due 2009 for
$188 million cash, 45 million shares of Charters
Class A common stock and $146 million principal amount
of new CCH II debt securities; |
|
|
(6) the refinancing of the Charter Operating credit
facilities in March 2007 and the issuance of a $350 million
third lien term loan by CCO Holdings; |
|
|
(7) the repurchase of $97 million of Charter Holdings
notes for $100 million of total consideration, including
premiums and accrued interest in April 2007; |
|
|
(8) the redemption of $187 million of Charter Holdings
notes and $550 million of CCO Holdings senior floating rate
notes in April 2007; and |
|
|
(9) the issuance of $449 million principal amount of
New Notes in exchange for 75% of the outstanding Old Notes
pursuant to the Exchange Offer (based on an assumed Average
Price of $3). We use a 75% participation rate for illustrative
purposes only. We cannot assure you that we will achieve a
participation rate at or near that level or that the Average
Price will not vary significantly from the assumed price. |
The unaudited pro forma adjustments are based on information
available to us as of the date of this Exchange Offer Prospectus
and certain assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the
circumstances. The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial
statements required allocation of certain revenues and expenses
and such information has been presented for comparative purposes
and is not intended to provide any indication of what our actual
financial position, including actual cash balances and revolver
borrowings, or results of operations would have been had the
transactions described above been completed on the dates
indicated or to project our results of operations for any future
date.
53
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Statement of Operations
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Acquisitions/ | |
|
Prior Financing | |
|
|
|
Exchange | |
|
|
|
|
Historical | |
|
Dispositions(a) | |
|
Transactions(b) | |
|
As Adjusted | |
|
Offer(c) | |
|
Pro Forma | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(Dollars in millions, except per share and share data) | |
REVENUES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Video
|
|
$ |
1,697 |
|
|
$ |
(2 |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
1,695 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
1,695 |
|
|
High-speed Internet
|
|
|
606 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
606 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
606 |
|
|
Telephone
|
|
|
142 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
142 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
142 |
|
|
Advertising sales
|
|
|
139 |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
138 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
138 |
|
|
Commercial
|
|
|
164 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
164 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
164 |
|
|
Other
|
|
|
176 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
176 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
176 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,924 |
|
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,921 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,921 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)
|
|
|
1,278 |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,277 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,277 |
|
|
Selling, general and administrative
|
|
|
620 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
620 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
620 |
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
665 |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
664 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
664 |
|
|
Other operating expenses, net
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,568 |
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,566 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,566 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from operations
|
|
|
356 |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
355 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
355 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense, net
|
|
|
(935 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(935 |
) |
|
|
(9 |
) |
|
|
(944 |
) |
|
Other income (expense), net
|
|
|
(34 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(969 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
(934 |
) |
|
|
(9 |
) |
|
|
(943 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss before income taxes
|
|
|
(613 |
) |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
(579 |
) |
|
|
(9 |
) |
|
|
(588 |
) |
INCOME TAX EXPENSE
|
|
|
(128 |
) |
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(109 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(109 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss applicable to common stock
|
|
$ |
(741 |
) |
|
$ |
18 |
|
|
$ |
35 |
|
|
$ |
(688 |
) |
|
$ |
(9 |
) |
|
$ |
(697 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss per common share, basic and diluted
|
|
$ |
(2.02 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(1.88 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(1.90 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted
|
|
|
366,855,427 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
366,855,427 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
366,855,427 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Represents the effect on operating results related to the
disposition of certain cable systems in January and May 2007 as
discussed in assumption (1). |
|
(b) |
|
Represents the adjustment to interest expense associated with
the completion of the financing transactions discussed in
assumptions (6) through (8) (in millions): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reduction in interest expense related to the refinancing of
Charter Operating existing term loan in April 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(8 |
) |
Interest on Charter Operatings new term loan and CCO
Holdings third lien term loan issued in April 2007 |
|
|
37 |
|
|
|
|
|
Historical interest expense on Charter Operatings
revolving credit facility, Charter Holdings notes and CCO
Holdings notes retired |
|
|
(29 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase in interest expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
54
|
|
|
Adjustment to other income (expense), net represents the
elimination of losses related to assumptions (6) through
(8). |
|
|
|
(c) |
|
Represents the adjustment to interest expense associated with
the Exchange Offer (in millions): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest on the New Notes
|
|
$ |
17 |
|
|
|
|
|
Accretion of New Notes
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
|
|
Historical interest expense on the Old Notes
|
|
|
(13 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Elimination of historical loss on embedded derivative
|
|
|
(7 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase in interest expense
|
|
$ |
9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Using the maximum Average Price would increase pro forma
interest expense by $9 million. Using the minimum Average
Price would decrease pro forma interest expense by
$7 million. |
55
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Statement of Operations
For the Year Ended December 31, 2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Acquisition/ | |
|
Prior Financing | |
|
|
|
Exchange | |
|
|
|
|
Historical | |
|
Dispositions(a) | |
|
Transactions(b) | |
|
As Adjusted | |
|
Offer(c) | |
|
Pro Forma | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(Dollars in millions except per share and share data) | |
REVENUES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Video
|
|
$ |
3,349 |
|
|
$ |
(61 |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
3,288 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
3,288 |
|
|
High-speed Internet
|
|
|
1,051 |
|
|
|
(11 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,040 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,040 |
|
|
Telephone
|
|
|
135 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
135 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
135 |
|
|
Advertising sales
|
|
|
319 |
|
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
316 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
316 |
|
|
Commercial
|
|
|
305 |
|
|
|
(7 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
298 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
298 |
|
|
Other
|
|
|
345 |
|
|
|
(9 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
336 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
336 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,504 |
|
|
|
(91 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,413 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,413 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)
|
|
|
2,438 |
|
|
|
(50 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,388 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,388 |
|
|
Selling, general and administrative
|
|
|
1,165 |
|
|
|
(15 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,150 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,150 |
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
1,354 |
|
|
|
(21 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,333 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,333 |
|
|
Asset impairment charges
|
|
|
159 |
|
|
|
(159 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other operating expenses, net
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,137 |
|
|
|
(245 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,892 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,892 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income from continuing operations
|
|
|
367 |
|
|
|
154 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
521 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
521 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense, net
|
|
|
(1,887 |
) |
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
(1,845 |
) |
|
|
(24 |
) |
|
|
(1,869 |
) |
|
Gain on extinguishment of debt
|
|
|
101 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(101 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other income, net
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,766 |
) |
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
(85 |
) |
|
|
(1,825 |
) |
|
|
(24 |
) |
|
|
(1,849 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes
|
|
|
(1,399 |
) |
|
|
180 |
|
|
|
(85 |
) |
|
|
(1,304 |
) |
|
|
(24 |
) |
|
|
(1,328 |
) |
INCOME TAX EXPENSE
|
|
|
(187 |
) |
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(180 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(180 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from continuing operations
|
|
$ |
(1,586 |
) |
|
$ |
187 |
|
|
$ |
(85 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,484 |
) |
|
$ |
(24 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,508 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from continuing operations per common share, basic and
diluted
|
|
$ |
(4.78 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(4.08 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(4.15 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted
|
|
|
331,941,788 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31,598,360 |
|
|
|
363,540,148 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
363,540,148 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Represents the effect on operating results related to the
disposition of certain cable systems in the third quarter of
2006 and January and May 2007 as discussed in assumption (1). |
56
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(b) |
Represents the adjustment to interest expense associated with
the completion of the financing transactions discussed in
assumptions (2) through (8) (in millions): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reduction in interest expense related to the refinancing of
Charter Operatings existing term loan in April 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(31 |
) |
|
Interest on Charter Operatings term loan and CCO
Holdings third lien term loan issued in April 2007 |
|
|
138 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of deferred financing costs |
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Historical interest expense on Charter Operatings
revolving credit facility, and Charter Holdings notes and
CCO Holdings notes retired |
|
|
(102 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
42 |
|
|
Reduction in interest expense related to the Charter Operating
refinancing in April 2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(9 |
) |
|
Interest on $450 million principal amount of CCH II
10.250% senior notes issued in January 2006 |
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Historical interest expense on Charter Operatings
revolving credit facility |
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
Interest on new CCH I and CCH II senior notes issued in
September 2006 |
|
|
68 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Historical interest expense on Charter Holdings and CIH
notes exchanged for new CCH I and CCH II notes |
|
|
(60 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Historical interest expense on Charter Old Notes |
|
|
(27 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(19 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net decrease in interest expense |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(16 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjustment to gain on extinguishment of debt represents the
elimination of gains related to assumptions(4) and(5). |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(c) |
Represents the adjustment to interest expense associated with
the Exchange Offer (in millions): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest on the New Notes
|
|
$ |
32 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accretion of New Notes
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Historical interest expense on the Old Notes |
|
|
(25 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Elimination of historical loss on embedded derivative |
|
|
(8 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase in interest expense |
|
$ |
24 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Using the maximum Average Price would increase pro forma
interest expense by $18 million. Using the minimum Average
Price would decrease pro forma interest expense by
$13 million. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
57
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Statement of Operations
For the Six Months ended June 30, 2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Acquisition/ | |
|
Prior Financing | |
|
|
|
Exchange | |
|
|
|
|
Historical | |
|
Dispositions(a) | |
|
Transactions(b) | |
|
As Adjusted | |
|
Offer(c) | |
|
Pro Forma | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(Dollars in millions except per share and share data) | |
REVENUES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Video
|
|
$ |
1,684 |
|
|
$ |
(46 |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
1,638 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
1,638 |
|
|
High-speed Internet
|
|
|
506 |
|
|
|
(9 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
497 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
497 |
|
|
Telephone
|
|
|
49 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
49 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
49 |
|
|
Advertising sales
|
|
|
147 |
|
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
144 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
144 |
|
|
Commercial
|
|
|
149 |
|
|
|
(5 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
144 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
144 |
|
|
Other
|
|
|
168 |
|
|
|
(5 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
163 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
163 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,703 |
|
|
|
(68 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,635 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,635 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)
|
|
|
1,215 |
|
|
|
(37 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,178 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,178 |
|
|
Selling, general and administrative
|
|
|
551 |
|
|
|
(10 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
541 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
541 |
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
690 |
|
|
|
(10 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
680 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
680 |
|
|
Asset impairment charges
|
|
|
99 |
|
|
|
(99 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other operating expenses, net
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,565 |
|
|
|
(156 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,409 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,409 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income from continuing operations
|
|
|
138 |
|
|
|
88 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
226 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
226 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense, net
|
|
|
(943 |
) |
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
(901 |
) |
|
|
(17 |
) |
|
|
(918 |
) |
|
Other income (expense), net
|
|
|
(10 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(953 |
) |
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
42 |
|
|
|
(884 |
) |
|
|
(17 |
) |
|
|
(901 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes
|
|
|
(815 |
) |
|
|
115 |
|
|
|
42 |
|
|
|
(658 |
) |
|
|
(17 |
) |
|
|
(675 |
) |
INCOME TAX EXPENSE
|
|
|
(60 |
) |
|
|
(19 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(79 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(79 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from continuing operations
|
|
$ |
(875 |
) |
|
$ |
96 |
|
|
$ |
42 |
|
|
$ |
(737 |
) |
|
$ |
(17 |
) |
|
$ |
(754 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from continuing operations per common share, basic and
diluted
|
|
$ |
(2.76 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(2.03 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(2.08 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted
|
|
|
317,581,492 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
45,000,000 |
|
|
|
362,581,492 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
362,581,492 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Represents the effect on operating results related to the
disposition of certain cable systems in third quarter of 2006
and January and May 2007 as discussed in assumption (1). |
58
|
|
|
(b) |
|
Represents the adjustment to interest expense associated with
the completion of the financing transactions discussed in
assumptions (2) through (8) (in millions): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reduction in interest expense related to the refinancing of
Charter Operatings existing term loan in April 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(16 |
) |
Interest on Charter Operatings term loan and CCO
Holdings third lien term loan issued in April 2007
|
|
|
69 |
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of deferred financing costs
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
Historical interest expense on Charter Operatings
revolving credit facility, and Charter Holdings notes and
CCO Holdings notes retired
|
|
|
(51 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21 |
|
Reduction in interest expense related to the Charter Operating
refinancing in April 2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(9 |
) |
Interest on $450 million principal amount of CCH II
10.25% senior notes issued in January 2006
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
|
|
Historical interest expense on Charter Operatings
revolving credit facility
|
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
Interest on new CCH I and CCH II senior notes issued in
September 2006
|
|
|
48 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Historical interest expense on Charter Holdings and CIH
notes exchanged for new CCH I and CCH II notes
|
|
|
(42 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Historical interest expense on Charter Old Notes
|
|
|
(18 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(12 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net decrease in interest expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(15 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjustment to other income (expense), net represents the
elimination of losses related to assumptions (6) through
(8). |
|
|
|
(c) |
|
Represents the adjustment to interest expense associated with
the Exchange Offer (in millions): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest on the New Notes
|
|
$ |
17 |
|
|
|
|
|
Accretion of New Notes
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
|
|
Historical interest expense on the Old Notes
|
|
|
(13 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Elimination of historical gain on embedded derivative
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase in interest expense
|
|
$ |
17 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Using the maximum Average Price would increase pro forma
interest expense by $9 million. Using the minimum Average
Price would decrease pro forma interest expense by
$7 million. |
59
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Balance Sheet
As of June 30, 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exchange | |
|
|
|
|
Historical | |
|
Offer(a) | |
|
Pro Forma | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(Dollars in millions) | |
ASSETS |
CURRENT ASSETS:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$ |
81 |
|
|
$ |
(10 |
) |
|
$ |
71 |
|
|
Accounts receivable, net
|
|
|
224 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
224 |
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
58 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
58 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
363 |
|
|
|
(10 |
) |
|
|
353 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INVESTMENT IN CABLE PROPERTIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and equipment, net
|
|
|
5,121 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,121 |
|
|
Franchises, net
|
|
|
9,201 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,201 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total investment in cable properties, net
|
|
|
14,322 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,322 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS
|
|
|
366 |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
365 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$ |
15,051 |
|
|
$ |
(11 |
) |
|
$ |
15,040 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY |
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
|
|
$ |
1,258 |
|
|
$ |
16 |
|
|
$ |
1,274 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
1,258 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
1,274 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LONG-TERM DEBT
|
|
|
19,576 |
|
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
19,593 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOTE PAYABLE RELATED PARTY
|
|
|
61 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
61 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DEFERRED MANAGEMENT FEES RELATED PARTY
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
|
|
|
792 |
|
|
|
90 |
|
|
|
882 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MINORITY INTEREST
|
|
|
195 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
195 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PREFERRED STOCK REDEEMABLE; $.001 par value;
1 million shares authorized; 36,713 shares issued and
outstanding
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SHAREHOLDERS DEFICIT:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A common stock; $.001 par value;
1.75 billion shares authorized; 400,398,208 shares
issued and outstanding
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class B common stock; $.001 par value;
750 million shares authorized; 50,000 shares issued
and outstanding
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred stock; $.001 par value; 250 million shares
authorized; no non-redeemable shares issued and outstanding
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional paid-in capital
|
|
|
5,324 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,324 |
|
|
Accumulated deficit
|
|
|
(12,221 |
) |
|
|
(134 |
) |
|
|
(12,355 |
) |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income
|
|
|
48 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
48 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total shareholders deficit
|
|
|
(6,849 |
) |
|
|
(134 |
) |
|
|
(6,983 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and shareholders deficit
|
|
$ |
15,051 |
|
|
$ |
(11 |
) |
|
$ |
15,040 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
60
|
|
(a) |
Adjustment to cash represents the use of cash to pay accrued
interest and financing fees. Adjustment to other noncurrent
assets represents the net effect of the write-off of the net
book value of deferred financing fees related to the Old Notes
and the addition of deferred financing fees related to the New
Notes. Adjustment to accounts payable and accrued expenses
represents payment of accrued interest related to the Old Notes,
the short-term portion of the embedded derivative related to the
New Notes, and the elimination of the short-term portion of the
embedded derivative related to the Old Notes. Adjustment to
other long-term liabilities represents the long-term portion of
the embedded derivative related to the New Notes, and the
elimination of the long-term portion of the embedded derivative
related to the Old Notes. Adjustment to shareholders
deficit represents the loss expected to be recognized on the
Exchange Offer. Adjustment to long-term debt is detailed below
(in millions). |
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of the New Notes issued
|
|
$ |
449 |
|
Accreted value of the Old Notes
|
|
|
(308 |
) |
Embedded derivative requiring bifurcation
|
|
|
(124 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net increase in long-term debt
|
|
$ |
17 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Using the maximum Average Price would increase pro forma debt by
$126 million and pro forma shareholders deficit by
$167 million. Using the minimum Average Price would
decrease pro forma debt by $77 million and pro forma
shareholders deficit by $106 million. |
61
SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The following tables present summary financial and other data
for Charter and its subsidiaries and has been derived from the
audited consolidated financial statements of Charter and its
subsidiaries for the five years ended December 31, 2006 and
the unaudited consolidated financial statements of Charter and
its subsidiaries for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and
2007.
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, | |
|
Six Months Ended June 30, | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
2002 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
2006 | |
|
2006 | |
|
2007 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(Dollars in millions, except per share and share data) | |
Statement of Operations Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$ |
4,377 |
|
|
$ |
4,616 |
|
|
$ |
4,760 |
|
|
$ |
5,033 |
|
|
$ |
5,504 |
|
|
$ |
2,703 |
|
|
$ |
2,924 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)
|
|
|
1,736 |
|
|
|
1,873 |
|
|
|
1,994 |
|
|
|
2,203 |
|
|
|
2,438 |
|
|
|
1,215 |
|
|
|
1,278 |
|
|
Selling, general and administrative
|
|
|
932 |
|
|
|
909 |
|
|
|
965 |
|
|
|
1,012 |
|
|
|
1,165 |
|
|
|
551 |
|
|
|
620 |
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
1,364 |
|
|
|
1,396 |
|
|
|
1,433 |
|
|
|
1,443 |
|
|
|
1,354 |
|
|
|
690 |
|
|
|
665 |
|
|
Impairment of franchises
|
|
|
4,220 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,297 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Asset impairment charges
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
39 |
|
|
|
159 |
|
|
|
99 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other operating (income) expenses, net
|
|
|
39 |
|
|
|
(46 |
) |
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,291 |
|
|
|
4,132 |
|
|
|
6,702 |
|
|
|
4,729 |
|
|
|
5,137 |
|
|
|
2,565 |
|
|
|
2,568 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations
|
|
|
(3,914 |
) |
|
|
484 |
|
|
|
(1,942 |
) |
|
|
304 |
|
|
|
367 |
|
|
|
138 |
|
|
|
356 |
|
Interest expense net
|
|
|
(1,503 |
) |
|
|
(1,557 |
) |
|
|
(1,670 |
) |
|
|
(1,789 |
) |
|
|
(1,887 |
) |
|
|
(943 |
) |
|
|
(935 |
) |
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt and preferred stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
267 |
|
|
|
(31 |
) |
|
|
521 |
|
|
|
101 |
|
|
|
(27 |
) |
|
|
(35 |
) |
Other income (expense), net
|
|
|
(119 |
) |
|
|
49 |
|
|
|
49 |
|
|
|
72 |
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from continuing operations before minority interest, income
taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change
|
|
|
(5,536 |
) |
|
|
(757 |
) |
|
|
(3,594 |
) |
|
|
(892 |
) |
|
|
(1,395 |
) |
|
|
(814 |
) |
|
|
(610 |
) |
Minority interest
|
|
|
2,958 |
|
|
|
394 |
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes and
cumulative effect of accounting change
|
|
|
(2,578 |
) |
|
|
(363 |
) |
|
|
(3,575 |
) |
|
|
(891 |
) |
|
|
(1,399 |
) |
|
|
(815 |
) |
|
|
(613 |
) |
Income tax benefit (expense)
|
|
|
474 |
|
|
|
122 |
|
|
|
134 |
|
|
|
(112 |
) |
|
|
(187 |
) |
|
|
(60 |
) |
|
|
(128 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from continuing operations before cumulative effect of
accounting change
|
|
|
(2,104 |
) |
|
|
(241 |
) |
|
|
(3,441 |
) |
|
|
(1,003 |
) |
|
|
(1,586 |
) |
|
|
(875 |
) |
|
|
(741 |
) |
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
|
|
|
(204 |
) |
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
(135 |
) |
|
|
36 |
|
|
|
216 |
|
|
|
34 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss before cumulative effect of accounting change
|
|
|
(2,308 |
) |
|
|
(238 |
) |
|
|
(3,576 |
) |
|
|
(967 |
) |
|
|
(1,370 |
) |
|
|
(841 |
) |
|
|
(741 |
) |
Cumulative effect of account change, net of tax
|
|
|
(206 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(765 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
|
(2,514 |
) |
|
|
(238 |
) |
|
|
(4,341 |
) |
|
|
(967 |
) |
|
|
(1,370 |
) |
|
|
(841 |
) |
|
|
(741 |
) |
Dividends on preferred stock redeemable
|
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss applicable to common stock
|
|
$ |
(2,517 |
) |
|
$ |
(242 |
) |
|
$ |
(4,345 |
) |
|
$ |
(970 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,370 |
) |
|
$ |
(841 |
) |
|
$ |
(741 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
62
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, | |
|
Six Months Ended June 30, | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
2002 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
2006 | |
|
2006 | |
|
2007 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(Dollars in millions, except per share and share data) | |
Loss per common share, basic and diluted:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from continuing operations before cumulative effect of
accounting change
|
|
$ |
(7.16 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.83 |
) |
|
$ |
(11.47 |
) |
|
$ |
(3.24 |
) |
|
$ |
(4.78 |
) |
|
$ |
(2.76 |
) |
|
$ |
(2.02 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
$ |
(8.55 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.82 |
) |
|
$ |
(14.47 |
) |
|
$ |
(3.13 |
) |
|
$ |
(4.13 |
) |
|
$ |
(2.65 |
) |
|
$ |
(2.02 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted
|
|
|
294,490,261 |
|
|
|
294,647,519 |
|
|
|
300,341,877 |
|
|
|
310,209,047 |
|
|
|
331,941,788 |
|
|
|
317,581,492 |
|
|
|
366,855,427 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deficiencies of earnings to cover fixed charges(a)
|
|
$ |
5,944 |
|
|
$ |
725 |
|
|
$ |
3,698 |
|
|
$ |
853 |
|
|
$ |
1,157 |
|
|
$ |
776 |
|
|
$ |
610 |
|
Balance Sheet Data (end of period):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$ |
321 |
|
|
$ |
127 |
|
|
$ |
650 |
|
|
$ |
21 |
|
|
$ |
60 |
|
|
$ |
56 |
|
|
$ |
81 |
|
Total assets
|
|
|
22,384 |
|
|
|
21,364 |
|
|
|
17,673 |
|
|
|
16,431 |
|
|
|
15,100 |
|
|
|
16,145 |
|
|
|
15,051 |
|
Long-term debt
|
|
|
18,671 |
|
|
|
18,647 |
|
|
|
19,464 |
|
|
|
19,388 |
|
|
|
19,062 |
|
|
|
19,860 |
|
|
|
19,576 |
|
Note payable related party
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
49 |
|
|
|
57 |
|
|
|
53 |
|
|
|
61 |
|
Minority interest(b)
|
|
|
1,050 |
|
|
|
689 |
|
|
|
648 |
|
|
|
188 |
|
|
|
192 |
|
|
|
189 |
|
|
|
195 |
|
Shareholders equity (deficit)
|
|
|
41 |
|
|
|
(175 |
) |
|
|
(4,406 |
) |
|
|
(4,920 |
) |
|
|
(6,219 |
) |
|
|
(5,762 |
) |
|
|
(6,849 |
) |
|
|
(a) |
Earnings include net loss plus fixed charges. Fixed charges
consist of interest expense and an estimated interest component
of rent expense. |
|
(b) |
Minority interest represents preferred membership interests in
our indirect subsidiary, CC VIII, and since June 6, 2003,
the pro rata share of the profits and losses of CC VIII. This
preferred membership interest arises from approximately
$630 million of preferred membership units issued by CC
VIII in connection with an acquisition in February 2000. As part
of the Private Exchange, CCHC contributed its 70% interest in
the 24,273,943 Class A preferred membership units
(collectively, the CC VIII interest) to CCH I.
Reported losses allocated to minority interest on the statement
of operations are limited to the extent of any remaining
minority interest on the balance sheet related to Charter
Holdco. Because minority interest in Charter Holdco was
substantially eliminated at December 31, 2003, beginning in
2004, Charter began to absorb substantially all losses before
income taxes that otherwise would have been allocated to
minority interest. Under our existing capital structure, Charter
will absorb all future losses for Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles purposes. |
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDING COMPANY, LLC
We are registering $595,082,000 principal amount of New Notes
for exchange by Charter Communications Holding Company, LLC.
Charter Holdco is a subsidiary of Charter. Approximately 46% of
the membership units of Charter Holdco are held by CII and
Vulcan Cable, each of which is 100% owned by Mr. Paul G.
Allen, Charters Chairman an controlling shareholder.
Charter acts as the sole manager of Charter Holdco. The New
Notes are being registered to permit the exchange of such
securities, as part of the Exchange Consideration, for the
outstanding Old Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn
in accordance with the terms of the Exchange Offer. As of
August 28, 2007, Charter Holdco beneficially owned
$450,000,000 principal amount of Old Notes and no shares of
Class A common stock.
63
BACKGROUND OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
In recent years, we have pursued opportunities to improve our
liquidity. Our efforts in this regard have resulted in the
completion of a number of transactions in 2006 and 2007, as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
the April 2007 redemption of $187 million of Charter
Holdings notes and $550 million of CCO Holdings senior
floating rate notes; |
|
|
|
the April 2007 exchange of $97 million of Charter Holdings
notes for $100 million of total consideration, including
premiums and accrued interest; |
|
|
|
the March 2007 refinancing of our existing credit facilities and
a $350 million third lien term loan at CCO Holdings, LLC; |
|
|
|
the September 2006 exchanges by Charter Holdings, CCH I,
CCH I Capital Corp., CCH II, and CCH II Capital Corp.,
of approximately $797 million in total principal amount of
outstanding debt securities of Charter Holdings in a private
placement for CCH I and CCH II new debt securities; |
|
|
|
the September 2006 exchange by Charter, CCHC, CCH II, and
CCH II Capital Corp., of $450 million in total
principal amount of Charters 5.875% convertible
senior notes due 2009 for cash, shares of Charters
Class A common stock and CCH II new debt securities; |
|
|
|
the January 2006 issuance and sale by CCH II of an
additional $450 million principal amount of CCH II
notes; and |
|
|
|
the completed disposition of certain assets for total proceeds
of $1.0 billion. |
This Exchange Offer will improve our liquidity by extending
maturities.
64
DESCRIPTION OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
General
The Exchange Consideration per $1,000 principal
amount of Old Notes accepted for exchange will be an amount of
New Notes determined based on the Average Price (as defined
below) of Charters Class A common stock as set forth
in the table below. In addition to the Exchange Consideration,
the Offeror will pay accrued interest on the Old Notes from and
including the last interest payment date (which was May 16,
2007) up to, but not including, the Settlement Date.
Average Price means the arithmetic average of the
daily volume-weighted average price of Charters
Class A common stock for the ten trading days prior to and
including the second business day before the Expiration Date,
rounded to four decimal places. For each of the trading days in
the averaging period, the volume-weighted average price of
Charters Class A common stock will be determined by
reference to the Bloomberg L.P. screen CHTR
<Equity> AQR (or any successor page) during regular
market hours. The conversion price for the New Notes will be the
Average Price multiplied by 1.4 (examples of which are set forth
in the table below). The conversion rate will be $1,000 divided
by the conversion price, rounded to four decimal places. If the
Average Price is between two prices shown in the table below,
the principal amount of New Notes to be issued per $1,000
principal amount of Old Notes tendered will be calculated using
straight-line interpolation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal Amount of New |
|
|
Average Price of |
|
Notes to be Issued per |
|
Terms of the New Notes |
Charters Class A |
|
$1,000 Principal Amount |
|
|
Common Stock |
|
of Old Notes Tendered |
|
Conversion Price |
|
Conversion Rate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2.00 |
|
|
$ |
1,110.62 |
|
|
$ |
2.80 |
|
|
|
357.1429 |
|
$ |
2.20 |
|
|
$ |
1,173.25 |
|
|
$ |
3.08 |
|
|
|
324.6753 |
|
$ |
2.40 |
|
|
$ |
1,239.65 |
|
|
$ |
3.36 |
|
|
|
297.6190 |
|
$ |
2.60 |
|
|
$ |
1,309.13 |
|
|
$ |
3.64 |
|
|
|
274.7253 |
|
$ |
2.80 |
|
|
$ |
1,381.10 |
|
|
$ |
3.92 |
|
|
|
255.1020 |
|
$ |
3.00 |
|
|
$ |
1,451.68 |
|
|
$ |
4.20 |
|
|
|
238.0952 |
|
$ |
3.20 |
|
|
$ |
1,521.73 |
|
|
$ |
4.48 |
|
|
|
223.2143 |
|
$ |
3.40 |
|
|
$ |
1,592.26 |
|
|
$ |
4.76 |
|
|
|
210.0840 |
|
$ |
3.60 |
|
|
$ |
1,662.60 |
|
|
$ |
5.04 |
|
|
|
198.4127 |
|
$ |
3.80 |
|
|
$ |
1,733.33 |
|
|
$ |
5.32 |
|
|
|
187.9699 |
|
$ |
4.00 |
|
|
$ |
1,802.82 |
|
|
$ |
5.60 |
|
|
|
178.5714 |
|
$ |
4.20 |
|
|
$ |
1,872.80 |
|
|
$ |
5.88 |
|
|
|
170.0680 |
|
$ |
4.35 |
|
|
$ |
1,923.50 |
|
|
$ |
6.09 |
|
|
|
164.2036 |
|
The Exchange Offer is conditioned on a minimum amount
$75,000,000 aggregate principal amount of of Old Notes being
tendered. The Exchange Offer is also conditioned upon the
Average Price being more than or equal to $2.00 and less than or
equal to $4.35. In addition, the Offeror will not accept for
exchange more than the Maximum Amount. As a result, if more than
the Maximum Amount of Old Notes is validly tendered and not
validly withdrawn, the Offeror will accept Old Notes from each
Holder pro rata based on the total principal amount of Old Notes
validly tendered and not validly withdrawn.
See Summary Material Differences Between the
Old Notes and the New Notes for a summary of the
differences between the Old Notes and the New Notes.
New Notes will be issued only in minimum denominations of $1,000
and integral multiples of $1,000. If, under the terms of the
Exchange Offer, any tendering Holder is entitled to receive New
Notes in a principal amount that is not an integral multiple of
$1,000, the Offeror will round downward the amount of New Notes
to the nearest integral multiple of $1,000.
Tendered Old Notes may be validly withdrawn at any time up until
11:59 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date. In
the event of a termination of the Exchange Offer, Old Notes
tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be promptly
returned to the tendering Holders.
The Offerors obligation to accept for exchange and to pay
the related Exchange Consideration is conditioned upon
satisfaction of the conditions, including that the Average Price
be more than or equal to $2.00 or less than or equal to $4.35
and effectiveness of the Registration Settlement as set forth in
65
Description of the Exchange Offer Conditions
to the Exchange Offer. As described therein, subject to
applicable securities laws and the terms set forth in this
Exchange Offer Prospectus, the Offeror reserves the right, prior
to the expiration of the Exchange Offer on the Expiration Date:
|
|
|
|
|
to waive any and all conditions to the Exchange Offer; |
|
|
|
to extend the Exchange Offer; |
|
|
|
to terminate the Exchange Offer, but only if any condition to
the Exchange Offer is not satisfied (see
Conditions to the Exchange
Offer); or |
|
|
|
otherwise to amend the Exchange Offer in any respect. |
Any amendment to the Exchange Offer will apply to all Old Notes
tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer. Any extension,
amendment or termination will be followed promptly by public
announcement thereof, the announcement in the case of an
extension of the Exchange Offer to be issued no later than
9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the next business day
after the previously scheduled Expiration Date. Without limiting
the manner in which any public announcement may be made, the
Offeror shall have no obligation to publish, advertise or
otherwise communicate any such public announcement other than by
issuing a release to the Dow Jones News Service.
If the Offeror makes a material change in the terms of the
Exchange Offer or the information concerning the Exchange Offer,
the Offeror will promptly amend the Exchange Offer materials,
disseminate notice of such change to Holders, extend such
Exchange Offer to the extent required by law and, if required,
promptly file a post-effective amendment to the registration
statement relating to the Exchange Offer.
Neither Charter, the Offeror, their subsidiaries nor their
respective Boards of Directors make any recommendation as to
whether Holders should exchange their Old Notes pursuant to the
Exchange Offer or unwind any hedged positions with respect to
the Old Notes. Holders must make their own decisions with regard
to tendering their Old Notes.
Accounting Treatment
Charter will consider the fair value of New Notes to be issued
versus the book value of Old Notes tendered and will record the
resulting anticipated loss on the transaction on our
consolidated statement of operations in the period the
transaction closes. See Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated
Financials.
Purchases of Old Notes
The Offeror and its affiliates reserve the right, in their
absolute discretion, to purchase or make offers to purchase any
Old Notes that remain outstanding subsequent to the Expiration
Date and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, purchase
Old Notes in the open market, in privately negotiated
transactions or otherwise, but have no current plans to do so.
The terms of any such purchases or offers could differ from the
terms of the Exchange Offer.
Acceptance of Old Notes for Exchange and Payment of Exchange
Consideration
Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Exchange
Offer (including, if the Exchange Offer is extended or amended,
the terms and conditions of any such extension or amendment) and
applicable law, the Offeror will accept for exchange, and
promptly exchange pursuant to the terms and conditions of the
Exchange Offer and will pay the Exchange Consideration in
respect of, all Old Notes validly tendered pursuant to the
Exchange Offer (and not validly withdrawn, or if withdrawn, then
validly re-tendered). Such payment shall be made by the deposit
of the Exchange Consideration by the Offeror promptly after the
Expiration Date with the Exchange Agent, which will act as agent
for exchanging Holders for the purpose of receiving the Exchange
Consideration from the Offeror and transmitting such Exchange
Consideration to exchanging Holders. Subject to the terms of
this Exchange Offer, the Offeror intends to deposit the Exchange
Consideration with the Exchange Agent or to return tendered Old
Notes,
66
as applicable, on or about the fourth business day following the
Expiration Date. Under no circumstances will interest on the
Exchange Consideration, as applicable, be paid by the Offeror by
reason of any delay on behalf of the Exchange Agent in making
payment. In all cases, payment by the Exchange Agent to Holders
or beneficial owners of the Exchange Consideration for Old Notes
tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be made only after
receipt by the Exchange Agent of (1) timely confirmation of
a book-entry transfer of such Old Notes into the Exchange
Agents account at DTC pursuant to the procedures set forth
in the section Procedure for Tendering Old
Notes, (2) a properly completed and duly executed
Letter of Transmittal (or manually signed facsimile thereof) or
a properly transmitted Agents Message (as defined below)
through ATOP and (3) any other documents required by the
Letter of Transmittal.
For purposes of the Exchange Offer, Old Notes tendered will be
deemed to have been accepted for tender and payment of Exchange
Consideration, if, as and when the Offeror gives oral or written
notice thereof to the Exchange Agent.
Tendering Holders will not be obligated to pay brokerage fees or
commissions to the Dealer Managers, the Information Agent, the
Exchange Agent or us, or, except as set forth in Instruction 7
of the Letter of Transmittal, transfer taxes on the payment of
the Exchange Consideration.
Amendment of Share Lending Agreement
In connection with the original issuance of the Old Notes, we
entered into an agreement with CGML pursuant to which we agreed
to lend to CGML up to 150 million shares of our
Class A common stock to facilitate the placement of the Old
Notes (the Share Lending Agreement). We lent a total
of 116.9 million shares to CGML, of which 29.8 million
remain outstanding (the Borrowed Shares). We have no
obligation to lend any additional shares under the Share Lending
Agreement. We understand that, using the Share Lending Agreement
as its hedge, CGML or its affiliates entered into swap
transactions or share lending agreements with holders of the Old
Notes to enable them to hedge their investment. CGML and the
Company have agreed to amend the Share Lending Agreement to
allow for the Borrowed Shares to remain outstanding through the
maturity of the New Notes. To the extent you tender Old Notes in
the Exchange Offer and you have a swap transaction or an open
share lending arrangement with CGML or any such affiliate, you
may want to contact CGML or such affiliate in order to extend
the maturity of your hedge, if necessary. Charter has no rights
or obligations pursuant to any swap transaction or share lending
agreement you may have with CGML or any such affiliate, and you
should contact CGML or such affiliate directly if you have any
questions related thereto.
Procedure for Tendering Old Notes
If you wish to participate in the Exchange Offer and your Old
Notes are held by a custodial entity such as a bank, broker,
dealer, trust company or other nominee, you must instruct that
custodial entity to tender your Old Notes on your behalf
pursuant to the procedures of that custodial entity.
To participate in the Exchange Offer, you must either:
|
|
|
|
|
complete, sign and date the Letter of Transmittal, or a
facsimile thereof, in accordance with the instructions in the
Letter of Transmittal, including guaranteeing the signatures to
the Letter of Transmittal, if required, and mail or otherwise
deliver the Letter of Transmittal or a facsimile thereof, to the
Exchange Agent at one of its addresses listed on the back cover
page of this Exchange Offer Prospectus, for receipt on or prior
to the Expiration Date; or |
|
|
|
comply with the ATOP procedures for book-entry transfer
described below on or prior to the Expiration Date. |
The Exchange Agent and DTC have confirmed that the Exchange
Offer is eligible for ATOP. The Letter of Transmittal, or a
facsimile thereof, with any required signature guarantees, or,
in the case of book-entry transfer, an Agents Message in
lieu of the Letter of Transmittal, and any other required
documents, must be transmitted to and received by the Exchange
Agent on or prior to the Expiration Date
67
at one of its addresses listed on the back cover page of this
Exchange Offer Prospectus. Old Notes will not be deemed to have
been tendered until the Letter of Transmittal and signature
guarantees, if any, or Agents Message, is received by the
Exchange Agent.
The method of delivery of the Letter of Transmittal, and all
other required documents to the Exchange Agent is at the
election and risk of the Holder. Holders should use an overnight
or hand-delivery service, properly insured. In all cases,
sufficient time should be allowed to assure delivery to and
receipt by the Exchange Agent on or prior to the Expiration
Date. Do not send the Letter of Transmittal to anyone other than
the Exchange Agent.
If you are tendering your Old Notes and anticipate delivering
your Letter of Transmittal and other documents other than
through DTC, we urge you to contact promptly a bank, broker or
other intermediary that has the capability to hold the Old Notes
custodially through DTC to arrange for receipt of the Exchange
Consideration and to obtain the information necessary to provide
the required DTC participant with account information in the
Letter of Transmittal.
|
|
|
Book-Entry Delivery Procedures for Tendering Old
Notes Held with DTC |
If you wish to tender Old Notes held on your behalf by a nominee
with DTC, you must:
|
|
|
|
|
inform your nominee of your interest in tendering your Old Notes
pursuant to the Exchange Offer; and |
|
|
|
instruct your nominee to tender all Old Notes you wish to be
tendered in the Exchange Offer into the Exchange Agents
account at DTC on or prior to the Expiration Date. |
Any financial institution that is a nominee in DTC, including
Euroclear and Clearstream, must tender Old Notes by effecting a
book-entry transfer of Old Notes to be tendered in the Exchange
Offer into the account of the Exchange Agent at DTC by
electronically transmitting its acceptance of the Exchange Offer
through the ATOP procedures for transfer. DTC will then verify
the acceptance, execute a book-entry delivery to the Exchange
Agents account at DTC and send an Agents Message to
the Exchange Agent. An Agents Message is a
message, transmitted by DTC to, and received by, the Exchange
Agent and forming part of a book-entry confirmation, which
states that DTC has received an express acknowledgement from an
organization that participates in DTC, which the Offeror refers
to as a participant, tendering Old Notes that the
participant has received and agrees to be bound by the terms of
the Letter of Transmittal and that the Offeror may enforce the
agreement against the participant. A Letter of Transmittal need
not accompany tenders effected through ATOP.
|
|
|
Proper Execution and Delivery of the Letter of
Transmittal |
Signatures on a Letter of Transmittal or notice of withdrawal
described under Withdrawal of Tendered Old
Notes, as applicable, must be guaranteed by an eligible
guarantor institution unless the Old Notes tendered pursuant to
the Letter of Transmittal are tendered for the account of an
eligible guarantor institution. An eligible guarantor
institution is one of the following firms or other
entities identified in Rule 17Ad-15 under the Exchange Act
(as the terms are used in Rule 17Ad-15):
|
|
|
(1) a bank; |
|
|
(2) a broker, dealer, municipal securities dealer,
municipal securities broker, government securities dealer or
government securities broker; |
|
|
(3) a credit union; |
|
|
(4) a national securities exchange, registered securities
association or clearing agency; or |
|
|
(5) a savings institution that is a participant in a
Securities Transfer Association recognized program. |
68
If signatures on a Letter of Transmittal or notice of withdrawal
are required to be guaranteed, that guarantee must be made by an
eligible guarantor institution.
If the Letter of Transmittal is signed by the Holders of Old
Notes tendered thereby, the signatures must correspond with the
names as written on the face of the Old Notes without any
alteration, enlargement or any change whatsoever. If any of the
Old Notes tendered thereby are held by two or more Holders, each
of those Holders must sign the Letter of Transmittal. If any of
the Old Notes tendered thereby are registered in different names
on different Old Notes, it will be necessary to complete, sign
and submit as many separate Letters of Transmittal, and any
accompanying documents, as there are different registrations of
certificates.
If Old Notes that are not tendered for exchange pursuant to the
Exchange Offer are to be returned to a person other than the
tendering holder, certificates for those Old Notes must be
endorsed or accompanied by an appropriate instrument of
transfer, signed exactly as the name of the registered owner
appears on the certificates, with the signatures on the
certificates or instruments of transfer guaranteed by an
eligible institution.
If the Letter of Transmittal is signed by a person other than
the Holder of any Old Notes listed in the Letter of Transmittal,
those Old Notes must be properly endorsed or accompanied by a
properly completed bond power, signed by the Holder exactly as
the Holders name appears on those Old Notes. If the Letter
of Transmittal or any Old Notes, bond powers or other
instruments of transfer are signed by trustees, executors,
administrators, guardians,
attorneys-in-fact,
officers of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or
representative capacity, those persons should so indicate when
signing, and, unless waived by us, evidence satisfactory to us
of their authority to so act must be submitted with the Letter
of Transmittal.
No conditional, irregular or contingent tenders will be
accepted. By executing the Letter of Transmittal, or facsimile
thereof, the tendering Holders of Old Notes waive any right to
receive any notice of the acceptance for exchange of their Old
Notes. Tendering Holders should indicate in the applicable box
in the Letter of Transmittal the name and address to which
payments or substitute certificates evidencing Old Notes for
amounts not tendered or not exchanged are to be issued or sent,
if different from the name and address of the person signing the
Letter of Transmittal. If those instructions are not given, Old
Notes not tendered or exchanged will be returned to the
tendering Holder.
Determination of Validity
All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility, including
time of receipt, and acceptance and withdrawal of tendered Old
Notes, will be determined by the Offeror in their absolute
discretion, which determination will be final and binding. The
Offeror reserves the absolute right to reject any and all
tendered Old Notes determined by the Offeror not to be in proper
form or not to be tendered properly or any tendered Old Notes
the acceptance of which by the Offeror would, in the opinion of
its counsel, be unlawful. The Offeror also reserves the right to
waive, in its absolute discretion, any defects, irregularities
or conditions of tender as to particular Old Notes, whether or
not waived in the case of other Old Notes. The Offerors
interpretation of the terms of the Exchange Offer, including the
terms and instructions in the Letter of Transmittal, will be
final and binding on all parties. Unless waived, any defects,
irregularities or conditions in connection with tenders of Old
Notes must be cured within the time the Offeror determines.
Although the Offeror intends to notify Holders of defects or
irregularities with respect to tenders of Old Notes, neither the
Offeror, the Exchange Agent, the Information Agent, the Dealer
Managers nor any other person will be under any duty to give
that notification or incur any liability for failure to give
that notification. Tenders of Old Notes will not be deemed to
have been made until any defects or irregularities have been
cured or waived.
Any Holder whose Old Notes have been mutilated, lost, stolen or
destroyed will be responsible for obtaining replacement
securities or for arranging for indemnification with the trustee
of the Old Notes. Holders may contact the Information Agent for
assistance with these matters.
69
Withdrawal of Tendered Old Notes
Old Notes previously tendered may be withdrawn at any time up
until 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration
Date. In the event of a termination of the Exchange Offer, the
Old Notes tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be
promptly returned to the tendering Holders. In addition, even
after the Expiration Date, if the Offeror has not accepted for
payment any validly tendered Old Notes, such Old Notes may be
withdrawn 60 days after commencement of the Exchange Offer.
For a withdrawal of tendered Old Notes to be effective, a
written, telegraphic or facsimile transmission notice of
withdrawal must be received by the Exchange Agent on or prior to
11:59 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date at
its address set forth on the back cover of this Exchange Offer
Prospectus. Any such notice of withdrawal must:
|
|
|
|
|
specify the name of the person who tendered the Old Notes to be
withdrawn; |
|
|
|
contain the description of the Old Notes to be withdrawn and the
aggregate principal amount represented by such Old Notes; and |
|
|
|
be signed by the Holder of such Old Notes in the same manner as
the original signature on the Letter of Transmittal by which
such Old Notes were tendered (including any required signature
guarantees), if any, or be accompanied by (x) documents of
transfer sufficient to have the Trustee register the transfer of
the Old Notes to the name of the person withdrawing such Old
Notes and (y) a properly completed irrevocable proxy that
authorized such person to effect such revocation on behalf of
such Holder. |
If the Old Notes to be withdrawn have been delivered or
otherwise identified to the Exchange Agent, a signed notice of
withdrawal is effective immediately upon written or facsimile
notice of withdrawal even if physical release is not yet
effected. Any Old Notes validly withdrawn will be deemed to be
not validly tendered for purposes of the Exchange Offer.
Withdrawal of Old Notes can be accomplished only in accordance
with the foregoing procedures.
All questions as to the validity (including time of receipt)
of notices of withdrawal will be determined by the Offeror in
its sole discretion, and its determination shall be final and
binding. None of the Offeror, the Exchange Agent, the Dealer
Managers, the Information Agent, the Trustee or any other person
will be under any duty to give notification of any defects or
irregularities in any notice of withdrawal, or incur any
liability for failure to give any such notification.
Backup Withholding
To prevent United States federal income tax backup withholding,
each tendering Holder of Old Notes that is a United States
person generally must provide the Exchange Agent with such
Holders correct taxpayer identification number and certify
that such Holder is not subject to United States federal income
tax backup withholding by completing the Substitute
Form W-9 included
in the Letter of Transmittal. Each tendering Holder of Old Notes
that is not a United States person may also be subject to backup
withholding tax unless such Holder provides the Exchange Agent
with an applicable
Form W-8BEN or
W-8ECI to demonstrate exemption from withholding or a reduced
rate of withholding. For a discussion of the material United
States federal income tax consequences relating to backup
withholding, see Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax
Consequences.
Conditions to the Exchange Offer
Notwithstanding any other provision of the Exchange Offer and in
addition to (and not in limitation of) the Offerors right
to extend and/or amend the Exchange Offer, the Offeror and its
affiliates shall not be required to accept for exchange pursuant
to the Exchange Offer, pay Exchange Consideration in respect of,
and may delay the acceptance for tender and payment of Exchange
Consideration in respect of, any Old Notes tendered pursuant to
the Exchange Offer, in each event subject to
Rule 14e-l(c)
under the
70
Exchange Act, and may terminate the Exchange Offer, if the
registration statement has not been declared effective by the
SEC by the Expiration Date or if any of the following have
occurred:
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(1) the Average Price is more than or equal to $2.00 or
less than or equal to $4.35; |
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(2) at least $75,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Old
Notes shall have been validly tendered and not validly withdrawn
as of the expiration of the Exchange Offer; |
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(3) there shall have been instituted, threatened or be
pending any action or proceeding (or there shall have been any
material adverse development to any action or proceeding
currently instituted, threatened or pending) before or by any
court, governmental, regulatory or administrative agency or
instrumentality, or by any other person, in connection with the
Exchange Offer that, in the Offerors reasonable judgment,
either (a) is, or is reasonably likely to be, materially
adverse to the business, operations, properties, condition
(financial or otherwise), assets or liabilities of Charter and
its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (b) would or might
prohibit, prevent, restrict or delay consummation of the
Exchange Offer; |
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(4) an order, statute, rule, regulation, executive order,
stay, decree, judgment or injunction shall have been proposed,
enacted, entered, issued, promulgated, enforced or deemed
applicable by any court or governmental, regulatory or
administrative agency or instrumentality that, in the
Offerors reasonable judgment, either (a) is, or is
reasonably likely to be, materially adverse to the business,
operations, properties, condition (financial or otherwise),
assets or liabilities of Charter and its subsidiaries, taken as
a whole, or (b) would or might prohibit, prevent, restrict
or delay consummation of the Exchange Offer; |
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(5) there shall have occurred or be likely to occur any
event affecting the business or financial affairs of Charter and
its subsidiaries that, in the Offerors reasonable
judgment, would or might prohibit, prevent, restrict or delay
consummation of the Exchange Offer; |
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(6) the Trustee shall have objected in any respect to, or
taken action that could, in the Offerors reasonable
judgment, adversely affect the consummation of, the Exchange
Offer or shall have taken any action that challenges the
validity or effectiveness of the procedures used by us in the
making of the Exchange Offer or the acceptance for exchange of,
or payment of Exchange Consideration in respect of, Old Notes
tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer; or |
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(7) there has occurred (a) any general suspension of,
or limitation on prices for, trading in securities in the United
States securities or financial markets, (b) a declaration
of a banking moratorium or any suspension of payments in respect
of banks in the United States or other major financial markets,
(c) any limitation (whether or not mandatory) by any
government or governmental, administrative or regulatory
authority or agency, domestic or foreign, or other event that,
in the Offerors reasonable judgment, might affect the
extension of credit by banks or other lending institutions,
(d) a commencement of a war or armed hostilities or other
national or international calamity directly or indirectly
involving the United States or (e) in the case of any of
the foregoing existing on the date hereof, a material
acceleration or worsening thereof. |
The foregoing conditions are for the sole benefit of the Offeror
and may be asserted by the Offeror regardless of the
circumstances giving rise to any such condition and may be
waived by the Offeror, in whole or in part, at any time and from
time to time, in its sole discretion. Notwithstanding the
previous sentence, unless the Exchange Offer is terminated, all
conditions to the Exchange Offer will be either satisfied or
waived by the Offeror prior to the Expiration Date. The failure
by the Offeror at any time to exercise any of the foregoing
rights will not be deemed a waiver of any other right, and each
right will be deemed an ongoing right which may be asserted at
any time and from time to time, but only prior to
11:59 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date.
71
DESCRIPTION OF OTHER INDEBTEDNESS
The following description of our external indebtedness is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the relevant credit
facilities, indentures and related documents governing such
indebtedness. Intercompany indebtedness is not included or
described herein.
Description of Our Outstanding Debt
As of June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006,
Charters actual total debt was approximately
$19.6 billion and $19.1 billion, respectively, as
summarized below (dollars in millions):
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June 30, 2007 | |
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December 31, 2006 | |
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Semi-Annual | |
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Interest | |
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Principal | |
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Accreted | |
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Principal | |
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Accreted | |
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Payment | |
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Maturity | |
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Amount | |
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Value(a) | |
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Amount | |
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Value(a) | |
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Dates | |
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Date(b) | |
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Charter Communications, Inc.:
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5.875% convertible senior notes due 2009(c)
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$ |
413 |
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$ |
411 |
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$ |
413 |
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$ |
408 |
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5/16 & 11/16 |
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11/16/2009 |
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Charter Holdings:
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8.250% senior notes due 2007
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105 |
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105 |
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4/1 & 10/1 |
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4/1/2007 |
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8.625% senior notes due 2009
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187 |
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187 |
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4/1 & 10/1 |
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4/1/2009 |
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10.000% senior notes due 2009
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88 |
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88 |
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105 |
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105 |
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4/1 & 10/1 |
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4/1/2009 |
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10.750% senior notes due 2009
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63 |
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63 |
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71 |
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71 |
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4/1 & 10/1 |
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10/1/2009 |
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9.625% senior notes due 2009
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37 |
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37 |
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52 |
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52 |
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5/15 & 11/15 |
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11/15/2009 |
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10.250% senior notes due 2010
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18 |
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18 |
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32 |
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32 |
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1/15 & 7/15 |
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1/15/2010 |
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11.750% senior discount notes due 2010
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16 |
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16 |
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21 |
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21 |
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1/15 & 7/15 |
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1/15/2010 |
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11.125% senior notes due 2011
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47 |
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47 |
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52 |
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52 |
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1/15 & 7/15 |
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1/15/2011 |
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13.500% senior discount notes due 2011
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60 |
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60 |
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62 |
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62 |
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1/15 & 7/15 |
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1/15/2011 |
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9.920% senior discount notes due 2011
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51 |
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51 |
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63 |
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63 |
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4/1 & 10/1 |
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4/1/2011 |
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10.000% senior notes due 2011
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69 |
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69 |
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71 |
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71 |
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5/15 & 11/15 |
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5/15/2011 |
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11.750% senior discount notes due 2011
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54 |
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54 |
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55 |
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55 |
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5/15 & 11/15 |
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5/15/2011 |
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12.125% senior discount notes due 2012
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75 |
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75 |
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91 |
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91 |
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1/15 & 7/15 |
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1/15/2012 |
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CIH(a):
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11.125% senior notes due 2014
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151 |
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151 |
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151 |
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151 |
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1/15 & 7/15 |
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1/15/2014 |
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13.500% senior discount notes due 2014
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581 |
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581 |
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581 |
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581 |
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1/15 & 7/15 |
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1/15/2014 |
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9.920% senior discount notes due 2014
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471 |
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471 |
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471 |
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471 |
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4/1 & 10/1 |
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4/1/2014 |
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10.000% senior notes due 2014
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299 |
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|
299 |
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299 |
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299 |
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5/15 & 11/15 |
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5/15/2014 |
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11.750% senior discount notes due 2014
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815 |
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|
815 |
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|
815 |
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|
815 |
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5/15 & 11/15 |
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5/15/2014 |
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12.125% senior discount notes due 2015
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217 |
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217 |
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217 |
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216 |
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1/15 & 7/15 |
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1/15/2015 |
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CCH I(a):
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11.00% senior notes due 2015
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3,987 |
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4,087 |
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3,987 |
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4,092 |
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4/1 & 10/1 |
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10/1/2015 |
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CCH II(a):
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10.250% senior notes due 2010
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2,198 |
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2,190 |
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2,198 |
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2,190 |
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3/15 & 9/15 |
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9/15/2010 |
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10.250% senior notes due 2013
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250 |
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261 |
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250 |
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262 |
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4/1 & 10/1 |
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10/1/2013 |
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CCO Holdings:
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Senior floating notes due 2010
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550 |
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550 |
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3/15, 6/15, |
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12/15/2010 |
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9/15 &12/15 |
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83/4% senior
notes due 2013
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800 |
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795 |
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800 |
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795 |
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5/15 & 11/15 |
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11/15/2013 |
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Credit facility
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350 |
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350 |
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9/6/2014 |
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Charter Operating:
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8% senior second-lien notes due 2012
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1,100 |
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1,100 |
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1,100 |
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1,100 |
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4/30 & 10/30 |
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4/30/2012 |
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83/8% senior
second-lien notes due 2014
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770 |
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770 |
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770 |
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770 |
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4/30 & 10/30 |
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4/30/2014 |
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Credit facility
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6,500 |
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6,500 |
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5,395 |
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5,395 |
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varies |
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$ |
19,480 |
(d) |
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$ |
19,576 |
(d) |
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$ |
18,964 |
(d) |
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$ |
19,062 |
(d) |
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(a) |
The accreted values presented above generally represent the
principal amount of the notes less the original issue discount
at the time of sale plus the accretion to the balance sheet date
except as follows. Certain of the CIH notes, CCH I notes
and CCH II notes issued in exchange for Charter Holdings
notes and Charter Old Notes in 2006 and 2005 are recorded for
financial reporting purposes at values different from the
current accreted value for legal purposes and notes indenture
purposes (the amount that is currently payable if the debt
becomes immediately due). As of June 30, 2007 and
December 31, 2006, the |
72
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accreted value of Charters
debt for legal purposes and notes indenture purposes is
approximately $19.4 billion and $18.8 billion,
respectively.
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(b) |
In general, the obligors have the
right to redeem all of the notes set forth in the above table
(except with respect to the Old Notes, the 8.25% Charter
Holdings notes due 2007, the 10.000% Charter Holdings notes due
2009, the 10.75% Charter Holdings notes due 2009, and the 9.625%
Charter Holdings notes due 2009) in whole or part at their
option, beginning at various times prior to their stated
maturity dates, subject to certain conditions, upon the payment
of the outstanding principal amount (plus a specified redemption
premium) and all accrued and unpaid interest. The Old Notes are
redeemable if the closing price of Charter Class A common
stock exceeds the conversion price by certain percentages as
described below.
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(c) |
The Old Notes are convertible at
the option of the holders into shares of Charter Class A
common stock at a conversion rate, subject to certain
adjustments, of 413.2231 shares, respectively, per $1,000
principal amount of notes, which is equivalent to a price of
$2.42 per share. Certain anti-dilutive provisions cause
adjustments to occur automatically upon the occurrence of
specified events. Additionally, the conversion rate may be
adjusted by us under certain circumstances.
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(d) |
Not included within total
long-term debt is the $61 million and $57 million CCHC
note at June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006,
respectively, which is included in note payable-related
party on Charters accompanying consolidated balance
sheets.
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As of June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006,
Charters long-term debt totaled approximately
$19.6 billion and $19.1 billion, respectively. This
debt was comprised of approximately $6.9 billion and
$5.4 billion of credit facility debt, $12.3 billion
and $13.3 billion accreted amount of high-yield notes and
$411 million and $408 million accreted amount of
convertible senior notes at June 30, 2007 and
December 31, 2006, respectively.
As of June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, the
weighted average interest rate on the credit facility debt was
approximately 7.1% and 7.9%, the weighted average interest rate
on the high-yield notes was approximately 10.3%, and the
weighted average interest rate on Charters convertible
senior notes was approximately 5.9% respectively, resulting in a
blended weighted average interest rate of 9.2% and 9.5%,
respectively. The interest rate on approximately 80% and 78% of
the total principal amount of Charters debt was
effectively fixed, including the effects of Charters
interest rate hedge agreements as of June 30, 2007 and
December 31, 2006, respectively. The fair value of the
high-yield notes was $12.5 billion and $13.3 billion
at June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively.
The fair value of Charters convertible senior notes was
$730 million and $576 million at June 30, 2007
and December 31, 2006, respectively. The fair value of the
credit facilities is $6.8 billion and $5.4 billion at
June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively. The
fair value of high-yield and Old Notes is based on quoted market
prices, and the fair value of the credit facilities is based on
dealer quotations.
The following description is a summary of certain material
provisions of our credit facilities and our notes (collectively,
the Debt Agreements). The summary does not restate
the terms of the Debt Agreements in their entirety, nor does it
describe all terms of the Debt Agreements. The agreements and
instruments governing each of the Debt Agreements are
complicated and you should consult such agreements and
instruments for more detailed information regarding the Debt
Agreements.
Credit Facilities General
On March 6, 2007, Charter Operating entered into an Amended
and Restated Credit Agreement among Charter Operating, CCO
Holdings, the several lenders from time to time that are parties
thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and
certain other agents (the Charter Operating Credit
Agreement) providing borrowing availability of up to
$8.0 billion as follows:
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term facilities with a total principal amount of
$6.5 billion, which are repayable in equal quarterly
installments, commencing March 31, 2008, aggregating in
each loan year to 1% of the original amount of the term
facility, with the remaining balance due at final maturity on
March 6, 2014; and |
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a revolving credit facility, in a total amount of
$1.5 billion, with a maturity date on March 6, 2013. |
Amounts outstanding under the Charter Operating credit
facilities bear interest, at Charter Operatings election,
at a base rate or the Eurodollar rate, as defined, plus a margin
for Eurodollar loans of up to 2.00% for the revolving credit
facility and the term facilities, and for base rate loans of up
to 1.00% for the
73
revolving credit facility and a quarterly commitment fee of up
to .5% is payable on the average daily unborrowed balance of the
revolving credit facility.
The obligations of our subsidiaries under the Charter Operating
credit facilities (the Obligations) are guaranteed
by Charter Operatings immediate parent company,
CCO Holdings, and the subsidiaries of Charter Operating,
except for immaterial subsidiaries and subsidiaries precluded
from guaranteeing by reason of the provisions of other
indebtedness to which they are subject (the non-guarantor
subsidiaries). The Obligations are also secured by
(i) a lien on all of the assets of Charter Operating and
its subsidiaries (other than assets of the non-guarantor
subsidiaries), to the extent such lien can be perfected under
the Uniform Commercial Code by the filing of a financing
statement, and (ii) a pledge by CCO Holdings of the
equity interests owned by it in Charter Operating or any of
Charter Operatings subsidiaries, as well as intercompany
obligations owing to it by any of such entities.
On March 6, 2007, CCO Holdings entered into a credit
agreement among CCO Holdings, the several lenders from time
to time that are parties thereto, Bank of America, N.A., as
administrative agent, and certain other agents (the
CCO Holdings Credit Agreement, together with
the Charter Operating Credit Agreement, the Credit
Facilities). The CCO Holdings Credit Agreement
consists of a $350 million term loan facility (the
Term Facility). The term loan matures on
September 6, 2014 (the Maturity Date). The
CCO Holdings Credit Agreement also provides for additional
incremental term loans (the Incremental Loans)
maturing on the dates set forth in the notices establishing such
term loans, but no earlier than the Maturity Date. Borrowings
under the CCO Holdings Credit Agreement bear interest at a
variable interest rate based on either LIBOR or a base rate
plus, in either case, an applicable margin. The applicable
margin for LIBOR term loans, other than Incremental Loans, is
2.50% above LIBOR. The applicable margin with respect to
Incremental Loans is to be agreed upon by CCO Holdings and
the lenders when the Incremental Loans are established. The
CCO Holdings Credit Agreement is secured by the equity
interests of Charter Operating, and all proceeds thereof.
Credit Facilities Restrictive Covenants
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Charter Operating Credit Agreement |
The Charter Operating Credit Agreement contains representations
and warranties, and affirmative and negative covenants customary
for financings of this type. The financial covenants measure
performance against standards set for leverage to be tested as
of the end of each quarter. The maximum allowable leverage ratio
is 5.0 to 1.0, and the maximum allowable first lien leverage
ratio is 4.0 to 1.0 until maturity. Additionally, the Charter
Operating Credit Agreement contains provisions requiring
mandatory loan prepayments under specific circumstances,
including in connection with certain sales of assets, so long as
the proceeds have not been reinvested in the business.
The Charter Operating Credit Agreement permits Charter Operating
and its subsidiaries to make distributions to pay interest on
the New Notes, the Old Notes, the CCHC notes, the Charter
Holdings notes, the CIH notes, the CCH I notes, the
CCH II notes, the CCO Holdings notes, and the Charter
Operating second-lien notes, provided that, among other things,
no default has occurred and is continuing under the credit
facilities. Conditions to future borrowings include absence of a
default or an event of default under the credit facilities, and
the continued accuracy in all material respects of the
representations and warranties, including the absence since
December 31, 2005 of any event, development, or
circumstance that has had or could reasonably be expected to
have a material adverse effect on our business.
The events of default under the Charter Operating Credit
Agreement include among other things:
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the failure to make payments when due or within the applicable
grace period, |
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the failure to comply with specified covenants, including but
not limited to a covenant to deliver audited financial
statements with an unqualified opinion from our independent
auditors, |
74
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the failure to pay or the occurrence of events that cause or
permit the acceleration of other indebtedness owing by CCO
Holdings, Charter Operating, or Charter Operatings
subsidiaries in amounts in excess of $50 million in
aggregate principal amount, |
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the failure to pay or the occurrence of events that result in
the acceleration of other indebtedness owing by certain of CCO
Holdings direct and indirect parent companies in amounts
in excess of $200 million in aggregate principal amount, |
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Paul Allen and/or certain of his family members and/or their
exclusively owned entities (collectively, the Paul Allen
Group) ceasing to have the power, directly or indirectly,
to vote at least 35% of the ordinary voting power of Charter
Operating, |
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the consummation of any transaction resulting in any person or
group (other than the Paul Allen Group) having power, directly
or indirectly, to vote more than 35% of the ordinary voting
power of Charter Operating, unless the Paul Allen Group holds a
greater share of ordinary voting power of Charter Operating, and |
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Charter Operating ceasing to be a wholly-owned direct subsidiary
of CCO Holdings, except in certain very limited circumstances. |
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CCO Holdings Credit Agreement |
The CCO Holdings Credit Agreement contains covenants that are
substantially similar to the restrictive covenants for the CCO
Holdings notes except that the leverage ratio is 5.50 to 1.0.
See Summary of Restrictive Covenants of Our
High Yield Notes. The CCO Holdings Credit Agreement
contains provisions requiring mandatory loan prepayments under
specific circumstances, including in connection with certain
sales of assets, so long as the proceeds have not been
reinvested in the business. The CCO Holdings Credit Agreement
permits CCO Holdings and its subsidiaries to make distributions
to pay interest on the New Notes, the Old Notes, the CCHC notes,
the Charter Holdings notes, the CIH notes, the CCH I
notes, the CCH II notes, the CCO Holdings notes, and the
Charter Operating second-lien notes, provided that, among other
things, no default has occurred and is continuing under the CCO
Holdings Credit Agreement.
Outstanding Notes
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Charter Communications, Inc. 5.875% Convertible
Senior Notes due 2009 |
See Description of the Old Notes for a description
of the Old Notes.
In October 2005, Charter, acting through a Special Committee of
Charters Board of Directors, and Mr. Allen, settled a
dispute that had arisen between the parties with regard to the
ownership of CC VIII. As part of that settlement, CCHC issued
the CCHC note to CII. The CCHC note has a
15-year maturity. The
CCHC note has an initial accreted value of $48 million
accreting at the rate of 14% per annum compounded
quarterly, except that from and after February 28, 2009,
CCHC may pay any increase in the accreted value of the CCHC note
in cash and the accreted value of the CCHC note will not
increase to the extent such amount is paid in cash. The CCHC
note is exchangeable at CIIs option, at any time, for
Charter Holdco Class A Common units at a rate equal to the
then accreted value, divided by $2.00 (the Exchange
Rate). Customary anti-dilution protections have been
provided that could cause future changes to the Exchange Rate.
Additionally, the Charter Holdco Class A Common units
received will be exchangeable by the holder into Charter
Class B common stock in accordance with existing agreements
between CII, Charter and certain other parties signatory
thereto. Beginning February 28, 2009, if the closing price
of Charter common stock is at or above the Exchange Rate for a
certain period of time as specified in the Exchange Agreement,
Charter Holdco may require the exchange of the CCHC note for
75
Charter Holdco Class A Common units at the Exchange Rate.
Additionally, CCHC has the right to redeem the CCHC note under
certain circumstances for cash in an amount equal to the then
accreted value, such amount, if redeemed prior to
February 28, 2009, would also include a make whole up to
the accreted value through February 28, 2009. CCHC must
redeem the CCHC note at its maturity for cash in an amount equal
to the initial stated value plus the accreted return through
maturity. The accreted value of the CCHC note is
$61 million as of June 30, 2007 and $57 million
as of December 31, 2006.
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Charter Communications Holdings, LLC Notes |
From March 1999 through January 2002, Charter Holdings and
Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation
(Charter Capital) jointly issued $10.2 billion
total principal amount of notes, of which $578 million and
$967 million total principal amount was outstanding as of
June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively. The
notes were issued over 15 series of notes with maturities from
2007 through 2012 and have varying interest rates. The Charter
Holdings notes are senior debt obligations of Charter Holdings
and Charter Capital. They rank equally with all other current
and future unsecured, unsubordinated obligations of Charter
Holdings and Charter Capital. They are structurally subordinated
to the obligations of Charter Holdings subsidiaries,
including the CIH notes, the CCH I notes, CCH II notes, the
CCO Holdings notes, the Charter Operating notes, and the credit
facilities.
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CCH I Holdings, LLC Notes |
In September 2005, CIH and CCH I Holdings Capital Corp. jointly
issued $2.5 billion total principal amount of 9.92% to
13.50% senior accreting notes due 2014 and 2015 in exchange
for an aggregate amount of $2.4 billion of Charter Holdings
notes due 2011 and 2012, issued over six series of notes and
with varying interest rates. The notes are guaranteed on a
senior unsecured basis by Charter Holdings.
The CIH notes are senior debt obligations of CIH and CCH I
Holdings Capital Corp. They rank equally with all other current
and future unsecured, unsubordinated obligations of CIH and CCH
I Holdings Capital Corp. The CIH notes are structurally
subordinated to all obligations of subsidiaries of CIH,
including the CCH I notes, the CCH II notes, the CCO
Holdings notes, the Charter Operating notes and the credit
facilities.
In September 2005, CCH I and CCH I Capital Corp. jointly issued
$3.5 billion total principal amount of 11% senior
secured notes due October 2015 in exchange for an aggregate
amount of $4.2 billion of certain Charter Holdings notes
and, in September 2006, issued an additional $462 million
total principal amount of such notes in exchange for an
aggregate of $527 million of certain Charter Holdings
notes. The notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by
Charter Holdings and are secured by a pledge of 100% of the
equity interest of CCH Is wholly owned direct subsidiary,
CCH II, and by a pledge of the CC VIII interests, and the
proceeds thereof. Such pledges are subject to significant
limitations as described in the related pledge agreement.
The CCH I notes are senior debt obligations of CCH I and CCH I
Capital Corp. To the extent of the value of the collateral, they
rank senior to all of CCH Is future unsecured senior
indebtedness. The CCH I notes are structurally subordinated to
all obligations of subsidiaries of CCH I, including the
CCH II notes, CCO Holdings notes, the Charter Operating
notes and the credit facilities.
In September 2003 and January 2006, CCH II and CCH II
Capital Corp. jointly issued approximately $2.2 billion
total principal amount of 10.25% senior notes due 2010 (the
CCH II 2010 Notes) and, in September 2006,
issued $250 million total principal amount of
10.25% senior notes due 2013 (the CCH II 2013
Notes and, together with the CCH II 2010 Notes, the
CCH II notes) in exchange for an aggregate of
$270 million of certain Charter Holdings notes. The
CCH II Notes are senior debt obligations of CCH II and
CCH II Capital Corp. They rank equally with all other
current and
76
future unsecured, unsubordinated obligations of CCH II and
CCH II Capital Corp. The CCH II 2013 Notes are
guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by Charter Holdings. The
CCH II notes are structurally subordinated to all
obligations of subsidiaries of CCH II, including the CCO
Holdings notes, the Charter Operating notes and the credit
facilities.
In November 2003 and August 2005, CCO Holdings and CCO Holdings
Capital Corp. jointly issued $500 million and
$300 million, respectively, total principal amount of
83/4% senior
notes due 2013 (the CCO Holdings Notes).
The CCO Holdings notes are senior debt obligations of CCO
Holdings and CCO Holdings Capital Corp. They rank equally with
all other current and future unsecured, unsubordinated
obligations of CCO Holdings and CCO Holdings Capital Corp. The
CCO Holdings notes are structurally subordinated to all
obligations of subsidiaries of CCO Holdings, including the
Charter Operating notes and the credit facilities.
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Charter Communications Operating, LLC Notes |
On April 27, 2004, Charter Operating and Charter
Communications Operating Capital Corp. jointly issued
$1.1 billion of 8% senior second-lien notes due 2012
and $400 million of
83/8% senior
second-lien notes due 2014. In March and June 2005, Charter
Operating consummated exchange transactions with a small number
of institutional holders of Charter Holdings 8.25% senior
notes due 2007 pursuant to which Charter Operating issued, in
private placement transactions, approximately $333 million
principal amount of its
83/8% senior
second-lien notes due 2014 in exchange for approximately
$346 million of the Charter Holdings 8.25% senior
notes due 2007.
Subject to specified limitations, CCO Holdings and those
subsidiaries of Charter Operating that are guarantors of, or
otherwise obligors with respect to, indebtedness under the
credit facilities and related obligations are required to
guarantee the Charter Operating notes. The note guarantee of
each such guarantor is:
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a senior obligation of such guarantor; |
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structurally senior to the outstanding CCO Holdings notes
(except in the case of CCO Holdings note guarantee, which
is structurally pari passu with such senior notes), the
outstanding CCH II notes, the outstanding CCH I notes, the
outstanding CIH notes, the outstanding Charter Holdings notes
and the outstanding Charter convertible senior notes; |
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senior in right of payment to any future subordinated
indebtedness of such guarantor; and |
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effectively senior to the relevant subsidiarys unsecured
indebtedness, to the extent of the value of the collateral but
subject to the prior lien of the credit facilities. |
The Charter Operating notes and related note guarantees are
secured by a second-priority lien on all of Charter
Operatings and its subsidiaries assets that secure
the obligations of Charter Operating or any subsidiary of
Charter Operating with respect to the credit facilities and the
related obligations. The collateral currently consists of the
capital stock of Charter Operating held by CCO Holdings, all of
the intercompany obligations owing to CCO Holdings by Charter
Operating or any subsidiary of Charter Operating, and
substantially all of Charter Operatings and the
guarantors assets (other than the assets of CCO Holdings)
in which security interests may be perfected under the Uniform
Commercial Code by
77
filing a financing statement (including capital stock and
intercompany obligations), including, but not limited to:
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with certain exceptions, all capital stock (limited in the case
of capital stock of foreign subsidiaries, if any, to 66% of the
capital stock of first tier foreign Subsidiaries) held by
Charter Operating or any guarantor; and |
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with certain exceptions, all intercompany obligations owing to
Charter Operating or any guarantor. |
In the event that additional liens are granted by Charter
Operating or its subsidiaries to secure obligations under the
credit facilities or the related obligations, second priority
liens on the same assets will be granted to secure the Charter
Operating notes, which liens will be subject to the provisions
of an intercreditor agreement (to which none of Charter
Operating or its affiliates are parties). Notwithstanding the
foregoing sentence, no such second priority liens need be
provided if the time such lien would otherwise be granted is not
during a guarantee and pledge availability period (when the
Leverage Condition is satisfied), but such second priority liens
will be required to be provided in accordance with the foregoing
sentence on or prior to the fifth business day of the
commencement of the next succeeding guarantee and pledge
availability period.
The Charter Operating notes are senior debt obligations of
Charter Operating and Charter Communications Operating Capital
Corp. To the extent of the value of the collateral (but subject
to the prior lien of the credit facilities), they rank
effectively senior to all of Charter Operatings future
unsecured senior indebtedness.
Redemption Provisions of Our High Yield Notes
The various notes issued by our subsidiaries included in the
table may be redeemed in accordance with the following table or
are not redeemable until maturity as indicated:
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Percentage of | |
Note Series |
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Redemption Dates |
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Principal | |
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Charter Holdings:
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10.000% senior notes due 2009
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Not callable |
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N/A |
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10.750% senior discount notes due 2009
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Not callable |
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N/A |
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9.625% senior notes due 2009
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Not callable |
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N/A |
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10.250% senior notes due 2010
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January 15, 2007 January 14, 2008 |
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101.708% |
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Thereafter |
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100.000% |
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11.750% senior discount notes due 2010
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January 15, 2007 January 14, 2008 |
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101.958% |
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Thereafter |
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100.000% |
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11.125% senior notes due 2011
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January 15, 2007 January 14, 2008 |
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103.708% |
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January 15, 2008 January 14, 2009 |
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101.854% |
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Thereafter |
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100.000% |
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13.500% senior discount notes due 2011
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January 15, 2007 January 14, 2008 |
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104.500% |
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January 15, 2008 January 14, 2009 |
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102.250% |
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Thereafter |
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100.000% |
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9.920% senior discount notes due 2011
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March 31, 2007 and Thereafter |
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100.000% |
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10.000% senior notes due 2011
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May 15, 2007 May 14, 2008 |
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103.333% |
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May 15, 2008 May 14, 2009 |
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101.667% |
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Thereafter |
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100.000% |
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11.750% senior discount notes due 2011
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May 15, 2007 May 14, 2008 |
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103.917% |
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May 15, 2008 May 14, 2009 |
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101.958% |
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Thereafter |
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100.000% |
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Percentage of | |
Note Series |
|
Redemption Dates |
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Principal | |
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12.125% senior discount notes due 2012
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January 15, 2007 January 14, 2008 |
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106.063% |
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January 15, 2008 January 14, 2009 |
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104.042% |
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January 15, 2009 January 14, 2010 |
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102.021% |
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Thereafter |
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100.000% |
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CIH:
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11.125% senior discount notes due 2014
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September 30, 2007 January 14, 2008 |
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103.708% |
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January 15, 2008 January 14, 2009 |
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101.854% |
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Thereafter |
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100.000% |
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13.500% senior discount notes due 2014
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September 30, 2007 January 14, 2008 |
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104.500% |
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January 15, 2008 January 14, 2009 |
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102.250% |
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Thereafter |
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100.000% |
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9.920% senior discount notes due 2014
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September 30, 2007 Thereafter |
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100.000% |
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10.000% senior discount notes due 2014
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September 30, 2007 May 14, 2008 |
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103.333% |
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May 15, 2008 May 14, 2009 |
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101.667% |
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Thereafter |
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100.000% |
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11.750% senior discount notes due 2014
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September 30, 2007 May 14, 2008 |
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103.917% |
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May 15, 2008 May 14, 2009 |
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101.958% |
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Thereafter |
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100.000% |
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12.125% senior discount notes due 2015
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September 30, 2007 January 14, 2008 |
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106.063% |
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January 15, 2008 January 14, 2009 |
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104.042% |
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January 15, 2009 January 14, 2010 |
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102.021% |
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Thereafter |
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100.000% |
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CCH I:
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11.000% senior notes due 2015*
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October 1, 2010 September 30, 2011 |
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105.500% |
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October 1, 2011 September 30, 2012 |
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102.750% |
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October 1, 2012 September 30, 2013 |
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101.375% |
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Thereafter |
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100.000% |
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CCH II:
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10.250% senior notes due 2010
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September 15, 2008 September 14, 2009 |
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105.125% |
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Thereafter |
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100.000% |
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10.250% senior notes due 2013**
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October 1, 2010 September 30, 2011 |
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105.125% |
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October 1, 2011 September 30, 2012 |
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102.563% |
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Thereafter |
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100.000% |
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CCO Holdings:
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83/4% senior
notes due 2013
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November 15, 2008 November 14, 2009 |
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104.375% |
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November 15, 2009 November 14, 2010 |
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102.917% |
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November 15, 2010 November 14, 2011 |
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101.458% |
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Thereafter |
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100.000% |
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Percentage of | |
Note Series |
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Redemption Dates |
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Principal | |
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Charter Operating:
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8% senior second-lien notes due 2012
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Any time |
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*** |
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83/8% senior
second-lien notes due 2014
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April 30, 2009 April 29, 2010 |
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104.188% |
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April 30, 2010 April 29, 2011 |
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102.792% |
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April 30, 2011 April 29, 2012 |
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101.396% |
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Thereafter |
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100.000% |
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* |
CCH I may, prior to October 1, 2008 in the event of a
qualified equity offering providing sufficient proceeds, redeem
up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the CCH I notes
at a redemption price of 111% of the principal amount plus
accrued and unpaid interest. |
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** |
CCH II may, prior to October 1, 2009 in the event of a
qualified equity offering providing sufficient proceeds, redeem
up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the CCH II
notes at a redemption price of 110.25% of the principal amount
plus accrued and unpaid interest. |
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*** |
Charter Operating may, at any time and from time to time, at
their option, redeem the outstanding 8% second lien notes due
2012, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to 100%
of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid
interest, if any, to the redemption date, plus the Make-Whole
Premium. The Make-Whole Premium is an amount equal to the excess
of (a) the present value of the remaining interest and
principal payments due on a 8% senior second-lien notes due
2012 to its final maturity date, computed using a discount rate
equal to the Treasury Rate on such date plus 0.50%, over
(b) the outstanding principal amount of such Note. |
In the event that a specified change of control event occurs,
each of the respective issuers of the notes must offer to
repurchase any then outstanding notes at 101% of their principal
amount or accrued value, as applicable, plus accrued and unpaid
interest, if any.
Summary of Restrictive Covenants of Our High Yield Notes
The following description is a summary of certain restrictions
of our Debt Agreements. The summary does not restate the terms
of the Debt Agreements in their entirety, nor does it describe
all restrictions of the Debt Agreements. The agreements and
instruments governing each of the Debt Agreements are
complicated and you should consult such agreements and
instruments for more detailed information regarding the Debt
Agreements.
The notes issued by Charter Holdings, CIH, CCH I,
CCH II, CCO Holdings and Charter Operating (together, the
note issuers) were issued pursuant to indentures
that contain covenants that restrict the ability of the note
issuers and their subsidiaries to, among other things:
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incur indebtedness; |
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pay dividends or make distributions in respect of capital stock
and other restricted payments; |
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issue equity; |
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make investments; |
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create liens; |
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sell assets; |
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consolidate, merge, or sell all or substantially all assets; |
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enter into sale leaseback transactions; |
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create restrictions on the ability of restricted subsidiaries to
make certain payments; or |
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enter into transactions with affiliates. |
80
However, such covenants are subject to a number of important
qualifications and exceptions. Below we set forth a brief
summary of certain of the restrictive covenants.
Restrictions on Additional Debt
The limitations on incurrence of debt and issuance of preferred
stock contained in various indentures permit each of the
respective notes issuers and its restricted subsidiaries to
incur additional debt or issue preferred stock, so long as,
after giving pro forma effect to the incurrence, the leverage
ratio would be below a specified level for each of the note
issuers as follows:
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Issuer |
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Leverage Ratio | |
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Charter Holdings
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8.75 to 1 |
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CIH
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8.75 to 1 |
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CCH I
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7.5 to 1 |
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CCH II
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5.5 to 1 |
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CCOH
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4.5 to 1 |
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CCO
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4.25 to 1 |
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In addition, regardless of whether the leverage ratio could be
met, so long as no default exists or would result from the
incurrence or issuance, each issuer and their restricted
subsidiaries are permitted to issue among other permitted
indebtedness:
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up to an amount of debt under credit facilities not otherwise
allocated as indicated below: |
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Charter Holdings: $3.5 billion |
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CIH, CCH I, CCH II and CCO Holdings: $9.75 billion |
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Charter Operating: $6.8 billion |
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up to $75 million of debt incurred to finance the purchase
or capital lease of new assets; |
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up to $300 million of additional debt for any purpose; |
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Charter Holdings and CIH may incur additional debt in an amount
equal to 200% of proceeds of new cash equity proceeds received
since March 1999, the date of our first indenture, and not
allocated for restricted payments or permitted investments (the
Equity Proceeds Basket); and |
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other items of indebtedness for specific purposes such as
intercompany debt, refinancing of existing debt, and interest
rate swaps to provide protection against fluctuation in interest
rates. |
Indebtedness under a single facility or agreement may be
incurred in part under one of the categories listed above and in
part under another, and generally may also later be reclassified
into another category including as debt incurred under the
leverage ratio. Accordingly, indebtedness under our credit
facilities is incurred under a combination of the categories of
permitted indebtedness listed above. The restricted subsidiaries
of note issuers are generally not permitted to issue
subordinated debt securities.
Restrictions on Distributions
Generally, under the various indentures each of the note issuers
and their respective restricted subsidiaries are permitted to
pay dividends on or repurchase equity interests, or make other
specified restricted payments, only if the applicable issuer can
incur $1.00 of new debt under the applicable leverage ratio test
after giving effect to the transaction and if no default exists
or would exist as a consequence of such incurrence. If those
conditions are met, restricted payments may be made in a total
amount of up to the following amounts for the applicable issuer
as indicated below:
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Charter Holdings: the sum of 100% of Charter Holdings
Consolidated EBITDA, as defined, minus 1.2 times its
Consolidated Interest Expense, as defined, plus 100% of new cash
and appraised non-cash equity proceeds received by Charter
Holdings and not allocated to the debt incurrence |
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covenant or to permitted investments, all cumulatively from
March 1999, the date of the first Charter Holdings indenture,
plus $100 million; |
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CIH: the sum of the greater of (a) $500 million or
(b) 100% of CIHs Consolidated EBITDA, as defined,
minus 1.2 times its Consolidated Interest Expense, as defined,
plus 100% of new cash and appraised non-cash equity proceeds
received by CIH and not allocated to the debt incurrence
covenant or to permitted investments, all cumulatively from
September 28, 2005; |
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CCH I: the sum of 100% of CCH Is Consolidated EBITDA, as
defined, minus 1.3 times its Consolidated Interest Expense, as
defined, plus 100% of new cash and appraised non-cash equity
proceeds received by CCH I and not allocated to certain
investments, all cumulative from September 28, 2005, plus
$100 million; |
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CCH II: the sum of 100% of CCH IIs Consolidated
EBITDA, as defined, minus 1.3 times its Consolidated Interest
Expense, as defined, plus 100% of new cash and appraised
non-cash equity proceeds received by CCH II and not
allocated to certain investments, cumulatively from July 1,
2003, plus $100 million; |
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CCO Holdings: the sum of 100% of CCO Holdings Consolidated
EBITDA, as defined, minus 1.3 times its Consolidated Interest
Expense, as defined, plus 100% of new cash and appraised
non-cash equity proceeds received by CCO Holdings and not
allocated to certain investments, cumulatively from
October 1, 2003, plus $100 million; and |
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Charter Operating: the sum of 100% of Charter Operatings
Consolidated EBITDA, as defined, minus 1.3 times its
Consolidated Interest Expense, as defined, plus 100% of new cash
and appraised non-cash equity proceeds received by Charter
Operating and not allocated to certain investments, cumulatively
from April 1, 2004, plus $100 million. |
In addition, each of the note issuers may make distributions or
restricted payments, so long as no default exists or would be
caused by transactions among other distributions or restricted
payments:
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to repurchase management equity interests in amounts not to
exceed $10 million per fiscal year; |
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regardless of the existence of any default, to pay pass-through
tax liabilities in respect of ownership of equity interests in
the applicable issuer or its restricted subsidiaries; or |
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to make other specified restricted payments including merger
fees up to 1.25% of the transaction value, repurchases using
concurrent new issuances, and certain dividends on existing
subsidiary preferred equity interests. |
Each of CCH I, CCH II, CCO Holdings, and Charter
Operating and their respective restricted subsidiaries may make
distributions or restricted payments: (i) so long as
certain defaults do not exist and even if the applicable
leverage test referred to above is not met, to enable certain of
its parents to pay interest on certain of their indebtedness or
(ii) so long as the applicable issuer could incur $1.00 of
indebtedness under the applicable leverage ratio test referred
to above, to enable certain of its parents to purchase, redeem
or refinance certain indebtedness.
Restrictions on Investments
Each of the note issuers and their respective restricted
subsidiaries may not make investments except (i) permitted
investments or (ii) if, after giving effect to the
transaction, their leverage would be above the applicable
leverage ratio.
Permitted investments include, among others:
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investments in and generally among restricted subsidiaries or by
restricted subsidiaries in the applicable issuer; |
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investments in productive assets (including through equity
investments) aggregating up to $150 million since March
1999; |
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other investments aggregating up to $50 million since March
1999; and |
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investments aggregating up to 100% of new cash equity proceeds
received by Charter Holdings since March 1999 and not allocated
to the debt incurrence or restricted payments covenant; |
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investments aggregating up to $750 million at any time
outstanding; |
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investments aggregating up to 100% of new cash equity proceeds
received by CIH since March 1999 and not allocated to the debt
incurrence or restricted payments covenant (as if CIH had been
in existence at all times during such periods); |
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investments aggregating up to $750 million at any time
outstanding; |
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investments aggregating up to 100% of new cash equity proceeds
received by CCH I since September 28, 2005 to the extent
the proceeds have not been allocated to the restricted payments
covenant; |
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investments aggregating up to $750 million at any time
outstanding; |
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investments aggregating up to 100% of new cash equity proceeds
received by CCH II since September 23, 2003 to the
extent the proceeds have not been allocated to the restricted
payments covenant; |
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investments aggregating up to $750 million at any time
outstanding; |
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investments aggregating up to 100% of new cash equity proceeds
received by CCO Holdings since November 10, 2003 to the
extent the proceeds have not been allocated to the restricted
payments covenant; |
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investments aggregating up to $750 million at any time
outstanding; |
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investments aggregating up to 100% of new cash equity proceeds
received by CCO Holdings since April 27, 2004 to the extent
the proceeds have not been allocated to the restricted payments
covenant. |
Restrictions on Liens
Charter Operating and its restricted subsidiaries are not
permitted to grant liens senior to the liens securing the
Charter Operating notes, other than permitted liens, on their
assets to secure indebtedness or other obligations, if, after
giving effect to such incurrence, the senior secured leverage
ratio (generally, the ratio of obligations secured by first
priority liens to four times EBITDA, as defined, for the most
recent fiscal quarter for which internal financial reports are
available) would exceed 3.75 to 1.0. The restrictions on liens
for each of the other note issuers only applies to liens on
assets of the issuers themselves and does not restrict liens on
assets of subsidiaries. With respect to all of the note issuers,
permitted liens include liens securing indebtedness and other
obligations under credit facilities (subject to specified
limitations in the case of Charter Operating), liens securing
the purchase price of financed new assets, liens securing
indebtedness of up to $50 million and other specified liens.
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Restrictions on the Sale of Assets; Mergers
The note issuers are generally not permitted to sell all or
substantially all of their assets or merge with or into other
companies unless their leverage ratio after any such transaction
would be no greater than their leverage ratio immediately prior
to the transaction, or unless after giving effect to the
transaction, leverage would be below the applicable leverage
ratio for the applicable issuer, no default exists, and the
surviving entity is a U.S. entity that assumes the
applicable notes.
The note issuers and their restricted subsidiaries may generally
not otherwise sell assets or, in the case of restricted
subsidiaries, issue equity interests, in excess of
$100 million unless they receive consideration at least
equal to the fair market value of the assets or equity
interests, consisting of at least 75% in cash, assumption of
liabilities, securities converted into cash within 60 days
or productive assets. The note issuers and their restricted
subsidiaries are then required within 365 days after any
asset sale either to use or commit to use the net cash proceeds
over a specified threshold to acquire assets used or useful in
their businesses or use the net cash proceeds to repay specified
debt, or to offer to repurchase the issuers notes with any
remaining proceeds.
Restrictions on Sale and Leaseback Transactions
The note issuers and their restricted subsidiaries may generally
not engage in sale and leaseback transactions unless, at the
time of the transaction, the applicable issuer could have
incurred secured indebtedness under its leverage ratio test in
an amount equal to the present value of the net rental payments
to be made under the lease, and the sale of the assets and
application of proceeds is permitted by the covenant restricting
asset sales.
Prohibitions on Restricting Dividends
The note issuers restricted subsidiaries may generally not
enter into arrangements involving restrictions on their ability
to make dividends or distributions or transfer assets to the
applicable note issuer unless those restrictions with respect to
financing arrangements are on terms that are no more restrictive
than those governing the credit facilities existing when they
entered into the applicable indentures or are not materially
more restrictive than customary terms in comparable financings
and will not materially impair the applicable note issuers
ability to make payments on the notes.
Affiliate Transactions
The indentures also restrict the ability of the note issuers and
their restricted subsidiaries to enter into certain transactions
with affiliates involving consideration in excess of
$15 million without a determination by the board of
directors of the applicable note issuer that the transaction
complies with this covenant, or transactions with affiliates
involving over $50 million without receiving an opinion as
to the fairness to the holders of such transaction from a
financial point of view issued by an accounting, appraisal or
investment banking firm of national standing. See
Description of the Old Notes Events of
Default.
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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK AND MEMBERSHIP UNITS
General
Charters capital stock and the provisions of the Restated
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of Charter are as
described below. These summaries are qualified by reference to
the Restated Certificate of Incorporation and the Bylaws of
Charter, copies of which have been filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. Charters authorized capital stock
consists of 1.750 billion shares of Class A common
stock, par value $.001 per share, 750 million shares
of Class B common stock, par value $.001 per share,
and 250 million shares of preferred stock, par value
$.001 per share.
On July 24, 2007, in connection with the Rights Agreement
our board of directors adopted a resolution approving the
increase of our authorized shares of Class A common stock
to 10.5 billion shares and an increase in our authorized
shares of Class B common stock to 4.5 billion shares,
of which 8.750 billion shares of Class A common stock
and 3.750 billion shares of Class B common stock will
be authorized for issuance solely upon the exercise or exchange
of rights pursuant to the Rights Agreement, as further described
in Charters preliminary information statement filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 15, 2007.
The increase in our authorized capital stock will take effect
when we file the Certificate of Amendment with the Secretary of
State of the State of Delaware, twenty days after the definitive
information statement is mailed to our stockholders.
The Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Charter and Charter
Holdcos amended and restated limited liability company
agreement contain provisions that are designed to cause the
number of shares of Charters common stock that are
outstanding to equal the number of common membership units of
Charter Holdco owned by Charter and to cause the value of a
share of common stock to be equal to the value of a common
membership unit. These provisions are meant to allow a holder of
Charters common stock to easily understand the economic
interest that such holders common shares represent of
Charter Holdcos business.
In particular, provisions in the Restated Certificate of
Incorporation of Charter provide that:
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(1) at all times the number of shares of common stock
outstanding will be equal to the number of Charter Holdco common
membership units owned by Charter. |
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(2) Charter will not hold any assets other than, among
other allowable assets: |
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working capital and cash held for the payment of current
obligations and receivables from Charter Holdco; |
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common membership units of Charter Holdco; and |
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obligations and equity interests of Charter Holdco that
correspond to obligations and equity interests issued by Charter; |
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(3) Charter will not borrow any money or enter into any
capital lease unless Charter Holdco enters into the same
arrangements with Charter so that Charters liability flows
through to Charter Holdco. |
Provisions in Charter Holdcos amended and restated limited
liability company agreement provide that, upon the contribution
by Charter of assets acquired through the issuance of common
stock by Charter, Charter Holdco will issue to Charter that
number of common membership units as equals the number of shares
of common stock issued by Charter. In the event of the
contribution by Charter of assets acquired through the issuance
of indebtedness or preferred interests of Charter, Charter
Holdco will issue to Charter a corresponding obligation or
interest, respectively to allow Charter to pass through to
Charter Holdco these liabilities or preferred interests. Such
liabilities or preferred interest of Charter Holdco will be
assets of Charter, in addition to the Class B common units
of Charter Holdco that are held by Charter.
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Common Stock
As of June 30, 2007, there were 400,398,208 shares of
Class A common stock issued and outstanding and
50,000 shares of Class B common stock issued and
outstanding. If, as described below, all shares of Class B
common stock convert to shares of Class A common stock as a
result of dispositions by Mr. Allen and his affiliates, the
holders of Class A common stock will be entitled to elect
all members of the board of directors, other than any members
elected separately by the holders of any preferred shares with
the right to vote, of which there are currently none outstanding.
Voting Rights. The holders of Class A common
stock and Class B common stock generally have identical
rights, except:
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each Class A common shareholder is entitled to one vote per
share; and |
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each Class B common shareholder is entitled to a number of
votes based on the number of outstanding Class B common
stock and Charter Holdco membership units exchangeable for
Class B common stock. For example, Mr. Allen is
entitled to ten votes for each share of Class B common
stock held by him or his affiliates and ten votes for each
membership unit held by him or his affiliates; and |
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the Class B common shareholders have the sole power to vote
to amend or repeal the provisions of the Restated Certificate of
Incorporation of Charter relating to: |
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(1) the activities in which Charter may engage; |
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(2) the required ratio of outstanding shares of common
stock to outstanding membership units owned by Charter; and |
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(3) the restrictions on the assets and liabilities that
Charter may hold. |
The effect of the provisions described in the final bullet point
is that holders of Class A common stock have no right to
vote on these matters. These provisions allow Mr. Allen,
for example, to amend the Restated Certificate of Incorporation
to permit Charter to engage in currently prohibited business
activities without having to seek the approval of holders of
Class A common stock.
The voting rights relating to the election of Charters
board of directors are as follows:
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The Class B common shareholders, voting separately as a
class, are entitled to elect all but one member of our board of
directors. |
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Class A and Class B common shareholders, voting
together as one class, are entitled to elect the remaining
member of our board of directors who is not elected by the
Class B common shareholders. |
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Class A common shareholders and Class B common
shareholders are not entitled to cumulate their votes in the
election of directors. |
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In addition, Charter may issue one or more series of preferred
stock that entitle the holders of such preferred stock to elect
directors. |
Other than the election of directors and any matters where
Delaware law or the Restated Certificate of Incorporation or
Bylaws of Charter requires otherwise, all matters to be voted on
by shareholders must be approved by a majority of the votes cast
by the holders of shares of Class A common stock and
Class B common stock present in person or represented by
proxy, voting together as a single class, subject to any voting
rights granted to holders of any preferred stock.
Amendments to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of
Charter that would adversely alter or change the powers,
preferences or special rights of the Class A common stock
or the Class B common stock must be approved by a majority
of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of the
outstanding shares of the affected class, voting as a separate
class. In addition, the following actions by Charter must
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be approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a
majority of the voting power of the outstanding Class B
common stock, voting as a separate class:
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the issuance of any Class B common stock other than to
Mr. Allen and his affiliates and other than pursuant to
specified stock splits and dividends; |
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the issuance of any stock other than Class A common stock
(and other than Class B common stock as described
above); and |
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the amendment, modification or repeal of any provision of the
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Charter relating to
capital stock or the removal of directors. |
Charter will lose its rights to manage the business of Charter
Holdco and Charter Investment, Inc. will become the sole manager
of Charter Holdco if at any time a court holds that the holders
of the Class B common stock no longer:
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have the number of votes per share of Class B common stock
described above; |
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have the right to elect, voting separately as a class, all but
one member of Charters board of directors, except for any
directors elected separately by the holders of preferred
stock; or |
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have the right to vote as a separate class on matters that
adversely affect the Class B common stock with respect to: |
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(1) the issuance of equity securities of Charter other than
the Class A common stock; or |
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(2) the voting power of the Class B common stock. |
These provisions are contained in the amended and restated
limited liability company agreement of Charter Holdco. The
Class B common stock could lose these rights if a holder of
Class A common stock successfully challenges in a court
proceeding the voting rights of the Class B common stock.
In any of these circumstances, Charter would also lose its 100%
voting control of Charter Holdco as provided in Charter
Holdcos amended and restated limited liability company
agreement. These provisions exist to assure Mr. Allen that
he will be able to control Charter Holdco in the event he was no
longer able to control Charter through his ownership of
Class B common stock. These events could have a material
adverse impact on our business and the market price of the
Class A common stock and the notes.
Dividends. Holders of Class A common stock
and Class B common stock will share ratably (based on the
number of shares of common stock held) in any dividend declared
by our board of directors, subject to any preferential rights of
any outstanding preferred stock. Dividends consisting of shares
of Class A common stock and Class B common stock may
be paid only as follows:
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shares of Class A common stock may be paid only to holders
of Class A common stock; |
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shares of Class B common stock may be paid only to holders
of Class B common stock; and |
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the number of shares of each class of common stock payable per
share of such class of common stock shall be equal in number. |
The restated certificate of incorporation of Charter provides
that we may not pay a stock dividend unless the number of
outstanding Charter Holdco common membership units are adjusted
accordingly. This provision is designed to maintain the equal
value between shares of common stock and membership units and
the one-to-one exchange
ratio.
Conversion of Class B Common Stock. Each
share of outstanding Class B common stock will
automatically convert into one share of Class A common
stock if, at any time, Mr. Allen or any of his affiliates
sells any shares of common stock of Charter or membership units
of Charter Holdco and as a
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result of such sale, Mr. Allen and his affiliates no longer
own directly and indirectly common stock and other equity
interests in Charter and membership units in Charter Holdco that
in total represent at least:
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20% of the sum of the values, calculated as of November 12,
1999, of the shares of Class B common stock directly or
indirectly owned by Mr. Allen and his affiliates and the
shares of Class B common stock for which outstanding
Charter Holdco membership units directly or indirectly owned by
Mr. Allen and his affiliates were exchangeable on that
date; and |
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5% of the sum of the values, calculated as of the measuring
date, of shares of outstanding common stock and other equity
interests in Charter and the shares of Charter common stock for
which outstanding Charter Holdco membership units are
exchangeable on such date. |
These provisions exist to assure that Mr. Allen will no
longer be able to control Charter if after sales of his equity
interests he owns an insignificant economic interest in our
business. The conversion of all Class B common stock in
accordance with these provisions would not trigger Charter
Holdcos limited liability company agreement provisions
described above whereby Charter would lose its management rights
and special voting rights relating to Charter Holdco in the
event of an adverse determination of a court affecting the
rights of the Class B common stock.
Each holder of a share of Class B common stock has the
right to convert such share into one share of Class A
common stock at any time on a one-for-one basis. If a
Class B common shareholder transfers any shares of
Class B common stock to a person other than an authorized
Class B common shareholder, these shares of Class B
common stock will automatically convert into shares of
Class A common stock. Authorized Class B common
shareholders are Paul G. Allen entities controlled by
Mr. Allen, Mr. Allens estate, any organization
qualified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue
Code that is Mr. Allens beneficiary upon his death
and certain trusts established by or for the benefit of
Mr. Allen. In this context controlled means the
ownership of more than 50% of the voting power and economic
interest of an entity and transfer means the
transfer of record or beneficial ownership of any such share of
Class B common stock.
Other Rights. Shares of Class A common stock
will be treated equally in the event of any merger or
consolidation of Charter so that:
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each class of common shareholders will receive per share the
same kind and amount of capital stock, securities, cash and/or
other property received by any other class of common
shareholders, provided that any shares of capital stock so
received may differ in a manner similar to the manner in which
the shares of Class A common stock and Class B common
stock differ; or |
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each class of common shareholders, to the extent they receive a
different kind (other than as described above) or different
amount of capital stock, securities, cash and/or other property
than that received by any other class of common shareholders,
will receive for each share of common stock they hold, stock,
securities, cash and/or either property having a value
substantially equivalent to that received by such other class of
common shareholders. |
Upon Charters liquidation, dissolution or winding up,
after payment in full of the amounts required to be paid to
preferred shareholders, if any, all common shareholders,
regardless of class, are entitled to share ratably in any assets
and funds available for distribution to common shareholders.
No shares of any class of common stock are subject to redemption
or have preemptive right to purchase additional shares of common
stock.
Preferred Stock
Charters board of directors is authorized, subject to the
approval of the holders of the Class B common stock, to
issue from time to time up to a total of 250 million shares
of preferred stock in one or
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more series and to fix the numbers, powers, designations,
preferences, and any special rights of the shares of each such
series thereof, including:
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dividend rights and rates; |
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conversion rights; |
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voting rights; |
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terms of redemption (including any sinking fund provisions) and
redemption price or prices; |
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liquidation preferences; and |
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the number of shares constituting and the designation of such
series. |
Pursuant to their authority the board of directors has
designated 1 million of the above-described
250 million shares as Series A Convertible Redeemable
Preferred Stock (Series A Preferred Stock).
Holders of the Series A Preferred Stock have no voting
rights but are entitled to accrue dividends at an annual rate of
7.75%, compounded quarterly. The Series A Preferred Stock
is redeemable by Charter at its option and must be redeemed by
Charter at any time upon a change of control, or if not
previously redeemed or converted, on August 31, 2008. The
Series A Preferred Stock is convertible, in whole or in
part, at the option of the holders on or before August 31,
2008, into shares of common stock at an initial conversion rate
equal to a conversion price of $24.71 per share of common
stock, subject to certain customary adjustments. The redemption
price per share of Series A Preferred Stock is the
liquidation preference of $105.4063, subject to certain
customary adjustments. At June 30, 2007 and
December 31, 2006, there were 36,713 shares of
Series A Preferred Stock outstanding, with an aggregate
liquidation preference of approximately $4 million. These
shares are convertible into approximately 148,575 shares of
Class A common stock.
Charter has no present plans to issue any other shares of
preferred stock.
Options
As of June 30, 2007, options to purchase a total of
1,036,235 membership units in Charter Holdco were outstanding
pursuant to the 1999 Charter Communications Option Plan, and
options to purchase a total of 25,539,593 shares of
Class A common stock were outstanding pursuant to
Charters 2001 Stock Incentive Plan. Of these options,
11,452,718 have vested. The membership units received upon
exercise of any of the options under the 1999 Charter
Communications Option Plan are automatically exchanged for
shares of the Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis.
In addition, a portion of the unvested options will vest each
month. There are also additional options outstanding to purchase
an aggregate of 289,268 shares of Class A common
stock, which were issued to a consultant outside of the 2001
Stock Incentive Plan.
Old Notes
At June 30, 2007, we had outstanding $412.5 million
principal amount of the Old Notes, which are convertible (at
approximately $2.42 per share) into a total of
approximately 170.5 million shares of the Class A
common stock. At June 30, 2007, we had an additional
$450 million of Old Notes that were held by CCHC which were
subsequently distributed to Charter Holdco on August 1,
2007.
Anti-takeover Effects of Provisions of the Restated
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of Charter
Provisions of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation and
Bylaws of Charter may be deemed to have an anti-takeover effect
and may delay, defer or prevent a tender offer or takeover
attempt that a shareholder might consider in its best interest,
including those attempts that might result in a premium over the
market price for the shares held by shareholders.
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Special Meeting of Shareholders. Charters
Bylaws provide that, subject to the rights of holders of any
series of preferred stock, special meetings of Charters
shareholders may be called only by the chairman of our board of
directors, our chief executive officer or a majority of our
board of directors.
Advance Notice Requirements For Shareholder Proposals And
Director Nominations. Charters Bylaws provide that
shareholders seeking to bring business before an annual meeting
of shareholders, or to nominate candidates for election as
directors at an annual meeting of shareholders, must provide
timely prior written notice of their proposals. To be timely, a
shareholders notice must be received at our principal
executive offices not less than 45 days nor more than
70 days prior to the first anniversary of the date on which
we first mailed the proxy statement for the prior years
annual meeting. If, however, the date of the annual meeting is
more than 30 days before or after the anniversary date of
the prior years annual meeting, notice by the shareholder
must be received not less than 90 days prior to the annual
meeting or by the 10th day following the public
announcement of the date of the meeting, whichever occurs later,
and not more than 120 days prior to the annual meeting.
Charters Bylaws specify requirements as to the form and
content of a shareholders notice. These provisions may
limit shareholders in bringing matters before an annual meeting
of shareholders or in making nominations for directors at an
annual meeting of shareholders.
Authorized But Unissued Shares. The authorized but
unissued shares of Class A common stock are available for
future issuance without shareholder approval and, subject to
approval by the holders of the Class B common stock, the
authorized but unissued shares of Class B common stock and
preferred stock are available for future issuance. These
additional shares may be utilized for a variety of corporate
purposes, including future public offerings to raise additional
capital, corporate acquisitions and employee benefit plans. The
existence of authorized but unissued shares of common stock and
preferred stock could render more difficult or discourage an
attempt to obtain control of us by means of a proxy contest,
tender offer, merger or otherwise.
Rights Plan. On August 13, 2007, the Board
adopted a Rights Plan and declared a dividend of one preferred
share purchase right for each outstanding share of Class A
common stock and Class B common stock. The dividend is
payable to Charter stockholders of record as of August 31,
2007. The terms of the rights and the rights plan are set forth
in a Rights Agreement, by and between Charter and Mellon
Investor Services LLC, a New Jersey limited liability company,
as Rights Agent, dated as of August 14, 2007.
The Board adopted the Rights Plan in an effort to protect
stockholder value by attempting to protect against a possible
limitation on our ability to use our NOLs to reduce potential
future federal income tax obligations. The Rights Plan is
intended to act as a deterrent to any person or group acquiring
5.0% or more of our outstanding Class A common stock (an
Acquiring Person) without the approval of our Board.
The holdings of independently managed mutual funds should not be
combined for purposes of calculating ownership percentages under
the Rights Plan. Stockholders who own 5.0% or more of our
outstanding Class A common stock as of the close of
business on August 13, 2007 will not trigger the Rights
Plan so long as they do not acquire any additional shares of our
Class A common stock. The Rights Plan does not exempt any
future acquisitions of Class A common stock by such
persons. Any rights held by an Acquiring Person are void and may
not be exercised. Our Board may, in its sole discretion, exempt
any person or group from being deemed an Acquiring Person for
purposes of the Rights Plan.
The rights under the Rights Plan will not be exercisable until
10 business days after a public announcement by us that a person
or group has become an Acquiring Person. We refer to the date
that the rights become exercisable as the Distribution
Date. Until the Distribution Date, our Class A common
stock and Class B common stock certificates will evidence
the rights and will contain a notation to that effect. Any
transfer of shares of Class A common stock and/or
Class B common stock will constitute a transfer of the
associated rights.
Except as may be determined by the Board, with the consent of a
majority of the shares of Class B common stock, after the
Distribution Date, we will exchange all of the then-outstanding,
valid and exercisable rights, except rights held by any
Acquiring Person or any affiliate, associate or transferee of
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any Acquiring Person, for 2.5 shares of Class A common
stock and/or Class B common stock, as applicable, or an
equivalent security.
If the Board and the holders of the majority of the Class B
common stock determine that the exchange will not occur after
the Distribution Date, all holders of rights, except any
Acquiring Person or any affiliate, associate or transferee of
any Acquiring Person, may exercise their rights upon payment of
the purchase price to purchase five (5) shares of our
Class A common stock and/or Class B common stock, as
applicable (or other securities or assets as determined by our
Board) at a 50% discount to the then current market price.
Further, upon an issuance of Class A common stock and/or
Class B common stock under the Rights Plan, additional
membership units will be issued to the Company, as holder of the
Class B common membership units, by Charter Holdco to
mirror at Charter Holdco the economic effect of such issuance of
common stock. Holders of the Charter Holdco common membership
units that are convertible into shares of our Class B
common stock will have equivalent rights which may be exercised,
on generally the same terms and conditions as set forth in the
Rights Plan, for additional Charter Holdco common membership
units.
The rights and the Rights Plan will expire on the earlier of:
(i) a determination by holders of a majority of the shares
of Class B common stock to terminate the Rights Plan,
(ii) the close of business on December 31, 2008,
(iii) the close of business on the date on which we make a
public announcement (by press release, filing made with the
Securities and Exchange Commission or otherwise) that our Board
has determined that the Companys Section 382
Ownership Level (as defined in the Rights Plan) dropped below
25%, (iv) the time at which the rights are redeemed as
provided in the Rights Plan, and (v) the time at which the
rights are exchanged as provided in the Rights Plan.
Before the Distribution Date, our Board may amend or supplement
the Rights Plan without the consent of the holders of the Rights
in respect of our Class A common stock. After the
Distribution Date, our Board may amend or supplement the Rights
Plan only to cure an ambiguity, to alter time period provisions,
to correct inconsistent provisions, or to make any additional
changes to the Rights Plan, but only to the extent that those
changes do not impair or adversely affect any rights holder and
do not result in the rights again becoming redeemable.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company and the Rights Agent
shall not supplement or amend the Rights Plan without the prior
approval of the holders of a majority of the Class B common
stock.
Membership Units of Charter Holdco
The Charter Holdco limited liability company agreement provides
for three separate classes of common membership units designed
Class A, Class B and Class C and one class of
preferred membership units designated Class A. As of
June 30, 2007, there were 739,580,239 Charter Holdco common
membership units issued and outstanding, 400,448,208 of which
were held by Charter.
Class A Common Membership Units. As of
June 30, 2007, there were a total of 324,300,479 issued and
outstanding Class A common membership units, consisting of
217,585,246 units owned by CII and 106,715,233 units
owned by Vulcan Cable.
Class B Common Membership Units. As of
June 30, 2007, there were a total of 400,448,208 issued and
outstanding Class B common membership units, all of which
are owned by Charter.
Class C Common Membership Units. As of
June 30, 2007, there were a total of 14,831,552 issued and
outstanding Class C common membership units, consisting of
5,233,612 units owned by CII and 9,597,940 units owned
by Vulcan Cable.
Convertible Preferred Membership Units. As of
June 30, 2007, there were a total of 36,713 issued and
outstanding convertible preferred membership units. These units
are owned by Charter and mirror the terms of Charters
Series A Preferred Stock.
Any matter requiring a vote of the members of Charter Holdco
requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the Class B
common membership units. Charter owns all Class B common
membership units
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and therefore controls Charter Holdco. Because Mr. Allen
owns high vote Class B common stock of Charter that
entitles him to approximately 91% of the voting power of the
outstanding common stock of Charter. Mr. Allen controls us
and through us has voting control of Charter Holdco.
The net cash proceeds that Charter receives from any issuance of
shares of common stock will be immediately transferred to
Charter Holdco in exchange for membership units equal in number
to the number of shares of common stock issued by Charter.
In addition, in October 2005 a settlement was reached in a
dispute concerning the ownership of 24,273,943 units of CC
VIII, LLC. As part of the settlement, CII received an accreting
exchangeable note of CCHC, LLC with an initial value of
$48 million, accreting at 14%, compounded quarterly, with a
15-year maturity. The
note is exchangeable, at CIIs option, at any time, for
Charter Holdco Class A common units at a rate equal to then
accreted value, divided by $2.00 (the Exchange
Rate). Customary anti-dilution protections have been
provided that could cause future changes to the Exchange Rate.
Additionally, the Charter Holdco Class A common units
received will be exchangeable by the holder into Charter
Class A common stock in accordance with existing agreements
between CII, Charter and certain other parties signatory
thereto. Beginning three years and four months after the closing
of the Settlement, if the closing price of Charter Class A
common stock is at or above the Exchange Rate for a certain
period of time as specified in the Exchange Agreement, Charter
Holdco may require the exchange of the Note for Charter Holdco
Class A units at the Exchange Rate.
Exchange Agreement
Charter is a party to an agreement permitting Vulcan
Cable III Inc., CII and any other affiliate of
Mr. Allen to exchange at any time on a one-for-one basis
any or all of their Charter Holdco common membership units for
shares of Class B common stock. This exchange may occur
directly or, at the election of the exchanging holder,
indirectly through a tax-free reorganization such as a share
exchange or a statutory merger of any Allen-controlled entity
with and into Charter or a wholly owned subsidiary of Charter.
In the case of an exchange in connection with a tax-free share
exchange or a statutory merger, shares of Class A common
stock held by Mr. Allen or the Allen-controlled entity will
also be exchanged for Class B common stock. Mr. Allen
currently owns shares of Class A common stock as a result
of the exercise of put rights granted to sellers in the Falcon
acquisition and the Rifkin acquisition.
Charter Holdco common membership units held by Mr. Allen
and his affiliates are exchangeable at any time for shares of
the Class B common stock, which is then convertible into
shares of Class A common stock. The exchange agreement and
the 1999 Charter Communications Option Plan state that common
membership units are exchangeable for shares of common stock at
a value equal to the fair market value of the common membership
units. The exchange ratio of common membership units to shares
of Class A common stock will be one to one because Charter
and Charter Holdco have been structured so that the fair market
value of a share of the Class A common stock equals the
fair market value of a common membership unit owned by Charter.
Charters organizational documents achieve this result by
limiting the assets and liabilities that Charter may hold; and
requiring the number of shares of Charters common stock
outstanding at any time to equal the number of common membership
units owned by Charter.
If we fail to comply with these provisions or they are changed,
the exchange ratio may vary from one to one and will then be
based on a pre-determined formula contained in the exchange
agreements and the 1999 Charter Communications Option Plan. This
formula will be based on the then current relative fair market
values of common membership units and common stock.
Special Tax Allocation Provisions
Charter Holdcos limited liability company agreement
contains a number of provisions affecting the allocation of net
tax losses and net tax profits to its members. In some
situations, these provisions could
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result in Charter having to pay income taxes in an amount that
is more or less than it would have had to pay if these
provisions did not exist.
Other Material Terms of the Amended and Restated Limited
Company Agreement of Charter Holdco
General. Charter Holdcos amended and
restated limited liability company agreement contains provisions
that permit each member (and its officers, directors, agents,
shareholders, members, partners or affiliates) to engage in
businesses that may compete with the businesses of Charter
Holdco or any subsidiary. However, the directors of Charter,
including Mr. Allen, are subject to fiduciary duties under
Delaware corporate law that generally require them to present
business opportunities in the cable transmission business to
Charter.
The amended and restated limited liability company agreement
restricts the business activities that Charter Holdco may engage
in.
Transfer Restrictions. The amended and restated
limited liability company agreement restricts the ability of
each member to transfer its membership interest unless specified
conditions have been met. These conditions include:
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the transfer will not result in the loss of any license or
regulatory approval or exemption that has been obtained by
Charter Holdco and is materially useful in its business as then
conducted or proposed to be conducted; |
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the transfer will not result in a material and adverse
limitation or restriction on the operations of Charter Holdco
and its subsidiaries taken as a whole; |
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the proposed transferee agrees in writing to be bound by the
limited liability company agreement; and |
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except for a limited number of permitted transfers under the
limited liability company agreement, the transfer has been
approved by the manager in its sole discretion. |
Amendments to the Limited Liability Company
Agreement. Any amendment to the limited liability
company agreement generally may be adopted only upon the
approval of a majority of the Class B common membership
units. The agreement may not be amended in a manner that
adversely affects the rights of any class of common membership
units without the consent of holders holding a majority of the
membership units of that class.
Registration Rights
Holders of Class B Common Stock. Charter,
Mr. Allen, CII and Vulcan Cable III Inc., are parties
to a registration rights agreement. The agreement gives
Mr. Allen and his affiliates the right to cause us to
register the shares of Class A common stock issued to them
upon conversion of any shares of Class B common stock that
they may hold.
This registration rights agreement provides that each eligible
holder is entitled to unlimited piggyback
registration rights permitting them to include their shares of
Class A common stock in registration statements filed by
us. These holders may also exercise their demand rights causing
us, subject to specified limitations, to register their
Class A shares, provided that the amount of shares subject
to each demand has a market value at least equal to
$50 million or, if the market value is less than
$50 million, all of the Class A shares of the holders
participating in the offering are included in such registration.
We are obligated to pay the costs associated with all such
registrations.
Holders may elect to have their shares registered pursuant to a
shelf registration statement if at the time of the election,
Charter is eligible to file a registration statement on
Form S-3 and the
amount of shares to be registered has a market value equal to at
least $100 million on the date of the election.
All shares of Class A common stock issuable to the
registration rights holders in exchange for Charter Holdco
membership units and upon conversion of outstanding Class B
common stock and conversion of
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Class B common stock issuable to the registration rights
holders upon exchange of Charter Holdco membership units are
subject to the registration rights described above.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent and registrar for the Class A common
stock is Mellon Investor Services, LLC.
Share Lending Agreement
Because we believed there were not sufficient shares of the
Class A common stock available for investors to borrow when
we offered the Old Notes, and because we understood that the
shares that were available were relatively expensive to borrow,
we were concerned that, in order to sell the Old Notes, we would
be forced to offer terms that would have been unfavorable to us.
To address this concern, and to make it possible or less
expensive for prospective investors in the Old Notes to hedge
their investment, we entered into a share lending agreement,
dated November 22, 2004 (the Share Lending
Agreement), with Citigroup Global Markets Inc.
(Citigroup), as agent for Citigroup Global Markets
Limited (CGML), as borrower. Under the Share Lending
Agreement, we agreed to loan to CGML up to
150,000,000 shares of the Class A common stock on one
or more occasions prior to November 16, 2006 or, if
earlier, the date as of which all of the Old Notes cease to be
outstanding as the result of conversion, repurchase, redemption
or otherwise. We lent a total of 116.9 million shares to
CGML, of which 29.8 million remain outstanding (the
Borrowed Shares). We have no obligation to lend any
additional shares under the Share Lending Agreement.
CGML and the Company have agreed to amend and restate the Share
Lending Agreement to allow for the Borrowed Shares to remain
outstanding through the maturity of the New Notes. To the extent
you tender Old Notes in the Exchange Offer and you have a swap
transaction or an open share lending agreement with CGML or any
of its affiliates, you may want to contact CGML or such
affiliate in order to extend the maturity of your hedge, if
necessary. Charter has no rights or obligations pursuant to any
swap transaction or share lending agreement you may have with
CGML or such affiliate, and you should contact CGML or such
affiliate directly if you have any questions related thereto.
Under the amended and restated Share Lending Agreement, CGML has
agreed that it will not transfer or dispose of the Borrowed
Shares except for the purpose of directly or indirectly
facilitating the hedging of the Old Notes or the New Notes by
Holders. Any shares of the Class A common stock that
Citigroup returns to us to reduce its stock loan after such
shares have been sold into the public market pursuant to a
registration statement cannot be reborrowed.
Share loans under the Share Lending Agreement will terminate and
the Borrowed Shares must be returned to us:
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if and when CGML in its discretion terminates all or any portion
of a loan at any time; |
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if and when we terminate any or all of the outstanding loans
upon a default by CGML under the Share Lending Agreement,
including a breach by CGML of any of its representations and
warranties, covenants or agreements under such agreement or the
bankruptcy of CGML; or |
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on the maturity date for the New Notes or, sooner, if and when
all of the New Notes have been converted, repaid, redeemed or
are otherwise no longer outstanding. We will not otherwise have
the right to terminate any loan of Borrowed Shares. |
Under the Share Lending Agreement, CGML has agreed:
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to pay to us an amount equal to any cash dividends that we pay
on the Borrowed Shares, and |
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to pay or deliver to us any other distribution, in liquidation
or otherwise, that we make on the Borrowed Shares. |
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CGML has also agreed under the Share Lending Agreement that it
will not vote any Borrowed Shares of which it is the record
owner, and it will not transfer or dispose of any Borrowed
Shares except pursuant to a registration statement that is
effective under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
If the credit ratings of Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.,
the guarantor of CGMLs obligations under the Share Lending
Agreement, decline below a specified level, CGML has agreed
under the Share Lending Agreement to post and maintain with
Citigroup, as collateral agent on Charters behalf,
collateral in the form of cash, government securities,
certificates of deposit, high grade commercial paper of
U.S. issuers or money market shares with a market value at
least equal to 100% of the market value of the Borrowed Shares
as security for the obligation of CGML to return the Borrowed
Shares to us when required.
In view of the contractual undertakings of CGML in the Share
Lending Agreement, which have the effect of substantially
eliminating the economic dilution that would otherwise result
from the issuance of the Borrowed Shares, we believe that under
U.S. generally accepted accounting principles currently in
effect, the Borrowed Shares will not be considered outstanding
for the purpose of computing and reporting Charters
earnings per share.
Charters issuance of shares of the Class A common
stock pursuant to the Share Lending Agreement is essentially
analogous to a sale of shares coupled with a forward contract
for the reacquisition of the shares at a future date. An
instrument that requires physical settlement by repurchase of a
fixed number of shares in exchange for cash is considered a
forward purchase instrument. While the Share Lending Agreement
does not require a cash payment upon return of the shares,
physical settlement is required (i.e., the loaned shares must be
returned at the end of the arrangement). The fair value of the
remaining 29.8 million shares of Class A common stock
lent in the three share borrow transactions is approximately
$121 million as of June 30, 2007. However, the net
effect on shareholders deficit of the Share Lending
Agreement (exclusive of the adjustment for the fair value of the
stock borrow facility discussed below) which includes our
requirement to lend the shares and the counterparties
requirement to return the shares, is to increase equity by
$116,900 which represents the cash received upon lending of the
shares and is equal to the par value of the common stock to be
issued.
The shares issued are required to be returned, in accordance
with the contractual arrangement, and are treated in basic and
diluted earnings per share as if they were already returned and
retired. Consequently, there is no impact of the
29.8 million shares of Class A common stock issued and
still outstanding subject to the Share Lending Agreement in the
earnings per share calculation. However, the shares are
nonetheless issued and outstanding and are eligible for trading
in The Nasdaq Global Market. Accordingly, the increase in supply
of shares may have an adverse impact on the trading price of the
Class A common stock. Accordingly, the existence of the
Share Lending Agreement and the short positions established in
connection with facilitating the hedging of the Old Notes and
New Notes could have the effect of causing the market price of
the Class A common stock to be lower over the term of the
Share Lending Agreement than it would have been had we not
entered into the agreement, but we believe that entering into
the Share Lending Agreement was in our best interests and the
best interests of Charters shareholders as it facilitated
the sale of the Old Notes, and will facilitate this Exchange
Offer, on terms more favorable to us than we could have
otherwise obtained.
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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
As of June 30, 2007, we had 400,398,208 shares of
Class A common stock issued and outstanding, all of which
are eligible for immediate resale (subject to limitations of
Rule 144 in the case of shares held by affiliates).
As of June 30, 2007, the following additional shares of
Class A common stock are or will be issuable after giving
effect to this exchange offer:
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339,132,031 shares of Class A common stock are
issuable upon conversion of Class B common stock issuable
upon exchange of Charter Holdco membership units held by Vulcan
Cable and CII. These membership units are exchangeable for
shares of Class B common stock on a one-for-one basis.
Shares of Class B common stock are convertible into shares
of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis. |
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30,316,305 shares of Class A common stock are issuable
upon the exchange of Charter Holdco membership units issuable in
exchange for a subordinated exchangeable note of CCHC with an
initial accreted value of $48 million, accreting at 14%,
compounded quarterly, with a
15-year maturity. The
note is exchangeable, at Charter Investment, Inc.s option,
at any time, for Holdco membership units at a rate equal to then
accreted value, divided by $2.00. |
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50,000 shares of Class A common stock will be issuable
upon conversion of outstanding Class B common stock on a
one-for-one basis. |
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Up to 90,000,000 shares of Class A common stock (or
units exchangeable for Class A common stock) are authorized
for issuance pursuant to Charters 2001 Stock Incentive
Plan and 1999 Charter Communications Option Plan. At
June 30, 2007, 4,529,237 shares had been issued under
the plans upon exercise of options, 3,740,726 shares had
been issued upon vesting of restricted stock grants, and
2,230,271 shares are subject to future vesting under
restricted stock agreements. Of the remaining
79,499,766 shares covered by the plans, as of June 30,
2007, 26,575,828 were subject to outstanding options (43% of
which were vested), and there were 21,149,555 performance units
granted under Charters long-term incentive program, which
will vest on the third anniversary of the date of grant
conditional upon Charters performance against financial
targets approved by the board of directors at the time of the
awards. As of June 30, 2007, 34,842,212 shares
remained available for future grant under the plans. |
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42,613,636 shares of Class A common stock are issuable
upon conversion of the Old Notes assuming 75% of the Old Notes
are tendered in this Exchange Offer. |
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106,931,769 shares of Class A common stock are
expected to be issuable upon conversion of the New Notes
assuming 75% of the Old Notes are tendered in the Exchange Offer
and assuming a conversion price of $4.20. |
All of the shares of Class A common stock issuable upon
exchange of Charter Holdco membership units and upon conversion
of shares of the Class B common stock are subject to demand
and piggyback registration rights.
A registration statement on
Form S-8 covering
the Class A common stock issuable pursuant to the exercise
of options under the 1999 Charter Communications Option Plan was
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in May 2000
and registration statements on
Form S-8 covering
shares issuable under the 2001 Stock Incentive Plan were filed
in May 2001 and November 2003. The shares of Class A common
stock covered by the
Form S-8
registration statements generally may be resold in the public
market without restriction or limitation, except in the case of
our affiliates who generally may only resell such shares in
accordance with the provisions of Rule 144 of the
Securities Act of 1933.
The sale of a substantial number of shares of Class A
common stock, or the perception that such sales could occur,
could adversely affect prevailing market prices for the
Class A common stock. In addition, any such sale or
perception could make it more difficult for us to sell equity
securities or equity related securities in the future at a time
and price that we deem appropriate.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW NOTES
The New Notes will be issued under an indenture to be dated as
of September 24, 2007 between us and The Bank of New York
Trust Company, N.A., as trustee. Copies of the indenture will be
made available upon request to us. We have summarized portions
of the indenture below. This summary is not complete. We urge
you to read the indenture because it defines your rights as a
holder of the New Notes. In this section, Charter
Communications, Inc., we, our and
us each refers only to Charter Communications, Inc.
and not to any existing or future subsidiary.
General
The New Notes will be senior unsecured obligations of Charter
Communications, Inc. and will be convertible into our
Class A common stock as described under
Conversion Rights below. The New Notes
initially will be limited to an aggregate principal amount of up
to $595,082,000 and will mature on October 1, 2027, subject
to earlier conversion or repurchase at the option of the holders
or earlier redemption at our option.
The New Notes will bear interest at the rate of 7.00% per
year on the principal amount from the date of original issuance
of the New Notes, or from the most recent date to which interest
had been paid or provided for. Interest is payable semi-annually
in arrears on October 1 and April 1 of each year,
commencing April 1, 2008 to holders of record at the close
of business on the preceding September 15 and
March 15, respectively. Interest will be computed on the
basis of a 360-day year
comprised of twelve
30-day months. In the
event of the maturity, conversion or repurchase by us at the
option of the holder or redemption of a New Note at our option,
interest will cease to accrue on the New Note under the terms of
and subject to the conditions of the indenture.
Principal is payable, and New Notes may be presented for
conversion, registration of transfer and exchange, without
service charge, at our office or agency in New York, New York,
which is initially the office or agency of the trustee in New
York, New York. See Book Entry, Delivery and Form.
The indenture will not contain any financial covenants or any
restrictions on the payment of dividends, the incurrence of
senior or other indebtedness, or the issuance or repurchase of
securities by us. The indenture will not contain any covenants
or other provisions to protect holders of the New Notes in the
event of a highly leveraged transaction or a fundamental change,
except to the extent described under
Fundamental Change Requires Us to Repurchase
New Notes at the Option of the Holder below.
The indenture will provide for the issuance of additional notes
under the indenture having identical terms and conditions as the
New Notes offered hereby, except for any difference in the issue
price and interest accrued prior to the issue day of the
additional notes; provided that such additional notes are
fungible with the New Notes for U.S. federal income tax
purposes. Any additional notes will be part of the same issue as
the New Notes offered hereby and will vote on all matters with
the New Notes offered hereby. For purposes of this
Description of the New Notes, references to the New
Notes includes additional notes except as otherwise indicated.
Ranking
The New Notes will be our unsecured and unsubordinated
obligations. The New Notes will rank, in right of payment, the
same as all of our existing and future unsecured and
unsubordinated indebtedness, including the Old Notes. Currently,
$450 million of Old Notes are held by Charter Holdco and we
anticipate that any Old Notes accepted by Charter Holdco in the
Exchange Offer will remain outstanding until at least
November 16, 2007 and not be cancelled in connection with
the Exchange Offer. The New Notes will rank senior in right of
payment to all of our subordinated indebtedness and will be
effectively subordinated to any secured indebtedness, and
structurally subordinated to indebtedness and other liabilities
of our subsidiaries.
As of June 30, 2007, Charter Communications, Inc. had no
secured indebtedness (other than the Old Notes to the extent the
Pledged Securities secure the interest payment on the Old Notes
due on
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November 16, 2007) and our subsidiaries had total
indebtedness and other liabilities of $21.1 billion,
excluding intercompany obligations.
Conversion Rights
The conversion price of the New Notes initially will equal the
Average Price times 1.4. Holders may convert their New Notes
into shares of our Class A common stock at an initial
conversion rate equal to $1,000 divided by the conversion
price, rounded to four decimal points, unless previously
redeemed or repurchased. The initial conversion price and
initial conversion rate of the New Notes will be based on the
Average Price as set forth in the table on the cover to this
Exchange Offer Prospectus. The conversion rate and the
equivalent conversion price in effect at any given time are
referred to as the applicable conversion rate and
the applicable conversion price, respectively, and
will be subject to adjustment as set forth in
Conversion Rate Adjustments below. A
holder may convert fewer than all of such holders New
Notes so long as the New Notes converted are a multiple of
$1,000 principal amount.
Upon conversion of a New Note, a holder will not receive any
cash payment of interest (unless such conversion occurs between
a regular record date and the interest payment date to which it
relates) and we will not adjust the conversion rate to account
for accrued and unpaid interest. Our delivery to the holder of
cash and shares, if any, of our Class A common stock into
which a New Note is convertible shall satisfy our obligations
with respect to such New Note. Except to the extent we are
required to make payments in respect of such obligations, any
accrued but unpaid interest will be deemed to be paid in full
upon conversion, rather than cancelled, extinguished or
forfeited. For a discussion of the tax treatment to a holder
receiving our Class A common stock upon conversion, see
Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences.
Holders of New Notes at the close of business on a regular
record date will receive payment of interest payable on the
corresponding interest payment date notwithstanding the
conversion of such New Notes at any time after the close of
business on the applicable regular record date. New Notes
surrendered for conversion by a holder after the close of
business on any regular record date but prior to the next
interest payment date must be accompanied by payment of an
amount equal to the interest that the holder is to receive on
the New Notes; provided, however, that no such payment
need be made (1) if we have specified a redemption date
that is after a record date and on or prior to the next interest
payment date, (2) if we have specified a repurchase date
following a fundamental change that is after a record date and
on or prior to the next interest payment date or (3) unless
any overdue interest exists at the time of conversion with
respect to such New Note and then only to the extent of such
overdue interest.
If a holder converts New Notes, we will pay any documentary,
stamp or similar issue or transfer tax due on the issue of
shares of our Class A common stock upon the conversion, if
any, unless the tax is due because the holder requests the
shares to be issued or delivered to a person other than the
holder, in which case the holder will pay that tax.
If a holder wishes to exercise its conversion right, such holder
must deliver an irrevocable duly completed conversion notice,
together, if the New Notes are in certificated form, with the
certificated security, to the conversion agent along with
appropriate endorsements and transfer documents, if required,
and pay any transfer or similar tax, if required. The date a
holder makes such required deliveries is the conversion date for
the New Notes converted. The conversion agent will, on the
holders behalf, convert the New Notes into shares of our
Class A common stock, subject to our right to deliver cash
or a combination of cash and Class A common stock. Holders
may obtain copies of the required form of the conversion notice
from the conversion agent. A certificate, or a book-entry
transfer through The Depository Trust Company, New York, New
York, or DTC, for the number of full shares of our Class A
common stock into which any New Notes are converted, together
with a cash payment for any fractional shares and cash or
shares, if applicable, with respect to any Redemption Make Whole
Amount as described under Redemption Make
Whole Upon Conversion below, will be delivered through the
conversion agent on
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the conversion settlement date, which will be as
soon as practicable, but no later than the fifth business day
following the conversion date, unless we elect cash settlement
as described under Cash Settlement
Option below. The trustee will initially act as the
conversion agent.
New Notes called for redemption may be surrendered for
conversion at any time prior to the close of business on the
business day immediately preceding the redemption date. If a
holder has already delivered a purchase notice as described
under Fundamental Change Requires Us to
Repurchase New Notes at the Option of the Holder with
respect to a New Note, however, the holder may not surrender
that New Note for conversion until the holder has withdrawn the
purchase notice in accordance with the indenture.
Upon conversion, we will have the right to deliver, in lieu of
shares of our Class A common stock, cash or a combination
of cash and Class A common stock. We will inform converting
holders through the trustee no later than the business day prior
to the first day of the conversion averaging period if we elect
to pay cash in lieu of delivering shares and will specify in
such notice the percentage of the shares otherwise deliverable
for which we will pay cash, unless we have already informed
holders of our election in a notice of redemption for the New
Notes, as described under Redemption
below. If we elect to pay holders cash upon conversion, such
payment will be based on the conversion average price of our
Class A common stock. If we elect cash settlement, the
conversion settlement date on which we deliver the
cash and shares of our Class A common stock, if any,
together with the cash or shares, if applicable, with respect to
any Redemption Make Whole Amount, to converting holders will be
the third business day following the determination of the
conversion average price. We will deliver cash in lieu of any
fractional shares of our Class A common stock issuable in
connection with any conversion of New Notes based upon the
conversion average price.
The conversion average price of our Class A
common stock means, with respect to any conversion of New Notes,
the average of the sale prices of our Class A common stock
over the 20 trading day period (the conversion averaging
period): (i) with respect to a conversion date
occurring during the period beginning on the date we give notice
of redemption and ending on the close of business on the
business day prior to the redemption date, beginning on the
redemption date; and (ii) in all other cases, beginning on
the third scheduled trading day immediately following the
applicable conversion date.
The sale price of our Class A common stock on
any date means the closing sale price per share (or if no
closing sale price is reported, the average of the bid and asked
prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the
average bid and the average asked prices) on that date as
reported in transactions for the principal U.S. securities
exchange or market on which our common stock is traded or
quoted. The sale price will be determined without reference to
after-hours or extended market trading.
If our Class A common stock is not listed for trading or
quoted on a U.S. national or regional securities exchange
or market on the relevant date, the sale price will
be the last quoted bid price for our common stock on the Nasdaq
Capital Market or in the
over-the-counter market
on the relevant date as reported by Pink Sheets LLC or any
similar organization.
If our Class A common stock is not so quoted, the
sale price will be the average of the mid-point of
the last bid and asked prices for our common stock on the
relevant date from each of at least three nationally recognized
independent investment banking firms selected by us for this
purpose.
Trading day means a day during which trading in
securities generally occurs on the principal U.S. national
or regional securities exchange or market on which our
Class A common stock is then listed or quoted or, if our
Class A common stock is not then listed or quoted on a
national or regional securities exchange or market, on the
principal other market on which our Class A common stock is
then traded.
|
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|
Limitation on Beneficial Ownership |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no holder of New Notes will be
entitled to receive shares of our Class A common stock upon
conversion to the extent (but only to the extent) that such
receipt would
99
cause such converting holder to become, directly or indirectly,
a beneficial owner (within the meaning of
Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder) of more than the specified
percentage of the shares of Class A common stock
outstanding at such time. With respect to any conversion prior
to October 1, 2011, the specified percentage will be 4.9%,
and with respect to any conversion thereafter until the maturity
of the New Notes, the specified percentage will be 9.9%. Any
purported delivery of shares of our Class A common stock
upon conversion of New Notes shall be void and have no effect to
the extent (but only to the extent) that such delivery would
result in the converting holder becoming the beneficial owner of
more than the specified percentage of the shares of Class A
common stock outstanding at such time. If any delivery of shares
of our Class A common stock owed to a holder upon
conversion of New Notes is not made, in whole or in part, as a
result of these limitations, our obligation to make such
delivery shall not be extinguished and we shall deliver such
shares as promptly as practicable after, but in no event later
than two trading days after, any such converting holder gives
notice to us that such delivery would not result in it being the
beneficial owner of more than the specified percentage of the
shares of Class A common stock outstanding at such time.
Our Board has also recently adopted a Rights Plan and declared a
dividend of one preferred share purchase right for each
outstanding share of our Class A common stock and
Class B common stock. The Rights Plan is intended to act as
a deterrent to an Acquiring Person acquiring 5.0% or more of our
outstanding Class A common stock without the approval of
our Board. See Summary Recent
Events Rights Plan and Description of
Capital Stock and Membership Units.
|
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|
Redemption Make Whole Amount |
In addition to the conversion consideration, holders who convert
their New Notes after a notice of redemption and prior to
October 1, 2012 will receive upon such conversion the
present value of the interest on the New Notes converted that
would have been payable for the period from and including the
redemption date, to but excluding October 1, 2012, which we
refer to as the Redemption Make Whole Amount.
The Redemption Make Whole Amount will be calculated by
discounting the amount of such interest, on a semi-annual basis
using a discount rate equal to 3.0% plus the arithmetic mean of
the yields under the respective headings This Week
and Last Week published in the Statistical Release
under the caption Treasury Constant Maturities for
the maturity (rounded to the nearest month) corresponding to the
period from and including the redemption date to but excluding
October 1, 2012. If no maturity exactly corresponds to such
maturity, yields for the two published maturities most closely
corresponding to such maturity will be calculated pursuant to
the immediately preceding sentence and the applicable rate will
be interpolated or extrapolated from such yields on a
straight-line basis, rounding each of such relevant periods to
the nearest month. For the purpose of calculating the applicable
rate, the most recent Statistical Release published prior to the
date of determination of the Redemption Make Whole Amount
shall be used.
The term Statistical Release means the statistical
release designated H.15(519) or any successor
publication which is published weekly by the Federal Reserve
System and which establishes yields on actively traded U.S.
government securities adjusted to constant maturities or, if
such statistical release is not published at the time of any
determination under the indenture, then such other reasonably
comparable index that we will designate.
We may pay the Redemption Make Whole Amount in cash or in
shares of our Class A common stock, with the number of such
shares determined based on the average of the sale prices of our
Class A common stock over the 10 trading days immediately
preceding the applicable conversion date. If we elect to pay the
Redemption Make Whole Amount in shares of our Class A
common stock, the number of shares that we will deliver in
respect of such payment will not exceed a number of shares of
our Class A common stock equal to 1.4 multiplied by
the applicable conversion rate per $1,000 principal amount of
the New Notes, and we must deliver cash with respect to the
remainder of the Redemption Make Whole Amount, if any.
100
|
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|
Change of Control Make Whole Amount |
If a transaction described in clause (2) of the definition
of change of control (as set forth under
Fundamental Change Requires Us to Repurchase
New Notes at the Option of the Holder) occurs on or prior
to October 1, 2012, we must give notice to all record
holders of New Notes and the trustee at least 10 scheduled
trading days prior to the anticipated effective date of such
change of control transaction. We must also give notice to all
record holders of New Notes and the trustee that such a
transaction has occurred within 15 days after the actual
effective date of such change of control transaction. If a
holder elects to convert its New Notes at any time following the
date we give notice of the anticipated effective date of such
change of control transaction until the repurchase date
corresponding to such change of control as described under
Fundamental Change Requires Us to Repurchase
New Notes at the Option of the Holder, we will increase
the applicable conversion rate for the New Notes surrendered for
conversion by a number of additional shares of Class A
common stock equal to a percentage of the applicable conversion
rate (the additional shares), as described below.
The number of additional shares will be determined by reference
to the table below and is based on the date on which such change
of control transaction becomes effective (the effective
date) and the price (the stock price) paid per
share of our Class A common stock in such transaction,
which is expressed in the table below as a percentage of the
Average Price. If the holders of our Class A common stock
receive only cash in the change of control transaction, the
stock price shall be the cash amount paid per share. Otherwise
the stock price shall be the average of the sale prices of our
Class A common stock on the last 10 trading days up to but
not including the effective date.
The addition to the conversion rate will be made to holders who
elect to convert their New Notes during the period described
above on the later of (1) five business days following the
effective date and (2) the conversion settlement date for those
New Notes.
The stock prices described in the first row of the table (i.e.,
the column headers) and paragraphs 2 and 3 below, will
be adjusted as of any date on which the conversion rate of the
New Notes is adjusted. The adjusted stock prices will equal the
stock prices applicable immediately prior to such adjustment
multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the
conversion rate immediately prior to the adjustment giving rise
to the stock price adjustment and the denominator of which is
the conversion rate as so adjusted. Our obligation to increase
the conversion rate by the additional shares will be subject to
adjustment in the same manner as the conversion rate as set
forth under Conversion Rate Adjustments.
The following table sets forth the hypothetical stock price and
the percentage increase to the applicable conversion rate per
$1,000 principal amount of New Notes.
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Stock Price as a Percentage of the Average Price | |
|
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| |
Effective Date |
|
100% | |
|
115% | |
|
130% | |
|
145% | |
|
160% | |
|
175% | |
|
200% | |
|
225% | |
|
250% | |
|
300% | |
|
350% | |
|
400% | |
|
450% | |
|
500% | |
|
750% | |
|
1000% | |
|
1250% | |
|
1500% | |
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| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
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| |
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| |
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| |
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| |
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| |
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| |
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| |
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| |
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| |
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| |
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| |
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| |
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| |
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| |
October 1, 2007
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40.00% |
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|
|
38.88% |
|
|
|
32.17% |
|
|
|
27.31% |
|
|
|
23.71% |
|
|
|
20.67% |
|
|
|
17.09% |
|
|
|
14.62% |
|
|
|
12.85% |
|
|
|
10.36% |
|
|
|
8.81% |
|
|
|
7.63% |
|
|
|
6.77% |
|
|
|
6.11% |
|
|
|
4.01% |
|
|
|
2.85% |
|
|
|
2.13% |
|
|
|
1.63% |
|
October 1, 2008
|
|
|
40.00% |
|
|
|
37.48% |
|
|
|
30.53% |
|
|
|
25.54% |
|
|
|
21.88% |
|
|
|
19.14% |
|
|
|
15.61% |
|
|
|
13.21% |
|
|
|
11.50% |
|
|
|
9.32% |
|
|
|
7.86% |
|
|
|
6.77% |
|
|
|
5.98% |
|
|
|
5.37% |
|
|
|
3.49% |
|
|
|
2.46% |
|
|
|
1.82% |
|
|
|
1.38% |
|
October 1, 2009
|
|
|
40.00% |
|
|
|
35.05% |
|
|
|
28.07% |
|
|
|
22.96% |
|
|
|
19.26% |
|
|
|
16.54% |
|
|
|
13.35% |
|
|
|
11.25% |
|
|
|
9.68% |
|
|
|
7.70% |
|
|
|
6.43% |
|
|
|
5.57% |
|
|
|
4.94% |
|
|
|
4.40% |
|
|
|
2.80% |
|
|
|
1.95% |
|
|
|
1.43% |
|
|
|
1.08% |
|
October 1, 2010
|
|
|
40.00% |
|
|
|
31.94% |
|
|
|
24.63% |
|
|
|
19.36% |
|
|
|
15.80% |
|
|
|
13.14% |
|
|
|
10.27% |
|
|
|
8.40% |
|
|
|
7.16% |
|
|
|
5.62% |
|
|
|
4.67% |
|
|
|
4.01% |
|
|
|
3.53% |
|
|
|
3.14% |
|
|
|
1.96% |
|
|
|
1.35% |
|
|
|
0.99% |
|
|
|
0.74% |
|
October 1, 2011
|
|
|
40.00% |
|
|
|
27.43% |
|
|
|
19.29% |
|
|
|
13.95% |
|
|
|
10.48% |
|
|
|
8.14% |
|
|
|
5.82% |
|
|
|
4.54% |
|
|
|
3.79% |
|
|
|
2.95% |
|
|
|
2.46% |
|
|
|
2.11% |
|
|
|
1.85% |
|
|
|
1.64% |
|
|
|
1.01% |
|
|
|
0.70% |
|
|
|
0.51% |
|
|
|
0.38% |
|
October 1, 2012
|
|
|
40.00% |
|
|
|
21.74% |
|
|
|
7.69% |
|
|
|
0.00% |
|
|
|
0.00% |
|
|
|
0.00% |
|
|
|
0.00% |
|
|
|
0.00% |
|
|
|
0.00% |
|
|
|
0.00% |
|
|
|
0.00% |
|
|
|
0.00% |
|
|
|
0.00% |
|
|
|
0.00% |
|
|
|
0.00% |
|
|
|
0.00% |
|
|
|
0.00% |
|
|
|
0.00% |
|
The exact stock price and effective dates may not be set forth
on the table, in which case:
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1. if the stock price is between two stock prices described
in the table or the effective date is between two dates on the
table, the percentage increase will be determined by
straight-line interpolation between the percentage increases set
forth for the higher and lower stock price amounts and the two
dates, as applicable, based on a 365 day year; |
|
|
2. if the stock price is in excess of 1500% of the Average
Price (subject to adjustment as described above), no additional
shares will be added to the conversion rate; and |
101
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|
3. if the stock price is less than the Average Price
(subject to adjustment as described above), no additional shares
will be added to the conversion rate. |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event will the total number
of shares of Class A common stock issuable upon conversion
exceed 1.4 multiplied by the applicable conversion rate per
$1,000 principal amount of New Notes.
Our obligation to deliver the additional shares could be
considered a penalty, in which case the enforceability thereof
would be subject to general principles of reasonableness of
economic remedies.
|
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|
Conversion Rate Adjustments |
The initial conversion rate will be adjusted for certain events,
including:
|
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|
(1) the issuance of our Class A common stock as a
dividend or distribution on our Class A common stock, or
certain subdivisions and combinations of our Class A common
stock, in which event the conversion rate will be adjusted based
on the following formula: |
where,
|
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|
CR
0 |
|
= |
|
the conversion rate in effect immediately prior to the ex-date
for such dividend or distribution, or the effective date of such
subdivisions or combinations of our Class A common stock,
as the case may be |
CR
1
|
|
= |
|
the conversion rate in effect immediately after the ex-date for
such dividend or distribution, or the effective date of such
subdivisions or combinations of our Class A common stock,
as the case may be |
OS
0
|
|
= |
|
the number of shares of our Class A common stock
outstanding immediately prior to the ex-date for such dividend
or distribution, or the effective date of such subdivisions or
combinations of our Class A common stock, as the case may be |
OS
1
|
|
= |
|
the number of shares of our Class A common stock that would
be outstanding immediately after the ex-date for such dividend
or distribution, or the effective date of such subdivisions or
combinations of our Class A common stock, as the case may be |
|
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|
(2) the issuance to all holders of our Class A common
stock of certain rights or warrants to purchase our Class A
common stock (or securities convertible into our Class A
common stock) for a period expiring 45 days or less from
the date of issuance of such rights or warrants at a price per
share less than (or having a conversion price per share less
than) the current market price of our Class A common stock,
in which event the conversion rate will be adjusted based on the
following formula (provided that the conversion rate will
be readjusted to the extent that such rights or warrants are not
exercised prior to the expiration): |
|
|
|
|
|
CR 1
= CR
0
|
|
× |
|
OS 0
+ X
OS
0
+ Y |
where,
|
|
|
|
|
CR
0 |
|
= |
|
the conversion rate in effect immediately prior to the ex-date
for such distribution |
CR
1
|
|
= |
|
the conversion rate in effect immediately after the ex-date for
such distribution |
OS
0
|
|
= |
|
the number of shares of our Class A common stock
outstanding immediately prior to the ex-date for such
distribution |
X
|
|
= |
|
the total number of shares of our Class A common stock
issuable pursuant to such rights |
102
|
|
|
|
|
Y
|
|
= |
|
the number of shares of our Class A common stock equal to
the aggregate price payable to exercise such rights divided by
the average of the sale prices of our Class A common stock
for the 10 consecutive trading day period ending on the business
day immediately preceding the ex-date for such distribution |
|
|
|
(3) the dividend or other distribution to all holders of
our Class A common stock of shares of our capital stock
(other than Class A common stock) or evidences of our
indebtedness or our assets (excluding (A) any dividend,
distribution or issuance covered by clause (1) or
(2) above and (B) any dividend or distribution paid
exclusively in cash), in which event the conversion rate will be
adjusted based on the following formula: |
|
|
|
|
|
CR 1
= CR
0
|
|
× |
|
SP 0
SP
0
- FMV |
where,
|
|
|
|
|
CR
0
|
|
= |
|
the conversion rate in effect immediately prior the ex-date for
such distribution |
CR
1
|
|
= |
|
the conversion rate in effect immediately after the ex-date for
such distribution |
SP
0
|
|
= |
|
the current market price |
FMV
|
|
= |
|
the fair market value (as determined by our board of directors)
of the shares of capital stock, evidences of indebtedness,
assets or property distributed with respect to each outstanding
share of our Class A common stock on the ex-date for such
distribution |
|
|
|
In lieu of an adjustment pursuant to this clause (3), where
there has been a payment of a dividend or other distribution on
our Class A common stock or shares of capital stock of, or
similar equity interests in, a subsidiary or other business unit
of ours, which we refer to as a spin-off, the
conversion rate in effect immediately before 5:00 p.m. New
York City time, on the fifteenth trading day immediately
following, and including, the effective date of the spin-off
will be increased based on the following formula: |
|
|
|
|
|
CR 1
= CR
0
|
|
× |
|
FMV 0
+ MP
0
MP
0 |
where,
|
|
|
|
|
CR
0 |
|
= |
|
the conversion rate in effect immediately prior to the fifteenth
trading day immediately following, and including, the effective
date of the spin-off |
CR
1
|
|
= |
|
the conversion rate in effect immediately after the fifteenth
trading day immediately following, and including, the effective
date of the spin-off |
FMV
0
|
|
= |
|
the average of the last reported sale prices of the capital
stock or similar equity interest distributed to holders of our
Class A common stock applicable to one share of our
Class A common stock over the 10 consecutive trading
day period immediately following, and including the
fifth trading day immediately following the effective date
of the spin-off |
MP
0
|
|
= |
|
the average of the last reported sale prices of our Class A
common stock on the 10 consecutive trading day period
immediately following, and including the fifth trading day
immediately following the effective date of the spin-off |
|
|
|
(4) dividends or other distributions consisting exclusively
of cash to all holders of our Class A common stock, in
which event the conversion rate will be adjusted based on the
following formula: |
|
|
|
|
|
CR 1
= CR
0
|
|
× |
|
SP 0
SP
0
- C |
103
where,
|
|
|
|
|
CR
0
|
|
= |
|
the conversion rate in effect immediately prior to the ex-date
for such distribution |
CR
1
|
|
= |
|
the conversion rate in effect immediately after the ex-date for
such distribution |
SP
0
|
|
= |
|
the current market price |
C
|
|
= |
|
the amount in cash per share we distribute to holders of our
Class A common stock |
|
|
|
(5) we or one or more of our subsidiaries make purchases of
our Class A common stock pursuant to a tender offer or
exchange offer by us or one of our subsidiaries for our
Class A common stock to the extent that the cash and value
of any other consideration included in the payment per share of
our Class A common stock exceeds the current market price
per share of our Class A common stock on the trading day
next succeeding the last date on which tenders or exchanges may
be made pursuant to such tender or exchange offer (the
expiration date), in which event the conversion rate
will be adjusted based on the following formula: |
|
|
|
|
|
CR 1
= CR
0
|
|
× |
|
FMV + (SP
1
× OS
1
)
OS
0
× SP
1 |
where,
|
|
|
|
|
CR
0 |
|
= |
|
the conversion rate in effect on the expiration date |
CR
1
|
|
= |
|
the conversion rate in effect immediately after the expiration
date |
FMV
|
|
= |
|
the fair market value (as determined by our board of directors)
of the aggregate value of all cash and any other consideration
paid or payable for shares validly tendered or exchanged and not
withdrawn as of the expiration date (the purchased
shares) |
OS
1
|
|
= |
|
the number of shares of our Class A common stock
outstanding immediately after the expiration date less any
purchased shares |
OS
0
|
|
= |
|
the number of shares of our Class A common stock
outstanding immediately after the expiration date plus any
purchased shares |
SP
1
|
|
= |
|
the sale price of our Class A common stock on the trading
day next succeeding the expiration date |
|
|
|
(6) someone other than us or one of our subsidiaries makes
a payment in respect of a tender offer or exchange offer in
which, as of the expiration date, our board of directors is not
recommending rejection of the offer, in which event the
conversion rate will be adjusted based on the following formula: |
|
|
|
|
|
CR 1
= CR
0
|
|
× |
|
FMV + (SP
1
× OS
1
)
OS
0
× SP
1 |
where,
|
|
|
|
|
CR
0 |
|
= |
|
the conversion rate in effect on the expiration date |
CR
1
|
|
= |
|
the conversion rate in effect immediately after the expiration
date |
FMV
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the fair market value (as determined by our board of directors)
of the aggregate consideration payable to our shareholders based
on the acceptance (up to any maximum specified in the terms of
the tender or exchange offer) of all shares validly tendered or
exchanged and not withdrawn as of the expiration date |
OS
1
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= |
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the number of shares of our Class A common stock
outstanding immediately after the expiration date less any
purchased shares |
OS
0
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= |
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the number of shares of our Class A common stock
outstanding immediately after the expiration date, including any
purchased shares |
104
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SP
1
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= |
|
the sale price of our Class A common stock on the trading
day next succeeding the expiration date |
The adjustment referred to in this clause (6) will only be
made if:
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the tender offer or exchange offer is for an amount that
increases the offerors ownership of Class A common
stock to more than 25% of the total shares of Class A
common stock outstanding; and |
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the cash and value of any other consideration included in the
payment per share of Class A common stock exceeds the sale
price of our Class A common stock on the trading day next
succeeding the last date on which tenders or exchanges may be
made pursuant to the tender or exchange offer. |
However, the adjustment referred to in this clause (6) will
generally not be made if as of the closing of the offer, the
offering documents disclose a plan or an intention to cause us
to engage in a consolidation or merger or a sale of the
consolidated assets of us and our subsidiaries substantially as
an entirety.
Current market price of our Class A common
stock on any day means the average of the sale price of our
Class A common stock for each of the 10 consecutive trading
days ending on the earlier of the day in question and the day
before the ex-date with respect to the issuance or
distribution requiring such computation. As used in this
section, ex-date means the first date on which the
shares of our Class A common stock trade on the applicable
exchange or in the applicable market, regular way, without the
right to receive such issuance or distribution.
To the extent that we have a rights plan in effect upon
conversion of the New Notes into Class A common stock, you
will receive, in addition to the Class A common stock, the
rights under the rights plan, unless prior to any conversion,
the rights have separated from the Class A common stock, in
which case the conversion rate will be adjusted at the time of
separation as if we distributed, to all holders of our
Class A common stock, shares of our capital stock,
evidences of indebtedness or assets as described above, subject
to readjustment in the event of the expiration, termination or
redemption of such rights.
Except as stated above, the conversion rate will not be adjusted
for the issuance of our Class A common stock or any
securities convertible into or exchangeable for our Class A
common stock or carrying the right to purchase any of the
foregoing.
In the case of any recapitalization, reclassification or change
of our Class A common stock (other than changes resulting
from a subdivision or combination), a consolidation, merger or
combination involving us, a sale, lease or other transfer to
another corporation of the consolidated assets of ours and our
subsidiaries substantially as an entirety, or any statutory
share exchange, in each case as a result of which holders of our
Class A common stock are entitled to receive stock, other
securities, other property or assets (including cash or any
combination thereof) with respect to or in exchange for our
Class A common stock, the holders of the New Notes then
outstanding will be entitled thereafter to convert those New
Notes into the kind and amount of shares of stock, other
securities or other property or assets (including cash or any
combination thereof) that they would have owned or been entitled
to receive upon such recapitalization, reclassification, change,
consolidation, merger, combination, sale, lease, transfer or
statutory share exchange had such New Notes been converted into
our Class A common stock immediately prior to such
transaction. In the event that holders of our Class A
common stock have the right to elect the form of consideration
received in any such transaction or event the type and amount of
consideration that a holder of our Class A common stock
would have been entitled to in the applicable transaction will
be deemed to be the weighted average of the types and amounts of
consideration received by the holders of our Class A common
stock upon the occurrence of such transaction or event. We will
agree in the indenture not to become a party to any such
transaction unless its terms are consistent with the foregoing.
We may from time to time, to the extent permitted by law and
subject to applicable rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market, increase
the conversion rate of the New Notes by any amount for any
period of at least 20 days. In that case we will give at
least 15 days notice of such increase. We may make such
105
increases in the conversion rate, to the extent permitted by law
and subject to applicable rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market, in
addition to those set forth above, as our board of directors
deems advisable to avoid or diminish any income tax to holders
of our Class A common stock resulting from any dividend or
distribution of stock (or rights to acquire stock) or from any
event treated as such for income tax purposes.
As a result of any adjustment of the conversion rate, the
holders of New Notes may, in certain circumstances, be deemed to
have received a distribution subject to U.S. federal income
tax as a dividend. In certain other circumstances, the absence
of an adjustment may result in a taxable dividend to the holders
of Class A common stock. In addition,
non-U.S. holders
of New Notes in certain circumstances may be deemed to have
received a distribution subject to U.S. federal withholding
tax requirements. See Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax
Consequences Tax Consequences to Exchanging
U.S. Holders Constructive Dividends and
Tax Consequences to Exchanging
Non-U.S. Holders.
Exchange in Lieu of Conversion
Unless we have called the relevant New Notes for redemption,
when a holder surrenders New Notes for conversion, we may direct
the conversion agent to surrender, on or prior to the date two
business days following the conversion date, such New Notes to a
financial institution designated by us for exchange in lieu of
conversion. In order to accept any such New Notes, the
designated institution must agree to deliver, in exchange for
such New Notes, a number of shares of our common stock equal to
the applicable conversion rate, or at its option, cash or a
combination of cash and shares of our common stock in lieu
thereof, calculated based on the average price, plus cash for
any fractional shares.
If the designated institution accepts any such New Notes, it
will deliver the appropriate number of shares of our common
stock (and cash, if any), or cash in lieu thereof, to the
conversion agent and the conversion agent will deliver those
shares or cash to the holder. Any New Notes exchanged by the
designated institution will remain outstanding. If the
designated institution agrees to accept any New Notes for
exchange but does not timely deliver the related consideration,
we will, as promptly as practical thereafter, but not later than
(1) the fifth business day following the conversion date,
or (2) if the designated institution elects to deliver cash
or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock, the
third business day following the determination of the average
price, convert the New Notes and deliver shares of our common
stock, as described under Conversion
Rights General, or, at our option cash in lieu
thereof based on the average price.
Our designation of an institution to which the New Notes may be
submitted for exchange does not require the institution to
accept any New Notes. If the designated institution declines to
accept any New Notes surrendered for exchange, we will convert
those New Notes into shares of our Class A common stock, or
cash in lieu thereof, as described under
Conversion Rights above. We will not pay
any consideration to, or otherwise enter into any arrangement
with, the designated institution for or with respect to such
designation.
Redemption
Prior to October 1, 2010 we may redeem the New Notes in
whole or in part for cash at a redemption price equal to 100% of
the principal amount of such New Notes being redeemed plus
accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the New Notes being
redeemed to, but excluding, the redemption date, but only if the
closing price of our Class A common stock has exceeded, for
at least 20 trading days in the 30 trading day period
ending on the date we give notice of redemption, 180% of the
conversion price on each such trading day. Commencing on, and
including, October 1, 2010 until, but excluding,
October 1, 2012, we may redeem the New Notes in whole or in
part for cash at the redemption price only if the closing price
of our Class A common stock has exceeded, for at least
20 trading days in the 30 trading day period ending on
the date we give notice of redemption, 150% of the conversion
price on each such trading day. On and after October 1,
2012 we may redeem the New Notes in whole or in part for cash at
the redemption price regardless of the closing price of our
Class A common stock.
106
If the redemption date falls after a record date and on or prior
to the corresponding interest payment date, we will pay any
accrued and unpaid interest on such interest payment date to the
holder of record at the close of business on the applicable
record date.
We will give notice of redemption to the trustee and all
registered holders at their address set forth in the register of
the registrar not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior
to the redemption date. We must specify in such notice
(1) that you have a right to convert the New Notes called
for redemption and the conversion rate then in effect,
(2) the date on which your right to convert will expire,
(3) whether we will deliver shares of our Class A
common stock, or cash in lieu thereof, upon conversion of any
New Notes called for redemption and (4) if we elect to
deliver cash, the percentage of the shares otherwise deliverable
for which we will pay cash.
New Notes or portions of New Notes called for redemption will be
convertible by the holder until the close of business on the
business day prior to the redemption date.
If we decide to redeem fewer than all of the outstanding New
Notes, the trustee will select the New Notes to be redeemed (in
principal amounts of $1,000 or integral multiples thereof) by
lot, on a pro rata basis or by another method the trustee
considers fair and appropriate.
If any New Notes are to be redeemed in part only, we will issue
a new New Note or New Notes with a principal amount equal to the
unredeemed principal portion thereof. If the trustee selects a
portion of your New Note for partial redemption and you convert
a portion of the same New Note, the converted portion will be
deemed to be from the portion selected for redemption. In the
event of any redemption in part, we will not be required to
issue, register the transfer of or exchange any certificated New
Note during a period of 15 days before the mailing of the
redemption notice.
We may not redeem the New Notes if the principal amount of the
New Notes has been accelerated (other than as a result of a
failure to pay the relevant redemption price), and such
acceleration has not been rescinded, on or prior to the
redemption date.
Repurchase of New Notes at the Option of the Holders
On October 1, 2012, October 1, 2017 and
October 1, 2022 each holder of the New Notes will have the
right to require us to repurchase at the repurchase price
described below all or part of that holders New Notes for
cash. The New Notes submitted for repurchase must be in
principal amounts of $1,000 or integral multiples thereof.
We will repurchase such New Notes at a repurchase price equal to
100% of the principal amount of the New Notes to be repurchased,
plus any accrued and unpaid interest to but excluding the
repurchase date. However, if the repurchase date falls after a
record date and on or prior to the corresponding interest
payment date, we will pay any accrued and unpaid interest on
such interest payment date to the holder of record at the close
of business on the applicable record date.
We may be unable to repurchase a holders New Notes upon
such holders exercise of its repurchase right. Our ability
to repurchase New Notes in cash in the future may be limited by
the terms of our then-existing debt agreements. Accordingly, we
cannot assure the holders that we would have the financial
resources, or would be able to arrange financing, to pay the
repurchase price in cash.
In connection with any such repurchase of the New Notes, we will
notify the holder of the New Notes, not less than 20 business
days prior to any repurchase date, of their repurchase right,
the repurchase date and the repurchase procedures. To exercise
the repurchase right, prior to the close of business on the
business day immediately preceding the repurchase date, written
notice must be received by the paying agent from a holder of the
New Notes exercising such holders repurchase right
(together
107
with the New Notes to be repurchased, if certificated New Notes
have been issued). The repurchase notice must state:
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the certificate numbers of the New Notes to be repurchased, if
they are in certificated form; |
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the portion of the principal amount of the holders New
Notes to be repurchased, which must be in principal amount of
$1,000 or integral multiples thereof; and |
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that the New Notes are to be repurchased by us pursuant to the
applicable provisions of the New Notes and the indenture. |
Such holder of the New Notes may withdraw this notice if the
paying agent receives a notice of withdrawal prior to the close
of business on the business day immediately preceding the
repurchase date. The withdrawal notice must state:
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the certificate numbers of the New Notes to be withdrawn, if
they are in certificated form; |
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the principal amount of the withdrawn New Notes; and |
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the principal amount, if any, which remains subject to the
repurchase notice, which must be in principal amount of $1,000
or integral multiples thereof. |
If the paying agent holds money sufficient to pay the repurchase
price of the New Note, on the repurchase date, then, on and
after the business day following the repurchase date:
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the New Note will cease to be outstanding; |
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interest will cease to accrue; and |
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all other rights of the holder will terminate, other than the
right to receive the repurchase price upon delivery of the New
Note. |
This will be the case whether or not book-entry transfer of the
New Note has been made or the New Note has been delivered to the
paying agent.
Rule 13e-4 under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the dissemination
of certain information to security holders if an issuer tender
offer occurs and may apply if the repurchase option becomes
available to holders of the New Notes. We will comply with this
rule, Rule 14e-1
and any other tender offer rules under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 which may then be applicable and file
Schedule TO (or any similar schedule) to the extent
applicable at that time.
If a holder of New Notes submitted for repurchase holds a
beneficial interest in a global New Note, such holder must
comply with applicable DTC procedures to have such holders
beneficial interest in the New Notes repurchased, or to withdraw
a beneficial interest from repurchase.
Fundamental Change Requires Us to Repurchase New Notes at the
Option of the Holder
If a fundamental change occurs, each holder of New Notes will
have the right to require us to repurchase some or all of that
holders New Notes for cash on a repurchase date that is
not less than 20 nor more than 35 business days after the date
of our notice of the fundamental change. We will repurchase such
New Notes at a fundamental change repurchase price equal to 100%
of the principal amount of the New Notes to be repurchased, plus
accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but excluding the
fundamental change repurchase date, unless such fundamental
change repurchase date falls after a record date and on or prior
to the corresponding interest payment date, in which case we
will pay the full amount of accrued and unpaid interest payable
on such interest payment date to the holder of record at the
close of business on the corresponding record date.
Within 20 days after the occurrence of a fundamental
change, we are required to give notice to all holders of New
Notes, as provided in the indenture, of the occurrence of the
fundamental change and of their resulting repurchase right and
the fundamental change repurchase date. We must also deliver a
copy of our notice to the trustee. To exercise the repurchase
right, a holder of New Notes must deliver, on or
108
before the fundamental change repurchase date specified in our
notice, written notice to the trustee of the holders
exercise of its repurchase right, together with the New Notes
with respect to which the right is being exercised. We will
promptly pay the fundamental change repurchase price for New
Notes surrendered for repurchase following the fundamental
change repurchase date.
You may withdraw any written fundamental change repurchase
notice by delivering a written notice of withdrawal to the
paying agent prior to the close of business on the repurchase
date. The withdrawal notice must state:
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the principal amount of the withdrawn New Notes; |
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if certificated New Notes have been issued, the certificate
number of the withdrawn New Notes (or, if your New Notes are not
certificated, your withdrawal notice must comply with
appropriate DTC procedures); and |
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the principal amount, if any, that remains subject to the
fundamental change repurchase notice. |
Payment of the fundamental change repurchase price for a New
Note for which a fundamental change repurchase notice has been
delivered and not withdrawn is conditioned upon book-entry
transfer or delivery of the New Note, together with necessary
endorsements, to the paying agent at its corporate trust office
in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, or any other
office of the paying agent, at any time after delivery of the
fundamental change repurchase notice. Payment of the fundamental
change repurchase price for the New Note will be made promptly
following the later of the fundamental change repurchase date
and the time of book-entry transfer or delivery of the New Note.
If the paying agent holds money sufficient to pay the
fundamental change repurchase price of the New Note, on the
fundamental change repurchase date, then, on and after the
business day following the fundamental change repurchase date:
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the New Note will cease to be outstanding; |
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interest will cease to accrue; and |
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all other rights of the holder will terminate, other than the
right to receive the fundamental change repurchase price upon
delivery of the New Note. |
This will be the case whether or not book-entry transfer of the
New Note has been made or the New Note has been delivered to the
paying agent.
A fundamental change will be deemed to have occurred
upon a change of control or a termination of trading.
A termination of trading will be deemed to have
occurred if our Class A common stock (or other common stock
into which the New Notes are then convertible) is not listed for
trading or quoted on a U.S. national securities exchange;
provided that a termination of trading will not occur so
long as our Class A common stock is listed for trading or
quoted on the Nasdaq Capital Market or quoted bid prices for our
Class A common stock in the
over-the-counter market
are reported by Pink Sheets LLC or any similar organization.
A change of control will be deemed to have occurred
at such time after the original issuance of the New Notes when
the following has occurred:
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(1) the consummation of any transaction (including, without
limitation, any merger or consolidation), the result of which is
that any person or group within the
meaning of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act other than
Paul G. Allen (Mr. Allen) and the Related
Parties, becomes the direct or indirect beneficial
owner as defined in
Rule 13d-3 under
the Exchange Act of more than 35% of the Voting Stock of Charter
Communications, Inc., measured by voting power rather than
number of shares, unless Mr. Allen and the Related Parties,
collectively, beneficially own, directly or indirectly, a
greater percentage of Voting Stock of Charter Communications,
Inc., measured by voting power rather than number of shares,
than such person; |
109
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(2) the consummation of any transaction, or event (whether
by means of a liquidation, share exchange, tender offer,
consolidation, recapitalization, reclassification, merger of us
or any sale, lease or other transfer of the consolidated assets
of ours and our subsidiaries) or a series of related
transactions or events pursuant to which our common stock is
exchanged for, converted into or constitutes solely the right to
receive cash, securities or other property more than 10% of the
fair market value of which consists of cash, securities or other
property that are not, or upon issuance will not be, traded or
quoted on any U.S. national securities exchange; |
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(3) the sale, transfer, conveyance, lease or other
disposition (including by way of liquidation or dissolution, but
excluding by way of merger or consolidation), in one or a series
of related transactions, of the assets of Charter
Communications, Inc. and its subsidiaries substantially as an
entirety to any person or group as
defined above; |
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(4) the purchase by Mr. Allen or any Allen Affiliates
in any transaction or series of transactions, of shares of our
Class A common stock, which results in the aggregate number
of shares of Class A common stock held by Mr. Allen
and any Allen Affiliates exceeding 70% of the total number of
shares of Class A common stock issued and outstanding
(including any shares borrowed pursuant to the share lending
agreement) at such time to the extent that the closing price per
share of the Class A common stock for any five trading days
within the period of the 10 consecutive trading days immediately
after the later of the last date of such purchases or the public
announcement of such purchases is less than 100% of the
applicable conversion price of the New Notes in effect on each
of those trading days; provided that the calculation of
the number of shares of Class A common stock held by
Mr. Allen and any Allen Affiliates will not include any
share of our Class A common stock acquired by
Mr. Allen or any Allen Affiliates as a result of service as
a director on our Board of Directors or the exchange or
conversion of membership units of Charter Holdco or shares of
our Class B common stock or any securities exchangeable or
convertible into shares of Class A common stock or issued
in exchange (by merger or otherwise) for shares of a person that
holds units of Charter Holdco; |
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(5) the adoption of a plan relating to the liquidation or
dissolution of Charter Holdco; or |
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(6) continuing directors (as defined below in this section)
cease to constitute at least a majority of our board of
directors. |
As used in connection with the definition of change of control,
the following terms will have the meaning described below:
Allen Affiliate means any person in which
Mr. Allen, directly or indirectly, owns at least a 50.1%
equity interest, provided that Charter Communications,
Inc., Charter Holdco or any of its subsidiaries will not be
included in such definition.
Continuing director means a director who either was
a member of our board of directors on the date of this Exchange
Offer Prospectus or who becomes a member of our board of
directors subsequent to that date and whose appointment,
election or nomination for election by our shareholders is duly
approved by a majority of the continuing directors on our board
of directors at the time of such approval, either by a specific
vote or by approval of the proxy statement issued by us on
behalf of the board of directors in which such individual is
named as nominee for director.
Related Party means:
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(i) the spouse or an immediate family member, estate or
heir of Mr. Allen; or |
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(ii) any trust, corporation, partnership or other entity,
the beneficiaries, stockholders, partners, owners or persons
beneficially holding an 80% or more controlling interest of
which consist of Mr. Allen and/or such other persons
referred to in the immediately preceding clause (i) or this
clause (ii). |
110
Voting Stock of any person as of any date means the
capital stock of such person that is at the time entitled to
vote in the election of the board of directors of such person.
The beneficial owner shall be determined in accordance with
Rule 13d-3
promulgated by the SEC under the Exchange Act. The term
person includes any syndicate or group which would
be deemed to be a person under Section 13(d)(3)
of the Exchange Act.
The definition of change of control includes a phrase relating
to the conveyance, transfer, sale, lease or disposition of our
consolidated assets substantially as an entirety.
There is no precise, established definition of the phrase
substantially as an entirety under applicable law.
Accordingly, your ability to require us to repurchase your New
Notes as a result of a conveyance, transfer, sale, lease or
other disposition of less than all our assets may be uncertain.
Rule 13e-4 under
the Exchange Act, as amended, requires the dissemination of
certain information to security holders if an issuer tender
offer occurs and may apply if the repurchase option becomes
available to holders of the New Notes. We will comply with this
rule to the extent applicable at that time.
We may, to the extent permitted by applicable law, at any time
repurchase the New Notes in the open market or by tender at any
price or by private agreement. Any New Note so repurchased by us
may, to the extent permitted by applicable law, be reissued or
resold or may be surrendered to the trustee for cancellation.
Any New Notes surrendered to the trustee may not be reissued or
resold and will be canceled promptly.
The foregoing provisions would not necessarily protect holders
of the New Notes if highly leveraged or other transactions
involving us occur that may adversely affect holders.
Our ability to repurchase New Notes upon the occurrence of a
fundamental change is subject to important limitations. Our
subsidiarys existing credit agreement provides, and any
future credit agreements or other agreements relating to our
indebtedness may provide, that a fundamental change constitutes
an event of default under that agreement. Our subsidiaries
existing indentures contain and any future indentures or other
agreements relating to our indebtedness may also contain
provisions limiting our subsidiaries ability to make dividends
or loans to us. If a fundamental change occurs at a time when we
are prohibited from repurchasing New Notes or unable to receive
funds from our subsidiaries to be able to do so, we could seek
the consent of our or our subsidiaries lenders and
noteholders to be able to repurchase the New Notes or attempt to
refinance this debt. If we do not obtain consent, we would not
be permitted to repurchase the New Notes. Our failure to
repurchase tendered New Notes would constitute an event of
default under the indenture, which might constitute a default
under the terms of our other indebtedness.
No New Notes may be repurchased by us at the option of the
holders upon a fundamental change if the principal amount of the
New Notes has been accelerated, and such acceleration has not
been rescinded, on or prior to such date.
The fundamental change purchase feature of the New Notes may in
certain circumstances make more difficult or discourage a
takeover of our company. The fundamental change repurchase
feature, however, is not the result of our knowledge of any
specific effort to accumulate shares of our Class A common
stock, to obtain control of us by means of a merger, tender
offer, solicitation or otherwise, or by management to adopt a
series of anti-takeover provisions. Instead, the fundamental
change repurchase feature is a standard term contained in
securities similar to the New Notes.
Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets
We may, without the consent of the holders of New Notes,
consolidate with, merge into or sell, lease or otherwise
transfer in one transaction or a series of related transactions
the consolidated assets of ours
111
and our subsidiaries substantially as an entirety to any
corporation, limited liability company, partnership or trust
organized under the laws of the United States or any of its
political subdivisions, provided that:
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the surviving entity assumes all our obligations under the
indenture and the New Notes; |
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if as a result of such transaction the New Notes become
convertible into common stock or other securities issued by a
third party that is not the successor under the New Notes and
the indenture, such third party fully and unconditionally
guarantees all obligations of Charter Communications, Inc. or
such successor under the New Notes and the indenture; |
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at the time of such transaction, no event of default, and no
event which, after notice or lapse of time, would become an
event of default, shall have happened and be continuing; and |
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an officers certificate and an opinion of counsel, each
stating that the consolidation, merger or transfer complies with
the provisions of the indenture, have been delivered to the
trustee. |
Events of Default
Each of the following will constitute an event of default under
the indenture:
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our failure to pay when due the principal on any of the New
Notes at maturity, upon redemption or exercise of a repurchase
right or otherwise; |
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our failure to pay an installment of interest on any of the New
Notes for 30 days after the date when due; |
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our failure to deliver shares of our Class A common stock,
or cash in lieu thereof, when due upon conversion of New Notes,
together with cash in respect of any fractional shares and any
Redemption Make Whole Amount, and that failure continues for
10 days; |
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our failure for 30 days after written notice thereof has
been given to us by the trustee or to us and the trustee by the
holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the New
Notes then outstanding to comply with any of the other covenants
or agreements in the indenture; |
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our failure to make any payment under any mortgage, indenture or
instrument under which there may be issued or by which there may
be secured or evidenced any indebtedness for money borrowed by
us or any of our significant subsidiaries (or the payment of
which is guaranteed by us or any of our significant
subsidiaries) whether such indebtedness or guarantee now exists,
or is created after the issue date, if that default: |
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(i) is caused by a failure to pay at final stated maturity
the principal amount on such indebtedness prior to the
expiration of the grace period provided in such indebtedness on
the date of such default (a Payment Default); or |
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(ii) results in the acceleration of such indebtedness prior
to its express maturity, |
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and, in each case, the principal amount of any such
indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other
such indebtedness under which there has been a Payment Default
or the maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregates
$100 million or more; |
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our failure to give timely notice of a fundamental change or of
the anticipated effective date of a change of control
transaction as described under Conversion
Rights Change of Control Make Whole
Amount; and |
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certain events of our bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization
or of any significant subsidiary of ours. |
Significant subsidiary has the meaning set forth in
clauses (1) and (2) of the definition thereof in
Regulation S-X
under the Securities Act.
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If an event of default specified in the last bullet point above
occurs and is continuing, then the principal of all the New
Notes and the interest thereon shall automatically become
immediately due and payable. If an event of default shall occur
and be continuing, other than an event of default specified in
the last bullet point above, the trustee or the holders of at
least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the New Notes then
outstanding may declare the New Notes due and payable at their
accreted principal amount together with accrued and unpaid
interest (including deferred interest and liquidated damages, if
any), and thereupon the trustee may, at its discretion, proceed
to protect and enforce the rights of the holders of New Notes by
appropriate judicial proceedings. Such declaration may be
rescinded and annulled with the written consent of the holders
of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the New Notes
then outstanding, subject to the provisions of the indenture.
The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of New
Notes at the time outstanding through their written consent, or
the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of New
Notes then outstanding represented at a meeting at which a
quorum is present by a written resolution, may waive any
existing default or event of default and its consequences except
any default or event of default:
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in any payment on the New Notes; |
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in respect of the failure to convert the New Notes; or |
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in respect of the covenants or provisions in the indenture that
may not be modified or amended without the consent of the holder
of each New Note affected as described in
Modification, Waiver and Meetings below. |
Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the New
Notes then outstanding through their written consent, or the
holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the New
Notes then outstanding represented at a meeting at which a
quorum is present by a written resolution, may direct the time,
method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy
available to the trustee or exercising any trust or power
conferred upon the trustee, subject to the provisions of the
indenture. The indenture contains a provision entitling the
trustee, subject to the duty of the trustee during a default to
act with the required standard of care, to be indemnified by the
holders of New Notes before proceeding to exercise any right or
power under the indenture at the request of such holders. The
rights of holders of the New Notes to pursue remedies with
respect to the indenture and the New Notes are subject to a
number of additional requirements set forth in the indenture.
The indenture will provide that the trustee shall, within
90 days of the occurrence of a default, give to the
registered holders of the New Notes notice of all uncured
defaults known to it, but the trustee shall be protected in
withholding such notice if it, in good faith, determines that
the withholding of such notice is in the best interest of such
registered holders, except in the case of a default in the
payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on,
any of the New Notes when due or in the payment of any
conversion, redemption or repurchase obligation.
We are required to furnish annually to the trustee a statement
as to the fulfillment of our obligations under the indenture. In
addition, we are required to file with the trustee a written
notice of the occurrence of any default or event of default
within five business days of our becoming aware of the
occurrence of any default or event of default.
Modification, Waiver and Meetings
The indenture contains provisions for convening meetings of the
holders of New Notes to consider matters affecting their
interests.
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The indenture (including the terms and conditions of the New
Notes) may be modified or amended by us and the trustee, without
the consent of the holder of any New Note, for the purposes of,
among other things:
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adding to our covenants for the benefit of the holders of New
Notes; |
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adding additional dates on which holders may require us to
repurchase their New Notes; |
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surrendering any right or power conferred upon us; |
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providing for conversion rights of holders of New Notes if any
reclassification or change of our Class A common stock or
any consolidation, merger or sale of the consolidated assets of
us and our subsidiaries substantially as an entirety occurs; |
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providing for the assumption of our obligations to the holders
of New Notes in the case of a merger, consolidation, conveyance,
sale, transfer or lease; |
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increasing the conversion rate in the manner described in the
indenture, provided that the increase will not adversely
affect the interests of holders of New Notes in any material
respect; |
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complying with the requirements of the SEC in order to maintain
the qualification of the indenture under the Trust Indenture Act
of 1939, as amended; |
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curing any ambiguity or correcting or supplementing any
defective provision contained in the indenture; provided
that such modification or amendment does not, in the good
faith opinion of our board of directors, adversely affect the
interests of the holders of New Notes in any material respect;
provided further that any amendment made solely to
conform the provisions of the indenture to the description of
the New Notes in this Exchange Offer Prospectus will not be
deemed to adversely affect the interests of the holders of the
New Notes; |
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adding or modifying any other provisions which we and the
trustee may deem necessary or desirable and which will not
adversely affect the interests of the holders of New
Notes; or |
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providing for the issuance of additional notes under the
indenture. |
Modifications and amendments to the indenture or to the terms
and conditions of the New Notes may also be made, and
noncompliance by us with any provision of the indenture or the
New Notes may be waived, either:
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with the written consent of the holders of at least a majority
in aggregate principal amount of the New Notes at the time
outstanding; or |
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by the adoption of a resolution at a meeting of holders at which
a quorum is present by at least a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the New Notes represented at such meeting. |
However, no such modification, amendment or waiver may, without
the written consent or the affirmative vote of the holder of
each New Note affected:
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change the maturity of the principal of or any installment of
interest on any New Note |
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reduce the principal amount of, or any premium, if any, on any
New Note; |
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reduce the interest rate or amount of interest on any New Note; |
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reduce the Redemption Make Whole Amount or otherwise modify the
provisions of the indenture related thereto in a manner adverse
to the holders of the New Notes; |
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change the currency of payment of principal of, premium, if any,
or interest on any New Note; |
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impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any
payment on or with respect to, or the conversion of, any New
Note; |
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except as otherwise permitted or contemplated by provisions of
the indenture, impair or adversely affect the conversion rights
of holders of the New Notes; |
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adversely affect any repurchase option of holders; |
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modify the redemption provisions of the indenture in a manner
adverse to the holders of New Notes; |
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reduce the percentage in aggregate principal amount of New Notes
outstanding necessary to modify or amend the indenture or to
waive any past default; or |
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reduce the percentage in aggregate principal amount of New Notes
outstanding required for any other waiver under the indenture. |
The quorum at any meeting called to adopt a resolution will be
persons holding or representing a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the New Notes at the time outstanding.
Notices
Except as otherwise provided in the indenture, notices to
holders of New Notes will be given by mail to the addresses of
holders of the New Notes as they appear in the New Note register.
Governing Law
The indenture and the New Notes will be governed by, and
construed in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.
Information Regarding the Trustee
The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as trustee under the
indenture, has been appointed by us as paying agent, conversion
agent, registrar and custodian with regard to the New Notes. The
trustee or its affiliates may from time to time in the future
provide banking and other services to us in the ordinary course
of their business.
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BOOK-ENTRY, DELIVERY AND FORM
Except as set forth below, New Notes will be issued in
registered, global form (Global Notes) in minimum
denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in
excess thereof. New Notes will be issued on the Settlement Date.
The Global Notes will be deposited upon issuance with the
trustee, as custodian for The Depository Trust Company
(DTC), in New York, New York, and registered in the
name of DTC or its nominee, in each case for credit to an
account of a direct or indirect participant in DTC as described
below.
Except as set forth below, the Global Notes may be transferred,
in whole and not in part, only to another nominee of DTC or to a
successor of DTC or its nominee. Beneficial interests in the
Global Notes may not be exchanged for new notes in certificated
form except in the limited circumstances described below. See
Exchange of Book-Entry Notes for Certificated
Notes. Except in the limited circumstances described
below, owners of beneficial interests in the Global Notes will
not be entitled to receive physical delivery of Certificated
Notes (as defined below).
Transfers of beneficial interests in the Global Notes will be
subject to the applicable rules and procedures of DTC and its
direct or indirect participants which may change from time to
time. Initially, the trustee will act as paying agent and
registrar. The New Notes may be presented for registration of
transfer and exchange at the offices of the registrar.
Certain Procedures
The following description of the operations and procedures of
DTC are provided solely as a matter of convenience. These
operations and procedures are solely within the control of the
respective settlement systems and are subject to changes by them
from time to time. We take no responsibility for these
operations and procedures and urge investors to contact the
system or their participants directly to discuss these matters.
DTC has advised us that DTC is a limited-purpose trust company
created to hold securities for its participating organizations
(collectively, the Participants) and to facilitate
the clearance and settlement of transactions in those securities
between Participants through electronic book-entry changes in
accounts of its Participants. The Participants include
securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing
corporations and certain other organizations. Access to
DTCs system is also available to other entities such as
banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through
or maintain a custodial relationship with a Participant, either
directly or indirectly (collectively, the Indirect
Participants).
Persons who are not Participants may beneficially own securities
held by or on behalf of DTC only through the Participants or the
Indirect Participants. The ownership interests in, and transfers
of ownership interests in, each security held by or on behalf of
DTC are recorded on the records of the Participants and Indirect
Participants.
DTC has also advised us that, pursuant to procedures established
by it, (i) upon deposit of the Global Notes, DTC will
credit the accounts of Participants designated by the initial
purchasers with portions of the principal amount of the Global
Notes and (ii) ownership of such interests in the Global
Notes will be shown on, and the transfer of ownership thereof
will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC (with
respect to the Participants) or by the Participants and the
Indirect Participants (with respect to other owners of
beneficial interest in the Global Notes).
Investors in the Global Notes may hold their interests therein
directly through DTC, if they are Participants in such system,
or indirectly through organizations which are Participants in
such system. All interests in a Global Note may be subject to
the procedures and requirements of DTC. The laws of some states
require that certain persons take physical delivery in
definitive form of securities that they own. Consequently, the
ability to transfer beneficial interests in a Global Note to
such persons will be limited to that extent. Because DTC can act
only on behalf of Participants, which in turn act on behalf of
Indirect Participants and certain banks, the ability of a person
having beneficial interests in a Global Note to
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pledge such interests to persons or entities that do not
participate in the DTC system, or otherwise take actions in
respect of such interests, may be affected by the lack of a
physical certificate evidencing such interests.
Except as described below, owners of interests in the Global
Notes will not have New Notes registered in their names, will
not receive physical delivery of new notes in certificated form
and will not be considered the registered owners or
holders thereof under the Indenture for any purpose.
Payments in respect of the principal of, premium, if any, and
interest on a Global Note registered in the name of DTC or its
nominee will be payable to DTC in its capacity as the registered
holder under the Indenture. Under the terms of the Indenture, we
and the trustee will treat the persons in whose names the New
Notes, including the Global Notes, are registered as the owners
thereof for the purpose of receiving such payments and for any
and all other purposes whatsoever. Consequently, neither we, the
trustee nor any of our or the trustees agents has or will
have any responsibility or liability for (i) any aspect of
DTCs records or any Participants or Indirect
Participants records relating to or payments made on
account of beneficial ownership interest in the Global Notes, or
for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any of DTCs
records or any Participants or Indirect Participants
records relating to the beneficial ownership interests in the
Global Notes or (ii) any other matter relating to the
actions and practices of DTC or any of its Participants or
Indirect Participants. DTC has advised us that its current
practice, upon receipt of any payment in respect of securities
such as the New Notes (including principal and interest), is to
credit the accounts of the relevant Participants with the
payment on the payment date, in amounts proportionate to their
respective holdings in the principal amount of beneficial
interest in the relevant security as shown on the records of DTC
unless DTC has reason to believe it will not receive payment on
such payment date. Payments by the Participants and the Indirect
Participants to the beneficial owners of New Notes will be
governed by standing instructions and customary practices and
will be the responsibility of the Participants or the Indirect
Participants and will not be the responsibility of DTC, the
trustee or us. Neither we nor the trustee will be liable for any
delay by DTC or any of its Participants in identifying the
beneficial owners of the New Notes, and we and the trustee may
conclusively rely on and will be protected in relying on
instructions from DTC or its nominee for all purposes.
Transfers between Participants in DTC will be effected in
accordance with DTCs procedures, and will be settled in
same-day funds.
DTC has advised us that it will take any action permitted to be
taken by a holder of New Notes only at the direction of one or
more Participants to whose account DTC has credited the
interests in the Global Notes and only in respect of such
portion of the aggregate principal amount of the New Notes as to
which such Participant or Participants has or have given such
direction. However, if there is an event of default under the
new notes, DTC reserves the right to exchange the Global Notes
for New Notes in certificated form, and to distribute such New
Notes to its Participants.
DTC is under no obligation to perform or continue to perform the
foregoing procedures to facilitate transfers of interests in the
Global Notes among Participants in DTC, and such procedures may
be discontinued at any time. Neither we nor the trustee nor any
of our or their respective agents will have any responsibility
for the performance by DTC or its participants or indirect
participants of their respective obligations under the rules and
procedures governing their operations.
Exchange of Book-Entry Notes for Certificated Notes
A Global Note is exchangeable for definitive New Notes in
registered certificated form (Certificated Notes) if
(i) DTC (x) notifies us that it is unwilling or unable
to continue as depositary for the Global Notes and we thereupon
fail to appoint a successor depositary or (y) has ceased to
be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act,
(ii) we, at our option, notify the trustee in writing that
we elect to cause the issuance of the Certificated Notes or
(iii) there shall have occurred and be continuing a default
or event of default with respect to the New Notes. In addition,
beneficial interests in a Global Note may be exchanged for
Certificated Notes upon request but only upon prior written
notice given to the trustee by or on behalf of DTC in accordance
with the Indenture and in accordance with the certification
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requirements set forth in the Indenture. In all cases,
Certificated Notes delivered in exchange for any Global Note or
beneficial interests therein will be registered in the names,
and issued in any approved denominations, requested by or on
behalf of DTC (in accordance with its customary procedures).
Same-Day Settlement and Payment
Payments in respect of the New Notes represented by the Global
Notes (including principal, premium, if any, and interest) will
be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the
accounts specified by the Global Note holder. With respect to
New Notes in certificated form, we will make all payments of
principal, premium, if any, and interest, by wire transfer of
immediately available funds to the accounts specified by the
holders thereof or, if no such account is specified, by mailing
a check to each such holders registered address. The New
Notes represented by the Global Notes are expected to be
eligible to trade in the
PORTALsm
Market and to trade in DTCs Same-Day Funds Settlement
System, and any permitted secondary market trading activity in
such New Notes will, therefore, be required by DTC to be settled
in immediately available funds. We expect that secondary trading
in any Certificated Notes will also be settled in immediately
available funds.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE OLD NOTES
The Old Notes were issued under an indenture dated as of
November 22, 2004 between us and Bank of New York Trust
Company, N.A., as trustee. Copies of the indenture, the pledge
agreement, the resale registration rights agreement and the
borrow facility registration rights agreement are included as
exhibits to the registration statement of which this Exchange
Offer Prospectus is a part and will be made available upon
request. We have summarized portions of these documents below.
This summary is not complete. We urge you to read the indenture,
the pledge agreement, the resale registration rights agreement
and the borrow facility registration rights agreement because
these documents define your rights as a Holder of the Old Notes.
In this section, Charter Communications, Inc.,
we, our and us each refers
only to Charter Communications, Inc. and not to any existing or
future subsidiary.
General
The Old Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Charter
Communications, Inc. and are convertible into our Class A
common stock as described under Conversion
Rights below. The Old Notes were issued in an aggregate
original principal amount of $862,500,000 and will mature on
November 16, 2009. Following a previous exchange offer in
September 2006, an aggregate principal amount of $412,500,000 in
Old Notes remain outstanding with an additional $450,000,000 of
Old Notes held by Charter Holdco.
The Old Notes bear interest at the rate of 5.875% per year
on the accreted principal amount from November 22, 2004,
the date of original issuance of the Old Notes, or from the most
recent date to which interest had been paid or provided for.
Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on May 16 and
November 16 of each year, commencing May 16, 2005, to
holders of record at the close of business on the preceding
May 1 and November 1, respectively. Interest is
computed on the basis of a
360-day year comprised
of twelve 30-day
months. In the event of the maturity, conversion, or repurchase
by us at the option of the holder or redemption of an Old Note,
interest will cease to accrue on the Old Note under the terms of
and subject to the conditions of the indenture.
Principal is payable, and Old Notes may be presented for
conversion, registration of transfer and exchange, without
service charge, at our office or agency in New York, New York,
which is initially the office or agency of the trustee in New
York, New York. See Form, Denomination and
Registration. The indenture does not contain any financial
covenants or any restrictions on the payment of dividends, the
incurrence of senior debt or other indebtedness, or the issuance
or repurchase of securities by us. The indenture does not
contain any covenants or other provisions to protect holders of
the Old Notes in the event of a highly leveraged transaction or
a fundamental change, except to the extent described under
Fundamental Change Requires Us to Repurchase
Old Notes at the Option of the Holder below.
Ranking
The Old Notes are our unsecured, except with respect to the
Pledged Securities as described below, and unsubordinated
obligations. The Old Notes rank, in right of payment, the same
as all of our existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated
indebtedness, except with respect to the Pledged Securities as
described below. The Old Notes rank senior in right of payment
to all of our subordinated indebtedness and will be effectively
subordinated to any secured indebtedness, except with respect to
the Pledged Securities as described below, and structurally
subordinated to indebtedness and other liabilities of our
subsidiaries.
Security
Our subsidiary, Charter Holdco, has purchased and pledged to us
as security for an intercompany note, and pursuant to a pledge
agreement we repledged to the trustee as security for the
benefit of the Holders of the Old Notes (and not for the benefit
of our other creditors), U.S. government securities, which
we refer to as the Pledged Securities, in such amount as will be
sufficient upon receipt of scheduled payments with respect to
such Pledged Securities to provide for payment in full of the
first six scheduled interest payments due on the Old Notes,
without regard to any liquidated damages we may owe or any
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deferred interest in respect of accretion of the principal
amount of the Notes. Charter Holdco used approximately
$144 million of the net proceeds from the offering to
acquire such Pledged Securities. Since we have paid the first
five installments of interest on the Old Notes, only
$25 million principal amount of Pledged Securities remain
subject to the pledge.
The Pledged Securities were repledged by us to the trustee for
the exclusive benefit of the Holders of the Old Notes and are
held by the trustee in a pledge account. Immediately prior to
the interest payment date falling on November 16, 2007, the
trustee will release from the pledge account cash generated by
Pledged Securities then maturing sufficient to pay the interest
then due on the original principal amount of the Old Notes. A
failure to pay interest on the original principal amount of the
Old Notes when due on such scheduled interest payment date will
constitute an immediate event of default under the indenture,
with no grace period (unless the failure to make such payment
results from the failure by the trustee to release such proceeds
from the pledge account, provided such failure is not caused by
any act or omission by us). Upon any conversion of Old Notes
prior to November 16, 2007, the trustee will liquidate a
portion of the Pledged Securities and release from the pledge
account proceeds sufficient to pay the Early Conversion Make
Whole Amount described under Conversion
Rights Interest Make Whole Upon Conversion. If
any Early Conversion Make Whole Amount is limited by the formula
described therein, the portion of the proceeds of the
liquidation of the Pledged Securities not paid to the converting
Holder as a result of such limitation will be released to
Charter Holdco from the pledge account.
If prior to November 16, 2007
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an event of default under the Old Notes occurs and is
continuing, and |
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the trustee or the Holders of 25% in aggregate original
principal amount of the Old Notes accelerate the Old Notes by
declaring the accreted principal amount of the Old Notes to be
immediately due and payable (by written consent, at a meeting of
Old Note Holders or otherwise), except for the occurrence
of an event of default relating to our bankruptcy, insolvency or
reorganization, upon which the Old Notes will be accelerated
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then the proceeds from the liquidation of the Pledged Securities
will be promptly released to Old Note Holders, subject to
the automatic stay provisions of bankruptcy law, if applicable.
Distributions from the pledge account will be applied:
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first, to any accrued and unpaid interest on the Old
Notes, and |
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second, to the extent available, to the repayment of a portion
of the principal amount of the Old Notes. |
However, if any event of default is cured or waived prior to the
acceleration of the Old Notes by the trustee or Holders of the
Old Notes referred to above, the trustee and the holders of the
Old Notes will not be able to accelerate the Old Notes as a
result of that event of default.
For example, if the first two interest payments were made when
due but the third interest payment was not made when due and the
Old Note Holders promptly exercised their right to declare
the accreted principal amount of the Old Notes to be immediately
due and payable then, assuming automatic stay provisions of
bankruptcy law are inapplicable and the proceeds of the Pledged
Securities are promptly distributed from the pledge account,
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an amount equal to the interest payment due with respect to the
third interest payment would be distributed from the pledge
account as accrued interest, and |
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the balance of the proceeds of the pledge account would be
distributed as a portion of the principal amount of the Old
Notes. |
In addition, Old Note Holders would have an unsecured claim
against us for the remainder of the accreted principal amount of
their Old Notes.
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Once we make the sixth scheduled interest payment on the Old
Notes, all of the remaining Pledged Securities, if any, will be
released to Charter Holdco from the pledge account and
thereafter the Old Notes will be unsecured.
Conversion Rights
Holders may convert their Old Notes into shares of our
Class A common stock at an initial conversion rate of
413.2231 shares of our Class A common stock, par value
$.001 per share, per $1,000 original principal amount of
Old Notes, unless previously redeemed or repurchased. This is
equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately
$2.42 per share.
The conversion rate and the equivalent conversion price in
effect at any given time are referred to as the applicable
conversion rate and the applicable conversion
price, respectively, and will be subject to adjustment as
set forth in Conversion Rate Adjustments
below. In addition, if we elect to accrete the principal amount
of the Old Notes to pay any liquidated damages, we will increase
the conversion rate at the same rate as the accretion rate and
over the same period of time. A Holder may convert fewer than
all of such Holders Old Notes so long as the Old Notes
converted are a multiple of $1,000 original principal amount.
Upon conversion of an Old Note, a Holder will not receive any
cash payment of interest (unless such conversion occurs between
a regular record date and the interest payment date to which it
relates), subject to our obligations described under
Interest Make Whole Upon Conversion
below, and we will not adjust the conversion rate to account for
accrued and unpaid interest. Our delivery to the Holder of cash
and shares, if any, of our Class A common stock into which
the Old Note is convertible will be deemed to satisfy our
obligation with respect to such Old Note, subject to our
obligations described under Interest Make
Whole Upon Conversion below. Except to the extent we are
required to make payments in respect of such obligations, any
accrued but unpaid interest will be deemed to be paid in full
upon conversion, rather than cancelled, extinguished or
forfeited.
Holders of Old Notes at the close of business on a regular
record date will receive payment of interest payable on the
corresponding interest payment date notwithstanding the
conversion of such Old Notes at any time after the close of
business on the applicable regular record date. Old Notes
surrendered for conversion by a Holder after the close of
business on any regular record date but prior to the next
interest payment date must be accompanied by payment of an
amount equal to the interest that the Holder is to receive on
the Old Notes; provided, however, that no such payment need be
made (1) if the conversion date is prior to
November 16, 2007, (2) we have specified a redemption
date that is after a record date and on or prior to the next
interest payment date, (3) if we have specified a
repurchase date following a fundamental change that is after a
record date and on or prior to the next interest payment date or
(4) only to the extent of overdue interest, if any overdue
interest exists at the time of conversion with respect to such
Old Note.
If a Holder converts Old Notes, we will pay any documentary,
stamp or similar issue or transfer tax due on the issue of
shares of our Class A common stock upon the conversion, if
any, unless the tax is due because the Holder requests the
shares to be issued or delivered to a person other than the
holder, in which case the Holder will pay that tax.
If a Holder wishes to exercise its conversion right, such Holder
must deliver an irrevocable duly completed conversion notice,
together, if the Old Notes are in certificated form, with the
certificated security, to the conversion agent along with
appropriate endorsements and transfer documents, if required,
and pay any transfer or similar tax, if required. The date a
Holder makes such required deliveries is the conversion date for
the Old Notes converted. The conversion agent will, on the
holders behalf, convert the Old Notes into shares of our
Class A common stock, subject to our right to deliver cash
or a combination of cash and shares. Holders may obtain copies
of the required form of the conversion notice from the
conversion agent. A certificate, or a book-entry transfer
through The Depository Trust Company, New
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York, New York, or DTC, for the number of full shares of our
Class A common stock into which any Old Notes are
converted, together with a cash payment for any fractional
shares, and cash or shares, if applicable, with respect to any
Early Conversion Make Whole Amount or Redemption Make Whole
Amount as described under Interest Make Whole
Upon Conversion below, will be delivered through the
conversion agent on the conversion settlement date,
which will be as soon as practicable, but no later than the
fifth business day, following the conversion date, unless we
elect cash settlement as described under Cash
Settlement Option below. The trustee will initially act as
the conversion agent.
Old Notes called for redemption may be surrendered for
conversion at any time prior to the close of business on the
business day immediately preceding the redemption date. If a
Holder has already delivered a repurchase notice as described
under Fundamental Change Requires Us to
Repurchase Old Notes at the Option of the Holder with
respect to an Old Note, however, the holder may not surrender
that Old Note for conversion until the Holder has withdrawn the
repurchase notice in accordance with the indenture.
Upon conversion, we will have the right to deliver, in lieu of
shares of our Class A common stock, cash or a combination
of cash and Class A common stock. We will inform converting
holders through the trustee no later than two business days
following the conversion date if we elect to pay cash in lieu of
delivering shares and will specify in such notice the percentage
of the shares otherwise deliverable for which we will pay cash,
unless we have already informed Holders of our election in a
notice of redemption for the Old Notes, as described under
Redemption below. If we elect to pay
holders cash upon conversion, such payment will be based on the
average price of our Class A common stock. If we elect cash
settlement, the conversion settlement date on which
we deliver the cash and shares of our Class A common stock,
if any, together with the cash or shares, if applicable, with
respect to any Early Conversion Make Whole Amount or
Redemption Make Whole Amount, to converting Holders will be
the third business day following the determination of the cash
conversion price. We will deliver cash in lieu of any fractional
shares of our Class A common stock issuable in connection
with any conversion of Old Notes based upon the cash conversion
price.
The cash conversion price of our Class A common
stock means, with respect to any conversion of Old Notes, the
average of the sale prices of our Class A common stock over
the 20 trading day period beginning on the third trading day
immediately following the applicable conversion date.
The sale price of our Class A common stock on
any date means the closing sale price per share (or if no
closing sale price is reported, the average of the bid and asked
prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the
average bid and the average asked prices) on that date as
reported in transactions for the principal U.S. securities
exchange on which our common stock is traded or, if our common
stock is not listed on a U.S. national or regional
securities exchange. The sale price will be determined without
reference to after-hours or extended market trading.
If our Class A common stock is not listed for trading on a
U.S. national or regional securities exchange, the
sale price will be the last quoted bid price for our
common stock on the Nasdaq Small Cap Market or in the
over-the-counter market
on the relevant date as reported by Pink Sheets LLC or any
similar organization.
If our Class A common stock is not so quoted, the
sale price will be the average of the mid-point of
the last bid and asked prices for our common stock on the
relevant date from each of at least three nationally recognized
independent investment banking firms selected by us for this
purpose.
Trading day means a day during which trading in
securities generally occurs on the principal U.S. national
or regional securities exchange on which our Class A common
stock is then listed or, if our Class A common stock is not
then listed on a national or regional securities exchange, on
the principal other market on which our Class A common
stock is then traded.
122
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Limitation on Beneficial Ownership |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Holder of Old Notes will be
entitled to receive shares of our Class A common stock upon
conversion to the extent (but only to the extent) that such
receipt would cause such converting Holder to become, directly
or indirectly, a beneficial owner (within the
meaning of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules
and regulations promulgated thereunder) of more than the
specified percentage of the shares of Class A common stock
outstanding at such time. With respect to any conversion prior
to November 16, 2008, the specified percentage will be
4.9%, and with respect to any conversion thereafter until the
maturity of the Old Notes, the specified percentage will be
9.9%. Any purported delivery of shares of our Class A
common stock upon conversion of Old Notes shall be void and have
no effect to the extent (but only to the extent) that such
delivery would result in the converting Holder becoming the
beneficial owner of more than the specified percentage of the
shares of Class A common stock outstanding at such time. If
any delivery of shares of our Class A common stock owed to
a Holder upon conversion of Old Notes is not made, in whole or
in part, as a result of this limitation, our obligation to make
such delivery shall not be extinguished and we shall deliver
such shares as promptly as practicable after, but in no event
later than two trading days after, any such converting Holder
gives notice to us that such delivery would not result in it
being the beneficial owner of more than the specified percentage
of the shares of Class A common stock outstanding at such
time.
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Interest Make Whole Upon Conversion |
Early Conversion Make Whole Amount. Holders who
convert their Old Notes prior to November 16, 2007 will
receive, in addition to a number of shares of our Class A
common stock equal to the conversion rate, or cash in lieu
thereof, the cash proceeds, subject to the limitation described
below, of the sale by the trustee of the Pledged Securities
remaining with respect to the Old Notes being converted, which
we refer to as the Early Conversion Make Whole Amount; provided
that if a Holder converts Old Notes after the close of business
on any regular record date but prior to the next interest
payment date, the Pledged Securities with respect to the Old
Notes being converted that will mature immediately prior to the
applicable interest payment date shall be excluded from such
sale and from the Early Conversion Make Whole Amount since the
proceeds thereof will be paid to such Holder on such interest
payment date. The Early Conversion Make Whole Amount will not
compensate a converting Holder for any deferred interest in
respect of accretion of the principal amount of the Old Notes if
we elect to accrete such principal amount to pay any liquidated
damages we may owe.
Upon receipt by the conversion agent of a conversion notice, the
trustee will liquidate a portion of the Pledged Securities,
excluding, in the case of any conversion after the close of
business on any regular record date but prior to the next
interest payment date, Pledged Securities that will mature
immediately prior to the applicable interest payment date,
rounded down to the nearest whole multiple of the minimum
denomination of such Pledged Securities, and release the cash
proceeds thereof to the converting Holder. The percentage of the
remaining Pledged Securities to be sold will be determined based
on the aggregate original principal amount of Old Notes being
converted as a percentage of the total original principal amount
of Old Notes then outstanding.
Redemption Make Whole Amount. Any Holders who
convert Old Notes that have been called for redemption shall
receive, in addition to the Early Conversion Make Whole Amount,
if applicable, the present value of the interest on the Old
Notes converted that would have been payable for the period from
and including November 16, 2007, or if later, the
redemption date, to but excluding November 16, 2009, plus
any accrued and unpaid deferred interest, which we refer to as
the Redemption Make Whole Amount. The Redemption Make
Whole Amount shall be calculated by discounting the amount of
such interest, other than any deferred interest, on a
semi-annual basis using a discount rate equal to 3.0% plus the
arithmetic mean of the yields under the respective headings
This Week and Last Week published in the
Statistical Release under the caption Treasury Constant
Maturities for the maturity (rounded to the nearest month)
corresponding to the period from and including the redemption
date to but excluding November 16, 2009. If no maturity
exactly corresponds to such maturity, yields for the two
published maturities most closely corresponding to such maturity
shall be calculated pursuant to the immediately
123
preceding sentence and the applicable rate shall be interpolated
or extrapolated from such yields on a straight-line basis,
rounding in each of such relevant periods to the nearest month.
For the purpose of calculating the applicable rate, the most
recent Statistical Release published prior to the date of
determination of the Redemption Make Whole Amount shall be
used.
The term Statistical Release shall mean the
statistical release designated H.15(519) or any
successor publication which is published weekly by the Federal
Reserve System and which establishes yields on actively traded
U.S. government securities adjusted to constant maturities
or, if such statistical release is not published at the time of
any determination under the indenture, then such other
reasonably comparable index that we will designate.
We may pay the Redemption Make Whole Amount in cash or in
shares of our Class A common stock, with the number of such
shares determined based on the average of the sale prices of our
Class A common stock over the ten trading days immediately
preceding the applicable conversion date. If we elect to pay the
Redemption Make Whole Amount in shares of our Class A
common stock, the number of shares we deliver, together with the
shares deliverable upon conversion, shall not exceed
462 per $1,000 original principal amount of Old Notes,
subject to adjustment in the same manner as the conversion rate
as set forth under Conversion Rate
Adjustments, and we must deliver cash with respect to the
remainder of the Redemption Make Whole Amount, if any.
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Make Whole Amount and Public Acquirer Change of
Control |
If a transaction described in clause (2) of the definition
of change of control (as set forth under
Fundamental Change Requires Us to Repurchase
Old Notes at the Option of the Holder) occurs on or prior
to November 16, 2009, we must give notice to all record
Holders of Old Notes and the trustee at least ten trading days
prior to the anticipated effective date of such change of
control transaction. We must also give notice to all record
Holders of Old Notes and the trustee that such a transaction has
occurred within 15 days after the actual effective date of
such change of control transaction. If a Holder elects to
convert its Old Notes at any time following the date we give
notice of the anticipated effective date of such change of
control transaction we will increase the applicable conversion
rate for the Old Notes surrendered for conversion by a number of
additional shares of Class A common stock (the
additional shares), as described below.
The number of additional shares will be determined by reference
to the table below and is based on the date on which such change
of control transaction becomes effective (the effective
date) and the price (the stock price) paid per
share of our Class A common stock in such transaction. If
the holders of our Class A common stock receive only cash
in the change of control transaction, the stock price shall be
the cash amount paid per share. Otherwise the stock price shall
be the average of the sale prices of our Class A common
stock on the 10 trading days up to but not including the
effective date.
The additional shares will be delivered to Holders who elect to
convert their Old Notes during the period described above on the
later of (1) five business days following the effective
date and (2) the conversion settlement date for those Old
Notes.
The stock prices set forth in the first row of the table (i.e.,
the column headers) will be adjusted as of any date on which the
conversion rate of the Old Notes is adjusted. The adjusted stock
prices will equal the stock prices applicable immediately prior
to such adjustment multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of
which is the conversion rate immediately prior to the adjustment
giving rise to the stock price adjustment and the denominator of
which is the conversion rate as so adjusted. Our obligation to
deliver the additional shares will be subject to adjustment in
the same manner as the conversion rate as set forth under
Conversion Rate Adjustments.
124
The following table sets forth the hypothetical stock price and
number of additional shares to be received per $1,000 original
principal amount of Old Notes.
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Stock Price | |
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| |
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|
$2.16 | |
|
$2.25 | |
|
$2.50 | |
|
$3.00 | |
|
$3.50 | |
|
$4.00 | |
|
$4.50 | |
|
$5.00 | |
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| |
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| |
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| |
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| |
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| |
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| |
November 16, 2006
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74.2 |
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|
66.2 |
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48.5 |
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|
25.4 |
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|
12.1 |
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4.1 |
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0.0 |
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0.0 |
|
November 16, 2007
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95.1 |
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85.5 |
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64.0 |
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36.5 |
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20.9 |
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11.7 |
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6.3 |
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3.0 |
|
November 16, 2008
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85.6 |
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75.0 |
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52.0 |
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24.5 |
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10.7 |
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3.8 |
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0.8 |
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0.0 |
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November 16, 2009
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49.7 |
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31.2 |
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0.0 |
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0.0 |
|
|
|
0.0 |
|
|
|
0.0 |
|
|
|
0.0 |
|
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|
0.0 |
|
The exact stock price and effective dates may not be set forth
on the table, in which case:
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(1) if the stock price is between two stock price amounts
on the table or the effective date is between two dates on the
table, the additional premium will be determined by
straight-line interpolation between the number of additional
shares set forth for the higher and lower stock price amounts
and the two dates, as applicable, based on a 365 day year; |
|
|
(2) if the stock price is in excess of $5.00 per share
(subject to adjustment), no additional shares will be issued
upon conversion; and |
|
|
(3) if the stock price is less than $2.16 per share
(the last reported sale price of our Class A common stock
on the date the Old Notes were priced) (subject to adjustment),
no additional shares will be issued upon conversion. |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event will the total number
of shares of Class A common stock issuable upon conversion
exceed 462 per $1,000 original principal amount of Old
Notes, subject to adjustment in the same manner as the
conversion rate as set forth under Conversion
Rate Adjustments.
Our obligation to deliver the additional shares could be
considered a penalty, in which case the enforceability thereof
would be subject to general principles of reasonableness of
economic remedies.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, and in lieu of adjusting the
conversion rate as set forth above, in the case of a
public acquirer change of control (as defined below)
we may elect that, from and after the effective date of such
public acquirer change of control, the right to convert an Old
Note will be changed into a right to convert an Old Note into a
number of shares of acquirer common stock (as
defined below). The conversion rate following the effective date
of such transaction will be a number of shares of acquirer
common stock equal to the product of:
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the conversion rate in effect immediately prior to the effective
date of such change of control, times |
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the average of the quotients obtained, for each trading day in
the 10 consecutive trading day period commencing on the trading
day next succeeding the effective date of such public acquirer
change of control (the valuation period), of: |
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(i) the acquisition value of our Class A
common stock on each such trading day in the valuation period,
divided by |
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(ii) the closing sale price of the acquirer common stock on
each such trading day in the valuation period. |
The acquisition value of our Class A common
stock means, for each trading day in the valuation period, the
value of the consideration paid per share of our Class A
common stock in connection with such public acquirer change of
control, as follows:
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for any cash, 100% of the face amount of such cash, |
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for any acquirer common stock or any other securities that are
traded on a U.S. national securities exchange, 100% of the
closing sale price of such acquirer common stock or other traded
securities on each such trading day; and |
125
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for any other securities, assets or property, 102% of the fair
market value of such security, asset or property on each such
trading day, as determined by two independent nationally
recognized investment banks selected by the trustee for this
purpose. |
After the adjustment of the conversion rate in connection with a
public acquirer change of control, the conversion rate will be
subject to further similar adjustments in the event that any of
the events described above occur thereafter.
A public acquirer change of control is any
transaction described in clause (2) of the definition of
change control below where the acquirer, or any entity that is a
direct or indirect beneficial owner (as defined in
Rule 13d-3 under
the Exchange Act) of more than 50% of the total voting power of
all shares of such acquirers capital stock that are
entitled to vote generally in the election of directors has a
class of common stock traded on a national securities exchange
or which will be so traded or quoted when issued or exchanged in
connection with such change of control. We refer to such
acquirers or other entitys class of common stock
traded on a national securities exchange or which will be so
traded or quoted when issued or exchanged in connection with
such fundamental change as the acquirer common stock.
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Conversion Rate Adjustments |
The initial conversion rate will be adjusted for certain events,
including:
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(1) the issuance of our Class A common stock as a
dividend or distribution on our Class A common stock, or
certain subdivisions and combinations of our Class A common
stock, in which event the conversion rate will be adjusted based
on the following formula: |
where,
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CR
0 |
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= |
|
the conversion rate in effect at the close of business on the
record date |
CR 1
|
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= |
|
the conversion rate in effect immediately after the record date |
OS
0
|
|
= |
|
the number of shares of our Class A common stock
outstanding at the close of business on the record date |
OS
1
|
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= |
|
the number of shares of our Class A common stock
outstanding that would be outstanding immediately after such
event |
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(2) the issuance to all holders of our Class A common
stock of certain rights or warrants to purchase our Class A
common stock (or securities convertible into our Class A
common stock) for a period expiring 45 days or less from
the date of issuance of such rights or warrants at less than (or
having a conversion price per share less than) the current
market price of our Class A common stock; provided that the
conversion rate will be readjusted to the extent that such
rights or warrants are not exercised prior to the expiration, in
which event the conversion rate will be adjusted based on the
following formula: |
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CR 1
= CR
0
|
|
× |
|
OS 0
+ X
OS
0
+ Y |
where,
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CR
0 |
|
= |
|
the conversion rate in effect at the close of business on the
record date |
CR
1
|
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= |
|
the conversion rate in effect immediately after the record date |
OS
0
|
|
= |
|
the number of shares of our Class A common stock
outstanding at the close of business on the record date |
X
|
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= |
|
the total number of shares of our Class A common stock
issuable pursuant to such rights |
126
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Y
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= |
|
the number of shares of our Class A common stock equal to
the aggregate price payable to exercise such rights divided by
the average of the sale prices of our Class A common stock
for the ten consecutive trading days prior to the business day
immediately preceding the announcement of the issuance of such
rights |
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(3) the dividend or other distribution to all holders of
our Class A common stock of shares of our capital stock
(other than Class A common stock) or evidences of our
indebtedness or our assets (excluding (A) any dividend,
distribution or issuance covered by clause (1) or
(2) above and (B) any dividend or distribution paid
exclusively in cash), in which event the conversion rate will be
adjusted based on the following formula: |
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|
CR 1
= CR
0
|
|
× |
|
SP 0
SP
0
- FMV |
where,
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CR
0 |
|
= |
|
the conversion rate in effect at the close of business on the
record date |
CR
1
|
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= |
|
the conversion rate in effect immediately after the record date |
SP
0
|
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= |
|
the current market price |
FMV
|
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= |
|
the fair market value (as determined by our board of directors)
of the shares of capital stock, evidences of indebtedness,
assets or property distributed with respect to each outstanding
share of our Class A common stock on the record date for
such distribution |
With respect to an adjustment pursuant to this clause (3)
where there has been a payment of a dividend or other
distribution on our Class A common stock or shares of
capital stock of, or similar equity interests in, a subsidiary
or other business unit of ours, in which event the conversion
rate will be adjusted based on the following formula:
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CR 1
= CR
0
|
|
× |
|
FMV 0
+ MP
0
MP
0 |
where,
|
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|
|
CR
0 |
|
= |
|
the conversion rate in effect at the close of business on the
record date |
CR
1
|
|
= |
|
the conversion rate in effect immediately after the record date |
FMV
0
|
|
= |
|
the average of the sale prices of the capital stock or similar
equity interest distributed to holders of our Class A
common stock applicable to one share of our Class A common
stock over the 10 trading days commencing on and including the
fifth trading day after the date on which ex-distribution
trading commences for such dividend or distribution on The
Nasdaq Global Market or such other national or regional exchange
or market on which the securities are then listed or quoted |
MP
0
|
|
= |
|
the average of the sale prices of our Class A common stock
over the 10 trading days commencing on and including the fifth
trading day after the date on which ex-distribution
trading commences for such dividend or distribution on The
Nasdaq Global Market or such other national or regional exchange
or market on which the securities are then listed or quoted |
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(4) dividends or other distributions consisting exclusively
of cash to all holders of our Class A common stock, in
which event the conversion rate will be adjusted based on the
following formula: |
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|
CR 1
= CR
0
|
|
× |
|
SP 0
SP
0
- C |
127
where,
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CR
0 |
|
= |
|
the conversion rate in effect at the close of business on the
record date |
CR
1
|
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= |
|
the conversion rate in effect immediately after the record date |
SP
0
|
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= |
|
the current market price |
C
|
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= |
|
the amount in cash per share we distribute to holders of our
Class A common stock |
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(5) we or one or more of our subsidiaries make purchases of
our Class A common stock pursuant to a tender offer or
exchange offer by us or one of our subsidiaries for our
Class A common stock to the extent that the cash and value
of any other consideration included in the payment per share of
our Class A common stock exceeds the current market price
per share of our Class A common stock on the trading day
next succeeding the last date on which tenders or exchanges may
be made pursuant to such tender or exchange offer (the
expiration date), in which event the conversion rate
will be adjusted based on the following formula: |
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|
CR 1
= CR
0
|
|
× |
|
FMV + (SP
1
× OS
1
)
OS
0
× SP
1 |
where,
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|
CR
0 |
|
= |
|
the conversion rate in effect on the expiration date |
CR
1
|
|
= |
|
the conversion rate in effect immediately after the expiration
date |
FMV
|
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= |
|
the fair market value (as determined by our board of directors)
of the aggregate value of all cash and any other consideration
paid or payable for shares validly tendered or exchanged and not
withdrawn as of the expiration date (the purchased
shares) |
OS
1
|
|
= |
|
the number of shares of our Class A common stock
outstanding immediately after the expiration date less any
purchased shares |
OS
0
|
|
= |
|
the number of shares of our Class A common stock
outstanding immediately after the expiration date, including any
purchased shares |
SP
1
|
|
= |
|
the sale price of our Class A common stock on the trading
day next succeeding the expiration date |
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|
|
(6) someone other than us or one of our subsidiaries makes
a payment in respect of a tender offer or exchange offer in
which, as of the expiration date, our board of directors is not
recommending rejection of the offer, in which event the
conversion rate will be adjusted based on the following formula: |
|
|
|
|
|
CR 1
= CR
0
|
|
× |
|
FMV + (SP
1
× OS
1
)
OS
0
× SP
1 |
where,
|
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|
|
|
CR
0 |
|
= |
|
the conversion rate in effect on the expiration date |
CR
1
|
|
= |
|
the conversion rate in effect immediately after the expiration
date |
FMV
|
|
= |
|
the fair market value (as determined by our board of directors)
of the aggregate consideration payable to our shareholders based
on the acceptance (up to any maximum specified in the terms of
the tender or exchange offer) of all shares validly tendered or
exchanged and not withdrawn as of the expiration date |
OS
1
|
|
= |
|
the number of shares of our Class A common stock
outstanding immediately after the expiration date less any
purchased shares |
OS
0
|
|
= |
|
the number of shares of our Class A common stock
outstanding immediately after the expiration date, including any
purchased shares |
128
|
|
|
|
|
SP
1
|
|
= |
|
the sale price of our Class A common stock on the trading
day next succeeding the expiration date |
The adjustment referred to in this clause (6) will only be
made if:
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|
|
the tender offer or exchange offer is for an amount that
increases the offerors ownership of Class A common
stock to more than 25% of the total shares of Class A
common stock outstanding; and |
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|
|
the cash and value of any other consideration included in the
payment per share of Class A common stock exceeds the sale
price of our Class A common stock on the trading day next
succeeding the last date on which tenders or exchanges may be
made pursuant to the tender or exchange offer. |
However, the adjustment referred to in this clause (6) will
generally not be made if as of the closing of the offer, the
offering documents disclose a plan or an intention to cause us
to engage in a consolidation or merger or a sale of the
consolidated assets of us and our subsidiaries substantially as
an entirety.
Current market price of our Class A common
stock on any day means the average of the sale price of our
Class A common stock for each of the 10 consecutive trading
days ending on the earlier of the day in question and the day
before the ex-date with respect to the issuance or
distribution requiring such computation. For purposes of this
paragraph, ex-date means the first date on which the
shares of our Class A common stock trade on the applicable
exchange or in the applicable market, regular way, without the
right to receive such issuance or distribution.
Record date means, for purpose of this section, with
respect to any dividend, distribution or other transaction or
event in which the holders of our Class A common stock have
the right to receive any cash, securities or other property or
in which our Class A common stock (or other applicable
security) is exchanged for or converted into any combination of
cash, securities or other property, the date fixed for
determination of holders of our Class A common stock
entitled to receive such cash, securities or other property
(whether such date is fixed by our board of directors or by
statute, contract or otherwise).
To the extent that we have a rights plan in effect upon
conversion of the Old Notes into Class A common stock, you
will receive, in addition to the Class A common stock, the
rights under the rights plan, unless prior to any conversion,
the rights have separated from the Class A common stock, in
which case the conversion rate will be adjusted at the time of
separation as if we distributed, to all holders of our
Class A common stock, shares of our capital stock,
evidences of indebtedness or assets as described above, subject
to readjustment in the event of the expiration, termination or
redemption of such rights.
Except as stated above, the conversion rate will not be adjusted
for the issuance of our Class A common stock or any
securities convertible into or exchangeable for our Class A
common stock or carrying the right to purchase any of the
foregoing.
In the case of any recapitalization, reclassification or change
of our Class A common stock (other than changes resulting
from a subdivision or combination), a consolidation, merger or
combination involving us, a sale, lease or other transfer to
another corporation of the consolidated assets of ours and our
subsidiaries substantially as an entirety, or any statutory
share exchange, in each case as a result of which holders of our
Class A common stock are entitled to receive stock, other
securities, other property or assets (including cash or any
combination thereof) with respect to or in exchange for our
Class A common stock, the Holders of the Old Notes then
outstanding will be entitled thereafter to convert those Old
Notes into the kind and amount of shares of stock, other
securities or other property or assets (including cash or any
combination thereof) that they would have owned or been entitled
to receive upon such recapitalization, reclassification, change,
consolidation, merger, combination, sale, lease, transfer or
statutory share exchange had such Old Notes been converted into
our Class A common stock immediately prior to such
transaction. We will agree in the indenture not to become a
party to any such transaction unless its terms are consistent
with the foregoing.
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We may from time to time, to the extent permitted by law and
subject to applicable rules of The Nasdaq Stock Market, increase
the conversion rate of the Old Notes by any amount for any
period of at least 20 days. In that case we will give at
least 15 days notice of such increase. We may make such
increases in the conversion rate, to the extent permitted by law
and subject to applicable rules of The Nasdaq Stock Market, in
addition to those set forth above, as our board of directors
deems advisable to avoid or diminish any income tax to holders
of our Class A common stock resulting from any dividend or
distribution of stock (or rights to acquire stock) or from any
event treated as such for income tax purposes.
As a result of any adjustment of the conversion rate, the
Holders of Old Notes may, in certain circumstances, be deemed to
have received a distribution subject to U.S. income tax as
a dividend. In certain other circumstances, the absence of an
adjustment may result in a taxable dividend to the holders of
Class A common stock. In addition,
non-U.S. Holders
of Old Notes in certain circumstances may be deemed to have
received a distribution subject to U.S. federal withholding
tax requirements.
Exchange in Lieu of Conversion
Unless we have called the relevant Old Notes for redemption,
when a Holder surrenders Old Notes for conversion, we may direct
the conversion agent to surrender, on or prior to the date two
business days following the conversion date, such Old Notes to a
financial institution designated by us for exchange in lieu of
conversion. In order to accept any such Old Notes, the
designated institution must agree to deliver, in exchange for
such Old Notes, a number of shares of our common stock equal to
the applicable conversion rate, or at its option, cash or a
combination of cash and shares of our common stock in lieu
thereof, calculated based on the cash conversion, plus cash for
any fractional shares and any Early Conversion Make Whole Amount.
If the designated institution accepts any such Old Notes, it
will deliver the appropriate number of shares of our common
stock (and cash, if any), or cash in lieu thereof, to the
conversion agent and the conversion agent will deliver those
shares or cash to the Holder. Such designated institution will
also deliver cash equal to any Early Conversion Make Whole
Amount we would owe such Holder if we had converted its Old
Notes. Any Old Notes exchanged by the designated institution
will remain outstanding. If the designated institution agrees to
accept any Old Notes for exchange but does not timely deliver
the related consideration, we will, as promptly as practical
thereafter, but not later than the third business day following
(1) the conversion date, or (2) if the designated
institution elects to deliver cash or a combination of cash and
shares of our common stock, the determination of the cash
conversion price, convert the Old Notes and deliver shares of
our common stock, as described under
Conversion Rights General,
or, at our option cash in lieu thereof based on the average
price, along with any applicable Early Conversion Make Whole
Amount.
Our designation of an institution to which the Old Notes may be
submitted for exchange does not require the institution to
accept any Old Notes. If the designated institution declines to
accept any Old Notes surrendered for exchange, we will convert
those Old Notes into shares of our Class A Common stock, or
cash in lieu thereof, as described under
Conversion Rights above. We will not pay
any consideration to, or otherwise enter into any arrangement
with, the designated institution for or with respect to such
designation.
Redemption
We may redeem for cash the Old Notes in whole or in part, at a
price equal to 100% of the accreted principal amount of such Old
Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, deferred interest and
liquidated damages, if any, on the Old Notes to, but excluding,
the redemption date, if the closing price of our Class A
common stock has exceeded, for at least 20 trading days in any
consecutive 30 trading day period, 180% of the conversion price
if such 30 trading day period begins prior to November 16,
2007 and 150% if such 30 trading day period begins thereafter.
The conversion price as of any day will equal the
accreted principal amount of $1,000 original principal amount of
Old Notes divided by the conversion rate in effect
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on such day. We are required to give notice of redemption to the
trustee and all registered Holders not less than 30 nor more
than 60 days prior to the redemption date. We must specify
in such notice (1) whether we will deliver shares of our
Class A common stock, or cash in lieu thereof, upon
conversion of any Old Notes called for redemption, (2) if
we elect to deliver cash, the percentage of the shares otherwise
deliverable for which we will pay cash and (3) whether we
will deliver cash or shares of our Class A common stock
upon conversion with respect to the Redemption Make Whole
Amount.
Old Notes or portions of Old Notes called for redemption will be
convertible by the Holder until the close of business on the
business day prior to the redemption date.
If we decide to redeem fewer than all of the outstanding Old
Notes, the trustee will select the Old Notes to be redeemed (in
original principal amounts of $1,000 or integral multiples
thereof) by lot, on a pro rata basis or by another method the
trustee considers fair and appropriate.
If any Old Notes are to be redeemed in part only, we will issue
a new Old Note or Old Notes with a principal amount equal to the
unredeemed principal portion thereof. If the trustee selects a
portion of your Old Note for partial redemption and you convert
a portion of the same Old Note, the converted portion will be
deemed to be from the portion selected for redemption. In the
event of any redemption in part, we will not be required to
issue, register the transfer of or exchange any certificated Old
Note during a period of 15 days before the mailing of the
redemption notice.
Fundamental Change Requires Us to Repurchase Old Notes at the
Option of the Holder
If a fundamental change occurs, each Holder of Old Notes will
have the right to require us to repurchase some or all of that
Holders Old Notes for cash on a repurchase date that is
not less than 20 nor more than 35 business days after the date
of our notice of the fundamental change. We will repurchase such
Old Notes at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the accreted
principal amount of the Old Notes to be purchased, plus any
accrued and unpaid interest (including deferred interest and
liquated damages, if any) to but excluding the fundamental
change repurchase date, unless such fundamental change
repurchase date falls after a record date and on or prior to the
corresponding interest payment date, in which case we will pay
the full amount of accrued and unpaid interest (including
liquated damages, if any, but excluding any deferred interest)
payable on such interest payment date to the Holder of record at
the close of business on the corresponding record date.
Within 20 days after the occurrence of a fundamental
change, we are required to give notice to all Holders of Old
Notes, as provided in the indenture, of the occurrence of the
fundamental change and of their resulting repurchase right and
the fundamental change repurchase date. We must also deliver a
copy of our notice to the trustee. To exercise the repurchase
right, a Holder of Old Notes must deliver, on or before the
fundamental change repurchase date specified in our notice,
written notice to the trustee of the Holders exercise of
its repurchase right, together with the Old Notes with respect
to which the right is being exercised. We will promptly pay the
repurchase price for Old Notes surrendered for repurchase
following the fundamental change repurchase date.
You may withdraw any written repurchase notice by delivering a
written notice of withdrawal to the paying agent prior to the
close of business on the repurchase date. The withdrawal notice
must state:
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the original principal amount of the withdrawn Old Notes; |
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if certificated Old Notes have been issued, the certificate
number of the withdrawn Old Notes (or, if your Old Notes are not
certificated, your withdrawal notice must comply with
appropriate DTC procedures); and |
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the original principal amount, if any, that remains subject to
the repurchase notice. |
Payment of the repurchase price for an Old Note for which a
repurchase notice has been delivered and not withdrawn is
conditioned upon book-entry transfer or delivery of the Old
Note, together with necessary endorsements, to the paying agent
at its corporate trust office in the Borough of Manhattan, The
City of New York, or any other office of the paying agent, at
any time after delivery of the repurchase
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notice. Payment of the repurchase price for the Old Note will be
made promptly following the later of the fundamental change
repurchase date and the time of book-entry transfer or delivery
of the Old Note. If the paying agent holds money sufficient to
pay the repurchase price of the Old Note, on the repurchase
date, then, on and after the business day following the
repurchase date:
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the Old Note will cease to be outstanding; |
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interest will cease to accrue; and |
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all other rights of the Holder will terminate, other than the
right to receive the repurchase price upon delivery of the Old
Note. |
This will be the case whether or not book-entry transfer of the
Old Note has been made or the Old Note has been delivered to the
paying agent.
A fundamental change will be deemed to have occurred
upon a change of control or a termination of trading.
A termination of trading will be deemed to have
occurred if our Class A common stock (or other common stock
into which the Old Notes are then convertible) is not listed for
trading on a U.S. national securities exchange; provided
that a termination of trading will not occur so long as our
Class A common stock is listed for trading on the Nasdaq
Small Cap market or quoted bid prices for our Class A
common stock in the
over-the-counter market
are reported by Pink Sheets LLC or any similar organization.
A change of control will be deemed to have occurred
at such time after the original issuance of the Old Notes when
the following has occurred:
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(1) the consummation of any transaction (including, without
limitation, any merger or consolidation), the result of which is
that any person or group within the
meaning of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act other than
Paul G. Allen and Related Parties, becomes the direct or
indirect beneficial owner as defined in
Rule 13d-3 under
the Exchange Act of more than 35% of the Voting Stock of Charter
Communications, Inc., measured by voting power rather than
number of shares, unless Mr. Allen and the Related Parties,
collectively, beneficially own, directly or indirectly, a
greater percentage of Voting Stock of Charter Communications,
Inc., measured by voting power rather than number of shares,
than such person; |
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(2) the consummation of any transaction or event (whether
by means of a liquidation, share exchange, tender offer,
consolidation, recapitalization, reclassification, merger of us
or any sale, lease or other transfer of the consolidated assets
of ours and our subsidiaries) or a series of related
transactions or events pursuant to which our common stock is
exchanged for, converted into or constitutes solely the right to
receive cash, securities or other property more than 10% of the
fair market value of which consists of cash, securities or other
property that are not, or upon issuance will not be, traded on
any U.S. national securities exchange; |
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(3) the sale, transfer, conveyance, lease or other
disposition (including by way of liquidation or dissolution, but
excluding by way of merger or consolidation), in one or a series
of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the
assets of Charter Communications, Inc. and its subsidiaries,
taken as a whole, to any person or group
as defined above; |
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(4) the purchase by Mr. Allen or any Allen Affiliates
in any transaction or series of transactions, of shares of our
Class A common stock, which results in the aggregate number
of shares of Class A common stock held by Mr. Allen
and any Allen Affiliates exceeding 70% of the total number of
shares of Class A common stock issued and outstanding
(including any shares borrowed pursuant to the share lending
agreement) at such time to the extent that the closing price per
share of the Class A common stock for any five trading days
within the period of the ten consecutive trading days
immediately after the later of the last date of such purchases
or the public announcement of such purchases is less than 100%
of the applicable conversion price of the Old Notes in effect on
each of those trading days; provided that the calculation of the
number of shares of Class A common stock |
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held by Mr. Allen and any Allen Affiliates will not include
any share of our Class A common stock acquired by
Mr. Allen or any Allen Affiliates as a result of the
exchange or conversion of membership units of Charter Holdco or
shares of our Class B common stock or any securities
exchangeable or convertible into shares of Class A common
stock or issued in exchange (by merger or otherwise) for shares
of a Person that holds units of Charter Holdco. |
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(5) the adoption of a plan relating to the liquidation or
dissolution of Charter Holdco; or |
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(6) continuing directors (as defined below in this section)
cease to constitute at least a majority of our board of
directors. |
As used in connection with the definition of change of control,
the following terms will have the meaning described below:
Allen Affiliate means any person in which
Mr. Allen, directly or indirectly, owns at least a 50.1%
equity interest, provided that Charter Communications, Inc.,
Charter Holdco or any of its subsidiaries will not be included
in such definition.
Continuing director means a director who either was
a member of our board of directors on November 16, 2004 or
who becomes a member of our board of directors subsequent to
that date and whose appointment, election or nomination for
election by our shareholders is duly approved by a majority of
the continuing directors on our board of directors at the time
of such approval, either by a specific vote or by approval of
the proxy statement issued by us on behalf of the board of
directors in which such individual is named as nominee for
director.
Related Party means:
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(i) the spouse or an immediate family member, estate or
heir of the Mr. Allen; or |
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(ii) any trust, corporation, partnership or other entity,
the beneficiaries, stockholders, partners, owners or persons
beneficially holding an 80% or more controlling interest of
which consist of Mr. Allen and/or such other persons
referred to in the immediately preceding clause (i) or this
clause (ii). |
Voting Stock of any person as of any date means the
capital stock of such person that is at the time entitled to
vote in the election of the board of directors of such person.
The beneficial owner shall be determined in accordance with
Rule 13d-3
promulgated by the SEC under the Exchange Act. The term
person includes any syndicate or group which would
be deemed to be a person under Section 13(d)(3)
of the Exchange Act.
The definition of change of control includes a phrase relating
to the conveyance, transfer, sale, lease or disposition of our
consolidated assets substantially as an entirety.
There is no precise, established definition of the phrase
substantially as an entirety. under applicable law.
Accordingly, your ability to require us to repurchase your Old
Notes as a result of a conveyance, transfer, sale, lease or
other disposition of less than all our assets may be uncertain.
Rule 13e-4 under
the Exchange Act, as amended, requires the dissemination of
certain information to security holders if an issuer tender
offer occurs and may apply if the repurchase option becomes
available to Holders of the Old Notes. We will comply with this
rule to the extent applicable at that time.
We may, to the extent permitted by applicable law, at any time
repurchase the Old Notes in the open market or by tender at any
price or by private agreement. Any Old Note so repurchased by us
may, to the extent permitted by applicable law, be reissued or
resold or may be surrendered to the trustee for cancellation.
Any Old Notes surrendered to the trustee may not be reissued or
resold and will be canceled promptly.
The foregoing provisions would not necessarily protect Holders
of the Old Notes if highly leveraged or other transactions
involving us occur that may adversely affect Holders.
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Our ability to repurchase Old Notes upon the occurrence of a
fundamental change is subject to important limitations. Our
subsidiaries existing credit agreements and indentures
contain and any future credit agreements or other agreements
relating to our indebtedness may also contain provisions
prohibiting repurchase of the Old Notes under certain
circumstances, or expressly prohibit our repurchase of the Old
Notes upon a fundamental change or may provide that a
fundamental change constitutes an event of default under that
agreement. If a fundamental change occurs at a time when we are
prohibited from repurchasing Old Notes, we could seek the
consent of our or our subsidiaries lenders and noteholders
to repurchase the Old Notes or attempt to refinance this debt.
If we do not obtain consent, we would not be permitted to
repurchase the Old Notes. Our failure to repurchase tendered Old
Notes would constitute an event of default under the indenture,
which might constitute a default under the terms of our other
indebtedness.
No Old Notes may be repurchased by us at the option of the
Holders upon a fundamental change if the accreted principal
amount of the Old Notes has been accelerated, and such
acceleration has not been rescinded, on or prior to such date.
The fundamental change purchase feature of the Old Notes may in
certain circumstances make more difficult or discourage a
takeover of our company. The fundamental change repurchase
feature, however, is not the result of our knowledge of any
specific effort to accumulate shares of our Class A common
stock, to obtain control of us by means of a merger, tender
offer solicitation or otherwise, or by management to adopt a
series of anti-takeover provisions. Instead, the fundamental
change repurchase feature is a standard term contained in
securities similar to the Old Notes.
Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets
We may, without the consent of the holders of Old Notes,
consolidate with, merge into or sell, lease or otherwise
transfer in one transaction or a series of related transactions
the consolidated assets of ours and our subsidiaries
substantially as an entirety to any corporation, limited
liability company, partnership or trust organized under the laws
of the United States or any of its political subdivisions
provided that:
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the surviving entity assumes all our obligations under the
indenture and the Old Notes; |
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if as a result of such transaction the Old Notes become
convertible into common stock or other securities issued by a
third party that is not the successor under the Old Notes and
the indenture, such third party fully and unconditionally
guarantees all obligations of Charter Communications, Inc. or
such successor under the Old Notes and the indenture; |
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at the time of such transaction, no event of default, and no
event which, after notice or lapse of time, would become an
event of default, shall have happened and be continuing; and |
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an officers certificate and an opinion of counsel, each
stating that the consolidation, merger or transfer complies with
the provisions of the indenture, have been delivered to the
trustee. |
Events of Default
Each of the following will constitute an event of default under
the indenture:
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our failure to pay when due the principal on any of the Old
Notes at maturity, upon redemption or exercise of a repurchase
right or otherwise; |
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our failure to pay an installment of interest (including
liquidated damages, if any) other than any deferred interest on
any of the Old Notes for 30 days after the date when due;
provided that a failure to make any of the first six scheduled
interest payments on the original principal amount of the Old
Notes on the applicable interest payment date will constitute an
event of default with no grace or cure period (unless the
failure to make such payment results from the failure by the
trustee to release the relevant cash amount from the pledge
account, provided that such failure is not caused by any act or
omission by us); |
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our failure to deliver shares of our Class A common stock,
or cash in lieu thereof, when due upon conversion of Old Notes,
together with cash in respect of any fractional shares and any
Early Conversion Make Whole Amount and any Redemption Make
Whole Amount, upon conversion of an Old Note, and that failure
continues for 10 days; |
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our failure to comply with our obligations described under
Covenant when required and such failure
continues for five days; |
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our failure for 30 days after written notice thereof has
been given to us by the trustee or to us and the trustee by the
Holders of at least 25% in aggregate original principal amount
of the Old Notes then outstanding to comply with any of the
other covenants or agreements in the indenture; |
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our failure to make any payment under any mortgage, indenture or
instrument under which there may be issued or by which there may
be secured or evidenced any indebtedness for money borrowed by
us or any of our significant subsidiaries (or the payment of
which is guaranteed by us or any of our significant
subsidiaries) whether such indebtedness or guarantee now exists,
or is created after the issue date, if that default: |
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(i) is caused by a failure to pay at final stated maturity
the principal amount on such indebtedness prior to the
expiration of the grace period provided in such indebtedness on
the date of such default (a Payment Default); or |
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(ii) results in the acceleration of such indebtedness prior
to its express maturity, and, in each case, the principal amount
of any such indebtedness, together with the principal amount of
any other such indebtedness under which there has been a Payment
Default or the maturity of which has been so accelerated,
aggregates $100 million or more; |
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our failure to give timely notice of a fundamental change or of
the anticipated effective date of a change of control
transaction as described under Conversion
Rights Make Whole Amount and Public Acquirer Change
of Control; and |
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certain events of our bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization
or any significant subsidiary of ours. |
Significant subsidiary has the meaning set forth in
clauses (1) and (2) of the definition thereof in
Regulation S-X
under the Securities Act.
If an event of default specified in the eighth bullet point
above occurs and is continuing, then the principal of all the
Old Notes and the interest thereon shall automatically become
immediately due and payable. If an event of default shall occur
and be continuing, other than an event of default specified in
the eighth bullet point above, the trustee or the Holders of at
least 25% in aggregate original principal amount of the Old
Notes then outstanding may declare the Old Notes due and payable
at their accreted principal amount together with accrued and
unpaid interest (including deferred interest and liquidated
damages, if any), and thereupon the trustee may, at its
discretion, proceed to protect and enforce the rights of the
Holders of Old Notes by appropriate judicial proceedings. Such
declaration may be rescinded and annulled with the written
consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate original
principal amount of the Old Notes then outstanding, subject to
the provisions of the indenture.
The Holders of a majority in aggregate original principal amount
of Old Notes at the time outstanding through their written
consent, or the Holders of a majority in aggregate original
principal amount of Old Notes then outstanding represented at a
meeting at which a quorum is present by a written resolution,
may waive any existing default or event of default and its
consequences except any default or event of default:
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in any payment on the Old Notes; |
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in respect of the failure to convert the Old Notes; or |
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in respect of the covenants or provisions in the indenture that
may not be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder
of each Old Note affected as described in
Modification, Waiver and Meetings below. |
Holders of a majority in aggregate original principal amount of
the Old Notes then outstanding through their written consent, or
the Holders of a majority in aggregate original principal amount
of the Old Notes then outstanding represented at a meeting at
which a quorum is present by a written resolution, may direct
the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any
remedy available to the trustee or exercising any trust or power
conferred upon the trustee, subject to the provisions of the
indenture. The indenture contains a provision entitling the
trustee, subject to the duty of the trustee during a default to
act with the required standard of care, to be indemnified by the
Holders of Old Notes before proceeding to exercise any right or
power under the indenture at the request of such Holders. The
rights of Holders of the Old Notes to pursue remedies with
respect to the indenture and the Old Notes are subject to a
number of additional requirements set forth in the indenture.
The indenture provides that the trustee shall, within
90 days of the occurrence of a default, give to the
registered Holders of the Old Notes notice of all uncured
defaults known to it, but the trustee shall be protected in
withholding such notice if it, in good faith, determines that
the withholding of such notice is in the best interest of such
registered Holders, except in the case of a default in the
payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on,
any of the Old Notes when due or in the payment of any
conversion, redemption or repurchase obligation.
We are required to furnish annually to the trustee a statement
as to the fulfillment of our obligations under the indenture. In
addition, we are required to file with the trustee a written
notice of the occurrence of any default or event of default
within five business days of our becoming aware of the
occurrence of any default or event of default.
Modification, Waiver and Meetings
The indenture contains provisions for convening meetings of the
Holders of Old Notes to consider matters affecting their
interests.
The indenture (including the terms and conditions of the Old
Notes) may be modified or amended by us and the trustee, without
the consent of the Holder of any Old Note, for the purposes of,
among other things:
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adding to our covenants for the benefit of the Holders of Old
Notes; |
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adding additional dates on which Holders may require us to
repurchase their Old Notes; |
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surrendering any right or power conferred upon us; |
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providing for conversion rights of Holders of Old Notes if any
reclassification or change of our Class A common stock or
any consolidation, merger or sale of the consolidated assets of
us and our subsidiaries substantially as an entirety occurs; |
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providing for the assumption of our obligations to the Holders
of Old Notes in the case of a merger, consolidation, conveyance,
sale, transfer or lease; |
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increasing the conversion rate in the manner described in the
indenture, provided that the increase will not adversely affect
the interests of Holders of Old Notes in any material respect; |
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complying with the requirements of the SEC in order to effect or
maintain the qualification of the indenture under the Trust
Indenture Act of 1939, as amended; |
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making any changes or modifications to the indenture necessary
in connection with the registration of the Notes under the
Securities Act, as contemplated by the registration rights
agreement, provided that this action does not adversely affect
the interests of the Holders of the Old Notes in any material
respect; |
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curing any ambiguity or correcting or supplementing any
defective provision contained in the indenture; provided that
such modification or amendment does not, in the good faith
opinion of our board of directors, adversely affect the
interests of the Holders of Old Notes in any material respect;
provided further that any amendment made solely to conform the
provisions of the indenture to the description of the Old Notes
in this Exchange Offer Prospectus will not be deemed to
adversely affect the interests of the Holders of the Old
Notes; or |
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adding or modifying any other provisions which we and the
trustee may deem necessary or desirable and which will not
adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Old Notes. |
Modifications and amendments to the indenture or to the terms
and conditions of the Old Notes may also be made, and
noncompliance by us with any provision of the indenture or the
Old Notes may be waived, either:
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with the written consent of the Holders of at least a majority
in aggregate original principal amount of the Old Notes at the
time outstanding; or |
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by the adoption of a resolution at a meeting of Holders at which
a quorum is present by at least a majority in aggregate original
principal amount of the Old Notes represented at such meeting. |
However, no such modification, amendment or waiver may, without
the written consent or the affirmative vote of the Holder of
each Old Note affected:
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change the maturity of the principal of or any installment of
interest on any Old Note (including any payment of liquidated
damages); |
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reduce the principal amount of, or any premium, if any, on any
Old Note; |
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reduce the interest rate or amount of interest (including any
liquidated damages) on any Old Note; |
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reduce the Early Conversion Make Whole Amount or the
Redemption Make Whole Amount or otherwise modify the
provisions of the indenture related thereto in a manner adverse
to the Holders of the Old Notes; |
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modify the provisions of the indenture relating to the Pledged
Securities as described above under
Security in a manner adverse to the
Holders of the Old Notes; |
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other than as contemplated by the terms of the indenture, change
the currency of payment of principal of, premium, if any, or
interest on any Old Note; |
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impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any
payment on or with respect to, or the conversion of, any Old
Note; |
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except as otherwise permitted or contemplated by provisions of
the indenture concerning specified reclassifications or
corporate reorganizations, impair or adversely affect the
conversion rights of Holders of the Old Notes; |
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adversely affect any repurchase option of holders; |
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modify the redemption provisions of the indenture in a manner
adverse to the holders of Old Notes; |
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reduce the percentage in aggregate original principal amount of
Old Notes outstanding necessary to modify or amend the indenture
or to waive any past default; or |
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reduce the percentage in aggregate original principal amount of
Old Notes outstanding required for any other waiver under the
indenture. |
The quorum at any meeting called to adopt a resolution will be
persons holding or representing a majority in aggregate original
principal amount of the Old Notes at the time outstanding.
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Form, Denomination and Registration
The Notes were issued in fully registered form, without coupons,
in denominations of $1,000 original principal amount and whole
multiples of $1,000.
Global Notes: Book-Entry Form
The Old Notes are evidenced by one or more global Old Notes
deposited with the trustee as custodian for DTC, and registered
in the name of Cede & Co., as DTCs nominee.
Record ownership of the global Old Notes may be transferred, in
whole or in part, only to another nominee of DTC or to a
successor of DTC or its nominee, except as set forth below.
Ownership of beneficial interests in a global Old Note will be
limited to persons that have accounts with DTC or its nominee
(participants) or persons that may hold interests
through participants. Transfers between direct DTC participants
will be effected in the ordinary way in accordance with
DTCs rules and will be settled in same-day funds. Holders
may also beneficially own interests in the global Old Notes held
by DTC through certain banks, brokers, dealers, trust companies
and other parties that clear through or maintain a custodial
relationship with a direct DTC participant, either directly or
indirectly.
So long as Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC, is the
registered owner of the global Notes, Cede & Co. for
all purposes will be considered the sole holder of the global
Old Notes. Except as provided below, owners of beneficial
interests in the global Old Notes will not be entitled to have
certificates registered in their names, will not receive or be
entitled to receive physical delivery of certificates in
definitive form, and will not be considered holders thereof. The
laws of some states require that certain persons take physical
delivery of securities in definitive form. Consequently, the
ability to transfer a beneficial interest in the global Old
Notes to such persons may be limited.
We will wire, through the facilities of the trustee, principal,
premium, if any, and interest payments on the global Old Notes
to Cede & Co., the nominee for DTC, as the registered
owner of the global Old Notes. We, the trustee and any paying
agent will have no responsibility or liability for paying
amounts due on the global Old Notes to owners of beneficial
interests in the global Old Notes.
It is DTCs current practice, upon receipt of any payment
of principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the global
Old Notes, to credit participants accounts on the payment
date in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial
interests in the Old Notes represented by the global Old Notes,
as shown on the records of DTC, unless DTC believes that it will
not receive payment on the payment date. Payments by DTC
participants to owners of beneficial interests in Old Notes
represented by the global Old Notes held through DTC
participants will be the responsibility of DTC participants, as
is now the case with securities held for the accounts of
customers registered in street name.
If a Holder would like to convert Old Notes into Class A
common stock pursuant to the terms of the Old Notes, the Holder
should contact the Holders broker or other direct or
indirect DTC participant to obtain information on procedures,
including proper forms and cut-off times, for submitting those
requests.
Because DTC can only act on behalf of DTC participants, who in
turn act on behalf of indirect DTC participants and other banks,
a holders ability to pledge the holders interest in
the Old Notes represented by global Old Notes to persons or
entities that do not participate in the DTC system, or otherwise
take actions in respect of such interest, may be affected by the
lack of a physical certificate.
Neither we nor the trustee (nor any registrar, paying agent or
conversion agent under the indenture) will have any
responsibility for the performance by DTC or direct or indirect
DTC participants of their obligations under the rules and
procedures governing their operations. DTC has advised us that
it will take any action permitted to be taken by a Holder of Old
Notes, including, without limitation, the presentation of Old
Notes for conversion as described below, only at the direction
of one or more direct DTC participants to whose account with DTC
interests in the global Old Notes are credited and only for the
principal amount of the Old Notes for which directions have been
given.
138
DTC has advised us as follows: DTC is a limited purpose trust
company organized under the laws of the State of New York, a
member of the Federal Reserve System, a clearing
corporation within the meaning of the Uniform Commercial
Code and a clearing agency registered pursuant to
the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC was
created to hold securities for DTC participants and to
facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities
transactions between DTC participants through electronic
book-entry changes to the accounts of its participants, thereby
eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates.
Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks,
trust companies and clearing corporations and may include
certain other organizations such as the initial purchasers of
the Notes. Certain DTC participants or their representatives,
together with other entities, own DTC. Indirect access to the
DTC system is available to others such as banks, brokers,
dealers and trust companies that clear through, or maintain a
custodial relationship with, a participant, either directly or
indirectly.
Although DTC has agreed to the foregoing procedures in order to
facilitate transfers of interests in the global Notes among DTC
participants, it is under no obligation to perform or continue
to perform such procedures, and such procedures may be
discontinued at any time. If DTC is at any time unwilling or
unable to continue as depositary and a successor depositary is
not appointed by us within 90 days, we will cause Old Notes
to be issued in definitive registered form in exchange for the
global Old Notes. None of us, the trustee or any of their
respective agents will have any responsibility for the
performance by DTC, direct or indirect DTC participants of their
obligations under the rules and procedures governing their
operations, including maintaining, supervising or reviewing the
records relating to, or payments made on account of, beneficial
ownership interests in global Old Notes.
According to DTC, the foregoing information with respect to DTC
has been provided to its participants and other members of the
financial community for informational purposes only and is not
intended to serve as a representation, warranty or contract
modification of any kind.
Certificated Old Notes
We will issue the Old Notes in definitive certificated form if
DTC notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as
depositary or DTC ceases to be a clearing agency registered
under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
and a successor depositary is not appointed by us within
90 days. In addition, beneficial interests in a global Old
Note may be exchanged for definitive certificated Old Notes upon
request by or on behalf of DTC in accordance with customary
procedures. The indenture permits us to determine at any time
and in our sole discretion that Old Notes shall no longer be
represented by global Old Notes. DTC has advised us that, under
its current practices, it would notify its participants of our
request, but will only withdraw beneficial interests from the
global Old Notes at the request of each DTC participant. We
would issue definitive certificates in exchange for any such
beneficial interests withdrawn.
Any Old Note that is exchangeable pursuant to the preceding
sentence is exchangeable for Old Notes registered in the names
which DTC will instruct the trustee. It is expected that
DTCs instructions may be based upon directions received by
DTC from its participants with respect to ownership of
beneficial interests in that global Old Note. Subject to the
foregoing, a global Old Note is not exchangeable except for a
global Old Note or global Old Notes of the same aggregate
denominations to be registered in the name of DTC or its nominee.
139
Notices
Except as otherwise provided in the indenture, notices to
Holders of Old Notes will be given by mail to the addresses of
Holders of the Old Notes as they appear in the Old Note register.
Governing Law
The indenture, the Old Notes and the registration rights
agreement are governed by, and construed in accordance with, the
law of the State of New York.
Information Regarding the Trustee
Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as trustee under the
indenture, has been appointed by us as paying agent, collateral
agent, conversion agent, registrar and custodian with regard to
the Old Notes. The trustee or its affiliates may from time to
time in the future provide banking and other services to us in
the ordinary course of their business.
140
CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
The following is a summary of the material U.S. federal income
tax consequences to Holders of Old Notes of the Exchange Offer.
It is based on provisions of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the Code), existing and proposed
Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder (the Treasury
Regulations) and administrative and judicial
interpretations thereof, all as of the date hereof and all of
which are subject to change or differing interpretations,
possibly on a retroactive basis. No ruling from the Internal
Revenue Service (the IRS) has been or is expected to
be sought with respect to any aspect of the transactions
described herein. The following relates only to Old Notes, New
Notes received in exchange therefor, and Class A common
stock received upon a conversion of New Notes that are held by
Holders who hold such Old Notes, New Notes and Class A
common stock as capital assets. This summary does not address
all of the tax consequences that may be relevant to particular
Holders in light of their particular circumstances, or to
certain types of Holders such as banks and other financial
institutions, certain expatriates, real estate investment
trusts, regulated investment companies, insurance companies,
tax-exempt organizations, partnerships or other pass-through
entities, dealers in securities, brokers, persons who have
hedged the interest rate on the Old Notes or who hedge the
interest rate on the New Notes, traders in securities that elect
to use a mark-to-market method of accounting for their
securities holdings, U.S. persons whose functional currency is
not the U.S. dollar, or persons who hold the Old Notes, the New
Notes, or Class A common stock as part of a
straddle, hedge or conversion
transaction. In addition, this summary does not include
any description of the U.S. federal alternative minimum tax or
estate and gift tax consequences, or the consequences under any
state, local or non-U.S. tax that may be applicable to a
particular Holder.
A U.S. Holder is a beneficial owner of an Old Note,
a New Note or Class A common stock that is, for U.S.
federal income tax purposes, (i) a citizen or resident of
the United States, (ii) a corporation that is organized
under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision
thereof, (iii) an estate, the income of which is subject to
U.S. federal income tax without regard to its source or
(iv) a trust if (1) a court within the United States
is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration
of the trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to
control all substantial decisions of the trust or (2) the
trust has made a valid election to be treated as a U.S. person.
A non-U.S. Holder is a beneficial owner of an Old
Note, a New Note or Class A common stock that is neither a
U.S. Holder nor an entity or arrangement treated as a
partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
If a partnership (including for this purpose any entity or
arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax
purposes) is a beneficial owner of an Old Note, a New Note, or
Class A common stock, the treatment of a partner in the
partnership will generally depend upon the status of the partner
and upon the activities of the partnership. Partnerships and
partners in such partnerships should consult their tax advisors
about the U.S. federal income tax consequences of owning and
disposing of Old Notes, New Notes and Class A common stock.
HOLDERS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT
TO THE PARTICULAR U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM
OF THE CONSUMMATION OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER, INCLUDING THE
ACQUISITION, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF THE NEW NOTES AND
CLASS A COMMON STOCK INTO WHICH THE NEW NOTES ARE
CONVERTIBLE AS WELL AS THE TAX CONSEQUENCES UNDER STATE, LOCAL
AND NON-U.S. INCOME TAX AND OTHER U.S. FEDERAL TAX LAWS AND THE
POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF CHANGES IN TAX LAWS BEFORE DETERMINING
WHETHER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE EXCHANGE OFFER.
Classification of the Old Notes
We have taken the position that the Old Notes are indebtedness
subject to the Treasury Regulations that govern contingent
payment debt instruments (the contingent debt
regulations). Moreover, under the indenture governing the
Old Notes, we have agreed, and by acceptance of a beneficial
interest in an Old Note each holder of an Old Note is deemed to
have agreed, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, to treat
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the Old Notes as debt instruments that are subject to the
contingent debt regulations and to be bound by our application
of the contingent debt regulations to the Old Notes.
Due to the absence of authorities that directly address the
proper characterization of the Old Notes and the application of
the contingent debt regulations to the Old Notes, no assurance
can be given that the IRS will accept, or that a court will
uphold, that characterization of the Old Notes.
The remainder of this discussion assumes that the Old Notes are
treated as indebtedness subject to the contingent debt
regulations.
Classification of the New Notes.
Although the matter is not free from doubt, we intend to treat
the potential payment of the Redemption Make Whole Amount
and the make whole amount payable on a change of control or
fundamental change as remote contingencies within
the meaning of the contingent debt regulations. Accordingly, we
intend to treat the New Notes as not being subject to the
contingent debt regulations. If the IRS were to challenge
successfully our treatment of the New Notes, the amount,
character and timing of income to Holders of New Notes and the
treatment of the receipt of Class A common stock on the
conversion of New Notes would differ materially from the
description set forth below. The remainder of this discussion
assumes that the New Notes will be treated as indebtedness that
is not subject to the contingent debt regulations.
Tax Consequences to Exchanging U.S. Holders
The Exchange of Old Notes
for New Notes
U.S. Holders that exchange Old Notes will receive New Notes in
accordance with the Exchange Offer. We believe that the exchange
of Old Notes for New Notes will be a taxable transaction for
U.S. Holders of Old Notes. Accordingly, each exchanging U.S.
Holder of Old Notes will recognize gain or loss with respect to
the Old Notes being exchanged equal to the difference between
(i) the issue price of the New Notes received plus the
amount of any cash received representing accrued and unpaid
interest and (ii) the U.S. Holders adjusted tax basis
in the Old Notes. A U.S. Holders adjusted tax basis in an
Old Note will equal the price such Holder paid for the Old Note,
increased by the amount of any interest previously accrued on
the Old Note (determined without regard to any positive or
negative adjustments arising from the difference between the
projected amount of a contingent payment and the actual amount
of a contingent payment on the Old Note) and any positive
adjustment arising as a result of the purchase of an Old Note by
a U.S. Holder for an amount less than the adjusted issue price
of the Old Note at such time, and decreased by the amount of any
noncontingent payments and the projected amount of any
contingent payments previously made on the Old Note and any
negative adjustment arising as a result of the purchase of an
Old Note by a U.S. Holder for an amount greater than the
adjusted issue price of the Old Note at such time. Any such gain
will generally be treated as ordinary interest income. Any such
loss will generally be treated as (i) ordinary loss to the
extent of the excess of previous interest inclusions with
respect to the Old Notes over the total net negative adjustments
previously taken into account as ordinary losses in respect of
the Old Note and (ii) thereafter, capital loss. Such loss
will generally be long-term capital loss if, at the time of the
exchange, the U.S. Holders holding period in the Old Note
is more than one year. The deductibility of capital losses is
subject to limitations.
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the issue
price of the New Notes will depend on whether the New
Notes or the Old Notes are treated as publicly
traded under the applicable Treasury Regulations. The Old
Notes or the New Notes will be treated as publicly traded if, at
any time during the 60-day period ending 30 days after the
issue date of the New Notes, the Old Notes or the New Notes are
or were, as the case may be, traded on an established
market. Subject to certain exceptions, a debt instrument
generally will be treated as traded on an established market if
(1) it is listed on at least one of certain securities
exchanges, interdealer quotation systems, or certain foreign
exchanges or boards of trade, (2) it is traded on at least
one of certain boards of trade that are designated as a contract
market or on an interbank market, (3) it appears on a
system of general circulation that provides a reasonable basis to
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determine fair market value by disseminating either recent price
quotations of identified brokers, dealers or traders or actual
prices of recent sales transactions, or (4) price
quotations are readily available from brokers, dealers or
traders and certain other conditions are met. Debt instruments
generally are not considered to be traded on an established
market if indications of interest are publicly disseminated
without actual trading or offer prices, as in the case of the
so-called yellow sheets.
From the information currently available, we believe the Old
Notes will be treated as publicly traded under the
rules set forth above. Although it is unclear whether the New
Notes will be treated as publicly traded under the
rules set forth above, we expect that the New Notes will trade
in the same manner as the Old Notes, and, if that is the case,
we believe and intend to take the position that the New Notes
are publicly traded under the rules set forth above.
However, we cannot predict with certainty what position the IRS
may take with regard to whether either the Old Notes or the New
Notes are publicly traded. If the New Notes are publicly traded,
then the issue price of the New Notes will equal the trading
price of the New Notes at the time of consummation of the
Exchange Offer. If the New Notes are not publicly traded but the
Old Notes are publicly traded, then the issue price of the New
Notes will equal the trading price of the Old Notes at the time
of the consummation of the Exchange Offer. See
Ownership of the New Notes Original Issue
Discount, below for the effect of using the trading price
of either the Old Notes or the New Notes to determine the issue
price of the New Notes. If neither the Old Notes nor the New
Notes are publicly traded, then the issue price of the New Notes
will be their stated principal amounts.
A U.S. Holders initial tax basis in a New Note will be
equal to the issue price of the New Note, and a U.S.
Holders holding period in a New Note will begin on the day
after the Settlement Date.
Cash Payments of Accrued and
Unpaid Interest
Holders that exchange Old Notes for New Notes will receive a
cash payment representing accrued and unpaid interest to, but
not including, the Settlement Date. Such accrued and unpaid
interest will be treated as additional consideration received by
a Holder in the exchange, as described above under
The Exchange of Old Notes for New Notes.
Ownership of the New
Notes
Original Issue Discount. In general, subject to a
de minimis exception, the New Notes will be treated as
being issued with original issue discount
(OID) to the extent their stated redemption
price at maturity (SRPM) exceeds their
issue price. A note will be considered to have de
minimis OID if the difference between the notes SRPM
and its issue price is less than 1/4 of 1% (i.e., 0.25%) of the
SRPM multiplied by the number of complete years to maturity,
which, for this purpose, means the number of complete years
until the first date on which the Holders can require us to
purchase the New Notes as described below under
Effect of Optional Redemption and Holder Put Option on Original
Issue Discount. U.S. Holders of notes with a de minimis
amount of OID generally will include this OID in income as
capital gain, on a pro rata basis as principal payments are made
on the note.
The SRPM of a New Note is the aggregate of all payments due to
the Holder of a New Note at or prior to its maturity, other than
interest payments that are (among other requirements) actually
and unconditionally payable at least annually. Interest meeting
these requirements is referred to as qualified stated
interest. The issue price of the New Notes will be
determined in the manner set forth above under The
Exchange of Old Notes for New Notes. The amount, if any,
by which the SRPM exceeds the issue price will be OID.
U.S. Holders of New Notes will be required to include any OID on
the New Notes in income for U.S. federal income tax purposes as
it accrues on a constant yield to maturity basis, regardless of
such Holders regular methods of accounting for U.S.
federal income tax purposes. The amount of OID includible in
income will be the sum of the daily portions of OID
with respect to the New Notes for each day during the taxable
year or portion of the taxable year in which a U.S. Holder holds
the New Notes (accrued OID). The daily portion is
determined by allocating to each day in any accrual period a
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pro rata portion of the OID allocable to that accrual period. We
expect that the accrual period for the New Notes will correspond
to the intervals between payment dates provided by the terms of
the New Notes. The amount of OID allocable to any accrual period
is an amount equal to the excess, if any, of (i) the
product of the New Notes adjusted issue price at the
beginning of such accrual period and its yield to maturity
(determined on the basis of compounding at the close of each
accrual period and properly adjusted for the length of the
accrual period) less (ii) the amount of any qualified
stated interest allocable to the accrual period. OID allocable
to a final accrual period is the difference between the amount
payable at maturity (other than a payment of qualified stated
interest) and the adjusted issue price at the beginning of the
final accrual period. Special rules apply for calculating OID
for an initial short accrual period. The adjusted issue price of
a New Note at the beginning of any accrual period is equal to
its issue price increased by the accrued OID for each prior
accrual period previously includible in gross income and
decreased by the amount of any payments previously made on the
New Note (other than qualified stated interest payments).
When required, we will furnish annually to the IRS and to
Holders of New Notes information with respect to any OID
accruing while the New Notes are held. The New Notes will bear a
legend setting forth information about any OID, or a name and
telephone number of someone that provide this information.
A U.S. Holder of New Notes may elect to treat all interest on
the New Notes as OID and calculate the amount included in gross
income under the constant yield to maturity basis described
above. For the purposes of this election, interest includes
stated interest, OID, de minimis OID, and unstated
interest. The election is to be made for the taxable year in
which the New Notes are acquired and may not be revoked without
the consent of the IRS. A holder of New Notes should consult
with its tax advisor if it is considering this election.
A U.S. Holder will not be required to recognize any additional
income upon the receipt of any payment corresponding to OID on
the New Notes, but will be required to reduce its tax basis in
the New Notes by the amount of such payment.
Effect of Optional Redemption and Holder Put Option on
Original Issue Discount. Under certain circumstances, we
may redeem the New Notes, in whole or in part, prior to their
stated maturity date. In addition, on October 1, 2012, 2017
and 2022, Holders may require us to purchase some or all of the
New Notes for cash at a purchase price equal to 100% of the
principal amount of the New Notes plus any accrued and unpaid
interest on the New Notes. The Treasury Regulations contain
rules for determining the maturity date and the SRPM
of an instrument that may be redeemed at the option of the
issuer or put to the issuer at the option of the holders prior
to such instruments stated maturity date. Under such
Treasury Regulations, solely for the purposes of the accrual of
OID, it is assumed that an issuer will exercise any option to
redeem a debt instrument only if such exercise would lower the
yield to maturity of the debt instrument and that a holder will
exercise any option to put a debt instrument to the issuer if
such put would increase the yield to maturity of the debt
instrument. Because the exercise of the redemption option would
not lower the yield to maturity of the New Notes, we believe
that we will not be presumed under these rules to redeem the New
Notes prior to their stated maturity. However, because the
exercise of the put would increase the yield to maturity of the
Notes, we believe that the put will be presumed to be exercised
at the first put date.
Stated Cash Interest on the New Notes. The amount
of interest on the New Notes that is unconditionally payable at
a fixed rate should be considered qualified stated
interest and, as such, will be taxable to a U.S. Holder as
ordinary interest income at the time it is received or accrued,
depending on the holders regular method of accounting for
U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Constructive Dividends. If at any time the
conversion rate of the New Notes increases as a result of a
certain events arising from stock splits and combinations, stock
dividends, certain cash dividends and certain other actions by
us that modify our capital structure as described in
Description of New Notes Conversion
Rights Conversion Rate Adjustments, a U.S.
Holder may be required to include an
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amount in income for U.S. federal income tax purposes,
notwithstanding the fact that such U.S. Holder did not actually
receive such distribution.
Conversion of New Notes. If a U.S. Holder receives
solely Class A common stock (other than cash in lieu of a
fractional share) from us rather than a designated financial
institution, the conversion of New Notes will not constitute a
taxable exchange. A U.S. Holders tax basis in the shares
of Class A common stock received will equal the U.S.
Holders adjusted tax basis in the New Notes immediately
prior to the conversion (reduced by any portion of such basis
allocable to any fractional shares deemed to have been
received). A U.S. Holders holding period in the
Class A common stock will include the U.S Holders
holding period in the New Notes.
If a U.S. Holder receives a combination of cash and Class A
common stock from us, the conversion may be treated either as a
recapitalization or a partial conversion and partial redemption
of the Notes. If the transaction is treated as a
recapitalization, a U.S. Holder will recognize gain, but not
loss, equal to the excess of the fair market value of the
Class A common stock received (treating a fractional share
of common stock as received for this purpose) and the amount of
cash received (other than cash in lieu of a fractional share)
over such U.S. Holders adjusted tax basis in the New
Notes, but in no event should the gain recognized exceed the
amount of cash received (excluding cash received in lieu of a
fractional share). A U.S. Holders tax basis in the shares
of Class A common stock received (treating a fractional
share as received for this purpose) will equal the adjusted tax
basis of the New Notes converted, reduced by the amount of any
cash received (other than cash received in lieu of a fractional
share), and increased by the amount of gain, if any, recognized
(other than with respect to a fractional share). A U.S.
Holders holding period in the Class A common stock
will include the U.S. Holders holding period in the New
Notes.
If the transaction is treated as a partial conversion and
partial redemption, a U.S. holder would not recognize any
income, gain or loss with respect to the portion of the New
Notes treated as converted into Class A common stock
(except with respect to any cash received in lieu of a
fractional share). A U.S. Holders tax basis in the
Class A common stock received would be equal to the portion
of the U.S. Holders adjusted tax basis in the New
Notes allocable to the portion of the New Notes deemed
converted. A U.S. Holders holding period in the
Class A common stock would include the U.S. Holders
holding period in the portion of the New Notes deemed converted.
With respect to the cash proceeds treated as received in
redemption of the remaining portion of the New Notes, a U.S.
holder generally would recognize gain or loss equal to the
difference between the amount of cash received and the
U.S. Holders adjusted tax basis allocable to such
portion of the New Notes. Gain or loss recognized will be
long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. holder held the New
Notes for more than one year at the time of the conversion.
Long-term capital gains of individuals are subject to reduced
rates of taxation. The deductibility of capital losses is
subject to limitations. Although the matter is not free from
doubt, a U.S. Holder may allocate its adjusted tax basis in
the New Notes between the portion of the New Notes that is
deemed to be have been converted and the portion of the New
Notes that is deemed to have been redeemed based on the relative
fair market value of the Class A common stock and the
amount of cash received upon conversion. U.S. Holders should
consult their tax advisors regarding the tax treatment of the
receipt of a combination of cash and shares of Class A
common stock in exchange for notes upon conversion.
If a U.S. Holder receives cash in lieu of a fractional share of
Class A common stock, such U.S. holder would be
treated as if the fractional share had been issued and then
redeemed for cash. Accordingly, a U.S. Holder will generally
recognize capital gain or loss with respect to the receipt of
cash in lieu of a fractional share measured by the difference
between the cash received for the fractional share and the
portion of the U.S. Holders adjusted tax basis in the New
Notes that is allocated to the fractional share.
If a U.S. Holder receives solely cash from us or Class A
common stock, cash or a combination of Class A common stock
and cash from a designated financial institution, the conversion
should be treated as a taxable disposition of the New Notes, in
which case the consequences to a U.S. Holder would be as
described below under Sale, Exchange or
Retirement of the New Notes.
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Sale, Exchange or Retirement of the New Notes.
Upon a sale, exchange, redemption, retirement at
maturity or other taxable disposition of New Notes, a U.S.
Holder will generally recognize taxable gain or loss equal to
the difference between the sum of the cash and the fair market
value of all other property received (less any amount received
on account of accrued but unpaid interest, which will be taxed
as such) and such U.S. Holders adjusted tax basis in the
New Notes. A U.S. Holders adjusted tax basis in the New
Notes generally will equal the issue price of the New Notes, as
described above in Tax Consequences to Exchanging
U.S. Holders The Exchange of Old Notes for New
Notes, increased by any OID includable in income by the
holder with respect to the New Notes, and reduced by the amount
of any payments previously received by the holder (other than
qualified stated interest). Any such gain or loss generally will
be capital gain or loss, and will be long-term capital gain or
loss if, at the time of such disposition, the U.S. Holders
holding period in the New Notes is more than one year. The
deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.
Ownership of the
Class A Common Stock
Dividends on Shares of Class A Common Stock.
Distributions, if any, on shares of Class A common
stock will generally be taxable to a U.S. Holder as ordinary
income to the extent that the cash and fair market value of
property distributed does not exceed such U.S. Holders pro
rata share of Charters current and accumulated earnings
and profits, if any. There is an exception to this treatment for
distributions that constitute qualified dividend
income, as described below. Any distributions in excess of
Charters current and accumulated earnings and profits will
reduce such U.S. Holders tax basis in such Class A
common stock until such U.S. Holders basis is reduced to
zero, and any further distribution will be treated as gain from
the sale or exchange of such Class A common stock.
Qualified dividend income received by noncorporate
U.S. Holders of stock is currently taxed at the long-term
capital gain rate, which is currently a maximum of 15%. The tax
on qualified dividend income is currently scheduled
to increase after 2010. Dividends that Charter pays with respect
to Class A common stock generally will be qualified
dividend income provided that (i) the U.S. Holder is not a
corporation, (ii) such U.S. Holder holds such common stock
for more than 60 days during the 120-day period beginning
60 days before the ex-dividend date, and (iii) such
U.S. Holder meets certain other requirements.
Corporate U.S. Holders of the Class A common stock may be
eligible for a dividends received deduction with respect to any
dividends received with respect to the Class A common stock.
Sale of Shares of Class A Common Stock. A
U.S. Holder should generally recognize capital gain or loss upon
the sale of Class A common stock in an amount equal to the
difference between the amount realized and such U.S.
Holders tax basis in the Class A common stock, as
determined above. Such capital gain or loss should be long-term
gain or loss if such U.S. Holders holding period in the
shares is more than one year. Long-term capital gains of
individuals are subject to reduced rates of taxation. The
deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.
Backup Withholding and
Information Reporting
In general, an exchanging U.S. Holder of an Old Note will be
subject to backup withholding at the applicable tax rate
(currently 28%) with respect to the total consideration payable
to such U.S. Holder pursuant to the Exchange Offer, unless such
U.S. Holder (a) is an entity that is exempt from backup
withholding (generally including corporations, tax-exempt
organizations and certain qualified nominees) and, when
required, demonstrates this fact, or (b) provides the payor
with its taxpayer identification number (TIN),
certifies that the TIN provided to the payor is correct and that
the U.S. Holder has not been notified by the IRS that such U.S.
Holder is subject to backup withholding due to underreporting of
interest or dividends, and otherwise complies with applicable
requirements of the backup withholding rules. In addition, such
payments to U.S. Holders that are not exempt entities will
generally be subject to information reporting requirements. A
U.S. Holder who does not provide the payor with its correct TIN
may be subject to penalties imposed by the IRS. The amount of
any backup withholding from a payment
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to a U.S. Holder will be allowed as a credit against such U.S.
Holders U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle
such U.S. Holder to a refund, provided that the required
information is timely furnished to the IRS. In general, a U.S.
Holder of New Notes will be subject to backup withholding and
information reporting requirements with respect to interest, OID
and premium, if any, paid on the New Notes, and the proceeds of
a sale of New Notes, in the same manner and subject to the same
exceptions described above for an exchanging U.S. Holder of an
Old Note. Similarly, a U.S. Holder of Class A common stock
will generally be subject to backup withholding and information
reporting requirements with respect to dividend payments on or
gross proceeds from the disposition of the Class A common
stock in the same manner and subject to the same exceptions
described above for an exchanging U.S. Holder of an Old Note. We
will report to U.S. Holders and to the IRS the amount of any
reportable payments (including any interest paid)
and any amounts withheld with respect to the New Notes and
Class A common stock during the calendar year.
Tax Consequences to Exchanging Non-U.S. Holders
The following discussion applies to non-U.S. Holders.
The Exchange of Old Notes for New Notes. Any gain
recognized by a non-U.S. Holder generally will be treated as
ordinary interest income and will not be subject to U.S. federal
income tax, except as described below in Ownership
of the New Notes Interest and OID.
Ownership of the New Notes
Interest and OID. Subject to the discussion of
backup withholding and information reporting below, payments of
interest or OID in respect of the New Notes or the Old Notes by
us or our paying agent to a non-U.S. Holder will not be subject
to U.S. federal income tax or withholding tax, provided that:
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such interest is not effectively connected with such non-U.S.
Holders conduct of a trade or business in the United
States; |
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the non-U.S. Holder does not actually or constructively own 10%
or more of our capital or profits; |
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the non-U.S. Holder is not a controlled foreign
corporation that is, directly or indirectly, related to us
through stock ownership; |
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the non-U.S. Holder is not a bank whose receipt of interest on
the new notes is described in Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the
Code; and |
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the non-U.S. Holder and/or each securities clearing
organization, bank, or other financial institution that holds
the New Notes on behalf of such non-U.S. Holder in the ordinary
course of its trade or business, in the chain between the
non-U.S. Holder and the paying agent, complies with applicable
identification requirements (generally by providing an IRS
Form W-8) to
establish that the holder is a non-U.S. Holder. |
If the requirements described above are not satisfied, a 30%
withholding tax will apply to the gross amount of interest
(including OID) on the New Notes that is paid to a non-U.S.
Holder, unless, either: (a) an applicable income tax treaty
reduces or eliminates such tax, and the non-U.S. Holder claims
the benefit of that treaty by providing a properly completed and
duly executed IRS
Form W-8BEN (or
suitable successor or substitute form) establishing
qualification for benefits under the treaty, or (b) the
interest is effectively connected with the non-U.S.
Holders conduct of a trade or business in the United
States and the non-U.S. Holder provides an appropriate statement
to that effect on a properly completed and duly executed IRS
Form W-8ECI (or
suitable successor form).
If a non-U.S. Holder is engaged in a U.S. trade or business and
interest on a New Note (including OID) is effectively connected
with the conduct of that trade or business, the non-U.S. Holder
will be required to pay U.S. federal income tax on that interest
on a net income basis (and the 30% withholding tax described
above will not apply provided the appropriate statement is
provided to us) generally in the same manner as a U.S. Holder.
If a non-U.S. Holder is eligible for the benefits of an income
tax treaty
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between the United States and its country of residence, any
interest income that is effectively connected with a U.S. trade
or business will be subject to U.S. federal income tax in the
manner specified by the treaty and generally will only be
subject to U.S. federal income tax if such income is
attributable to a permanent establishment (or a fixed base in
the case of an individual) maintained by the non-U.S. Holder in
the United States and the non-U.S. Holder claims the benefit of
the treaty by properly submitting an IRS
Form W-8BEN. In
addition, a non-U.S. Holder that is treated as a foreign
corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes may be
subject to a branch profits tax equal to 30% (or lower
applicable treaty rate) of its earnings and profits for the
taxable year, subject to adjustments, that are effectively
connected with its conduct of a trade or business in the United
States.
Constructive Dividends. A non-U.S. Holder that is
deemed to receive a constructive dividend in respect of the New
Notes will be subject to tax in the same manner as a non-U.S.
Holder that receives an actual dividend with respect to shares
of Class A common stock. See Ownership of the
Class A Common Stock Dividends on Shares of
Class A Common Stock, below.
Conversion of New Notes. To the extent that the
conversion of New Notes is treated as a taxable exchange for
U.S. federal income tax purposes, a non-U.S. Holder will be
subject to U.S. federal income tax in the same manner as set
forth below under Sale, Exchange or Retirement
of the New Notes.
Sale, Exchange or Retirement of the New Notes. A
non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to U.S. federal income
tax on any gain realized by such holder upon a sale, exchange,
redemption, retirement at maturity or other taxable disposition
of a New Note (including a conversion of a New Note into shares
of Class A common stock), unless:
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such gain is effectively connected with the non-U.S.
Holders conduct of a trade or business in the United
States (and, if a treaty applies, is attributable to the
non-U.S. Holders permanent establishment or, in the case
of an individual, a fixed base, in the United States); or |
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in the case of a non-U.S. Holder that is an individual, such
non-U.S. Holder is present in the United States for
183 days or more during the taxable year in which such
sale, exchange, or other disposition occurs and certain other
conditions are met. |
Ownership of the
Class A Common Stock
Dividends on Shares of Class A Common Stock.
A 30% withholding tax will generally apply to any
distributions (including constructive dividends, as described
above under Tax Consequences to Exchanging U.S.
Holders Ownership of The New Notes
Constructive Dividends) with respect to shares of
Class A common stock to non-U.S. Holders to the extent that
the cash and fair market value of property distributed does not
exceed such holders pro rata share of Charters
current and accumulated earnings and profits, if any, unless,
either: (a) an applicable income tax treaty reduces or
eliminates such tax, and the non-U.S. Holder claims the benefit
of that treaty by providing a properly completed and duly
executed IRS
Form W-8BEN (or
suitable successor or substitute form) establishing
qualification for benefits under the treaty, or (b) the
distributions are effectively connected with the non-U.S.
Holders conduct of a trade or business in the United
States and the non-U.S. Holder provides an appropriate statement
to that effect on a properly completed and duly executed IRS
Form W-8ECI (or
suitable successor form).
If a non-U.S. Holder is engaged in a U.S. trade or business and
distributions with respect to the Class A common stock are
effectively connected with the conduct of that trade or
business, the
non-U.S. Holder
will be required to pay U.S. federal income tax on the
distributions (and the 30% withholding tax described above will
not apply provided the appropriate statement is provided to us)
generally in the same manner as a U.S. Holder. If a non-U.S.
Holder is eligible for the benefits of an income tax treaty
between the United States and its country of residence, any
income arising from distributions that is effectively connected
with a U.S. trade or business will be subject to U.S. federal
income tax in the manner specified by the treaty and generally
will only be subject to U.S. federal income tax if such income
is attributable to a permanent establishment (or a fixed base in
the case of an
148
individual) maintained by the
non-U.S. Holder in
the United States and the non-U.S. Holder claims the benefit of
the treaty by properly submitting an IRS
Form W-8BEN. In
addition, a non-U.S. Holder that is treated as a foreign
corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes may be subject
to a branch profits tax equal to 30% (or lower applicable treaty
rate) of its earnings and profits for the taxable year, subject
to adjustments, that are effectively connected with its conduct
of a trade or business in the United States.
Sale, Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of the
Class A Common Stock. A non-U.S. Holder will not be
subject to U.S. federal income tax on any gain realized by such
holder upon a sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of the
Class A common stock, unless one of the exceptions
discussed above under the caption Ownership of
the New Notes Sale, Exchange or Retirement of the
New Notes applies, or we are or have been a U.S.
real property holding corporation for U.S. federal income
tax purposes at any time during the shorter of the five-year
period ending on the date of disposition or the period that the
non-U.S. Holder held our common stock or notes. Generally, a
corporation is a U.S. real property holding
corporation if the fair market value of its U.S.
real property interests equals or exceeds 50% of the sum
of the fair market value of its worldwide real property
interests plus its other assets used or held for use in a trade
or business. We believe that we are not currently, and we do not
anticipate becoming, a U.S. real property holding corporation.
Backup Withholding and
Information Reporting
Backup withholding and information reporting will not apply to
payments of principal or interest on the New Notes or payments
of distributions on the Class A common stock by us or our
paying agent if an exchanging holder certifies as to its status
as a non-U.S. Holder under penalties of perjury or otherwise
establishes an exemption (provided that neither we nor our
paying agent has actual knowledge that it is a U.S. person or
that the conditions of any other exemptions are not in fact
satisfied). The payment of the proceeds of the disposition of
the New Notes, the Old Notes, or the Class A common stock
to or through the U.S. office of a U.S. or foreign broker will
be subject to information reporting and backup withholding
unless an exchanging holder provides the certification described
above or otherwise establishes an exemption. The proceeds of a
disposition effected outside the United States by a non-U.S.
holder of the New Notes, the Old Notes, or Class A common
stock to or through a foreign office of a broker generally will
not be subject to backup withholding or information reporting.
However, if that broker is, for U.S. tax purposes, a U.S.
person, a controlled foreign corporation, a foreign person 50%
or more of whose gross income from all sources for certain
periods is effectively connected with a trade or business in the
United States, or a foreign partnership that is engaged in the
conduct of a trade or business in the United States or that has
one or more partners that are U.S. persons who in the
aggregate hold more than 50% of the income or capital interests
in the partnership, information reporting requirements will
apply unless that broker has documentary evidence in its files
of such holders status as a non-U.S. Holder and has no
actual knowledge to the contrary, or unless such holder
otherwise establishes an exemption. Any amounts withheld from a
payment to a holder under the backup withholding rules will be
allowed as a credit against such holders U.S. federal
income tax liability and may entitle it to a refund, provided it
timely furnishes the required information to the IRS.
Tax Consequences to Non-Exchanging Holders
Because the terms of the Old Notes will not be modified in
connection with the exchange offer, we believe that the exchange
of some of the Old Notes for New Notes should not have any U.S.
federal income tax consequences for Holders of Old Notes who do
not tender their Old Notes or whose Old Notes are not accepted
for exchange in the Exchange Offer.
INTEREST OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS IN THE TRANSACTION
We are not aware of any of our directors, officers, principal
stockholders or affiliates that own Old Notes or will be
surrendering Old Notes for exchange pursuant to the Exchange
Offer. Neither we, nor, to the best of our knowledge, any of our
directors or executive officers, nor any affiliates of any of the
149
foregoing, have engaged in any transactions in the Old Notes
during the 60 business days prior to the date hereof.
DEALER MANAGERS
The Dealer Managers for the Exchange Offer are Citigroup Global
Markets Inc. and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated.
Charter Holdco has agreed to pay the Dealer Managers
compensation for their services in connection with the Exchange
Offer, which compensation is estimated to be approximately
$5 million, assuming full participation in the Exchange
Offer. The Dealer Managers and their affiliates have rendered
and may in the future render various investment banking, lending
and commercial banking services and other advisory services to
us. The Dealer Managers have received, and may in the future
receive, customary compensation from us for such services. The
Dealer Managers have regularly acted as underwriters and initial
purchasers of long and short-term debt securities issued by us
in public and private offerings and will likely continue to do
so from time to time.
The Dealer Managers may from time to time hold notes, shares of
Class A common stock and other securities of ours in their
proprietary accounts, and, to the extent they own Old Notes in
these accounts at the time of the Exchange Offer, the Dealer
Managers may surrender such Old Notes for exchange pursuant to
the Exchange Offer. During the course of the Exchange Offer, the
Dealer Managers may trade shares of Class A common stock or
effect transactions in other securities of ours for their own
accounts or for the accounts of their customers. As a result,
the Dealer Managers may hold a long or short position in the
Class A common stock or other of our securities. In
addition, we entered into a share lending agreement with respect
to the Old Notes with an affiliate of Citigroup. See
Description of Capital Stock and Membership
Units Share Lending Agreement.
INFORMATION AGENT
Global Bondholder Services has been appointed as the Information
Agent for the Exchange Offer. We have agreed to pay the
Information Agent reasonable and customary fees for its services
and will reimburse the Information Agent for its reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses.
Any requests for assistance in connection with the Exchange
Offer or for additional copies of this Exchange Offer Prospectus
or related materials should be directed to the Information Agent
at the addresses set forth on the back cover of this Exchange
Offer Prospectus.
EXCHANGE AGENT
Global Bondholder Services, has been appointed Exchange Agent
for the Exchange Offer. We have agreed to pay the Exchange Agent
reasonable and customary fees for its services and will
reimburse the Exchange Agent for its reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses.
All completed Letters of Transmittal should be directed to the
Exchange Agent at the address set forth on the back cover of
this Exchange Offer Prospectus.
FEES AND EXPENSES
The Offeror will bear the fees and expenses relating to the
Exchange Offer. Where permitted by applicable law, the Offeror
is making the solicitation via facsimile, telephone, email or in
person by the Dealer Managers and Information Agent, as well as
by our officers and regular employees and those of our
affiliates. The Offeror will also pay the Exchange Agent and the
Information Agent reasonable and customary fees for their
services and will reimburse them for their reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses.
The Offeror will indemnify each of the Exchange Agent, the
Dealer Managers and the Information Agent against certain
liabilities and expenses in connection with the Exchange Offer,
including liabilities under the federal securities laws.
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LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the securities offered hereby and certain tax
matters will be passed upon for Charter Communications, Inc. by
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP. Cahill Gordon &
Reindel llp and
Davis Polk & Wardwell will pass upon certain legal
matters in connection with the Exchange Offer for the Dealer
Managers.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Charter Communications
Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and
for each of the years in the three-year period ended
December 31, 2006, and managements assessment of the
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2006, have been incorporated by reference
herein in reliance upon the reports of KPMG LLP, independent
registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference
herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in
accounting and auditing. The reports on the consolidated
financial statements referred to above include an explanatory
paragraph regarding the adoption, effective September 30,
2004 of EITF Topic
D-108, Use of the
Residual Method to Value Acquired Assets Other than
Goodwill.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
Charter is subject to the informational requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange
Act) and in accordance therewith file reports, proxy
statements and other information with the SEC. These reports,
proxy statements and other information may be inspected and
copied at the Public Reference Room of the SEC at 100 F Street,
N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Information on the operation
of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC
at 1-800-SEC-0330.
Reports, proxy and information statements and other information,
including the registration statement of which this Exchange
Offer Prospectus is a part, filed electronically with the SEC,
are available at the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov.
The information in this Exchange Offer Prospectus may not
contain all the information that may be important to you. You
should read the entire Exchange Offer Prospectus, the
registration statement of which this Exchange Offer Prospectus
is a part, including the exhibits thereto, before making an
investment decision.
Additionally, the indenture governing the New Notes provides
that, regardless of whether it is at any time required to file
reports with the SEC, Charter will file with the SEC and furnish
to the holders of the New Notes all such reports and other
information as would be required to be filed with the SEC if
Charter was subject to the reporting requirements of the
Exchange Act. While any New Notes remain outstanding, Charter
will make available upon request to any holder and any
prospective purchaser of notes the information required pursuant
to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act during any
period in which Charter is not subject to Section 13 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act. This Exchange Offer Prospectus
contains summaries, believed to be accurate in all material
respects, of certain terms of the New Notes (including but not
limited to the indenture governing the New Notes), but reference
is hereby made to the actual agreements, copies of which will be
made available to you upon request to us or the Dealer Managers,
for complete information with respect thereto, and all such
summaries are qualified in their entirety by this reference. Any
such request for the agreements summarized herein should be
directed to Investor Relations, Charter Communications, Inc.,
Charter Plaza, 12405 Powerscourt Drive, St. Louis, Missouri
63131, telephone number (314) 965-0555.
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Completed Letters of Transmittal and any other documents
required in connection with surrenders of Old Notes for
conversion should be directed to the Exchange Agent at the
address set forth below.
The exchange agent for the Exchange Offer is:
Global Bondholder Services Corporation
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By Facsimile (Eligible Guarantor Institutions Only) |
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By Mail, Overnight Courier or Hand Delivery |
(212) 430-3775
(provide call back telephone number
on fax cover sheet for confirmation)
Confirmation:
(212) 430-3774 |
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Global Bondholder Services Corporation
65 Broadway Suite 723
New York, New York 10006
Attn: Corporate Actions |
Any requests for assistant in connection with the Exchange Offer
or for additional copies of this Exchange Offer Prospectus or
related materials may be directors to the Information Agent at
the address or telephone numbers set forth below. A Holder may
also contact such Holders broker, dealer, commercial bank,
trust company or other nominee for assistance concerning the
Exchange Offer.
The information agent for the Exchange Offer is:
Global Bondholder Services Corporation
65 Broadway Suite 723
New York, New York 10006
Attn: Corporate Actions
Banks and Brokers call: (212) 430-3774
Toll-free (866) 470-3700
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The Dealer Managers for the Exchange Offer are: |
Citigroup Global Markets Inc. |
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Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated |
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390 Greenwich Street, 5th Floor |
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Liability Management Group |
New York, New York 10013
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1585 Broadway, Floor 04 |
Attn: Special Equity Transactions Group
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New York, NY 10036 |
Collect: (212) 723-7406
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(212) 761-1941 |
U.S. Toll-free: (877) 531-8365
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Toll Free: (800) 624-1808 |
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 20. Indemnification
of Directors and Officers.
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Indemnification Under the Restated Certificate of
Incorporation and Bylaws of Charter Communications, Inc. |
Charter Communications, Inc.s Restated Certificate of
Incorporation provides that a director of Charter
Communications, Inc. shall not be personally liable to Charter
Communications, Inc. or its shareholders for monetary damages
for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for
liability: (i) for any breach of the directors duty
of loyalty to Charter Communications, Inc. or its shareholders;
(ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which
involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;
(iii) under Section 174 of the Delaware General
Corporation law; or (iv) for any transaction from which the
director derived an improper personal benefit. Charter
Communications, Inc.s Bylaws require Charter
Communications, Inc., to the fullest extent authorized by the
Delaware General Corporation Law, to indemnify any person who
was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party or is
otherwise involved in any action, suit or proceeding by reason
of the fact that he is or was a director or officer of Charter
Communications, Inc. or is or was serving at the request of
Charter Communications, Inc. as a director, officer, employee or
agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust,
employee benefit plan or other entity or enterprise, in each
case, against all expense, liability and loss (including
attorneys fees, judgments, amounts paid in settlement,
fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties) reasonably incurred or
suffered by such person in connection therewith.
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Indemnification Under the Delaware General Corporation
Law |
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law,
authorizes a corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a
party, or is threatened to be made a party, to any threatened,
pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil,
criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact
that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent
of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the
corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other
enterprise, against expenses, including attorneys fees,
judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and
reasonably incurred by the person in connection with such
action, suit or proceeding, if the person acted in good faith
and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in, or not
opposed to, the best interests of the corporation and, with
respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable
cause to believe the persons conduct was unlawful. In
addition, the Delaware General Corporation Law does not permit
indemnification in any threatened, pending or completed action
or suit by or in the right of the corporation in respect of any
claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been
adjudged to be liable to the corporation, unless and only to the
extent that the court in which such action or suit was brought
shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication
of liability, but in view of all the circumstances of the case,
such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for
such expenses, which such court shall deem proper. To the extent
that a present or former director or officer of a corporation
has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any
action, suit or proceeding referred to above, or in defense of
any claim, issue or matter, such person shall be indemnified
against expenses, including attorneys fees, actually and
reasonably incurred by such person. Indemnity is mandatory to
the extent a claim, issue or matter has been successfully
defended. The Delaware General Corporation Law also allows a
corporation to provide for the elimination or limit of the
personal liability of a director to the corporation or its
shareholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty
as a director, provided that such provision shall not eliminate
or limit the liability of a director
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(i) for any breach of the directors duty of loyalty
to the corporation or its shareholders, |
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(ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which
involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, |
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(iii) for unlawful payments of dividends or unlawful stock
purchases or redemptions, or |
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(iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an
improper personal benefit. These provisions will not limit the
liability of directors or officers under the federal securities
laws of the United States. |
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers
or persons controlling the registrant pursuant to the foregoing
provisions, the registrant has been informed that in the opinion
of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the Act and is therefore unenforceable.
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|
Indemnification Under the Delaware Limited Liability
Company Act |
Section 18-108 of
the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act authorizes a limited
liability company to indemnify and hold harmless any member or
manager or other person from and against any and all claims and
demands whatsoever, subject to such standards and restrictions,
if any, as are set forth in its limited liability company
agreement.
|
|
Item 21. |
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules |
Exhibits are listed by numbers corresponding to the
Exhibit Table of Item 601 in
Regulation S-K.
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibit |
|
Description |
|
|
|
|
1 |
.1* |
|
Dealer Manager Agreement, dated August 29, 2007, by and
between Charter Communications Holding Company, LLC, Citigroup
and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated |
|
3 |
.1(a) |
|
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Charter Communications,
Inc. (Originally incorporated July 22, 1999) (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Amendment No. 3 to the
registration statement on Form S-1 of Charter
Communications, Inc. filed on October 18, 1999 (File
No. 333-83887)). |
|
3 |
.1(b) |
|
Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of
Incorporation of Charter Communications, Inc. filed May 10,
2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1(b) to the
annual report of Form 10-K of Charter Communications, Inc.
filed on March 29, 2002 (File No. 000-27927)). |
|
3 |
.1(c) |
|
Form of Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of
Incorporation of Charter Communications, Inc. (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit A to Preliminary Schedule 14C
filed with the SEC on August 14, 2007). |
|
3 |
.2 |
|
Amended and Restated By-laws of Charter Communications, Inc. as
of October 30, 2006 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 3.1 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of
Charter Communications, Inc. filed on October 31, 2006
(File No. 000-27927)). |
|
4 |
.0 |
|
There have not been filed as exhibits to this Form S-4
certain long-term debt instruments, none of which relates to
authorized indebtedness that exceeds 10% of the consolidated
assets of the Registrant. The Registrant agrees to furnish the
Commission upon its request a copy of any instrument defining
the rights of holders of long-term debt of the Company and its
consolidated subsidiaries. |
|
4 |
.1(a) |
|
Certificate of Designation of Series A Convertible
Redeemable Preferred Stock of Charter Communications, Inc. and
related Certificate of Correction of Certificate of Designation
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the quarterly
report on Form 10-Q filed by Charter Communications, Inc.
on November 14, 2001 (File No. 000-27927)). |
|
4 |
.1(b) |
|
Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Designation of
Series A Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock of Charter
Communications, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Annex A
to the Definitive Information Statement on Schedule 14C
filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on December 12, 2005
(File No. 000-27927)). |
|
4 |
.2 |
|
Certificate of Designation of Series B Junior Preferred
Stock of Charter Communications, Inc., as filed with the
Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on August 14,
2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the
current report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications,
Inc. on August 15, 2007 (File No. 000-27927)). |
II-2
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibit |
|
Description |
|
|
|
|
4 |
.3 |
|
Indenture relating to the 5.875% convertible senior notes
due 2009, dated as of November 2004, by and among Charter
Communications, Inc. and Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. as
trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
current report on Form 8-K of Charter Communications, Inc.
filed on November 30, 2004 (File No. 000-27927)). |
|
4 |
.4 |
|
5.875% convertible senior notes due 2009 Resale
Registration Rights Agreement, dated November 22, 2004, by
and among Charter Communications, Inc. and Citigroup Global
Markets Inc. and Morgan Stanley and Co. Incorporated as
representatives of the initial purchasers (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the current report on
Form 8-K of Charter Communications, Inc. filed on
November 30, 2004 (File No. 000-27927)). |
|
4 |
.5 |
|
Collateral Pledge and Security Agreement, dated as of
November 22, 2004, by and between Charter Communications,
Inc. and Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. as trustee and
collateral agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4
to the current report on Form 8-K of Charter
Communications, Inc. filed on November 30, 2004 (File No.
000-27927)). |
|
4 |
.6 |
|
Collateral Pledge and Security Agreement, dated as of
November 22, 2004 among Charter Communications, Inc.,
Charter Communications Holding Company, LLC and Bank of New York
Trust Company, N.A. as trustee and collateral agent
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the current
report on Form 8-K of Charter Communications, Inc. filed on
November 30, 2004 (File No. 000-27927)). |
|
4 |
.7** |
|
Indenture relating to the 7.00% convertible senior notes
due 2027, to be dated as of September 24, 2007, by and
among Charter Communications, Inc. and Bank of New York Trust
Company, N.A. as trustee. |
|
4 |
.8 |
|
Form of Rights Certificate (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.1 to the current report on Form 8-K filed by
Charter Communications, Inc. on August 15, 2007 (File No.
000-27927)). |
|
4 |
.9 |
|
Rights Agreement, dated as of August 14, 2007, by and
between Charter Communications, Inc. and Mellon Investor
Services LLC, as Rights Agent (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.2 to the current report on Form 8-K filed by
Charter Communications, Inc. on August 15, 2007 (File
No. 000-27927)). |
|
4 |
.10 |
|
Letter Agreement for Mirror Rights, dated as of August 14,
2007, by and among Charter Communications, Inc., Charter
Investment, Inc., and Vulcan Cable III, Inc. (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the current report on
Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on
August 15, 2007 (File No. 000-27927)). |
|
5 |
.1* |
|
Opinion of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher regarding legality. |
|
8 |
.1* |
|
Opinion of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher regarding tax
matters. |
|
10 |
.1 |
|
4.75% Mirror Note in the principal amount of $632.5 million
dated as of May 30, 2001, made by Charter Communications
Holding Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, in
favor of Charter Communications, Inc., a Delaware corporation
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the quarterly
report on Form 10-Q filed by Charter Communications, Inc.
on August 6, 2002 (File No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.2 |
|
5.875% Mirror Convertible Senior Note due 2009, in the principal
amount of $862,500,000 dated as of November 22, 2004 made
by Charter Communications Holding Company, LLC, a Delaware
limited liability company, in favor of Charter Communications,
Inc., a Delaware corporation (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.9 to the current report on Form 8-K of
Charter Communications, Inc. filed on November 30, 2004
(File No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.3** |
|
7.00% Mirror Convertible Senior Note due 2027, to be dated as of
September 24, 2007 made by Charter Communications Holding
Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, in favor of
Charter Communications, Inc., a Delaware corporation. |
|
10 |
.4(a) |
|
Indenture relating to the 9.920% Senior Discount Notes due
2011, dated as of March 17, 1999, among Charter
Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter Communications Holdings
Capital Corporation and Harris Trust and Savings Bank
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3(a) to Amendment
No. 2 to the registration statement on Form S-4 of
Charter Communications Holdings, LLC and Charter Communications
Holdings Capital Corporation filed on June 22, 1999 (File
No. 333-77499)). |
II-3
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibit |
|
Description |
|
|
|
|
10 |
.4(b) |
|
First Supplemental Indenture relating to the 9.920% Senior
Discount Notes due 2011, dated as of September 28, 2005,
among Charter Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter
Communications Holdings Capital Corporation and BNY Midwest
Trust Company as Trustee (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.4 to the current report on Form 8-K of
Charter Communications, Inc. filed on October 4, 2005 (File
No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.5(a) |
|
Indenture relating to the 10.00% Senior Notes due 2009,
dated as of January 12, 2000, between Charter
Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter Communications Holdings
Capital Corporation and Harris Trust and Savings Bank
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1(a) to the
registration statement on Form S-4 of Charter
Communications Holdings, LLC and Charter Communications Holdings
Capital Corporation filed on January 25, 2000 (File
No. 333-95351)). |
|
10 |
.5(b) |
|
First Supplemental Indenture relating to the 10.00% Senior
Notes due 2009, dated as of September 28, 2005, between
Charter Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter Communications
Holdings Capital Corporation and BNY Midwest Trust Company as
Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the
current report on Form 8-K of Charter Communications, Inc.
filed on October 4, 2005 (File No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.6(a) |
|
Indenture relating to the 10.25% Senior Notes due 2010,
dated as of January 12, 2000, among Charter Communications
Holdings, LLC, Charter Communications Holdings Capital
Corporation and Harris Trust and Savings Bank (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.2(a) to the registration statement
on Form S-4 of Charter Communications Holdings, LLC and
Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation filed on
January 25, 2000 (File No. 333-95351)). |
|
10 |
.6(b) |
|
First Supplemental Indenture relating to the 10.25% Senior
Notes due 2010, dated as of September 28, 2005, among
Charter Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter Communications
Holdings Capital Corporation and BNY Midwest Trust Company as
Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the
current report on Form 8-K of Charter Communications, Inc.
filed on October 4, 2005 (File No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.7(a) |
|
Indenture relating to the 11.75% Senior Discount Notes due
2010, dated as of January 12, 2000, among Charter
Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter Communications Holdings
Capital Corporation and Harris Trust and Savings Bank
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3(a) to the
registration statement on Form S-4 of Charter
Communications Holdings, LLC and Charter Communications Holdings
Capital Corporation filed on January 25, 2000 (File
No. 333-95351)). |
|
10 |
.7(b) |
|
First Supplemental Indenture relating to the 11.75% Senior
Discount Notes due 2010, among Charter Communications Holdings,
LLC, Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation and BNY
Midwest Trust Company as Trustee, dated as of September 28,
2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the
current report on Form 8-K of Charter Communications, Inc.
filed on October 4, 2005 (File No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.8(a) |
|
Indenture dated as of January 10, 2001 between Charter
Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter Communications Holdings
Capital Corporation and BNY Midwest Trust Company as Trustee
governing 10.750% senior notes due 2009 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.2(a) to the registration statement
on Form S-4 of Charter Communications Holdings, LLC and
Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation filed on
February 2, 2001 (File No. 333-54902)). |
|
10 |
.8(b) |
|
First Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 28, 2005
between Charter Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter
Communications Holdings Capital Corporation and BNY Midwest
Trust Company as Trustee governing 10.750% Senior Notes due
2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the
current report on Form 8-K of Charter Communications, Inc.
filed on October 4, 2005 (File No. 000-27927)). |
II-4
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibit |
|
Description |
|
|
|
|
10 |
.9(a) |
|
Indenture dated as of January 10, 2001 between Charter
Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter Communications Holdings
Capital Corporation and BNY Midwest Trust Company as Trustee
governing 11.125% senior notes due 2011 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.2(b) to the registration statement
on Form S-4 of Charter Communications Holdings, LLC and
Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation filed on
February 2, 2001 (File No. 333-54902)). |
|
10 |
.9(b) |
|
First Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 28,
2005, between Charter Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter
Communications Capital Corporation and BNY Midwest Trust Company
governing 11.125% Senior Notes due 2011 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the current report on
Form 8-K of Charter Communications, Inc. filed on
October 4, 2005 (File No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.10(a) |
|
Indenture dated as of January 10, 2001 between Charter
Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter Communications Holdings
Capital Corporation and BNY Midwest Trust Company as Trustee
governing 13.500% senior discount notes due 2011
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2(c) to the
registration statement on Form S-4 of Charter
Communications Holdings, LLC and Charter Communications Holdings
Capital Corporation filed on February 2, 2001 (File
No. 333-54902)). |
|
10 |
.10(b) |
|
First Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 28,
2005, between Charter Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter
Communications Holdings Capital Corporation and BNY Midwest
Trust Company as Trustee governing 13.500% Senior Discount
Notes due 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10
to the current report on Form 8-K of Charter
Communications, Inc. filed on October 4, 2005 (File
No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.11(a) |
|
Indenture dated as of May 15, 2001 between Charter
Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter Communications Holdings
Capital Corporation and BNY Midwest Trust Company as Trustee
governing 9.625% Senior Notes due 2009 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.2(a) to the current report on
Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on
June 1, 2001 (File No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.11(b) |
|
First Supplemental Indenture dated as of January 14, 2002
between Charter Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter
Communications Holdings Capital Corporation and BNY Midwest
Trust Company as Trustee governing 9.625% Senior Notes due
2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2(a) to the
current report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications,
Inc. on January 15, 2002 (File No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.11(c) |
|
Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 25, 2002
between Charter Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter
Communications Holdings Capital Corporation and BNY Midwest
Trust Company as Trustee governing 9.625% Senior Notes due
2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the
quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed by Charter
Communications, Inc. on August 6, 2002 (File
No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.11(d) |
|
Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 28, 2005
between Charter Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter
Communications Capital Corporation and BNY Midwest Trust Company
as Trustee governing 9.625% Senior Notes due 2009
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the current
report on Form 8-K of Charter Communications, Inc. filed on
October 4, 2005 (File No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.12(a) |
|
Indenture dated as of May 15, 2001 between Charter
Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter Communications Holdings
Capital Corporation and BNY Midwest Trust Company as Trustee
governing 10.000% Senior Notes due 2011 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.3(a) to the current report on
Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on
June 1, 2001 (File No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.12(b) |
|
First Supplemental Indenture dated as of January 14, 2002
between Charter Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter
Communications Holdings Capital Corporation and BNY Midwest
Trust Company as Trustee governing 10.000% Senior Notes due
2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3(a) to the
current report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications,
Inc. on January 15, 2002 (File No. 000-27927)). |
II-5
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibit |
|
Description |
|
|
|
|
10 |
.12(c) |
|
Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 25, 2002
between Charter Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter
Communications Holdings Capital Corporation and BNY Midwest
Trust Company as Trustee governing 10.000% Senior Notes due
2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the
quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed by Charter
Communications, Inc. on August 6, 2002 (File
No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.12(d) |
|
Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 28, 2005
between Charter Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter
Communications Holdings Capital Corporation and BNY Midwest
Trust Company as Trustee governing the 10.000% Senior Notes
due 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the
current report on Form 8-K of Charter Communications, Inc.
filed on October 4, 2005 (File No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.13(a) |
|
Indenture dated as of May 15, 2001 between Charter
Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter Communications Holdings
Capital Corporation and BNY Midwest Trust Company as Trustee
governing 11.750% Senior Discount Notes due 2011
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4(a) to the
current report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications,
Inc. on June 1, 2001 (File No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.13(b) |
|
First Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 28, 2005
between Charter Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter
Communications Holdings Capital Corporation and BNY Midwest
Trust Company as Trustee governing 11.750% Senior Discount
Notes due 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13
to the current report on Form 8-K of Charter
Communications, Inc. filed on October 4, 2005 (File
No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.14(a) |
|
Indenture dated as of January 14, 2002 between Charter
Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter Communications Holdings
Capital Corporation and BNY Midwest Trust Company as Trustee
governing 12.125% Senior Discount Notes due 2012
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4(a) to the
current report on Form 8-K filed by Charter Communications,
Inc. on January 15, 2002 (File No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.14(b) |
|
First Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 25, 2002
between Charter Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter
Communications Holdings Capital Corporation and BNY Midwest
Trust Company as Trustee governing 12.125% Senior Discount
Notes due 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to
the quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed by Charter
Communications, Inc. on August 6, 2002 (File
No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.14(c) |
|
Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 28,
2005 between Charter Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter
Communications Holdings Capital Corporation and BNY Midwest
Trust Company as Trustee governing 12.125% Senior Discount
Notes due 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14
to the current report on Form 8-K of Charter
Communications, Inc. filed on October 4, 2005 (File
No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.15 |
|
Indenture dated as of September 28, 2005 among CCH I
Holdings, LLC and CCH I Holdings Capital Corp., as Issuers,
Charter Communications Holdings, LLC, as Parent Guarantor, and
The Bank of New York Trust Company, NA, as Trustee, governing:
11.25% Senior Accreting Notes due 2014, 9.920% Senior
Accreting Notes due 2014, 10.000% Senior Accreting Notes
due 2014, 11.75% Senior Accreting Notes due 2014,
13.50% Senior Accreting Notes due 2014, 12.125% Senior
Accreting Notes due 2014 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to the current report on Form 8-K of
Charter Communications, Inc. filed on October 4, 2005 (File
No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.16(a) |
|
Indenture dated as of September 28, 2005 among CCH I,
LLC and CCH I Capital Corp., as Issuers, Charter Communications
Holdings, LLC, as Parent Guarantor, and The Bank of New York
Trust Company, NA, as Trustee, governing 11.00% Senior
Secured Notes due 2015 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 to the current report on Form 8-K of
Charter Communications, Inc. filed on October 4, 2005 (File
No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.16(b) |
|
First Supplemental Indenture relating to the 11.00% Senior
Notes due 2015, dated as of September 14, 2006, by and
between CCH I, LLC, CCH I Capital Corp. as Issuers, Charter
Communications Holdings, LLC as Parent Guarantor and The Bank of
New York Trust Company, N.A. as trustee (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the current report on
Form 8-K of Charter Communications, Inc. on
September 19, 2006 (File 000-27927)). |
II-6
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibit |
|
Description |
|
|
|
|
10 |
.17 |
|
Indenture relating to the 10.25% Senior Notes due 2010,
dated as of September 23, 2003, among CCH II, LLC,
CCH II Capital Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National
Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to
the current report on Form 8-K of Charter Communications
Inc. filed on September 26, 2003 (File No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.18 |
|
Indenture relating to the 10.25% Senior Notes due 2013,
dated as of September 14, 2006, by and between CCH II,
LLC, CCH II Capital Corp. as Issuers, Charter
Communications Holdings, LLC as Parent Guarantor and The Bank of
New York Trust Company, N.A. as trustee (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the current report on
Form 8-K of Charter Communications, Inc. on
September 19, 2006)). |
|
10 |
.19 |
|
Indenture relating to the
83/4% Senior
Notes due 2013, dated as of November 10, 2003, by and among
CCO Holdings, LLC, CCO Holdings Capital Corp. and Bank of New
York Trust Company, N.A. as trustee (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 4.1 to the current report on Form 8-K of
Charter Communications, Inc. filed on November 12, 2003
(File No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.20 |
|
Indenture relating to the 8% senior second lien notes due
2012 and 83/8 % senior second lien notes due
2014, dated as of April 27, 2004, by and among Charter
Communications Operating, LLC, Charter Communications Operating
Capital Corp. and Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. as
trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to
Amendment No. 2 to the registration statement on
Form S-4 of CCH II, LLC filed on May 5, 2004
(File No. 333-111423)). |
|
10 |
.21(a) |
|
Pledge Agreement made by CCH I, LLC in favor of The Bank of
New York Trust Company, NA, as Collateral Agent dated as of
September 28, 2005 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.15 to the current report on Form 8-K of
Charter Communications, Inc. filed on October 4, 2005 (File
No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.21(b) |
|
Amendment to the Pledge Agreement between CCH I, LLC in
favor of The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as Collateral
Agent, dated as of September 14, 2006 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the current report on
Form 8-K of Charter Communications, Inc. on
September 19, 2006 (File No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.22 |
|
Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of
September 14, 2006, by and between CCH I, LLC, CCH I
Capital Corp., CCH II, LLC, CCH II Capital Corp.
Charter Communications Holdings, LLC and Banc of America
Securities LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5
to the current report on Form 8-K of Charter
Communications, Inc. on September 19, 2006 (File
No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.23 |
|
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of March 6,
2007, among Charter Communications Operating, LLC, CCO Holdings,
LLC, the lenders from time to time parties thereto and JPMorgan
Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the current report on
Form 8-K of Charter Communications, Inc. filed on
March 9, 2007 (File No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.24 |
|
Amended and Restated Guarantee and Collateral Agreement made by
CCO Holdings, LLC, Charter Communications Operating, LLC and
certain of its subsidiaries in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank,
N.A., as administrative agent, dated as of March 18, 1999,
as amended and restated as of March 6, 2007 (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the current report on
Form 8-K of Charter Communications, Inc. filed on
March 9, 2007 (File No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.25 |
|
Credit Agreement, dated as of March 6, 2007, among CCO
Holdings, LLC, the lenders from time to time parties thereto and
Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the current report on
Form 8-K of Charter Communications, Inc. filed on
March 9, 2007 (File No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.26 |
|
Pledge Agreement made by CCO Holdings, LLC in favor of Bank of
America, N.A., as Collateral Agent, dated as of March 6,
2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the
current report on Form 8-K of Charter Communications, Inc.
filed on March 9, 2007 (File No. 000-27927)). |
II-7
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibit |
|
Description |
|
|
|
|
10 |
.27 |
|
Consulting Agreement, dated as of March 10, 1999, by and
between Vulcan Northwest Inc., Charter Communications, Inc. (now
called Charter Investment, Inc.) and Charter Communications
Holdings, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to
Amendment No. 4 to the registration statement on
Form S-4 of Charter Communications Holdings, LLC filed on
July 22, 1999 (File No. 333-77499)). |
|
10 |
.28 |
|
Second Amended and Restated Mutual Services Agreement, dated as
of June 19, 2003 between Charter Communications, Inc. and
Charter Communications Holding Company, LLC (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.5(a) to the quarterly report on
Form 10-Q filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on
August 5, 2003 (File No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.29 |
|
Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement
for CC VIII, LLC, dated as of October 31, 2005
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the
quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed by Charter
Communications, Inc. on November 2, 2005 (File
No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.30(a) |
|
Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of
Charter Communications Operating, LLC, dated as of June 19,
2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.2 to
the quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed by Charter
Communications, Inc. on August 5, 2003 (File
No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.30(b) |
|
First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Limited Liability
Company Agreement of Charter Communications Operating, LLC,
adopted as of June 22, 2004 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.16(b) to the annual report on Form 10-K
filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on February 28, 2006
(File No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.31 |
|
Amended and Restated Management Agreement, dated as of
June 19, 2003, between Charter Communications Operating,
LLC and Charter Communications, Inc. (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.4 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q
filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on August 5, 2003
(File No. 333-83887)). |
|
10 |
.32(a) |
|
Stipulation of Settlement, dated as of January 24, 2005,
regarding settlement of Consolidated Federal Class Action
entitled in Re Charter Communications, Inc. Securities
Litigation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.48 to
the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by Charter
Communications, Inc. on March 3, 2005 (File
No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.32(b) |
|
Amendment to Stipulation of Settlement, dated as of May 23,
2005, regarding settlement of Consolidated Federal
Class Action entitled In Re Charter Communications, Inc.
Securities Litigation (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.35(b) to Amendment No. 3 to the
registration statement on Form S-1 filed by Charter
Communications, Inc. on June 8, 2005 (File
No. 333-121186)). |
|
10 |
.33 |
|
Stipulation of Settlement, dated as of January 24, 2005,
regarding settlement of Federal Derivative Action, Arthur J.
Cohn v. Ronald L. Nelson et al and Charter
Communications, Inc. (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.50 to the annual report on Form 10-K filed
by Charter Communications, Inc. on March 3, 2005 (File
No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.34 |
|
Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release, dated as of
February 1, 2005, by and among Charter Communications, Inc.
and certain other insureds, on the other hand, and Certain
Underwriters at Lloyds of London and certain subscribers,
on the other hand (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.49 to the annual report on Form 10-K filed
by Charter Communications, Inc. on March 3, 2005 (File
No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.35 |
|
Settlement Agreement and Mutual Releases, dated as of
October 31, 2005, by and among Charter Communications,
Inc., Special Committee of the Board of Directors of Charter
Communications, Inc., Charter Communications Holding Company,
LLC, CCHC, LLC, CC VIII, LLC, CC V, LLC, Charter
Investment, Inc., Vulcan Cable III, LLC and Paul G. Allen
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the
quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Charter Communications,
Inc. filed on November 2, 2005 (File No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.36 |
|
Exchange Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2005, by and
among Charter Communications Holding Company, LLC, Charter
Investment, Inc. and Paul G. Allen (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.18 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of
Charter Communications, Inc. filed on November 2, 2005
(File No. 000-27927)). |
II-8
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibit |
|
Description |
|
|
|
|
10 |
.37 |
|
CCHC, LLC Subordinated and Accreting Note, dated as of
October 31, 2005 (revised) (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.3 to the current report on Form 8-K of
Charter Communications, Inc. filed on November 4, 2005
(File No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.38(a) |
|
Charter Communications Holdings, LLC 1999 Option Plan
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Amendment
No. 4 to the registration statement on Form S-4 of
Charter Communications Holdings, LLC and Charter Communications
Holdings Capital Corporation filed on July 22, 1999 (File
No. 333-77499)). |
|
10 |
.38(b) |
|
Assumption Agreement regarding Option Plan, dated as of
May 25, 1999, by and between Charter Communications
Holdings, LLC and Charter Communications Holding Company, LLC
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to Amendment
No. 6 to the registration statement on Form S-4 of
Charter Communications Holdings, LLC and Charter Communications
Holdings Capital Corporation filed on August 27, 1999 (File
No. 333-77499)). |
|
10 |
.38(c) |
|
Form of Amendment No. 1 to the Charter Communications
Holdings, LLC 1999 Option Plan (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.10(c) to Amendment No. 4 to the
registration statement on Form S-1 of Charter
Communications, Inc. filed on November 1, 1999 (File
No. 333-83887)). |
|
10 |
.38(d) |
|
Amendment No. 2 to the Charter Communications Holdings, LLC
1999 Option Plan (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.4(c) to the annual report on Form 10-K
filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on March 30, 2000
(File No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.38(e) |
|
Amendment No. 3 to the Charter Communications 1999 Option
Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14(e) to the
annual report of Form 10-K of Charter Communications, Inc.
filed on March 29, 2002 (File No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.38(f) |
|
Amendment No. 4 to the Charter Communications 1999 Option
Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10(f) to the
annual report on Form 10-K of Charter Communications, Inc.
filed on April 15, 2003 (File No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.39(a) |
|
Charter Communications, Inc. 2001 Stock Incentive Plan
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to the
quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed by Charter
Communications, Inc. on May 15, 2001 (File
No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.39(b) |
|
Amendment No. 1 to the Charter Communications, Inc. 2001
Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.11(b) to the annual report on Form 10-K of
Charter Communications, Inc. filed on April 15, 2003 (File
No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.39(c) |
|
Amendment No. 2 to the Charter Communications, Inc. 2001
Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.10 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q
filed by Charter Communications, Inc. on November 14, 2001
(File No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.39(d) |
|
Amendment No. 3 to the Charter Communications, Inc. 2001
Stock Incentive Plan effective January 2, 2002
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15(c) to the
annual report of Form 10-K of Charter Communications, Inc.
filed on March 29, 2002 (File No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.39(e) |
|
Amendment No. 4 to the Charter Communications, Inc. 2001
Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.11(e) to the annual report on Form 10-K of
Charter Communications, Inc. filed on April 15, 2003 (File
No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.39(f) |
|
Amendment No. 5 to the Charter Communications, Inc. 2001
Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.11(f) to the annual report on Form 10-K of
Charter Communications, Inc. filed on April 15, 2003 (File
No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.39(g) |
|
Amendment No. 6 to the Charter Communications, Inc. 2001
Stock Incentive Plan effective December 23, 2004
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.43(g) to the
registration statement on Form S-1 of Charter
Communications, Inc. filed on October 5, 2005 (File
No. 333-128838)). |
|
10 |
.39(h) |
|
Amendment No. 7 to the Charter Communications, Inc. 2001
Stock Incentive Plan effective August 23, 2005
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.43(h) to the
registration statement on Form S-1 of Charter
Communications, Inc. filed on October 5, 2005 (File
No. 333-128838)). |
II-9
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibit |
|
Description |
|
|
|
|
10 |
.39(i) |
|
Description of Long-Term Incentive Program to the Charter
Communications, Inc. 2001 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.18(g) to the annual report on
Form 10-K filed by Charter Communications Holdings, LLC on
March 31, 2005 (File No. 333-77499)). |
|
10 |
.40 |
|
Description of Charter Communications, Inc. 2006 Executive Bonus
Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the
quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed by Charter
Communications, Inc. on May 2, 2006 (File
No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.41 |
|
2005 Executive Cash Award Plan, amended for 2006 (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the current report on
Form 8-K of Charter Communications, Inc. filed
April 17, 2006 (File No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.42(a) |
|
Employment Agreement, dated as of August 9, 2005, by and
between Neil Smit and Charter Communications, Inc. (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the current report on
Form 8-K of Charter Communications, Inc. filed on
August 15, 2005 (File No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.42(b) |
|
Addendum to the Employment Agreement between Neil Smit and
Charter Communications, Inc., dated as of August 1, 2007
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the quarterly
report on Form 10-Q of Charter Communications, Inc. filed
on August 2, 2007 (File No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.43 |
|
Employment Agreement dated as of September 2, 2005, by and
between Paul E. Martin and Charter Communications, Inc.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the current
report on Form 8-K of Charter Communications, Inc. filed on
September 9, 2005 (File No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.44 |
|
Retention Agreement dated as of January 9, 2006, by and
between Paul E. Martin and Charter Communications, Inc.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the current
report on Form 8-K of Charter Communications, Inc. filed on
January 10, 2006 (File No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.45 |
|
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Jeffrey T.
Fisher and Charter Communications, Inc., dated as of
August 1, 2007 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of
Charter Communications, Inc. filed on August 2, 2007 (File
No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.46 |
|
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Michael J.
Lovett and Charter Communications, Inc., dated as of
August 1, 2007 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.3 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of
Charter Communications, Inc. filed on August 2, 2007 (File
No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.47 |
|
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Robert A.
Quigley and Charter Communications, Inc., dated as of
August 1, 2007 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.4 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of
Charter Communications, Inc. filed on August 2, 2007 (File
No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.48 |
|
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Grier C.
Raclin and Charter Communications, Inc., dated as of
August 1, 2007 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.5 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of
Charter Communications, Inc. filed on August 2, 2007 (File
No. 000-27927)). |
|
10 |
.49** |
|
Amendment to Share Lending Agreement, to be dated as of
September 24, 2007, between Charter Communications, Inc.,
Citigroup Global Markets Limited, through Citigroup Global
Markets, Inc. |
|
21 |
.1* |
|
Subsidiaries of Charter Communications, Inc. |
|
23 |
.1* |
|
Consent of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP (included with
Exhibit 5.1). |
|
23 |
.2* |
|
Consent of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP regarding tax
matters (included with Exhibit 8.1). |
|
23 |
.3* |
|
Consent of KPMG LLP. |
|
24 |
.1* |
|
Power of attorney (included in signature page). |
|
25 |
.1* |
|
Statement of eligibility of trustee. |
|
99 |
.1* |
|
Letter of Transmittal. |
|
99 |
.3* |
|
Letter to Clients. |
|
99 |
.4* |
|
Letter to Brokers, Dealers, Commercial Banks, Trust Companies
and Other Nominees. |
II-10
|
|
** |
To be filed for the applicable company by an amendment to this
registration statement or as an exhibit to a subsequent Current
Report on Form 8-K. |
|
|
|
|
|
Management compensatory plan or arrangement. |
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:
|
|
|
(i) Prior to any public reoffering of the securities
registered hereunder through use of a prospectus which is a part
of this registration statement, by any person or party who is
deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of
Rule 145(c), the issuers undertake that such reoffering
prospectus will contain the information called for by the
applicable registration form with respect to the reofferings by
persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to the
information called for by the other items of the applicable form. |
|
|
(ii) Every prospectus: (i) that is filed pursuant to
the immediately preceding paragraph or (ii) that purports
to meet the requirements of Section 10(a)(3) of the
Securities Act of 1933 and is used in connection with an
offering of securities subject to Rule 415, will be filed
as a part of an amendment to the registration statement and will
not be used until such amendment is effective, and that, for
purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act
of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to
be a new registration statement relating to the securities
offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that
time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering
thereof. |
|
|
(iii) That for the purposes of determining any liability
under the Securities Act, each filing of the registrants
annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the
Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an
employee benefit plans annual report pursuant to
Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by
reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a
new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall
be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. |
The undersigned registrants hereby undertake to respond to
requests for information that is incorporated by reference into
the prospectus pursuant to Item 4, 10(b) or 11 of this
form, within one business day of receipt of such request, and to
send the incorporated documents by first class mail or other
equally prompt means. This includes information contained in
documents filed subsequent to the effective date of the
registration statement through the date of responding to the
request.
II-11
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means
of a post-effective amendment all information concerning a
transaction, and the company being acquired involved therein,
that was not the subject of and included in the registration
statement when it became effective.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers,
and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the
foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been
advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore,
unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities, other than the payment by the
registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer,
or controlling person of the registrant in the successful
defense of any action, suit or proceeding, is asserted by such
director, officer, or controlling person in connection with the
securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the
opinion of their counsel the matter has been settled by
controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by them
is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of
1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such
issue.
II-12
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. has duly caused this
registration statement on
Form S-4 to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the County of Saint Louis, State of Missouri, on
August 29, 2007.
|
|
|
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC., |
|
Registrant |
|
|
|
|
Title: |
Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer |
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Neil Smit, Kevin D.
Howard and Grier C. Raclin, with full power to act as his true
and lawful
attorney-in-fact and
agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for
him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities,
to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective
amendments) to the registration statement, and to file the same,
with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any
other regulatory authority, granting unto said
attorney-in-fact and
agent, full power and authority to do and perform each and every
act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection
therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or
could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that
said attorney-in-fact
and agent, or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or
cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, this registration statement has been signed below by
the following persons in the capacities and on the dates
indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Signature |
|
Title |
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Paul G. Allen
Paul G. Allen |
|
Chairman of the Board of Directors
of Charter Communications, Inc. |
|
August 29, 2007 |
|
/s/ Neil Smit
Neil
Smit |
|
President and Chief
Executive Officer, Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
Charter Communications, Inc. |
|
August 29, 2007 |
|
/s/ Jeffrey T. Fisher
Jeffrey
T. Fisher |
|
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
Charter Communications, Inc. |
|
August 29, 2007 |
|
/s/ Kevin D. Howard
Kevin
D. Howard |
|
Vice President and Chief
Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
Charter Communications, Inc. |
|
August 29, 2007 |
S-1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Signature |
|
Title |
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ W. Lance Conn
W. Lance Conn |
|
Director of Charter
Communications, Inc. |
|
August 24, 2007 |
|
/s/ Nathaniel A. Davis
Nathaniel
A. Davis |
|
Director of Charter
Communications, Inc. |
|
August 29, 2007 |
|
/s/ Jonathan L. Dolgen
Jonathan
L. Dolgen |
|
Director of Charter
Communications, Inc. |
|
August 29, 2007 |
|
/s/ Rajive Johri
Rajive
Johri |
|
Director of Charter
Communications, Inc. |
|
August 27, 2007 |
|
/s/ Robert P. May
Robert
P. May |
|
Director of Charter
Communications, Inc. |
|
August 29, 2007 |
|
/s/ David C. Merritt
David
C. Merritt |
|
Director of Charter
Communications, Inc. |
|
August 29, 2007 |
|
/s/ Marc B. Nathanson
Marc
B. Nathanson |
|
Director of Charter
Communications, Inc. |
|
August 27, 2007 |
|
/s/ Jo Allen Patton
Jo Allen Patton |
|
Director of Charter
Communications, Inc., |
|
August 29, 2007 |
|
John
H. Tory |
|
Director of Charter
Communications, Inc. |
|
|
|
/s/ Larry W. Wangberg
Larry
W. Wangberg |
|
Director of Charter
Communications, Inc. |
|
August 28, 2007 |
S-2