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Windstream reports second-quarter results

2017-08-03 07:00 ET - News Release

Achieved sequential growth in Adjusted OIBDAR
Grew ILEC Consumer ARPU for 10th consecutive quarter
Expanded enterprise contribution margin
Updated financial guidance for acquisition of Broadview Networks


LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Aug. 03, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Windstream Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:WIN), a leading provider of advanced network communications and technology solutions, today reported second-quarter results.

“Windstream delivered solid second quarter results, highlighted by sequential growth in Adjusted OIBDAR,” said Tony Thomas, president and chief executive officer at Windstream. “Our unique network assets and cloud-based applications have us well positioned to grow market share. Additionally, we continue to improve our cost structure and have significant opportunities to further drive down costs through reductions in network interconnection costs, upcoming synergies from the EarthLink and Broadview transactions and initiatives to advance our organizational effectiveness.”

Results under GAAP

Total revenues and sales were $1.49 billion and total service revenues were $1.47 billion in the second quarter, an increase of 10 percent respectively year-over-year. Operating income was $107 million compared to $155 million in the same period a year ago. The company reported a net loss of $68 million, or a loss of 37 cents per share, compared to net income of $1.5 million, or 1 cent per share, a year ago.

ILEC consumer and small business service revenues were $387 million, a decrease of 2 percent from the same period a year ago, and contribution margin was $212 million compared to $221 million year-over-year.

Wholesale service revenues were $176 million, an increase of 10 percent year-over-year, and contribution margin was $116 million essentially unchanged from the same period a year ago.

Enterprise service revenues were $564 million, a 15 percent increase from the same period a year ago, and contribution margin was $103 million compared to $88 million year-over-year.

CLEC consumer and small business service revenues were $189 million, a 51 percent increase year-over-year, and contribution margin was $72 million compared to $41 million in the same period a year ago.

Note: 2016 results exclude EarthLink operations. 2017 results include EarthLink operations from Feb. 27, 2017 to June 30, 2017.

Adjusted Results of Operations

Adjusted revenues and sales were $1.49 billion and adjusted service revenues were $1.47 billion compared to $1.61 billion and $1.58 billion respectively year-over-year.

Adjusted OIBDAR was $500 million, a decrease of 7 percent for the same period a year ago.

Adjusted capital expenditures were $232 million in the quarter, an increase of 2 percent year-over-year.

ILEC consumer and small business service revenues were $387 million, a decrease of 2 percent from the same period a year ago, and contribution margin was $212 million or 55 percent for the quarter. ILEC consumer service revenues were $309 million, a decrease of less than 1 percent sequentially. ILEC consumer average revenue per household increased for the 10th quarter in a row, up more than 1 percent sequentially and 6 percent year-over-year.

Wholesale service revenues were $176 million, a decrease of 8 percent year-over-year, and contribution margin was $116 million or 66 percent for the quarter.

Enterprise service revenues were $564 million, a decrease of 4 percent from the same period a year ago, and contribution margin was $103 million or 18 percent for the quarter.

CLEC consumer and small business service revenues were $189 million, a decrease of 19 percent year-over-year, and contribution margin was $72 million, or 37 percent for the quarter.

Note: Adjusted results of operations are based on the combined historical financial information of Windstream and EarthLink and assumes the merger was completed on Jan. 1, 2016. A reconciliation of adjusted results to the comparable GAAP measures is included in the financial information presented below. Additional supplemental quarterly financial information is available on the company’s Web site at www.windstream.com/investors.

Financial Outlook for 2017

Windstream updated its previously provided financial guidance to include the acquisition of Broadview Networks on July 28, 2017. The company expects service revenue similar to 2016 trends and adjusted OIBDAR between $2.02 billion and $2.04 billion. The company expects capital expenditures between $790 million and $840 million.

About Windstream

Windstream Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:WIN), a FORTUNE 500 company, is a leading provider of advanced network communications and technology solutions for consumers, businesses, enterprise organizations and wholesale customers across the U.S. Windstream offers bundled services, including broadband, security solutions, voice and digital TV to consumers. The company also provides data, cloud solutions, unified communications and managed services to small business and enterprise clients. The company supplies core transport solutions on a local and long-haul fiber network spanning approximately 150,000 miles. Additional information is available at windstream.com. Please visit our newsroom at news.windstream.com or follow us on Twitter at @Windstream.

Adjusted OIBDA is operating income before depreciation and amortization, excluding merger, integration and other costs related to strategic transactions, restructuring charges, pension costs and share-based compensation.

Adjusted OIBDAR is Adjusted OIBDA before the annual cash rent payment due under the master lease agreement with Uniti Group, Inc., formerly Communications Sales & Leasing (CS&L).

Adjusted free cash flow is defined as Adjusted OIBDA, less adjusted capital expenditures, cash taxes and cash interest on long-term debt.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements

Windstream Holdings, Inc. claims the protection of the safe-harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as “will,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “target,” “forecast” and other words and terms of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual future events and results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, 2017 guidance for service revenue, adjusted OIBDAR and adjusted capital expenditures, along with statements regarding adjusted free cash flow, cash interest and cash taxes; directional outlook for our business units in 2017; our new capital allocation strategy, including our share repurchase program and efforts to reduce debt; the benefits of the mergers with EarthLink Holdings Corp. and Broadview Network Holdings, Inc. including future financial and operating results, benefits to adjusted OIBDAR and OIBDA and free cash flow, projected synergies in operating and capital expenditures and the timing of the synergies, reduction in net leverage, and improvement in our ability to compete; expectations regarding revenue trends, sales opportunities, market share growth and improving margins in the business units; expanding our capabilities to utilize next generation technology in our products and services, including Broadview’s OfficeSuite®; cost reduction activities and the timing and benefit of such cost reductions; the availability of higher Internet speeds, partly enabled by Project Excel; our ability to accelerate the improvement of our debt profile and reduce interest costs; and any other statements regarding plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements that are not historical facts. These statements, along with other forward-looking statements regarding Windstream’s overall business outlook, are based on estimates, projections, beliefs, and assumptions that Windstream believes are reasonable but are not guarantees of future events, performance or results. Actual future events and results may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements as a result of a number of important factors. 

Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements include risks and uncertainties that the cost savings and expected synergies from the mergers with EarthLink Holdings Corp. and Broadview Networks Holdings, Inc. may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected; that the businesses will not be integrated successfully; that disruption from the mergers may make it more difficult to maintain relationships with customers, employees or suppliers; that the attention of management and key personnel may be diverted by integration matters related to the mergers; that the expected benefits of our new capital allocation strategy and cost reduction activities are not realized or adversely affect our sales and operational activities or are otherwise disruptive to our business and personnel; our capital allocation practices, including our new capital allocation strategy, may be changed at any time at the discretion of our Board of Directors; further adverse changes in economic conditions in markets served by the combined company; the impact of new, emerging, or competing technologies and our ability to utilize these technologies to provide services to our customers; general worldwide economic conditions and related uncertainties; and the effect of any changes in governmental regulations or statutes. For other risk factors that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those expressed, please refer to our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Windstream does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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

  • the cost savings and expected synergies from the mergers with EarthLink and Broadview may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected;
     
  • the integration of Windstream and EarthLink and Broadview may not be successful, may cause disruption in relationships with customers, vendors and suppliers and may divert attention of management and key personnel;
     
  • our capital allocation practices, including our newly revised capital allocation strategy comprised of our stock repurchase program and debt reduction initiatives, may be changed at any time at the discretion of the board of directors;
     
  • the benefits of our newly revised capital allocation strategy and cost reduction activities may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected, or the implementation of these initiatives may adversely affect our sales and operational activities or otherwise disrupt our business and personnel;
     
  • the impact of the Federal Communications Commission’s comprehensive business data services reforms that may result in greater capital investments and customer and revenue churn because of possible price increases by our ILEC suppliers for certain services we use to serve customer locations where we do not have facilities;
     
  • further adverse changes in economic conditions in the markets served by us;
     
  • the extent, timing and overall effects of competition in the communications business;
     
  • our election to accept state-wide offers under the FCC’s Connect America Fund, Phase II, and the impact of such election on our future receipt of federal universal service funds and capital expenditures, and any return of support received pursuant to the program;
     
  • the potential for incumbent carriers to impose monetary penalties for failure to meet specific volume and term commitments under their special access pricing and tariff plans, which Windstream uses to lease last-mile connections to serve its retail business data service customers, without FCC action;
     
  • the impact of new, emerging or competing technologies and our ability to utilize these technologies to provide services to our customers;
     
  • for certain operations where we lease facilities from other carriers, adverse effects on the availability, quality of service, price of facilities and services provided by other carriers on which our services depend;
     
  • unfavorable rulings by state public service commissions in current and further proceedings regarding universal service funds, inter-carrier compensation or other matters that could reduce revenues or increase expenses;
     
  • material changes in the communications industry that could adversely affect vendor relationships with equipment and network suppliers and customer relationships with wholesale customers;
     
  • our ability to make rent payments under the master lease to Uniti, which may be affected by results of operations, changes in our cash requirements, cash tax payment obligations, or overall financial position;
     
  • unanticipated increases or other changes in our future cash requirements, whether caused by unanticipated increases in capital expenditures, increases in pension funding requirements, or otherwise;
     
  • the availability and cost of financing in the corporate debt markets;
     
  • the potential for adverse changes in the ratings given to our debt securities by nationally accredited ratings organizations;
     
  • earnings on pension plan investments significantly below our expected long term rate of return for plan assets or a significant change in the discount rate or other actuarial assumptions;
     
  • unfavorable results of litigation or intellectual property infringement claims asserted against us;
     
  • the risks associated with non-compliance by us with regulations or statutes applicable to government programs under which we receive material amounts of end user revenue and government subsidies, or non-compliance by us, our partners, or our subcontractors with any terms of our government contracts;
     
  • the effects of federal and state legislation, and rules and regulations, and changes thereto, governing the communications industry;
     
  • continued loss of consumer households served and consumer high-speed Internet customers;
     
  • the impact of equipment failure, natural disasters or terrorist acts;
     
  • the effects of work stoppages by our employees or employees of other communications companies on whom we rely for service; and
     
  • those additional factors under “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, and in subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov.

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

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

 

WINDSTREAM HOLDINGS, INC.                
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS                
(In millions, except per share amounts) THREE MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED
   June 30, June 30, Increase (Decrease) June 30, June 30, Increase (Decrease)
   2017 2016 Amount % 2017 2016 Amount %
UNDER GAAP:                
Revenues and sales:                
 Service revenues $1,465.6  $1,331.3  $134.3  10  $2,810.0  $2,671.9  $138.1  5 
 Product sales  26.0   28.3   (2.3) (8)  47.3   61.1   (13.8) (23)
 Total revenues and sales  1,491.6   1,359.6   132.0  10   2,857.3   2,733.0   124.3  5 
Costs and expenses:                
 Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization included below)  747.5   667.2   80.3  12   1,429.9   1,336.0   93.9  7 
 Cost of products sold  29.7   24.2   5.5  23   50.5   53.1   (2.6) (5)
 Selling, general and administrative  225.3   196.9   28.4  14   438.6   400.7   37.9  9 
 Depreciation and amortization  362.4   308.2   54.2  18   700.9   613.0   87.9  14 
 Merger, integration and other costs  16.4   2.6   13.8  *   73.7   7.6   66.1  * 
 Restructuring charges  3.5   5.9   (2.4) (41)  10.9   10.3   0.6  6 
 Total costs and expenses  1,384.8   1,205.0   179.8  15   2,704.5   2,420.7   283.8  12 
Operating income  106.8   154.6   (47.8) (31)  152.8   312.3   (159.5) (51)
Dividend income on Uniti common stock          *      17.6   (17.6) (100)
Other (expense) income, net  (0.1)  (1.9)  1.8  (95)  0.6   (3.1)  3.7  (119)
Net gain on disposal of investment in Uniti common stock     17.3   (17.3) (100)     17.3   (17.3) (100)
Net gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt     37.5   (37.5) (100)  (3.2)  2.1   (5.3) * 
Other-than-temporary impairment loss on investment in Uniti common stock          *      (181.9)  181.9  (100)
Interest expense (A)  (214.4)  (217.4)  3.0  (1)  (426.2)  (437.1)  10.9  (2)
Loss before income taxes  (107.7)  (9.9)  (97.8) *   (276.0)  (272.8)  (3.2) 1 
Income tax benefit  (39.6)  (11.4)  (28.2) *   (96.6)  (42.4)  (54.2) 128 
Net (loss) income $(68.1) $1.5  $(69.6) *  $(179.4) $(230.4) $51.0  (22)
                  
Weighted average common shares  187.6   92.8   94.8  102   156.9   93.2   63.7  68 
Common shares outstanding  190.8   96.4   94.4  98         
                  
Basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share:                
Net (loss) income ($.37) $.01 ($.38) *  ($1.15) ($2.48) $1.33  (54)
                  
ADJUSTED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (B):                
Adjusted service revenues $1,465.6  $1,578.0  $(112.4) (7) $2,959.3  $3,176.6  $(217.3) (7)
Adjusted revenues and sales $1,491.6  $1,606.5  $(114.9) (7) $3,006.8  $3,238.0  $(231.2) (7)
Adjusted OIBDAR (C) $500.3  $538.6  $(38.3) (7) $998.7  $1,084.6  $(85.9) (8)
Adjusted OIBDA (D) $336.9  $375.2  $(38.3) (10) $671.9  $757.7  $(85.8) (11)
Adjusted capital expenditures (E) $231.7  $226.2  $5.5  2  $462.2  $474.9  $(12.7) (3)
                  
* Not meaningful                
(A)Includes interest expense associated with the master lease agreement with Uniti of $121.7 million and $244.5 million for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2017,
 respectively, as compared to $125.4 and $252.3 million for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2016.
(B)Adjusted results of operations are based upon the combined historical financial information of Windstream and EarthLink for all periods presented.  See Notes to Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial
 Measures.
(C)Adjusted OIBDAR is adjusted OIBDA before the annual cash rent payment due under the master lease agreement with Uniti.
(D)Adjusted OIBDA is operating income before depreciation and amortization, excluding merger, integration and other costs related to strategic transactions, restructuring charges, pension costs and share-
 based compensation expense.
(E)Adjusted capital expenditures includes applicable amounts for EarthLink for periods prior to the merger date of February 27, 2017 and excludes post-merger integration capital expenditures and amounts
 related to Project Excel, a capital program funded entirely using a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the data center business completed in December 2015.
  

 

WINDSTREAM HOLDINGS, INC.                
UNAUDITED BUSINESS SEGMENT RESULTS UNDER GAAP (A)              
(In millions) THREE MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED
   June 30, June 30, Increase (Decrease) June 30, June 30, Increase (Decrease)
    2017   2016  Amount %  2017   2016  Amount %
ILEC Consumer and Small Business                
 Revenues and sales:                
 Service revenues $  308.7  $  310.8  $  (2.1)  (1) $  619.4  $  622.5  $  (3.1)  — 
 Product sales   0.1    0.2    (0.1)  (50)   0.3    0.6    (0.3)  (50)
 Total consumer   308.8    311.0    (2.2)  (1)   619.7    623.1    (3.4)  (1)
 Small business - ILEC   78.4    84.2    (5.8)  (7)   158.5    169.3    (10.8)  (6)
 Total revenue and sales   387.2    395.2    (8.0)  (2)   778.2    792.4    (14.2)  (2)
 Costs and expenses   174.8    174.6    0.2   —    349.8    348.0    1.8   1 
 Segment income   212.4    220.6    (8.2)  (4)   428.4    444.4    (16.0)  (4)
                  
Wholesale                
 Service revenues   175.9    159.9    16.0   10    333.4    323.1    10.3   3 
 Costs and expenses   59.5    43.9    15.6   36    107.4    87.4    20.0   23 
 Segment income   116.4    116.0    0.4   —    226.0    235.7    (9.7)  (4)
                  
Enterprise                
 Revenues and sales:                
 Service revenues   564.0    491.3    72.7   15    1,079.9    982.7    97.2   10 
 Product sales   10.9    14.5    (3.6)  (25)   20.5    32.6    (12.1)  (37)
 Total revenue and sales   574.9    505.8    69.1   14    1,100.4    1,015.3    85.1   8 
 Costs and expenses   472.1    418.2    53.9   13    907.1    848.7    58.4   7 
 Segment income   102.8    87.6    15.2   17    193.3    166.6    26.7   16 
                  
CLEC Consumer and Small Business                
 Revenues and sales:                
 Service revenues   188.7    125.3    63.4   51    326.0    254.0    72.0   28 
 Product sales   4.4    3.5    0.9   26    7.4    7.1    0.3   4 
 Total revenue and sales   193.1    128.8    64.3   50    333.4    261.1    72.3   28 
 Costs and expenses   121.0    87.5    33.5   38    211.2    178.4    32.8   18 
 Segment income   72.1    41.3    30.8   75    122.2    82.7    39.5   48 
                  
Total segment revenues and sales:                
Service revenues   1,315.7    1,171.5    144.2   12    2,517.2    2,351.6    165.6   7 
Product sales   15.4    18.2    (2.8)  (15)   28.2    40.3    (12.1)  (30)
Total segment revenues and sales   1,331.1    1,189.7    141.4   12    2,545.4    2,391.9    153.5   6 
Total segment costs and expenses   827.4    724.2    103.2   14    1,575.5    1,462.5    113.0   8 
Total segment income   503.7    465.5    38.2   8    969.9    929.4    40.5   4 
 Regulatory and other operating revenues and sales (B)   160.5    169.9    (9.4)  (6)   311.9    341.1    (29.2)  (9)
 Other unassigned operating expenses (C)   (195.0)   (172.6)   (22.4)  13    (428.1)   (345.2)   (82.9)  24 
 Depreciation and amortization   (362.4)   (308.2)   (54.2)  18    (700.9)   (613.0)   (87.9)  14 
Operating income $  106.8  $  154.6  $  (47.8)  (31) $  152.8  $  312.3  $  (159.5)  (51)
                  
                 
Note:Results for 2016 exclude the acquired EarthLink operations.
  
(A)We evaluate performance of the segments based on segment income, which is computed as segment revenues and sales less segment operating expenses. As further discussed below, certain operating revenues and expenses are not assigned to our segments. During the second quarter of 2017, we realigned certain engineering teams focused on specific initiatives to enhance our broadband capabilities and network expansion and have allocated the related labor costs to the appropriate segment. Previously, these labor costs had not been assigned to our segments. We also reclassified certain product sales and the related cost of products sold from our Enterprise segment to CLEC Consumer/Small Business segment to better align these sales to the customer base purchasing these products. In addition, we revised our methodology for determining segment income to include within the segment operating results a reduction for certain engineering and other costs attributable to the construction of property, plant and equipment, including capitalized labor. Previously, internal costs associated with capitalizable activities were included in segment costs and expenses, while the associated benefits for capitalizing these costs were not allocated to the segments and were included within other unassigned operating expenses in reconciling total segment income to total consolidated net income (loss). We believe these changes more accurately present the operating results of each of our business segments. Prior period segment information has been revised to reflect these changes for all periods presented. The changes had no impact on our consolidated results of operations.
(B)These revenues are not allocated to the business segments and include revenue from federal and state universal service funds, CAF Phase II support, funds received from federal access recovery mechanisms, revenues from providing switched access services, and certain surcharges assessed to our customers, including billings for our required contributions to federal and state USF programs.  These revenues also include product sales to contractors.
(C)These expenses are not allocated to the business segments. Unallocated expenses include merger, integration and other costs, restructuring charges, stock-based compensation, pension costs, certain regulatory fees, cost of products sold to contractors, interconnection costs in consumer markets where we lease the connection to the customer premise and shared services, such as accounting and finance, information technology, network management, legal, human resources, and investor relations. These expenses are centrally managed and are not monitored by management at a segment level.
  
                  


WINDSTREAM HOLDINGS, INC.    
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions)    
     
  June 30, December 31,
  2017
 2016
Assets    
Current Assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $24.7  $59.1 
Accounts receivable, net  659.7   618.6 
Inventories  90.4   77.5 
Prepaid expenses and other  152.1   111.7 
Total current assets  926.9   866.9 
     
Goodwill  4,571.1   4,213.6 
Other intangibles, net  1,506.8   1,320.5 
Net property, plant and equipment  5,558.2   5,283.5 
Deferred income taxes  53.5    
Other assets  89.7   85.5 
Total Assets $12,706.2  $11,770.0 
     
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity    
Current Liabilities:    
Current maturities of long-term debt $19.3  $14.9 
Current portion of long-term lease obligations  177.8   168.7 
Accounts payable  340.4   390.2 
Advance payments and customer deposits  209.3   178.1 
Accrued taxes  85.3   78.0 
Accrued interest  59.0   58.1 
Other current liabilities  336.7   366.6 
Total current liabilities  1,227.8   1,254.6 
     
Long-term debt  5,559.9   4,848.7 
Long-term lease obligations  4,740.6   4,831.9 
Deferred income taxes     151.5 
Other liabilities  547.7   513.3 
Total liabilities  12,076.0   11,600.0 
     
Shareholders' Equity:    
Common stock      
Additional paid-in capital  1,198.0   559.7 
Accumulated other comprehensive income  7.2   5.9 
Accumulated deficit  (575.0)  (395.6)
Total shareholders' equity  630.2   170.0 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $12,706.2  $11,770.0 
         

 

WINDSTREAM HOLDINGS, INC.       
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)       
 THREE MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED
 June 30, June 30, June 30, June 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:       
Net (loss) income$(68.1) $1.5  $(179.4) $(230.4)
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided from operations:       
Depreciation and amortization 362.4   308.2   700.9   613.0 
Provision for doubtful accounts 10.1   10.8   19.7   20.5 
Share-based compensation expense 15.6   8.9   32.4   22.6 
Deferred income taxes (42.1)  (12.8)  (97.3)  (40.3)
Net gain on disposal of investment in Uniti common stock    (17.3)     (17.3)
Noncash portion of net (gain) loss on early extinguishment of debt    (37.7)  (15.1)  (45.1)
Other-than-temporary impairment loss on investment in Uniti common stock          181.9 
Plan curtailment          (5.5)
Other, net 5.7   11.0   7.9   (3.1)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net:       
Accounts receivable (18.1)  (0.2)  15.7   (2.2)
Prepaid expenses and other 16.6   18.8   (19.5)  7.0 
Accounts payable 5.2   19.3   (56.3)  (80.9)
Accrued interest (36.7)  (51.8)  (6.8)  (12.0)
Accrued taxes 4.3   4.7   2.0   (7.8)
Other current liabilities (14.8)  19.9   (20.1)  24.1 
Other liabilities (0.9)  (1.7)  1.5   (11.7)
Other, net (18.0)  15.7   (31.9)  11.7 
Net cash provided from operating activities 221.2   297.3   353.7   424.5 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:       
Additions to property, plant and equipment (264.4)  (246.5)  (507.8)  (510.3)
Proceeds from the sale of property          6.2 
Cash acquired from EarthLink       5.0    
Other, net (9.3  (4.3)  (11.8)  (4.3)
Net cash used in investing activities (273.7)  (250.8)  (514.6)  (508.4)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:       
Dividends paid to shareholders (11.9)  (14.6)  (35.6)  (29.5)
Proceeds from stock issuance       9.6    
Repayments of debt and swaps (127.6)  (646.2)  (1,261.0)  (1,631.5)
Proceeds of debt issuance 220.0   647.0   1,535.6   1,925.0 
Debt issuance costs (0.3)  (1.0)  (7.3)  (11.7)
Stock repurchases          (28.9)
Payments under long-term lease obligations (41.6)  (37.7)  (82.2)  (74.5)
Payments under capital lease obligations (13.3)  (27.4)  (22.0)  (47.2)
Other, net 0.4   0.4   (10.6)  (7.5)
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities 25.7   (79.5)  126.5   94.2 
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (26.8)  (33.0)  (34.4)  10.3 
Cash and Cash Equivalents:       
Beginning of period 51.5   74.6   59.1   31.3 
End of period$24.7  $41.6  $24.7  $41.6 
        


WINDSTREAM HOLDINGS, INC.       
UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTAL ADJUSTED OPERATING INFORMATION      
(In thousands)      
   THREE MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED
   June 30, June 30, Increase (Decrease) June 30, June 30, Increase (Decrease)
   2017 2016 Amount % 2017 2016 Amount %
ILEC Consumer operating metrics                
 Households served 1,307.8 1,403.8 (96.0) (7)        
 High-speed Internet customers 1,025.8 1,075.8 (50.0) (5)        
 Digital television customers 300.7 342.0 (41.3) (12)        
                  
 Net household losses 29.7 26.9 2.8  10  46.8 42.0 4.8 11
 Net high-speed Internet customer losses 21.8 16.2 5.6  35  25.3 19.3 6.0 31
                  
ILEC Small Business customers 130.3 141.0 (10.7) (8)        
                  
Enterprise customers 34.6 26.8 7.8  29         
                  
CLEC Consumer customers 649.7  649.7  *         
                  
CLEC Small Business customers 90.0 81.2 8.8  11         
                  
                  
                  
                 
Note:Customer metrics include acquired EarthLink customers for all periods presented.            
              
 Enterprise customers consist of those relationships that have the propensity now or in the future to generate at least $1,500 or more in monthly recurring revenue. Business customers not meeting this criterion are classified as small business.  Our small business customer base is further disaggregated between those customers located in service areas in which we are the incumbent local exchange carrier (“ILEC”) and provide services over network facilities operated by us and those customers located in service areas in which we are a competitive local exchange carrier (“CLEC”) and provide services over network facilities primarily leased from other carriers.
  
 In classifying our business customers, we consider the maximum potential revenue to be generated from the customer relationship for both our existing customer base and any new customers in determining which business unit can best support the customer. Accordingly, over time, we may prospectively change the classification of a particular business customer between enterprise and small business.
  

 

WINDSTREAM HOLDINGS, INC.      
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES - ADJUSTED CAPITAL EXPENDITURES AND ADJUSTED FREE CASH FLOW   
 (In millions)       
         
  THREE MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED
  June 30, June 30, June 30, June 30,
  2017 2016 2017 2016
Adjusted Capital Expenditures:       
Capital expenditures under GAAP$264.4  $246.5  $507.8  $510.3 
EarthLink capital expenditures pre-merger    16.6   15.2   35.2 
Project Excel capital expenditures (26.3)  (36.9)  (49.9)  (70.6)
Integration capital expenditures (6.4)     (10.9)   
Adjusted capital expenditures (A)$231.7  $226.2  $462.2  $474.9 
         
         
      THREE
MONTHS
ENDED
 SIX MONTHS
ENDED
      June 30, June 30,
      2017 2017
Adjusted Free Cash Flow:       
Operating income under GAAP    $106.8  $152.8 
Depreciation and amortization     362.4   700.9 
OIBDA     469.2   853.7 
Adjustments:       
EarthLink operating income (B)        30.8 
Merger, integration and other costs (C)     19.9   83.2 
Pension income     (2.5)  (2.5)
Restructuring charges     3.5   10.9 
Share-based compensation expense (D)     10.2   22.6 
Master lease rent payment     (163.4)  (326.8)
Adjusted OIBDA     336.9   671.9 
Adjusted capital expenditures     (231.7)  (462.2)
Cash paid for interest on long-term debt obligations     (126.9)  (174.5)
Cash paid for income taxes     (1.6)  (1.6)
Adjusted free cash flow    $(23.3) $33.6 
         
    
         
(A)Adjusted capital expenditures includes applicable amounts for EarthLink for periods prior to the merger date of February 27, 2017 and excludes post-merger integration capital expenditures and amounts related to Project Excel, a capital program funded entirely using a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the data center business completed in December 2015.
   
(B)Represents EarthLink operating results for the pre-merger period January 1, 2017 to February 26, 2017. This amount excludes EarthLink's historical depreciation and amortization, restructuring, merger and integration costs and share-based compensation.
   
(C)In addition to amounts reported in the Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Operations, other costs for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2017, primarily include a reserve for a potential penalty attributable to not meeting certain spend commitments under a circuit discount plan of approximately of $2.5 million and $7.7 million, respectively.
   
(D)Excludes $5.4 million and $9.8 million of share-based compensation expense included in merger, integration and other costs for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2017, respectively.
   
  

 

WINDSTREAM HOLDINGS, INC.         
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES         
(In millions)         
      
  THREE MONTHS ENDED  SIX MONTHS ENDED
  June 30, June 30,  June 30, June 30,
  2017 2016  2017 2016
Reconciliation of Revenues and Sales under GAAP to Adjusted
  Revenues and Sales:
         
Service revenues under GAAP $1,465.6  $1,331.3   $2,810.0  $2,671.9 
Adjustments:         
EarthLink service revenues(A)    246.7  (A) 149.3   504.7 
Adjusted service revenues  1,465.6   1,578.0    2,959.3   3,176.6 
Product sales under GAAP  26.0   28.3    47.3   61.1 
Adjustments:         
EarthLink product sales(A)    0.2  (A) 0.2   0.3 
Adjusted product sales  26.0   28.5    47.5   61.4 
Adjusted revenues and sales$1,491.6  $1,606.5   $3,006.8  $3,238.0 
          
Reconciliation of Net Loss under GAAP to Adjusted OIBDA:         
Net (loss) income $(68.1) $1.5   $(179.4) $(230.4)
Adjustments:         
Dividend income on Uniti common stock(B)      (B)    (17.6)
Other expense (income), net(B) 0.1   1.9  (B) (0.6)  3.1 
Net gain on disposal of investment in Uniti common stock     (17.3)      (17.3)
Net (gain) loss on early extinguishment of debt(B)    (37.5) (B) 3.2   (2.1)
Other-than-temporary impairment loss on investment in Uniti common stock(B)      (B)    181.9 
Interest expense(B) 214.4   217.4  (B) 426.2   437.1 
Income tax benefit(B) (39.6)  (11.4) (B) (96.6)  (42.4)
Operating income under GAAP(B) 106.8   154.6  (B) 152.8   312.3 
Depreciation and amortization(B) 362.4   308.2  (B) 700.9   613.0 
Adjustments:         
EarthLink operating income(C)    56.4  (C) 30.8   117.1 
Merger, integration and other costs(E) 19.9   2.6  (E) 83.2   7.6 
Pension (income) expense(B) (2.5)  2.0  (B) (2.5)  1.7 
Restructuring charges(B) 3.5   5.9  (B) 10.9   10.3 
Share-based compensation expense(F) 10.2   8.9  (F) 22.6   22.6 
Adjusted OIBDAR  500.3   538.6    998.7   1,084.6 
Master lease rent payment(D) (163.4)  (163.4) (D) (326.8)  (326.9)
Adjusted OIBDA $336.9  $375.2   $671.9  $757.7 
          
          
See Notes to Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
          

 

WINDSTREAM HOLDINGS, INC.         
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
(In millions) THREE MONTHS ENDED  SIX MONTHS ENDED
  June 30, June 30,  June 30, June 30,
  2017 2016  2017 2016
Reconciliation of Net Cash Provided from Operating Activities to Adjusted OIBDA:         
Net Cash Provided From Operating Activities $221.2  $297.3   $353.7  $424.5 
Adjustments:         
Master lease rent payment(D) (163.4)  (163.4) (D) (326.8)  (326.9)
Cash dividends received on Uniti common stock(B)    (17.6) (B)    (35.2)
EarthLink operating income(C)    56.4  (C) 30.8   117.1 
Merger, integration and other costs(E) 19.9   2.6  (E) 83.2   7.6 
Restructuring charges(B) 3.5   5.9  (B) 10.9   10.3 
Other expense (income), net(B) 0.1   1.9  (B) (0.6)  3.1 
Net (gain) loss on early extinguishment of debt(B)    (37.5) (B) 3.2   (2.1)
Interest expense(B) 214.4   217.4  (B) 426.2   437.1 
Income tax benefit, net of deferred income taxes  2.5   1.4    0.7   (2.1)
Provision for doubtful accounts(G) (10.1)  (10.8) (G) (19.7)  (20.5)
Noncash portion of net (gain) loss on early extinguishment of debt(G)    37.7  (G) 15.1   45.1 
Amortization of unrealized losses on de-designated interest rate swaps(G) (1.4)  (1.0) (G) (2.9)  (2.2)
Plan curtailment(G)      (G)    5.5 
Other noncash adjustments, net(I) (12.2)  9.6  (I) (17.3)  24.6 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net(G) 62.4   (24.7) (G) 115.4   71.8 
Adjusted OIBDA $336.9  $375.2   $671.9  $757.7 
          
Reconciliation of Net Cash Provided from Operating Activities to Adjusted Free Cash Flow:         
Net Cash Provided From Operating Activities $221.2     $353.7   
Adjustments:         
Cash paid for interest on long-term debt obligations  (126.9)     (174.5)  
Cash paid for income taxes  (1.6)     (1.6)  
Capital expenditures  (264.4)     (507.8)  
Project Excel capital expenditures(H) 26.3    (H) 49.9   
Post-merger integration capital expenditures  6.4      10.9   
EarthLink capital expenditures pre-merger        (15.2)  
EarthLink operating income(C)     (C) 30.8   
Master lease rent payment(D) (163.4)   (D) (326.8)  
Merger, integration and other costs(E) 19.9    (E) 83.2   
Restructuring charges(B) 3.5    (B) 10.9   
Other expense (income), net(B) 0.1    (B) (0.6)  
Net loss on early extinguishment of debt(B)     (B) 3.2   
Interest expense(B) 214.4    (B) 426.2   
Income tax benefit, net of deferred income taxes  2.5      0.7   
Provision for doubtful accounts(G) (10.1)   (G) (19.7)  
Noncash portion of net (gain) loss on early extinguishment of debt(G)     (G) 15.1   
Amortization of unrealized losses on de-designated interest rate swaps(G) (1.4)   (G) (2.9)  
Other noncash adjustments, net(I) (12.2)   (I) (17.3)  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net(G) 62.4    (G) 115.4   
Adjusted Free Cash Flow $(23.3)    $33.6   
          
See Notes to Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
          

 

WINDSTREAM HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
        
Windstream Holdings, Inc ("Windstream", "we", "us", "our") has presented in this press release unaudited adjusted results, which includes the results of operations of EarthLink Holdings Corp. ("EarthLink") as if the merger with EarthLink had been completed as of January 1, 2016. The adjusted results are based upon the combined historical financial information of Windstream and EarthLink for all periods presented. The adjusted results exclude pension costs, restructuring charges, share-based compensation expense, and all merger, integration and other costs resulting from strategic transactions. We have made certain reclassifications to the historical financial information of EarthLink to conform to our presentation. We have presented certain measures of our operating performance, on an adjusted basis, that reflects the impact of the annual cash rent payment due under the master lease agreement with Uniti Group, Inc. ("Uniti"), formerly Communications Sales & Leasing, Inc.
        
Our purpose for these adjustments is to improve the comparability of results of operations for all periods presented in order to focus on the true earnings capacity of our core business operations and our ability to generate cash flow. We use adjusted results, including adjusted OIBDA, adjusted OIBDAR, adjusted free cash flow and adjusted capital expenditures as key measures of the operational performance of our business. Our management, including the chief operating decision-maker, consistently uses these measures for internal reporting and the evaluation of business objectives, opportunities and performance.
  
(A)Represents EarthLink revenues and sales prior to the merger date of February 27, 2017.
(B)Represents applicable amount as reported under GAAP - See Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(C)Represents EarthLink operating results for periods prior to the merger date of February 27, 2017.  These amounts exclude EarthLink's historical depreciation and amortization, restructuring, merger and
 integration costs and share-based compensation.
(D)Represents the impact of the annual cash rent payment due under the master lease agreement with Uniti.
(E)In addition to amounts reported in the Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Operations, other costs for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2017, primarily include a reserve for a potential
 penalty attributable to not meeting certain spend commitments under a circuit discount plan of approximately of $2.5 million and $7.7 million, respectively.
(F)The three and six month periods ended June 30, 2017 excludes $5.4 million and $9.8 million of share-based compensation expense included in merger, integration and other costs, respectively.
(G)Represents applicable amount reported under GAAP - See Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
(H)Represents capital expenditures related to Project Excel, a capital program funded entirely using a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the data center business completed in December 2015.
(I)Consists of non-cash amortization of debt issuance costs, debt discounts and premiums, accretion expense related to asset retirement obligations, ineffectiveness on interest rate swaps, gains on the sale
 of property, and other non-cash miscellaneous income and expenses.
        
Media Contact:  
David Avery, 501-748-5876
david.avery@windstream.com

Investor Contact:
Chris King, 704-319-1025
christopher.c.king@windstream.com

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