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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549
 

FORM 10-Q



                   (Mark One)
[X]      QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2008

or

[  ]      TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ________ to _________

Commission file number:    000-27927


Charter Communications, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

  Delaware
43-1857213
 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

12405 Powerscourt Drive
St. Louis, Missouri   63131
(Address of principal executive offices including zip code)

(314) 965-0555
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “accelerated filer,” “large accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):


Large accelerated filer þ                                      Accelerated filer o                                                          Non-accelerated filer o                                       Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes oNo þ

Number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding as of June 30, 2008: 407,201,927
Number of shares of Class B common stock outstanding as of June 30, 2008: 50,000
 
 


 

 
 
 
Charter Communications, Inc.
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Period ended June 30, 2008

Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Page
   
Item 1.Financial Statements - Charter Communications, Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2008
 
and December 31, 2007
4
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six
 
months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007
5
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the
 
six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007
6
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
7
   
Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
20
   
Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
31
   
Item 4.   Controls and Procedures
32
   
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
   
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
33
   
Item 1A.  Risk Factors
33
   
Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
36
   
Item 6. Exhibits
37
   
SIGNATURES
S-1
   
EXHIBIT INDEX
E-1

This quarterly report on Form 10-Q is for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008.  The Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") allows us to "incorporate by reference" information that we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you directly to those documents.  Information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this quarterly report.  In addition, information that we file with the SEC in the future will automatically update and supersede information contained in this quarterly report.  In this quarterly report, "we," "us" and "our" refer to Charter Communications, Inc., Charter Communications Holding Company, LLC and their subsidiaries.

 
 


 
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:

This quarterly report includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), regarding, among other things, our plans, strategies and prospects, both business and financial including, without limitation, the forward-looking statements set forth in the "Results of Operations" and "Liquidity and Capital Resources" sections under Part I, Item 2. "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in this quarterly report.  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" under Part II, Item 1A and the factors described under “Risk Factors” under Part I, Item 1A of our most recent Form 10-K filed with the SEC.  Many of the forward-looking statements contained in this quarterly report 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 quarterly report are set forth in this quarterly report and in other reports or documents that we file from time to time with the SEC, and include, but are not limited to:

 
·
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 fund debt obligations (by dividend, investment or otherwise) to the applicable obligor of such debt;
 
·
our ability to comply with all covenants in our indentures and credit facilities, any violation of which, if not cured in a timely manner, could trigger a default of our other obligations under cross-default provisions;
 
·
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;
 
·
the impact of competition from other distributors, including incumbent telephone companies, direct broadcast satellite operators, wireless broadband providers, and digital subscriber line (“DSL”) providers;
 
·
difficulties in growing, further introducing, and operating our telephone services, while adequately meeting customer expectations for the reliability of voice services;
 
·
our ability to adequately meet demand for installations and customer service;
 
·
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;
 
·
our ability to obtain programming at reasonable prices or to adequately raise prices to offset the effects of higher programming costs;
 
·
general business conditions, economic uncertainty or slowdown, including the recent significant slowdown in the housing sector and overall economy; and
 
·
the effects of governmental regulation 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 quarterly report.
 
 
3


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION.


Item 1.
Financial Statements.

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

   
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
ASSETS
           
CURRENT ASSETS:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 63     $ 75  
Short-term investments
    13       --  
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of
               
$19 and $18, respectively
    250       225  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    35       36  
Total current assets
    361       336  
                 
INVESTMENT IN CABLE PROPERTIES:
               
    Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation
    5,106       5,103  
Franchises, net
    8,935       8,942  
Total investment in cable properties, net
    14,041       14,045  
                 
OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS
    308       285  
                 
Total assets
  $ 14,710     $ 14,666  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
               
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
               
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  $ 1,293     $ 1,332  
Total current liabilities
    1,293       1,332  
                 
LONG-TERM DEBT
    20,480       19,908  
NOTE PAYABLE – RELATED PARTY
    69       65  
DEFERRED MANAGEMENT FEES – RELATED PARTY
    14       14  
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
    1,150       1,035  
MINORITY INTEREST
    203       199  
PREFERRED STOCK – REDEEMABLE; $.001 par value; 1 million
               
shares authorized; 36,713 shares issued and outstanding
    5       5  
                 
SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT:
               
Class A Common stock; $.001 par value; 10.5 billion shares authorized;
               
407,201,927 and 398,226,468 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
    --       --  
Class B Common stock; $.001 par value; 4.5 billion
               
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
    5,331       5,327  
Accumulated deficit
    (13,730 )     (13,096 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (105 )     (123 )
                 
Total shareholders’ deficit
    (8,504 )     (7,892 )
                 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ deficit
  $ 14,710     $ 14,666  

 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
4

 
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
Unaudited
 
   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
                         
REVENUES
  $ 1,623     $ 1,499     $ 3,187     $ 2,924  
                                 
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
                               
Operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)
    698       647       1,380       1,278  
Selling, general and administrative
    342       317       687       620  
Depreciation and amortization
    328       334       649       665  
Other operating expenses, net
    25       1       36       5  
                                 
      1,393       1,299       2,752       2,568  
                                 
Income from operations
    230       200       435       356  
                                 
OTHER INCOME AND (EXPENSES):
                               
Interest expense, net
    (474 )     (462 )     (939 )     (926 )
Change in value of derivatives
    26       (3 )     (11 )     (4 )
Other income (expense), net
    1       (36 )     (2 )     (39 )
                                 
      (447 )     (501 )     (952 )     (969 )
                                 
Loss before income taxes
    (217 )     (301 )     (517 )     (613 )
                                 
INCOME TAX EXPENSE
    (59 )     (59 )     (117 )     (128 )
                                 
Net loss
  $ (276 )   $ (360 )   $ (634 )   $ (741 )
                                 
 LOSS PER COMMON SHARE:
  $ (.74 )   $ (.98 )   $ (1.71 )   $ (2.02 )
                                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted
    371,652,070       367,582,677       370,868,849       366,855,427  

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
5

 
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
Unaudited

   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
             
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
           
Net loss
  $ (634 )   $ (741 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows from operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    649       665  
Noncash interest expense
    27       21  
Change in value of derivatives
    11       4  
Deferred income taxes
    114       123  
Other, net
    22       39  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from dispositions:
               
Accounts receivable
    (24 )     (29 )
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    --       26  
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other
    3       10  
                 
Net cash flows from operating activities
    168       118  
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
    (650 )     (579 )
Change in accrued expenses related to capital expenditures
    (41 )     (39 )
Other, net
    (11 )     31  
                 
Net cash flows from investing activities
    (702 )     (587 )
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Borrowings of long-term debt
    1,765       7,247  
Repayments of long-term debt
    (1,195 )     (6,727 )
Payments for debt issuance costs
    (39 )     (33 )
Other, net
    (9 )     3  
                 
Net cash flows from financing activities
    522       490  
                 
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    (12 )     21  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period
    75       60  
                 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period
  $ 63     $ 81  
                 
CASH PAID FOR INTEREST
  $ 912     $ 918  
                 
NONCASH TRANSACTIONS:
               
Cumulative adjustment to accumulated deficit for the adoption of FIN 48
  $ --     $ 56  
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
6

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts and where indicated)
 
 
Organization and Basis of Presentation

Charter Communications, Inc. ("Charter") is a holding company whose principal assets at June 30, 2008 are the 55% controlling common equity interest (52% for accounting purposes) in Charter Communications Holding Company, LLC ("Charter Holdco") and "mirror" notes which are payable by Charter Holdco to Charter and have the same principal amount and terms as those of Charter’s convertible senior notes.  Charter Holdco is the sole owner of CCHC, LLC ("CCHC"), which is the sole owner of Charter Communications Holdings, LLC ("Charter Holdings").  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Charter, Charter Holdco, CCHC, Charter Holdings and all of their subsidiaries where the underlying operations reside, which are collectively referred to herein as the "Company."  Charter has 100% voting control over Charter Holdco and consolidates Charter Holdco as a variable interest entity under Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Interpretation ("FIN") 46(R) Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities.  Charter Holdco’s limited liability company agreement provides that so long as Charter’s 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.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions among consolidated entities have been eliminated.

The Company is a broadband communications company operating in the United States.  The Company offers to residential and commercial customers traditional cable video programming (basic and digital video), high-speed Internet services, and telephone services, as well as advanced broadband services such as high definition television, Charter OnDemand™ (“OnDemand”), and digital video recorder ("DVR") service.  The Company sells its cable video programming, high-speed Internet, telephone, and advanced broadband services primarily on a subscription basis.  The Company also sells local advertising on cable networks.

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").  Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures typically included in Charter’s Annual Report on Form 10-K have been condensed or omitted for this quarterly report.  The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and are subject to review by regulatory authorities.  However, in the opinion of management, such financial statements include all adjustments, which consist of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the periods presented.  Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Areas involving significant judgments and estimates include capitalization of labor and overhead costs; depreciation and amortization costs; impairments of property, plant and equipment, franchises and goodwill; income taxes; and contingencies.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
Reclassifications.  Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the 2008 presentation.

2.           Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company incurred net losses of $276 million and $360 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $634 million and $741 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The Company’s net cash flows from operating activities were $168 million and $118 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

The Company has a significant amount of debt.  The Company's long-term debt as of June 30, 2008 totaled $20.5 billion, consisting of $7.3 billion of credit facility debt, $12.8 billion accreted value of high-yield notes, and $365 million accreted value of convertible senior notes.  For the remainder of 2008, $36 million of the Company’s debt
 
 
7

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts and where indicated)
 
matures.  As of June 30, 2008, the Company’s 2009 debt maturities totaled $238 million.  In 2010 and beyond, significant additional amounts will become due under the Company’s remaining long-term debt obligations.

The Company requires significant cash to fund debt service costs, capital expenditures and ongoing operations.  The Company has historically funded these requirements through cash flows from operating activities, borrowings under its credit facilities, proceeds from sales of assets, issuances of debt and equity securities, and cash on hand.  However, the mix of funding sources changes from period to period.  For the six months ended June 30, 2008, the Company generated $168 million of net cash flows from operating activities, after paying cash interest of $912 million.  In addition, the Company used $650 million for purchases of property, plant and equipment.  Finally, the Company generated net cash flows from financing activities of $522 million, as a result of financing transactions completed during the six months ended June 30, 2008.

The Company expects that cash on hand, cash flows from operating activities, and the amounts available under the Charter Communications Operating, LLC (“Charter Operating”) credit facilities will be adequate to fund its projected cash needs, including scheduled maturities, through 2009.  The Company believes that cash flows from operating activities, and the amounts available under the Charter Operating credit facilities will not be sufficient to fund projected cash needs in 2010 (primarily as a result of the CCH II, LLC (“CCH II”) $1.9 billion of senior notes outstanding at July 2, 2008 that mature in September 2010) and thereafter.  The Company’s projected cash needs and projected sources of liquidity depend upon, among other things, its actual results, the timing and amount of its capital expenditures, and ongoing compliance with the Charter Operating credit facilities, including obtaining an unqualified audit opinion from its independent accountants.  Although the Company has been able to refinance or otherwise fund the repayment of debt in the past, it may not be able to access additional sources of refinancing on similar terms or pricing as those that are currently in place, or at all, or otherwise obtain other sources of funding.  A continuation of the recent turmoil in the credit markets and the general economic downturn could adversely impact the terms and/or pricing when the Company needs to raise additional liquidity.  No assurances can be given that the Company will not experience liquidity problems if it does not obtain sufficient additional financing on a timely basis as the Company’s debt becomes due or because of adverse market conditions, increased competition, or other unfavorable events.

If, at any time, additional capital or borrowing capacity is required beyond amounts internally generated or available under the Company’s credit facilities, the Company would consider issuing equity, issuing convertible debt or some other securities, further reducing the Company’s expenses and capital expenditures, selling assets, or requesting waivers or amendments with respect to the Company’s credit facilities.

If the above strategies were not successful, the Company could be forced to restructure its obligations or seek protection under the bankruptcy laws.  In addition, if the Company needs to raise additional capital through the issuance of equity or finds it necessary to engage in a recapitalization or other similar transaction, the Company’s shareholders could suffer significant dilution, including potential loss of the entire value of their investment, and in the case of a recapitalization or other similar transaction, the Company’s noteholders might not receive principal and interest payments to which they are contractually entitled.

Credit Facility Availability

The Company’s ability to operate depends upon, among other things, its continued access to capital, including credit under the Charter Operating credit facilities.  The Charter Operating credit facilities, along with the Company’s indentures and the CCO Holdings, LLC (“CCO Holdings”) credit facility, contain certain restrictive covenants, some of which require the Company to maintain specified leverage ratios, meet financial tests, and provide annual audited financial statements with an unqualified opinion from the Company’s independent accountants.  As of June 30, 2008, the Company was in compliance with the covenants under its indentures and credit facilities, and the Company expects to remain in compliance with those covenants for the next twelve months.  As of June 30, 2008, the Company’s potential availability under Charter Operating’s revolving credit facility totaled approximately $1.4 billion, none of which was limited by covenant restrictions.  Continued access to the Company’s revolving credit facility is subject to the Company remaining in compliance with these covenants, including covenants tied to Charter Operating’s leverage ratio and first lien leverage ratio.  If any event of non-compliance were to occur, funding under the revolving credit
 
 
8

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts and where indicated)
 
facility may not be available and defaults on some or potentially all of the Company’s debt obligations could occur.  An event of default under any of the Company’s debt instruments could result in the acceleration of its payment obligations under that debt and, under certain circumstances, in cross-defaults under its other debt obligations, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition and results of operations.

Limitations on Distributions

As long as Charter’s convertible senior notes remain outstanding and are not otherwise converted into shares of common stock, Charter must pay interest on the convertible senior notes and repay the principal amount.  Charter’s ability to make interest payments on its convertible senior notes, and to repay the outstanding principal of its convertible senior notes will depend on its ability to raise additional capital and/or on receipt of payments or distributions from Charter Holdco and its subsidiaries.  As of June 30, 2008, Charter Holdco was owed $115 million in intercompany loans from Charter Operating, which amounts were available to pay interest and principal on Charter's convertible senior notes.  In addition, as long as Charter Holdco continues to hold the $35 million of Charter Holdings’ notes due 2009 and 2010 (as discussed further below), Charter Holdco will receive interest and principal payments from Charter Holdings.  Such amounts may be available to pay interest and principal on Charter’s convertible senior notes, although Charter Holdco may use those amounts for other purposes.

Distributions by Charter’s subsidiaries to a parent company (including Charter, Charter Holdco and CCHC) for payment of principal on parent company notes, are restricted under the indentures governing the CCH I Holdings, LLC (“CIH”) notes, CCH I, LLC (“CCH I”) notes, CCH II notes, CCO Holdings notes, Charter Operating notes, and under the CCO Holdings credit facility, unless there is no default under the applicable indenture and credit facilities, and unless each applicable subsidiary’s leverage ratio test is met at the time of such distribution.  For the quarter ended June 30, 2008, there was no default under any of these indentures or credit facilities and each subsidiary met its applicable leverage ratio tests based on June 30, 2008 financial results.  Such distributions would be restricted, however, if any such subsidiary fails to meet these tests at the time of the contemplated distribution.  In the past, certain subsidiaries have from time to time failed to meet their leverage ratio test.  There can be no assurance that they will satisfy these tests at the time of the contemplated distribution.  Distributions by Charter Operating for payment of principal on parent company notes are further restricted by the covenants in the Charter Operating credit facilities.

Distributions by CIH, CCH I, CCH II, CCO Holdings, and Charter Operating to a parent company for payment of parent company interest are permitted if there is no default under the aforementioned indentures and CCO Holdings credit facility.

The indentures governing the Charter Holdings notes permit Charter Holdings to make distributions to Charter Holdco for payment of interest or principal on Charter’s convertible senior notes, only if, after giving effect to the distribution, Charter Holdings can incur additional debt under the leverage ratio of 8.75 to 1.0, there is no default under Charter Holdings’ indentures, and other specified tests are met.  For the quarter ended June 30, 2008, there was no default under Charter Holdings’ indentures, the other specified tests were met, and Charter Holdings met its leverage ratio test of 8.75 to 1.0 based on June 30, 2008 financial results.  Such distributions would be restricted, however, if Charter Holdings fails to meet these tests at the time of the contemplated distribution.  In the past, Charter Holdings has from time to time failed to meet this leverage ratio test.  There can be no assurance that Charter Holdings will satisfy these tests at the time of the contemplated distribution.  During periods in which distributions are restricted, the indentures governing the Charter Holdings notes permit Charter Holdings and its subsidiaries to make specified investments (that are not restricted payments) in Charter Holdco or Charter, up to an amount determined by a formula, as long as there is no default under the indentures.

Recent Financing Transactions

In March 2008, Charter Operating issued $546 million principal amount of 10.875% senior second-lien notes due 2014 and borrowed $500 million principal amount of incremental term loans under the Charter Operating credit facilities (see Note 5).  In the second quarter of 2008, Charter Holdco repurchased, in private transactions, from a small number of institutional holders, a total of approximately $35 million principal amount of various Charter Holdings notes due
 
 
9

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts and where indicated)
 
2009 and 2010 and approximately $46 million principal amount of Charter’s 5.875% convertible senior notes due 2009, for approximately $77 million of cash.  Charter Holdco continues to hold the Charter Holdings notes.  The purchased 5.875% convertible senior notes were cancelled resulting in approximately $3 million principal amount of such notes remaining outstanding.

In July 2008, CCH II completed a tender offer, in which $338 million of CCH II’s 10.25% senior notes due 2010 were accepted for $364 million of CCH II’s 10.25% senior notes due 2013, which were issued as part of the same series of notes as CCH II’s $250 million aggregate principal amount of 10.25% senior notes due 2013, which were issued in September 2006.

3.           Franchises and Goodwill

Franchise rights represent the value attributed to agreements with local authorities that allow access to homes in cable service areas acquired through the purchase of cable systems.  Management estimates the fair value of franchise rights at the date of acquisition and determines if the franchise has a finite life or an indefinite life as defined by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.  Franchises that qualify for indefinite-life treatment under SFAS No. 142 are tested for impairment annually each October 1 based on valuations, or more frequently as warranted by events or changes in circumstances.  Franchises are aggregated into essentially inseparable asset groups to conduct the valuations.  The asset groups generally represent geographical clustering of the Company’s cable systems into groups by which such systems are managed.  Management believes such grouping represents the highest and best use of those assets.

As of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, indefinite-lived and finite-lived intangible assets are presented in the following table:

   
June 30, 2008
   
December 31, 2007
 
   
Gross
Carrying
Amount
   
Accumulated
Amortization
   
Net
Carrying
Amount
   
Gross
Carrying
Amount
   
Accumulated Amortization
   
Net
Carrying
Amount
 
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
                                   
Franchises with indefinite lives
  $ 8,928     $ --     $ 8,928     $ 8,929     $ --     $ 8,929  
Goodwill
    68       --       68       67       --       67  
                                                 
    $ 8,996     $ --     $ 8,996     $ 8,996     $ --     $ 8,996  
Finite-lived intangible assets:
                                               
Franchises with finite lives
  $ 15     $ 8     $ 7     $ 23     $ 10     $ 13  

Franchise amortization expense represents the amortization relating to franchises that did not qualify for indefinite-life treatment under SFAS No. 142, including costs associated with franchise renewals.  During the six months ended June 30, 2008, the net carrying amount of indefinite-lived franchises was reduced by $2 million related to cable asset sales completed in 2008, and $4 million as a result of the finalization of purchase accounting related to cable asset acquisitions.  Additionally, during the six months ended June 30, 2008, approximately $5 million of franchises that were previously classified as finite-lived were reclassified to indefinite-lived, based on management’s assessment when these franchises migrated to state-wide franchising.  Franchise amortization expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 was approximately $0 and $1 million, respectively.  The Company expects that amortization expense on franchise assets will be approximately $2 million annually for each of the next five years.  Actual amortization expense in future periods could differ from these estimates as a result of new intangible asset acquisitions or divestitures, changes in useful lives and other relevant factors.
 
 
10

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts and where indicated)
 
4.           Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses

Accounts payable and accrued expenses consist of the following as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007:

   
June 30,
2008
   
December 31,
2007
 
             
Accounts payable – trade
  $ 88     $ 127  
Accrued capital expenditures
    54       95  
Accrued expenses:
               
Interest
    412       418  
Programming costs
    288       273  
Compensation
    107       116  
Franchise-related fees
    55       66  
Other
    289       237  
                 
    $ 1,293     $ 1,332  

5. Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007:

   
June 30, 2008
   
December 31, 2007
 
   
Principal Amount
   
Accreted Value
   
Principal Amount
   
Accreted Value
 
Long-Term Debt
                       
Charter Communications, Inc.:
                       
5.875% convertible senior notes due November 16, 2009
  $ 3     $ 3     $ 49     $ 49  
6.50% convertible senior notes due October 1, 2027
 
  479       362       479       353  
Charter Communications Holdings, LLC:
                               
10.000% senior notes due April 1, 2009
    76       76       88       88  
10.750% senior notes due October 1, 2009
    54       54       63       63  
9.625% senior notes due November 15, 2009
    35       35       37       37  
10.250% senior notes due January 15, 2010
    9       9       18       18  
11.750% senior discount notes due January 15, 2010
    13       13       16       16  
11.125% senior notes due January 15, 2011
    47       47       47       47  
13.500% senior discount notes due January 15, 2011
    60       60       60       60  
9.920% senior discount notes due April 1, 2011
    51       51       51       51  
10.000% senior notes due May 15, 2011
    69       69       69       69  
11.750% senior discount notes due May 15, 2011
    54       54       54       54  
12.125% senior discount notes due January 15, 2012
    75       75       75       75  
CCH I Holdings, LLC:
                               
11.125% senior notes due January 15, 2014
    151       151       151       151  
13.500% senior discount notes due January 15, 2014
    581       581       581       581  
9.920% senior discount notes due April 1, 2014
    471       471       471       471  
10.000% senior notes due May 15, 2014
    299       299       299       299  
11.750% senior discount notes due May 15, 2014
    815       815       815       815  
12.125% senior discount notes due January 15, 2015
    217       217       217       217  
CCH I, LLC:
                               
11.000% senior notes due October 1, 2015
    3,987       4,077       3,987       4,083  

 
11

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts and where indicated)
 
CCH II, LLC:
                       
10.250% senior notes due September 15, 2010
    2,198       2,193       2,198       2,192  
    10.250% senior notes due October 1, 2013
    250       260       250       260  
CCO Holdings, LLC:
                               
8 ¾% senior notes due November 15, 2013
    800       796       800       795  
Credit facility
    350       350       350       350  
Charter Communications Operating, LLC:
                               
8.000% senior second-lien notes due April 30, 2012
    1,100       1,100       1,100       1,100  
8 3/8% senior second-lien notes due April 30, 2014
    770       770       770       770  
10.875% senior second-lien notes due September 15, 2014
    546       526       --       --  
Credit facilities
    6,966       6,966       6,844       6,844  
    $ 20,526     $ 20,480     $ 19,939     $ 19,908  
 
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.  However, the current accreted value for legal purposes and notes indenture purposes (the amount that is currently payable if the debt becomes immediately due) is equal to the principal amount of notes.

In March 2008, Charter Operating issued $546 million principal amount of 10.875% senior second-lien notes due 2014, guaranteed by CCO Holdings and certain other subsidiaries of Charter Operating, in a private transaction.  Net proceeds from the senior second-lien notes were used to reduce borrowings, but not commitments, under the revolving portion of the Charter Operating credit facilities.

The Charter Operating 10.875% senior second-lien notes may be redeemed at the option of Charter Operating on or after varying dates, in each case at a premium, 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 10.875% senior second-lien note due 2014 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.  The Charter Operating 10.875% senior second-lien notes may be redeemed at any time on or after March 15, 2012 at specified prices.  In the event of specified change of control events, Charter Operating must offer to purchase the Charter Operating 10.875% senior second-lien notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the total principal amount of the Charter Operating notes repurchased plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon.

In addition, Charter Operating borrowed $500 million principal amount of incremental term loans (the “Incremental Term Loans”) under the Charter Operating credit facilities. The Incremental Term Loans have a final maturity of March 6, 2014 and prior to this date will amortize in quarterly principal installments totaling 1% annually beginning on June 30, 2008.  The Incremental Term Loans bear interest at LIBOR plus 5.0%, with a LIBOR floor of 3.5%, and are otherwise governed by and subject to the existing terms of the Charter Operating credit facilities.   Net proceeds from the Incremental Term Loans were used for general corporate purposes.

In the second quarter of 2008, Charter Holdco repurchased, in private transactions, from a small number of institutional holders, a total of approximately $35 million principal amount of various Charter Holdings notes due 2009 and 2010 and approximately $46 million principal amount of Charter’s 5.875% convertible senior notes due 2009, for approximately $77 million of cash.  Charter Holdco continues to hold the Charter Holdings notes.  The purchased 5.875% convertible senior notes were cancelled resulting in approximately $3 million principal amount of such notes remaining outstanding.  The transactions resulted in a gain on extinguishment of debt of approximately $4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008, included in other income (expense), net on the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations.
 
 
12

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts and where indicated)
 

6.           Minority Interest and Equity Interest of Charter Holdco

Charter is a holding company whose primary assets are a controlling equity interest in Charter Holdco, the indirect owner of the Company’s cable systems, and $482 million and $528 million at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively, of mirror notes payable by Charter Holdco to Charter, and which have the same principal amount and terms as those of Charter’s 5.875% and 6.50% convertible senior notes.  Minority interest on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets represents Mr. Paul G. Allen’s, Charter’s chairman and controlling shareholder, 5.6% preferred membership interests in CC VIII, LLC (“CC VIII”), an indirect subsidiary of Charter Holdco, of $203 million and $199 million as of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively.  

7.
Comprehensive Loss

The Company reports changes in the fair value of interest rate agreements designated as hedging the variability of cash flows associated with floating-rate debt obligations, that meet the effectiveness criteria of SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, in accumulated other comprehensive loss.  Comprehensive loss was $154 million and $310 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $616 million and $697 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

8.           Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

The Company uses interest rate swap agreements to manage its interest costs and reduce the Company’s exposure to increases in floating interest rates.  The Company’s policy is to manage its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates by maintaining a mix of fixed and variable rate debt within a targeted range.  Using interest rate swap agreements, the Company agrees to exchange, at specified intervals through 2013, the difference between fixed and variable interest amounts calculated by reference to agreed-upon notional principal amounts.

The Company’s hedging policy does not permit it to hold or issue derivative instruments for speculative trading purposes.  The Company does, however, have certain interest rate derivative instruments that have been designated as cash flow hedging instruments.  Such instruments effectively convert variable interest payments on certain debt instruments into fixed payments.  For qualifying hedges, SFAS No. 133 allows derivative gains and losses to offset related results on hedged items in the consolidated statement of operations.  The Company has formally documented, designated and assessed the effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting.  For each of the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, there was no cash flow hedge ineffectiveness on interest rate swap agreements.  

Changes in the fair value of interest rate agreements that are designated as hedging instruments of the variability of cash flows associated with floating-rate debt obligations, and that meet the effectiveness criteria specified by SFAS No. 133 are reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss.  For the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, gains of $122 million and $50 million, respectively, and for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, gains of $18 million and $48 million, respectively, related to derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, were recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss.  The amounts are subsequently reclassified as an increase or decrease to change in value of derivatives in the same periods in which the related interest on the floating-rate debt obligations affects earnings (losses).

Certain interest rate derivative instruments are not designated as hedges as they do not meet the effectiveness criteria specified by SFAS No. 133.  However, management believes such instruments are closely correlated with the respective debt, thus managing associated risk.  Interest rate derivative instruments not designated as hedges are marked to fair value, with the impact recorded as a change in value of derivatives in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.  For the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, change in value of derivatives includes gains of $36 million and $6 million, respectively, and for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, gains of $6 million and $5 million, respectively, resulting from interest rate derivative instruments not designated as hedges.

As of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the Company had $4.3 billion in notional amounts of interest rate swaps outstanding.  The notional amounts of interest rate instruments do not represent amounts exchanged by the parties and,
 
 
13

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts and where indicated)
 
thus, are not a measure of exposure to credit loss.  The amounts exchanged are determined by reference to the notional amount and the other terms of the contracts.

Certain provisions of the Company’s 5.875% and 6.50% convertible senior notes issued in November 2004 and October 2007, respectively, were considered embedded derivatives for accounting purposes and were required to be accounted for separately from the convertible senior notes.  In accordance with SFAS No. 133, these derivatives are marked to market with gains or losses recorded as the change in value of derivatives on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations.  For the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, the Company recognized $10 million and $9 million in losses related to these derivatives, respectively, and for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, the Company recognized losses of $17 million and $9 million, respectively.  At June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, $50 million and $33 million, respectively, is recorded on the Company’s balance sheets related to these derivatives.

The Company adopted SFAS 157, Fair Value Measurements, on its financial assets and liabilities effective January 1, 2008, and has an established process for determining fair value.  The Company has deferred adoption of SFAS 157 on its nonfinancial assets and liabilities including fair value measurements under SFAS 142 and SFAS 144 of franchises, goodwill, property, plant, and equipment, and other long-term assets until January 1, 2009 as permitted by FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) 157-2.  Fair value is based upon quoted market prices, where available.  If such valuation methods are not available, fair value is based on internally or externally developed models using market-based or independently-sourced market parameters, where available.  Fair value may be subsequently adjusted to ensure that those assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value.  The Company’s methodology may produce a fair value that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values, but the Company believes its methods are appropriate and consistent with other market peers.  The use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value estimate as of the Company’s reporting date.

SFAS 157 establishes a three-level hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements, based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date, as follows:

·  
Level 1 – inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
·  
Level 2 – inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.
·  
Level 3 – inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

Interest rate derivatives are valued using a present value calculation based on an implied forward LIBOR curve (adjusted for Charter Operating’s credit risk) classified within level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.  The fair values of the embedded derivatives within Charter’s 5.875% and 6.50% convertible senior notes issued in November 2004 and October 2007, respectively, are derived from valuations using a simulation technique with market based inputs, including Charter’s Class A common stock price, implied volatility of Charter’s Class A common stock, Charter’s credit risk and costs to borrow Charter’s Class A common stock.  These valuations are classified within level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.

As of June 30, 2008, Charter had $13 million of available-for-sale investments in commercial paper with initial maturities of between three and six months.  The investments were valued using quoted prices classified within level 1 of the valuation hierarchy.
 
 
14

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts and where indicated)

The Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities that are accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis are presented in the table below:

   
Fair Value As of June 30, 2008
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Short-term investments:
                       
Available-for-sale investments
  $ 13     $ --     $ --     $ 13  
    $ 13     $ --     $ --     $ 13  
                                 
Other long-term liabilities:
                               
Interest rate derivatives
  $ --     $ 145     $ --     $ 145  
Embedded derivatives
    --       --       50       50  
    $ --     $ 145     $ 50     $ 195  

9.           Other Operating Expenses, Net

Other operating expenses, net consist of the following for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007:


   
Three Months
Ended June 30,
   
Six Months
Ended June 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
                         
Loss on sale of assets, net
  $ 2     $ --     $ 4     $ 3  
Special charges, net
    23       1       32       2  
                                 
    $ 25     $ 1     $ 36     $ 5  

Special charges, net for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 includes severance charges and expected settlement costs associated with the Sjoblon litigation (see Note 13), offset by favorable insurance settlements related to hurricane Katrina claims.  Special charges, net for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 primarily represent severance charges.

10.           Other Income (Expense), Net

Other income (expense), net consists of the following for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007:

   
Three Months
Ended June 30,
   
Six Months
Ended June 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
                         
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt
  $ 4     $ (34 )   $ 4     $ (35 )
Minority interest
    (2 )     (1 )     (4 )     (3 )
Loss on investments
    (1 )     (1 )     (1 )     (1 )
Other, net
    --       --       (1 )     --  
                                 
    $ 1     $ (36 )   $ (2 )   $ (39 )

As part of the refinancing in March 2007, the existing CCO Holdings $350 million revolving/term credit facility was terminated, resulting in a loss on extinguishment of debt for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 of approximately $12 million and $13 million, respectively.  In April 2007, Charter Holdings completed a tender offer
 
 
15

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts and where indicated)
 
resulting in a loss on extinguishment of debt for each of the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 of approximately $22 million.

11.           Income Taxes

All operations are held through Charter Holdco and its direct and indirect subsidiaries.  Charter Holdco and the majority of its subsidiaries are generally limited liability companies that are not subject to income tax.  However, certain of these limited liability companies are subject to state income tax.  In addition, the subsidiaries that are corporations are subject to federal and state income tax.  All of the remaining taxable income, gains, losses, deductions and credits of Charter Holdco are passed through to its members: Charter, Charter Investment, Inc. (“CII”) and Vulcan Cable III Inc. (“Vulcan Cable”).  Charter is responsible for its share of taxable income or loss of Charter Holdco allocated to Charter in accordance with the Charter Holdco limited liability company agreement (the “LLC Agreement”) and partnership tax rules and regulations.  Charter also records financial statement deferred tax assets and liabilities related to its investment in Charter Holdco.

For each of the three month periods ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, the Company recorded $59 million of income tax expense, and for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, the Company recorded $117 million and $128 million of income tax expense, respectively.  Income tax expense was recognized through increases in deferred tax liabilities related to Charter’s investment in Charter Holdco, and certain of Charter’s subsidiaries, in addition to current federal and state income tax expense.

As of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the Company had net deferred income tax liabilities of approximately $780 million and $665 million, respectively.  Included in these deferred tax liabilities is approximately $226 million of deferred tax liabilities at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, relating to certain indirect subsidiaries of Charter Holdco that file separate income tax returns. The remainder of the Company’s deferred tax liability arose from Charter’s investment in Charter Holdco, and was largely attributable to the characterization of franchises for financial reporting purposes as indefinite-lived.

As of June 30, 2008, the Company had deferred tax assets of $5.2 billion, which included $1.9 billion of financial losses in excess of tax losses allocated to Charter from Charter Holdco.  The deferred tax assets also included $3.3 billion of tax net operating loss carryforwards (generally expiring in years 2008 through 2028) of Charter and its indirect subsidiaries.  Valuation allowances of $5.0 billion exist with respect to these deferred tax assets.  In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized.  Because of the uncertainties in projecting future taxable income of Charter Holdco, valuation allowances have been established except for deferred benefits available to offset certain deferred tax liabilities that will reverse over time.

The amount of any benefit from the Company’s tax net operating losses is dependent on: (1) Charter and its subsidiaries’ ability to generate future taxable income and (2) the unexpired amount of net operating loss carryforwards available to offset amounts payable on such taxable income.  Any future “ownership changes” of Charter’s common stock, as defined in the applicable federal income tax rules, would place significant limitations, on an annual basis, on the use of such net operating losses to offset any future taxable income the Company may generate.  Such limitations, in conjunction with the net operating loss expiration provisions, could effectively eliminate the Company’s ability to use a substantial portion of its net operating losses to offset future taxable income.  Although the Company has adopted the Rights Plan as an attempt to protect against an “ownership change,” certain transactions and the timing of such transactions could cause such an ownership change including, but not limited to, the following: the issuance of shares of common stock upon future conversion of Charter’s convertible senior notes; reacquisition of the shares borrowed under the share lending agreement by Charter (of which 21.8 million were outstanding as of June 30, 2008); or acquisitions or sales of shares by certain holders of Charter’s shares, including persons who have held, currently hold, or accumulate in the future, five percent or more of Charter’s outstanding stock (including upon an exchange by Mr. Allen or his affiliates, directly or indirectly, of membership units of Charter Holdco into CCI common stock).  Many of the foregoing transactions, including whether Mr. Allen exchanges his Charter Holdco units, are beyond management’s control.
 
 
16

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts and where indicated)
 

The deferred tax liability for Charter’s investment in Charter Holdco is largely attributable to the characterization of franchises for financial reporting purposes as indefinite lived.  If Mr. Allen were to exchange his Charter Holdco units, as described above, Charter would likely record for financial reporting purposes additional deferred tax liability related to its increased interest in Charter Holdco and the related underlying indefinite lived franchise assets.

Charter and Charter Holdco received notification from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) examining agent that no changes to the 2004 and 2005 tax returns would be required as a result of their examination.  These findings are subject to the IRS Area Director’s approval.

In January 2007, the Company adopted FIN 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, which provides criteria for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of uncertain tax positions. A tax benefit from an uncertain position may be recognized only if it is “more likely than not” that the position is sustainable based on its technical merits.  The adoption of FIN 48 resulted in a deferred tax benefit of $56 million related to a settlement with Mr. Allen regarding ownership of the CC VIII preferred membership interests, which was recognized as a cumulative adjustment to the accumulated deficit in the first quarter of 2007.  The Company does not believe it has taken any significant positions that would not meet the “more likely than not” criteria and require disclosure.

12.           Related Party Transactions

The following sets forth certain transactions in which the Company and the directors, executive officers, and affiliates of the Company are involved.  Unless otherwise disclosed, management believes each of the transactions described below was on terms no less favorable to the Company than could have been obtained from independent third parties.

Digeo, Inc.

Mr. Paul G. Allen, the controlling shareholder of Charter, through his 100% ownership of Vulcan Ventures Incorporated (“Vulcan Ventures”), owns a majority interest in Digeo, Inc. on a fully-converted fully-diluted basis.  Ms. Jo Allen Patton is a director of the Company and a director and Vice President of Vulcan Ventures.  Mr. Lance Conn is a director of the Company and is Executive Vice President of Vulcan Ventures.  Currently, Charter Operating owns 1.8% of Digeo, Inc.’s common stock.

In May 2008, Charter Operating entered into an agreement with Digeo Interactive, LLC, a subsidiary of Digeo, Inc., for the minimum purchase of high-definition DVR units for approximately $21 million.  This minimum purchase commitment is subject to reduction as a result of certain specified events such as the failure to deliver units timely and catastrophic failure.  The software for these units is being supplied under a software license agreement with Digeo Interactive, LLC; the cost of which is expected to be approximately $2 million for  the initial licenses and on-going maintenance fees of approximately $0.3 million annually, subject to reduction to coincide with any reduction in the minimum purchase commitment.  For the six months ended June 30, 2008, Charter has not purchased any units from Digeo Interactive, LLC under these agreements.

13.           Contingencies

The Company is a defendant or co-defendant in several unrelated lawsuits claiming infringement of various patents relating to various aspects of its businesses.  Other industry participants are also defendants in certain of these cases, and, in many cases, the Company expects that any potential liability would be the responsibility of its equipment vendors pursuant to applicable contractual indemnification provisions. In the event that a court ultimately determines that the Company infringes on any intellectual property rights, it may be subject to substantial damages and/or an injunction that could require the Company or its vendors to modify certain products and services the Company offers to its subscribers.  While the Company believes the lawsuits are without merit and intends to defend the actions vigorously, the lawsuits could be material to the Company’s consolidated results of operations of any one period, and
 
17

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts and where indicated)
 
 
no assurance can be given that any adverse outcome would not be material to the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

In the ordinary course of business, the Company may face employment law claims, including claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act and wage and hour laws of the states in which we operate.   On August 15, 2007, a complaint was filed, on behalf of both nationwide and state of Wisconsin classes of certain categories of current and former Charter technicians, against Charter in the United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin (Sjoblom v. Charter Communications, LLC and Charter Communications, Inc.), alleging that Charter violated the Fair Labor Standards Act and Wisconsin wage and hour laws by failing to pay technicians for certain hours claimed to have been worked.  While the Company believes it has substantial factual and legal defenses to the claims at issue, in order to avoid the cost and distraction of continuing to litigate the case, the Company is in active negotiations with the plaintiffs to reach a settlement, which would be subject to the approval of the court.  The Company has accrued expected settlement costs associated with the Sjoblom case (see Note 9).  If the Company were subjected, in the normal course of business, to the assertion of other similar claims in other jurisdictions, the Company could not predict the ultimate outcome of any such proceedings or claims.

Charter is a party to other lawsuits and claims that arise in the ordinary course of conducting its business.  The ultimate outcome of these other legal matters pending against the Company or its subsidiaries cannot be predicted.  Although such lawsuits and claims, including the employment law claims discussed above, are not expected individually to be material to the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity, such lawsuits and claims could be, in the aggregate, material to the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
 
14.           Stock Compensation Plans

The Company has stock compensation plans (the “Plans”) which provide for the grant of non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, dividend equivalent rights, performance units and performance shares, share awards, phantom stock and/or shares of restricted stock (shares of restricted stock not to exceed 20.0 million shares of Charter Class A common stock), as each term is defined in the Plans.  Employees, officers, consultants and directors of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates are eligible to receive grants under the Plans.  Options granted generally vest over four years from the grant date, with 25% generally vesting on the first anniversary of the grant date and ratably thereafter.  Generally, options expire 10 years from the grant date.  Restricted stock vests annually over a one to three-year period beginning from the date of grant.  The 2001 Stock Incentive Plan allows for the issuance of up to a total of 90.0 million shares of Charter Class A common stock (or units convertible into Charter Class A common stock).  In March 2008, the Company adopted an incentive program to allow for performance cash.  Under the incentive program, performance units under the 2001 Stock Incentive Plan and performance cash are deposited into a performance bank of which one-third of the balance is paid out each year, subject to meeting performance criteria.  During the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, Charter granted 0.7 million and 10.4 million shares of restricted stock, respectively.  During the six months ended June 30, 2008, Charter granted 11.5 million performance units and $8 million of performance cash under Charter’s 2008 incentive program.  

The Company recorded $8 million and $5 million of stock compensation expense for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $16 million and $10 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, which is included in selling, general, and administrative expense.

15.           Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133, which requires companies to disclose their objectives and strategies for using derivative instruments, whether or not designated as hedging instruments under SFAS 133.  SFAS 161 is effective for interim periods and fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008.  The Company will adopt SFAS 161 effective January 1, 2009.  The Company is currently assessing the impact of SFAS 161 on its financial statements.

 
 
18

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts and where indicated)
 
In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 142-3, Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets, which amends the factors to be considered in renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset.  FSP FAS 142-3 is effective for interim periods and fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008.  The Company will adopt FSP FAS 142-3 effective January 1, 2009.  The Company is currently assessing the impact of FSP FAS 142-3 on its financial statements.
 
In May 2008, the FASB issued FSP APB 14-1, Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement), which specifies that issuers of convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon conversion should separately account for the liability and equity components in a manner reflecting their nonconvertible debt borrowing rate when interest costs are recognized in subsequent periods.  FSP APB 14-1 is effective for interim periods and fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008.  The Company will adopt FSP APB 14-1 effective January 1, 2009.  The Company is currently assessing the impact of FSP APB 14-1 on its financial statements.

The Company does not believe that any other recently issued, but not yet effective accounting pronouncements, if adopted, would have a material effect on its accompanying financial statements.
 
 
19

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

General

Charter Communications, Inc. (“Charter”) is a holding company whose principal assets at June 30, 2008 are the 55% controlling common equity interest (52% for accounting purposes) in Charter Communications Holding Company, LLC (“Charter Holdco”) and “mirror” notes that are payable by Charter Holdco to Charter and have the same principal amount and terms as Charter’s convertible senior notes.

We are a broadband communications company operating in the United States with approximately 5.6 million customers at June 30, 2008.  Through our hybrid fiber and coaxial cable network, we offer our customers traditional cable video programming (basic and digital, which we refer to as “video” service), high-speed Internet service, and telephone services, as well as, advanced broadband services (such as OnDemand high definition television service, and DVR).

The following table summarizes our customer statistics for basic video, digital video, residential high-speed Internet, and telephone as of June 30, 2008 and 2007:

   
Approximate as of
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2008 (a)
   
2007 (a)
 
             
Video Cable Services:
           
Basic Video:
           
Residential (non-bulk) basic video customers (b)
    4,897,100       5,107,800  
Multi-dwelling (bulk) and commercial unit customers (c)
    264,900       269,000  
Total basic video customers (b)(c)
    5,162,000       5,376,800  
                 
Digital Video:
               
Digital video customers (d)
    3,056,900       2,866,000  
                 
Non-Video Cable Services:
               
Residential high-speed Internet customers (e)
    2,787,300       2,583,200  
Telephone customers (f)
    1,175,500       700,300  

After giving effect to sales and acquisitions of cable systems in 2007 and 2008, basic video customers, digital video customers, high-speed Internet customers and telephone customers would have been 5,323,800, 2,843,800, 2,577,900, and 701,300, respectively, as of June 30, 2007.

(a)
"Customers" include all persons our corporate billing records show as receiving service (regardless of their payment status), except for complimentary accounts (such as our employees).  At June 30, 2008 and 2007, "customers" include approximately 34,200 and 31,300 persons whose accounts were over 60 days past due in payment, approximately 5,300 and 3,800 persons whose accounts were over 90 days past due in payment, and approximately 2,600 and 1,500 of which were over 120 days past due in payment, respectively.

(b)  
"Basic video customers" include all residential customers who receive video cable services.

(c)
Included within "basic video customers" are those in commercial and multi-dwelling structures, which are calculated on an equivalent bulk unit ("EBU") basis.  EBU is calculated for a system by dividing the bulk price charged to accounts in an area by the most prevalent price charged to non-bulk residential customers in that market for the comparable tier of service.  The EBU method of estimating basic video customers is consistent with the methodology used in determining costs paid to programmers and has been used consistently.

(d)
"Digital video customers" include all basic video customers that have one or more digital set-top boxes or cable cards deployed.
 
 
20


 
(e)
"Residential high-speed Internet customers" represent those residential customers who subscribe to our high-speed Internet service.
 
(f)                    “Telephone customers" include all customers receiving telephone service.

Overview
 
For the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, our income from operations was $230 million and $200 million, respectively, and for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, our income from operations was $435 million and $356 million, respectively.  We had operating margins of 14% and 13% for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and 14% and 12% for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The increase in income from operations and operating margins for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 was principally due to an increase in revenue over cash expenses as a result of increased customers for high-speed Internet, digital video, and telephone, as well as overall rate increases.

We have a history of net losses.  Further, we 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 amounts of debt, and depreciation expenses resulting from the capital investments we have made and continue to make in our cable properties.  We expect that these expenses will remain significant.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

For a discussion of our critical accounting policies and the means by which we develop estimates therefore, see "Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
 
21


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table sets forth the percentages of revenues that items in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations constituted for the periods presented (dollars in millions, except per share data):

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
                                                 
REVENUES
  $ 1,623       100 %   $ 1,499       100 %   $ 3,187       100 %   $ 2,924       100 %
                                                                 
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
                                                               
Operating (excluding depreciation and
     amortization)
    698       43 %     647       43 %     1,380       43 %     1,278       44 %
Selling, general and administrative
    342       21 %     317       21 %     687       22 %     620       21 %
Depreciation and amortization
    328       20 %     334       23 %     649       20 %     665       23 %
Other operating expenses, net
    25       2 %     1       --       36       1 %     5       --  
                                                                 
      1,393       86 %     1,299       87 %     2,752       86 %     2,568       88 %
                                                                 
Income from operations
    230       14 %     200       13 %     435       14 %     356       12 %
                                                                 
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES):
                                                               
Interest expense, net
    (474 )             (462 )             (939 )             (926 )        
Change in value of derivatives
    26               (3 )             (11 )             (4 )        
Other income (expense), net
    1               (36 )             (2 )             (39 )        
                                                                 
      (447 )             (501 )             (952 )             (969 )        
                                                                 
Loss before income taxes
    (217 )             (301 )             (517 )             (613 )        
                                                                 
INCOME TAX EXPENSE
    (59 )             (59 )             (117 )             (128 )        
                                                                 
Net loss
  $ (276 )           $ (360 )           $ (634 )           $ (741 )        
                                                                 
LOSS PER COMMON SHARE
  $ (.74 )           $ (0.98 )           $ (1.71 )           $ (2.02 )        
                                                                 
Weighted average common shares
outstanding, basic and diluted
    371,652,070               367,582,677               370,868,849               366,855,427          

Revenues.  Average monthly revenue per basic video customer increased to $104 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 from $93 for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and increased to $102 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 from $88 for the six months ended June 30, 2007.  Average monthly revenue per basic video customer represents total revenue, divided by the number of respective months, divided by the average number of basic video customers during the respective period.  Revenue growth primarily reflects increases in the number of telephone, high-speed Internet, and digital video customers, price increases, and incremental video revenues from OnDemand, DVR, and high-definition television services, offset by a decrease in basic video customers.  Cable system sales, net of acquisitions, in 2007 reduced the increase in revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 as compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 by approximately $9 million and $18 million, respectively.
 
 
22


Revenues by service offering were as follows (dollars in millions):

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008 over 2007
 
   
Revenues
   
% of
Revenues
   
Revenues
   
% of
Revenues
   
Change
   
% Change
 
                                     
Video
  $ 874       54 %   $ 859       57 %   $ 15       2 %
High-speed Internet
    339       21 %     308       21 %     31       10 %
Telephone
    134       8 %     80       5 %     54       68 %
Commercial
    96       6 %     83       6 %     13       16 %
Advertising sales
    75       5 %     76       5 %     (1 )     (1 %)
Other
    105       6 %     93       6 %     12       13 %
                                                 
    $ 1,623       100 %   $ 1,499       100 %   $ 124       8 %

   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008 over 2007
 
   
Revenues
   
% of
Revenues
   
Revenues
   
% of
Revenues
   
Change
   
% Change
 
                                     
Video
  $ 1,732       54 %   $ 1,697       58 %   $ 35       2 %
High-speed Internet
    667       21 %     602       21 %     65       11 %
Telephone
    255       8 %     143       5 %     112       78 %
Commercial
    189       6 %     164       6 %     25       15 %
Advertising sales
    143       5 %     139       4 %     4       3 %
Other
    201       6 %     179       6 %     22       12 %
                                                 
    $ 3,187       100 %   $ 2,924       100 %   $ 263       9 %

Video revenues consist primarily of revenues from basic and digital video services provided to our non-commercial customers.  Basic video customers decreased by 214,800 customers from June 30, 2007, 53,000 of which was related to asset sales, net of acquisitions, compared to June 30, 2008.  Digital video customers increased by 190,900, reduced by the sale, net of acquisitions, of 22,200 customers.  The increases in video revenues are attributable to the following (dollars in millions):

   
Three months ended
June 30, 2008
compared to
three months ended
June 30, 2007
Increase / (Decrease)
   
Six months ended
June 30, 2008
compared to
six months ended
June 30, 2007
Increase / (Decrease)
 
             
Incremental video services and rate adjustments
  $ 22     $ 51  
Increase in digital video customers
    18       33  
Decrease in basic video customers
    (19 )     (36 )
System sales, net of acquisitions
    (6 )     (13 )
                 
    $ 15     $ 35  

High-speed Internet customers grew by 204,100 customers, reduced by system sales, net of acquisitions, of 5,300 customers, from June 30, 2007 to June 30, 2008.  The increase in high-speed Internet revenues from our residential customers is attributable to the following (dollars in millions):
 
 
23


   
Three months ended
June 30, 2008
compared to
three months ended
June 30, 2007
Increase / (Decrease)
   
Six months ended
June 30, 2008
compared to
six months ended
June 30, 2007
Increase / (Decrease)
 
             
Increase in high-speed Internet customers
  $ 28     $ 61  
Rate adjustments and service upgrades
    4       6  
System sales, net of acquisitions
    (1 )     (2 )
                 
    $ 31     $ 65  

Revenues from telephone services increased primarily as a result of an increase of 475,200 telephone customers (1,000 of which was related to system acquisitions, net of sales) from June 30, 2007 to June 30, 2008.

Commercial revenues consist primarily of revenues from services provided to our commercial customers.  Commercial revenues increased primarily as a result of increases in commercial high-speed Internet and telephone customers, offset by decreases of $1 million related to asset sales, net of acquisitions, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008.

Advertising sales revenues consist primarily of revenues from commercial advertising customers, programmers, and other vendors.  Advertising sales revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2008 increased primarily as a result of an increase in political advertising sales offset by decreased revenues from the automotive and furniture sectors and decreases of $1 million and $2 million related to asset sales, net of acquisitions, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively.  For the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, we received $3 million and $2 million, respectively, and for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, we received $7 million and $6 million, respectively, in advertising sales revenues from vendors.

Other revenues consist of franchise fees, regulatory fees, customer installations, home shopping, late payment fees, wire maintenance fees and other miscellaneous revenues.  For the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, franchise fees represented approximately 48% and 49%, respectively, of total other revenues.  For the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, franchise fees represented approximately 47% and 50%, respectively, of total other revenues.  The increase in other revenues was primarily the result of increases in franchise and other regulatory fees, wire maintenance fees, and late payment fees.

Operating expenses.  The increase in operating expenses is attributable to the following (dollars in millions):

   
Three months ended
June 30, 2008
compared to
three months ended
June 30, 2007
Increase / (Decrease)
   
Six months ended
June 30, 2008
compared to
six months ended
June 30, 2007
Increase / (Decrease)
 
             
Programming costs
  $ 24     $ 44  
Labor costs
    10       30  
Regulatory taxes
    9       14  
Franchise costs
    3       5  
Maintenance costs
    5       9  
Other, net
    5       10  
System sales, net of acquisitions
    (5 )     (10 )
                 
    $ 51     $ 102  

Programming costs were approximately $410 million and $388 million, representing 59% and 60% of total operating expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and were approximately $819 million and $781 million, representing 59% and 61% of total operating expenses for the six months ended June 30,
 
 
24

 
2008 and 2007, respectively.  Programming costs consist primarily of costs paid to programmers for basic, premium, digital, OnDemand, and pay-per-view programming.  The increase in programming costs is primarily a result of annual contractual rate adjustments, offset in part by system sales.  Programming costs were impacted by approximately $6 million and $2 million of favorable programming contract settlements in the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, respectively, that did not recur in 2008.  Programming costs were also offset by the amortization of payments received from programmers in support of launches of new channels of $7 million and $5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $12 million and $10 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  We expect programming expenses to continue to increase due to a variety of factors, including annual increases imposed by programmers, amounts paid for retransmission consent, and additional programming, including high-definition, OnDemand, and pay-per-view programming, being provided to our customers.

Labor costs increased primarily due to an increased headcount to support improved service levels and telephone deployment.

Selling, general and administrative expenses. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses is attributable to the following (dollars in millions):

   
Three months ended
June 30, 2008
compared to
three months ended
June 30, 2007
Increase / (Decrease)
   
Six months ended
June 30, 2008
compared to
six months ended
June 30, 2007
Increase / (Decrease)
 
             
Employee costs
  $ 5     $ 21  
Marketing costs
    8       15  
Bad debt and collection costs
    3       11  
Billing costs
    5       8  
Stock compensation costs
    3       6  
Other, net
    3       9  
System sales, net of acquisitions
    (2 )     (3 )
                 
    $ 25     $ 67  

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense decreased by $6 million and $16 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to June 30, 2007, respectively, and was primarily the result of certain assets becoming fully depreciated and the impact of changes in the useful lives of certain assets during 2007, offset by depreciation on capital expenditures.

Other operating expenses, net.  For the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to June 30, 2007, the increase in other operating expenses, net was primarily attributable to a $22 million and $30 million increase in special charges, respectively.  For more information, see Note 9 to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements contained in “Item 1. Financial Statements.”

Interest expense, net. For the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to June 30, 2007, net interest expense increased by $12 million, which was a result of average debt outstanding increasing from $19.4 billion for the second quarter of 2007 to $20.5 billion for the second quarter of 2008, offset by a decrease in our average borrowing rate from 9.2% in the second quarter of 2007 to 8.9% in the second quarter of 2008.  For the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to June 30, 2007, net interest expense increased by $13 million, which was a result of average debt outstanding increasing from $19.4 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2007 to $20.4 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2008, offset by a decrease in our average borrowing rate from 9.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2007 to 8.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2008.
 
 
25


Other income (expense), net (dollars in millions).

   
Three months ended
June 30, 2008
compared to
three months ended
June 30, 2007
   
Six months ended
June 30, 2008
compared to
six months ended
June 30, 2007
 
             
Decrease  in loss on extinguishment of debt
  $ 38     $ 39  
Increase in minority interest
    (1 )     (1 )
Other, net
    --       (1 )
                 
    $ 37     $ 37  

For more information, see Note 10 to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements contained in “Item 1. Financial Statements.”

Change in value of derivatives. Interest rate swaps are held to manage our interest costs and reduce our exposure to increases in floating interest rates.  Additionally, certain provisions of our 5.875% and 6.50% convertible senior notes issued in November 2004 and October 2007, respectively, were considered embedded derivatives for accounting purposes and were required to be accounted for separately from the convertible senior notes and marked to fair value at the end of each reporting period.  Change in value of derivatives consists of the following for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 (dollars in millions):

   
Three months ended June 30,
   
Six months ended June 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
                         
Interest rate swaps
  $ 36     $ 6     $ 6     $ 5  
Embedded derivatives from convertible senior notes
    (10 )     (9 )     (17 )     (9 )