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, 2012
 
OR
 
 
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
 
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from           to
 
Commission File No. 0-15279

 
GENERAL COMMUNICATION, INC.
 
 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 

 
State of Alaska
 
92-0072737
 
 
(State or other jurisdiction of
 
(I.R.S Employer
 
 
incorporation or organization)
 
Identification No.)
 

 
2550 Denali Street
     
 
Suite 1000
     
 
Anchorage, Alaska
 
99503
 
 
(Address of principal
executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 

 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (907) 868-5600

 
Not Applicable
 
 
Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report
 

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

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

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

Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer x
Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company o

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

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's classes of common stock as of July 31, 2012, was:

38,686,825 shares of Class A common stock; and
3,169,699 shares of Class B common stock.

 
1

 

GENERAL COMMUNICATION, INC.
FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2012

TABLE OF CONTENTS

         
Page No.
           
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
  3
           
Part I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
           
 
Item I.
Financial Statements
     
           
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) as of June 30, 2012
 and December 31, 2011
      4
           
   
Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011
      6
           
   
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (unaudited) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011
      7
           
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011
      8
           
   
Condensed Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
      9
           
 
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
     
   
  and Results of Operations
      29
           
 
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
      47
           
 
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
      47
           
Part II.  OTHER INFORMATION
     
           
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
      48
           
 
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
      48
           
 
Item 6.
Exhibits
      49
           
 
Other items are omitted, as they are not applicable.
   
           
SIGNATURES
      50


 
2

 


Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 
You should carefully review the information contained in this Quarterly Report, but should particularly consider any risk factors that we set forth in this Quarterly Report and in other reports or documents that we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). In this Quarterly Report, in addition to historical information, we state our future strategies, plans, objectives or goals and our beliefs of future events and of our future operating results, financial position and cash flows. In some cases, you can identify these so-called “forward-looking statements” by words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “project,” or “continue” or the negative of these words and other comparable words. All forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance, achievements, plans and objectives to differ materially from any future results, performance, achievements, plans and objectives expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. In evaluating these statements, you should specifically consider various factors, including those identified under “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of our December 31, 2011 annual report on Form 10-K.  Those factors may cause our actual results to differ materially from any of our forward-looking statements. For these forward looking statements, we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

You should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Further, any forward-looking statement, and the related risks, uncertainties and other factors speak only as of the date on which they were originally made and we expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect any change in our expectations with regard to these statements or any other change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict what factors will arise or when. In addition, we cannot assess the impact of each factor on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

 
3

 

 
 
 
   
 
 
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
ITEM I. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
GENERAL COMMUNICATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
(Amounts in thousands)
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
ASSETS
 
2012
   
2011
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
   
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 22,116       29,387  
 
               
Receivables
    161,840       141,827  
Less allowance for doubtful receivables
    3,199       5,796  
Net receivables
    158,641       136,031  
 
               
Deferred income taxes
    15,555       15,555  
Prepaid expenses
    9,302       7,899  
Inventories
    16,023       7,522  
Other current assets
    3,366       3,631  
Total current assets
    225,003       200,025  
 
               
Property and equipment in service, net of depreciation
    822,859       849,121  
Construction in progress
    71,668       42,918  
Net property and equipment
    894,527       892,039  
 
               
Cable certificates
    191,635       191,635  
Goodwill
    74,883       74,883  
Wireless licenses
    25,967       25,967  
Restricted cash
    14,804       15,910  
Other intangible assets, net of amortization
    16,344       15,835  
Deferred loan and senior notes costs, net of amortization
  of $3,697 and $2,880 at June 30, 2012 and December
  31, 2011, respectively
    11,917       12,812  
Other assets
    14,777       17,214  
Total other assets
    350,327       354,256  
Total assets
  $ 1,469,857       1,446,320  
 
               
See accompanying condensed notes to interim consolidated financial statements.
 
 
               
 
               
 
               
 
         
(Continued)
 

 
4

 


GENERAL COMMUNICATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(Unaudited)
 
(Continued)
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
(Amounts in thousands)
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
2012
   
2011
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
   
 
 
Current maturities of obligations under long-term debt and
  capital leases
  $ 7,612       8,797  
Accounts payable
    39,382       41,353  
Deferred revenue
    25,018       22,003  
Accrued payroll and payroll related obligations
    21,533       22,126  
Accrued interest
    6,753       6,680  
Accrued liabilities
    15,216       11,423  
Subscriber deposits
    1,346       1,250  
Total current liabilities
    116,860       113,632  
 
               
Long-term debt, net
    874,505       858,031  
Obligations under capital leases, excluding current maturities
    75,777       78,605  
Obligation under capital lease due to related party, excluding
  current maturity
    1,893       1,893  
Deferred income taxes
    119,350       114,234  
Long-term deferred revenue
    86,096       81,822  
Other liabilities
    24,082       24,456  
Total liabilities
    1,298,563       1,272,673  
 
               
Commitments and contingencies
               
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Common stock (no par):
               
Class A. Authorized 100,000 shares; issued 38,843 and
               
39,296 shares at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively; outstanding 38,650 and 39,043 shares at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively
    25,909       26,179  
Class B. Authorized 10,000 shares; issued and
               
outstanding 3,171 shares each at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011; convertible on a share-per-share basis into Class A common stock
    2,678       2,679  
Less cost of 193 and 253 Class A common shares held
               
in treasury at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively
    (1,707 )     (2,225 )
Paid-in capital
    25,138       32,795  
Retained earnings
    103,322       97,911  
Total General Communication, Inc. stockholders' equity
    155,340       157,339  
Non-controlling interest
    15,954       16,308  
Total stockholders’ equity
    171,294       173,647  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 1,469,857       1,446,320  
 
               
See accompanying condensed notes to interim consolidated financial statements.
 

 
5

 

GENERAL COMMUNICATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
 
 
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Revenues
  $ 176,104       168,089       348,011       332,866  
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and
                               
amortization shown separately below)
    58,073       57,314       114,933       111,070  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    60,048       57,697       123,030       116,590  
Depreciation and amortization expense
    33,350       30,779       65,730       62,645  
 Operating income
    24,633       22,299       44,318       42,561  
Other income (expense):
                               
Interest expense (including amortization
                               
of deferred loan fees)
    (16,948 )     (17,294 )     (34,103 )     (34,746 )
Loss on extinguishment of debt
    -       (9,111 )     -       (9,111 )
Interest income
    4       4       6       8  
Other
    84       (9 )     (47 )     (33 )
 Other expense, net
    (16,860 )     (26,410 )     (34,144 )     (43,882 )
   Income (loss) before income tax (expense) benefit
    7,773       (4,111 )     10,174       (1,321 )
Income tax (expense) benefit
    (3,968 )     2,067       (5,117 )     676  
   Net income (loss)
    3,805       (2,044 )     5,057       (645 )
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest
    177       -       354       -  
  Net income (loss) attributable to General
   Communication, Inc.
  $ 3,982       (2,044 )     5,411       (645 )
Basic net income (loss) attributable to General
  Communication, Inc. common stockholders per Class A
  common share
  $ 0.10       (0.04 )     0.13       (0.01 )
Basic net income (loss) attributable to General
  Communication, Inc. common stockholders per Class B
  common share
  $ 0.10       (0.04 )     0.13       (0.01 )
Diluted net income (loss) attributable to General
  Communication, Inc. common stockholders per Class A
  common share
  $ 0.09       (0.04 )     0.13       (0.02 )
Diluted net income (loss) attributable to General
  Communication, Inc. common stockholders per Class B
  common share
  $ 0.09       (0.04 )     0.13       (0.02 )
 
                               
See accompanying condensed notes to interim consolidated financial statements.
                 

 
6

 

GENERAL COMMUNICATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2012 AND 2011
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
(Amounts in thousands)
 
Class A
Common
Stock
   
Class B
Common
Stock
   
Class A
and B
Shares
Held in
Treasury
   
Paid-in
Capital
   
Retained
Earnings
   
Non-
controlling
Interest
   
Total
Stockholders’
Equity
 
Balances at January 1, 2011
  $ 69,396       2,677       (2,249 )     37,075       92,200       -       199,099  
Net loss
    -       -       -       -       (645 )     -       (645 )
Common stock repurchases and
  retirements
    (21,390 )     -       -       -       -       -       (21,390 )
Share-based
  compensation expense
    -       -       -       2,968       -       -       2,968  
Shares issued under stock
  option plan
    285       -       -       -       -       -       285  
Issuance of restricted stock awards
    511       -       -       (511 )     -       -       -  
Other
    (6 )     6       9       -       -       -       9  
Balances at June 30, 2011
  $ 48,796       2,683       (2,240 )     39,532       91,555       -       180,326  
 
                                                       
Balances at January 1, 2012
  $ 26,179       2,679       (2,225 )     32,795       97,911       16,308       173,647  
Net income (loss)
    -       -       -       -       5,411       (354 )     5,057  
Common stock repurchases and
  retirements
    (12,184 )     -       -       -       -       -       (12,184 )
Share-based compensation
  expense
    -       -       -       2,831       -       -       2,831  
Shares issued under stock
  option plan
    1,356       -       -       -       -       -       1,356  
Issuance of restricted stock
  awards
    10,557       -       -       (10,557 )     -       -       -  
Issuance of treasury shares
  related to deferred compensation
  payout
    -       -       511       69       -       -       580  
Other
    1       (1 )     7       -       -       -       7  
Balances at June 30, 2012
  $ 25,909       2,678       (1,707 )     25,138       103,322       15,954       171,294  
 
                                                       
See accompanying condensed notes to interim consolidated financial statements.
 

 
7

 

GENERAL COMMUNICATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2012 AND 2011
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
(Amounts in thousands)
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
   
 
 
Net income (loss)
  $ 5,057       (645 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
               
provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization expense
    65,730       62,645  
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
    5,117       (676 )
Share-based compensation expense
    2,595       2,840  
Loss on extinguishment of debt
    -       9,111  
Other noncash income and expense items
    3,695       4,563  
Change in operating assets and liabilities
    (29,054 )     (27,996 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
    53,140       49,842  
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Purchases of property and equipment
    (59,950 )     (71,892 )
Purchases of other assets and intangible assets
    (3,274 )     (3,247 )
Restricted cash
    1,106       -  
Other
    -       233  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (62,118 )     (74,906 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Borrowing on Senior Credit Facility
    30,000       68,000  
Repayment of debt and capital lease obligations
    (20,790 )     (348,873 )
Purchase of treasury stock to be retired
    (12,184 )     (21,390 )
Borrowing of other long-term debt
    3,249       2,841  
Proceeds from stock options
    1,356       -  
Issuance of 2021 Notes
    -       325,000  
Payment of Senior Notes call premiums
    -       (4,728 )
Payment of debt issuance costs
    -       (3,272 )
Other
    76       285  
Net cash provided by financing activities
    1,707       17,863  
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (7,271 )     (7,201 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    29,387       33,070  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 22,116       25,869  
 
               
See accompanying condensed notes to interim consolidated financial statements.
 
 
               

 
8

 
GENERAL COMMUNICATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)


The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements include the accounts of General Communication, Inc. (“GCI”) and its direct and indirect subsidiaries and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. They should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011, filed with the SEC on March 9, 2012, as part of our annual report on Form 10-K.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for an entire year or any other period.

(1)         Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Principles
In the following discussion, GCI and its direct and indirect subsidiaries are referred to as “we,” “us” and “our.”

 
 (a)
Business
GCI, an Alaska corporation, was incorporated in 1979. We offer the following services primarily in Alaska:

·  
Postpaid and prepaid wireless telephone services and sale of wireless telephone handsets and accessories,
·  
Video services throughout Alaska,
·  
Internet access services,
·  
Wireless roaming for certain wireless carriers and origination and termination of wireline traffic in Alaska for certain common carriers,
·  
Competitive and incumbent local access services throughout Alaska,
·  
Long-distance telephone service,
·  
Data network services,
·  
Broadband services, including our SchoolAccess® offering to rural school districts, our ConnectMD® offering to rural hospitals and health clinics, and managed video conferencing,
·  
Managed services to certain commercial customers,
·  
Sales and service of dedicated communications systems and related equipment, and
·  
Lease, service arrangements and maintenance of capacity on our fiber optic cable systems used in the transmission of voice and data services within Alaska and between Alaska and the remaining United States and foreign countries.

 
(b)
Principles of Consolidation
      The consolidated financial statements include the consolidated accounts of GCI and its wholly owned subsidiaries, as well as a variable interest entity (“VIE”) in which we were the primary beneficiary, when on
      August 30, 2011, we provided certain loans and guarantees to Terra GCI Investment Fund, LLC (“TIF”).  We also include in our consolidated financial statements non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries
      for which our ownership is less than 100 percent.  All significant intercompany transactions between non-regulated affiliates of our company are eliminated.   Intercompany transactions generated between regulated
      and non-regulated affiliates of our company are not eliminated in consolidation.

 
(c)
Non-controlling Interest
       Non-controlling interests represent the equity ownership interests in consolidated subsidiaries not owned by us.  Non-controlling interest is adjusted for contributions, distributions, and earnings (loss) attributable to
       the non-controlling interest partners of the consolidated entities.  Income and loss is allocated to the non-controlling interest based on the respective partnership agreements.
 
 
9

GENERAL COMMUNICATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 

    (d)       Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-08, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350)”   allows an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. Under these amendments, an entity would not be required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines, based on a qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. The amendments include a number of events and circumstances for an entity to consider in conducting the qualitative assessment.   The adoption of ASU 2011-08 on January 1, 2012 did not have a material impact on our income statements, financial position or cash flows.

ASU 2011-04 “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”)” amended current guidance to achieve common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in GAAP and IFRS.  The amendments generally represent clarification of FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 820, but also include instances where a particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value or disclosing information about fair value measurements has changed.   The adoption of ASU 2011-04 on January 1, 2012 did not have a material impact on our income statements, financial position or cash flows.

 
(e)
Regulatory Accounting
We account for our regulated operations in accordance with the accounting principles for regulated enterprises.  This accounting recognizes the economic effects of rate regulation by recording cost and a return on investment as such amounts are recovered through rates authorized by regulatory authorities.  Accordingly, plant and equipment is depreciated over lives approved by regulators and certain costs and obligations are deferred based upon approvals received from regulators to permit recovery of such amounts in future years.  Our cost studies and depreciation rates for our regulated operations are subject to periodic audits that could result in a change to recorded revenues.

 
(f)
Earnings per Common Share
      We compute net income (loss) per share of Class A and Class B common stock using the “two class” method.  Therefore, basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) applicable to
      common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average
         number of common and dilutive common equivalent shares outstanding during the period.  The computation of the dilutive net income (loss) per share of Class A common stock assumes the conversion of Class B
         common stock to Class A common stock, while the dilutive net income (loss) per share of Class B common stock does not assume the conversion of those shares. Additionally in applying the “two-class” method,
         undistributed earnings are allocated to both common shares and participating securities. Our restricted stock grants are entitled to dividends and meet the criteria of a participating security.  
 
      Undistributed earnings for each year are allocated based on the contractual participation rights of Class A and Class B common shares as if the earnings for the year had been distributed.  In accordance with our
        Articles of Incorporation which provide that, if and when dividends are declared on our common stock in accordance with Alaska corporate law, equivalent dividends shall be paid with respect to the shares of
          Class A and Class B common stock. Both classes of common stock have identical dividend rights and would therefore share equally in our net assets in the event of liquidation. As such, we have allocated
          undistributed earnings on a proportionate basis.


 
10

 
GENERAL COMMUNICATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)


Earnings per common share (“EPS”) and common shares used to calculate basic and diluted EPS consist of the following (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):

 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
 
 
 
Class A
   
Class B
   
Class A
   
Class B
 
Basic net income (loss) per share:
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Numerator:
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Allocation of undistributed earnings (loss)
  $ 3,679       303     $ (1,904 )     (140 )
 
                               
Denominator:
                               
Weighted average common shares
  outstanding
    38,516       3,171       43,098       3,178  
Basic net income (loss) attributable to GCI
  common stockholders per common share
  $ 0.10       0.10     $ (0.04 )     (0.04 )
 
                               
Diluted net income (loss) per share:
                               
Numerator:
                               
Allocation of undistributed earnings (loss) for
  basic computation
  $ 3,679       303     $ (1,904 )     (140 )
Reallocation of undistributed earnings (loss) as a
  result of conversion of Class B to Class A
  shares
    303       -       (140 )     -  
Effect of share based compensation that may
  be settled in cash or shares
    (33 )     -       -       -  
Reallocation of undistributed earnings (loss) as a
  result of conversion of Class B to Class A
  shares outstanding
    -       (4 )     -       1  
Net income (loss) adjusted for allocation of
  undistributed earnings (loss) and effect of
  share based compensation that may be settled
  in cash or shares
  $ 3,949       299     $ (2,044 )     (139 )
 
                               
Denominator:
                               
Number of shares used in basic computation
    38,516       3,171       43,098       3,178  
Conversion of Class B to Class A common
  shares outstanding
    3,171       -       3,178       -  
Unexercised stock options
    304       -       -       -  
Effect of share based compensation that may
  be settled in cash or shares
    158       -       -       -  
Number of shares used in per share computations
    42,149       3,171       46,276       3,178  
Diluted net income (loss) attributable to GCI
  common stockholders per common share
  $ 0.09       0.09     $ (0.04 )     (0.04 )


 
11

 
GENERAL COMMUNICATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)



 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
 
 
 
Class A
   
Class B
   
Class A
   
Class B
 
Basic net income (loss) per share:
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Numerator:
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Allocation of undistributed earnings (loss)
  $ 5,001       410     $ (601 )     (44 )
 
                               
Denominator:
                               
Weighted average common shares
  outstanding
    38,629       3,171       43,536       3,178  
Basic net income (loss) attributable to GCI
  common stockholders per common share
  $ 0.13       0.13     $ (0.01 )     (0.01 )
 
                               
Diluted net income (loss) per share:
                               
Numerator:
                               
Allocation of undistributed earnings (loss) for
  basic computation
  $ 5,001       410     $ (601 )     (44 )
Reallocation of undistributed earnings (loss) as a
  result of conversion of Class B to Class A
  shares
    410       -       (44 )     -  
Effect of share based compensation that may
  be settled in cash or shares
    (118 )     -       (75 )     -  
Reallocation of undistributed earnings (loss) as a
  result of conversion of Class B to Class A
  shares outstanding
    -       (10 )     -       (5 )
Net income (loss) adjusted for allocation of
  undistributed earnings (loss) and effect of
  share based compensation that may be settled
  in cash or shares
  $ 5,293       400     $ (720 )     (49 )
 
                               
Denominator:
                               
Number of shares used in basic computation
    38,629       3,171       43,536       3,178  
Conversion of Class B to Class A common
  shares outstanding
    3,171       -       3,178       -  
Unexercised stock options
    272       -       -       -  
Effect of share based compensation that may
  be settled in cash or shares
    158       -       -       -  
Number of shares used in per share computations
    42,230       3,171       46,714       3,178  
Diluted net income (loss) attributable to GCI
  common stockholders per common share
  $ 0.13       0.13     $ (0.02 )     (0.02 )


 
12

 
GENERAL COMMUNICATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)

 
Weighted average shares associated with outstanding share awards for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, which have been excluded from the computations of diluted EPS, because the effect of including these share awards would have been anti-dilutive, consist of the following (shares in thousands):
 
   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Shares associated with anti-dilutive
  unexercised stock options
    35       36       13       14  
Share based compensation that may
  be settled in cash or shares, the effect
  of which is anti-dilutive
    -       515       -       524  

Weighted average shares associated with contingent awards for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, which have been excluded from the computations of diluted EPS because the contingencies of these awards have not been met at June 30, 2012 and 2011, consist of the following (shares in thousands):


   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Shares associated with contingent awards
    58       50       58       50  

 
(g)
Common Stock
Following are the changes in issued common stock for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 (shares in thousands):

 
 
 
Class A
   
Class B
 
Balances at December 31, 2010
    44,213       3,178  
Class B shares converted to Class A
    2       (2 )
Shares issued upon stock option exercises
    37       -  
Share awards issued
    416       -  
Shares retired
    (1,881 )     -  
Other
    (25 )     -  
 
Balances at June 30, 2011
    42,762       3,176  
 
 
               
Balances at December 31, 2011
    39,296       3,171  
Shares issued upon stock option exercises
    188       -  
Share awards issued
    520       -  
Shares retired
    (869 )     -  
Shares acquired to settle minimum statutory tax
  withholding requirements
    (291 )     -  
Other
 
    (1 )     -  
 
Balances at June 30, 2012
    38,843       3,171  

GCI’s Board of Directors has authorized a common stock buyback program for the repurchase of GCI’s Class A and Class B common stock in order to reduce the outstanding shares of Class A and Class B common stock.  We are authorized to increase our repurchase limit $5.0 million per quarter indefinitely and to use stock option exercise proceeds to repurchase additional shares.  If stock repurchases are less than the total approved quarterly amount the difference may be carried forward and used to repurchase additional shares in future quarters.  The cost of the repurchased common stock reduced Common Stock on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 
13

GENERAL COMMUNICATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 
During the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, we repurchased 6,000 and 1.2 million shares, respectively, of our Class A common stock under the stock buyback program at a cost of $51,000 and $14.1 million, respectively.  During the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, we repurchased 869,000 and 1.9 million shares, respectively, of our Class A common stock under the stock buyback program at a cost of $9.0 million and $21.1 million, respectively.  The amount available under the stock buyback program is $93.9 million at June 30, 2012.  The repurchased stock was constructively retired as of June 30, 2012.

We expect to continue the repurchases for an indefinite period dependent on leverage, liquidity, company performance, market conditions and subject to continued oversight by GCI’s Board of Directors. The open market repurchases have complied and will continue to comply with the restrictions of Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 
(h)
Revenue Recognition
As an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier ("ETC"), we receive support from the Universal Service Fund ("USF") to support the provision of wireline local access and wireless service in high cost areas. On November 29, 2011, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) published a final rule to reform the methodology for distributing USF high cost support for voice and broadband services, as well as to the access charge regime for terminating traffic between carriers (“High Cost Order”).  The High Cost Order defined the division of support to Alaska between Urban and Remote areas.  The High Cost Order was a significant program change that required a reassessment of our high cost support revenue recognition.

Prior to the High Cost Order program changes we accrued Remote and Urban estimated program revenue quarterly based on current line counts, the most current rates paid to us, our assessment of the impact of current FCC regulations, and our assessment of the potential outcome of FCC proceedings. Our estimated accrued revenue is subject to our judgment regarding the outcome of many variables and is subject to upward or downward adjustments in subsequent periods. Our ability to collect our accrued USF support is contingent upon continuation of the USF program and upon our eligibility to participate in that program, which is subject to change by future regulatory, legislative or judicial actions. We adjust revenue and the account receivable in the period the FCC makes a program change or we assess the likelihood that such a change has increased or decreased revenue.

Remote High Cost Support
The High Cost Order mandated that as of January 1, 2012, Remote high cost support is based upon the total 2011 support disbursed to all subject Competitive Eligible Telecommunications Carriers (“CETCs”) (“Statewide Support Cap”).  On January 1, 2012, the rates paid in the Remote areas were mandated and frozen by the USF and cannot exceed $250 per line per month on a study area basis.  Line count growth that causes the Statewide Support Cap to be exceeded triggers a pro rata support payment reduction to all subject Alaska CETCs until the support is reduced down to the Statewide Support Cap amount.

The High Cost Order further mandated that on January 1, 2014, a freeze of Remote support will begin and subject CETC’s support payments will be frozen at the monthly average of 2013 annual support.  If a successor funding mechanism is operational on July 1, 2014, a 20% annual phase down will commence decreasing support 20% each annual period until no support is paid starting July 1, 2018.  If a successor funding mechanism is not operational on July 1, 2014, the phase down will not begin and the subject CETCs will continue to receive the monthly average of 2013 annual support until a successor funding mechanism is operational.  A subject CETC may not receive phase down support and support from a successor funding mechanism; one program or the other must be selected.  At this time we cannot predict the likelihood of a successor funding mechanism being operational on July 1, 2014 nor can we predict whether we can or will participate in a successor funding mechanism.

 
14

GENERAL COMMUNICATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 
As a result of the High Cost Order program changes for the areas designated Remote by the USF, beginning in the fourth quarter of 2011 we accrue estimated program revenue based on current line counts and the rates mandated and frozen by the USF, reduced as needed by our estimate of the impact of the Statewide Support Cap.  When determining the estimated program revenue accrual we also consider our assessment of the impact of current FCC regulations and of the potential outcome of FCC proceedings. Our estimated accrued revenue is subject to our judgment regarding the outcome of many variables and is subject to upward or downward adjustment in subsequent periods.

Urban High Cost Support
The High Cost Order mandated that as of January 1, 2012, Urban high cost support payments are frozen at the monthly average of the subject CETC’s 2011 annual support.  A 20% annual phase down will commence July 1, 2012, decreasing support 20% each annual period until no support is paid starting July 1, 2016.  If a successor funding mechanism is not operational on July 1, 2014, the phase down will stop at 60% and the subject CETCs will continue to receive annual support payments at the 60% level until a successor funding mechanism is operational.  Urban high cost support is no longer dependent upon line counts and line count filings are no longer required.

As a result of the High Cost Order program changes for the areas considered to be Urban by the USF we apply the proportional performance revenue recognition method to account for the impact of the declining payments while our level of service provided and associated costs remain constant.  Included in the calculation are the scheduled Urban high cost support payments from October 2011 through June 2014 net of our Urban accounts receivable balance at September 30, 2011.  An equal amount of this result is recognized as Urban support revenue each period.  At this time we cannot predict the likelihood of a successor funding mechanism being operational on July 1, 2014; therefore we have not included projected support payments beyond June 2014.

For both Remote and Urban high cost support revenue our ability to collect our accrued USF support is contingent upon continuation of the USF program and upon our eligibility to participate in that program, which is subject to change by future regulatory, legislative or judicial actions.  We adjust revenue and the account receivable in the period the FCC makes a program change or we assess the likelihood that such a change has increased or decreased revenue.  We do not recognize revenue until our ETC status has been approved by the Regulatory Commission of Alaska.

We recorded high cost support revenue under the USF program of $10.0 million and $13.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $21.1 million and $26.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  At June 30, 2012, we have $31.7 million and $5.5 million in Remote and Urban high cost accounts receivable, respectively.

 
(i)
Use of Estimates
      The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us 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.  Significant items subject to estimates and assumptions include the allowance for
      doubtful receivables, unbilled revenues, accrual of the USF high cost Remote area program support, share-based compensation, inventory at lower of cost or market, reserve for future customer credits, liability for
      incurred but not reported medical insurance claims, valuation allowances for deferred income tax assets, depreciable and amortizable lives of assets, the carrying value of long-lived assets including goodwill, cable
      certificates and wireless licenses, our effective tax rate, purchase price allocations, deferred lease expense, asset retirement obligations, the accrual of Cost of Goods Sold, depreciation and the accrual of
         contingencies and litigation.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 
15

GENERAL COMMUNICATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 
The accounting estimates related to revenues from the USF high cost Remote area program are dependent on various inputs including our estimate of the Statewide Support Cap, our assessment of the impact of new FCC regulations, and the potential outcome of FCC proceedings.  These inputs are subjective and based on our judgment regarding the outcome of certain variables and are subject to upward or downward adjustment in subsequent periods.  Effective in the fourth quarter of 2011, we changed our high cost support revenue recognition methodology due to the High Cost Order.  See Note 1(h) “Revenue Recognition” above for information.

 
(j)
Classification of Taxes Collected from Customers
       We report sales, use, excise, and value added taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are directly imposed on a revenue-producing transaction between us and a customer on a net basis in our Statements of
       Operations.  The following are certain surcharges reported on a gross basis in our Consolidated Statements of Operations (amounts in thousands):
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Surcharges reported gross
  $ 1,399       1,376       2,880       2,800  
                                 
                                 
 
(k)
Immaterial Error Correction
During the first quarter of 2012, we identified an error in the depreciable life of one fixed asset.  The error resulted in a $146,000 quarterly or $585,000 annual understatement of depreciation expense in 2007 through 2010 and a corresponding overstatement of net property and equipment in service for the same periods.  In the first and second quarters of 2011 the error resulted in a $146,000 quarterly understatement of depreciation expense and a corresponding overstatement of net property and equipment in service for the same periods.  In the third and fourth quarters of 2011 the error resulted in a $49,000 quarterly overstatement of depreciation expense and a corresponding understatement of net property and equipment in service for the same periods.  The net annual misstatement to 2011 was a $195,000 understatement to depreciation expense and a corresponding overstatement of net property and equipment in service for the same period.    In order to assess materiality of this error we considered Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) 99, “Materiality” and SAB 108, “Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements,” and determined that the impact of this error on prior period consolidated financial statements was immaterial. Although the error was and continues to be immaterial to prior periods, because of the significance of the out-of-period correction in the first quarter of 2012, we revised our prior period financial statements.  The impact of the immaterial error correction adjustment for the periods presented is as follows (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheet as of
  December 31, 2011:
 
As Previously Reported
   
Adjustment
   
As Revised
 
Property and equipment in service, net of
  depreciation
  $ 851,705       (2,584 )     849,121  
Net property and equipment
    894,623       (2,584 )     892,039  
Total assets
    1,448,904       (2,584 )     1,446,320  
Deferred income taxes
    115,296       (1,062 )     114,234  
Total liabilities
    1,273,735       (1,062 )     1,272,673  
Retained earnings
    99,433       (1,522 )     97,911  
Total GCI stockholders' equity
    158,861       (1,522 )     157,339  
Total stockholders' equity
    175,169       (1,522 )     173,647  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
    1,448,904       (2,584 )     1,446,320  
 
 
16

GENERAL COMMUNICATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 
 
                       
Consolidated Statements of Operations
  for the Three Months Ended
  June 30, 2011:
   As Previously Reported      Adjustment      As Revised  
Depreciation and amortization expense
    30,632       147       30,779  
Operating income
    22,446       (147 )     22,299  
Loss before income tax benefit
    (3,964 )     (147 )     (4,111 )
Income tax benefit
    (2,007 )     (60 )     (2,067 )
Net loss
    (1,957 )     (87 )     (2,044 )
 
                       
Consolidated Statements of Operations
  for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011:
                       
Depreciation and amortization expense
    62,352       293       62,645  
Operating income
    42,854       (293 )     42,561  
Loss before income tax benefit
    (1,028 )     (293 )     (1,321 )
Income tax benefit
    (556 )     (120 )     (676 )
Net loss
    (472 )     (173 )     (645 )
Diluted net loss attributable to General
                       
  Communication, Inc. common stockholders
                       
  per Class A common share
    (0.01 )     (0.01 )     (0.02 )
Diluted net loss attributable to General
                       
  Communication, Inc. common stockholders
                       
  per Class B common share
    (0.01 )     (0.01 )     (0.02 )
 
                       
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders'
  Equity for the Six Months Ended
  June 30, 2011:
                       
Retained earnings, balance at January 1, 2011
    93,607       (1,407 )     92,200  
Net loss
    (472 )     (173 )     (645 )
Retained earnings, balance at June 30, 2011
    93,135       (1,580 )     91,555  
Total stockholders' equity, balance at
  January 1, 2011
    200,506       (1,407 )     199,099  
Total stockholders' equity, balance at
  June 30, 2011
    181,906       (1,580 )     180,326  
 
                       
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011:
                       
Net loss
    (472 )     (173 )     (645 )
Depreciation and amortization expense
    62,352       293       62,645  
Income tax benefit
    (556 )     (120 )     (676 )
 
                       

 
17
 

GENERAL COMMUNICATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 
(2)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Disclosures
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities consist of (amounts in thousands):

Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2012
   
2011
 
Increase in accounts receivable, net
  $ (24,272 )     (27,245 )
Increase in prepaid expenses
    (1,403 )     (3,191 )
Increase in inventories
    (8,501 )     (719 )
Decrease in other current assets
    265       206  
Decrease in other assets
    2,768       1,857  
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable
    (7,084 )     2,361  
Increase in deferred revenues
    3,015       864  
Decrease in accrued payroll and
  payroll related obligations
    (889 )     (1,559 )
Increase in accrued liabilities
    4,304       134  
Increase (decrease) in accrued interest
    73       (6,130 )
Increase (decrease) in subscriber deposits
    96       (49 )
Increase in long-term deferred revenue
    4,274       7,470  
Decrease in components of other
  long-term liabilities
    (1,700 )     (1,995 )
 
  $ (29,054 )     (27,996 )

The following items are for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 (amounts in thousands):

Net cash paid or received:
 
2012
   
2011
 
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized
  $ 34,671       40,614  

The following items are non-cash investing and financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 (amounts in thousands):

 
 
2012
   
2011
 
Non-cash additions for purchases of property and
  equipment
  $ 12,680       9,388  
Deferred compensation distribution denominated in
  shares
  $ 511       -  
Asset retirement obligation additions to property and
  equipment
  $ 132       123  
Asset retirement obligation reductions to property and
  equipment for revisions to previous estimates
  $ -       294  
Write-off of original issue discount on 2014 Notes
  $ -       1,530  

 
(3)
Intangible Assets
    Amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets was as follows (amounts in thousands):

 
 
Three Months Ended June 30
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Amortization expense
  $ 1,324       1,583       2,625       3,156  

 
18

GENERAL COMMUNICATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 
Amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets for each of the five succeeding fiscal years is estimated to be (amounts in thousands):

Years Ending December 31,
 
 
 
2012 
  $ 4,722  
2013 
    3,808  
2014 
    3,036  
2015 
    1,835  
2016 
    670  

(4)
Financial Instruments

Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties. At June 30, 2012, and December 31, 2011, the fair values of cash and cash equivalents, net receivables, accounts payable, accrued payroll and payroll related obligations, accrued interest, accrued liabilities, and subscriber deposits approximate their carrying value due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments. The carrying amounts and approximate fair values of our financial instruments at June 30, 2012, and December 31, 2011, follow (amounts in thousands):

 
 
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
 
 
 
Carrying Amount
   
Fair Value
   
Carrying Amount
   
Fair Value
 
Current and long-term debt and
  capital lease obligations
  $ 959,787       989,096       947,326       942,895  
Other liabilities
    109,785       108,893       106,002       105,173  

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate fair values:

 
Current and long-term debt and capital lease obligations:  The fair values of the $325.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.75% Senior Notes due 2021 (“2021 Notes”) issued by GCI, Inc., our wholly owned subsidiary, the $425.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 8.63% Senior Notes due 2019 (“2019 Notes”) issued by GCI, Inc., Rural Utilities Service debt, CoBank mortgage note payable, and capital leases are based upon quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered to us for the same remaining maturities.  The fair value of our $50.0 million term loan and $40.0 million revolving credit facility is estimated to approximate the carrying value because this instrument is subject to variable interest rates.

 
Other Liabilities:  Lease escalation liabilities are valued at the discounted amount of future cash flows using quoted market prices on current rates offered to us. Deferred compensation liabilities are carried at fair value, which is the amount payable as of the balance sheet date. Asset retirement obligations are recorded at their fair value and, over time, the liability is accreted to its present value each period. Our non-employee share-based compensation awards are reported at their fair value at each reporting period.


 
19

 
GENERAL COMMUNICATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)


Fair Value Measurements
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2012, and December 31, 2011, are as follows (amounts in thousands):

 
 
Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using
 
June 30, 2012 Assets
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
   
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
Deferred compensation plan assets
  (mutual funds)
  $ 1,662       -       -  
Total assets at fair value
  $ 1,662       -       -  
 
                       
December 31, 2011 Assets
                       
Deferred compensation plan assets
  (mutual funds)
  $ 1,600       -       -  
Total assets at fair value
  $ 1,600       -       -  

The valuation of our mutual funds is determined using quoted market prices in active markets utilizing market observable inputs.

(5)
Stockholders’ Equity
 
    Shared-Based Compensation
 
    Our Amended and Restated 1986 Stock Option Plan ("Stock Option Plan"), provides for the grant of options and restricted stock awards (collectively "award") for a maximum of 15.7 million shares of GCI Class A common
    stock, subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of stock dividends, stock splits, mergers, consolidations or certain other changes in corporate structure or capitalization. If an award expires or terminates, the shares subject
    to the award will be available for further grants of awards under the Stock Option Plan. The Compensation Committee of GCI’s Board of Directors administers the Stock Option Plan. Substantially all restricted stock awards
    granted vest over periods of up to three years. Substantially all options vest in equal installments over a period of five years and expire ten years from the date of grant. The requisite service period of our awards is generally
    the same as the vesting period.  Options granted pursuant to the Stock Option Plan are only exercisable if at the time of exercise the option holder is our employee, non-employee director, or a consultant or advisor working
    on our behalf.  New shares are issued when stock option agreements are exercised or restricted stock awards are granted.  We have 3.9 million shares available for grant under the Stock Option Plan at June 30, 2012.

    The fair value of restricted stock awards is determined based on the number of shares granted and the quoted price of our common stock.  We use a Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model to estimate the fair value of
    stock options issued.  The Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model incorporates various and highly subjective assumptions, including expected term and expected volatility.  We have reviewed our historical pattern of
    option exercises and have determined that meaningful differences in option exercise activity existed among employee job categories. Therefore, we have categorized these awards into two groups of employees for valuation
    purposes.

    We estimated the expected term of options granted by evaluating the vesting period of stock options, employee’s past exercise and post-vesting employment departure behavior, and expected volatility of the price of the
    underlying shares.

 
20

GENERAL COMMUNICATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 
    We estimated the expected volatility of our common stock at the grant date using the historical volatility of our common stock over the most recent period equal to the expected stock option term and evaluated the extent to
    which available information indicated that future volatility may differ from historical volatility.

    The risk-free interest rate assumption was determined using the Federal Reserve nominal rates for U.S. Treasury zero-coupon bonds with maturities similar to those of the expected term of the award being valued. We have
    never paid any cash dividends on our common stock and we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Therefore, we assumed an expected dividend yield of zero.

    We estimate pre-vesting option forfeitures at the time of grant and periodically revise those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. We record share-based compensation expense only
    for those awards expected to vest using an estimated forfeiture rate based on our historical pre-vesting forfeiture data.  We review our forfeiture estimates annually and adjust our share-based compensation expense in the
    period our estimate changes.

    A summary of option activity under the Stock Option Plan for the six months ended June 30, 2012 is presented below (share amounts in thousands):

 
 
 
   
 
 
Weighted
 
 
 
 
   
Weighted
 
Average
Aggregate
 
 
 
   
Average
 
Remaining
Intrinsic
 
 
 
   
Exercise
 
Contractual
Value
 
 
Shares
   
Price
 
Term
(in thousands)
Outstanding at January 1, 2012
    1,087     $ 7.27  
 
 
Exercised
    (188 )   $ 7.26  
 
 
Forfeited
    (5 )   $ 6.93  
 
 
Expired
    (11 )   $ 6.14  
 
 
Outstanding at June 30, 2012
    883     $ 7.29  
3.76 years
$ 1,124
Exercisable at June 30, 2012
    810     $ 7.33  
3.50 years
$ 1,008

    There were no options granted during the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.  The total fair value of options vested during the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, was $502,000 and $97,000, respectively.  The total
    intrinsic values, determined as of the date of exercise, of options exercised in the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, were $772,000 and $155,000, respectively.  We received $1.4 million and $285,000 in cash from stock
    option exercises during the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

    A summary of nonvested restricted stock award activity under the Stock Option Plan for the six months ended June 30, 2012, follows (share amounts in thousands):
 
 
 
   
Weighted
 
 
 
 
   
Average
 
 
 
 
   
Grant Date
 
 
 
Shares
   
Fair Value
 
Nonvested at January 1, 2012
    1,556     $ 6.89  
Granted
    420     $ 10.53  
Vested
    (984 )   $ 4.87  
Forfeited
    (2 )   $ 8.80  
Nonvested at June 30, 2012
    990     $ 10.42  


 
21

 
GENERAL COMMUNICATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)


    The following is a summary of our share-based compensation expense for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 (amounts in thousands):

 
 
2012
   
2011
 
Employee share-based compensation expense
  $ 2,831       2,968  
Adjustment to fair value of liability classified awards
    (236 )     (128 )
  Total share-based compensation expense
  $ 2,595       2,840  

    Share-based compensation expense is classified as Selling, General and Administrative Expense in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.  Unrecognized share-based compensation expense was $5.9 million relating to
    990,000 restricted stock awards and $169,000 relating to 67,000 unvested stock options as of June 30, 2012.  We expect to recognize share-based compensation expense over a weighted average period of 1.8 years for stock
    options and 2.0 years for restricted stock awards.

    On August 6, 2009, we filed a Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO (“Exchange Offer”) with the SEC.  The Exchange Offer was an offer by us to eligible officers, employees and stakeholders, other than officers of GCI who
    also serve on GCI’s Board of Directors (“Participants”) to exchange, on a grant-by-grant basis, their outstanding eligible stock options that were granted under our Stock Option Plan, whether vested or unvested, for shares of
    restricted stock of GCI Class A common stock that we granted under the Stock Option Plan (“Restricted Stock”). We issued 1,908,890 shares of Restricted Stock to Participants in accordance with the terms of the Exchange
    Offer.  In accordance with the terms of the Restricted Stock agreement, one-half of the Restricted Stock received in exchange for eligible options vested on December 20, 2011, and the remainder vested on February 28, 2012.

(6)
Industry Segments Data

Our reportable segments are business units that offer different products and are each managed separately.

A description of our reportable segments follows:

Consumer - We offer a full range of voice, video, data and wireless services to residential customers.

Network Access - We offer a full range of voice, data and wireless services to common carrier customers.

Commercial - We offer a full range of voice, video, data and wireless services to small businesses, local, national and global businesses, governmental entities and public and private educational institutions.

Managed Broadband - We offer data services to rural school districts, hospitals and health clinics through our SchoolAccess® and ConnectMD® initiatives and managed video conferencing.

Regulated Operations - We offer voice and data services to residential, business, and governmental customers in areas of rural Alaska.

    Corporate related expenses including engineering, information technology, accounting, legal and regulatory, human resources, and other general and administrative expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012
    and 2011 are allocated to our segments using segment margin for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Bad debt expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 is allocated to our
    segments using a combination of specific identification and allocations based upon segment revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Corporate related expenses and bad debt expense
    are specifically identified for our Regulated Operations segment and therefore, are not included in the allocations.
 
 
22

GENERAL COMMUNICATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 
    We evaluate performance and allocate resources based on earnings before depreciation and amortization, net interest expense, income taxes, share-based compensation expense, accretion expense, loss attributable to non-
    controlling interest, and non-cash contribution adjustment (“Adjusted EBITDA”). Management believes that this measure is useful to investors and other users of our financial information in evaluating operating profitability
    as an analytical indicator of income generated to service debt and fund capital expenditures.  In addition, multiples of current or projected earnings before depreciation and amortization, net interest expense, and income taxes
    (“EBITDA”) are used to estimate current or prospective enterprise value.  The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in Note 1, “Business and Summary of Significant Accounting
    Policies” of this Form 10-Q.  Intersegment sales are recorded at cost plus an agreed upon intercompany profit.
 
    We earn all revenues through sales of services and products within the United States. All of our long-lived assets are located within the United States of America, except approximately 82% of our undersea fiber optic cable
    systems which transit international waters and all of our satellite transponders.
 
    Summarized financial information for our reportable segments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 follows (amounts in thousands):
 
Three months ended June 30,
 
Consumer
   
Network Access
   
Commercial
   
Managed Broadband
   
Regulated Operations
   
Total Reportable Segments
 
2012 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Revenues:
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Intersegment
  $ (168 )     82       1,426       -       59       1,399  
External
    88,495       26,017       34,466       21,717       5,409       176,104  
Total revenues
    88,327       26,099       35,892       21,717       5,468       177,503  
Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 24,008       13,442       8,625       12,063       1,283       59,421  
 
                                               
2011 
                                               
Revenues:
                                               
Intersegment
  $ -       -       1,416       -       44       1,460  
External
    88,554       25,151       34,216       14,639       5,529       168,089  
Total revenues
    88,554       25,151       35,632       14,639       5,573       169,549  
Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 28,258       12,344       7,401       5,709       1,221       54,933  
 
                                               
 
                                               
Six months ended June 30,
 
Consumer
   
Network Access
   
Commercial
   
Managed Broadband
   
Regulated Operations
   
Total Reportable Segments
 
2012 
                                               
Revenues:
                                               
Intersegment
  $ 356       165       2,811       -       98       3,430  
External
    176,307       51,205       68,807       40,746       10,946       348,011  
Total revenues
    176,663       51,370       71,618       40,746       11,044       351,441  
Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 48,802       25,852       17,066       20,312       2,218       114,250  
 
                                               
2011 
                                               
Revenues:
                                               
Intersegment
  $ -       -       2,825       -       113       2,938  
External
    176,971       50,248       66,045       28,634       10,968       332,866  
Total revenues
    176,971       50,248       68,870       28,634       11,081       335,804  
Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 56,651       24,224       14,063       11,420       1,921       108,279  

 
23

GENERAL COMMUNICATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 
A reconciliation of reportable segment revenues to consolidated revenues follows (amounts in thousands):

 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Reportable segment revenues
  $ 177,503       169,549       351,441       335,804  
Less intersegment revenues eliminated in
   consolidation
    1,399       1,460       3,430       2,938  
Consolidated revenues
  $ 176,104       168,089       348,011       332,866  

A reconciliation of reportable segment Adjusted EBITDA to consolidated income (loss) before income taxes follows (amounts in thousands):
 

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Reportable segment Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 59,421       54,933       114,250       108,279  
Less depreciation and amortization expense
    (33,350 )     (30,779 )     (65,730 )     (62,645 )
Less share-based compensation expense
    (865 )     (1,670 )     (2,595 )     (2,840 )
Less non-cash contribution expense
    (160 )     -       (960 )     -  
Less net loss attributable to non-controlling interest
    (177 )     -       (354 )     -  
Plus net loss (income) attributable to equity investment
    (84 )     9       47       33  
Less accretion expense
    (152 )     (194 )     (340 )     (266 )
    Consolidated operating income
    24,633       22,299       44,318       42,561  
Less other expense, net
    (16,860 )     (26,410 )     (34,144 )     (43,882 )
    Consolidated income (loss) before income tax (expense) benefit
  $ 7,773       (4,111 )     10,174       (1,321 )

(7)
Non-controlling Interest
     On August 30, 2011, we entered into an arrangement under the New Markets Tax Credit (“NMTC”) program with US Bancorp to help fund a $35.2 million project to extend terrestrial broadband service for the first time to rural
     Northwestern Alaska communities via a high capacity hybrid fiber optic and microwave network.  When completed, the project, called TERRA-Northwest (“TERRA-NW”), will connect to our TERRA-SW network and provide
     a high capacity backbone connection from the served communities to the Internet.  Please see Note 13, “Commitments and Contingencies” in Item 8 “Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” in our
     December 31, 2011 annual report on Form 10-K for more information about TERRA-SW.  The NMTC program was provided for in the Community Renewal Tax Relief Act of 2000 (the “Act”) to induce capital investment in
     qualified lower income communities.  The Act permits taxpayers to claim credits against their federal income taxes for up to 39% of qualified investments in the equity of community development entities (“CDEs”).  CDEs are
     privately managed investment institutions that are certified to make qualified low-income community investments.
 
     In connection with the NMTC transaction we loaned $58.3 million to TIF, a special purpose entity created to effect the financing arrangement, at 1% interest due August 30, 2041.  Simultaneously, US Bancorp invested $22.4
     million in TIF, and as such, is entitled to substantially all of the benefits derived from the NMTCs. TIF then contributed US Bancorp’s contribution and the loan proceeds to certain CDEs.  The CDEs, in turn, loaned $76.8
     million in funds less payment of fees, at interest rates varying from 1% to 3.96%, to Unicom, our wholly owned subsidiary, as partial financing for TERRA-NW.  The loan proceeds to Unicom, net of syndication and
     arrangement fees, are restricted for use on TERRA-NW.  Restricted cash of $14.8 million held by Unicom at June 30, 2012, is included in our Consolidated Balance Sheet.  We began construction on TERRA-NW in 2012 and
     expect to complete the project in 2014 or earlier if possible.
 
 
24

GENERAL COMMUNICATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 
     This transaction includes a put/call provision whereby we may be obligated or entitled to repurchase US Bancorp’s interest in TIF. We believe that US Bancorp will exercise the put option in August 2018 at the end of the
     compliance period.  The NMTC is subject to 100% recapture for a period of seven years as provided in the Internal Revenue Code.  We are required to be in compliance with various regulations and contractual provisions that
     apply to the NMTC arrangement.  Non-compliance with applicable requirements could result in projected tax benefits not being realized by US Bancorp.  We have agreed to indemnify US Bancorp for any loss or recapture of
     NMTCs until such time as our obligation to deliver tax benefits is relieved.  There have been no credit recaptures as of June 30, 2012.  The value attributed to the put/call is nominal.
 
     We have determined that TIF is a VIE.  The consolidated financial statements of TIF include the CDEs discussed above.  The ongoing activities of the VIE – collecting and remitting interest and fees and NMTC compliance –
     were all considered in the initial design and are not expected to significantly affect economic performance throughout the life of the VIE.  Management considered the contractual arrangements that obligate us to deliver tax
     benefits and provide various other guarantees to US Bancorp, US Bancorp’s lack of a material interest in the underlying economics of the project, and the fact that we are obligated to absorb losses of the VIE.  We concluded
     that we are the primary beneficiary and consolidated the VIE in accordance with the accounting standard for consolidation.
 
     US Bancorp’s contribution, net of syndication fees and other direct costs incurred in structuring the arrangement, is included in Non-controlling Interest on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.  Incremental costs to maintain the
     structure during the compliance period are recognized as incurred to selling, general and administrative expense.
 

 
The following table summarizes the impact of the consolidated VIE as of June 30, 2012 (amounts in thousands):
 

Assets
 
Equity
Carrying Value
 
Classification
 
Carrying Value
 
Classification
$ 14,804  
Restricted cash
  $ 15,954  
Non-controlling interest
  1,742  
Construction in progress
    592  
Retained earnings attributable to General Communication, Inc. common stockholders
$ 16,546  
 
  $ 16,546  
 

 
25

GENERAL COMMUNICATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 
(8)
Commitments and Contingencies

 
Litigation, Disputes, and Regulatory Matters
 
We are involved in various lawsuits, billing disputes, legal proceedings, and regulatory matters that have arisen from time to time in the normal course of business. While the ultimate results of these items cannot be predicted with certainty we do not expect, at this time, that the resolution of them will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.  In addition we are involved in the following matters:
 
·  
In September 2008, the FCC's Office of Inspector General ("OIG") initiated an investigation regarding Alaska DigiTel LLC’s (“Alaska DigiTel”) compliance with program rules and requirements under the Lifeline Program. The request covered the period beginning January 1, 2004 through August 31, 2008 and related to amounts received for Lifeline service.  Alaska DigiTel was an Alaska based wireless communications company of which we acquired an 81.9% equity interest on January 2, 2007 and the remaining 18.1% equity interest on August 18, 2008 and was subsequently merged with one of our wholly owned subsidiaries in April 2009. Prior to August 18, 2008, our control over the operations of Alaska DigiTel was limited as required by the FCC upon its approval of our initial acquisition completed in January 2007. We responded to this request on behalf of Alaska DigiTel and the GCI companies as affiliates. On January 18, 2011 we reached an agreement with the FCC and the Department of Justice to settle the matter, which required us to contribute $1.6 million to the United States Treasury and granted us a broad release of claims including those under the False Claims Act.  The $1.6 million contribution was recognized in our 2008 through 2010 income statements and was paid in January 2011; and
·  
In August 2010, a GCI-owned aircraft was involved in an accident resulting in five fatalities and injuries to the remaining four passengers on board.  We had aircraft and liability insurance coverage in effect at the time of the accident.  As of June 30, 2012, all claims paid out have been covered by insurance and were recorded net of these recoveries in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.  While most of the claims have been resolved, we cannot predict the likelihood or nature of the remaining potential environmental remediation claim related to the accident.
 
     Universal Service
        As an ETC, we receive support from the USF to provide wireline local access and wireless service in high cost areas.  On November 29, 2011, the FCC published the High Cost Order which divided support to Alaska
     between Urban and Remote areas.  Support for CETCs serving Urban areas that generally include Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau will follow national reforms, had support per provider per service area capped as of
     January 1, 2012, and will commence a five-step phase-down on July 1, 2012.  In addition to broader reforms, the FCC tailored revisions specifically for CETCs serving Remote Alaska, intended to address the unique
         challenges for serving these areas.  Support to these locations will be capped and distributed on a per-line basis until the later of July 1, 2014, or the implementation of a successor funding mechanism.  A further
     rulemaking to consider successor funding mechanisms is underway.  We cannot predict at this time the outcome of this proceeding or its effect on Remote high cost support available to us, but our revenue for
             providing local services in these  areas would be materially adversely affected by a substantial reduction of USF support.
 
     Lifeline Support
     On February 6, 2012, the FCC released its Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to comprehensively reform and modernize the USF’s Lifeline program.  The Lifeline program is administered by the
     Universal Service Administrative Company (“USAC”) and is designed to ensure that quality telecommunications services are available to low-income customers at just, reasonable, and affordable rates.  We participate in
     the Lifeline program and recognized $3.9 million and $8.0 million in Lifeline program support revenue during the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively.  Following are the significant reforms included in the
     order:
 
·  
The order adopted on an interim basis a flat rate of $9.25 to replace the support previously available under Tier I through Tier III support mechanisms as defined by USAC.  The replacement support reduces the wireless subscriber per line support $0.75 and will take effect in August 2012.  This change will not have a material impact on our income statement, financial position or cash flows.  The FCC intends to further investigate whether this support amount is reasonable over the long term in the further rulemaking.
 
26

GENERAL COMMUNICATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 
·  
The order adopted a requirement for annual recertification of all Lifeline subscribers enrolled as of June 1, 2012 to be completed by the end of 2012.  We began the annual recertification process and continue to evaluate whether this new rule will have a material impact on our income statement, financial position or cash flows.
·  
The order adopted a “one per household” rule with “household” defined as an “economic unit.”  We do not expect this new rule to have a material impact on our income statement, financial position or cash flows.
 
     The order adopted several other reforms but they are expected to have an insignificant or no impact on our income statement, financial position or cash flows.
 
     In April 2012 the OMB rejected a requirement for biennial audits for all ETCs receiving more than $5.0 million annually from Lifeline.
 
     As a related matter, in April 2012 the RCA issued a notice of inquiry to consider whether to modify the state-funded component of Lifeline support, which is currently $3.50 per month.   In May 2012 we responded in favor
                     of preserving the current level of support.  We cannot predict the outcome of the support review proceedings or the impact on our income statement, financial position or cash flows.

 
Wireless Acquisition
     On June 4, 2012, we entered into an Asset Purchase and Contribution Agreement (“Wireless Agreement”) by and among Alaska Communications Systems Group, Inc. (“ACS”), GCI, ACS Wireless, Inc., a wholly owned
     subsidiary of ACS (“ACS Member”), GCI Wireless Holdings, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of GCI, and The Alaska Wireless Network, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of GCI (“AWN”), pursuant to which the parties
     have agreed to contribute the respective wireless network assets of GCI, ACS and their affiliates to AWN.    We entered into this agreement to provide a robust, statewide network with the spectrum mix, scale, advanced
     technology and cost structure necessary to compete with Verizon and AT&T in Alaska.  After the transaction closes AWN will provide wholesale services to GCI and ACS.  GCI and ACS will use the AWN network in
     order to continue to sell services to their respective retail customers.  GCI and ACS will continue to compete against each other and other wireless providers in the retail market.
 
     Under the terms of the Wireless Agreement, we agreed to purchase certain wireless network assets from ACS and its affiliates for $100.0 million and we will contribute the purchased assets, our wireless network assets
     and certain Indefeasible Right to Use (“IRU”) capacity to AWN.  ACS also agreed to contribute its remaining wireless network assets and certain IRU capacity to AWN.  Upon the contribution of assets to AWN, ACS
       Member will own one-third of AWN and we will own two-thirds of AWN.  ACS Member will be entitled to receive preferential cash distributions totaling $190.0 million over the first four years of AWN’s operations and
     we will be entitled to all remaining cash distributions during that period.  We anticipate that the $190.0 million preferential distributions to ACS will constitute approximately $60.0 million in distributions over the
     distributions otherwise attributable to their ownership percentage during such period.  Following the initial four year period, we and ACS Member will receive distributions proportional to our ownership interests.  We
     are evaluating the accounting treatment for this transaction.
 

 
27

GENERAL COMMUNICATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
The closing of the transactions is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including the receipt of required governmental and third party consents and approvals and the expiration of any applicable waiting periods under competition laws, including the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976.  The transactions are expected to close by the second quarter of 2013.
 
     IRU Non-monetary Exchange
        On June 4, 2012, we entered into an agreement to exchange IRU capacity with ACS.  Under the agreement we will give to ACS a 10-gigabit wavelength of capacity on our Alaska United-West undersea fiber optic cable which
    extends from Alaska to the contiguous United States in exchange for a 10-gigabit wavelength of capacity on one of ACS’ undersea fiber optic cables which extends from Alaska to the contiguous United States.  Subject to
    sufficient capacity, another 10-gigabit wavelength of capacity on each undersea fiber optic cable will be exchanged annually for the following four years for a total possible exchange of a 50-gigabit wavelength of capacity. 
    At June 30, 2012, we determined this to be an executory contract and expect to record the transaction when the exchange is complete in the third quarter of 2012.
 
(9)
Subsequent Event
   On July 31, 2012, GCI Holdings, Inc. (“Holdings”), our wholly owned subsidiary, entered into an Add-On Term Loan Supplement No. 3 (“Supplement No. 3”) to our Senior Credit Facility.  The Supplement No. 3 provided for
   an additional $30.0 million term loan with an initial interest rate of LIBOR plus 2.5%, payable in accordance with the terms of our Senior Credit Facility.  Holdings used the term loan proceeds to pay down revolving loans
   under our Senior Credit Facility, thus increasing availability under the revolving portion of our Senior Credit Facility.



 
28

 


PART I.
ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

In the following discussion, General Communication, Inc. (“GCI”) and its direct and indirect subsidiaries are referred to as “we,” “us” and “our.”
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations discusses our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the 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. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates and judgments, including those related to the allowance for doubtful receivables, unbilled revenues, accrual of the USF high cost Remote area program support, share-based compensation, inventory at lower of cost or market, reserve for future customer credits, valuation allowances for deferred income tax assets, depreciable and amortizable lives of assets, the carrying value of long-lived assets including goodwill, cable certificates and wireless licenses, our effective tax rate, purchase price allocations, the accrual of cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization expense) ("Cost of Goods Sold"), depreciation, and contingencies and litigation. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. See also our “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

General Overview
Through our focus on long-term results, acquisitions, and strategic capital investments, we strive to consistently grow our revenues and expand our margins. We have historically met our cash needs for operations, regular capital expenditures and maintenance capital expenditures through our cash flows from operating activities. Historically, cash requirements for significant acquisitions and major capital expenditures have been provided largely through our financing activities.

The national economy continues to see persistent unemployment and slow economic growth and even once stabilized is not expected to return quickly to a period of strong growth.  Should the national economy deteriorate further, it could lead to reductions in consumer spending which could impact our revenue growth.  We believe the Alaska economy continues to perform well compared to most other states at the current time. The State of Alaska has large cash reserves that should enable it to maintain its budget for at least the short-term. This cash reserve is important for Alaska’s economy as the State is the largest employer and second largest source of gross state product. The majority of our revenue is driven by the strength of the Alaska economy which appears to have weathered the recessionary pressures relatively well to date. Nonetheless we cannot predict the impact the nation’s future economic situation may have on us in the future.

On June 4, 2012, we entered into an Asset Purchase and Contribution Agreement (“Wireless Agreement”) by and among Alaska Communications Systems Group, Inc. (“ACS”), GCI, ACS Wireless, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of ACS (“ACS Member”), GCI Wireless Holdings, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of GCI, and The Alaska Wireless Network, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of GCI (“AWN”), pursuant to which the parties have agreed to contribute the respective wireless network assets of GCI, ACS and their affiliates to AWN.  We entered into this agreement to provide a robust, statewide network with the spectrum mix, scale, advanced technology and cost structure necessary to compete with Verizon and AT&T in Alaska.  After the transaction closes AWN will provide wholesale services to GCI and ACS.  GCI and ACS will use the AWN network in order to continue to sell services to their respective retail customers.  GCI and ACS will continue to compete against each other and other wireless providers in the retail market.

Under the terms of the Wireless Agreement, we agreed to purchase certain wireless network assets from ACS and its affiliates for $100.0 million and we will contribute the purchased assets, our wireless network assets and certain IRU capacity to AWN.  ACS also agreed to contribute its remaining wireless network assets and certain IRU capacity to AWN.  Upon the contribution of assets to AWN, ACS Member will own one-third of AWN and we will own two-thirds of AWN.  ACS Member will be entitled to receive preferential cash distributions totaling $190.0 million over the first four years of AWN’s operations and we will be entitled to all remaining cash distributions during that period.  We anticipate that the $190.0 million preferential distributions to ACS will constitute approximately $60.0 million in distributions over the distributions otherwise attributable to their ownership percentage during such period.  Following the initial four year period, we and ACS Member will receive distributions proportional to our ownership interests.  We are evaluating the accounting treatment for this transaction.

 
29

 
The closing of the transactions is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including the receipt of required governmental and third party consents and approvals and the expiration of any applicable waiting periods under competition laws, including the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976.  The transactions are expected to close by the second quarter of 2013.

As part of an agreement signed in December 2007 with AT&T Mobility, AT&T Mobility provided to us a large block of wireless network usage at no charge that we used for roaming.  This block of minutes was depleted in January 2012 and we expect our wireless Cost of Goods Sold for the year ending December 31, 2012, to increase in the range of $4.8 million to $5.3 million as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011, before factoring in the impact of 2012 subscriber growth.  Our future wireless Cost of Goods Sold will depend on several factors including the impact and timing of our wireless network build-out, the pattern of usage by our wireless subscribers, and negotiated rates with our roaming partners.

As an eligible telecommunications carrier (“ETC”), we receive support from the Universal Service Fund ("USF") to support the provision of wireline local access and wireless service in high cost areas. On November 29, 2011, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) published a final rule to reform the methodology for distributing USF high cost support for voice and broadband services, as well as to the access charge regime for terminating traffic between carriers (“High Cost Order”).  The High Cost Order defined Urban and Remote areas and divided support to Alaska between these two areas.  Support for competitive eligible telecommunications carriers (“CETCs”) serving Urban areas that generally include Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau will follow national reforms, with capped support per provider per service area as of January 1, 2012, and commencing a five-step phase-down on July 1, 2012.  In addition to broader reforms, the FCC tailored revisions specifically for CETCs serving Remote Alaska, intended to address the unique challenges for serving these areas.  Support to these locations has been capped and will be distributed on a per-line basis until the later of July 1, 2014, or the implementation of a successor funding mechanism.  A further rulemaking to consider successor funding mechanisms is underway.  We cannot predict at this time the outcome of this proceeding or its effect on Remote high cost support available to us, but our revenue for providing local services in these areas would be materially adversely affected by a substantial reduction of USF support.

The High Cost Order Remote and Urban program changes primarily impacted our Consumer segment.  We expect that the High Cost Order Remote and Urban program changes will decrease our year ending December 31, 2012 revenue approximately $4.0 million as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011.  At June 30, 2012, we have $31.7 million and $5.5 million in Remote and Urban high cost accounts receivable, respectively.

In November 2010, Verizon acquired a license for 700 MHz wireless spectrum covering Alaska.  We expect Verizon will build an LTE network in 2012 and subsequently they will be an additional competitor where our markets overlap.  We cannot predict the potential impact this new competition may have on us in the future.

Following are our segments and the services and products each offers to its customers:

 
 
Reportable Segments
Services and Products
Consumer
Network Access
Commercial
Managed Broadband
Regulated Operations
Voice:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-distance
X
X
X
 
X
 
Local Access
X
X
X
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Video
X
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Internet
X
X
X
X
X
 
Data Networks
 
X
X
X
 
 
Managed Services
 
 
X
X
 
 
Managed Broadband Services
 
 
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wireless
X
X
X
 
 

 
 
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Results of Operations
 

The following table sets forth selected financial data as a percentage of total revenues for the periods indicated (underlying data rounded to the nearest thousands):

 
 
 
 
 
Percentage
 
 
Percentage
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
Change
Six Months Ended
Change
 
 
 
June 30,
2012 
June 30,
2012 
 
 
 
2012 
2011 
vs. 2011
2012 
2011 
vs. 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statements of Operations Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Consumer segment
50%
53%
0%
51%
53%
0%
 
 Network Access segment
15%
15%
3%
15%
15%
2%
 
 Commercial segment
20%
20%
1%
20%
20%
4%
 
 Managed Broadband segment
12%
9%
48%
11%
9%
42%
 
 Regulated Operations segment
3%
3%
(2%)
3%
3%
0%
 
 
Total revenues
100%
100%
5%
100%
100%
5%
Selling, general and administrative expenses
34%
34%
4%
35%
35%
6%
Depreciation and amortization expense
19%
18%
8%
19%
19%
5%
Operating income
14%
13%
10%
13%
13%
4%
Other expense, net
10%
16%
(36%)
10%
13%
(22%)
Income (loss) before income tax
  (expense) benefit
4%
(2%)
289%
3%
0%
870%
Net income (loss)
2%
(1%)
286%
1%
0%
884%
Net income (loss) attributable to GCI
2%
(1%)
295%
2%
0%
939%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
Percentage change in underlying data
 
 
 
 
   

We evaluate performance and allocate resources based on earnings before depreciation and amortization expense, net interest expense, income taxes, share-based compensation expense, accretion expense, loss attributable to non-controlling interest and non-cash contribution adjustment (“Adjusted EBITDA”).  Management believes that this measure is useful to investors and other users of our financial information in evaluating operating profitability as an analytical indicator of income generated to service debt and fund capital expenditures.  In addition, multiples of current or projected EBITDA are used to estimate current or prospective enterprise value.  See note 6 in the "Condensed Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements" included in Part I of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for a reconciliation of consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, to consolidated income before income taxes.


 
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Three Months Ended June 30, 2012 (“second quarter of 2012”) Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2011 (“second quarter of 2011”)

Overview of Revenues and Cost of Goods Sold
Total revenues increased 5% from $168.1 million in the second quarter of 2011 to $176.1 million in the second quarter of 2012.  Revenue increases in our Network Access, Commercial and Managed Broadband segments were partially off-set by decreased revenue in our Regulated Operations segment.  Our Consumer segment revenue was flat.  See the discussion below for more information by segment.

Total Cost of Goods Sold increased 1% from $57.3 million in the second quarter of 2011 to $58.1 million in the second quarter of 2012.  Cost of Goods Sold increases in our Consumer and Regulated segments were partially off-set by decreased Cost of Goods Sold in our Network Access, Commercial and Managed Broadband segments.  See the discussion below for more information by segment.

Consumer Segment Overview
Consumer segment revenue represented 50% of the second quarter of 2012 consolidated revenues. The components of Consumer segment revenue are as follows (amounts in thousands):

 
 
Second Quarter of
   
Percentage
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
Voice
  $ 10,483       13,625       (23 %)
Video
    29,235       29,546       (1 %)
Data
    21,523       17,257       25 %
Wireless
    27,254       28,126       (3 %)
Total Consumer segment revenue
  $ 88,495       88,554       0 %

Consumer segment Cost of Goods Sold represented 52% of the second quarter of 2012 consolidated Cost of Goods Sold.  The components of Consumer segment Cost of Goods Sold are as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
 
 
Second Quarter of
   
Percentage
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
Voice
  $ 2,294       2,711       (15 %)
Video
    12,739       13,453       (5 %)
Data
    1,299       1,488       (13 %)
Wireless
    14,255       10,359       38 %
Total Consumer segment Cost of Goods Sold
  $ 30,587       28,011       9 %

Consumer segment Adjusted EBITDA, representing 40% of the second quarter of 2012 consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, is as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
 
 
Second Quarter of
   
Percentage
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
Consumer segment Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 24,008       28,258       (15 %)

See note 6 in the "Condensed Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements" included in Part I of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for a reconciliation of consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, to consolidated income before income taxes.

 
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Selected key performance indicators for our Consumer segment follow:

   
June 30,
   
Percentage
   
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 Voice:
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Total local access lines in service
    74,400       82,300       (10 %)
Local access lines in service on GCI facilities
    69,300       75,900       (9 %)
 Video:
                       
Basic subscribers
    122,500       126,900       (3 %)
Digital programming tier subscribers
    72,200       77,400       (7 %)
HD/DVR converter boxes
    88,400       87,700       1 %
Homes passed
    242,400       239,000       1 %
Average monthly revenue per subscriber
  $ 78.89     $ 76.47       3 %
 Data:
                       
Cable modem subscribers
    111,700       105,400       6 %
 Wireless:
                       
Wireless lines in service
    124,800       126,400       (1 %)
Average monthly revenue per subscriber
  $ 67.69     $ 70.52       (4 %)
                         
A local access line in service is defined as a revenue generating circuit or channel connecting a customer to the public switched telephone network.
 
A basic subscriber is defined as one basic tier of service delivered to an address or separate subunits thereof regardless of the number of outlets purchased.
 
A digital programming tier subscriber is defined as one digital programming tier of service delivered to an address or separate subunits thereof regardless of the number of outlets or digital programming tiers purchased. Digital programming tier subscribers are a subset of basic subscribers.
 
A high-definition/digital video recorder ("HD/DVR") converter box is defined as one box rented by a digital programming or basic tier subscriber. A digital programming or basic tier subscriber is not required to rent an HD/DVR converter box to receive service.
 
Average monthly consumer video revenues divided by the average of consumer basic subscribers at the beginning and end of each month in the period.
 
A cable modem subscriber is defined by the purchase of cable modem service regardless of the level of service purchased. If one entity purchases multiple cable modem service access points, each access point is counted as a subscriber. Cable modem subscribers may also be video basic subscribers though basic video service is not required to receive cable modem service.
 
A wireless line in service is defined as a revenue generating wireless device.
 
Average monthly consumer wireless revenues divided by the average of consumer wireless subscribers at the beginning and end of each month in the period.
 

Consumer Segment Revenues

As discussed in the General Overview section of this Item 2 the FCC published the High Cost Order in November 2011.  We expect that the High Cost Order Remote and Urban program changes will result in decreased Consumer Segment Voice revenue of approximately $1.6 million and decreased Consumer Segment Wireless revenue of approximately $1.7 million for the year ending December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011.

On February 6, 2012, the FCC released its Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to comprehensively reform and modernize the USF’s Lifeline program.  The Lifeline program is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (“USAC”) and is designed to ensure that quality telecommunications services are available to low-income customers at just, reasonable, and affordable rates.  We participate in the Lifeline program and recognized $3.9 million in Consumer Wireless Lifeline program support revenue during the three months ended June 30, 2012.  Following are the reforms included in the order that we expect to impact Consumer Segment Wireless revenue in the year ending December 31, 2012:
 
·  
The order adopted on an interim basis a flat rate of $9.25 to replace the support previously available under Tier I through Tier III support mechanisms as defined by USAC.  The replacement support reduces the wireless subscriber per line support $0.75 and will take effect in August 2012.  This change will not have a material impact on our income statement.  The FCC intends to further investigate whether this support amount is reasonable over the long term in further rulemaking.
·  
The order adopted a requirement for annual recertification of all Lifeline subscribers enrolled as of June 1, 2012 to be completed by the end of 2012.  We began the annual recertification process and continue to evaluate whether this new rule will have a material impact on our income statement, financial position or cash flows.

 
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As a related matter, in April 2012 the RCA issued a notice of inquiry to consider whether to modify the state-funded component of Lifeline support, which is currently $3.50 per month.  In May 2012 we responded in favor of preserving the current level of support.  We cannot predict the outcome of the support review proceedings or the impact on our income statement, financial position or cash flows.

The decrease in voice revenue is primarily due to:
·  
A 35% decrease in local service high cost support to $1.9 million due to the changes in the high cost support program as discussed above, changes in the variables used to calculate our estimate and a decrease in subscribers,
·  
A 21% decrease in local service plan fee revenue to $4.1 million due to decreased subscribers and a rate decrease to one of our popular plans; and
·  
A 44% decrease in long distance usage revenue to $617,000 due to the lower rates mandated by the Intrastate Access Reform Act (“Intrastate Access Reform”) which went into effect in the third quarter of 2011 along with our introduction of a popular new plan offering unlimited interstate and intrastate calling.

The increase in data revenue is primarily due to:
·  
A 22% increase in cable modem revenue to $18.4 million due to increased subscribers, rate increases in May 2011 and our subscribers’ selection of plans that offer higher speeds; and
·  
An 82% increase in excess usage revenue to $2.9 million due to customers moving from plans with unlimited usage to plans with limited usage.

The decrease in wireless revenue is primarily due to a 23% decrease in wireless high cost support to $7.5 million due to the changes in the high cost support program as discussed above, and changes in the variables used to calculate our estimate and a decrease in subscribers.  The decrease is partially offset by increases in plan fee and wireless handset equipment sale revenues.

Consumer Segment Cost of Goods Sold
The decrease in video Cost of Goods Sold is primarily due to decreased costs resulting from programming changes and a decrease in subscribers.

The wireless Cost of Goods Sold increase is primarily due to increased costs for roaming, increased costs for wireless handset equipment sales and increased costs due to an increase in data usage by our customers.  The increase in roaming costs is due to the end of free network service as discussed above in the General Overview section of this Item 2.  The increase in handset sales is due to an increased number of premium wireless smartphone handsets which have higher costs and an increased number of handsets issued to new customers and those extending their service.  This increase in smartphones resulted in an increase in data usage.

Consumer Segment Adjusted EBITDA
The decrease in Adjusted EBITDA is primarily due to increased Cost of Goods Sold as described above in “Consumer Segment Cost of Goods Sold” and an increase in the selling, general and administrative expense that was allocated to our Consumer segment due to an increase in consolidated selling, general and administrative expense.

Network Access Segment Overview
Network access segment revenue represented 15% of 2012 consolidated revenues. The components of Network Access segment revenue are as follows (amounts in thousands):

 
 
Second Quarter of
   
Percentage
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
Voice
  $ 5,962       5,441       10 %
Data
    13,412       15,023       (11 %)
Wireless
    6,643       4,687       42 %
Total Network Access segment revenue
  $ 26,017       25,151       3 %

 
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Network Access segment Cost of Goods Sold represented 11% of the second quarter of 2012 consolidated Cost of Goods Sold.  The components of Network Access segment Cost of Goods Sold are as follows (amounts in thousands):

 
 
Second Quarter of
   
Percentage
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
Voice
  $ 2,410       3,131       (23 %)
Data
    3,458       3,164       9 %
Wireless
    318       281       13 %
Total Network Access segment Cost of Goods Sold
  $ 6,186       6,576       (6 %)

Network Access segment Adjusted EBITDA, representing 23% of the second quarter of 2012 consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, is as follows (amounts in thousands):

 
 
Second Quarter of
   
Percentage
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
Network Access segment Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 13,442       12,344       9 %

See note 6 in the "Condensed Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements" included in Part I of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for a reconciliation of consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, to consolidated income before income taxes.

Network Access Segment Revenues
The increase in wireless revenue is primarily due to an increase in data usage by our roaming partners’ customers.

Network Access Segment Cost of Goods Sold
The decrease in voice Cost of goods Sold is primarily due to Intrastate Access Reform which eliminated the incumbent local exchange carrier’s (“ILEC”) ability to bill long distance carriers for certain intrastate line charges.

Network Access Segment Adjusted EBITDA
The Adjusted EBITDA increase is primarily due to increased revenue as described above in “Network Access Segment Revenues” and decreased Cost of Goods Sold as described above in “Network Access Segment Cost of Goods Sold.”  These changes were partially offset by an increase in the selling, general and administrative expense that was allocated to our Network Access segment primarily due to an increase in the consolidated selling, general and administrative expense.

Commercial Segment Overview
Commercial segment revenue represented 20% of the second quarter of 2012 consolidated revenues. Commercial segment data revenue is comprised of monthly recurring charges for data services and charges billed on a time and materials basis largely for personnel providing on-site customer support.  This latter category can vary significantly based on project activity.  The components of Commercial segment revenue are as follows (amounts in thousands):

 
 
Second Quarter of
   
Percentage
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
Voice
  $ 6,804       7,340       (7 %)
Video
    3,236       2,936       10 %
Data
    21,917       21,518       2 %
Wireless
    2,509       2,422       4 %
Total Commercial segment revenue
  $ 34,466       34,216       1 %

 
35

 
Commercial segment Cost of Goods Sold represented 27% of the second quarter of 2012 consolidated Cost of Goods Sold.  The components of Commercial segment Cost of Goods Sold are as follows (amounts in thousands):

 
 
Second Quarter of
   
Percentage
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
Voice
  $ 2,505       3,622       (31 %)
Video
    492       549       (10 %)
Data
    10,784       11,681       (8 %)
Wireless
    1,721       1,080       59 %
Total Commercial segment Cost of Goods Sold
  $ 15,502       16,932       (8 %)

Commercial segment Adjusted EBITDA, representing 15% of the second quarter of 2012 consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, is as follows (amounts in thousands):

 
 
Second Quarter of
   
Percentage
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
Commercial segment Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 8,625       7,401       17 %

See note 6 in the "Condensed Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements" included in Part I of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for a reconciliation of consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, to consolidated income before income taxes.

Selected key performance indicators for our Commercial segment follow:

   
June 30,
   
Percentage
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
 Voice:
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Total local access lines in service
    51,800       50,800       2 %
Local access lines in service on GCI facilities
    30,200       27,000       12 %
 
                       
 Data:
                       
Cable modem subscribers
    11,800       11,000       7 %
 
                       
 Wireless:
                       
Wireless lines in service
    16,200       14,600       11 %
                         
A local access line in service is defined as a revenue generating circuit or channel connecting a customer to the public switched telephone network.
 
A cable modem subscriber is defined by the purchase of cable modem service regardless of the level of service purchased. If one entity purchases multiple cable modem service access points, each access point is counted as a subscriber.
 
A wireless line in service is defined as a revenue generating wireless device.
 

Commercial Segment Cost of Goods Sold
The decrease in voice Cost of Goods Sold is primarily due to Intrastate Access Reform which eliminated the ILECs’ ability to bill long distance carriers for certain intrastate line charges.

The decrease in data Cost of Goods Sold is primarily due to a $632,000 or 7% decrease in managed services project Cost of Goods Sold related to a reduction in special project work.

The increase in wireless Cost of Goods Sold is primarily due to increased costs for roaming due to the end of free network service as discussed above in the General Overview section of this Item 2.

Commercial Segment Adjusted EBITDA
The Adjusted EBITDA increase is primarily due to decreased Cost of Goods Sold as described above in “Commercial Segment Cost of Goods Sold.”  This decrease was partially offset by an increase in the selling, general and administrative expense that was allocated to our Commercial segment due to an increase in consolidated selling, general and administrative expense.

 
36

 
Managed Broadband Segment Overview
Managed Broadband segment revenue, Cost of Goods sold and Adjusted EBITDA represented 12%, 7% and 20% of second quarter of 2012 consolidated revenues, Cost of Goods Sold and Adjusted EBITDA, respectively.

Managed Broadband Segment Revenues
Managed Broadband segment revenue, which includes data products only, increased 48% to $21.7 million in the second quarter of 2012 as compared to the second quarter of 2011. The increase is primarily due to:

·  
A $5.4 million increase in monthly contract revenue due to increased data network capacity purchased by our ConnectMD® and SchoolAccess® customers, and
·  
Recognition of $1.6 million in previously denied funding from the USAC for one ConnectMD® customer for the funding year July 2008 to June 2009.  We had appealed the funding denial and received notice during the second quarter of 2012 that our appeal was successful and the funding was reinstated.
 
Managed Broadband Segment Adjusted EBITDA
Managed Broadband segment Adjusted EBITDA increased 111% to $12.1 million in the second quarter of 2012 primarily due to an increase in revenue as described above in "Managed Broadband Segment Revenues," partially offset by an increase in the selling, general and administrative expense that was allocated to our Managed Broadband segment.  The increase in selling, general and administrative expense is primarily due to an increase in the 2011 segment margin upon which the selling, general and administrative expense allocation is based and an increase in consolidated selling, general and administrative expense.

See note 6 in the "Condensed Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements" included in Part I of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for a reconciliation of consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, to consolidated income before income taxes.

Regulated Operations Segment Overview
Regulated Operations segment revenue, Cost of Goods Sold and Adjusted EBITDA represented 3%, 3% and 2% of 2012 consolidated revenues, Cost of Goods Sold and Adjusted EBITDA, respectively.

A selected key performance indicator for our Regulated Operations segment follows:

   
June 30,
   
Percentage
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
 Voice:
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Total local access lines in service on GCI facilities
    8,700       9,400       (7 %)
                         
A local access line in service is defined as a revenue generating circuit or channel connecting a customer to the public switched telephone network.
 

Regulated Operations Segment Revenues
Regulated Operations segment revenues decreased from $5.5 million in the second quarter of 2011 to $5.4 million in the second quarter of 2012.

Regulated Operations Segment Cost of Goods Sold
Regulated Operations segment Cost of Goods Sold increased from $1.2 million in the second quarter of 2011 to $1.5 million in the second quarter of 2012.

Regulated Operations Segment Adjusted EBITDA
Regulated Operations segment Adjusted EBITDA increased from $1.2 million in the second quarter of 2011 to $1.3 million in the second quarter of 2012.

See note 6 in the "Condensed Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements" included in Part I of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for a reconciliation of consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, to consolidated income before income tax expense.

 
37

 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $2.4 million to $60.0 million in the second quarter of 2012.  Individually significant items contributing to the increase include:

·  
$1.8 million in transaction costs related to the AWN agreements as discussed in the General Overview section of this Item 2,
·  
A $1.1 million increase in labor costs, and
·  
An $849,000 increase in our company-wide success sharing bonus accrual.

These increases were partially offset by a $790,000 decrease in share-based compensation expense and a $541,000 decrease in bad debt expense.  The decrease in bad expense is due to the absence of an increase in the age of certain accounts that had occurred in the second quarter of 2011 due to our focus on the transition to our new cable video billing system implemented in the fourth quarter of 2010.

As a percentage of total revenues, selling, general and administrative expense was 34% in the second quarters of 2011 and 2012.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $2.6 million to $33.4 million in the second quarter of 2012 primarily due to new assets placed in service in 2011 partially offset by assets which became fully depreciated during 2012.

Other Expense, Net
Other expense, net of other income, decreased 36% to $16.9 million in the second quarter of 2012 primarily due to the absence of a $9.1 million loss on extinguishment of debt.  On May 23, 2011, GCI, Inc., our wholly owned subsidiary, completed an offering of $325.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.75% Senior Notes due 2021 (“2021 Notes”).  We used the net proceeds from this offering to repay and retire all of our outstanding 2014 Notes.

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Income tax expense (benefit) totaled $4.0 million and ($2.1) million in the second quarters of 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Our effective income tax rate increased from 50% in the second quarter of 2011 to 51% in the second quarter of 2012.

At June 30, 2012, we have income tax net operating loss carryforwards of $309.9 million that will begin expiring in 2019 if not utilized, and alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards of $1.9 million available to offset regular income taxes payable in future years.

We have recorded deferred tax assets of $127.4 million associated with income tax net operating losses that were generated from 1999 to 2012 and that expire from 2019 to 2032, and with charitable contributions that were converted to net operating losses in 2004 through 2007, and that expire in 2024 through 2027, respectively.

Tax benefits associated with recorded deferred tax assets are considered to be more likely than not realizable through future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards.  The amount of deferred tax asset considered realizable, however, could be reduced if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are reduced which would result in additional income tax expense.  We estimate that our effective annual income tax rate for financial statement purposes will be 48% to 53% in the year ending December 31, 2012, primarily due to the large amount of permanent differences expected in 2012 as compared to our net income before income tax expense.

Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 (“2012”) Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 (“2011”)

Overview of Revenues and Cost of Goods Sold
Total revenues increased 5% from $332.9 million in 2011 to $348.0 million in 2012.  Revenue increased in our Network Access, Commercial and Managed Broadband segments and was flat in our Consumer and Regulated Operations segments.  See the discussion below for more information by segment.


 
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Total Cost of Goods Sold increased 3% from $111.1 million in 2011 to $114.9 million in 2012.  Cost of Goods Sold increases in our Consumer, Managed Broadband and Regulated Operations segments were partially off-set by decreased Cost of Goods Sold in our Network Access and Commercial segments.  See the discussion below for more information by segment.

Consumer Segment Overview
Consumer segment revenue represented 51% of 2012 consolidated revenues. The components of Consumer segment revenue are as follows (amounts in thousands):

 
 
 
   
Percentage
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
Voice
  $ 21,763       27,377       (21 %)
Video
    58,257       59,885       (3 %)
Data
    41,972       33,958       24 %
Wireless
    54,315       55,751       (3 %)
Total Consumer segment revenue
  $ 176,307       176,971       0 %

Consumer segment Cost of Goods Sold represented 51% of 2012 consolidated Cost of Goods Sold.  The components of Consumer segment Cost of Goods Sold are as follows (amounts in thousands):

 
 
 
   
Percentage
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
Voice
  $ 4,642       5,639       (18 %)
Video
    25,528       26,988       (5 %)
Data
    2,846       2,914       (2 %)
Wireless
    26,189       19,778       32 %
Total Consumer segment Cost of Goods Sold
  $ 59,205       55,319       7 %

Consumer segment Adjusted EBITDA, representing 42% of 2012 consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, is as follows (amounts in thousands):

 
 
 
   
Percentage
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
Consumer segment Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 48,802       56,651       (14 %)

See note 6 in the "Condensed Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements" included in Part I of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for a reconciliation of consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, to consolidated income before income taxes.

Selected key performance indicators for our Consumer segment follow:

   
June 30,
   
Percentage
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
 Video:
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Average monthly revenue per subscriber
  $ 78.32     $ 77.10       2 %
 Wireless:
                       
Average monthly revenue per subscriber
  $ 68.13     $ 70.24       (3 %)
                         
Average monthly consumer video revenues divided by the average of consumer basic subscribers at the beginning and end of each month in the period.
 
Average monthly consumer wireless revenues divided by the average of consumer wireless subscribers at the beginning and end of each month in the period.
 

 
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Consumer Segment Revenues

As discussed in the General Overview section of this Item 2 the FCC published the High Cost Order in November 2011.  We expect that the High Cost Order Remote and Urban program changes will result in decreased Consumer Segment Voice revenue of approximately $1.6 million and decreased Consumer Segment Wireless revenue of approximately $1.7 million for the year ending December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011.

On February 6, 2012, the FCC released its Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking as discussed earlier in this Item 2.  We participate in the Lifeline program and have recognized $8.0 million in Consumer Wireless Lifeline program support revenue in the six months ended June 30, 2012.

The decrease in voice revenue is primarily due to:
·  
A 28% decrease in local service high cost support to $4.2 million due to the changes in the high cost support program as discussed above, changes in the variables used to calculate our estimate and a decrease in subscribers,
·  
A 19% decrease in local service plan fee revenue to $8.5 million due to decreased subscribers and a rate decrease to one of our popular plans; and
·  
A 42% decrease in long distance usage revenue to $1.3 million due to the lower rates mandated by the Intrastate Access Reform which went into effect in the third quarter of 2011 along with our introduction of a popular new plan offering unlimited interstate and intrastate calling.

The increase in data revenue is primarily due to:
·  
A 20% increase in cable modem revenue to $36.1 million due to increased subscribers, rate increases in May 2011 and our subscribers’ selection of plans that offer higher speeds; and
·  
An 88% increase in excess usage revenue to $4.8 million due to customers moving from plans with unlimited usage to plans with limited usage.

The decrease in wireless revenue is primarily due to a 16% decrease in wireless high cost support to $15.8 million due to the changes in the high cost support program as discussed above, and changes in the variables used to calculate our estimate, and a decrease in subscribers.  The decrease is partially offset by increases in plan fee and wireless handset equipment sale revenues.

Consumer Segment Cost of Goods Sold
The decrease in video Cost of Goods Sold is primarily due to decreased costs resulting from programming changes and a decrease in subscribers.

The wireless Cost of Goods Sold increase is primarily due to increased costs for roaming, increased costs for wireless handset equipment sales, increased costs due to an increase in data usage by our customers and a change in the allocation of network maintenance costs.  The increase in roaming costs is due to the end of free network service as discussed above in the General Overview section of this Item 2.  The increase in handset sales is due to an increased number of premium wireless smartphone handsets which have higher costs and an increased number of handsets issued to new customers and those extending their service.  This increase in smartphones resulted in an increase in data usage.  The change in allocation of network maintenance costs resulted in an increase to our Consumer segment and a decrease to our Network Access, Commercial and Managed Broadband segments.

Consumer Segment Adjusted EBITDA
The decrease in Adjusted EBITDA is primarily due to increased Cost of Goods Sold as described above in “Consumer Segment Cost of Goods Sold” and an increase in the selling, general and administrative expense that was allocated to our Consumer segment due to an increase in consolidated selling, general and administrative expense.


 
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Network Access Segment Overview
Network access segment revenue represented 15% of 2012 consolidated revenues. The components of Network Access segment revenue are as follows (amounts in thousands):

 
 
 
   
Percentage
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
Voice
  $ 11,526       11,911       (3 %)
Data
    27,765       29,995       (7 %)
Wireless
    11,914       8,342       43 %
Total Network Access segment revenue
  $ 51,205       50,248       2 %

Network Access segment Cost of Goods Sold represented 11% of 2012 consolidated Cost of Goods Sold.  The components of Network Access segment Cost of Goods Sold are as follows (amounts in thousands):

 
 
 
   
Percentage
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
Voice
  $ 4,683       6,381       (27 %)
Data
    6,954       6,358       9 %
Wireless
    572       502       14 %
Total Network Access segment Cost of Goods Sold
  $ 12,209       13,241       (8 %)

Network Access segment Adjusted EBITDA, representing 23% of 2012 consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, is as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
 
 
 
   
Percentage
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
Network Access segment Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 25,852       24,224       7 %

See note 6 in the "Condensed Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements" included in Part I of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for a reconciliation of consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, to consolidated income before income taxes.

Network Access Segment Revenues
The increase in wireless revenue is primarily due to an increase in data usage by our roaming partners’ customers.

Network Access Segment Cost of Goods Sold
The decrease in voice Cost of goods Sold is primarily due to Intrastate Access Reform which eliminated the ILECs’ ability to bill long distance carriers for certain intrastate line charges.

Network Access Segment Adjusted EBITDA
The Adjusted EBITDA increase is primarily due to increased revenue as described above in “Network Access Segment Revenues” and decreased Cost of Goods Sold as described above in “Network Access Segment Cost of Goods Sold.”  These changes were partially offset by an increase in the selling, general and administrative expense that was allocated to our Network Access segment primarily due to an increase in the consolidated selling, general and administrative expense.

Commercial Segment Overview
Commercial segment revenue represented 20% of 2012 consolidated revenues. Commercial segment data revenue is comprised of monthly recurring charges for data services and charges billed on a time and materials basis largely for personnel providing on-site customer support.  This latter category can vary significantly based on project activity.  The components of Commercial segment revenue are as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
 
 
   
Percentage
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
Voice
  $ 13,890       14,913       (7 %)
Video
    6,356       5,776       10 %
Data
    43,754       40,613       8 %
Wireless
    4,807       4,743       1 %
Total Commercial segment revenue
  $ 68,807       66,045       4 %

 
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Commercial segment Cost of Goods Sold represented 27% of 2012 consolidated Cost of Goods Sold.  The components of Commercial segment Cost of Goods Sold are as follows (amounts in thousands):

 
 
 
   
Percentage
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
Voice
  $ 5,134       7,513       (32 %)
Video
    990       1,039       (5 %)
Data
    22,145       21,138       5 %
Wireless
    2,933       2,108       39 %
Total Commercial segment Cost of Goods Sold
  $ 31,202       31,798       (2 %)

Commercial segment Adjusted EBITDA, representing 15% of 2012 consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, is as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
 
 
   
Percentage
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
Commercial segment Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 17,066       14,063       21 %

See note 6 in the "Condensed Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements" included in Part I of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for a reconciliation of consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, to consolidated income before income taxes.
 
Commercial Segment Cost of Goods Sold
The decrease in voice Cost of Goods Sold is primarily due to Intrastate Access Reform which eliminated the ILECs’ ability to bill long distance carriers for certain intrastate line charges.

Commercial Segment Adjusted EBITDA
The Adjusted EBITDA increase is primarily due to increased revenue and decreased Cost of Goods Sold as described above in “Commercial Segment Cost of Goods Sold.”  These changes were partially offset by an increase in the selling, general and administrative expense that was allocated to our Commercial segment primarily due to an increase in the consolidated selling, general and administrative expense.

Managed Broadband Segment Overview
Managed Broadband segment revenue, Cost of Goods sold and Adjusted EBITDA represented 11%, 8% and 18% of 2012 consolidated revenues, Cost of Goods Sold and Adjusted EBITDA, respectively.

Managed Broadband Segment Revenues
Managed Broadband segment revenue, which includes data products only, increased 42% to $40.7 million in 2012 as compared to 2011. The increase is primarily due to:

·  
A $9.8 million increase in monthly contract revenue due to increased data network capacity purchased by our ConnectMD® and SchoolAccess® customers, and
·  
Recognition of $1.6 million in previously denied funding from the USAC for one ConnectMD® customer for the funding year July 2008 to June 2009.  We had appealed the funding denial and received notice during the second quarter of 2012 that our appeal was successful and the funding was reinstated.

Managed Broadband Segment Adjusted EBITDA
Managed Broadband segment Adjusted EBITDA increased 78% to $20.3 million in 2012 primarily due to an increase in revenue as described above in "Managed Broadband Segment Revenues," partially offset by an increase in the Cost of Goods Sold as described above in “Managed Broadband Segment Cost of Goods Sold,” and an increase in the selling, general and administrative expense that was allocated to our Managed Broadband segment.  The increase in selling, general and administrative expense is primarily due to an increase in the 2011 segment margin upon which the selling, general and administrative expense allocation is based.

 
42

 
See note 6 in the "Condensed Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements" included in Part I of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for a reconciliation of consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, to consolidated income before income taxes.

Regulated Operations Segment Overview
Regulated Operations segment revenue, Cost of Goods Sold and Adjusted EBITDA represented 3%, 3% and 2% of 2012 consolidated revenues, Cost of Goods Sold and Adjusted EBITDA, respectively.

Regulated Operations Segment Revenues
Regulated Operations segment revenues decreased from $11.0 million in 2011 to $10.9 million in 2012.

Regulated Operations Segment Cost of Goods Sold
Regulated Operations segment Cost of Goods Sold increased from $2.2 million in 2011 to $3.2 million in 2012.

Regulated Operations Segment Adjusted EBITDA
Regulated Operations segment Adjusted EBITDA increased from $1.9 million in 2011 to $2.2 million in 2012 primarily due to a decrease in the selling, general and administrative expense which was almost entirely offset by an increase in Cost of Goods Sold.  The decrease in selling, general and administrative expense is primarily due to non-capitalizable TERRA-SW expenses recorded in 2011.

See note 6 in the "Condensed Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements" included in Part I of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for a reconciliation of consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, to consolidated income before income tax expense.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $6.4 million to $123.0 million in 2012.  Individually significant items contributing to the increase include:

·  
A $2.4 million increase in labor costs,
·  
$2.0 million in transaction costs related to the AWN agreements as discussed in the General Overview section of this Item 2,
·  
A $1.5 million increase in health benefit costs,
·  
A $960,000 increase in contribution expense related to donated services to the University of Alaska, and
·  
A $746,000 increase in employer-paid payroll taxes primarily due to a large number of restricted stock awards that vested in 2012 and increased labor costs.

These increases were partially offset by a $914,000 decrease in bad debt expense due to the absence of an increase in the age of certain accounts that had occurred in 2011 due to our focus on the transition to our new cable video billing system implemented in the fourth quarter of 2010.

As a percentage of total revenues, selling, general and administrative expense was 35% in 2011 and 2012.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $3.1 million to $65.7 million in 2012 primarily due to new assets placed in service in 2011 partially offset by assets which became fully depreciated during 2012.

Other Expense, Net
Other expense, net of other income, decreased 22% to $34.1 million in 2012 primarily due to the absence of a $9.1 million loss on extinguishment of debt.  On May 23, 2011, GCI, Inc., our wholly owned subsidiary, completed an offering of $325.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 2021 Notes.  We used the net proceeds from this offering to repay and retire all of our outstanding 2014 Notes.

 
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Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense (benefit) totaled $5.1 million and ($676,000) in 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Our effective income tax rate decreased from 51% in 2011 to 50% in 2012, primarily due to an increase in the amount of estimated permanent differences as compared to our estimated net income before income tax expense in 2012 as compared to 2011.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our principal sources of current liquidity are cash and cash equivalents.  We believe, but can provide no assurances, that we will be able to meet our current and long-term liquidity, capital requirements and fixed charges through our cash flows from operating activities, existing cash, cash equivalents, credit facilities, and other external financing and equity sources.  Should operating cash flows be insufficient to support additional borrowings and principal payments scheduled under our existing credit facilities, capital expenditures will likely be reduced, which would likely reduce future revenues.

As discussed in the General Overview section of this Item 2 we entered into a Wireless Agreement with ACS.  Under the terms of the Wireless Agreement, we agreed to purchase certain wireless network assets from ACS and its affiliates for $100.0 million and we will contribute the purchased assets, our wireless network assets and certain IRU capacity to AWN.  We have also agreed to provide AWN a $50.0 million working capital line of credit.  We expect to finance the asset purchase and working capital line of credit by refinancing our Senior Credit Facility.

ACS Member will be entitled to receive preferential cash distributions totaling $190.0 million over the first four years of AWN’s operations and we will be entitled to all remaining cash distributions during that period.  We anticipate that the $190.0 million preferential distributions to ACS will constitute approximately $60.0 million in distributions over the distributions otherwise attributable to their ownership percentage during such period.  Following the initial four year period, we and ACS Member will receive distributions proportional to our ownership interests.

We will manage AWN and receive a management fee of 4% of free cash flow as defined in the Wireless Agreement in the first two years of operations.  The management fee will increase to 6% in the third and fourth years of the agreement and 8% after the fourth year of the agreement.  The management fee will be paid before distributions to the owners.

In June 2012 we recorded a receivable of $4.5 million related to an Indefeasible Right to Use (“IRU”) sales agreement for which we received payment on July 3, 2012.

As discussed in the General Overview section of this Item 2 the FCC published the High Cost Order in November 2011.  The program changes will impact our liquidity minimally in 2012 and we are evaluating the impact the program changes will have on our liquidity in later years as the FCC considers successor funding mechanisms.  Additionally, in February 2012 the FCC released reforms to the USF’s Lifeline program.  The reforms include a requirement for annual recertification of all Lifeline subscribers enrolled as of June 1, 2012 to be completed by the end of 2012.  We began the recertification process and continue to evaluate whether this new rule will have a material impact on our cash flows.

On August 30, 2011, we entered into a financing arrangement under the NMTC program that provided $16.5 million in net cash to help fund the extension of terrestrial broadband service for the first time to rural Northwestern Alaska communities via a high capacity hybrid fiber optic and microwave network.  When completed, the project, called TERRA-NW, will connect to our TERRA-SW network and provide a high capacity backbone connection from the served communities to the Internet.

In September 2011, the Regulatory Commission of Alaska approved our application for a $5.3 million grant to help fund TERRA-NW.  The grant was increased to $6.3 million in January 2012.  The NMTC arrangement discussed above and this grant award partially fund backbone network facilities that we would not otherwise be able to construct within our return-on-investment requirements.  We plan to fund an additional $12.7 million for TERRA-NW and began construction in 2012 and expect to complete the project in 2014 or earlier if possible.
 
 
 
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We have a remaining non-cancelable agreement to purchase wireless equipment of $5.7 million and $8.1 million during the years ending December 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively.

While our short-term and long-term financing abilities are believed to be adequate as a supplement to internally generated cash flows to fund capital expenditures and acquisitions as opportunities arise, turmoil in the global financial markets may negatively impact our ability to further access the capital markets in a timely manner and on attractive terms, which may have a negative impact on our ability to grow our business.

We monitor the third-party depository institutions that hold our cash and cash equivalents. Our emphasis is primarily on safety of principal and secondarily on maximizing yield on those funds.

Our net cash flows provided by and (used for) operating, investing and financing activities, as reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for 2012 and 2011, are summarized as follows (amounts in thousands):

 
 
2012
   
2011
 
Operating activities
  $ 53,140       49,842  
Investing activities
    (62,118 )     (74,906 )
Financing activities
    1,707       17,863  
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
  $ (7,271 )     (7,201 )

Operating Activities
The increase in cash flows provided by operating activities is due primarily to an increase in operating income.

Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities consists primarily of cash paid for capital expenditures.  Our most significant recurring investing activity has been capital expenditures and we expect that this will continue in the future.  A significant portion of our capital expenditures is based on the level of customer growth and the technology being deployed.

Our cash expenditures for property and equipment, including construction in progress, totaled $60.0 million and $71.9 million during 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Our capital expenditures decreased in 2012 primarily due to completion of our TERRA-SW project which was placed in service December 2011.  We expect our 2012 expenditures for property and equipment for our core operations, including construction in progress, to total $145.0 million to $150.0 million, depending on available opportunities and the amount of cash flow we generate during 2012.

Under our TERRA-SW Rural Utilities Service (“RUS”) award, we had total available grant funds of $44.0 million.  We have received $3.1 million in grant funds in 2012 for a total receipt of $38.2 million in grant funds under this award through June 30, 2012, leaving $5.8 million remaining grant funds available as of June 30, 2012.  We have a $1.2 million grant fund receivable recorded as of June 30, 2012.

Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities in 2012 consists primarily of proceeds from borrowings on our Senior Credit Facility and other long-term debt.  These proceeds were almost entirely offset by repayment of other long-term debt and capital lease obligations and repurchases of our common stock.

Available Borrowings Under Senior Credit Facility
We have a facility which includes a $50.0 million term loan and a $75.0 million revolving credit facility with a $25.0 million sublimit for letters of credit (“Senior Credit Facility”).  The term loan is fully drawn at June 30, 2012.  Under the revolving portion of the Senior Credit Facility, we have borrowed $40.0 million and have $349,000 of letters of credit outstanding, which leaves $34.7 million available for borrowing as of June 30, 2012.  A total of $90.0 million is outstanding as of June 30, 2012.

On July 31, 2012, GCI Holdings, Inc. (“Holdings”), our wholly owned subsidiary, entered into an Add-On Term Loan Supplement No. 3 (“Supplement No. 3”) to our Senior Credit Facility.  The Supplement No. 3 provided for an additional $30.0 million term loan with an initial interest rate of LIBOR plus 2.5%, payable in accordance with the terms of our Senior Credit Facility.  Holdings used the term loan proceeds to pay down revolving loans under our Senior Credit Facility, thus increasing availability under the revolving portion of our Senior Credit Facility.  After consideration of this transaction, we have $64.7 million available for borrowing under our Senior Credit Facility.

 
45

 
Available TERRA-SW Borrowings Under RUS
Under our TERRA-SW RUS award, we had total available loan funds of $44.2 million.  We have borrowed $3.2 million in loan funds in 2012 for a total borrowing of $38.4 million in loan funds under this award through June 30, 2012, leaving $5.8 million remaining loan funds available as of June 30, 2012.

Debt Covenants
We are subject to covenants and restrictions applicable to our 2021 Notes, our $425.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 8.63% Senior Notes due 2019, our Senior Credit Facility, our RUS loans, and our CoBank loans.  We are in compliance with the covenants, and we believe that neither the covenants nor the restrictions in our indentures or loan documents will limit our ability to operate our business.

Share Repurchases
GCI’s Board of Directors has authorized a common stock buyback program for the repurchase of GCI Class A and Class B common stock in order to reduce the outstanding shares of Class A and Class B common stock.  Under this program, we are currently authorized to make up to $93.9 million of repurchases as of June 30, 2012.  We are authorized to increase our repurchase limit $5.0 million per quarter indefinitely and to use stock option exercise proceeds to repurchase additional shares.  If stock repurchases are less than the total approved quarterly amount the difference may be carried forward and applied against future stock repurchases.  During 2012 we repurchased 869,000 shares of GCI common stock under the stock buyback program at a cost of $9.0 million.  The common stock buyback program is expected to continue for an indefinite period dependent on leverage, liquidity, company performance, market conditions and subject to continued oversight by GCI’s Board of Directors. The open market repurchases have and will continue to comply with the restrictions of SEC Rule 10b-18.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our accounting and reporting policies comply with GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions. The financial position and results of operations can be affected by these estimates and assumptions, which are integral to understanding reported results. Critical accounting policies are those policies that management believes are the most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results, and require management to make estimates that are difficult, subjective or complex. Most accounting policies are not considered by management to be critical accounting policies. Several factors are considered in determining whether or not a policy is critical in the preparation of financial statements. These factors include, among other things, whether the estimates are significant to the financial statements, the nature of the estimates, the ability to readily validate the estimates with other information including third parties or available prices, and sensitivity of the estimates to changes in economic conditions and whether alternative accounting methods may be utilized under GAAP. For all of these policies, management cautions that future events rarely develop exactly as forecast, and the best estimates routinely require adjustment. Management has discussed the development and the selection of critical accounting policies with our Audit Committee.

Those policies considered to be critical accounting policies for 2012 are revenue recognition related to revenues from the Remote high cost, rural health and schools and libraries USF programs, the allowance for doubtful receivables, impairment and useful lives of intangible assets, accruals for unbilled costs, and the valuation allowance for net operating loss deferred tax assets.  A complete discussion of our critical accounting policies can be found in Item 7 "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our December 31, 2011 annual report on Form 10-K.

Other significant accounting policies, not involving the same level of measurement uncertainties as those discussed above, are nevertheless important to an understanding of the financial statements.  A complete discussion of our significant accounting policies can be found in note 1 in the accompanying “Condensed Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements” and in Part II of our December 31, 2011 annual report on Form 10-K.

 
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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
We are exposed to various types of market risk in the normal course of business, including the impact of interest rate changes.  Our Senior Credit Facility carries interest rate risk.  Amounts borrowed under this Agreement bear interest at the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 4.0% or less depending upon our Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Senior Credit Facility) for the revolving portion and LIBOR plus 2.5% for the term portion.  Should the LIBOR rate change, our interest expense will increase or decrease accordingly.  As of June 30, 2012, we have borrowed $90.0 million subject to interest rate risk.  On this amount, each 1% increase in the LIBOR interest rate would result in $900,000 of additional gross interest cost on an annualized basis.  All of our other material borrowings have a fixed interest rate.  We do not hold derivatives for trading purposes.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized, accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and financial officers, to allow timely decisions regarding required financial disclosure, and reported as specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a - 15(e)) under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer.  Based on that evaluation, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2012.

The certifications attached as Exhibits 31 and 32 to this report should be read in conjunction with the disclosures set forth herein.
 
 
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) identified in connection with the evaluation of our controls performed during the quarter ended June 30, 2012 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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

Internal control over financial reporting has inherent limitations. Internal control over financial reporting is a process that involves human diligence and compliance and is subject to lapses in judgment and breakdowns resulting from human failures.  Internal control over financial reporting also can be circumvented by collusion or improper management override.  Because of such limitations, there is a risk that material misstatements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by internal control over financial reporting.  However, these inherent limitations are known features of the financial reporting process.  Therefore, it is possible to design into the process safeguards to reduce, though not eliminate, this risk.

We may enhance, modify, and supplement internal controls and disclosure controls and procedures based on experience.


 
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Part II
 
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
We are involved in various lawsuits, billing disputes, legal proceedings, and regulatory matters that have arisen from time to time in the normal course of business. While the ultimate results of these items cannot be predicted with certainty, we do not expect at this time for the resolution of them to have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.  In addition, in August 2010 a GCI-owned aircraft was involved in an accident resulting in five fatalities and injuries to the remaining four passengers on board.  We had aircraft and liability insurance coverage in effect at the time of the accident.  As of June 30, 2012, all claims paid out have been covered by insurance and were recorded net of these recoveries in our Consolidated Income Statements.  While most of the claims have been resolved, we cannot predict the likelihood or nature of the remaining potential environmental remediation claim related to the accident.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
(a) Not applicable.
 
(b) Not applicable.
 
(c) The following table provides information about repurchases of shares of our Class A common stock during the quarter ended June 30, 2012:
 

   
(a) Total Number of Shares Purchased1
   
(b) Average Price Paid per Share
   
(c) Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs2
   
(d) Maximum Number (or approximate Dollar Value) of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plan or Programs3
 
April 1, 2012 to  April 30, 2012
    -     $ -       -     $ 93,913,421  
May 1, 2012 to May 31, 2012
    -     $ -       -     $ 93,913,421  
June 1, 2012 to June 30, 2012
    6,400     $ 8.02       6,400     $ 93,862,059  
Total
    6,400                          
                                 
1Consists of 6,400 shares from open market purchases made under our publicly announced repurchase plan.
 
2The repurchase plan was publicly announced on November 3, 2004. Our plan does not have an expiration date, however transactions pursuant to the plan are subject to periodic approval by our Board of Directors. We expect to continue the repurchases for an indefinite period dependent on leverage, liquidity, company performance, market conditions and subject to continued oversight by our Board of Directors.
 
3The total amount approved by our Board of Directors for repurchase under our publicly announced repurchase plan was $305.2 million through June 30, 2012, consisting of $300.2 million through March 31, 2012, and an additional $5.0 million during the three months ended June 30, 2012. We have made total repurchases under the program of $211.4 million through June 30, 2012. If stock repurchases are less than the total approved quarterly amount the difference may be carried forward and used to repurchase additional shares in future quarters, subject to board approval.
 
 
 
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Item 6. Exhibits

Listed below are the exhibits that are filed as a part of this Report (according to the number assigned to them in Item 601 of Regulation S-K):

Exhibit No.
Description
 
 
31.1 
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302
 
 
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by our President and Director *
31.2 
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302
 
 
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by our Senior Vice President,
 
 
Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer *
32.1 
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906
 
 
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by our President and Director *
32.2 
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906
 
 
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by our Senior Vice President,
 
 
Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer *
10.193 
Asset Purchase and Contribution Agreement Dated as of June 4, 2012 By and Among
 
 
Alaska Communications Systems Group, Inc., ACS Wireless, Inc., General
 
 
Communication, Inc., GCI Wireless Holdings, LLC and The Alaska Wireless
 
 
Network, LLC * # (1)
10.194 
Add-on Term Loan Supplement No. 3 *
101 
The following materials from General Communication, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form
 
 
10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2012, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business
 
 
Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) Consolidated Income
 
 
Statements; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity; (iv) Consolidated
 
 
Statements of Cash Flows; and (v) Condensed Notes to Interim Consolidated
 
 
Financial Statements *
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
# CONFIDENTIAL PORTION has been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment by us to, and the material has been separately filed with, the SEC.  Each omitted Confidential Portion is marked by three asterisks.
* Filed herewith.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Exhibit Reference
Description
1
Pursuant to Regulation S-K, Item 601(b)(2), certain schedules (and similar attachments) to this exhibit have not been filed herewith. A list of omitted schedules is included in the agreement. The registrant agrees to furnish a supplemental copy of any such omitted schedule (or similar attachment) to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request; provided, however, that the registrant may request confidential treatment of omitted items.
 
 
 
 
 

 
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SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

GENERAL COMMUNICATION, INC.

Signature
 
Title
 
Date
         
         
  /s/ Ronald A. Duncan  
President and Director
    August 3, 2012
Ronald A. Duncan
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
   
         
  /s/ John M. Lowber  
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial
    August 3, 2012
John M. Lowber
 
Officer, Secretary and Treasurer
(Principal Financial Officer)
   
         
  /s/ Lynda L. Tarbath  
Vice President, Chief Accounting
    August 3, 2012
Lynda L. Tarbath
 
Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)
   


 
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