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 September 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. x Yes o No

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 (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files.) x Yes o No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See 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).
o Yes x No

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

38,533,612 shares of Class A common stock; and
3,168,800 shares of Class B common stock.

 
1

 

GENERAL COMMUNICATION, INC.
FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 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 September 30, 2012
 and December 31, 2011
   
4
           
   
Consolidated Income Statements (unaudited) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011
   
6
           
   
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (unaudited) for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011
   
7
           
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the nine months ended September 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
     
         
48
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
     
           
 
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
   
48
           
 
Item 6.
Exhibits
   
50
           
 
Other items are omitted, as they are not applicable.
   
           
SIGNATURES
   
51


 
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)
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
ASSETS
 
2012
   
2011
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
   
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 27,555       29,387  
 
               
Receivables
    183,097       141,827  
Less allowance for doubtful receivables
    3,740       5,796  
Net receivables
    179,357       136,031  
 
               
Deferred income taxes
    15,555       15,555  
Prepaid expenses
    8,151       7,899  
Inventories
    11,948       7,522  
Other current assets
    2,464       3,631  
Total current assets
    245,030       200,025  
 
               
Property and equipment in service, net of depreciation
    817,798       849,121  
Construction in progress
    92,600       42,918  
Net property and equipment
    910,398       892,039  
 
               
Cable certificates
    191,635       191,635  
Goodwill
    74,883       74,883  
Wireless licenses
    25,967       25,967  
Deferred loan and senior notes costs, net of amortization
  of $4,117 and $2,880 at September 30, 2012 and December
  31, 2011, respectively
    11,566       12,812  
Restricted cash
    10,445       15,910  
Other intangible assets, net of amortization
    15,472       15,835  
Other assets
    14,449       17,214  
Total other assets
    344,417       354,256  
Total assets
  $ 1,499,845       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)
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
2012
   
2011
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
   
 
 
Current maturities of obligations under long-term debt and
  capital leases
  $ 7,766       8,797  
Accounts payable
    43,880       41,353  
Deferred revenue
    23,903       22,003  
Accrued payroll and payroll related obligations
    20,901       22,126  
Accrued interest
    21,358       6,680  
Accrued liabilities
    25,528       11,423  
Subscriber deposits
    1,125       1,250  
Total current liabilities
    144,461       113,632  
 
               
Long-term debt, net
    864,804       858,031  
Obligations under capital leases, excluding current maturities
    74,259       78,605  
Obligation under capital lease due to related party, excluding
  current maturity
    1,893       1,893  
Deferred income taxes
    124,619       114,234  
Long-term deferred revenue
    88,561       81,822  
Other liabilities
    25,705       24,456  
Total liabilities
    1,324,302       1,272,673  
 
               
Commitments and contingencies
               
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Common stock (no par):
               
Class A. Authorized 100,000 shares; issued 38,818 and
               
39,296 shares at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively; outstanding 38,625 and 39,043 shares at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively
    25,543       26,179  
Class B. Authorized 10,000 shares; issued and
               
outstanding 3,169 and 3,171 shares at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively; convertible on a share-per-share basis into Class A common stock
    2,676       2,679  
Less cost of 193 and 253 Class A common shares held
               
in treasury at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively
    (1,707 )     (2,225 )
Paid-in capital
    26,232       32,795  
Retained earnings
    107,022       97,911  
Total General Communication, Inc. stockholders' equity
    159,766       157,339  
Non-controlling interest
    15,777       16,308  
Total stockholders’ equity
    175,543       173,647  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 1,499,845       1,446,320  
 
               
See accompanying condensed notes to interim consolidated financial statements.
 

 
5

 

GENERAL COMMUNICATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Revenues
  $ 178,494       177,703       526,505       510,569  
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and
                               
amortization shown separately below)
    62,754       60,664       177,687       171,734  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    58,228       54,453       181,258       171,043  
Depreciation and amortization expense
    32,120       30,653       97,850       93,298  
 Operating income
    25,392       31,933       69,710       74,494  
Other income (expense):
                               
Interest expense (including amortization
                               
of deferred loan fees)
    (16,765 )     (16,678 )     (50,868 )     (51,424 )
Loss on extinguishment of debt
    -       -       -       (9,111 )
Interest income
    2       22       8       30  
Other
    164       (59 )     117       (92 )
 Other expense, net
    (16,599 )     (16,715 )     (50,743 )     (60,597 )
   Income before income tax expense
    8,793       15,218       18,967       13,897  
Income tax expense
    (5,270 )     (7,979 )     (10,387 )     (7,303 )
   Net income
    3,523       7,239       8,580       6,594  
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest
    177       -       531       -  
  Net income attributable to General
   Communication, Inc.
  $ 3,700       7,239       9,111       6,594  
Basic net income attributable to General
  Communication, Inc. common stockholders per
  Class A common share
  $ 0.09       0.16       0.22       0.14  
Basic net income attributable to General
  Communication, Inc. common stockholders per
  Class B common share
  $ 0.09       0.16       0.22       0.14  
Diluted net income attributable to General
  Communication, Inc. common stockholders per
  Class A common share
  $ 0.09       0.15       0.22       0.13  
Diluted net income attributable to General
  Communication, Inc. common stockholders per
  Class B common share
  $ 0.09       0.15       0.22       0.13  
 
                               
See accompanying condensed notes to interim consolidated financial statements.
                 

 
6

 

GENERAL COMMUNICATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 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 Income
  -       -       -       -       6,594       -       6,594  
Common stock repurchases and
  retirements
  (39,291 )     -       -       -       -       -       (39,291 )
Share-based
  compensation expense
  -       -       -       4,193       -       -       4,193  
Shares issued under stock
  option plan
  915       -       -       -       -       -       915  
Issuance of restricted stock  awards
  518       -       -       (518 )     -       -       -  
Investment by non-controlling interest
  -       -       -       -       -       16,546       16,546  
Other
  (3 )     3       9       -       -       -       9  
Balances at September 30, 2011
$ 31,535       2,680       (2,240 )     40,750       98,794       16,546       188,065  
 
                                                     
Balances at January 1, 2012
$ 26,179       2,679       (2,225 )     32,795       97,911       16,308       173,647  
Net income (loss)
  -       -       -       -       9,111       (531 )     8,580  
Common stock repurchases and
  retirements
  (13,189 )     -       -       -       -       -       (13,189 )
Share-based compensation
  expense
  -       -       -       3,989       -       -       3,989  
Shares issued under stock
  option plan
  1,929       -       -       -       -       -       1,929  
Issuance of restricted stock
  awards
  10,621       -       -       (10,621 )     -       -       -  
Issuance of treasury shares
  related to deferred
  compensation payment
  -       -       511       69       -       -       580  
Other
  3       (3 )     7       -       -       -       7  
Balances at September 30, 2012
$ 25,543       2,676       (1,707 )     26,232       107,022       15,777       175,543  
 
                                                     
See accompanying condensed notes to interim consolidated financial statements.
 

 
7

 

GENERAL COMMUNICATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012 AND 2011
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
(Amounts in thousands)
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
   
 
 
Net income
  $ 8,580       6,594  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
               
provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization expense
    97,850       93,298  
Deferred income tax expense
    10,387       7,303  
Share-based compensation expense
    3,990       3,224  
Loss on extinguishment of debt
    -       9,111  
Other noncash income and expense items
    5,986       7,195  
Change in operating assets and liabilities
    (21,627 )     (30,199 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
    105,166       96,526  
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Purchases of property and equipment
    (104,351 )     (126,900 )
Grant proceeds
    5,492       15,314  
Restricted cash
    5,465       16,546  
Purchases of other assets and intangible assets
    (3,741 )     (4,635 )
Other
    -       233  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (97,135 )     (99,442 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Repayment of debt and capital lease obligations
    (62,659 )     (414,733 )
Borrowing on Senior Credit Facility
    60,000       142,000  
Purchase of treasury stock to be retired
    (13,189 )     (39,291 )
Borrowing of other long-term debt
    3,980       15,375  
Investment by non-controlling interest
    -       (16,546 )
Issuance of 2021 Notes
    -       325,000  
Payment of Senior Notes call premiums
    -       (4,728 )
Payment of debt issuance costs
    -       (3,512 )
Proceeds from stock option exercises
    1,929       915  
Other
    76       -  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (9,863 )     4,480  
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (1,832 )     1,564  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    29,387       33,070  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 27,555       34,634  
 
               
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 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.

 
(d)
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2012-02, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350)” allows an entity to assess qualitative factors (such as changes in management, key personnel, strategy, key technology or customers) that may impact the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset and lead to the determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying value. If an entity determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the intangible asset is less than its carrying value, an impairment test must be performed. The impairment test requires an entity to calculate the estimated fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset. If the carrying value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its estimated fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess.  The updated guidance is effective for the quarter ending March 31, 2013. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on our income statements, financial position or cash flows.
 
9

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


ASU 2012-04, “Technical Corrections and Improvements” includes amendments that cover a wide range of topics in the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”). These amendments include technical corrections and improvements to the ASC and conforming amendments related to fair value measurements. The amendments in this update will be effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The adoption of ASU 2012-04 is not expected to have a material impact on our income statements, financial position or cash flows.

 
(e)
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
ASU 2012-03, “Technical Amendments and Corrections to SEC Sections: Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 114, Technical Amendments Pursuant to SEC Release No. 33-9250, and Corrections Related to FASB Accounting Standards Update 2010-22 (SEC Update)” amends various SEC paragraphs pursuant to the issuance of SAB No. 114. The adoption of ASU 2012-03 did not have a material impact on our income statements, financial position or cash flows.

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 Financial Accounting Standards Board ASC 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.

 
(f)
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.

 
(g)
Earnings per Common Share
We compute net income per share of Class A and Class B common stock using the “two class” method.  Therefore, basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income applicable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common and dilutive common equivalent shares outstanding during the period.  The computation of the dilutive net income 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 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.
 
10

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

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, 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.

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 September 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
 
 
 
Class A
   
Class B
   
Class A
   
Class B
 
Basic net income per share:
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Numerator:
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Allocation of undistributed earnings
  $ 3,419       281     $ 6,728       511  
 
                               
Denominator:
                               
Weighted average common shares
  outstanding
    38,600       3,170       41,768       3,175  
Basic net income attributable to GCI
  common stockholders per common share
  $ 0.09       0.09     $ 0.16       0.16  
 
                               
Diluted net income per share:
                               
Numerator:
                               
Allocation of undistributed earnings for
  basic computation
  $ 3,419       281     $ 6,728       511  
Reallocation of undistributed earnings as a
  result of conversion of Class B to Class A
  shares
    281       -       511       -  
Effect of share based compensation that may
  be settled in cash or shares
    -       -       (495 )     -  
Reallocation of undistributed earnings as a
  result of conversion of Class B to Class A
  shares outstanding
    -       (2 )     -       (40 )
Net income adjusted for allocation of
  undistributed earnings and effect of
  share based compensation that may be settled
  in cash or shares
  $ 3,700       279     $ 6,744       471  
 
                               

 
11

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



      Three Months Ended September 30,  
      2012      2011   
    Class A      Class B      Class A       Class B   
Denominator:
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Number of shares used in basic computation
    38,600       3,170       41,768       3,175  
Conversion of Class B to Class A common
  shares outstanding
    3,170       -       3,175       -  
Unexercised stock options
    230       -       304       -  
Effect of share based compensation that may
  be settled in cash or shares
    -       -       217       -  
Number of shares used in per share computations
    42,000       3,170       45,464       3,175  
Diluted net income attributable to GCI
  common stockholders per common share
  $ 0.09       0.09     $ 0.15       0.15  

 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
 
 
 
Class A
   
Class B
   
Class A
   
Class B
 
Basic net income per share:
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Numerator:
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Allocation of undistributed earnings
  $ 8,420       691     $ 6,140       454  
 
                               
Denominator:
                               
Weighted average common shares
  outstanding
    38,614       3,170       42,940       3,177  
Basic net income attributable to GCI
  common stockholders per common share
  $ 0.22       0.22     $ 0.14       0.14  
 
                               
Diluted net income per share:
                               
Numerator:
                               
Allocation of undistributed earnings for
  basic computation
  $ 8,420       691     $ 6,140       454  
Reallocation of undistributed earnings as a
  result of conversion of Class B to Class A
  shares
    691       -       454       -  
Effect of share based compensation that may
  be settled in cash or shares
    -       -       (571 )     -  
Reallocation of undistributed earnings as a
  result of conversion of Class B to Class A
  shares outstanding
    -       (6 )     -       (44 )
Net income adjusted for allocation of
  undistributed earnings and effect of
  share based compensation that may be settled
  in cash or shares
  $ 9,111       685     $ 6,023       410  
 
                               
Denominator:
                               
Number of shares used in basic computation
    38,614       3,170       42,940       3,177  
Conversion of Class B to Class A common
  shares outstanding
    3,170       -       3,177       -  
Unexercised stock options
    235       -       348       -  
Effect of share based compensation that may
  be settled in cash or shares
    158       -       217       -  
Number of shares used in per share computations
    42,177       3,170       46,682       3,177  
 
 
12

 
GENERAL COMMUNICATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 
 
      Nine Months Ended September 30,  
     
2012
     
2011
 
     
Class A
     
Class B
     
Class A
     
Class B
 
                                 
Diluted net income attributable to GCI
  common stockholders per common share
  $ 0.22       0.22     $ 0.13       0.13  

Weighted average shares associated with outstanding share awards for the three and nine months ended September 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
   
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Shares associated with anti-dilutive
  unexercised stock options
    82       95       88       39  
Share based compensation that may
  be settled in cash or shares, the effect
  of which is anti-dilutive
    158       -       -       -  

Shares associated with contingent awards for the three and nine months ended September 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 September 30, 2012 and 2011, consist of the following (shares in thousands):

 
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Shares associated with contingent awards
    58       50       58       50  

 
(h)
Common Stock
Following are the changes in issued common stock for the nine months ended September 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
    6       (6 )
Shares issued upon stock option exercises
    157       -  
Share awards issued
    417       -  
Shares retired
    (3,802 )     -  
Other
    (25 )     -  
 
Balances at September 30, 2011
    40,966       3,172  
 
 
               
Balances at December 31, 2011
    39,296       3,171  
Class B shares converted to Class A
    2       (2 )
Shares issued upon stock option exercises
    284       -  
Share awards issued
    516       -  
Shares retired
    (980 )     -  
Shares acquired to settle minimum statutory tax
  withholding requirements
    (292 )     -  
Other
 
    (8 )     -  
 
Balances at September 30, 2012
    38,818       3,169  
 
 
13

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

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.

During the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, we repurchased 111,000 and 1.9 million shares, respectively, of our Class A common stock under the stock buyback program at a cost of $988,000 and $17.9 million, respectively.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, we repurchased 980,000 and 3.8 million shares, respectively, of our Class A common stock under the stock buyback program at a cost of $10.0 million and $39.0 million, respectively.  The amount available under the stock buyback program is $99.8 million at September 30, 2012.  The repurchased stock was constructively retired as of September 30, 2012.

We expect to continue the repurchases for an indefinite period dependent on leverage, liquidity, company performance, and 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.

 
(i)
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 was subject to our judgment regarding the outcome of many variables and was subject to upward or downward adjustments in subsequent periods.

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 to the Statewide Support Cap amount.

In the Third Order on Reconsideration issued in May 2012 the FCC determined that Remote support will continue to be based on line counts until June 30, 2014, or the last full month prior to the establishment of a successor funding mechanism.  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 per-line based support (subject to the Statewide Support Cap) until a successor funding mechanism is operational.  A subject CETC may not receive both 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 FCC, 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 FCC, 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 commenced 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.

As a result of the High Cost Order program changes for the areas designated as Urban by the FCC 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 (“RCA”).

We recorded high cost support revenue under the USF program of $10.7 million and $13.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $31.8 million and $39.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  At September 30, 2012, we have $31.7 million and $4.5 million in Remote and Urban high cost accounts receivable, respectively.

 
(j)
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(i) “Revenue Recognition” above for information.

 
(k)
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
 Income Statements.  The following are certain surcharges reported on a gross basis in our Consolidated Income Statements (amounts in thousands):

 
 
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Surcharges reported gross
  $ 1,214       1,300       4,094       4,100  

 
(l)
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 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

 
 
                 
Consolidated Income Statement for the
  Three Months Ended September 30, 2011:
 
As Previously Reported
   
Adjustment
   
As Revised
 
Depreciation and amortization expense
    30,702       (49 )     30,653  
Operating income
    31,884       49       31,933  
Income before income tax expense
    15,169       49       15,218  
Income tax expense
    7,959       20       7,979  
Net income
    7,210       29       7,239  
 
                       
Consolidated Income Statement for the
  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011:
                       
Depreciation and amortization expense
    93,054       244       93,298  
Operating income
    74,738       (244 )     74,494  
Income before income tax expense
    14,141       (244 )     13,897  
Income tax expense
    7,403       (100 )     7,303  
Net income
    6,738       (144 )     6,594  
Basic net income attributable to General
                       
  Communication, Inc. common stockholders
                       
  per Class A common share
    0.15       (0.01 )     0.14  
Basic net income attributable to General
                       
  Communication, Inc. common stockholders
                       
  per Class B common share
    0.15       (0.01 )     0.14  
 
                       
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders'
  Equity for the Nine Months Ended
  September 30, 2011:
                       
Retained earnings, balance at January 1, 2011
    93,607       (1,407 )     92,200  
Net income
    6,738       (144 )     6,594  
Retained earnings, balance at September 30, 2011
    100,345       (1,551 )     98,794  
Total stockholders' equity, balance at
  January 1, 2011
    200,506       (1,407 )     199,099  
Total stockholders' equity, balance at
  September 30, 2011
    189,616       (1,551 )     188,065  
 
                       
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the
                       
  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011:
                       
Net income
    6,738       (144 )     6,594  
Depreciation and amortization expense
    93,054       244       93,298  
Income tax expense
    7,403       (100 )     7,303  
 
                       


 
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 the following (amounts in thousands):

Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2012
   
2011
 
Increase in accounts receivable, net
  $ (52,020 )     (42,901 )
Increase in prepaid expenses
    (312 )     (2,484 )
Increase in inventories
    (4,426 )     (2,145 )
Decrease in other current assets
    1,167       282  
Decrease in other assets
    3,337       2,617  
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable
    (3,768 )     10,517  
Increase in deferred revenues
    1,900       1,287  
Decrease in accrued payroll and
  payroll related obligations
    (1,320 )     (2,057 )
Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities
    14,616       (1,338 )
Increase in accrued interest
    14,678       8,513  
Increase (decrease) in subscriber deposits
    (125 )     33  
Increase (decrease) in long-term deferred revenue
    5,739       (575 )
Decrease in components of other
  long-term liabilities
    (1,093 )     (1,948 )
 
  $ (21,627 )     (30,199 )

The following item is for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 (amounts in thousands):

 
 
2012
   
2011
 
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized
  $ 37,874       42,654  

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

 
 
2012
   
2011
 
Non-cash additions for purchases of property and
  equipment
  $ 7,390       11,481  
Deferred compensation distribution denominated in
  shares
  $ 511       -  
Asset retirement obligation additions to property and
  equipment
  $ 644       222  
Asset retirement obligation reductions to property and
  equipment for revisions to previous estimates
  $ -       294  

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

 
 
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Amortization expense
  $ 1,275       1,517       3,900       4,673  


 
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 
  $ 4,879  
2013 
    4,044  
2014 
    3,271  
2015 
    2,051  
2016 
    844  

(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 September 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 September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, follow (amounts in thousands):

 
 
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
 
 
 
Carrying Amount
   
Fair Value
   
Carrying Amount
   
Fair Value
 
Current and long-term debt and
  capital lease obligations
  $ 948,722       999,411       947,326       942,895  
Other liabilities
    25,705       24,928       24,456       23,627  

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 issued by GCI, Inc., our wholly owned subsidiary, the $425.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 8.63% Senior Notes due 2019 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 $80.0 million term loan 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.


 
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 September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, are as follows (amounts in thousands):

 
 
Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using
 
September 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)
  $ 1,728       -       -  
Total assets at fair value
  $ 1,728       -       -  
 
                       
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 3.8 million shares available for grant under the Stock Option Plan at September 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 nine months ended September 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
    (284 )   $ 6.78  
 
 
Forfeited
    (14 )   $ 5.86  
 
 
Expired
    (33 )   $ 5.83  
 
 
Outstanding at September 30, 2012
    756     $ 7.54  
3.80 years
$ 1,795
Exercisable at September 30, 2012
    712     $ 7.59  
3.63 years
$ 1,660

There were no options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.  The total fair value of options vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, was $558,000 and $153,000, respectively.  The total intrinsic values, determined as of the date of exercise, of options exercised in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, were $1.1 million and $264,000, respectively.  We received $1.9 million and $915,000 in cash from stock option exercises during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

A summary of nonvested restricted stock award activity under the Stock Option Plan for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, follows (share amounts in thousands):

 
 
 
   
Weighted
 
 
 
 
   
Average
 
 
 
 
   
Grant Date
 
 
 
Shares
   
Fair Value
 
Nonvested at January 1, 2012
    1,556     $ 6.89  
Granted
    520     $ 9.58  
Vested
    (991 )   $ 4.90  
Forfeited
    (9 )   $ 10.88  
Nonvested at September 30, 2012
    1,076     $ 10.01  
 
 
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 nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 (amounts in thousands):

 
 
2012
   
2011
 
Employee share-based compensation expense
  $ 3,989       4,193  
Adjustment to fair value of liability classified awards
    1       (969 )
  Total share-based compensation expense
  $ 3,990       3,224  

Share-based compensation expense is classified as Selling, General and Administrative Expense in our Consolidated Income Statements.  Unrecognized share-based compensation expense was $5.6 million relating to 1.1 million restricted stock awards (exclusive of contingent awards) and $139,000 relating to 44,000 unvested stock options as of September 30, 2012.  We expect to recognize share-based compensation expense over a weighted average period of 1.6 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 nine months ended September 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 nine months ended September 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 nine months ended September 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 nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, follows (amounts in thousands):

Three months ended September 30,
 
Consumer
   
Network Access
   
Commercial
   
Managed Broadband
   
Regulated Operations
   
Total Reportable Segments
 
2012 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Revenues:
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Intersegment
  $ (356 )     45       1,417       -       47       1,153  
External
    86,807       27,475       36,208       22,685       5,319       178,494  
Total revenues
    86,451       27,520       37,625       22,685       5,366       179,647  
Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 20,916       15,383       9,892       12,249       1,009       59,449  
 
                                               
2011 
                                               
Revenues:
                                               
Intersegment
  $ -       -       1,382       -       4       1,386  
External
    89,267       29,467       35,572       17,407       5,990       177,703  
Total revenues
    89,267       29,467       36,954       17,407       5,994       179,089  
Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 30,373       13,729       9,117       8,844       1,038       63,101  
 
                                               
Nine months ended September 30,
 
Consumer
   
Network Access
   
Commercial
   
Managed Broadband
   
Regulated Operations
   
Total Reportable Segments
 
2012 
                                               
Revenues:
                                               
Intersegment
  $ -       210       4,228       -       145       4,583  
External
    263,114       78,680       105,015       63,431       16,265       526,505  
Total revenues
    263,114       78,890       109,243       63,431       16,410       531,088  
Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 69,718       41,235       26,958       32,561       3,227       173,699  
 
                                               
2011 
                                               
Revenues:
                                               
Intersegment
  $ -       -       4,207       -       117       4,324  
External
    266,238       79,715       101,617       46,041       16,958       510,569  
Total revenues
    266,238       79,715       105,824       46,041       17,075       514,893  
Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 87,024       37,953       23,180       20,264       2,959       171,380  

 
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
   
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Reportable segment revenues
  $ 179,647       179,089       531,088       514,893  
Less intersegment revenues eliminated in
   consolidation
    1,153       1,386       4,583       4,324  
Consolidated revenues
  $ 178,494       177,703       526,505       510,569  

A reconciliation of reportable segment Adjusted EBITDA to consolidated income before income taxes follows (amounts in thousands):
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Reportable segment Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 59,449       63,101       173,699       171,380  
Less depreciation and amortization
  expense
    (32,120 )     (30,653 )     (97,850 )     (93,298 )
Less share-based compensation
  expense
    (1,395 )     (384 )     (3,990 )     (3,224 )
Less non-cash contribution
  expense
    -       -       (960 )     -  
Less net loss attributable to
  non-controlling interest
    (177 )     -       (531 )     -  
Plus net loss (income) attributable to
  equity investment
    (164 )     59       (117 )     92  
Less accretion expense
    (201 )     (190 )     (541 )     (456 )
Consolidated operating income
    25,392       31,933       69,710       74,494  
Less other expense, net
    (16,599 )     (16,715 )     (50,743 )     (60,597 )
Consolidated income before
  income tax expense
  $ 8,793       15,218       18,967       13,897  

(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 (“NMTC #1”).  When completed, the project, called TERRA-Northwest (“TERRA-NW”), will connect to our TERRA-Southwest (“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 #1 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, held by Unicom, of $10.4 million and $15.9 million is included in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.  We began construction on TERRA-NW in 2012 and expect to complete the project in 2014 or earlier if possible.
 
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 #1 is subject to 100% recapture for a period of seven years as provided in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  We are required to be in compliance with various regulations and contractual provisions that apply to the NMTC #1 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 related tax credits until such time as our obligation to deliver tax benefits is relieved.  There have been no credit recaptures as of September 30, 2012.  The value attributed to the put/call is nominal.
 
 
24

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

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 Sheets.  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 September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 (amounts in thousands):



September 30, 2012
Assets
 
Equity
Carrying Value
 
Classification
 
Carrying Value
 
Classification
$ 10,445  
Restricted cash
  $ 15,777  
Non-controlling interest
  6,101  
Construction in progress
    769  
Retained earnings attributable to General Communication, Inc. common stockholders
$ 16,546  
 
  $ 16,546    



December 31, 2011
Assets
 
Equity
Carrying Value
 
Classification
 
Carrying Value
 
Classification
$ 15,910  
Restricted cash
  $ 16,308  
Non-controlling interest
  711  
Construction in progress
    313  
Retained earnings attributable to General Communication, Inc. common stockholders
$ 16,621  
 
  $ 16,621  
 

 
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 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 September 30, 2012, all claims paid out have been covered by insurance and were recorded net of these recoveries in our Consolidated Income Statements.  Subsequent to September 30, 2012, final payments on all resolved claims were made and with the exception of any potential claims for environmental remediation, the claims related to the accident have been resolved within policy limits.  We cannot predict the likelihood or nature of any potential claims for environmental remediation.

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.  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 a five-step phase-down commenced 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 is capped and is being distributed on a per-line basis until the later of July 1, 2014, or the last full month prior to 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.


 
26

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



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 affordable rates.  We participate in the Lifeline program and recognized $3.3 million and $4.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $11.3 million and $12.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, 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 reduced the wireless subscriber per line support $0.75 and took effect in August 2012.  This change did 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.
·  
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 have made significant progress toward completing the annual recertification process and do not expect this new rule to 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 Office of Management and Budget 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 (“AWN”), a wholly owned subsidiary of GCI, 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 excess of 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.

(9)         Subsequent Events
On October 1, 2012, the Wireless Agreement was amended to extend the deadlines for certain third party consents.  The consent from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers was subsequently obtained October 4, 2012.  The consent from ACS’s lenders was subsequently obtained November 1, 2012.

On October 3, 2012, the FCC announced our winning bids in the Mobility Fund I auction for a $3.2 million grant to partially fund expansion of our 3G wireless network to locations in Alaska where we would not otherwise be able to construct within our return-on-investment requirements.  Upon review we accepted $2.3 million and plan to begin construction in 2012 and expect to complete the project in 2013.

On October 3, 2012, we entered into a second arrangement under the NMTC program with US Bancorp to fund $12.9 million of Phase 3 of our TERRA-NW project (“NMTC #2”).  Phase 3 of our TERRA-NW project continues the extension of terrestrial broadband service to additional rural Northwestern Alaska communities.  In connection with this NMTC #2 transaction we loaned $37.7 million to two special purpose entities created to effect the financing arrangement, at 1.0% interest due October 2, 2042.  Simultaneously, US Bancorp invested $17.5 million in these special purpose entities, and as such, is entitled to substantially all of the benefits derived from the NMTCs. The special purpose entities then contributed US Bancorp’s contribution and the loan proceeds to certain CDEs less payment of placement fees of $3.2 million. The CDEs, in turn, loaned $52.0 million, at interest rates varying from 0.7099% to 0.7693%, to Unicom, our wholly owned subsidiary, as partial financing for Phase 3 of TERRA-NW.  The loan proceeds to Unicom, net of syndication and arrangement fees, are restricted for use on Phase 3 of TERRA-NW.  Restricted cash of $12.9 million was received by Unicom on October 3, 2012.  We plan to begin construction on Phase 3 of TERRA-NW in 2013 and expect to complete the project in 2014.

 
 
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 economic 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 (“AWN”), a wholly owned subsidiary of GCI, 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 will continue to 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 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.  At September 30, 2012, we have $31.7 million and $4.5 million in Remote and Urban high cost accounts receivable, respectively.

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 affordable rates.  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 reduced the wireless subscriber per line support $0.75 and took effect in August 2012.  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 have made significant progress toward completing the annual recertification process.

 
30

 
We have recognized $11.2 million in Consumer wireless Lifeline revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.  We expect that these Lifeline program changes will result in decreased Consumer segment wireless revenue in the range of $850,000 to $950,000 for the year ending December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011, and in the range of $2.5 million to $3.0 million for the year ending December 31, 2013, as compared to the year ending December 31, 2012.

As a related matter, in April 2012 the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (“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.

In November 2010, Verizon acquired a license for 700 MHz wireless spectrum covering Alaska.  Verizon has been building an LTE network in 2012 and subsequently we expect 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.

On October 3, 2012, we entered into a second arrangement under the New Markets Tax Credit (“NMTC”) program with US Bancorp for $12.9 million to fund the further extension of terrestrial broadband service to rural Northwestern Alaska communities via a high capacity hybrid fiber optic and microwave network (“Phase 3 of TERRA-NW”) (“NMTC #2”).  In connection with this NMTC #2 transaction we loaned $37.7 million to two special purpose entities created to effect the financing arrangement, at 1.0% interest due October 2, 2042.  Simultaneously, US Bancorp invested $17.5 million in these special purpose entities, and as such, is entitled to substantially all of the benefits derived from the NMTCs. The special purpose entities then contributed US Bancorp’s contribution and the loan proceeds to certain community development entities (“CDEs”) less payment of placement fees of $3.2 million. The CDEs, in turn, loaned $52.0 million, at interest rates varying from 0.7099% to 0.7693%, to Unicom, our wholly owned subsidiary, as partial financing for Phase 3 of TERRA-NW.  The loan proceeds to Unicom, net of syndication and arrangement fees, are restricted for use on Phase 3 of TERRA-NW.  Restricted cash of $12.9 million was received by Unicom on October 3, 2012.  We plan to begin construction on Phase 3 of TERRA-NW in 2013 and expect to complete the project in 2014.

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
 
 

 
 
31

 
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
Nine Months Ended
Change
 
 
 
September 30,
2012 
September 30,
2012 
 
 
 
2012 
2011 
vs. 2011
2012 
2011 
vs. 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income Statement Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Consumer segment
49%
50%
(3%)
50%
52%
(1%)
 
 Network Access segment
15%
17%
(7%)
15%
16%
(1%)
 
 Commercial segment
20%
20%
2%
20%
20%
3%
 
 Managed Broadband segment
13%
10%
30%
12%
9%
38%
 
 Regulated Operations segment
3%
3%
(11%)
3%
3%
(4%)
 
 
Total revenues
100%
100%
0%
100%
100%
3%
Selling, general and administrative expenses
33%
31%
7%
34%
34%
6%
Depreciation and amortization expense
18%
17%
5%
19%
18%
5%
Operating income
14%
18%
(20%)
13%
15%
(6%)
Other expense, net
9%
9%
(1%)
10%
12%
(16%)
Income before income tax expense
5%
9%
(42%)
4%
3%
36%
Net income
2%
4%
(51%)
2%
1%
30%
Net income attributable to GCI
2%
4%
(49%)
2%
1%
38%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
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 earnings before depreciation and amortization expense, net interest expense and income taxes (“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.

Three Months Ended September 30, 2012 (“third quarter of 2012”) Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2011 (“third quarter of 2011”)

Overview of Revenues and Cost of Goods Sold
Total revenues increased slightly from $177.7 million in the third quarter of 2011 to $178.5 million in the third quarter of 2012.  Revenue increases in our Commercial and Managed Broadband segments were partially off-set by decreased revenue in our Consumer, Network Access and Regulated Operations segments.  See the discussion below for more information by segment.

Total Cost of Goods Sold increased 3% from $60.7 million in the third quarter of 2011 to $62.8 million in the third quarter of 2012.  Cost of Goods Sold increases in our Consumer and Managed Broadband segments were partially off-set by decreased Cost of Goods Sold in our Network Access, Commercial and Regulated Operations segments.  See the discussion below for more information by segment.

Consumer Segment Overview
Consumer segment revenue represented 49% of the third quarter of 2012 consolidated revenues. The components of Consumer segment revenue are as follows (amounts in thousands):

 
 
Third Quarter of
   
Percentage
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
Voice
  $ 9,968       13,164       (24 %)
Video
    28,394       29,155       (3 %)
Data
    21,379       18,088       18 %
Wireless
    27,066       28,860       (6 %)
Total Consumer segment revenue
  $ 86,807       89,267       (3 %)

 
32

 
Consumer segment Cost of Goods Sold represented 53% of the third quarter of 2012 consolidated Cost of Goods Sold.  The components of Consumer segment Cost of Goods Sold are as follows (amounts in thousands):

 
 
Third Quarter of
   
Percentage
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
Voice
  $ 2,340       2,555       (8 %)
Video
    12,668       12,994       (3 %)
Data
    1,449       1,351       7 %
Wireless
    16,570       10,536       57 %
Total Consumer segment Cost of Goods Sold
  $ 33,027       27,436       20 %

Consumer segment Adjusted EBITDA, representing 35% of the third quarter of 2012 consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, is as follows (amounts in thousands):

 
 
Third Quarter of
   
Percentage
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
Consumer segment Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 20,916       30,373       (31 %)

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:

   
September 30,
   
Percentage
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
 Voice:
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Total local access lines in service
    71,900       79,100       (9 %)
Local access lines in service on GCI facilities
    66,900       73,200       (9 %)
 Video:
                       
Basic subscribers
    122,200       126,400       (3 %)
Digital programming tier subscribers
    72,000       76,700       (6 %)
HD/DVR converter boxes
    89,200       87,400       2 %
Homes passed
    248,400       239,800       4 %
Average monthly revenue per subscriber
  $ 77.45     $ 76.85       1 %
 Data:
                       
Cable modem subscribers
    113,100       106,800       6 %
 Wireless:
                       
Lifeline wireless lines in service
    35,500       43,100       (18 %)
Non-Lifeline wireless lines in service
    87,300       82,700       6 %
Average monthly revenue per subscriber
  $ 67.98     $ 72.60       (6 %)
                         
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 Lifeline wireless line in service is defined as a revenue generating wireless device that is eligible for Lifeline support.
 
A non-Lifeline wireless line in service is defined as a revenue generating wireless device that is not eligible for Lifeline support.
 
Average monthly consumer wireless revenues divided by the average of consumer Lifeline and non-Lifeline wireless subscribers at the beginning and end of each month in the period.
 

 
33

 
Consumer Segment Revenues
The decrease in voice revenue is primarily due to:
·  
A 30% decrease in local service high cost support to $2.0 million due to the changes in the high cost support program as discussed above in the General Overview section of this Item 2, changes in the variables used to calculate our estimate and a decrease in subscribers, and
·  
A 24% decrease in local service plan fee revenue to $3.8 million due to decreased subscribers and a rate decrease to one of our popular plans.

The increase in data revenue is primarily due to a 17% increase in cable modem revenue to $18.9 million due to increased subscribers and our subscribers’ selection of plans that offer higher speeds.

The decrease in wireless revenue is primarily due to:
·  
A 19% decrease in wireless high cost support to $8.0 million due to the changes in the high cost support program as discussed above in the General Overview section of this Item 2 and changes in the variables used to calculate our Remote high-cost estimate, and
·  
A 22% decrease in Lifeline support to $3.2 million primarily due to decreased subscribers resulting from the recertification program started in June 2012 and discussed above in the General Overview section of this Item 2.
 
These decreases were partially offset by an increase in plan fee revenue due to our subscribers’ selection of plans that offer more data and an increase in non-Lifeline subscribers.

Consumer Segment Cost of Goods Sold
The wireless Cost of Goods Sold increase is primarily due to increased costs for roaming and increased costs for wireless handset equipment sales.  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 and an increase in data usage by our customers.  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 decreased revenue as discussed above in “Consumer Segment Revenues”, 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.

 
 
34

 
Network Access Segment Overview
Network access segment revenue represented 15% of the third quarter of 2012 consolidated revenues. The components of Network Access segment revenue are as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
 
 
 
Third Quarter of
   
Percentage
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
Voice
  $ 5,664       6,213       (9 %)
Data
    14,093       17,140       (18 %)
Wireless
    7,718       6,114       26 %
Total Network Access segment revenue
  $ 27,475       29,467       (7 %)

Network Access segment Cost of Goods Sold represented 10% of the third quarter of 2012 consolidated Cost of Goods Sold.  The components of Network Access segment Cost of Goods Sold are as follows (amounts in thousands):

 
 
Third Quarter of
   
Percentage
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
Voice
  $ 2,307       3,460       (33 %)
Data
    3,433       5,697       (40 %)
Wireless
    454       374       21 %
Total Network Access segment Cost of Goods Sold
  $ 6,194       9,531       (35 %)

Network Access segment Adjusted EBITDA, representing 26% of the third quarter of 2012 consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, is as follows (amounts in thousands):

 
 
Third Quarter of
   
Percentage
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
Network Access segment Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 15,383       13,729       12 %

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 decrease in data revenue is primarily due to the absence in the third quarter of 2012 of $1.9 million in revenue for special project work for a new customer recognized in the third quarter of 2011.

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.

The decrease in data Cost of Goods Sold is primarily due to the absence in the third quarter of 2012 of $1.8 million in Cost of Goods Sold recognized in the third quarter of 2011 related to the special project work revenue described above in “Network Access Segment Revenues.”

Network Access Segment Adjusted EBITDA
The Adjusted EBITDA increase is primarily due to decreased Cost of Goods Sold as described above in “Network Access Segment Cost of Goods Sold.”  This change was partially offset by decreased revenue as described above in “Network Access Segment Revenues.
 
 
35

 
Commercial Segment Overview
Commercial segment revenue represented 20% of the third 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):
 
 
 
 
Third Quarter of
   
Percentage
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
Voice
  $ 6,896       7,137       (3 %)
Video
    3,142       2,830       11 %
Data
    23,622       23,040       3 %
Wireless
    2,548       2,565       (1 %)
Total Commercial segment revenue
  $ 36,208       35,572       2 %

Commercial segment Cost of Goods Sold represented 26% of the third quarter of 2012 consolidated Cost of Goods Sold.  The components of Commercial segment Cost of Goods Sold are as follows (amounts in thousands):

 
 
Third Quarter of
   
Percentage
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
Voice
  $ 2,434       3,001       (19 %)
Video
    486       542       (10 %)
Data
    11,906       12,522       (5 %)
Wireless
    1,781       1,167       53 %
Total Commercial segment Cost of Goods Sold
  $ 16,607       17,232       (4 %)

Commercial segment Adjusted EBITDA, representing 16% of the third quarter of 2012 consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, is as follows (amounts in thousands):

 
 
Third Quarter of
   
Percentage
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
Commercial segment Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 9,892       9,117       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.

Selected key performance indicators for our Commercial segment follow:

   
 
September 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
 
 30,500 
 
 27,200 
 
12%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cable modem subscribers
 
 11,600 
 
 11,100 
 
5%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Wireless:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wireless lines in service
 
 16,600 
 
 14,900 
 
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 Adjusted EBITDA
The Adjusted EBITDA increase is primarily due to decreased Cost of Goods Sold and an increase in revenue.  These changes were 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 13%, 8% and 21% of the third 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 30% to $22.7 million in the third quarter of 2012 as compared to the third quarter of 2011. The increase is primarily due to:

·  
A $4.2 million increase in monthly contract revenue due to new ConnectMD® and SchoolAccess® customers and increased data network capacity purchased by our existing ConnectMD® and SchoolAccess® customers, and
·  
A $1.1 million increase in product sales to our customers.

Managed Broadband Segment Cost of Goods Sold
Managed Broadband segment Cost of Goods Sold increased 15% to $5.2 million in the third quarter of 2012 as compared to the third quarter of 2011.  The increase is primarily due to Cost of Goods Sold associated with the product sales revenue described above in “Managed Broadband Segment Revenues.”

Managed Broadband Segment Adjusted EBITDA
Managed Broadband segment Adjusted EBITDA increased 39% to $12.2 million in the third quarter of 2012 primarily due to an increase in revenue as described above in "Managed Broadband Segment Revenues."  This change was partially offset by an increase in 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 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 the third quarter of 2012 consolidated revenues, Cost of Goods Sold and Adjusted EBITDA, respectively.

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

   
 
September 30,
 
Percentage
   
 
2012 
 
2011 
 
Change
 Voice:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total local access lines in service on GCI facilities
 
 8,500 
 
 9,300 
 
(9%)
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 $6.0 million in the third quarter of 2011 to $5.3 million in the third quarter of 2012.

Regulated Operations Segment Cost of Goods Sold
Regulated Operations segment Cost of Goods Sold decreased from $1.9 million in the third quarter of 2011 to $1.7 million in the third quarter of 2012.

 
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Regulated Operations Segment Adjusted EBITDA
Regulated Operations segment Adjusted EBITDA was $1.0 million in each of the third quarters of 2011 and 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.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 7% to $58.2 million in the third quarter of 2012.  Individually significant items contributing to the increase include:

·  
A $1.9 million increase in labor costs,
·  
A $919,000 increase in share-based compensation expense,
·  
A $599,000 increase in workers compensation expense, and
·  
$456,000 in transaction costs related to the transactions described in the Wireless Agreement as discussed in the General Overview section of this Item 2.

These increases were partially offset by a $1.0 million decrease in health benefit costs.

As a percentage of total revenues, selling, general and administrative expense increased from 31% in the third quarter of 2011 to 33% in the third quarter of 2012.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense
Depreciation and amortization expense increased 5% to $32.1 million in the third quarter of 2012 primarily due to new assets placed in service in 2011 and through September 2012 partially offset by assets which became fully depreciated during 2012.

Other Expense, Net
Other expense, net of other income, decreased 1% to $16.6 million in the third quarter of 2012.

Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense totaled $5.3 million and $8.0 million in the third quarters of 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Our effective income tax rate increased from 52% in the third quarter of 2011 to 60% in the third quarter of 2012, primarily due to an increase in the amount of estimated permanent tax differences as compared to our estimated net income before income tax expense in 2012 as compared to 2011.

At September 30, 2012, we have income tax net operating loss carryforwards of $306.4 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 $126.0 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 53% to 58% 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.


 
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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 (“2012”) Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 (“2011”)

Overview of Revenues and Cost of Goods Sold
Total revenues increased 3% from $510.6 million in 2011 to $526.5 million in 2012.  Revenue increases in our Commercial and Managed Broadband segments were partially off-set by decreased revenues in our Consumer, Network Access and Regulated Operations segments.  See the discussion below for more information by segment.

Total Cost of Goods Sold increased 3% from $171.7 million in 2011 to $177.7 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 50% of 2012 consolidated revenues. The components of Consumer segment revenue are as follows (amounts in thousands):

 
 
 
   
Percentage
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
Voice
  $ 31,731       40,541       (22 %)
Video
    86,651       89,040       (3 %)
Data
    63,351       52,046       22 %
Wireless
    81,381       84,611       (4 %)
Total Consumer segment revenue
  $ 263,114       266,238       (1 %)

Consumer segment Cost of Goods Sold represented 52% 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
  $ 6,982       8,194       (15 %)
Video
    38,196       39,982       (4 %)
Data
    4,295       4,265       1 %
Wireless
    42,759       30,314       41 %
Total Consumer segment Cost of Goods Sold
  $ 92,232       82,755       11 %

Consumer segment Adjusted EBITDA, representing 40% of 2012 consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, is as follows (amounts in thousands):

 
 
 
   
Percentage
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
Consumer segment Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 69,718       87,024       (20 %)

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:

   
September 30,
   
Percentage
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
 Video:
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Average monthly revenue per subscriber
  $ 78.01     $ 77.06       1 %
 Wireless:
                       
Average monthly revenue per subscriber
  $ 68.11     $ 70.89       (4 %)
                         
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 Lifeline and non-Lifeline wireless subscribers at the beginning and end of each month in the period.
 

 
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Consumer Segment Revenues
The decrease in voice revenue is primarily due to:
·  
A 29% decrease in local service high cost support to $6.2 million due to the changes in the high cost support program as discussed above in the General Overview section of this Item 2, changes in the variables used to calculate our estimate and a decrease in subscribers,
·  
A 21% decrease in local service plan fee revenue to $12.3 million due to decreased subscribers and a rate decrease to one of our popular plans, and
·  
A 41% decrease in long distance usage revenue to $1.9 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 19% increase in cable modem revenue to $55.0 million due to increased subscribers and our subscribers’ selection of plans that offer higher speeds, and
·  
A 78% increase in excess usage revenue to $5.8 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 17% decrease in wireless high cost support to $23.8 million due to the changes in the high cost support program as discussed above in the General Overview section of this Item 2 and changes in the variables used to calculate our Remote high-cost estimate, and
·  
A 12% decrease in Lifeline support revenue to $11.2 million primarily due to decreased subscribers resulting from the recertification program started in June 2012 and discussed above in the General Overview section of this Item 2.
 
These decreases were partially offset by an increase in plan fee revenue due to our subscribers’ selection of plans that offer more data and an increase in non-Lifeline subscribers.

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 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 and an increase in data usage by our customers.  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 due to a decrease in revenue as described above in “Consumer Segment Revenues” and 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
  $ 17,190       18,124       (5 %)
Data
    41,858       47,135       (11 %)
Wireless
    19,632       14,456       36 %
Total Network Access segment revenue
  $ 78,680       79,715       (1 %)

Network Access segment Cost of Goods Sold represented 10% 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
  $ 6,990       9,841       (29 %)
Data
    10,387       12,055       (14 %)
Wireless
    1,026       876       17 %
Total Network Access segment Cost of Goods Sold
  $ 18,403       22,772       (19 %)

Network Access segment Adjusted EBITDA, representing 24% of 2012 consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, is as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
 
 
 
   
Percentage
 
 
 
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
Network Access segment Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 41,235       37,953       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 decrease in data revenue is primarily due to:

·  
A $2.3 million decrease from loss of a certain customer which had been leasing capacity to service a specific end-user.  This end-user’s service is now provided as a SchoolAccess® customer and its revenue is now reported in our Managed Broadband segment, and
·  
Absence in 2012 of $1.9 million in revenue for special project work for a new customer recognized in 2011.

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 decreased Cost of Goods Sold as described above in “Network Access Segment Cost of Goods Sold.”  This change is partially offset by decreased revenue as described above in “Network Access Segment Revenues” and 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.
 
 
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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
  $ 20,786       22,050       (6 %)
Video
    9,498       8,606       10 %
Data
    67,376       63,653       6 %
Wireless
    7,355       7,308       1 %
Total Commercial segment revenue
  $ 105,015       101,617       3 %

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
  $ 7,568       10,514       (28 %)
Video
    1,476       1,581       (7 %)
Data
    34,051       33,660       1 %
Wireless
    4,714       3,275       44 %
Total Commercial segment Cost of Goods Sold
  $ 47,809       49,030       (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
  $ 26,958       23,180       16 %

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 12%, 8% and 19% 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 38% to $63.4 million in 2012 as compared to 2011. The increase is primarily due to:

·  
A $13.8 million increase in monthly contract revenue due to new ConnectMD® and SchoolAccess® customers and increased data network capacity purchased by our existing ConnectMD® and SchoolAccess® customers.  This revenue increase includes $2.3 million earned from a new customer previously purchasing service from another vendor. This vendor was a Network Access customer therefore this revenue increase is off-set by a corresponding decrease in our Network Access segment,
·  
A $2.0 million increase in product sales to our 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.

 
42

 
Managed Broadband Segment Adjusted EBITDA
Managed Broadband segment Adjusted EBITDA increased 61% to $32.6 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 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.

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 $17.0 million in 2011 to $16.3 million in 2012.

Regulated Operations Segment Cost of Goods Sold
Regulated Operations segment Cost of Goods Sold increased from $4.1 million in 2011 to $4.9 million in 2012.

Regulated Operations Segment Adjusted EBITDA
Regulated Operations segment Adjusted EBITDA increased from $3.0 million in 2011 to $3.2 million in 2012 primarily due to a decrease in the selling, general and administrative expense which was almost entirely offset by a decrease in revenue and 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% to $181.3 million in 2012.  Individually significant items contributing to the increase include:

·  
A $4.3 million increase in labor costs,
·  
$2.5 million in transaction costs related to the transactions described in the Wireless Agreement as discussed in the General Overview section of this Item 2,
·  
A $960,000 increase in contribution expense related to donated services to the University of Alaska, and
·  
An $880,000 increase in employer-paid payroll taxes primarily due to a large number of restricted stock awards that vested in 2012 and increased labor costs.

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

Depreciation and Amortization Expense
Depreciation and amortization expense increased 5% to $97.9 million in 2012 primarily due to new assets placed in service in 2011 and through September 2012 partially offset by assets which became fully depreciated during 2012.

Other Expense, Net
Other expense, net of other income, decreased 16% to $50.7 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 6.75% Senior Notes due 2021 (“2021 Notes”).  We used the net proceeds from this offering to repay and retire all of our outstanding senior unsecured notes due 2014.

 
43

 
Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense totaled $10.4 million and $7.3 million in 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Our effective income tax rate increased from 53% in 2011 to 55% in 2012, primarily due to an increase in the amount of estimated permanent tax 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 excess of 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 July 2012, we received payment for the sale of a $4.5 million Indefeasible Right to Use (“IRU”).

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.

In February 2012 the FCC released reforms to the USF’s Lifeline program.  The reforms include a rate change and a requirement for annual recertification of all Lifeline subscribers enrolled as of June 1, 2012, to be completed by the end of 2012.  We have made significant progress toward completing the recertification process and expect that these Lifeline program changes will result in decreased revenue and liquidity in the range of $850,000 to $950,000 for the year ending December 31, 2012, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011, and in the range of $2.5 million to $3.0 million for the year ending December 31, 2013, as compared to the year ending December 31, 2012.

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.  The net cash received is recorded as Restricted Cash on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.  We have used $6.1 million of Restricted Cash to fund TERRA-NW capital expenditures through September 30, 2012.

 
44

 
In September 2011, the RCA 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.  We have received $1.5 million in grant funds during 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.

On October 3, 2012, the FCC announced our winning bids in the Mobility Fund I auction for a $3.2 million grant to partially fund expansion of our 3G wireless network to locations in Alaska where we would not otherwise be able to construct within our return-on-investment requirements.  Upon review we accepted $2.3 million and plan to begin construction in 2012 and expect to complete the project in 2013.

On October 3, 2012, we entered into a second arrangement under the NMTC program that provided $12.9 million in net cash to help fund Phase 3 of our TERRA-NW project.  Phase 3 of our TERRA-NW project continues the extension of terrestrial broadband service to additional rural Northwestern Alaska communities.  We plan to begin construction on Phase 3 of TERRA-NW in 2013 and expect to complete the project in 2014.

We have a remaining non-cancelable agreement to purchase wireless equipment of $4.1 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
  $ 105,166       96,526  
Investing activities
    (97,135 )     (99,442 )
Financing activities
    (9,863 )     4,480  
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
  $ (1,832 )     1,564  

Operating Activities
The increase in cash flows provided by operating activities is due primarily to increases in accrued interest due to timing of payments and in long-term deferred revenue primarily due to the IRU sale discussed above.

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 $104.4 million and $126.9 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 in 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 $3.9 million in grant funds in 2012 for a total receipt of $39.0 million in grant funds under this award through September 30, 2012, leaving $5.0 million remaining grant funds available as of September 30, 2012.  We have a $1.1 million grant fund receivable recorded as of September 30, 2012.

 
45

 
Under our TERRA-NW RCA award, we had total available grant funds of $6.3 million.  We have received $1.5 million in grant funds in 2012 for a total receipt of $1.5 million in grant funds under this award through September 30, 2012, leaving $4.8 million remaining grant funds available as of September 30, 2012.  We have a $2.0 million grant fund receivable recorded as of September 30, 2012.

Financing Activities
Net cash used by financing activities in 2012 consists primarily of repayment of the revolving portion of our Senior Credit Facility, other long-term debt and capital lease obligations and repurchases of GCI common stock.  These activities were partially offset by proceeds from borrowings on the term and revolving portions of our Senior Credit Facility and other long-term debt.

Available Borrowings Under Senior Credit Facility
We have a facility which includes an $80.0 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 September 30, 2012.  Under the revolving portion of the Senior Credit Facility we have $349,000 of letters of credit outstanding, which leaves $74.7 million available for borrowing as of September 30, 2012.  A total of $80.0 million is outstanding as of September 30, 2012.

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 $4.0 million in loan funds in 2012 for a total borrowing of $39.2 million in loan funds under this award through September 30, 2012, leaving $5.0 million remaining loan funds available as of September 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 $99.8 million of repurchases as of September 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 980,000 shares of GCI common stock under the stock buyback program at a cost of $10.0 million.  The common stock buyback program is expected to continue for an indefinite period dependent on leverage, liquidity, company performance, and 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 party information 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.

 
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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.

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 our Senior Credit Facility 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 September 30, 2012, we have borrowed $80.0 million subject to interest rate risk.  On this amount, each 1% increase in the LIBOR interest rate would result in $800,000 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, as amended (“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 September 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 September 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.

 
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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.

 
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 September 30, 2012, all claims paid out have been covered by insurance and were recorded net of these recoveries in our Consolidated Income Statements.  Subsequent to September 30, 2012, final payments on all resolved claims were made and with the exception of any potential claims for environmental remediation, the claims related to the accident have been resolved within policy limits.  We cannot predict the likelihood or nature of any potential claims for environmental remediation.

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 September 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
 
July 1, 2012 to 31-Jul-12
    57     $ 9.63       57     $ 100,789,194  
August 1, 2012 to 31-Aug-12
    108,446     $ 8.89       108,446     $ 99,825,549  
September 1, 2012 to 30-Sep-12
    3,561     $ 9.27       2,641     $ 99,801,672  
Total
    112,064                          
                                 
 
 
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1 Consists of 110,930 shares from open market purchases made under our publicly announced repurchase plan, 214 shares from private purchases made under our publicly announced repurchase plan and 920 shares from private purchases made to settle the minimum statutory tax-withholding requirements pursuant to restricted stock award vesting.
 
2 The 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 and market conditions and subject to continued oversight by our Board of Directors.
 
3 The total amount approved by our Board of Directors for repurchase under our publicly announced repurchase plan was $312.1 million through September 30, 2012, consisting of $305.2 million through June 30, 2012, and an additional $6.9 million during the three months ended September 30, 2012. We have made total repurchases under the program of $212.3 million through September 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 *
101 
The following materials from General Communication, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form
 
 
10-Q for the quarter ended September 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. *
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
* Filed herewith.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
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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
    November 8, 2012
Ronald A. Duncan
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
   
         
/s/ John M. Lowber   
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial
    November 8, 2012
John M. Lowber
 
Officer, Secretary and Treasurer
(Principal Financial Officer)
   
         
/s/ Lynda L. Tarbath   
Vice President, Chief Accounting
    November 8, 2012
Lynda L. Tarbath
 
Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)
   


 
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